The ministry of the law and the gospel, Part 1

 ...distinct yet inseparable for you own good. 

Verse for the week: “O Lord, teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts; and I will contemplate your wondrous works.”  Psalm 119.26-27

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Exodus 34.29-35

 ²⁹ When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. ³⁰ Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. ³¹ But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. ³² Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. ³³ And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

³⁴ Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, ³⁵ the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the holy, fearful work of your law: it exposes me for the sinner I am and condemns my sin to the death of my pride. And thank you for not stopping with Moses… thank you for the forgiveness, new life, and salvation that are mine in Christ… in him alone the veil is removed and we behold the fullness of your grace and truth. Hallow your name among us, Lord; preserve the ministry of the law and the Gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrHo0UGK_0&ab_channel=St.Paul%27sEpiscopalChurch

“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”

What does this mean? 

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.