Scripture Readings - Preparing for Worship

The Lord can bless us even more during worship, if we take time to prepare. Before each service, we will be providing for you here the Scripture readings and a few notes about upcoming worship.

Take time to read the Scriptures beforehand, and you will better be able to see how the service fits together with a basic theme in the liturgy and hymns and Scriptures and sermon. To look up select Scripture passages, go to the Bible Gateway.

In the Old Testament lesson, Elijah is called to go and bring God’s message to a “rebellious nation” – the people of Israel.  Ezekiel is to speak God’s Word, whether the people will listen or fail to listen.

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus goes to His hometown of Nazareth and is amazed at people’s lack of faith.  Even among His relatives and in His own house, He is a prophet without honor.  So many are offended by Him and His teaching.

Paul, too, in the Epistle lesson, speaks of his weakness and “a thorn in the flesh” that will not leave him.  He is confident, though, that God’s power can work through him and that God will give him sufficient grace for his work of service to the Lord.