Seated with Him in the Heavenly Places
The apostle says that “God…raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places.” Not “will be seated” but just “seated.” We have been raised up, and we have been seated.
But clearly we are on Earth! Can this be right?
With daylight savings time starting this weekend, I do not feel particularly raised up. I do not feel like I am seated in a Heavenly place.
But I am.
Learn more in today’s sermon. The text is from Ephesians 2,
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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Announcements
Holy Week is quickly approaching with Palm Sunday on March 28th. We will host the Divine Service on Sunday but the daily Passion Readings will be posted online.
LWML: Funds are still needed to support ongoing activities. Please send donations to Margaret Ebert.
Information Class: All are welcome to join – whether it’s your first time or a refresher – we meet on Sundays at 9:30am. Please let Pastor know ahead of time if you plan to attend.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.