The Fourth Sunday of Easter

OT: Ezekiel 17:1-10

OTA: Ezekiel 34:11-16

NT: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

NTA: 1 Peter 2:13-25

CL: Matthew 13:1-23

GA: Matthew 26:30-35

Ps: Psalm 78:53-72

April 17^th

Collect of the Day:

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, who has cast Your word upon the Earth, allow us to be nurtured and grow in the true faith; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Theme for the Week          Sowing of Seed

Verse of the Week:              Matthew 13:16

Daily Bible Reading List:

Mon:  Ezekiel 34:11-16       Tues:  Matthew 13:1-23      Wed:  Matthew 26:30-35

Thurs:            1 Corinthians 15:50-58     Fri:  Ezekiel 17:1-10

Catechism Reading:

The Second Petition

Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean?

The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer,

but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God's kingdom come?

God's kingdom comes

when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit,

so that by His grace we believe His holy Word

and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

The Third Petition

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer,

but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God's will done?

God's will is done

when he breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose

of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature,

which do not want us to hallow God's name

or let His kingdom come;

and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith

until we die.

This is His good and gracious will.