Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church
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Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church is a congregation
of the North American Lutheran Church. www.thenalc.org
We invite you to worship with us each SUNDAY at 9:30am.
Join us for Bible studies, Sunday School, youth group, and more.
Come, visit and see if God is calling you to be part of our church family!
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Service at 9:30am – Adult Sunday School at 8:30am
Thoughts on the Readings (from Sola Publishing)
Jesus came to call sinners to follow him and repent of their sinfulness. The righteous person has no need to repent if he or she is without sin or fault. In the same way, Hosea pleaded with people of Israel to turn away from their ungodliness and return to worshipping the one true God. The psalmist asks for God’s guidance in revealing His laws and expectations, that we humans might know them and strive to do God’s will for our lives. All of this is dependent upon the faith, which the Holy Spirit has so graciously bestowed upon us, just as he did with Abraham so long ago.
First Reading – Hosea 5:15-6:6
The people of Ephraim and Judah have, once again, placed their trust in earthly kings and false idols. Hosea urges the people to turn from their ways, repent of their sinful idolatry, and return to the Lord their God. For it is only in God and his promises that the people will find true comfort.
Psalm – Psalm 119:65-72
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. Here we have several verses that focus on our need for God’s law in our lives. The psalmist asks for God to shed light on His statutes and to help the psalmist see that in his afflictions, God has brought him closer to Himself.
Second Reading – Romans 4:13-25
In this portion of Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, he reminds the Romans of the deep faith that was given to Abraham. He further reminds them that the same faith has been passed down through the generations. For God promised Abraham many descendants, and with each of those descendants, Abraham’s faith and trust in God was passed on.
Gospel – Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus is criticized for reaching out to Matthew and calling him as one of his disciples. Jesus turns heads when he goes to Matthew’s home to have a meal with him. The Pharisees are ready to entrap Jesus. Why would Jesus have anything to do with such riffraff like tax collectors and other sinners? Jesus turns the tables on the Pharisees, telling them that all are in need of his grace and mercy.