SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR
TRINITY 8
...we who were once lost have now been found. Frail dust has become clay to be shaped by God’s hands for service to others in His Name. No longer wandering along selfish, sinful pathways, we are rooted deeply in our risen Lord, the true Vine and our Source of life. Once dead in sin, we have been raised to new life in Jesus. We are growing, thriving, fruit-bearing trees “planted by streams of water,” the living water that is the Spirit of God. As we delight in the Law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night, the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in our lives;—”love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22b-23a). With our words of witness and works of love we bear witness to our Savior and, in the Spirit’s power, we prosper!
Dr. Carol Geisler.
Lutheran Hour Ministries
SERMON TEXT
Matthew 7:15-23
New King James Version
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
REFLECTION
BEAR FRUIT
Bearing fruit is not merely about external actions but is deeply rooted in the transformation of the heart and mind. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus warns, "By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." This teaching underscores the importance of inner spiritual health, as genuine fruitfulness stems from a life aligned with God's will.
For believers, bearing fruit involves active participation in God's work, characterized by obedience, service, and witness. Colossians 1:10 encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
Bible Hub
HYMN
Today Thy Mercy Calls Us
1 Today your mercy calls us
to wash away our sin.
However great our trespass,
whatever we have been,
however long from mercy
our hearts have turned away,
your precious blood can wash us
and make us clean today.
2 Today your gate is open,
and all who enter in
shall find a Father's welcome
and pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten,
a present joy be giv'n,
a future grace be promised,
a glorious crown in heav'n.
3 Today our Father calls us,
his Holy Spirit waits;
his blessed angels gather
around the heav'nly gates.
No question will be asked us
how often we have come;
although we oft have wandered,
it is our Father's home.
4 O all-embracing Mercy,
O ever-open Door,
what should we do without you
when heart and eye run o'er?
When all things seem against us,
to drive us to despair,
we know one gate is open,
one ear will hear our prayer.
Hear the Sermon on YouTube
(posted shortly after the Service but not live streamed)
youtube.com/@oslcchatham6321
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Services follow the liturgical order of worship which Christians have used historically.
Our music is traditional style, using Lutheran Worship and other sources.
The Gospel is central to our worship, and God comes to us through His Word and Sacraments for forgiveness of sins, life and eternal salvation.
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SUNDAY SERVICES
to the end of September at 10:00 am
COMMUNION
The first and third Sundays of the month