Text Version for the Sermon for July 29, 2018
July 29, 2018 Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
Dear Friends in Christ,
Whenever we know someone who is going through difficult times we may something like, “You are in my prayers” or “I’ll be praying for you.” We have probably had a Christian brother or sister say this to us. But what about those folks who say this to us, “you are in my thoughts.” Does that help you at all? Do they have any power to change things? Of course not. Does their thought make the chemo easier? Does it make your trip feel safer? Can it change the challenge with your children? Does it give you the words to talk to the obnoxious co-worker? Their thoughts are really meaningless. We need more.
This section of Scripture, which is our text for today, is entitled “Prayer for Spiritual Strength” in my Bible. Isn’t that something we all need? Where can you use added strength from our Lord in your life? Isn’t it a spiritual pick me-up when someone says to you . . .
“YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS”
The Apostle Paul spent more time with the Ephesian congregation than any other mission church so he has great concern for their spiritual welfare. He is telling them, “You are in my prayers.” He prays that the Ephesians “be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts.”
The people needed to be renewed in their Christian nature so that they could battle their sinful nature. Paul is praying that Christ would continue to dwell in them through their baptism and that they would trust in the Lord.
We need those same things in our prayers. We battle our sinful nature. We need the reminder that Christ is dwelling with us. In Baptism His indwelling took root and we are his children. Pray for one another that we can trust the Lord and His direction. Christ brings peace, forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are troubled by any fear or anxiety. “You are in my prayers.”
Paul then takes it a step further. He prays these brothers and sisters in Christ “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (vs. 18-19)
Knowledge of Christ is praised in this Letter, but the human mind cannot fully comprehend Him. This is how sinful man always gets into trouble. Everyone wants to figure out who the Lord is. They think they can completely know Him. Some think they can be Him. Some feel He doesn’t exist even though in their argument they are proving just the opposite. Why fight so hard against something that you say isn’t even real? God must laugh and laugh at the foolishness of His creation sometimes.
The more important thing than knowing Christ is Christ knowing you. There may be times in this vast world that we feel insignificant but you are important to the Savior. It was for fallen humanity that God sent Jesus to set things right between himself, all creation, and us. The fate of all human history reached its climax when Christ died in that little insignificant patch of land called Israel. His love didn’t end there. He sent missionaries throughout the world to get the word of life out. He saw to it that faithful parents, grandparents, or friends spoke that love to generations of people. “You are in my prayers.”
With these bold requests, does Paul exceed the limits of prayer? Is he asking God for too much? Should we be cautious in what we expect? That is not how the Apostle Paul sees it when he writes, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (vs. 20-21)
God is not limited in how He can answer our prayers. He is God and we need to never forget that. We limit his help when we aren’t taking our problems to Him. Talk to Him and tell him about that ache in your heart that won’t go away. Bow your head and explain the help you need to get out of a tunnel where you see no light ahead. Hit your knees and give the Lord that hurt that won’t leave your thoughts. Then also ask your Christian brothers and sisters for their help and with it their words to you, “You Are In My Prayers.”
Amen.
Bulletin Annoncements
August 5, 2018
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Ephesians 4:1 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called.” The callings we have from the Lord are our “vocations.” Here Paul talks about our vocation as Christian. We are called to be His people and to reflect His love, generosity, and peace within the Church.
NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available. Please speak with Pastor who has the details. Thank you.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be held FRIDAY, AUGUST 17th at 6:30 p.m. “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2” is the movie that will be shown. “When high school history teacher, Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) is asked a question about Jesus in class, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble. The ensuing epic court case could expel God from the classroom – and the public square – once and for all! “GOD’S NOT DEAD 2″ is a powerful call to action: “WHERE WILL YOU STAND? Join us for a great entertaining movie, good food and wonderful fellowship. See you Friday August 17th!
THE ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC is scheduled for Sunday, August 19th, following the 10:30 Worship Service. It will be held at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington. There are two sign-ups on the table in the narthex. One is the number that will be attending and the other is for main dishes, side dishes and desserts. The church provides all the other items.
LWML LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF: It’s that time again to think about purchasing items for Health Kits. Items needed for each kit: 1) One Bath Towel (dark color); 2) Two Bath Size Bars of Soap; 3) One Comb (Sturdy; No fine tooth comb); 4) One Metal Nail Clipper; 5) One Toothbrush. here also is a list of items needed on the table in the narthex for you to take with you if you need. If you have any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205. Thank you!
FROM THE OFFICE: If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex. As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter. Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed. We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up. We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other. You may also sign-up for both if you wish. The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.
YOU ARE INVITED: Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N Hershey in Normal is having a “Garage Sale/Bake Sale” this coming Friday, August 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Saturday, August 11th from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It will be held in the Activity Building. Proceeds to benefit Seminary Students, Missions and Projects of the LWML (Ladies Guild) of Christ Lutheran Church.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Pigeonholed” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 6:42. Just when you think you are getting to know Jesus, He says something which can confuse. Today the world remains confused about God’s Son, our Savior. That’s because Jesus refuses to be pigeonholed by the world’s desires or expectations. He’s God’s Son, who has come to save humankind. Anything else, or different than this, is simply unacceptable. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus. Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tune in! You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE: If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex. Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org. Thank you.
PRAYER CHAIN: If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.