Victory – November 20, 2021

[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

Victory

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Daily Devotion – November 20, 2021

Devotion based on John 5:28,29

See series: Devotions

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.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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BULLETIN- November 21, 2021

The 4th Sunday of End Times

Christ the King

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Peter Zietlow

November 20, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s 

November 21, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00am. St. John’s 

† PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP †

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 CrownedCalendar

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THE COMMON SERVICE

 Please stand.

 M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

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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

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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.  

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M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

GLORY BE TO GOD

Gloria in Excelsis
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PRAYER OF THE DAY 

M: The Lord be with you. A picture containing chart

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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. 
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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. 
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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.

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Please stand.
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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.”
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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  

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SERMON                                                                                              Revelation 1:4b-8

“BEHOLD YOUR KING”

  1. He reveals the true God (4b-5a)
  2. He rescues sinners (5b)
  3. He restores our status (6)
  4. He raises our eyes (7-8)

Please stand.
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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
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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. 
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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.
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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 Promiseand 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)

  1. Who is the “Ancient of Days” mentioned in verse 13?
  2. According to verse 14, what did Jesus receive?

Second Lesson (Revelation 1:4b-8)

  1. According to verses five and six, what has Jesus our King done for us?
  2. Verse seven tells us that our King is coming with the clouds and everyone will see him. What is he coming to do?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus our King is the “Alpha and the Omega”?

Gospel (John 18:33-37)

  1. How is Jesus different from the kings of this world?

Answers: 

  1. The “Ancient of Days” is God the Father. The name “Ancient of Days” refers to the fact that he has existed from all eternity.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
AttendanceEmmanuelSt. John’s
11-1316
11-142997
St. John’s Altar Committee for November 2021:Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

St. John's Evangelical

While You Wait – November 19, 2021

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

While You Wait

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Daily Devotion – November 19, 2021

Devotion based on Daniel 12:3

See series: Devotions

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.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Awakening on Judgement Day – November 18, 2021

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:2

Awakening on Judgement Day

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Daily Devotion – November 18, 2021

Devotion based on Daniel 12:2

See series: Devotions

At the moment of death, some souls go to heaven, and some souls go to hell. There is no intermediate state in the realm of the dead. The ones that go to heaven are the souls of people who believe in Jesus as their Savior. The ones that go to hell are the souls of people who do not believe in Jesus as their Savior. This is the Bible’s clear teaching.

On judgment day, the souls of believers will return to earth with Jesus, and God will reunite those souls with their bodies. It doesn’t matter how long those bodies were in the dust of the earth or whether they had become the dust of the earth. God will raise them as glorified bodies, unable to be separated from their souls again.

What will happen to the souls of unbelievers on judgment day? They will also return to earth, but their bodies will not be glorified. Instead, the souls of unbelievers will join with bodies that are shamed, condemned to everlasting contempt, separated from the presence of God.

It’s not a pretty picture. God sent his Son, Jesus, to rescue people from that fate. Jesus suffered hell in our place on the cross so that our sins do not condemn us to shame and everlasting contempt. Instead, trusting in Jesus, we look forward to awakening on judgment day to everlasting life.

Prayer:
Dear God, when I rise from the dead on judgment day, lead me to everlasting life through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Jesus Return – November 17, 2021

At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
Mark 13:26,27

Jesus Return

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Daily Devotion – November 17, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 13:26,27

See series: Devotions

One of the remarkable promises Jesus made about the day he returns to judge this world is that when he returns, every eye will see him. How is that even possible?

The Bible is very clear about how that is possible. It says that the angels will pick up all believers in Jesus on judgment day and take them to the very place that Jesus is returning. It doesn’t matter where in the world you live or precisely where Jesus chooses to return. God will use his angels to get you there.

It’s kind of cool to think about this extra duty for the angels. Already taking care of you in more ways than you know, angels are also always ready to take you to the point of Jesus’ return on judgment day. It may be a bit scary on that day since Jesus is returning with great power and glory, so it will be nice to have the presence of angels who know what they are doing.

The earth as we know it will be destroyed on judgment day. But Jesus and his angels will bring you safely through that time to eternity. In the meantime, give thanks that God has it all figured out.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for providing Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for providing angels to take care of me. Bring me safely to heaven through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Souls Already in Heaven – November 16, 2021

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:14

Souls Already in Heaven

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Daily Devotion – November 16, 2021

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:14

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There are souls already in heaven. They trusted in Jesus for their salvation, and they have begun to enjoy eternity with him. Their bodies are still in the ground, but the souls are really enjoying paradise. It’s hard for us to picture the state of consciousness of a soul without a body, but the Bible encourages us to think of it like falling asleep.

At a certain point—only God knows when—those souls will return to earth to be reunited with their bodies. The Bible calls that the “second resurrection.” The first resurrection is when those souls came to faith in Jesus, but at the second resurrection, on Judgment Day, those souls will go back together with their original bodies. It doesn’t matter how much those bodies have disintegrated. God will raise them as glorified bodies.

Is that hard to believe? When we go to the graveyard, everything seems so permanent. But the soul of Jesus separated from his body, went to heaven, and then returned to his body. Jesus rose from the dead—body and soul—and appeared to many people to prove it. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, so we believe that we will die and rise again as well.

