We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15
The classic TV series M*A*S*H tells the story of an army field hospital located mere miles from the front lines during the Korean War. In one episode, the army chaplain, Father Mulcahy, cannot comfort a wounded soldier because he’s admitted that he’s never experienced what it’s like to be in battle. After some introspection, the chaplain makes a decision. He secretly stows himself away in a truck headed for the front. Upon his arrival he finds himself in the middle of a full-fledged firefight. When it’s finally over, he returns to the hospital where word of what he’s done has already spread through the ranks. The final scene of that episode is Father Mulcahy sitting down once again with the same soldier. The chaplain looks him in the eye and says, “Now, let’s talk.”
When you talk to your Savior in prayer, you are not talking to someone who’s sitting back on his distant throne in detached serenity. Rather, you are talking to someone who has been exactly where you are. Jesus did not merely get a small taste of what the battles of the world are like. Instead, Jesus fully felt the very worst that this world can launch against us.
But remember, Jesus did this not only so he could feel what we feel. He did it to be our perfect substitute. He willingly took the punishment for our failures and paid for them completely at the cross.
Every day through his Word, Jesus sits down with you. Every day Jesus says, “Let’s talk.” When he does, think about where he’s been. Think about what he’s done for you. He knows what the battle is like. He’s the one to carry you through.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know exactly what it’s like to do battle in this fallen world. Thank you for coming here to be my perfect substitute. When you sit down with me every day and speak to me through your Word, empower me to open up my heart to you in prayer. Amen.
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” Revelation 1:7
Our younger children love to stand by the window when they know someone is coming and to announce it when they arrive. They are so excited to welcome the guests to our home.
God wants us to be eager and ready for an even more important arrival—the coming of Jesus on the Last Day of the world. Centuries ago, Jesus was taken alive into heaven after he had risen from the dead to rule all things for our good.
One day Jesus will return. And “every eye will see him.” It won’t be a secret. No one is going to miss it. You will see him. I will see him.
Sadly, not everyone will be ready for him when he returns. Not everyone will welcome him. Our verse for today mentions “those who pierced him.” Jesus’ earthly enemies tried to get rid of him by nailing him to a cross. When Jesus comes again, they will see him alive with their own eyes. They will come face-to-face with the reality of their own sin and the judgment they deserve, and they will mourn. For them, that mourning will last forever; the tears of agony and regret and shame will stream down their faces eternally in hell.
In a way, we all pierced Jesus. It was because of our disobedience of God’s law that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. But we know that he died to forgive that disobedience. We believe the Bible when it tells us that God loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
When Jesus returns, we will welcome our King, grateful that his grace has removed our guilt and scattered every shadow of shame forever. Set free from sorrow and sin, we will live with our Lord forever in perfect peace and unending joy. What a day that will be! I can’t wait until he arrives!
Prayer:
Jesus, you are coming soon to take me home with you. Lead me to turn from my sins and trust in your forgiveness, so that I am ready to welcome you when you arrive. Amen.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. If you are reading or listening in the morning, what are your plans for the day? If it is near the end of the day, what has your day been like?
Does the pandemic still leave you feeling isolated and alone? Do you long for how things used to be? Maybe there are other factors that leave you lamenting the things that have changed. A loved one has died. You or someone you love is sick. New financial strains overshadow your celebration if you can even call it that.
Thanksgiving or not, our world is constantly changing. And that can make it hard to be thankful.
For everything that changes, one thing always stays the same. And that is our God. In our Bible verse for today, God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In English, we might say, “I am the A and the Z.” What he means is that he is the same from beginning to end. God never changes. He always was, is now, and always will be the same God.
That means he doesn’t change his standard of right and wrong. The sins that offended him in the past still offend him today and always will.
But it also means that his mercy and love don’t change. When the first people sinned against him, God promised them a Savior to forgive that sin and free them from the curse of death. God kept that promise of mercy and love. And that promise of mercy hasn’t changed. All who cling to Jesus in faith receive the free gift of God’s forgiveness. God won’t change his plan. He won’t add strings or conditions. Through Jesus, God’s Son, he counts us as his children and pours out his love on us each day as our perfect, loving Father.
