University Lutheran Church, LC-MS

The Scripture readings for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, January 29, 2012, are:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

In the Old Testament lesson, God sets up the office of the prophet. Moses is the first great prophet, and those prophets who follow him will speak only God’s Word, revealed to them. What they say will come true.

The Epistle continues readings from Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. Paul deals with the “thorny” issue of meat offered to idols and then given for food. Paul explains that since false “gods” do not really exist (“there is no God but one”), there is no sin in eating this food or any other. However, we should not do anything that will create confusion for “weaker” Christians and lead them to sin against their conscience.

In the Gospel lesson, we see more of who Jesus really is. He teaches with God’s authority and has power over evil spirits, who must confess that Jesus is the Holy One of God. News of Him then spreads quickly.

The Scripture readings for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 22, 2012, are:

Old Testament: Jonah 3:1-5,10

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

In the Old Testament lesson, Jonah is sent to preach to the city of Nineveh and to call the people to repentance and belief in God. The people do repent in time, and the city is spared from destruction.

In the Epistle, Paul is writing in a time of crisis, and he reminds people that they don’t have “all the time in the world.” He calls them to live with the right priorities and to know that this world, as it is, is passing away.

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus is calling people to repent and believe the good news (the Gospel). He also calls disciples to follow Him and promises to make them “fishers of men.”

The Scripture readings for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, January 15, 2012, are:

Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Gospel: John 1:43-51

In the Old Testament lesson, we have the calling of Samuel to be a prophet of God. He was called to listen to the Lord, as His servant, and then speak that Word to others.

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus is also calling people to be His followers. As they discover that He is the promised Savior, they are to tell others to “come and see” Jesus, too.

In the Epistle, Paul calls us to honor God with our bodies and to be a positive witness for Him with all of our life. Jesus bought us, at the price of His sacrifice on the cross, that we might serve our Lord, through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.

The Scripture readings for Sunday, January 8, 2012, the Baptism of Jesus, are:

Psalm: Psalm 29

Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-5

Epistle: Romans 6:1-11

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11

In Psalm 29, David speaks of the great power of God, showing itself in the natural world. The Lord needs only to speak, and amazing things happen. God is also holy, and He wishes, above all, to strengthen people and give them peace.

In the Old Testament lesson, we hear the familiar description of the creation, with mention of God and His powerful works, as well as the “Spirit of God,” which was “hovering over the waters.”

The Epistle lesson tells us that we receive the benefit of what Jesus has done, in our baptism. We die to our old life and are raised to a new life, through God’s power. We are no longer slaves to sin, but Christ Jesus lives in us, and we can battle the temptations of Satan, through Him.

The Gospel lesson makes it clear that Jesus is God’s own Son, coming to fulfill all righteousness, for us sinful people. He is anointed with the Holy Spirit, in His baptism. The Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is at work to rescue the world from sin.

The Scripture readings for New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2011, are:

Old Testament: Isaiah 30:8-17

Epistle: Romans 8:31-39

Gospel: Luke 12:35-40

This will be a Confessional Communion service at 7pm at University Lutheran, as we end the old year in repentance and thanksgiving, and prepare for the New Year in hope and joy.

In the Old Testament lesson, God speaks of the rebellion of God’s people, who don’t want to listen to God’s Word. They run off, away from God, into disaster; yet God still longs to be gracious to them and rises to show compassion.

The Epistle is Paul’s classic statement of confidence that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. He will give us what we need, as we trust in Him; and He is interceding for us.

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus uses the picture image of servants awaiting their master’s return from a wedding banquet. Like those servants, we must remain vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ.

The Scripture readings for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2012, are:

Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27

Epistle: Galatians 3:23-29

Gospel: Luke 2:21

This day is also known as “The Circumcision and Naming of Jesus,” as those significant events took place about a week after Jesus’ birth.

In the Old Testament lesson, we hear God instructing Moses as to how Aaron and his sons are to bless the Israelites. God gives Moses the familiar words, which we now commonly use as our Benediction in worship.

The Epistle reminds us that through faith in Christ and His saving work, we are now freed from the entrapment of sin and the Law, and we are all “sons of God” and heirs of His promises of life and salvation.

The Gospel reading is only one verse, but tells of an important day in the life of any Jewish boy – his circumcision and naming. Jesus underwent everything necessary to fulfill God’s will and rescue us; and He prepares us for the New Testament gift of baptism.