The resurrection of Jesus was dramatic, but the resurrection of people whose souls are already in heaven will be breathtaking. Jesus will be in the sky, and he will bring with him the souls of all of those people. They will reenter their glorified bodies. It’s going to be spectacular!

In the meantime, we wait with patience. We grieve the temporary loss of our loved ones in death, but we look forward to the resurrection of the dead.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you that because of your promises of sins forgiven and eternal life I am able to look forward to your return with eager anticipation. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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You Will Know – November 15, 2021

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

You Will Know

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Daily Devotion – November 15, 2021

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

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Every couple of years, someone new claims to be Jesus returned to earth. They’re always lying.

When Jesus returns to earth, you will know it. First, you will hear it. There will be a loud command coming from heaven, the voice of an angel, and the amazing sound of a trumpet—louder than the amber alert on your phone—that can be heard everywhere in the world.

Then in the middle of all that sound, you will see it. The Lord himself will come down from heaven. He will not sneak up to you on the street and tap you on the shoulder. He will not suddenly reveal himself in a church service. You will look up the heavens, and you will see him.

If there is any doubt in your mind that it is really Jesus, that doubt will disappear. You yourself will be caught up to meet him in the clouds. Jesus does not mean that to be scary. He means it to be encouraging. Those who trust in him will be with the Lord forever.

It’s hard to picture exactly what heaven will be like, but we have the guarantee that we will be with the Lord forever, and that’s enough. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, take away my uncertainties, and lead me to trust that you are coming soon. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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The Perfect Cure – November 14, 2021

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”
Matthew 9:32-34

The Perfect Cure

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Daily Devotion – November 14, 2021

Devotion based on Matthew 9:32-34

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In the Old Testament, there is only one mention of demon possession: “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). As God was allowing his people to be ruled by their first king, the devil threw some challenges at the man on the throne. King Saul proved unequal to the test.

In the New Testament, the devil pulls out every stop as Israel beholds the coming of the Heavenly King. It seems as if every kind of demon-possession imaginable fell across the path of Jesus, from the woman “who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years” (Luke 13:11) to the poor man in our text. Jesus showed himself to be up to every test.

Although some still doubted, such miracles showed Jesus’ power over what is unseen as well as what is seen. He is the absolute and perfect cure not only for demons and illnesses but for sin itself. He carried away what we could never hope to rid ourselves of.

Jesus showed his power over the devil with this miracle. And finally, with his perfect life and innocent death, Jesus won for us the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, comfort me today with the reminder that you are all-powerful and can overcome every one of my enemies, even death itself. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Beautiful People – November 13, 2021

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.”
Jeremiah 23:5,6

Beautiful People


Daily Devotion – November 13, 2021

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:5,6

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In the days of Jeremiah, the prophet, about 600 years before the birth of Jesus, many people of God’s chosen nation had turned away from God into unbelief. They followed false teachers that led them into idolatry. However, there were some people who remained faithful to the true God. Through Jeremiah, God promised that he would gather all his faithful ones and bless them.

The Lord announced that glorious time, “The days are coming when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” With the word “branch,” God wants us to think of a shoot or sprout which grows out of a dying stump or from the ground where a tree stump is decaying. With this imagery, God pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His roots or ancestry were from the line of King David. But by the time of his arrival, the grandeur of the Davidic kingdom had died and decayed under David’s godless successors. The Messiah, however, came to reestablish the glory of David’s throne, although not in the same way as before.

Jesus Christ is a King, but his kingdom is new and different. His is a spiritual kingdom in which he benevolently rules over his people forever by faith.

God cares for his people, and he saves them. He sent Jesus to do what is “just and right in the land.” In contrast to the people who rejected God and lived in disobedience to his will, Jesus lived in perfect obedience to the will of God and was guiltless of any sin. He lived this way for our benefit. God charged the perfect righteousness of his Son to us. He is: THE LORD, OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Covered with the pure holiness of Jesus Christ, we are beautiful people in God’s eyes and blessed by him now and forever.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 376)
Jesus, your blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Two Judgment Days – November 12, 2021

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27,28

Two Judgment Days


Daily Devotion – November 12, 2021

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:27,28

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The Bible shows that the universe is steadily marching toward one big event: the Last Day. Because this is the day on which Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, it is also called judgment day.

But if all of history is leading to this final judgment, how can today’s Bible passage say that people are judged by God after they die? Does that mean that there are two judgment days?

Yes, in a certain respect, there are. The day that you die is your own personal judgment day. Your eternal destiny is determined the moment you die. Whoever dies with faith in Christ is given eternal life, and whoever dies in unbelief is condemned to eternal death.

When Jesus returns on the Last Day, all the dead will rise and stand before him for judgment. The verdict that he gives on judgment day will not be different from the one he gave when they died. Those who died in unbelief and went to hell will receive the same verdict, as will those who died in faith and went to heaven.

But if the verdict is the same, what is the point of judgement day? God wants to publicly announce the verdict that he has already given. Sinful humans have the nasty habit of questioning God’s justice and his love. So on the Last Day, God will assemble all people of all time and show them the justice of his judgments and the full extent of his love.

He will give evidence from the lives of unbelievers that they earned the judgment they have already received since their deaths. He will also show how those who died trusting in Jesus received enteral life as a gift, just like he promised. That is why Christ’s appearance on the Last Day is not something to be afraid of but to wait for!

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, give me faith to meet you when I die, and help me to wait expectantly for your salvation. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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