The Hard Way and the Narrow Gate Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 8 am Sanctuary 11 am Chapel Monday, May 7, 2018 at 7 pm Chapel 2021 W. State Road 426 Oviedo, FL 32765 sllcs.org 407.365.3408
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. 2
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 3
Opening Hymn: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia! LSB 466 4
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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 6
Hymn of Praise: Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds LSB 465 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 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. 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
Hymn of the Day: Great Is Thy Faithfulness LSB 809 10
Sermon 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. 11
God Receives Our Offerings And Prayers Offertory: Create In Me LSB 956 Gathering of the Offerings Musical Offering Church Choir (8 am) Rite of Confirmation (7 pm Monday) give.sllcs.org Prayer of the Church 12
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. 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. 13
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 14
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. 15
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