We have a big Sunday coming up this week! First we finish our elder doubleheader, as our very own Mark Rist will be preaching the sermon this week. Then we get to enjoy celebrating the Lord's Supper together!

Last week we heard Jesus' promise that for all those who follow Him, persecution is the expected norm and not the exception. This week in Matthew, Jesus affirms again the challenge and cost of faithfully following him. This passage is filled with familiar phrases - "I came not to bring peace, but a sword"... "Fear him who can destroy both body and soul in Hell"... "Whoever loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me"... Take up [your] cross and follow me" - All words which convey the difficult choices and challenges we face as Jesus' disciples.

Celebrating he Lord's Supper provides both the motivation and the means for being faithful to Christ, as we face these difficult choices and challenges. First, the bread and the wine remind us of our Savior's costly sacrifice and unwavering determination in choosing to endure the shame and pain of the cross for wretches like us. Second, the sacrament is both a sign and seal of our faith, as well as a means of grace... Grace that we so desperately need, especially to stand strong in our faith.

See you on Sunday! - Pastor Tom