[Jesus said] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:26,27
Are you looking for peace? We want there to be peace in the world, but then war is waged. We want to live peaceful and quite lives, but riots break out in the streets. We want there to be peace in our relationships, but sharp words stir things up. At the end of a long day, we just want some peace and quiet, but we come home to more work—a stack of laundry, something to fix, something to clean.
What is it that troubles you? What is happening in your life, internally or externally, that robs you of a sense of peace? Externally a war of evil is being waged. Internally, we wrestle sinful desires or guilt. We just want peace. We just need peace!
In this world the concept of peace is so elusive, and it always will be. The peace that our world dangles in front of us is just a concept. It’s an ideal that we’re striving for but never seem to find it.
The peace that Jesus gives is not merely a state of mind. It’s something that God declares. You have peace with God through the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. God declares that you are at peace with him. You have the peace of a complete salvation—there is nothing left for you to do. Rest in the peace of Jesus and his love!
As Jesus was about to leave this world, he gave his disciples an out-of-this-world peace! He promised to send his Spirit to remind and to teach. Jesus hasn’t left us in this world to find our own peace. He gives us his Spirit to remind and teach by his Word that even as the battles rage internally and externally, we have peace. Peace with God. An out-of-this-world peace in Jesus and by his Spirit.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and continually bring eternal, out-of-this-world peace in Jesus. Amen.
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2
WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
We pray that you find comfort, peace and motivation through
God’s Word today.
At St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, we practice close
Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in
receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to
the service.
At St. John’s, the restrooms are located in the link way, out the church entry way, to the left and down the stairs. At Emmanuel, they are located in the lower level, out the church entry way and to the right. You may also find a nursery changing station in the lower level of St. John’s.
In our worship bulletin, you will find an outline of today’s order of worship. The entire service can be found in the hymnal or up on the screen.
TODAY’S THEME
Through the Word, the Triune God Blesses Us
The Scriptures never use the words “Trinity” or “Triune.” They never even summarize in any single place the entirety of this doctrine. Instead, as we read God’s Word from the first verse of Genesis to the last verse of Revelation, he gives us hints and glimpses of his Triune nature. Thus, the doctrine of the Trinity can seem very academic, even abstract. It may seem to have little relevance to the Christian’s daily life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, as God provides those hints and glimpses, his primary focus is on the way in which his Triune nature is a blessing to us. God shows us how we benefit from the fact he exists as Trinity. God dwells in a “majesty and mystery” (Prayer of the Day) that far exceeds our understanding. But here is what we can understand. Every time we gather in the name of the Lord, our Triune God, we receive indescribable blessings.
ORDER OF SERVICE The Service Setting 2 with communion – pg. 172
HYMNS 483, 586, 715, 927
PSALM 8A
SERMON John 16:12-15 “Our Salvation–The Work of the Triune God”
LESSONS
Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
John 16:12-15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
– For the sick and others facing trials…Caryl Bassett, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Florence Dahlke, Vicki Davis (Marilyn Riemer’s sister), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer (Sally’s husband), Earl Ewert, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Joe Heller, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob & Sandy Klapper, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Brian Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Karen Radke, Wayne Riemer, Sierra Schmidt (Linda Lou Wacholtz’s grand-daughter), Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Pat Sommerfeld, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dixie Wagner, Stacy Weisensel (added this week: __)
– For missions
– For Northern Wisconsin District Convention 6/14-15 at Fox Valley Lutheran High School–Appleton
TEACHER INSTALLATION FOR BARBARA STELTER, LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR Stay tuned for the August date. Located in the link way at St. John’s and entry way of Emmanuel, you will find a gift box. If you would like to give a gift to Barbara, we will be collecting gas cards as she will be driving back and forth from Princeton. We will present these to her at her installation.
SCHOOL PAINTING Thank you to everyone who showed up to paint our school this past week. It looks beautiful and clean. To God be the glory and service in His name!
“How is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Acts 2:8-11
He recently moved from overseas with his family. Everything was new. The language was not his native tongue. The food was not what he was accustomed to. He had to drive on new roads with new rules. Working and interacting in a new culture was not always easy.
Imagine the relief when he came across something familiar. Christianity was not predominate in his home country, but this man was a Christian. When he came to a Christian church in a country and culture not his own, he walked into something familiar. As his voice joined with others in praise to God, he and his family suddenly didn’t feel like strangers anymore.
After the worship service, he ran up to the pastor, service folder in hand. He exclaimed, “Pastor! In my country, in my language we say the same thing!” He pointed to prayers, lessons, words spoken in unison that confessed the triune God.
That is the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word to unite us with God. In doing so, he also unites us with each other. No matter where you are from or what language you speak, together we hear and read the same powerful Word of God translated into our own native tongues.
