The 12th Sunday after Trinity / the 14th Sunday of the Pentecost Season
August 22, 2021
Bible Characters & their Stories for Today
Andrew: The Man Who Brought People To Jesus
Many years ago some men were panning for gold in Montana, when one of them found an unusual stone. Breaking it open, he discovered that it contained gold. You can imagine his excitement. Working with new-found energy those men soon discovered an abundance of the precious metal. “We’re rich!” they shouted…..and they certainly were!
They had to interrupt their celebrating, though, to go into a nearby town and stock up on supplies. Before they left their camp, the men agreed not to tell a soul about their find. Not one of them breathed a word about their discovery to anyone while they were in town. But, much to their dismay, as they were getting ready to leave town and return to their camp, they realized that dozens of men from town were following them. One of prospectors, exasperated, finally asked, “Alright, who squealed?” None of them had said a single word to any of the townsfolk about their gold strike. But nearly everyone they met knew something special had happened, because the faces of those gold miners couldn’t hide their joy.
As Christians, what do our faces show, and what do our lips and lives tell others? Do we consistently — as Jesus encourages us in Matthew 5:16 – “let [our] light shine before men that they may see [our] good deeds and praise [our] Father in heaven”? Do we consistently – as one of today’s hymns will express – “Talk about our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord and King, with our lives and whole behavior”? Are we the kind of evangelist/witnesses that Andrew obviously was….and will model for us in today’s Scripture lessons? Those questions can challenge us and make many of us feel uncomfortable – from the Pastor who’s writing this to the Christians who are reading these words ….perhaps you included. We’re challenged and uncomfortable because, as sinners, we know that the answers to all three are, “No…not really.”
But whether it’s easy and comfortable, or not, the simple fact of the matter is that your and my calling as Christians IS to let Christ’s “Light” (our faith) shine from our lips and lives by the way each of us shows and shares the Gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus with others. That’s what we’ll see in the behavior of John the Baptist, as well as the Apostle Andrew through today’s Sermon Text. Philip, as another example, will also speak about Christ to Nathaniel in our Children’s Lesson. John the Baptist’s faith and humility moved him to make great personal sacrifices in order to call people to repentance. It was his privilege and calling to declare to everyone that Jesus Christ is that long-promised Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Both Andrew and Philip couldn’t wait to share with a brother and friend, respectively, that they had found the Messiah. All three, by God’s grace, had been brought to Christ – and each was convicted and committed to bringing Christ to others. And so they did!
Paul, the Apostle, was also a premier evangelist and missionary in the Early Church. He reminds us in our Epistle Lesson for today that what we, as Christians have been called to share with others – simply yet faithfully – is none other than the Good News about Jesus Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of sinners! Nothing else we can say to people, from talking about our families to current events, from the latest weather to yesterday’s sports news, can come close in importance to this Greatest of all News! In our Gospel Lesson for today, we find Philip and Andrew – again – at work as evangelists. The event we’ll read about occurred during Holy Week, when some Greeks (non-Hebrews who were converts to Judaism, and who were waiting for the Messiah) asked Philip if they could meet Jesus. Philip brought them to Andrew, who – in turn- facilitated their meeting Jesus. Finally, in our Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about how each of us is called by God to be a “Living Invitation” for others to come and know Jesus.
In closing, please bear in mind that today’s service emphasis isn’t intended to make anyone (particularly you) feel “guilty” about what we haven’t done when it comes to witnessing to others about our Savior. (Let’s face it….we’ve all been “less” than the Christian witnesses we’re called to be, haven’t we?) Instead, our goals are to: 1) to build up your faith in Jesus and the certainty of your salvation as you are reminded of how much God loves you….enough to guarantee your salvation through the Lamb of God’s atoning work for you; and 2) to better instruct and encourage you to more consistently be what God has called us all to be – Christian witnesses…bright lights for Christ in this sin-darkened world… was we share the Good News with others that Jesus is the Lamb of God, Who has taken away the sin of the world and Who gives us the free gift of eternal salvation in heaven through faith in Him. And so, led by the Holy Spirit, let’s recommit ourselves – each day, starting now – to be what our Lord has called us all to be….people like Andrew: Christ’s willing witnesses, proclaiming with our lips and our lives His saving Gospel to whomever we can.
Pre-Service Prayer
Lord Jesus, though but two or three In Your dear name assembled be,
You will among them show Your face And bless them with Your saving grace.
In Your dear name again we meet And worship humbly at Your feet;
You will Your gracious Word fulfill And cheer us with Your presence still.
