Lectio Concordia

This World Is Not Our Home

Friday before the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Series: Lectio Concordia

May 23, 2025 By Rev. Mark Ryman

• Online jigsaw puzzle of today's reading • Index

• Collect: Lord, uncertainty and trouble punctuates life in this world. Grant me such faith that I may live in confident hope that this world is not my home. Give me the eyes of the Revelator, that I may see your coming kingdom. Amen.

• Psalm 18:1–12

• Romans 2:6–11

• The adversaries insist that it is the privilege of good works to merit eternal life because Paul says, “He will render to each one according to his works” (Romans 2:6). Likewise, Romans 2:10: “Glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good” And John 5:29: “...those who have done good to the resurrection of life.” Then Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food.” In these and all similar passages in which works are praised in the Scriptures, it is necessary to understand the outward works are the fruit of faith in the heart. [The Augsburg Confession, Love and Fulfilling the Law]

• “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,” William Williams Tune

Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.

• Benediction: May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you assurance in his promises, the confident hope of heaven, and the still peace of eternity in him. Amen.

• Memory Verse: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

• Memory Verse Aid: IHSTTTY, TIMYMHP. ITWYWHT. BTH; IHOTW. (J1633)