When we read and study the Bible, or when we walk through those church doors, we’re stepping into a place where we find unity amid diversity. The Spirit takes us to a place that transcends time, language, and culture. With our unique backgrounds and cultures and languages we hear the same wonders of God proclaimed—the wonderful news of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the nations. Then our varied voices blend into one as we praise and proclaim one Lord and Savior. You’re no longer a stranger in a new place. You belong here now.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, unite and strengthen my bond with all believers everywhere by the power of your Word! Amen.
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . . And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:17,21
“Daddy? Mommy? Help me!” The little girl calls out frantically. She was downstairs playing by herself when she tripped. It hurts. She feels all alone. For a moment, she doesn’t know where her parents are. Can they hear her? Will they come to help her? The cries intensify.
But as soon as he heard his daughter cry for help, Daddy leaped up from his desk and ran downstairs to help his daughter. All she needed was to be picked up, comforted, and to know that she was not alone as she rested in the arms of her father.
“Lord, help me!” We are down here, and God is in heaven. We trip and stumble. We experience something that hurts or something that terrifies us. At times, we may feel all alone. For a moment, we may wonder, “Can God hear me? Will he come to help me?” The cries intensify.
But before you ever cried out to the Lord, he has come to help you. First, he sent his Son to rescue you from the punishment of sin. By his dying and rising from the dead, Jesus has saved you eternally. Because of Jesus, you can call the God who made you “Father,” and he listens.
God also sent his Spirit, the Comforter. God is not far away. He’s closer than we might often realize. He sends his Spirit to dwell in you and in the heart of every believer. The Spirit unites us with the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are not left hanging in this life wondering if God still listens, cares, and will help us. He has come to help and comfort.
The Lord will come again to rescue you one last time from this world of troubles. Until then, he has given you his Spirit to comfort and assure you that you are not alone—you rest in the tender love and care of your God and your Father!
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirt, and comfort me when I am hurt, strengthen me when I am week, and keep me in your tender care. Amen.
Have you ever experienced a language barrier? I was traveling in a foreign country and found myself at a loss for words. I knew what I wanted to say. I even tried as I pulled up the language learning app on my phone. But either a poor translation or mispronounced words made the native speaker laugh instead of understand. The barrier still remained.
Those language barriers have existed ever since tower of Babel. Early in human history, recorded in the Bible, everyone spoke a common language. However, when they united around a sinful purpose, God said, “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other” (Genesis 11:7). And the barrier has remained to this day.
Those language barriers are also a reminder of a bigger barrier that once stood between us and God. That barrier didn’t cause embarrassment, or confusion. Sin once separated us from God eternally.
But the Spirit of God breaks those barriers. He broke the barrier of language on Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, when he sent the Holy Sprit. All of a sudden, the language barriers were torn down by the Spirit. Jesus’ disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they were able to speak in other languages. Travels from all over the world heard the good news of Jesus in their very own language. And the barrier came down.
By the written Word of God, which has been translated into your language and many more, the Spirit is at work to tear down that barrier that once stood between you and God. By the good news of Jesus that you hear and read in your own language the Spirit creates and strengthens faith. In your very own language, you hear the good news that no barrier remains between you and God because Jesus paid your price. Jesus was crucified for you! Jesus was raised to life for you! Sin no longer separates you from God. It has been taken away.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and tear down the barriers I have created. By your Word, strengthen my faith to know the love of God and complete forgiveness I have through Christ. Amen.
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down. Genesis 11:4,5
It didn’t seem like they were doing anything wrong. They wanted to build a tower to reach the skies. They united around a building project. They were getting along.
But God had different plans for them. After the flood, he told Noah and his family to “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1). But the generations following Noah wanted to stay put. They were comfortable. They wanted to build more than just a tower. They wanted to build a name for themselves. Their pride led to their divide.
“The Lord came down” and confused their language, so that their building efforts came to screeching halt. They could not understand each other, so they parted ways.
Haven’t we wanted to build something and accomplish something to make a name for ourselves? Haven’t we planned according to our will above God’s will? Haven’t we made comfort and convenience a higher priority than doing what God wants us to do? That sinful pride divides.
But God unites. The Lord came down another time. This time he did not come to scatter. He came to gather. Jesus, true God and true man, came down from heaven to mend the divide your pride has caused between you and God. He came to save all who are scattered throughout the world. By his perfect life and death on the cross he made peace between you and God. He rose from the dead and promised to send the Holy Spirit.
And he did. He sent his Spirit 50 days after he rose from the dead on a day called Pentecost. He sends his Spirit to you through his Word and through baptism. The Spirit unites. He unites you with the God who created you and saved you. He unites you with his family—the church.
By the power of the Spirit, you are no longer separated from God; you are united to him, now and forever!
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in me the fire of your love! Amen.
Have you ever tried to phone someone only to discover that the number was changed and is now unlisted? This can be very frustrating, especially if you really need to reach that person.
