Scriptures teach that King Jesus is the Son of God in flesh and the only hope for salvation. Jesus himself claimed that He is the only way into the glorious kingdom of heaven. You do not approach meeting someone like that casually or carelessly. You prepare meticulously. What does that mean? What does a life of readiness—ready to meet such a King—look like? In one word: repentance. If we insist on hanging onto our sins, how can we receive the One who came for the very purpose of taking those sins away?

Throughout history, God has raised up called servants—like John the Baptist—to preach a message of repentance. This repentance is central to our preparation for the Lord’s coming. Without repentance, the King’s coming only terrifies. But all those who believe and repent look forward to the coming of the King and the consummation of his everlasting kingdom.

The Sunday – Lord, keep us mindful of the Judgment! He will come to judge the living and the dead. We confess it every Sunday, but often live like those are empty words. Today the Church prays that God keep us ever mindful of the Last Judgment that we might be found in faith, fruitful in both Word and deed. Then there’s no need to fear Judgment Day; rather, we can look forward to the day of our redemption.

The Season – The focus of the season is fulfillment of Christ’s promises and encouragement for the Church of the End Times. We live in the last age of this earth, and in this season, Jesus wants us to remember His promise, “Behold, I am coming soon!” The Prayer of the Day for each Sunday in End Times sets the theme for the day. On each Sunday, the Church prays that God would bestow on her a characteristic necessary for the End Times Church.

Our God establishes earthly governments.

Have you ever thought much about the word “friend”? In simple, practical terms, a friend is someone who cares about you and expresses that care in word and deed. Jesus is the ultimate example. The Bible observes that there is no greater expression of caring than to lay down one’s life for a friend. Jesus laid down His life for the world: friends and enemies. Jesus is an eternally faithful friend who gives us peace today and forever.

The Sunday is summarized in the Prayer of the Day, which thanks God for the implanting of the Word and asks for the Spirit’s help in producing fruits of faith. The Christian is planted by the Word and produces fruit.

From the beginning of time, God provided rest for His creation. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart, that man might learn to find his rest in God alone. In Jesus, the Christian finds rest from his burdens, rest from his battles, and rest forever in heaven. The Christian finds rest in Jesus.

In the early 700s AD, there lived an English churchman known to history as the Venerable Bede. He was the great teacher of the Middle Ages, the man who divided history into AD and BC, the first great historian of the English language and a devout man of God. On May 25, 735 AD, on the great Ascension Vigil, Bede finished his translation of the Gospel of St. John into Old English. Then, on that day of Ascension, he died. From his deathbed, the Teacher of the Middle Ages spoke the words that have become the Prayer of the Day on Ascension. This beautiful prayer sets the tone for the day, beginning with a note of triumph and ending with a supplication for the Spirit and His work.

Welcome to worship today at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church.  We exist to glorify God.  We… read more

Welcome to worship today at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church.  We exist to glorify God.  We… read more