So we give thanks today for a God who doesn’t change, who always loves, always provides, always forgives. And we look forward to the day we will feast with him in an eternal celebration of thanksgiving!
Prayer:
Loving God, I give thanks today that you never change. Amen.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37
What makes a good king? A powerful army? Royal blood? Political influence? Wise advisors? The approval of the people?
How about honesty, truthfulness? Although many might want leaders who always tell the truth, that isn’t always what we get; is it? Many make promises that they can’t keep and maybe never intended to keep. Many craft their words in a way that obscures what they really mean to gain support from those who wouldn’t stand behind the truth. What people want to hear often seems more important than the truth.
When Jesus came into this world as a king, he didn’t come with a powerful army. He came alone, and he even discouraged his allies from using their swords to fight for him. Jesus was a descendant of King David, but it had been centuries since anyone from David’s family had reigned. Jesus didn’t surround himself with the best and brightest. His closest followers were unschooled, ordinary men.
But Jesus rules with one powerful tool—the truth. Often, this isn’t what people want to hear. As the saying goes, “the truth hurts.” That’s especially the case when the truth reveals the darkest corners of our hearts, where selfish desires, envious and angry thoughts, and shameful lusts dwell. The truth of God’s law shines below the surface to reveal how often we fail to live up to God’s demands.
But the truth of Jesus reveals not just our hearts but the heart of God himself. God loves us unconditionally. In love, he punished his perfect Son, Jesus, for the evil in our lives so that he could pardon us fully and completely. In love, he continues to call us to leave behind our sinful thoughts and lives and to trust in his forgiveness and his promise of eternal life with him. That’s why he gives us his Word of Truth—the Bible. And through that message of truth, Jesus moves us to trust him in faith as he rules in our hearts as King.
Prayer:
King Jesus, the truth of your law hurts, but the truth of your love heals. Rule in my heart by your truth. Amen.
Every four years, American citizens get to elect a President who will lead the country for the next four years. Many issues in those elections come down to wealth and health. Which candidate is going to promote policies that improve or preserve health and safety and put more money in my pocket?
People looked at Jesus and thought he would make the perfect political leader. He saw people in need and sought to help—often in powerful and miraculous ways. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and even raised the dead! If Jesus were king, maybe their troubles would all go away. Money problems, relationship problems, and health problems would all be solved—if not for everyone, at least for his most loyal supporters!
But the reality is that Jesus doesn’t always bring outward success. He doesn’t build a following through the things that our selfish hearts crave. And that leads many to turn away from him.
Jesus was once put on trial before the political authorities of his day. One of the charges was that he claimed to be a king. But Pontius Pilate, who presided over the trial, didn’t think that Jesus looked or acted much like a king.
Jesus explained, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus, the Son of God, didn’t come to selfishly seek worldly wealth, political power, or personal gain. He came to give of himself and to serve the world. He came to conquer the devil and overcome sin and its curse. He came to fight for our souls. And he won that fight by overcoming temptation, enduring death and hell, and rising from the dead.
Because Jesus fought as our king, we have something far better than worldly wealth or success. We have been set free from sin and rescued from death. We are citizens of Jesus’ heavenly kingdom, where we will live with him in perfect joy forever! Hail, King Jesus!
Prayer:
King Jesus, thank you for fighting to set me free. Keep me from turning away from you, so that I may enjoy the eternal riches of your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
In ancient times, kings would often go into battle with their armies. And the king was one of the main targets for the opposing army. If they could kill the king, they could leave his army feeling demoralized and defeated.
Today’s Bible verse calls Jesus “the ruler of the kings of the earth.” To earn that title, you might assume that he never lost a single battle. Your assumption is correct. You might also assume that he never died in battle. But that is not true. Let me explain.
