#psalms 103:8-10

[gabebrodudeman]

Psalms 103:8-10 NKJV

[8] The Lord is merciful and gracious,Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.[9] He will not always strive with us,Nor will He keep His anger forever.[10] He has not dealt with us according to our sins,Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

(Psalm 103:8-10, ESV)

[granonine]

God Alone!

Psalm 86: 8-10. Among the gods there is none like unto Thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto Thy works. All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify Thy Name. For Thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone. Mr. Shea was a young man when he sang this beloved song in 1957. When I saw the video of him at nearly…

[martyschoenleber]

13 Ways to Grow a Passion for the Things of God

Psalm 119:89 How to Develop a Passion for the Things of God Hang around passionate people. Luke 11:1  “Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”  —-the disciples saw Jesus’s passion for prayer and they were drawn to have a similar passion. A fascinating learning experience is to take…

[misstallulah]

Good and Evil in “Good Omens”: A Theological Reflection on Aziraphale and Crowley ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

In the world of Good Omens, the eternal debate between good and evil is explored in unexpected and profound ways. The series, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, offers a theological reflection that challenges traditional concepts of divine justice, revealing how the boundaries between good and evil are not always so clearly defined.

Aziraphale and Crowley: The Unlikely Pair of Good and Evil

Aziraphale and Crowley are emblematic characters who represent good and evil, respectively. Aziraphale, the angel, is often seen as a guardian of divine rules, but his tendency to deviate from celestial norms reveals an unexpected complexity. Despite his role as a bearer of goodness, he often questions divine decisions and acts according to his own judgment. For instance, his act of giving the flaming sword to Adam and Eve is initially seen by him as a potentially wrong choice, although Crowley reassures him that, as an angel, Aziraphale cannot truly do anything wrong. This resonates with James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Crowley, the demon, is also a surprising character. Although he represents Hell, his actions and motivations demonstrate that even a demon can have positive intentions. Crowley reflects on the issue of temptation and worries whether, by tempting Adam and Eve, he acted correctly. His reflection raises questions about the role of the demon in causing trouble or doing good, and suggests that even when a demon seems to act with good intentions, it can create chaos in unexpected ways. Romans 8:28 states: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse suggests that even in the most controversial actions, there may be a divine plan guiding towards good.

The Ineffable Plan of God

The concept of the Ineffable Plan in “Good Omens” is central to the plot and theological reflection. This plan, which transcends human understanding, implies that every action, whether good or bad, fits into a larger, incomprehensible divine design. The Bible itself mentions the ineffability of the divine plan in Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This passage underscores that human understanding is limited compared to the divine plan.

The Act of Giving and Tempting One of the main concerns of the characters is whether their actions align with the divine plan. Aziraphale, worried about giving the flaming sword to Adam and Eve, reflects on whether he acted correctly. His concern is eased by Crowley, who reassures him that, as an angel, Aziraphale cannot do anything truly wrong. This reflects the idea that angels, as messengers and servants of God, always act in accordance with divine will, as highlighted in Psalm 103:20: “Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.”

Crowley, on the other hand, is troubled by whether his role as tempter may have had positive or negative effects. He wonders if it is possible that, even if a demon does something right, it could still create disastrous consequences. This theme is explored in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This verse suggests that even in situations of temptation, God provides a way out and guides towards salvation.

The Question of “What is Right and Wrong”

Crowley raises fundamental questions about the concept of divine justice and understanding what is right and wrong. In the series, his reflection poses a crucial question: if a person is punished for a mistake, why not instead guide them to understand where they went wrong? This reflection raises deep questions about the nature of divine justice. If punishment is the only response to errors, then the process of learning and moral growth is sacrificed. Crowley suggests that understanding and guidance are more effective than mere punishment, and that true moral progress comes from awareness and improvement rather than simple sanction. Proverbs 3:12 says: “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” This verse highlights that correction and teaching are tools through which God guides and disciplines, rather than mere punishment.

Conclusion: Beyond the Dichotomy of Good and Evil

“Good Omens” invites us to reflect on how categories of good and evil may be more nuanced than they appear. The complexity of Aziraphale and Crowley’s characters, and the concept of the Ineffable Plan, show us that morality is often a gray area rather than a clear-cut boundary. Actions that seem wrong or evil may ultimately serve a higher good, and decisions that appear right can have unexpected consequences.

