Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - October 23, 2022
“How can you be so sure?” That is the question we may find ourselves asking when we read the confidence expressed by Paul in today’s Epistle: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8); “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me. . . . I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. . . . The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:17–18a). “Paul, how can you be so sure?” Today’s service will help us to see that Paul’s certainty was not based upon his strength of faith or his works of ministry; no, it was based solely on God’s faithfulness to him in Jesus Christ, the Crucified! Through His Word and Spirit, God provides such confidence and certainty to us also as we gather in His presence and are received by Him as members of His heavenly kingdom. “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18b).
Bulletin