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The Bible Study – Our readings for Wednesday, April 24 are Leviticus 16:1-24 & Luke 10:1-22. The sacrificial offerings for the Day of Atonement are described in our passage from Leviticus. They foreshadow the Holy, precious blood shed at Calvary. The sacrifice to end all Old Testament rituals was the death of Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, who made complete atonement for the sins of the world. God’s offering of His only Son allows Christian believers to enter the Holy promised land of Heaven. In our text from Luke, Christ appoints 72 to spread the Gospel. Today the Church continues to send out Christians to spread the Good News of salvation. Some are sent as Pastors and missionaries. All Christians are called to witness to our Lord in our daily lives to family, friends, and neighbours. Some will receive the Gospel, others ponder it, many refuse it. The cost of stubbornly denying Christ however is eternal separation from God. Jesus’ words regarding unrepentant cities in Luke 10:13-16 should be taken seriously. When your efforts to share the Gospel appear unsuccessful, don’t despair or be inpatient. Remember the Holy Spirit works faith within us through God’s means of grace: Word and Sacrament. God allows people the freedom to refuse His forgiveness and salvation found only in Jesus. Pray for those who do not have Christ in their lives. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/sermons/new-to-the-christian-faith