The series challenges us to reconsider our ideas about justice and redemption, suggesting that true good and true evil are not always what they seem and that a deeper understanding of the divine may reveal a grander and more complex design than we can imagine. Ultimately, good and evil might be more interconnected than we believe, and actions that seem immoral or wrong could, in the grand scheme of things, serve purposes that transcend our immediate understanding.

[holystormfire]

What does it mean to be saved?

Romans 4:8

“What joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”

Romans 3:24

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.

Being saved, spiritually speaking, means your sins no longer count against you toward an eternal death sentence. Instead, they are forgiven by the grace of God, and you are given the free gift of eternal life. Being saved does not spare you from earthly troubles, but it does spare you from eternal judgment.

Psalm 103:12

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

Being saved means your sins have been completely forgiven and removed.

Psalm 51:9-10

Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Being saved means the stain of guilt has been washed away. Guilt doesn’t just appear to be gone—it is gone! You are given a clean slate!

John 10:28-29

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”

John 5:24

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”

Being saved means you are assured of living forever in heaven, which will actually be a new earth where there will no longer be sin, pain, and suffering. What greater hope could you have?

[trustfallwithgod]

Via Steward & Son

Psalm 103 - David’s psalm of God’s Divine Goodness

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

15 The life of mortals is like grass,

they flourish like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children—

18 with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

[hiswordsarekisses]

I woke up this morning feeling spiritually paralyzed. I did not want to wake up or move, and was feeling overwhelmed by all that I need to do today while feeling this way. I asked God “what is wrong with me?” I heard in my heart; “Come and sit with me and listen.” And so I did. And He wrapped His arms around me and squeezed me tight with all of His Words. 🩷🩷🩷 Then His Words breathed life into my soul.

God’s love is so deep and wide and constant - it is unbreakable and unending - it is everlasting. His faithfulness is beyond comprehension.

I was reading this morning in Judges 10, and verse 16 says that God “became impatient with the misery of Israel.”

Not impatient with Israel - but impatient with their misery - it was HIS misery to see them in misery! And I was melted.

So I followed the chain references and, which led me to Judges 2:18 and Isaiah 63:9, which also led to Isaiah chapters 63, and then all the way to 66 and I could not stop smiling.

Because as often, and as hard, as Israel turned away and worshipped other gods, whenever they cried out, He came running, like a softhearted mama to pity them, forgive them, and rescue them from their enemies.

“He remembers that we are but dust.” (Ps 103:14)

“In all their affliction HE was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63:9)

I’m going to put all the scripture references here in case you want to read them sometime. These are the passages that hugged me tight.

🩷

Judges 21:8

Judges 10:16

Isaiah 63:9

Isaiah chapters 63-66

Psalm 107

🩷

The Words of these passages made me feel loved, safe, cared for, and carried.

There is nothing that can stop His love, not even our own falling. Not our own illnesses, our own sadnesses, our own troubles of every kind.

He comes and scoops us up and rescues us - even from a mess of our own making - And how much more will He rescue us from even the mess that others make?!

Nothing can separate us from His Love and Nothing will keep us from His rescue. Nothing.

He cares when we are hurting no matter the reason.

⚔️📖⚔️

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows the work of his hands. 2 One day provides a word for the next day, and one night declares wisdom unto the next night. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber and rejoices as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the rights of the LORD are true, they are all just. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy slave warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy slave also from pride and arrogance; let them not have dominion over me; then I shall be perfect, and I shall be innocent of the great rebellion. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. — Psalm 19 | Hebrew Names Version (HNV) The Hebrew Names Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Genesis 1:6-7; Deuteronomy 4:6; Judges 5:31; Nehemiah 9:13; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 51:1-2; Psalm 74:16; Psalm 90:8; Psalm 104:19; Psalm 111:8; Psalm 113:3; Psalm 119:72; Psalm 119:103; Psalm 119:133; Psalm 139:12; Proverbs 23:18; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 47:4; Hosea 8:5; Joel 2:16; Romans 1:19-20; Romans 10:18; Revelation 19:2

The God Who Speaks

Key Passages in Psalm 19

1. The creatures show God's glory 7. The excellence of the divine law 12. David prays for grace

[awideplace]

The Gospel

What It Means to Be a Christian

Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.

God Is Sovereign Creator Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.