Jesus, from Whom all blessings flow, Your peace and comfort now bestow;
Abide with us till life is o’er And keep us Yours forevermore. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019,
The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary Pre-service Music
Pre-Service Hymn Singing, beginning at 9:25 a.m.
We Praise Our God
Greeting and Invitation to Worship
The Opening Hymn Hymn 573 “Hark the Voice of Jesus Crying”
1 Hark! the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting; Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the Master calleth; Rich reward he offers thee.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I– send me, send me?”
2 If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus; You can say he died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked With the Judgment’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms.
3 If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven, Off’ring life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your off’rings
You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands.
4 Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying, And the Master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly; Let his work your pleasure be.
Answer quickly when he calleth, “Here am I– send me, send me!”
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
The Confession of Our Sins
- God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, + I am altogether sinful from birth. + In countless ways I have sinned against You + and do not deserve to be called Your child. + I have allowed my affection for the treasures of this world + to hinder my support of for the proclamation of Your Gospel to every treasured soul You love. + I have been silent when I should have spoken to others about You. + I have left undone so many things that You have directed me to do. + And I have sinned against You + by doing those things in my thoughts, words, and actions + which You tell me not to do. + So often my behaviors have limited my ability + to let the light of Your love shine from me + and to be a faithful Christian witness to others. + Yet, at Your gracious command I come to You, + and for the sake of Your Son, + my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: + Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
P: Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
Now, in the peace of His forgiveness, let us praise our gracious God and Lord.
To the tune “Almighty Father, Strong to Save”
All glory to our God and Lord, Who by the power of His Word
Created and sustains each thing, and all that live. His praises sing….
Our Father, Who in mercy still, Guides everything by His sure will.
We worship Jesus Christ, God’s Son, by Whom salvation has been won.
For us He lived, and for us died, that we might all be justified,
Raised from the dead, on high to reign. We know that He will come again.
We praise the Holy Spirit sent – active in Word and Sacrament,
He binds the Church, below, above, in faith in Christ’s redeeming love.
And ne’er forget this promise true: with Christ we shall arise anew! Amen.
Our Prayer for Today
P: Almighty God, You gave Your one and only Son, Jesus Christ,
C: To be the Light of a world lost in spiritual darkness.
P: Enable and equip us, as Your people, to shine every day with the radiance of Christ’s glory,
- So that through us and other Christians, Our Savior may be known, worshiped and believed, in our community, across our country, and to the ends of the earth;
P: We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
C: Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, as the one true God, now and forever. Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated as
We Listen to the Word of our God
The Epistle Lesson I Corinthians 1:18-25
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 19 In fact, it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nothing.
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Jewish law? Where is the probing thinker of the present age? Has God not shown that the wisdom of this world is foolish? 21 Indeed, since the world through its wisdom did not know God, God in his wisdom decided to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the preached message. 22 Yes, Jews ask for signs, Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified—which is offensive to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 We preach Christ crucified, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
After which the Congregation will rise out of respect for the words of our Savior
The Gospel Lesson John 12:20-37
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew. Andrew came with Philip and told Jesus.
23 Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it continues to be one kernel. But if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 Anyone who loves his life destroys it. And the one who hates his life in this world will hold on to it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me. And where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. 27 Now My soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, this is the reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name!”
A voice came from heaven: “I have glorified My name, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it thundered. Others said an angel talked to Him. 30 Jesus answered, “This voice was not for My sake but for yours.
31 “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death He was going to die.
34 The crowd answered Him, “We have heard from the Scriptures that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Then Jesus told them, “The Light will be with you just a little while longer. Keep on walking while you have the Light, so that darkness does not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” Jesus spoke these words, and then went away and was hidden from them.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Children’s Lesson John 1:43-51
43 The next day, Jesus wanted to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about Whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph.”
46 Nathanael said to him, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” “Come and see!” Philip told him.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Truly, here is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 Nathanael asked him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus replied, “You believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that!” 51 Then He added, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
We Are God’s Invitation
Sermon Hymn: “Let Us Talk About The Savior”
sung to the tune “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”
Let us talk about the Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
With our tongues and whole behavior Let us each His praises sing.
With our unchurched friends and neighbors, With the strangers that we meet.
Let our share our Priceless Treasure – Jesus, Savior, oh so sweet!
Let us tell them how He suffered, Died and rose to set us free
From the power of sin and Satan, Life to give to you and me.
When we see them lost and stumbling In the wilderness of sin –
Let us tell how God gave Jesus Everlasting life to win.
