February 27, 2025
Luke 6:20–21 – “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.”
The Beatitudes are largely about emptiness: if you’re poor, your pockets are empty. If you are hungry, your stomach is empty. If you are mourning, there’s an emptiness in your heart that used to be filled with the presence of a loved one.
Jesus assures us in each case that the Lord will fill our emptiness. That assurance gives us not only peace, but also courage to follow the Lord faithfully.
LCMS Stewardship Bulletin Sentences
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Online giving continues to be an easy way for many to give. The giving link is located just above this message. You also can use the mobile app, “VANCO MOBILE.”
Genesis 45:3–15; 1 Corinthians 15:21–26, 30–42; Luke 6:27–38
As the Son of God Is Merciful and Forgives Your Sins, You Also Be Merciful and Forgive
Your inheritance as a child of Adam is sin and death, but in Christ you are made alive through His resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:21–22). As you have died with Him in Holy Baptism, so are you raised with Him to newness of life. Therefore, “do not go on sinning” (1 Corinthians 15:34).
Instead of serving your desires and harming your neighbors, live as “sons of the Most High,” and “be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35–36). Deal with others as you would have others deal with you (Luke 6:31, 37–38). As Christ loved you when you were at enmity with Him, as He blessed and prayed for those who abused Him, and as He did good to those who hated Him and hurt Him, so also “love your enemies, do good” (Luke 6:27–29, 35).
For God sent His Son to bear the cross and suffer death, not to condemn the guilty, but “to preserve life.” So does He provide a place for you within His Church, where He is near and deals kindly with “you and your children and your children’s children” (Genesis 45:5–10).
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Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany – Joseph’s brothers aborted him well after his birth because they thought him a threat. History eventually disclosed the Heavenly Father’s design: a life-giving mission they didn’t see (Genesis 45:7-8).
The same holds true in the surprise pregnancies and terminal diagnoses we encounter. So, Christians practice servanthood to apparently burdensome persons (Luke 6:29), because like mercy from God makes our lives possible.
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Divine Service - 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Holy Communion is offered at both services.
Adult Discipleship Class / Children's Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.
Wednesdays in Lent and Advent: 6:30 p.m. Vespers
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