God Is Holy God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. First Peter 1:16 says, You shall be holy, for I am holy.

Mankind Is Sinful According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).

Sin Demands a Penalty God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.

Jesus Is Lord and Savior Romans 10:9 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).

The Character of Saving Faith True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don't love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).

Source: https://www.gracechurch.org/about/gospel

[walkswithmyfather]

Psalm 103:19. “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.”

Genesis 39:2. “The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.”

Genesis 39:21. “But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.”

“Piece by Piece” By Charles F. Stanley:  “We may not see the big picture of our life, but God does.”

“Does it sometimes feel as though your life is a mess of scattered puzzle pieces? Each situation seems to be an isolated event with no connection to what happened previously or what could occur in the future. Some pieces are beautiful moments of joy and blessing, but others are dark and painful. Perhaps you wonder why God allows these events or why He doesn’t intervene and relieve your suffering.

We can’t see what the picture will be once the puzzle is assembled, but God knows exactly how to fit everything together. When our situations look hopeless, this is our comfort: that a holy, perfect, all-knowing God is sovereign over everything in our life (Psalm 103:19). Nothing is random or meaningless when we belong to Him.

The story of Joseph is a great example of God’s omnipotent hand working in and through every situation (Gen. 37, 39-50). And by reading it, we learn four essential truths about the Lord and His sovereignty.

God is always with us. Joseph was hated by his 10 older brothers because he was the favorite son. When an opportunity arose to get rid of him, they sold him to a caravan of traders and told their father he’d been killed by a wild animal. This dramatic turn of events could easily have caused Joseph to feel forgotten by God. But throughout his various trials, one thing was constant—“The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, Genesis 39:21). 

Like him, we never walk through any situation alone. At the moment of our salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and seals us as God’s children (Ephesians 1:13). He’s with us in every circumstance whether we feel His presence or not. This is a truth we can count on because the Lord always keeps His word.

God has a purpose for everything. Joseph was only 17 when his ordeal began, and it didn’t end until he was 30. That’s 13 years of unexplained hardship and suffering, but the Lord knew exactly what was required to prepare Joseph for his future role as governor of Egypt, a position that made him second in authority to Pharaoh. 

What seemed like random and unfair events were the very things the Lord orchestrated to achieve His purpose. He used a father’s favoritism and brothers’ hatred to move Joseph from Canaan to Egypt. As a slave and prisoner, Joseph learned the skills required to wisely rule over a prosperous and powerful nation. God used Pharaoh’s dream and its interpretation not only to rescue His servant from prison but also to provide enough food to preserve a nation and save Joseph’s family from starvation. 

Although the events you experience may not be as dramatic as these, the principle still holds true. The Lord has a divine objective for everything that happens in your life. He’s promised to cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). You may not see a reason for what He’s doing in your life right now, but you can know this: His purpose is superior to any challenge you face.

God’s perspective is eternal and omniscient. When Joseph looked back at all the difficult events of his life, he assured his brothers of the Lord’s sovereign hand at work—even in their mistreatment of him. (See Genesis 50:20.) But what Joseph couldn’t see was God’s eternal purpose being worked out. Ultimately the hope for all humanity was tied up in these events because Jesus Christ was a descendant of that little group of Hebrews who were transplanted to Egypt and sustained by Joseph.

God is working awesome things of eternal value in our lives, but we can’t always understand, because our perspective is limited. The apostle Paul tells us that “momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When the troubles of this life weigh us down, we need to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). 

God’s timing is perfect. Perhaps the most difficult part of Joseph’s troubles was their duration. At one point, after correctly interpreting the cupbearer’s dream, Joseph saw a glimmer of hope and asked to be remembered to Pharaoh. But after two long years, he was still a prisoner. 

Why did God delay Joseph’s release just when he’d begun to hope again? Haven’t we all wondered that at one time or another? It looked as if the Lord was about to intervene, but then nothing happened. It’s easier to bear pain if we know the end is near, but when trials seem endless, we must rely on the wisdom of God’s timing. He knows exactly what He wants to achieve in our life and how long it will take. 

Instead of wrangling with the Lord over which pieces should be in the puzzle, let’s learn to accept that He alone knows how all the events of our life fit together. We can trust Him to choose the right pieces, even the dark ones, and place each one exactly where it needs to be, according to His good purpose.”