Let us talk about the Savior, Let us speak of sin and grace –
For there’s nothing but the Gospel That can save our fallen race.
Go and tell to all who’ll listen: “Jesus is the only Way.”
He alone has died to save us – This is what the Scriptures say.
Let us talk about the Savior, Christian members, go and tell!
For this spot where God has placed us Needs this message just as well.
Every single congregation Faithful witnesses must be –
When it comes to Gospel preaching, Now and ‘til eternity. Amen!
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sermon Text John 1:35-42
35 The next day, John was standing there again with two of his disciples. 36 When John saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned around and saw them following him, he asked, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are You staying?” 39 He told them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying. They stayed with Him that day. It was about the tenth hour.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his own brother Simon and say to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is translated “the Christ”). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said, “You are Simon, son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).
The Man Who Brought His Brother To Meet Jesus
following the sermon the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
Our Prayer for Today
Included in our prayers today is:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Ed and Andrea Bratton,
who will celebrate their wedding anniversary this coming Friday
Today’s Special Prayer
P: Lord God, on account of Your rich mercy poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, hear our prayers. Continue to look in mercy on us and the whole Christian Church on earth.
C: We rejoice in the freedom from condemnation and rejoice in the redemption of Christ. On account of Jesus’ saving work we are Your treasured possession. We thank You for those who proclaimed the Gospel of the crucified and risen Savior which caused faith to arise in our hearts.
P: As the gospel continues to be proclaimed throughout the world, we pray that leaders of the nations make decisions that reflect God’s care for the whole human family. Guide and protect citizens and cause governments to work for the well-being of all. Especially let there be peace so the Gospel may have free course and find fertile ground in the hearts of people.
C: We also pray for our congregation, that in our life together we walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, caring for one another, and showing generosity toward those whose needs are great. Then let us look outside these walls to the treasured souls won through the cross and lead us to proclaim Jesus’ love to them.
P: Through Holy Baptism we became members of Your family. Let this joy lift our hearts to serve. Keep us from neglecting others but move us to bear witness to Christ’s love in acts of mercy.
C: Bless those who serve in this House of God and through this Christian ministry You have entrusted to us. Let Your Word touch the lives of everyone as we meditate on the mysteries of Your great love for us. Help us to remember our walk together with other congregations in our church body, to carry the Gospel throughout the world. Watch over our missionaries and lay workers who go into the world on our behalf with the Gospel of Jesus.
P: The devil will do his best to ruin our lives on this earth and our hope for going to heaven. When some are torn by the struggles of this life—the poor, the hungry and the homeless, those struck down, and the unemployed—let them be strengthened and sustained with the knowledge of being Your treasured possession. Be with those who are hospitalized, the sick, the homebound, and the dying. Comfort and sustain them with the gracious promises of Christ. Hear us as we also bring our private requests, petitions and praises.
Silent Prayer
P: Now heavenly Father, answer our prayers according to Your will, not because we earned or deserve any of Your blessings, but because of Jesus our Savior, Who has taught us to pray….
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. And serve the Lord in gladness, bearing witness about our Savior in all that you say and do.
The LORD bless you and keep you
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you
The LORD look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 562 “I Love To Tell The Story”
I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story Because I know ‘tis true. It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story — ‘Tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, ‘T’will be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, ‘Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, ‘T’will be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
Silent Prayer, Announcements
Postlude
Announcements
Last Week: Sunday in church: 61 Online views : 22 Communed: 51
Bible Class: 22 Online views: 14 Tuesday Bible Class: 19 Budget: $4150 Online: $402.26 Benevolence: $25
This Week’s Birthdays and Anniversary 8/23 Samuel Strackbein; 8/25 – Zak Ferguson; 8/26 – Allen Skogen;
8/27 – Ed & Andrea Bratton;
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Pre-Service Hymn Singing 9:25am Worship, 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 10:40 a.m. Bible Class/Sunday School, 11:05 a.m.
Tuesday Morning Bible Class, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Ten Minutes with Jesus devotion and prayer time. 6 p.m.
Saturday Outreach Calling/Visitation, meet at church at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper, 9:30 a.,m.
Fellowship, 10:45 a.m. Bible Class/Sunday School: 11:05 a.m.
