The Hard Way and the Narrow Gate

Transcription

1 The Hard Way and the Narrow Gate Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 9:30 am Sanctuary 2021 W. State Road 426 Oviedo, FL sllcs.org :30 am

2 In Preparation for the Lord s Supper The Bible tells us (1 Corinthians 11:23-29) that it is vitally important that we understand and believe that the Lord s Supper is a participation in the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. To receive the blessings of this Sacrament to our benefit it is necessary that we examine our hearts and our lives. Please read and prayerfully consider the following: I believe that I am sinful by nature and in need of forgiveness. I confess that I have sinned in my thoughts, words, and deeds. I believe I am forgiven only through faith in Jesus Christ. I confess that in, with, and under the bread and wine I receive the very Body and Blood of Jesus. I promise by the power of the Holy Spirit to amend my sinful life and strive to live a God-pleasing life. As members of Jesus family, we have a responsibility to teach and encourage one another so that we receive the blessing intended for us in this Sacrament. Out of sincere love, we respectfully ask that those who have not been instructed and confirmed in the Lutheran Church please speak with a pastor before attending the Lord s Supper. St. Luke s offers Explorations an adult information class for those high school age and above desiring to be confirmed. Children are confirmed at the end of their eighth grade year after completing instruction. We are happy to meet with you and discuss any special circumstances or needs you may have. Communion Procedure Note: Anyone who cannot come to the communion rail may receive the Lord s Supper in the pew. Simply let a pastor or usher know your request and sit in one of the front rows. Those who are not communing are invited to come forward for a blessing (please cross your arms across your chest to indicate your desire for a blessing). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Portions of liturgy taken from Lutheran Service Book Copyright 2006, Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Portions of Liturgy taken from Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish Series A Copyright 2014, Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. ww.ccli.com CCLI License # In Christ Alone Keith Getty Stuart Townend 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. CCLI License # Nothing But the Blood CCLI Song # Robert Lowry Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use 2 9:30 am

3 Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018 Connected to Christ - Starting Over Series Introduction - Part 4 - A New Start As We Gather: The bold new movement Jesus calls us to, the life of following Him, is not a cake walk. His words today, though sobering, are a thrilling challenge to a life of purpose and ultimate reward. We are participants in God s plan to make all things new and restore His precious creation. What we say and do matters, eternally in the lives of our family, our work, and our community. Everyday is a New Start, remembering our blessings (5:3-12), we are continuously renewed to walk by faith, trusting solely in Jesus life, death, and resurrection. The way is hard, the gate is narrow. But, our victory is certain and secured. The New Heaven and the New Earth, all creation renewed and restored to perfection, stands open before us. Pre Service Music Welcome Ringing of the Bell 9:30 am 3

4 Opening Hymn: In Christ Alone 1. In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand. 2. In Christ alone who took on flesh; Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied; For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live. 3. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin's curse has lost its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ. 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry, to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand. 4 9:30 am

5 Invocation: God Grants Us The Gift Of Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. (Matthew 28:19b; 18:20) Confession: P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Silence for reflection on God s Word and for self-examination. P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. Absolution 9:30 am 5

6 Hymn of Praise: This Is the Feast 6 9:30 am

7 Prayer of the Day: P: Father of all, You have poured out Your love upon all people through Your Son, Jesus. Lead us through faith in Him to overcome the corrupt systems of this world, which constantly threaten to overwhelm us; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. God Speaks To Us From His Word First Reading: Acts 10:34-48 (ESV) 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 Can anyone continued 9:30 am 7

8 withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 8 9:30 am

9 Holy Gospel: Matthew 7:13-23 (ESV) P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the seventh chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord! 13 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 21 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? 23 And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ! 9:30 am 9

10 Hymn of the Day: Nothing But The Blood of Jesus 1. What can wash away my sin Nothing but the blood of Jesus What can make me whole again Nothing but the blood of Jesus Chorus: O precious is the flow That makes me white as snow No other fount I know Nothing but the blood of Jesus 2. For my pardon this I see Nothing but the blood of Jesus For my cleansing this my plea Nothing but the blood of Jesus Chorus: 3. Nothing can for sin atone Nothing but the blood of Jesus Naught of good that I have done Nothing but the blood of Jesus Chorus: 4. This is all my hope and peace Nothing but the blood of Jesus This is all my righteousness Nothing but the blood of Jesus Chorus: Sermon 10 9:30 am

11 Affirmation of Faith: 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 Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. God Receives Our Offerings And Prayers Gathering of the Offerings Musical Offering Church Choir Prayer of the Church give.sllcs.org 9:30 am 11

12 God Gives Us A Foretaste Of The Feast To Come We are celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion which we believe to be a great gift from our loving God. Please read In Preparation for the Lord s Supper on page 2. Preface: P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give him thanks and praise. P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing: Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy): (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9) 12 9:30 am

13 Lord s Prayer: 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. Words of Institution Peace of the Lord: P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God): (John 1:29) Distribution 9:30 am 13

14 Hymn: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia! LSB :30 am

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16 Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness LSB :30 am

17 Post Communion Canticle: Thank the Lord (Luke 2:29-32) Prayer of Thanksgiving Benediction: God Blesses Us And Sends Us Out P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) C: Amen. 9:30 am 17

18 Closing Hymn: Earth and All Stars LSB 817:1, 6, 7 6 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song! Daughter and son! Loud praying members! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 7 Children of God, Dying and rising, Sing to the Lord a new song! Heaven and earth, Hosts everlasting, Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 18 9:30 am

19 Silent Prayer YOUR PRAYER PARTNERS Prayer Partners are available near the front sides of the sanctuary. If you have an expression of joy, a concern or other prayer need, they would welcome the opportunity to pray with you. 9:30 am 19

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