Jesus came to battle against the devil, who led the world into sin and disobedience. Jesus came to overcome death itself and strip it of its power. But to do that, he had to die. Death’s power is in its rightful claim on those who are guilty of sin. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death.” The only way for death to lose its power was for someone to receive those wages. And that’s what Jesus came to do.
Jesus did battle with the devil by resisting every temptation the devil threw at him. He was perfect in every way. But then he willingly accepted the guilt for our failed battles against temptation. And he received the punishment of death and hell that we deserved for that guilt.
In the days before Jesus died, the devil was unleashing his entire arsenal. He thought that if he could turn Jesus’ friends and enemies against him and get them to kill him, Jesus would be defeated. But just the opposite happened. Jesus’ death was all part of God’s plan. By dying in our place, he destroyed death’s power over us. He proved that by being “the firstborn from the dead.” He rose from the dead to show that our sins were forgiven, and death had lost its power over us.
And so, Jesus not only rose from the dead himself, but he is “the firstborn from the dead.” When Jesus returns on the Last Day, all who have died trusting in Jesus’ victory over sin and death will be raised to live forever with him.
Prayer:
Jesus, my King, thank you for defeating death for me so that I will live forever with you. Amen.
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7
It’s said that early African converts to Christianity were fervent and intense when it came to their prayer life. Each would go to a private place in the thicket to pour out his heart to the Lord. Over time, each person’s path into the thicket became well-worn. It also was clear whenever someone’s prayer life began losing intensity. Whenever that happened, a fellow Christian would gently say, “Brother, the grass grows on your path.”
When it comes to the intensity of your prayer life, does the grass grow on your path? Think over the past seven days. Pinpoint specific moments when you talked to your Heavenly Father in prayer. Were many of them simply memorized mumbles at mealtimes and before bed? Were they automatic recitations in a worship service? Were they half-hearted daydreams while you listened to the traffic report on the way to work? Each of us must confess that all kinds of grass have grown on the intensity of our prayer life from time to time. And for that flippant act of neglect, each of us deserves to be ignored by God.
But consider Jesus. God’s Word in Hebrews chapter five gives us riveting visual footage. It pictures Jesus while he lived on this earth. It pictures him praying to his heavenly Father with such intensity that loud cries pour out of his mouth, and tears flow from his eyes. And because of Jesus’ perfect submission, God listened to the prayers of his Son.
And there’s the beauty: Jesus’ prayer life was one of perfect intensity and perfect submission on our behalf. And the blood he shed at Calvary’s cross has washed away our every sin of neglect.
Because of Jesus, the privilege of prayer is ours. Because of Jesus, we have a Lord who is ready to listen at any moment. And so beat a path to your prayer time with God. Make the grass on your path go away.
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, that because of your perfect prayer life in my place, I am forgiven for my imperfect life of prayer and now have the privilege of praying to my heavenly Father. Amen.
[Jesus said] “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” John 5:28,29
It was a cold, Minnesota day. We stood in front of a casket that hovered over a newly dug grave. There was an ache in the pit of our stomachs, tears poised to flow from our eyes, and a sob was quick to leap into our voices. Our emotions felt as cold as that Minnesota wind, howling over the plain.
There was one message and one message alone that warmed us: death had been defeated! Jesus had gone into death’s bitter coldness and came out of his grave; he rose to life! By his death, he won forgiveness of sins for you, for me, for all. And most comfortingly for us, on that day in the cemetery, we were reminded that Jesus won forgiveness of sins for our loved one whose physical body was lying in that casket.
We may have felt like losers that day. The reality was we were huge winners. And the biggest winner of all was our loved one, a believer in Jesus, whose soul was even then in heaven, enjoying the full fruits of the victory which Jesus had won for him!
And someday, our loved one will hear the voice of Jesus say, “Come out!” And he WILL come out of the grave! He will rise from the dead with a glorious, glorified body to enjoy the fullness of the victory which Jesus won for him, and he’ll enjoy it for all eternity.
