ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN CONFESSION LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 6th Sunday after Pentecost July 1, 2018 + + + If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9. 1
ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 2470 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80214 (303) 233-5000 www.denverlutheran.com Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) www.clclutheran.org Thomas Schuetze, pastor (303-428-5524) Larry Reed, president Mike Sprengeler, SS Superintendent Ruth Greening, Suzannah Miller, Lisa Sprengeler, organists A WARM WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS worshiping with us this morning! The members of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church consider it an honor and privilege to share with you the words of eternal life in Jesus Christ, the world's only Savior. Please sign the guest register in the front entry and come worship with us again! ORDER OF SERVICE Large print bulletins are available in the tract rack or by request from an usher. Preparation for Worship Psalm 145 (pew bible, p.557) Private Prayers for Public Worship (hymnal card) Opening Hymn: 895 Now Thank We All Our God Welcome P In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Confession of Sins & Words of Absolution P Dear fellow-redeemed: Let us come before our Lord with an open and truthful heart and confess all our sins before God with the confident trust that for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior, He will grant us forgiveness. P/C O most merciful God, who has given Your only begotten Son to suffer and die for us that we might have forgiveness of all of our sins, fill us with Your Spirit that we may receive Your gracious mercy with a heart of thanksgiving, a renewed dedication to Your kingdom, and a confident expectation of the fullness of everlasting life. P On the basis of this, your heartfelt confession of sins, I, as your called servant of our Lord, announce the gracious forgiving love of God unto all of you for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior and in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2
Responsive Reading Psalm 119:1-12 P Blessed are the undefiled in the way, C Who walk in the law of the LORD. P Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, C Who seek Him with the whole heart! P They also do no iniquity; C They walk in His ways. P You have commanded us C To keep Your precepts diligently. P Oh, that my ways were directed C To keep Your statutes! P Then I would not be ashamed, C When I look into all Your commandments P I will praise You with uprightness of heart, C When I learn Your righteous judgments P I will keep Your statutes; C Oh, do not forsake me utterly! P How can a young man cleanse his way? C By taking heed according to Your word. P With my whole heart I have sought You; C Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments. P Your word I have hidden in my heart, C That I might not sin against You. P Blessed are You, O LORD! C Teach me Your statutes. Scripture Lesson 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-16 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, 2 which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being 3
deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. [NKJV] Hymn: 862 Oh, Blest the House QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FROM THE CATECHISM (Catechumen, Joshua Ruegge) Introductory Remarks PART 1 Hymn: 523 (1-2) Introduction to the Catechism O Word of God Incarnate + + + + + PART 2 The Ten Commandments The Conclusion to the Commandments (Read responsively at the conclusion of Part 2) P What does God say of all these commandments? C He says: I the LORD your God, am jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments. P What does this mean? C God threatens to punish all who do not obey these commandments. Therefore we should fear His anger and not do anything against what He commands. God also promises grace and every blessing to those who obey these commandments. Therefore, we should love and trust Him and willingly do what He commands. Hymn: 579 The Law of God Is Good and Wise + + + + + 4
PART 3 The Apostles Creed Luther s Explanation to the Third Article (Read by all at the conclusion of Part 3) I believe that I cannot by my own reasoning or effort believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, nor come to Him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified, and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers. On the last day He will raise me and all the dead and give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true. Hymn: 953 We All Believe in One True God + + + + + PART 4 The Sacrament of Holy Baptism The Meaning of Baptism (Read responsively at the conclusion of Part 4) P What is the meaning of this baptism with water? C It means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance and die with all sins and evil desires. It also means that a new Man should daily appear and arise, who lives eternally before God in righteousness and purity. P Where is this written? C Saint Paul says in the sixth chapter of Romans, Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Hymn: 752 (tan hymnal) Baptized in Water + + + + + 5
