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The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12. We believe in the communion of saints, but we don't see it. Rev. 7 gives a glimpse into heaven: sinners washed white in the blood of the Lamb. They are still one family with the saints still fighting here.

The Scripture readings are Habakkuk 2 1-4; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36. We like to think we're free, but Jesus drops a hard truth: everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. God be praised, He doesn't leave us there. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (Jn. 8:36).

The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 17:5-10; Ephesians 5:15-21; Matthew 22:1-14. The king throws a wedding feast, and one guest gets thrown out for his clothes. Why? Because no one walks into the palace in their own rags. The King Himself has to make us ready, and He already has.

The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:17-28; and Matthew 9:1-8. Nobody goes outside at noon and says, “Well, I guess the stars are gone.” Yet when suffering hits, we conclude God has left. Jacob learned the ladder doesn’t wobble. Christ stands right beside you.

The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 6:4-14; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; and Matthew 22:34-46. You don’t keep the greatest command by feeling something toward God. Love needs a body. The God who demands it left His throne, took a body, and became your neighbor.

The Scripture readings are 2 Kings 6:8-17; Revelation 12:7-12; and Matthew 18:1-11. Scripture says you’ve come to “innumerable angels in festal gathering.” Every congregation is a megachurch because the invisible angels are there. We just can’t see it.

The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:1-17. Your hands follow your eyes. Fixate on trouble and you’ll keep drifting into it. Paul prays you’d measure something else: the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love.

The Scripture readings are Habakkuk 3:13-19; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34. Worry looks to the unknown future. Faith doesn’t. By faith, Habakkuk sees a future he knows will be terrible and still says, “I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19. The way to life is hard (Mt. 7:14), but filled with light. Believers still stumble. But when they do, they can see the sin that tripped them and the Savior who is there with His forgiveness.

The Scripture readings are Leviticus 19:9-18; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37. The lawyer wanted space from the Law and its accusations. Jesus wants to create space for your neighbor just as He has made space for you in His kingdom.

The Scripture readings are Isaiah 29:17-24; Romans 10:9-17; and Mark 7:31-37.  Jesus didn’t teach the deaf man to speak. With one word, he was wholly opened. Jesus came to undo the Fall. When full healing delays, we groan with Him, but not without hope. At His return, He will open all things.

The Scripture readings are Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14. Sinful pride boasts, “Look at me and how great I am.” But there is Christian boasting that says, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace is not in vain.” God’s grace works in and through ordinary saints.

The Scripture readings are 1 Chronicles 29:10-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13. Your hands were created to be open to freely receive from God and freely give to others. Sadly, the Fall closed them. Jesus came with open hands to unclench our fists and make them generous.

The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 7:15-23. Most wolves are dangerous because of their teeth. The ones Jesus warns about are dangerous because of their clothing. As Christians, we always need to be on the alert for false teaching.

Thanks to Pr. John Rieth for today's sermon.