Third Sunday after Epiphany
26 January 2020
Jesus Came for Gentiles, Too
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile (Romans 1.8–17). Even in the Old Testament, the Gentiles were beneficiaries of God’s saving power. Though unimpressed at first with the Word of God, a Syrian commander is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5.1–15). Evil is overcome by good (Romans 12.16–21). So also in the New Testament, a Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord (St. Matthew 8.1–13). All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. For the last shall be first, and the first last. Apart from faith in Christ, there is no salvation—not even for a Jew—but only weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Parish News
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Mr. & Mrs. Kris Wineinger in honor of Emma’s baptismal birthday.
Singing the Creed Throughout much of the history of the Church, the Nicene Creed was one of the sung portions of the liturgy of the Divine Service. On festival days, we sing the plainsong setting that is found in Lutheran Worship # 4. During the Epiphany season, we will use a simple method to sing the Creed together in monotone. Pastor will begin the singing with “I believe in one God,” on one note, and then everyone will join in together on the same note for the rest of the Creed: “the Father Almighty…”.
Adult Bible Class meets Sunday at 9am in the Parish Center, studying the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.
Please pick up your February 2020 calendar in the Narthex or Parish Center.
Please take home your bulletin and Parish News each week as a guide for daily prayer, and as a reminder of the activities each week at Immanuel.
Issues, Etc. is a radio show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s teachings include: A Lutheran Response to a Post Christian Culture, The Words of Scripture: Love, Eternal Punishment, A Disney+ Miniseries “The Mandalorian” and more. You can listen live or on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.
Prepare for Next Sunday
Malachi 3.1-4; 1 Corinthians 1.26-31; St. Luke 2.22-32
Hymns: 624 – 938 – 395 – TLH 138 – 332 – 519
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia!
Psalm 97
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service
[M] St. Matthew 8.14-27; Genesis 25.1-34
[T] St. Matthew 8.28-34; Genesis 27.1-45
[W] St. Matthew 9.1-17; Genesis 27.46—28.22
[Th] St. Matthew 9.18-38; Genesis 29.1-20
[F] St. Matthew 10.1-16; Genesis 31.1-18
[S] St. Matthew 10.17—11.1; Genesis 32.1-32
Hymn of the Day or Month From God the Father, Virgin-Born (401)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
Kyrie: L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