[Adapted from the sermon “Walking Through Dark Valleys” by Charles F. Stanley]

[lightfromthelighthouse]

Good Morning!☀

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide, and neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. Psalms 103: 8-10

We are living in a time where there is much talk about our rights and what we deserve. It is interesting that we only talk about what we deserve in the positive. The truth is that by the grace of God, there were many negative consequences that we deserved that we did not experience.

Psalm 103 reminds us to give thanks to God for all he has done. It encourages us to remember what he has done for us and reminds us that he did not give us what our sins caused us to deserve; instead, he was plentious in mercy and continues to be.

Thank God that you did not get what you deserved. Then thank him that he gave you more than you deserved, for such is his heart towards you!!

Love Ya Lots!🌹

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 065: I Will Praise Him

Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Why should we praise God?  Is He a narcissistic or an insecure divine being that needs our praise?

Let’s read together 1 Chronicles 16:8; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 107:31.

We first need to define what praise is.  Praise is not the same thing as thanksgiving. We thank God for the deeds He has done and for the blessings He has given us.

Let’s read together Ezra 3:10-11; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 117:2; and  Hebrews 13:15.

When we praise God, we acknowledge God for who He is.  For example, we can praise God for His mercy and love.

Let’s say a father bought a toy for his son and made lunch for him. The son thanked his dad for giving him a fun gift and a good meal. The son praised his dad for being a good cook and being such a wonderful father.

Let’s read together 2 Samuel 22:4; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 45:18; and Revelation 4:11.

Why should we praise God? He is our Creator and Redeemer.  We should praise God because He is worthy of our praise!

[shadowfromthestarlight]

What's your favorite Psalm?

I really like 103 - Praise of Divine Goodness

Especially lines 8-10: “Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in kindness; God does not always rebuke, nurses no lasting anger, has not dealt with us as our sins merit, nor requited us as our deeds deserve.”

[theprayerfulword]

July 8

Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear Him.

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts…

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

May you cry out to God when you are engaged in battle against the spiritual forces which defy God and His will for His people, for He will answer your prayers and deliver His enemies into your hand because of your trust in Him. 1 Chronicles 5

May you not trust in fame, strength, or authority to receive God's blessings, but walk with Him in humility, faith, and love. 1 Chronicles 5

May God give you a revelation of Jesus Christ that brings light and life, understanding and wisdom, grace and mercy flowing from you to others. Acts 26

May the Lord not rebuke you in anger or discipline you in wrath, but deal with you in mercy and heal you in compassion. Psalm 6

My kingdom awaits you, My child. Are you willing to enter in and join in fellowship with Me, in agreement with, and submission to, the living Word of God? The ruler of this world has no part of, and nothing in, Me or My kingdom, having created his own kingdom in the world of man. The way of this world's kingdom is easy, and the gate leading to it is wide to accommodate all the various religious approaches. Anything will do; if you don't like what you see, make up your own. If it feels good, do it, and you'll find others who will join you. There are no restrictions, and no membership fees, until much later. The way to My kingdom is hard, requiring your submission and humble obedience, and the gate is narrow for My Father has designated Me, His only-begotten Son, the first-born among many brethren, to be the only Door. Yet I accept all who receive Me in faith, believing that I am sent by the Father, no matter what path you have come from. To follow My way in your own strength is impossible, no matter what you have accomplished by your own resources and skills in the world; yet even the weak, lame, and blind can walk in My way, for I send My Spirit to watch over each one who follows My Word as I confirm it in your heart, witnessing to your spirit that this is the Way. As you start along the way that leads to life, you will find that the clean water of My salvation, the fresh wind of My Spirit, the broken bread of My Truth, will cause you to grow stronger through the walking out of your faith and the exercise of your gifts. But it also means that all your interest and concern for the things of this world will narrow, while the straitened path you follow along the Way of Truth will permit all of your focus on and desire for God to broaden. This will allow you to disentangle yourself from the cares and worries of this world, and bring every power of body, soul and spirit into focus on nothing less than My will and purpose for you. This is the kingdom path which leads to sanctification and purity, by which you are prepared for eternal life in Christ. The inward work of the Spirit and the Word in your heart and mind, your spirit and soul, your thoughts and intents, your words and deeds, brings you into alignment with the Father's will and purpose, that you may be one with Me even as I am one with the Father. Come away with Me, My beloved, away from the noise and rush of the crowd, and hear My still, small voice speaking to you, leading you in the path you are to follow.

