SERMON
Summary: This portion of God’s Word pictures the end times – a time of universal distress that will culminate in universal resurrection and universal judgment. It will be a glorious day for all who are wise to salvation in Christ and especially for those who have led others to Christ.
Summary: Our Lord Jesus is the “either/or” figure of human history and of our own lives. It is he to
whom the Father has given all judgment. He is to be accorded all honor along with the Father. How
wonderful to be able to live day by day in the assurance that he is our Savior!
READINGS
FIRST LESSON: Malachi 4:1,2a
SECOND LESSON: Hebrews 9:24-28
GOSPEL: John 5:19-24
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 3:15
If we have been brought to the knowledge that Jesus is our only hope of salvation, then others need to know this as well. How will God get the message of Jesus out to the world? He’s chosen you and me as his tools. Are we ready? Are we prepared to give the reason for the hope that we have?
Scripture Lessons:
FIRST LESSON: 2 Kings 5:1-6
SECOND LESSON: Romans 10:11-17
GOSPEL: Mark 5:18-20
Ro read the full sermon text, click here.
Just prior to his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus raises Lazarus to life. To the consternation of the Pharisees, the people see the miracle and put their hope in Jesus.
Jesus reveals his grace and glory as he heals a man who was born blind. As he does so, he corrects his disciples, who thought some great sin caused the man’s physical impairment.
Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well near Sychar. He reveals himself to her as the promised Messiah.
As the history of Abraham shows, a man is justified by faith, not by works. For the Scriptures record that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith charts the way for believers; indeed, by faith, we become his children and heirs to the wonderful promise God made to Abraham and fulfilled in his Son.
As we are reminded of humanity’s primal history at the outset of Lent, we grieve over our loss but rejoice in the sending of the promises Savior.
