Readings for July 14th

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First Reading Deuteronomy 30:9-14

Second Reading: Colossians 1:1-14

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Sermon: “On the Road of Life”

Luke 10:27-30,36-37 NRSV

[27] He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” [28] And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” [29] But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. …

[36] Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” [37] He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Readings for July 7th

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First Reading 2 Kings 5:1-14

Second Reading Galatians 6:1-16

Gospel Reading Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Sermon “Where Is Power and Security Found?”

The story of Naaman is fascinating from several perspectives. It tells us a story rich in Irony, that will also teach us important lessons about where true power lies and where real security may be found. On this independence weekend, we rightfully celebrate the wonderful freedoms that we enjoy in this great country where we live. But there are some things here in this Old Testament story that we need to hear in our current day and age. Here we find abundant reminders that the affairs of nations are quite secondary to the things of God. Here we learn that all the trappings of wealth and power and impressive ritual are all quite worthless from God’s perspective. Those who receive God’s blessing must acknowledge the gift and where they come from. We also see two other things that are surprising: First, Knowledge of God and truth about our own circumstance can come from unexpected sources. Secondly God’s providence will not always match our assumptions.