And with Jesus as your living Savior, you will, too!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me that someday you will stand by my grave and call me out of it, raising me back to life to live with you forever. Use that message to dry my tears, to fill me with peace, and to focus me on the life which is to come. Amen.
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
OPENING HYMN CW 217, The Head that Once Was Crowned
†THE COMMON SERVICE†
Please stand.
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
CONFESSION OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
M: Beloved in the Lord; let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
C:Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
Kyrie
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
GLORY BE TO GOD
Gloria in Excelsis
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
M: Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings.
† THE WORD †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSON Daniel 7:13, 14
Summary: The eternal King has an eternal Kingdom
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
PSALM 45
* Lectern side sings 1st line, pulpit side sings 2nd line, all sing refrains and Gloria.
My heart is stirred by a noble theme*
as I recite my verses for the King.
You are the most excellent of men,*
and your lips have been anointed with grace.
Gird your sword upon your side, O Mighty One;*
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
In your majesty ride forth victoriously;*
let your right hand display awesome deeds.
Refrain
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;*
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;*
therefore God has anointed you with the oil of joy.
I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;*
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
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.
Refrain
SECOND LESSON Revelation 1:4b-8 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: Jesus is the eternal Prophet, Priest, and King
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 22:13
M: Alleluia. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON John 18: 33-37
Summary: Jesus is our true King
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 731, The King Will Come at Age’s End
SERMON Revelation 1:4b-8
“BEHOLD YOUR KING”
He reveals the true God (4b-5a)
He rescues sinners (5b)
He restores our status (6)
He raises our eyes (7-8)
Please stand.
Please be seated.
CHRIST THE KING PRAYER
*Read responsively.
M: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and
power for ever and ever!
C: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory.
M: You are worthy, 0 Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise, for you
created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.
C: Alleluia! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!
M: You are worthy, 0 Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased us for God. From every tribe and language and people and nation, you have called us into your kingdom and have made us priests to serve you, our God and Father.
C: Help us live as royal priests.
M: We give thanks to you, 0 Christ our Shepherd-King, because you have searched for us and found us. Lead us to the green pastures and quiet waters of your saving love, so that we may enjoy peace and comfort for our souls.
C: Heal our hearts when they are broken with sin and guilt. Strengthen us when
we are weak.
M: We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Come with your mighty power to break and defeat every evil plan and purpose of the devil, of the ungodly influences and ideas of the world, and of our own sinful nature. Use your power to calm the unrest among nations and peoples so that your kingdom may spread and grow.
C: Strengthen our confidence in knowing that your kingdom will never be destroyed.
M: 0 Christ our King, you have supremacy over all. You will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. You have destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Reign in our hearts that we may serve you more faithfully and speak more boldly to others of your saving love.
C: Praise be to the Lord God, who alone does marvelous deeds. May the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Special prayers and intercessions may follow.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer.
M: Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who
pierced him. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever, King of kings and Lord of lords.
C: The Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Amen.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
HYMN CW 341:1-3, Crown Him with Many Crowns
M: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 341:4, Crown Him with Many Crowns
*Bulletin page 13.
† ANNOUNCEMENTS †
November 21-27
Sun.
9:00a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with mission presentation by Shannon Bohme, WELS Mission Journeys Coordinator
8:30a.m.
Sunday School at St. John’s
9:00a.m.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
10:00a.m.
St. John’s Worship with mission presentation by Shannon Bohme, WELS Mission Journeys Coordinator, and lunch
11:15a.m.
Missions Presentation and Lunch at St. John’s
Mon.
8:00a.m.
School Chapel
6:30p.m.
Joint Choir at St. John’s
7:30p.m.
Adult Bible Study
Tues.
Wed.
No school – Thanksgiving break
10:30a.m.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
6:30p.m.
St. John’s Thanksgiving Devotion
Thurs.
Thanksgiving
9:00a.m.
Emmanuel Thanksgiving Devotion
No school – Thanksgiving break
Fri.
No school – Thanksgiving break
Sat.