PART 5 The Sacrament of the Altar What is the Sacrament of the Altar? (Read responsively at the conclusion of Part 5) P What is the Sacrament of the Altar? C It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given to us Christians under the bread and wine to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself. P Where is this written? C The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and the apostle Paul write this way: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, Take, eat. This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. In the same way He took the cup, after supper, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me. Hymn: 622 (1,7,8) Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared + + + + + Offering of Thankful Hearts Prayers / Lord s Prayer The Benediction Closing Hymn: 865 Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANNOUNCEMENTS Today (7/1) 8:30 am Choir Rehearsal 9:30 am Catechism Q s & A s Service (*see note below) Sun (7/8) 9:30 am Worship Service with Rite of Confirmation and Holy Communion (*see note below) 6
EXTENDED CALENDAR Choir Rehearsals: July 15, August 5, 8:30 am. Mary & Martha Ladies Meeting: Sunday, July 15, 10:45 am Summer Clean-Up Day: Saturday, July 21, beginning at 8:30 am Quarterly Voters Meeting: Sunday, July 22, 10:45 am Colorado Springs Worship Service: Sunday, July 22, 2:30 pm Mission Festival Service at St. Paul: Sunday, August 19, 9:30 am Elders Meeting: Sunday, August 26, 8:30 am SERVING US AT GOD S HOUSE DURING JULY Ushers: Bob Rankin, Mike Sprengeler Elder: Don Claeys Communion Assistant: Larry Reed *NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 8, Joshua Ruegge will be confirmed in the faith in the 9:30 am worship service. He recently completed three years of instruction in the main teachings of the Bible, as summarized in Martin Luther s Small Catechism. Holy Communion will be celebrated in this service. *TODAY S SERVICE will consist mainly of a question and answer session on selected portions of the Catechism. In addition to providing Josh the opportunity to confess his faith publicly, as Jesus encourages all of us to do (Luke 12:8, Romans 10:8-10), it will provide St. Paul parishioners an opportunity to review the main teachings of the Bible. May it also remind us of the importance of renewing our vows of faithfulness to the Lord each day and praying of His strength to fulfill them to the end (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). CHOIR MEMBERS, please note that rehearsals are scheduled for the Sundays, July 15 and August 5, at 8:30 am. We will practice a mission festival hymn. Our mission festival will be Sunday, August 19. THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS (providing information on the work accomplished at the recent CLC Convention in Eau Claire, Wisconsin) have been printed and are available for your perusal, on the shelf under the tract rack. Help yourself. Convention Summary (synopsis of actions taken by the Convention) Convention Chronicles (daily newspaper of the Convention) Convention Floor Committee #4 Report on the Joint Statement JULY BIRTHDAY (ANNIVERSARY) BLESSINGS TO... Lisa Sprengeler, July 3 (Ed & Sharlene Chiappetti, July 4) Dax Franzen, July 8 (Dennis & Jennifer Roberson, July 4) Nicholas Peters, July 9 (Wayne & Crystal Ruegge, July 13) Elizabeth Chaput, July 12 (Darrick & Naomi Peters, July 15) Brianna Brethauer, July 26 (Fred & Bobbie Brethauer, July 16) Ashley Scow, July 29 (Ed & Agnes Scott, July 18) (Jordan & Sarah Potter, July 19) (Fred & Pat Newton, July 30) 7
THE SIX CHIEF PARTS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to those of his household. 1.THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 2.THE APOSTLES CREED 3.THE LORD'S PRAYER 4.THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM 5.THE OFFICE OF THE KEYS AND CONFESSION 6.THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR (LORD S SUPPER) How shall the young secure their hearts And guard their lives from sin? Your Word, O Lord, the truth imparts To keep the conscience clean. Your Word is like a heavenly light, That guides us all the day, And through the dangers of the night A lamp to lead our way. The starry heavens Your rule obey, The earth maintains her place; And these Your servants night and day, Your skill and power express. But still Your Law and Gospel, Lord, Have lessons more divine; Not earth stands firmer than your Word, Nor stars so nobly shine. Your Word is everlasting truth; How pure is ev'ry page! That holy Book will guide our youth And well support our age. (Christian Worship, #509) 8
DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR HOME DEVOTIONS JUNE 25-30 (catching up from last week) Mon Genesis 32:22-32 His sin against Esau still haunted Jacob twenty years later, so he needed reassurance that God would make things work out. He struggled all night with God in prayer on that subject, and the struggle ended in a draw. Jacob got God s backing at the price of limping on a gimpy hip for the rest of his life. Which seems to be God s way of saying, Your walk in life will be a painful limping even with My support. We understand. Tues Genesis 33:1-17 During those years God had been teaching Esau a few things, too, and had brought him to forgive his brother. Surprise (4)! So when they met, Jacob and Esau were friendly, courteous, and generous with one another. What a splendid reunion after all those years! May God grant such reconciliation to others who are limping along, unreconciled with a relative! Wed Genesis 39:1-23 presents just one episode from the life of Jacob s son Joseph, whom God had rescued from his brothers treachery. Joseph had to face the challenge of Mrs. Potiphar trying to seduce him day after day, for she was attracted by his good looks and physique (16). Joseph didn t return the favor, for he was morally upright (7-8), and he rebuffed her with a good answer. Being the snake that she was, she bit back and poisoned her gullible husband against Joseph. BUT the LORD was with Joseph! Stay tuned. Thurs Genesis 45:1-28 When God got Joseph out of jail, He managed to put him into the shoes of Prime Minister, Chief of Staff, Sec y of the Interior, Sec y of Health and Welfare, etc., all so that he could become reconciled to his estranged brothers and save them from starvation. When the scoundrels faced him, they were overawed at Joseph forgiving them their sins. The Ministry of the Keys really works, praise the Lord! Fri Genesis 50:15-21 Joseph had moved forward toward reconciliation, but his brothers hadn t apologized or asked for his forgiveness. Stuck with guilt, they feared Joseph might yet turn against them but Joseph reminded them that their problem was primarily with God, who had generously manipulated events so that their victim could become their savior. [Sounds familiar.] Sat Exodus 3:1-22 The next person God used to expedite His program of salvation was Moses, who knew he wasn t good raw material. So this personal interview at the burning bush was God s way of setting him straight that the future of Israel was in God s hands, not the hands of Moses. God would overcome Pharaoh s obstinate hostility and Israel s weak-kneed passiveness. How would God get those goals accomplished? By being God, via the power of I AM WHO I AM, plain and simple. We thank You, Lord God, for being true to Yourself even when we are unfaithful to You. Please remember Jesus! 9
DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR HOME DEVOTIONS JULY 2-7 Mon Exodus 6:1-8&12:1-14 God clarified that knowing Him as Almighty is just for starters; He signs His Jehovah name on the bottom line of the Covenant, for grace is the core of His Personhood. And the crux of His Covenant was the Passover Lamb giving its life-blood to protect God s children from the Angel of death. Remember it, and remember it well (14)! Tues Exodus 15:1-19 The lyrics are wonderful because Moses is praising Jehovah for protecting His people and for being superior (past and future) so that His Kingdom would advance when transplanted into Canaan (17-18). Note: Our wandering through this wilderness is also a testing: will we heed the voice of the LORD our God and do what is right in His sight (24)? Wed Exodus 16:1-8 Give us this day our daily bread (Fourth Petition of our model prayer) is the God-pleasing way to cope with our day-to-day earthly needs in contrast to the way the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. They were whining and belly-aching (2-3), so Jehovah put them to another test: How would they respond to God when His gift was limited to a certain quota of food one day-at-a-time? Our daily nutritional needs are still met with God s manna. Thurs Exodus 20:1-17 Jehovah spelled out His will for His people in this batch of ten specific Do s-and-don ts. Our inter-facing with God is outlined in the first three, while the other seven outline our privileged responsibilities toward our fellowmen. God wants us to revere, honor, and love Him (1-11) and to serve the best interests of others (12-17). It was serious business back then (18-21) and it still is. God, help us! Fri Exodus 24 We are thrilled to hear people say: Yes! We are going to be faithful to God! We bow our will to God s, and we intend to be obedient (1-7)! The elders were bloody-well serious about their promise (7-8) and God let them live to tell about it after they had seen Him face-to-foot (10-11). Apparently forty days and nights was long enough for Moses... Sat Exodus 34: 28-35... to get everything straight (28) before he faced the congregation. Moses covered his luminescent face not to relieve their fear but to honor God. In II Corinthians 3:7-18 the Apostle Paul explains: At that early stage in God s program of salvation, the glory of His Law should not seem to be fading in importance, value, or function and that s why Moses kept the people from seeing any fade-out. However, at the later stage in God s program, the Law did fade in the face of the gospel, whose brightness and value outshine the Law. Since Jesus has eclipsed the Law, our lives reflect Jesus and the gospel, not Moses and the law. Amen to that! 10