Lectio Concordia

The Word of the Lord – Saturday

Preparing for Epiphany 3

Series: Lectio Concordia

January 25, 2025 By Rev. Mark Ryman

• Online jigsaw puzzle of today's reading • Index

• Collect: Only you, O Lord, are my light and salvation. Therefore, I ask that you would have me as a houseguest, dwelling in your presence all the days of my life, so that I may perceive your beauty and goodness in this life and the one to come. Amen.

• Psalm 78:1–8

• John 16:12–15

• The preacher’s planting and watering, as well as the activity and desire of the hearer, would be in vain, and no conversion would follow if the power and efficacy of the Holy Spirit were absent. For the Spirit enlightens and converts human hearts through the Word preached and heard, so that people believe the Word. Still, neither preacher nor hearer is to doubt this grace and efficacy of the Holy Spirit, but should be certain that when the Word of God is preached purely and truly, according to the command and will of God, and men listen attentively and earnestly and meditate upon it, God is certainly present with his grace, and grants, as has been said, what otherwise man cannot accept or give from his own powers. For concerning the presence, operation, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, we would not and cannot always judge ex sensu, as to how and when they are experienced in the heart. Yet because they are often covered and occur in great weakness, we should be certain, because of the promise, that the Word of God preached and heard is an office and work of the Holy Spirit by which he is certainly efficacious and works in our hearts, 2 Corinthians 2:14ff; 3:5ff. [The Formula of Concord Solid Declaration, Free Will]

• Hymn: “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word,” Martin Luther Tune

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would seek to overthrow your Son
and to destroy what he has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your Christendom that we
may sing your praise eternally.

O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.

• Benediction: May the Word of the Lord sustain you, keeping you in a grace and peace that the world cannot deliver but which is freely yours through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.

• Memory Verse: For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 1:18)

• Memory Verse Aid: FTWOTC IFTTWAP, BTUWABS IITPOG.
(1C1:18)