Pilgrim Worship Sunday July 30, 2023

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

July 30, 2023

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 9:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY

   Old Testament:  Deuteronomy 7:6-9
                Psalm:  Psalm 125
                Epistle:  Romans 8:28-39
               Gospel:  Matthew 13:44-52

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP

In the first two parables in the Gospel text for today, Jesus teaches us a different facet of life in the kingdom of heaven.  The first speaks of a hidden treasure and the second, a pearl of great value.  In both parables, the person who finds them sold all that he had to obtain the treasure.  Often, people get distracted by the pearl and treasure, picturing in them faith or the Gospel.  Both are so priceless we must give up everything to have it.  While this is true, I doubt that is Jesus’ point.  In the Old Testament reading [Deuteronomy 7:6] we get a good clue to a better understanding.

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17      

Thursday Psalms: Peace Be Upon You!

This psalm has a very national tone, possibly written shortly after the Israelite nation returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon.  They largely trusted in God to keep His promise of restoration, and the Lord rescued them.  Their restoration & return to Jerusalem was just one of many times when the Lord acted mightily on behalf of His people.  Israel was the nation of God's chosen people.  God set them apart, protected and preserved them throughout all history, because they were & are His.

PSALM 125

¹ Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

     which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

² As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

     so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore.

³ For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous,

     lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.

⁴ Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,

     and to those who are upright in their hearts!

⁵ But those who turn aside to their crooked ways

     the Lord will lead away with evildoers!

         Peace be upon Israel! 

You and I, along with all Christ-believers remain His.  Verse two reminds us how the Lord surrounds us, making us His people.  In Deuteronomy 7:6 the Lord tells us:  The Lord your God has chosen you to be...His chosen possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.   WOW!  This is the best possible news!  ...and why would God choose you & me?  ...it is because the Lord loves you... [v 8a].  God has chosen you to be His treasured possession, simply because He loves you, and promises to ALWAYS love you!

What does this mean to your daily life as a Christ-believer?  Like Mount Zion and the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, we are held fast by the Lord.  We trust in the Lord and our faith cannot be moved.  God does good to us, by keeping His good promises made to us.  Many promises are made & kept, like Jesus' death & resurrection to save you and me from sin and death.  Many promises are actively being kept, such as the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us.  Many promises are made and are going to be kept, like our place in heaven and our bodily resurrection on the Last Day.

All of these blessings give us peace and comfort:  the faith God gives us, the trust in His promises, and the forgiveness of our sins.  We're forgiven and restored as God's loved child, every single time we confess our sins to Him.  Above all, God's forgiveness restores us to being at peace with Him.

Peace be upon Israel, the Lord's people, which includes YOU!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

        Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday July 23, 2023

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 23, 2023

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 9:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY

   Old Testament:  Isaiah 44:6–8
                Psalm:  Psalm 119:57–64
               Epistle:  Romans 8:18–27
              Gospel:  Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY
Weeds, weeds, weeds.  Today’s Gospel reading is Jesus’ Parable of the Weeds or Tares.  The parable itself is pretty straightforward, and Jesus gives the specific explanation a few verses later.  This is the first of several parables where Jesus teaches what …the kingdom of heaven is like….  This parable teaches us that the Son is at work now, even if we don’t see or understand it.  The Son will complete His work at the end of time.  In between, we’re called to trust Him and wait in faith for Him to take care of the weeds. 

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17     

Thursday Psalms: Teach Me Your Statutes!

In this short section of Psalm 119, the psalmist first reflects on our standing with the Lord.  The psalmist reminds us, not only does the Lord give us His promises [v. 58], but the Lord gives us Himself [v. 57a].  In the following five verses, the psalmist describes many attributes of Godly living.

Psalm 119:57-64 

⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;

     I promise to keep Your words.

⁵⁸ I entreat Your favor with all my heart;

     be gracious to me according to Your promise.

⁵⁹ When I think on my ways,

     I turn my feet to Your testimonies;

⁶⁰ I hasten and do not delay

     to keep Your commandments.

⁶¹ Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,

     I do not forget Your law.

⁶² At midnight I rise to praise You,

     because of Your righteous rules.

⁶³ I am a companion of all who fear You,

     of those who keep Your precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of Your steadfast love;

     teach me Your statutes! 

In verse 59, turning my feet to the Lord's testimonies reminds usto read and study our Bibles, turning our hearts & minds to God's Word.  When we read verse 60, we're reminded to live intentionally, working hard at keeping God's commands and loving others as the Lord loves us.  When we read verses 61 & 62, we're encouraged not to be ensnared & trapped by wickedness, but remember God's will and run away from temptations.  Even though we cannot fully do so, following God's righteous rules gives us joy, and causes us to praise the Lord for His forgiveness when we stumble.  Lastly, verse 63 encourages us to be in community with other believers.  There is great strength in being companions with other disciples, as we encourage each other in striving to keep God's will.

God's commands and rules are not burdens which rob us of joy, they are gifts given in love for our great benefit!  

