The Glory of the Ministry of the Holy Christian Church
What do you think of when you hear “Ministry of the Church”? Many people think of programs like missionaries in Africa or feeding the poor, but they’re wrong. Those things are good, and important, but they are not why the Church exists.
In Jeremiah’s time, the Israelites made a similar mistake. They had come to believe that God’s ultimate plan included a kingdom on Earth. Worse, they acted like the promise of a Messiah, our heavenly kingdom, meant far less than an earthly kingdom. They had forgotten the whole point of why Israel and Judah were established.
What were they here for? For the Glory of Christ. To remind themselves and the entire world that a Savior was coming. Interestingly, this is the same ministry for which the church exists today. Christ’s Glory is the cross, and his Church exists to remind ourselves and the entire world that a Savior has come. He has defeated death and provided a path to eternal life.
Those other things, while they may be good, are secondary to the true goal.
May we remember that as we read today’s sermon text from Jeremiah 23,
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. 3 Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.
5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
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Announcements
Bible Study: You are invited to join us! We have two classes every week. The first one meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in person and is topical. The second meets Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Colossians. If you would like to attend the Zoom class, please let Pastor know and he will add you to invite.
Service Time: The Board of Deacons would like to hear your feedback on moving the Sunday service time from 11 am to 10 am during the summer only. Please let Lloyd or one of the deacons whether you are in favor or oppose it.
Donations: Although we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the expenses remain constant. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
LWML: Funds are still needed to support ongoing activities. Please send donations to Margaret Ebert.
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.