May God turn to you in deliverance and save you in His unfailing love that you may praise Him in remembrance of His goodness and lovingkindness. Psalm 6

May you find strength in the Lord when you are exhausted with sorrow, and joy in the Spirit after a night of weeping, for when you are weak, He is made strong and brings the victory over your foes. Psalm 6

May you cry to the Lord for mercy, for He has heard your weeping and accepts your prayer, therefore all your enemies will be ashamed and dismayed, and those who do evil will be turned back in sudden disgrace. Psalm 6

May the fruit of your mouth be sweet and the harvest of your lips be satisfying, for your belly will be filled by your speech, and your heart will be fed by your words. Proverbs 18:20

May your speech be prudent and given to God, for the tongue has the power of life and death, and from the abundance of the heart, its fruit will be known. Proverbs 18:21

[pastortomsteers]

The Third Sunday after Trinity

June 16, 2024

Pastor Tom Steers

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

Divine Service Setting III (Pages 184 – 202)

Lutheran Service Book

OPENING HYMN:   609  “Sinners Jesus Doth Receive”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RODV7z-UQhI

                                                                                                     Confession and Absolution   Page 184-185

 

Introit (read by the Pastor) 

Psalm 25:1-2a, 5b, 15, 20; antiphon: vss. 16,18

Turn to me and be gracious to me,     for I am lonely and afflicted.

Consider my affliction and my trouble,     and forgive all my sins.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.    O my God, in you I trust;     let me not be put to shame;

You are the God of my salvation;     for you I wait all the day long.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,     for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!     Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son                                                                                              and to the Holy Spirit;  

as it was in the beginning,  

is now, and will be forever. Amen.                                                                                                                        

Turn to me and be gracious to me,     for I am lonely and afflicted.

Consider my affliction and my trouble,     and forgive all my sins.

                                                ��               

The Kyrie  (Lord Have Mercy)

Congregation:

Lord have mercy upon us.

Christ have mercy upon us.

Lord have mercy upon us.

Gloria in Excelsis (Glory to God in the Highest) p. 187

The Salutation:

Pastor:  The Lord be with you.

Congregation:  And with thy spirit.

 

Our Collect Prayer:

O Lord,                                                                                                                                 the protector of all who trust in You,

without whom nothing is strong and nothing is holy,  multiply Your mercy on us so  that, with You as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal;             through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Our Bible Readings:

First Reading – Micah 7:18-20

18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity     and passing over transgression     for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever,     because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us;     he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all oursins     into the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob     and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers     from the days of old.

Pastor:  This is the Word of the Lord.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 103:1-13

Bless the Lord, O my soul,     and all that is within me,     bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,     and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity,     who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit,     who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good     so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness     and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses,     his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,     slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide,     nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,     nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,     so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west,     so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children,     so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.                                                                                                                        

Epistle Reading – 1st Timothy 1:12-17

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Pastor:  This is the Word of the Lord.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (please stand) – Luke 15:1-10

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Pastor:  This is the Gospel of the Lord.                                                                                            Congregation:  Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED   Page 192  

HYMN OF THE DAY:  611 “Chief of Sinners Though I Be”

THE SERMON –

Brothers and sisters, peace grace and mercy be to you through God our Father, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

We have great news this morning from our Gospel Reading – Jesus receives you and eats with you.

Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here now, nor would we one day be in Heaven.

Does that mean Jesus doesn’t care if you sin and think you can do whatever you want, that he’ll celebrate your sins with you?

No, there is a call to repentance here, a repentance, which means a sorrow over sins, a turning to Christ, and a genuine desire to follow Him.

That repentance can’t happen if we’re comfortable in our sins or think we don’t sin.  

The latter issue was the one the Pharisees were burdened by.

Many people today fall prey to both errors.

Much to their dismay – and judgment – the Pharisees never spoke truer words than when they grumbled according to Luke’s Gospel that, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Here we see the Pharisees were not only experts at the Law, but could inadvertently speak the truth – though they were too blind in their stubbornness to see it.

So, Jesus tells them a story, a trilogy really, the two parables of our Gospel today, along with the parable of the Prodigal Sonn and His loving Father that concludes the 15th chapter of Luke.

The two stories before us this morning are often thought of, and used as, “evangelism” texts.

