This Sunday Jesus tells the story of the 5 foolish virgins and the 5 wise virgins. Last week, Jesus spoke of judging the world and separating the sheep from the goats. As human beings, I don't think we can help but wonder at times, "Am I part of the sheep and the wise virgins or might I be part of the foolish and the goats?" As we look at our lives, we certainly have doubts as we think of our sins and failings in life. How often I have put other things before my Lord. How often I have sinned against my Lord. Jesus uses strong words about the eternal punishment in hellfire that will come to those on the left whose lives did not show that they were followers of Jesus. Can you imagine Jesus saying, "I don't know you!" as he did to the five foolish virgins. All our hypocritical actions will be revealed.
You are receiving this note because you have heard the words of Jesus. You have confessed him as your Savior. Jesus came to save you from your sins and to lift your eyes heavenward to look for his coming again to welcome you to heaven. He came to win for you eternal life and a place in his family. Through Jesus, we know we are covered and saved. Heaven is ours. Take comfort in his promises, leave your fear at his feet, and look to the cross with confidence that your sins are covered. Since Jesus was punished for you, there is no sin left on you. You have been freed to serve him and to live by this faith that says you are redeemed and a child of God.
Faith saves, faith is active as Paul says, "the righteous will live by faith." Look at your life, check your fruits. How close are you to Jesus? How often do you take time for worship and to commune with him? This is how your faith grows and you keep your lamps filled; it is being wise according to Jesus' standards. How are you using his gifts to his glory, since you are part of his family and he has gifted you with all that you have, we respond in thanks and praise? When you are troubled, do you throw it to Jesus in prayer? When someone brings you worry or is an enemy, do you take it to Jesus? He says to pray for your enemies!
Jesus cares for you and me. This is why he speaks to us about his coming again and to always be ready. We don't know the day or the hour! It can come upon us as suddenly as a snow squall, such as the one that came up this past Thursday and caused a 29 car pile-up. Come worship him that goes with you and has your eternal salvation in control! In Christ, we can start anew and go forward, motivated by his amazing love for us!! Start your week in worship of your God, ready to meet whatever this sinful world and Satan throws at you this week! Be filled with Jesus' peace! See you at the throne of your Savior in worship!!
Come meet with Jesus in worship. We worship together at 9:00 am on Sunday morning and Monday evening at 7:00 pm. Hope you can make it. If not, join us live at 9 am or check out the service later at mywels.com/live
Thanksgiving Worship - Thursday, November 26 at 9:00 am.
Monday Evening Worship continues at 7:00 pm.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
Sunday school lessons were again sent out to students connected to our church. The lesson sheets should be in the hands of the parents. Parents, you can find links to the lesson level for your child at www.mywels.com/SundaySchool
Sunday Bible Study - Gospel of Mark - Superhero Jesus.
Mark stresses (a) Jesus rules over all things, whether demons, the elements, or disease, and (b) Jesus willingly gives himself completely to his purpose of redemption, yet remains in control. These two themes are emphasized in Mark's choice of material: Mark includes the greatest number of miraculous events.
In our Prayers
Audrey Carlson - is still in the hospital. We ask the Lord to grant her strength and healing.
WELS.NET Devotion -The Lord is Our Refuge – November 14, 2020
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
“Christianity is a crutch for the weak.”
This is the atheist’s argument against putting one’s faith in the God of the Bible. They argue that anyone who depends on anything other than themselves is feeble.
Medically speaking, a crutch is a tool the injured use for support. Only the wounded need crutches. But here’s the thing: somehow, someway, we are all wounded. We all need help. Some just choose crutches other than Christianity.
When we don’t feel good about ourselves, where do we turn for assurance? We have enough options to choose from: earthly goods, food, alcohol, drugs, money, work. The problem with many such crutches is that they offer only temporary reprieve and often only mask much deeper issues of the heart.
The heart of the issue is that we are all sinners in desperate need of saving. And the only one who has the power to help us is Jesus Christ. He took up our infirmities. He carried our sorrows. And by his wounds, we are healed.
God graciously allows us to go through hardship so that we seek the only one who can help. When we seek Jesus in our struggles, he finds us in his Word.
You say, “I’m too tired.” … Jesus says, “I will give you rest.”
You say, “I’m all alone.” … Jesus says, “I am with you always.”
You say, “I don’t know where to turn.” … Jesus says, “I am the way.”
You say, “I’ve had enough.” … Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
You say, “I’m afraid.” … Jesus says, “My peace I give you.”
You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” … Jesus says, “I forgive you.”
You say, “I have my doubts.” … Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will never be put to shame.”
One famous Christian named Saint Augustine, reacting to the sufficiency of Jesus, observed, “Lord, you created us for yourself. And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
What was his point? Nothing satisfies like Jesus Christ. Find more devotions at m.wels.net
WORSHIP. We will again have worship at St. Peter's, Sunday, at 9:00 am and Monday at 7:00 pm. Communion will be offered at both services. We will be trying to go live at 9:00 am. Go here: www.youtube.com/c/stpetersmonticello.
Sixth Video -- God calls his creation really good. Genesis 1:31
Marriage Moments
You can find the 4th video of the "Marriage Moment" Series above.
Every marriage has its “moments.” That’s why marriage needs moments of encouragement and refreshment. Beginning this October, Marriage Moments are short, weekly videos highlighting one Biblical marriage thought accompanied by a discussion question. Check out the couple's introduction HERE: https://vimeo.com/449296979
Healthy congregations need healthy homes. And healthy homes benefit when couples hear what God has to say about their marriages. Whether a marriage is great or struggling, may God use his Word to bless it! Subscribe HERE:https://welscongregationalservices.net/subscriptions/
OFFERINGS - What a privilege that the Lord blesses us with so much, how can I not but give back to him of my first-fruits! Isn't it great to be a part of God's plan of blessing!! It is amazing how the Lord works through his people! -- You are invited to use our online giving at mywels.com/giveonline or send in your envelope and/or offerings to church. If you have any questions, please just contact pastor.
IN NEED OF HELP - if you are need of any help during this time, whether it is getting groceries or supplies, whatever it may be, please just call and ask. It is important for us to show the love of Christ in action at this time. Look for opportunities to show love and kindness for your neighbors. Go out of your way to help others. AND especially keep praying for your neighbors, your governing officials, health care workers, people working in the grocery stores and our senior citizens that are isolated in their apartments or nursing facilities. It is a challenging time, but our Lord promises to answer our prayers and never leave us!
Marriage Moments
