Simply the Sermon for July 26, 2026: Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for Sunday, July 26 are: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39; and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.

Just like Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply explore the treasures of faith, what are they, how will we receive them, is this something worth having. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images in extraordinary measure that reveal to us the reign of God: a scraggly, invasive bush that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch of both edible and inedible fish. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!

July 26, 2026: Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Matthew Fassnacht on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for July 19, 2026: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for Sunday, July 19 are: Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.

July 19, 2026: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for July 12, 2026: Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Our readings for Sunday, July 12 are: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; and Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.

July 12, 2026: Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for July 5, 2026: Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for Sunday, June 5th are: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30.

The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls.

July 6, 2026: Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Roven Images on Unsplash