And they are, if we understand evangelism correctly.

Evangelism is not just for those people out there – the pagan peoples  of some far away land.

Evangelism is for every sinner, every man, woman, and child alike until our Lord comes again on the Last Day.

Evangelism is the proclamation of the Good News that, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Evangelism is the spreading of the Gospel to save souls for eternity.

So, what about you and me? Are we sinners?

Of course we are.

The Apostle Paul wrote about himself, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

No one else’s sin spiritually hurts you or separates you from God and keeps you out of the kingdom of heaven.

It is YOUR sin that’s your worst nightmare – not the gangsters, not the troublesome neighbour or even family member.

Oh, they’re sinners as well like everyone else, but they’re not our ultimate problem.

You and your sin are the problem.

And Jesus came to save you and me from this. 

“This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Again, does this mean Jesus tolerates sins, even joins you in celebrating them, or being ‘proud’ of them?    

No.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

He calls sinners to repentance, strips each sinner of his own self-righteousness, and brings them in repentance to dine with Him at His Table alongside other repentant sinners at a heavenly feast.

A feast of His body and blood for forgiveness, life and salvation – the gift, the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

And any church that does not see communion that way is not a Christian Church – the Bible makes that clear.

There is always room at this table for one more repentant sinner.

God the Father is always ready to welcome one more formerly stubborn Pharisee, or person who used to think they could live any way they wanted, but who finally admitted to being lost.

Here we’re really no different than the Pharisees, are we?

God has indeed given us a great gift in this nation where we are still free to assemble to hear God’s Word and receive His gifts.  

But we've turned away from His generosity in many ways.

The unbelieving world denies Him as the Creator of the universe and our Creator and Father.

Secular culture denies His good gift of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and instead tells us we should be proud of sin.

Over 100,000 unborn children a year in this country are murdered in the sin of abortion. In the U.S. it’s over a million.

Many in our society have forgotten that our eternal destiny is in the hands of God alone, whether they dismiss Him, or not.

His majesty, and reign, His sovereignty continues.

And our salvation is only found in being found by Him.

Many today put more faith in being guided by their GPS units than the Bible.

But the moment after they close their eyes for the last time, in this life, those GPS devices and everything else in this world will mean nothing.

Many people don’t like to admit that they don’t know where they’re going and need help. 

Physically, and especially spiritually.

They prefer to set their own path.

The Pharisees were no different.

But you know what?

Everyone since Adam and Eve has had the same problem when it comes to Heaven.

We’d all rather get there by ourselves, traveling our own chosen roads, figuring we know exactly where we are, what we’re doing, and that we’ll get to where we need to eventually.

But that’s the highway to hell.

There are many on it.

They believe they’re a law unto themselves, and don’t need to repent and receive God’s Word, and His Sacraments that He instituted and commanded.

Dear fellow sinners, don’t ever forget that apart from Holy Baptism, apart from hearing the Word of God that forgives you, apart from the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, we too are among the lost.

Each and every one of us is in the same boat as the Pharisees if we insist we don’t need Jesus Christ, and His means of grace.

There’s no alternate route to Heaven.

It’s really just that simple: “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Jesus is telling everyone this in the Gospel of Luke so that they too might see themselves as sinners in need of a Saviour.

So that they too might desire to be received by this God-man and eat with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus wants you and all people to know, believe, and rejoice that He, the very Son of God, came to receive the worst – human beings.

And what’s more, Christ even became the worst – for us!

He took on our sins and went to a cross and died horribly to take the punishment we deserved so that believers, repentant sinners, could be forgiven.

Now that’s evangelism.

That’s the Good News, the best news you can, or will, ever hear.

The Son of the Living God, loved you so much He died for you so that you wouldn’t die eternally.

May God’s truth, mercy and forgiveness comfort you, and inspire you to go and tell those who are lost that they have a Saviour – Jesus Christ.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH 

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT       Page 194

THE LORDS’ PRAYER                          Page 196 

THE WORDS OF OUR LORD             Page 197

Pax Domini                                                                                                                                 Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.                                                                              Congregation: Amen.

THE DISTRIBUTION

Post Communion Collect (Right-hand column)  Page 201                                                                                                    Salutation and Benedicamus  Page 201-202                                                                                                               Benediction   Page 202

CLOSING HYMN  922 “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”