In Your gracious and steadfast love O Lord, teach me Your statutes!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

        Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

Pilgrim Worship Sunday July 16, 2023

The Sower    Eugène Burnand  1850-1921

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

July 16, 2023

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 9:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Isaiah 55:10-13

                Psalm:  Psalm 65
               Epistle:  Romans 8:12-17
               Gospel:  Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
Words, words, words.  Throughout history, the constant prattle of human words keeps growing; today’s technology only amplifies the noise.  Even our most thoughtful words are limited in their effectiveness and power.  But God’s Word is completely different.  God’s Word is more powerful than armies, treaties, nuclear weapons, spy balloons or any other human thing.  God’s Word comes down from heaven and goes forth into the world, to accomplish His gracious purposes.  

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17     

Thursday Psalms: God Draws You Near!

King David may have written this psalm as a song of praise for a festival or as part of a worship liturgy.  I commend the entire psalm to your reading; it contains witness after witness to God's loving gifting and blessing for HIs creation.  All things and for all things, praise is due to You, O God, in Zion!  Today I'd like you to focus on these first few verses, as they highlight the blessed actions God has taken on your behalf.

Psalm 65:1-5

¹ Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion,

        and to You shall vows be performed.

² O You who hear prayer,

        to You shall all flesh come.

³ When iniquities prevail against me,

        You atone for our transgressions.

⁴ Blessed is the one You choose and bring near, to dwell in Your courts!

        We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple!

⁵ By awesome deeds You answer us with righteousness,

        O God of our salvation, 

            the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;

Of course, our response to all God's blessings come from our thankfulness and our desire to be like Jesus in all we do.  We perform vows, we care for others, we love our neighbor as ourselves, etc....  The greatest and most blessed gift we see in verse three.  Our sins prevail against us, they win the battle in our hearts [nota bene:  Romans 7:19] and we give into temptations.  The penalty for your sins is death [Romans 6:32], but God atones for your sins, Jesus paid for your sins when He died on Calvary's cross!  You, I and all who confess their sins to God are truly forgiven and blessed!

Which brings us to the great encouragement for today, seen in verses four and five.  Your faith is a gift from God Himself, not a choice you make or any kind of thing you do.  If you believe in Jesus Christ, God has drawn you to Himself by grace, see Ephesians 2:8-9.  Nothing can separate you from God and the faith He has given you, even though the devil is constantly trying!  God has chosen YOU and has brought you near to Himself!  God has made YOU holy and has given to YOU His own righteousness!  

For His grace, mercy and forgiveness, give thanks to the God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

        Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday July 9, 2023

Come To Me    J. Kirk Richards   2021

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 9, 2023

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 9:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Zechariah 9:9–12

                Psalm:  Psalm 145:1–14
               Epistle:  Romans 7:14–25a
               Gospel:  Matthew 11:25–30

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
We are weary and heavy laden in many, many ways, all of us.  Today Jesus gives you a gentle invitation and a wonderful gift!  Jesus speaks to us again about being His disciples, but in a completely different manner than in previous weeks.  Jesus says “Come to Me…I’ll give you rest…learn from Me.”  

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17    

Thursday Psalms: Great Is the LORD!

Certainly on this side of heaven, nobody can understand nor fully describe the greatness of the Lord!  His greatness is unsearchable!  As we read these beautiful but limited words of the psalmist, we can't help but simply be in awe of how Great is the Lord!  

Psalm  145:1-14

¹ I will extol You, my God and King,

        and bless Your name forever and ever.

² Every day I will bless You

        and praise Your name forever and ever.

³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,

        and His greatness is unsearchable.

⁴ One generation shall commend Your works to another,

        and shall declare Your mighty acts.

⁵ On the glorious splendor of Your majesty,

        and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate.

⁶ They shall speak of the might of Your awesome deeds,

        and I will declare Your greatness.

⁷ They shall pour forth the fame of Your abundant goodness

        and shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

⁸ The Lord is gracious and merciful,

        slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

⁹ The Lord is good to all,

        and His mercy is over all that He has made.

¹⁰ All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord,

        and all Your saints shall bless You!

¹¹ They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom

        and tell of Your power,

¹² to make known to the children of man Your mighty deeds,

        and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.

¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

        and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

        [The Lord is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works.]

¹⁴ The Lord upholds all who are falling

        and raises up all who are bowed down. 

Of all the Lord's greatness, His righteousness is the most important.   The Lord is righteous & just; therefore all sin must be punished, all debts must be paid.  Verse eight contains the best possible news for sinners like you and me!  The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  In His love, we find the greatest and most awesome of the Lord's deeds.  Your heavenly Father sent His only Son to be a willing sacrifice, taking all your punishment for all your sins upon Himself!  Jesus Christ did this for YOU, because He is gracious and merciful!

Every single time you & I confess our sins to God our heavenly Father, we receive forgiveness for those sins.  We live constantly in God's grace, mercy and steadfast love!  And verse nine assures us that God shows mercy to all that He has made!  Jesus has paid the price of your forgiveness, even if you don't yet believe in Him!  Pray right now, that God would give you the faith to believe and be saved!  Pray right now, that God would give faith to someone you know!

The Lord is great, and His mercy and love for you is the greatest thing of all!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

        Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114