Stay Awake
“Be careful!” How many times has a loved one said that to you? Probably so many times that it has lost its original intent and become a phrase we half-heartily acknowledge.
But when Jesus tells us to “Stay awake” we need to take heed. We can’t brush it off like we did when Mom told us to “be careful” for the hundredth time.
We need to take heed because we are in the Last Days, living in a sinful world, and remaining faithful is crucial. False teachings abound – whether from a religious teacher or secular leaders – that want to pull us away from the Gospel.
We stay faithful by focusing on the Word, knowing God’s love for us and trusting in Him. We know we cannot do this alone. It’s so tempting to rely on human reason but ultimately, it will fail us. God never fails us though – His love endures forever.
Keep the faith. Walk with God. With this faith, we are at peace in Him.
Here is today’s full sermon text from Mark 13,
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
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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 9:45 am in person and is covering The Power & Primacy of the Pope.
The second one meets on Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Revelation. There is no Bible Study on Wednesday, November 24. If you would like to attend the Zoom class, please let Pastor know and he will add you to invite.
Thanksgiving Service: We will hold a Matins service at 10 am on Thursday, November 25.
Advent: Midweek Advent services will only be posted online. Sunday services continue as normal.
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.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist) and we will include them during the Litany. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.