4:30p.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:- November 28, 2021Advent 1 –Prepare for Christ’s Coming: Your Redemption is Drawing Near
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:30a.m.
Sunday School at St. John’s
9:00a.m.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
10:00a.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
† CHURCH NEWS †
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS(read by pastor)
– For the sick and distressed…: Caryl Bassett, Mike Brown, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Jan Dahlke, Ann & Roberta Davison (Beth Johnson’s daughters), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Roger Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Bob Klapper, Arden Klimke, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Steve Parrish, Karen Radke, Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law) (added this week: )
– For Steve Hilke & Ariel Zellmer who were united in marriage on 10/29
– For Mrs. Sylvia Straschinske called at our 11/14 St. John’s Voters meeting to serve as Kindergarten teacher at St. John’s Lutheran School
– For WELS missions, including WELS Mission Journeys & Coordinator Mr. Shannon Bohme
SAVE THE DATE December 2, 2021 starting at 5:30 P.M.
Ladies Aid is inviting all members from St. John’s and Emmanuel to a potluck Christmas dinner. Sign up sheets for main dishes, salads or dessert will be in the linkway at St. John’s and in the entrance at Emmanuel. Plan to arrive about 5:30 for social hour with punch and snacks with dinner to follow at 6:00 P.M. Entertainment to follow dinner.
HOLIDAY TRAIL St. John’s is participating in this year’s community Holiday Trail event. At our stop, we will have the Scholastic Bookfair, Thai Village craft sale and baked goods (by our St. John’s Cheerleading team and families). The date is Nov. 20 starting at 9:00a.m. in St. John’s gym.
WLA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Thank you from Winnebago Lutheran Academy for having us visit your church services recently. It was a privilege to share with you some WLA Association news along with our plans to build a new high school campus. Please contact Kevin Ehlke with any questions you may have at 920-539-4041 or kehlke@wlavikings.org. If you would like to give in support of our current capital campaign, please use the brochures provided at your church or go to our website forward.wlavikings.org/donate. Gifts can be mailed to WLA or given online at our website. Thank you for your continued support of WLA!
MISSION FESTIVAL COMING TO EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S on Sunday, November 21. Guest speaker during worship services will be Mr. Shannon Bohme, coordinator of WELS Mission Journeys, which provides an opportunity for all WELS members to walk together in the Great Commission. Through church- or school-based volunteer trips to WELS mission fields at home and abroad, members have the opportunity to engage in Christian service. Pre-trip training led by a team leader equips volunteers to have significant impact during their trip, which are self-funded by the team. While volunteering, the learning and sharing of outreach ideas will allow teams to explore how they can use their God-given abilities to engage in outreach activities in their home congregation upon their return home. With the Lord’s blessing, these trips will inspire a lifelong journey of service and outreach for all who volunteer.
Following the 10 a.m. service at St. John’s, all are invited to a lunch (Freewill Offering will be taken) in the lower level. Please plan to stay for a short afternoon presentation by Mr. Bohme. He will highlight what is happening in home missions and discuss where we want to go as a synod with 100 new church plants in 10 years starting in 2023! That’s exciting mission work!
ADVENT PREPARES US FOR CHRISTMAS
Here’s a great way to get ready for Christmas! A midweek quiet time of worship and devotion is a good and God-pleasing way to celebrate the season. On Wednesdays, 3:30 (at Emmanuel) and 6:30 (at St. John’s) Advent devotions are being prepared for you. The theme for this year is: The Wonder of It All! Old Testament believers, Job, Noah, and a prophet named Joel, will help us see the Wonder of God’s Power, the Wonder of God’s Promise, and the Wonder of God’s Judgement. Take time this Advent to do this.
GIFTS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Please consider making a gift towards the following church or school projects. Your gift, to the project of your choice, will be recorded under your member account in our Shepherd’s Staff program unless you specifically request it be recorded as anonymous. Donor names and gift amounts are not published. Your gift can be placed in the offering plate, the locked drop box by the office, or mailed. Please contact the church/school secretary, Ciara Neuhauser, if you have any questions.
