Sunday, March 14, 2021
Fourth Sunday of LENT
If you were to conduct a survey on a congregation’s favorite passages from Scripture, both today’s Epistle Holy Gospel would likely end up among the most loved, and rightly so. Both of these sets of verses get to the heart of what the faith is all about. They get to heart of what it is that makes Christianity different from all other world religions—things like grace, love, and sacrifice. These big two passages are “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9) and “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). These are verses that we should read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest!
READINGS
Old Testament
Numbers 21:4–9 (Moses and the bronze serpent)
Psalm
Psalm 107:1-9
Epistle: Ephesians 2:1–10
(God raised us up with Christ.)
Gospel
John 3:14-21
(The Son of Man must be lifted up.)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.