Serving Us Next Sunday (8/29) Elders: Tim Pfortmiller, Vic Walker
Fellowship: Tom Otto; Altar Guild: Linda Winnat Ushers: John Luedtke, Steve Stone, Pat Quinlan
Fellowship Volunteers Needed Could you please volunteer to prepare after-worship coffee, drinks, and light snacks? A 2021 sign-up poster is on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. We need more volunteers for the last four months of this year – particularly for the upcoming months of September and October. A $25 per Sunday reimbursement for expenses is available to help defray your costs. (It comes through our “donation jar.”)
TEN MINUTES WITH JESUS – Ladies…..This Wednesday from 6-6:10 p.m. please join in our phone-in short devotion and prayer group. To do this, call 1-605-313-5470 and, when asked, dial in the access code, which is 334077#.
This Week’s Bible Classes ……..In our Sunday Bible Class we’re studying First Corinthians. Today we’ll be examining chapter (“A Friendly Word – or two – about Ministers”). Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30, we’re studying 2 Kings 4-5. We’ll be looking at some more of the many miracles God did through Elisha, and which are recorded in chapters 4 and 5. If you can’t join us in person, please join us over the phone (call 1-701-802-5405, then dial 7519304#) or watch our class online at YouTube.com, under “Grace Lutheran Church & Academy.”
We still are hoping to resume choir practices starting this fall. For that to happen, we need you to be a part of our choir. Please blend your voice with ours. Many of us have experience singing in a choir. Won’t you please use your singing talents as a part of our choir to glorify God here at Grace and edify others too. Rehearsals will be on the 1st & 2nd Sundays of each month, from 8:40- 9:10. For more info, talk to Debbie Huebner.
ANDREW: “Missionary Par Excallance”
Lord, Jesus Christ, Your apostle St. Andrew obeyed Your call without delay. Grant that we who have been called by Your Holy Word may likewise follow You with joyful hearts and lives, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
- WHO was Andrew?
* His name means “Manliness”
* He was originally from Bethsaida in Galilee (Jn 1:44)
* Later he hailed from Capernaum (Mark 1:21, 29)
* He was a fisherman (Mt 4:18)
* He was the (younger ?) brother of Simon Peter (John 1:42)
* He was not envious of Peter’s prominence in the Twelve (I Cor 3:4); he was a humble man who was more concerned about the work to be done than any recognition that might be given.
* Sometimes he was part of the “inner circle of disciples,” but not always (Mk 13:3).
- The Scriptural Record Regarding Andrew
* Most of what we know about Andrew comes to us through the eyes and pen of one of his closest friends, John.
* He was a disciple of John the Baptist prior to following Christ.
* In an age of spiritual formalism and indifference, Andrew was a seeker of the truth.
* He followed John the Baptist until John pointed Jesus out as “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29, 36)
* He is recognized as Jesus’ first disciple/apostle (John 1:44). In fact, in the early Church the honor ascribed to Andrew as that he was universally designated as, “Andrew, the first called.”
* Along with John (probably), Andrew spent his first afternoon with Jesus in unrecorded conversation sufficient to convert Andrew and his companion.
* He was the first to bring a family member (in this case, Peter) to meet Jesus. What better place to begin personal mission work than in the home, among family?
* Eventually Peter eclipsed his brother in recognition, becoming the better known apostle, but (humanly speaking) without Andrew’s personal witnessing to Peter, there wouldn’t have been 3000 converts on Pentecost Day…..at least not through the powerful preaching of Peter. It just goes to show how the spark from one soul can ignite a spiritual forest fire.
* Along with Peter, James & John, and Philip, Andrew witnessed the first miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11).
* Shortly after his initial encounter with Jesus, he returned to his fishing, until Jesus called him and Peter, along with Zebedee’s two sons, to be “fishers of men.” They all left everything to follow Christ. (Mt 4:18-20; Luke 5:4-9)
* Always Approachable Andrew
…. It was Andrew who brought the boy with the 7 loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus, on the day when Christ fed the 5000
…. It was to Andrew that Philip brought the Greeks who were inquiring about meeting Jesus. Andrew, in turn, immediately took them to meet Christ…..in a sense, he joins Philip in being (somewhat by default) the first “foreign missionaries.” (John 12:20-22)
* He was comfortable having a private conversation with Christ (Mark 13:3,4)
III. Church Tradition and Andrew
* Tradition places Andrew in three fields of work: Scythia, Ephesus, and Greece
* Andrew, is recognized as the “patron saint” of Russia and Scotland
* “St. Andrew’s Cross” – there is a tradition surrounding his death in Patrae in Achaia (Greece)….that he was crucified on an “X” shaped, rather than a “T”shaped, cross.
* St. Andrew’s day: November 30th on the Church Calendar.