Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Proper 25

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Joel 2:23-32 . . . the prophet pictures a time of great joy and gladness
Psalm 65 . . . a psalm of praise and thanksgiving
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 . . . Paul, believing that his death is near, closes his letter to Timothy and looks forward with great faith to the heavenly kingdom.
Luke 18:9-14 . . . the story of the Pharisee who trust in his righteousness and the sinful tax collector.
Sermon: “Never Enough

What does it mean to be “justified,” and how does it feel compared to being “righteous”?  David J. Lose, Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota and former seminary president and professor of preaching, has good answers in this week’s sermon and I think you are going to want to hear them. Click here.