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A Prayer for Pentecost 12
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God among us, we gather in the name of your Son to learn love for one another. Turn our feet from evil paths, our hands from shameful deeds, our minds to your wisdom, and our hearts to your grace. Amen. (RCL Prayers, p. 183)
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| QuickLinks
Minneapolis Area Synod
Book of Faith Initiative
Five-Part Study of Philippians |
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Just-A-Minute - For the Twelth Sunday after Pentecost
September 4, 2011
This Sunday's "Lectionary 23" Gospel is the only one which is frequently quoted in the constitutions of congregations! Usually in the section which tells when names can be dropped from the roster of members. Here it is, Matthew 18:15-20.
Jesus said, "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
"Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." |
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Questions for Discussion- Some think these are the three steps for excommunicating a member. Others think they are the three steps for reclaiming lost members. What do you think?
- In your experience, does God actually do everything you and your partner agree upon? If not, what can Jesus be driving at?
- When just a few of us gather in Jesus' name, he promises to join us. It is an encouraging thought, especially during Labor Day weekend when church attendance can be slimmer than usual. How exactly can we apply this promise?
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Five-Part Study of Philippians
Here is a five-part study of Philippians, the source of the Second Lesson from September 18 through October 4.
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