Bethlehem Lutheran Church River Grove, IL

In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. 

Reformation Sunday - Reformation Sunday is celebrated next week on the last Sunday in October. It commemorates the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation, when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. For Lutherans, this day is not merely about history or human achievement—it is a celebration of God’s work through His Word to restore the Gospel to its rightful place at the center of the Church’s life. Reformation Sunday proclaims the truth that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, for the sake of Christ alone. It rejoices in the freedom the Gospel brings—freedom from the burden of earning salvation and freedom to live in joyful service to God and neighbor.

All Saints Day  - On November 2 we will observe All Saints Day.  As is tradition we will read the names of all our members who have died in Christ during this past year.  In addition we will read the names of other Christians who have died during this last year at the request of any member.  If you have a name please fill out the form in the Sunday bulletin or email me with the person’s name, the date of death and their relationship to you.  Please do this by October 29.

Devotion – Sunday’s Epistle Lesson - 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 “Continue in What You Have Learned”

Paul’s words to Timothy are both tender and urgent: “Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.” The young pastor faced a world full of false teachers, empty promises, and itching ears eager for easy truths. Paul reminds him—and us—that the Word of God alone gives wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Our world is no less noisy. We are surrounded by voices that tempt us to trade the truth for comfort, to follow our feelings instead of God’s Word. Yet the Scriptures remain the sure foundation. They are “God-breathed,” filled with the Spirit of Christ, able to correct, rebuke, and train us in righteousness.

The call to “preach the Word” is not only for pastors—it’s for every Christian who confesses Christ in word and deed. We hold fast to the Gospel, not because it’s popular, but because it’s true. And this Gospel is not merely instruction—it is life. It points us always to Jesus, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation.

So when faith grows weary or truth seems unclear, remember Paul’s charge: Continue. Cling to Christ in His Word. He remains faithful, and in Him, your labor is never in vain.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, living Word of God, keep us steadfast in Your truth. When the world’s voices grow loud, quiet our hearts with Your promises. Give us courage to confess Your name and faith to persevere until the end. Amen.

 This Sunday - NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Genesis 32:22–30

2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

Luke 18:1–8

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer

“Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times, we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and opened the gates of heaven to all who trust in him.

God accepts all who believe in Jesus even though there is no merit or worthiness in us.

So that we might believe in Jesus, God has given us the ministry, which is the preaching of Christ and the

Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through these, God also gives us the forgiveness of sins.

When God brings people to faith, He also produces many good works in our lives. These are done, not to earn

grace, but to do God’s will and please him. We love him because he first loved us.

God has given every man, woman and child a calling in life. Within that calling He directs us, and through

His Word, strengthens us to live for Him.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Bible is free from all error and contradiction in all that it says.

The Word of God brings us to Jesus our Lord.