Project Name & Brief Description___________________________________________ _ Amount Needed
Church & School Computer Server Upgrade $5,851.64
(costs for replacing server)
House Demolition $9,500.00
(costs related to tear down of old Little Lambs house)
Church Piano $4,000.00
Church A/V Upgrades $2,996.29
Ministerial Tuition Assistance – No limit in place
(assistance for members pursuing the ministry)
Outreach Activities No limit in place
(church and/or school outreach supplies, fees)
St. John’s School Tuition Assistance No limit in place
(assistance for parents of students)
School Technology Fund No limit in place
(maintain teacher and student computers, smartboards)
† SCHOOL NEWS †
SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR Today is the last day to visit the bookfair (open 9:30-11:30am) Don’t forget those Christmas gifts!
Christ the King
Fourth Sunday of End Time – B
God’s Word for Today
The majesty of the King of Kings shines forth in our readings for this morning. Jesus rules as King over all things. He deserves all glory, honor and praise. He is the eternal King who will come again in glory to judge. He is the King who left his majestic throne to humbly give his life for his subjects.
First Lesson (Daniel 7:13,14)
Who is the “Ancient of Days” mentioned in verse 13?
According to verse 14, what did Jesus receive?
Second Lesson (Revelation 1:4b-8)
According to verses five and six, what has Jesus our King done for us?
Verse seven tells us that our King is coming with the clouds and everyone will see him. What is he coming to do?
What does it mean that Jesus our King is the “Alpha and the Omega”?
Gospel (John 18:33-37)
How is Jesus different from the kings of this world?
Answers:
The “Ancient of Days” is God the Father. The name “Ancient of Days” refers to the fact that he has existed from all eternity.
Having humbled himself to pay for the sins of the world, God the Father exalted Jesus once again to his rightful position as King of Kings. He received authority, glory and power. He receives the praise and worship that is his alone. His kingdom and power will never end.
Our King has freed us from sin by his blood. He has made us citizens of his heavenly kingdom. He has made us priests who have the right to approach him and serve him. To him be glory and power forever and ever!
He is coming to judge the living and the dead. Those who rejected him and continue to reject him will see him. He will send them to their eternal punishment in hell. He will then take us, his faithful subjects to be with him forever in his heavenly kingdom.
The letters Alpha (__) and Omega (__) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus, our King, is the beginning and the end. He is eternal.
His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus is the king and ruler of all things in this world and the next. His kingdom will have no end. Geographical borders do not bind his subjects. Those on the side of truth, i.e., those that believe in Jesus are citizens of his kingdom. Jesus, our King, offered the ultimate sacrifice by dying on the cross in order to win for us salvation. As our King he offered his life in humble service.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
11-13
16
11-14
29
97
St. John’s Altar Committee for November 2021:Kay Maass & Jennie Utke
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
The Bible promises that faith in Jesus as Savior is the only qualification for getting to heaven. Whoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life.
But then the Bible says things like, “those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens.” Is wisdom also necessary for getting to heaven? And it says, “those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars.” So, is telling people certain things another secret qualification for eternal life? Or are both of those things something you do to shine a little brighter in heaven?
There are not any extra secret qualifications for getting into heaven. It’s just that believing in Jesus as Savior is the wisest possible thing you can do. You may be foolish in a lot of other areas, but if you are wise in just this one area, you are wise for eternity. Jesus is your wisdom.
And there are not certain things you can do to shine a little brighter when you are with God for eternity. Leading people to righteousness does not mean telling them what is right and wrong. It means that Jesus’ perfect life is credited to you through faith, and when you lead people to Jesus, you are leading them to the only righteousness that will save them. Jesus is your righteousness.
So, while you wait to go to heaven, you can live a wise life of faith in Jesus, confident in his righteousness for yourself and for others.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for sending Jesus to be my wisdom, my righteousness, and my Savior. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
