The Sunday of the Sermon on the Plain
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity
13 July 2025
Christ’s Mercy Is Ours to Show to Others
“Be merciful, even as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36–42). The old Adam in us wants to condemn and seek vengeance. But the Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Rom. 12:14–21). To condemn, to avenge yourself, is to put yourself in the place of God. It is to fail to trust that He is just. Ultimately, it is to disbelieve that Jesus suffered the full vengeance for all wrongs. Only Christ is merciful as the Father is merciful. He is the one who overcame all evil with the good of His cross, forgiving even His executioners. Jesus is our Joseph, who comforts us with words of pardon and reconciliation (Gen. 50:15–21). He is the One who does not condemn but gives life that runs over. Only through faith in Christ are we sons of the Father—being merciful, forgiving, doing good to our enemies. For in Christ we know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:8–13).
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today to the Glory of God by Mrs. Bev Christopher.
Sunday School Volunteers We are thankful for the opportunity to impart Christ to the children during the Sunday School hour and thankful for those who have participated over the years. We’re considering additional volunteers to serve in a possible rotation for the coming 2025-2026 year, especially for the nursery (below 3rd grade). If interested, please contact Pastor.
Where Christianity Meets Culture… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: Seeking Truth & Speaking Truth, The Worsening Pandemic of Gambling, A New Study on Christian Faith & Marriage, Eastern Mysticism in Public Schools, A Supreme Court Ruling on Children & Pornography and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.
Today’s Sermon Anyone who would like a copy of today’s sermon and the recording emailed to them may contact Stacy at stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Sunday of the Sermon on the Plain-The Fourth Sunday after Trinity
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Friday
- Church Office Closed
Next Sunday The Sunday of Peter’s Call-The Fifth Sunday after Trinity
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Higher Things Organizational Meeting, 12:00 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Cancelled this week
