Sunday, August 14, 2016

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 23:16-29

"[16]Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. [17] They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, 'It shall be well with you'; [18] For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? [19] Behold, the storm of the Lord! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. [20] The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heard. In the latter days you will understand it clear. [21] I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. [22] But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them rom their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. [23] 'Am I a God at hand', declares the Lord, 'and not a God afar off?' [24] 'Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord. [25] I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, 'I have dreamed, I have dreamed!' [26] How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, [27] who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? [28] Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord. [29] Is  not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?'"

Sermon Theme: "In the Lord's Council"