September 20, 2020 - MYTHS OR MIGHTY FORTRESS?

Day 264 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 18; Psalm 79; 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

MYTHS OR MIGHTY FORTRESS?

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV) 

Become a Better You is a the title of book written by a famous televangelist designed to offer seven steps in becoming a better you. Sounds interesting.

“I am not a poor, miserable sinner,” are the words of another famous televangelist. Sounds liberating.

“Itching ears” buy the books, attend the rallies and send their money to these teachers who “suit their passions,” and thereby wander after the myth of humanism (the idea that man is in charge and not God).

Yes, there may well be good points shared by both of these popular preachers. However, in the words of an old TV commercial, “where’s the beef?”

What every person needs to hear is that the only way to a “better you” is to repent and admit that you are, in fact, “a poor miserable sinner.” Only when we are aware of our lostness and our helplessness can we approach God seeking the mercy and protection of the One who is our Mighty Fortress.

A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;

He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil Foe  Now means deadly woe;  Deep guild and great might

Are his dread arms in fight;  On earth is not his equal.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #656 (1)

Heavenly Father, please protect me from the deceptive myths of the day. To this end, grant me a continued hunger for Your mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88676558248

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am 

both with Holy Communion

IN CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7 pm with Holy Communion

Youtube link to all previously recorded services:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings

Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!