Imagine not being able to reach God, or worse, having him hang up on you! But don’t be afraid of that. The apostle Peter tells us that a call to God, based on true faith in him as our Lord, will always get through. The “line” to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will never be disconnected for those who call on him.
These words also remind us that the day of judgment is fast approaching. It could come this year. It could come next week. Today is our time of grace; our time to call on the name of the Lord in faith and live with the blessing of being connected to him now and forever. This is also our time to point others to Jesus Christ who is the only source of their salvation, so that they too may call on the Lord in faith and be saved.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank and praise you for not turning a deaf ear to my cries for mercy and for sending your one and only Son to take the punishment my sins deserve. Help me call on you in faith for my eternal salvation and help me share this wonderful news with others. Amen.
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10
When Jesus sent out his disciples, they heard from his own mouth where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent special gifts from the Spirit to tell those disciples where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say.
In today’s reading from the book of Acts, Jesus made it clear where he wanted Paul and his companions to go. But they already knew what to say. God had called them to preach the gospel to people.
The gospel is the good news that Jesus lived a perfect life in our place and then died to take the punishment for our sins. The gospel is the good news that we have forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus. God called Paul to preach the gospel.
And God still calls people to preach that gospel today. He does not use visions from the Spirit. Instead, God calls people through the Church, through people who have come to believe in Jesus through the gospel.
And there are still people asking preachers to teachers to “come over and help us.” All around the world, from Tennessee to Tibet, people are asking to be reassured of their forgiveness through faith in Jesus. How good it is to know God still answers those prayers by sending his representatives to proclaim the good news of sins forgiven!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, send your messengers wherever the good news needs to be proclaimed. Amen.
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Acts 2:1
WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
We pray that you find comfort, peace and motivation through
God’s Word today.
At St. John’s, the restrooms are located in the link way, out the
church entry way, to the left and down the stairs. At Emmanuel,
they are located in the lower level, out the church entry way and
to the right. You may also find a nursery changing station
in the lower level of St. John’s.
In our worship bulletin, you will find an outline of today’s order
of worship. The entire service can be found in the hymnal or up
on the screen.
TODAY’S THEME
The Spirit Marches Victorious Through the Word
Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to march victorious around the world! Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. This raises an important question. If God now reveals himself by his Spirit, where is the Holy Spirit found? God has not left the answer to that question in doubt. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, he indicated that his work would be connected to words, specifically God’s Word. As a result, we need never wonder where we can find the Spirit. He marches victorious through the Word.
ORDER OF SERVICE The Service Setting 2 – pg. 172
HYMNS 477, 585, 931
PSALM 104D
SERMON Genesis 11:1-9 “They Don’t Speak the Same Language”
LESSONS
Genesis 11:1-9
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward,[a] they found a plain in Shinar[b] and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel[c]—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b]10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
John 14:23-27
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
– For the sick and others facing trials…Caryl Bassett, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Florence Dahlke, Vicki Davis (Marilyn Riemer’s sister), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer (Sally’s husband), Earl Ewert, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Joe Heller, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob & Sandy Klapper, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Brian Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Karen Radke, Wayne Riemer, Sierra Schmidt (Linda Lou Wacholtz’s grand-daughter), Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Pat Sommerfeld, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dixie Wagner, Stacy Weisensel (added this week: __)
SCHOOL PAINTING This week, we plan on painting the Montello school walls and we could use some volunteers. If you are interested, please let Larry Sellnow know 616-822-6689 or just show up at 8:00am. Lunch will be provided each day. Thank you in advance for your service!
[Jesus said] “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
My mom did so much for me as I grew up, and I will be forever grateful. Of all the things she did for me, there is one task that I am sure was no fun: washing my high school football practice jerseys and pants. First, there are few odors worse than a football locker room. Second, they were regularly covered in all kinds of stains: grass, mud, sweat. Mom did everything she could. She would lovingly scrub and scrub and do her best, but not even mom could remove some of those stains.
Life can feel like that sometimes. Our daily lives have a way of staining us as well. There are things in the past that we have said and done. Things that have left some deep stains: guilt and hurt and remorse. And like mom with the bleach, we try our best to get rid of those stains. We try to forget and block them out of our minds. We try hard to do better and be good. We try to make it up in some way. We do everything we can, but we can’t scrub them clean. Certainly, such stained people like us can’t make it into God’s heaven.
Thankfully, there was One who could and did scrub us clean of all sin. He didn’t use detergent or bleach. Rather, he used his very blood—blood he shed on the cross for you and me. Blood that was pure and holy and able to wash every single one of our sinful stains away. Because of Jesus, we now are pure, holy, and righteous in Gods sight. Our robes have been washed and we now have the right to the tree of life and to go through the gate into heaven.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life in my place and washing me clean in your precious blood. Lead me today and every day to thank you for your grace and look forward to the day when I will walk through those gates and see you face to face. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
