Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Word like FIRE Bible Readings Luke 12:49-53, Hebrews 12:1-13 Worship Folder Pastor Paul A. Tullberg Sermon text: Jeremiah 23:23-29 23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? 24 Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. 25 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. We Remember History, That Our Past May Inform Our Future “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” was composed after the untimely death of a dear friend. Dudley A. Tyng, a young Christian pastor, had preached the clear Gospel of God’s free and faithful grace to all. Pastor Tyng was known and loved for his zeal for the work of God. On Tuesday, April 13th, in the year of our Lord 1858, Rev. Tyng was studying at his country home when he went to the barn to check on his mule which was powering the machine that shelled corn. As Pastor patted down the animal, the sleeve of his coat got caught in the cogs of the machine. His arm was severely injured. Sadly it was soon amputated but the damage was too severe. Pastor Tyng died the following week. Before he died, friends asked if there were any messages he would have them pass along to those who were gathering to worship in the coming weeks. Pastor Tyng spoke these words, “Tell them, ‘Let us all stand up for Jesus.’” In the days following Pastor Tyng’s death, these final words were planted home in the heart. Pastor George Duffield, Jr. preached to his own congregation the next weekon Ephesians 6 :14 “Stand therefore, having put on the belt of truth…”. He finished his sermon with a hymn he had just written. It began with the line, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.” The connection to worldy battles was not the author’s intent. Christians have often sung soldier-imagery songs. God tells us in His Word that our lives in Christ are a fight for truth, for faith, for spiritual life in the middle of spiritual battles. God calls us to stand in the might that Jesus supplies. He promised! Take a Moment to recall something from today’s message. Ask God to make the Word He has given take root. Pray like this: Lord Jesus, I was glad to be here to take my stand with Your people and worship You. Let me honor You, my Savior, with each of Your gifts always in allways for You. Thank You! We value your friendship and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus together with you!