Reformation Sunday - Online Worship - October 31, 2021
vs. 1
A mighty fortress is our God
A sword and shield victorious
He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod
And wins salvation glorious
The old satanic foe
Has sworn to work us woe
With craft and dreadful might
He arms himself to fight
On earth he has no equal
vs. 2
No strength of ours can match his might
We would be lost rejected
But now a champion comes to fight
Whom God himself elected
You ask who this may be
The Lord of hosts is he
Christ Jesus mighty Lord
God’s only Son adored
He holds the field victorious
vs. 4
God’s Word forever shall abide
No thanks to foes who fear it
For God himself fights by our side
With weapons of the Spirit
Were they to take our house
Goods honor child or spouse
Though life be wrenched away
They cannot win the day
The Kingdom’s ours forever
Today, we celebrate God’s faithfulness; we believe and see anew, our Mighty Fortress, transforms us, reforms us, changes us, one and all once again in God’s saving glory and grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Friends, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. We will not fear. Though the earth changes, the mountains shake and tremble, the waters roar, our faith rests in the river whose stream is God! We forever live in Christ alone!
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
People of God: The nations are in uproar and the kingdoms totter. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the unchanging grace of Christ alone.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in faith: Sing anew, trust anew, live anew; for your light and life are forever in the grace of God’s Almighty Word!
vs 1
God whose almighty word
Chaos and darkness heard
And took their flight
Hear us we humbly pray
And where the Gospel day
Sheds not its glorious ray
Let there be light
Friends in Christ: live anew; trust anew, God’s grace changes everything in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. The Son has made you free; you are free indeed. God is in our midst; we will not be shaken. We are reformed and transformed: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!
vs 1
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
The King of creation
O my soul praise him for he
Is your health and salvation
Let all who hear
Now to his temple draw near
Joining in glad adoration
Friends reformed in grace: God is exalted among the nations and in all the earth. God has changed what was, into what is. By the Holy Spirit, we are forever changed, thanks to the One we know is our God! Believe anew; live anew, in God’s grace alone!
Ev’ry promise we can make
Ev’ry prayer and step of faith
Ev’ry diff’rence we will make
Is only by His grace
Ev’ry mountain we will climb
Ev’ry ray of hope we shine
Ev’ry blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
refrain:
Grace alone
Which God supplies
Strength unknown
He will provide
Christ in us
Our Cornerstone
We will go forth
In grace alone
Gracious God, we thank you and praise you, for all good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above. As we celebrate The Reformation of your Church, give us faith to believe and to see you are The One in glory and grace who changes us, who changes salvation, who changes everything. As we trust in you is the greatest reformation of all, we trust perhaps like never before, our true net worth is in you alone; we love because you first loved us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt – a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Be sure to join us in person for this special music from our new pianist Kyle Dacon!
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort,
believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him.
But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me
with his gifts,and sanctified and kept me in true faith.
In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies
the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it united
with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian Church day after day he fully forgives my sins
and the sins of all believers.
On the last day he will raise me and all the dead
and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.
This is most certainly true. Amen.
EREMIAH 31:31-34; ROMANS 3:19-28; JOHN 8:31-36
Some things change all the time. The time is now for a change. Long ago, the time was now for a change as well; a change for some of God’s Church, in how God’s Church, did Church, was Church. God has never changed. There has never been a change in God’s gift of freedom, in God’s Word as truth, in the hope of mercy and salvation, or in God’s glory and grace. God’s glory and grace change everything, and yet, God’s glory and grace never change! How God’s promise and power and presence come to us is done in ever changing ways. Freedom, truth, mercy and salvation, and even God’s treasured glory and grace used to come in The Law. As God witnessed his people struggling, God decided to reform, to change, how he gave such gifts, to add to, make known, fulfill, our true net worth is in God’s grace alone. Jesus dies, rises again, reveals to us again God’s glory and grace, that we might believe and see in new ways. God’s Son changes us, setting us free, free indeed, to live out this change, to forever live in glory and grace!
1. God’s glory and grace change The Church. God’s Church needs God’s glory and grace. God’s Church is called to share the love of God in Jesus who changes everything!
Romans 3:24,27-28; John 8:36
A. God’s glory and grace invite us to see God forever reforming God’s Church, God’s ministries, God’s people!
B. God’s abundant glory and grace are forever changing us, making known to us, as God’s Church, as God’s people, the true net worth of the ministry and core values God places in our care, that our net worth as believers, disciples, is truly in God’s grace alone.
C. God’s glory and grace call, empower, reform, free, give and equip God’s Church, God’s people, to give, to proclaim, to be bold, to welcome all who long to be free, to be free indeed.
2. God’s glory and grace change God’s people, each of us, to change everything, to believe and to see the glory and grace of The One who is Lord of all!
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:27-28; John 8:33-36
A. God’s glory and grace reform us, restore us, redeem us, reconcile us. We are Jesus’ brothers and sisters. We love because God first loved us, because God first adores us!
B. God’s glory and grace change us, to be examples of change, to change everything, to adore The One who adores us first!
i. God’s glory and grace change us to think anew, to act anew, to believe anew, to see anew!
ii. God’s glory and grace move in us and through us, with the power of one believer, one encounter, at a time.
C. God’s glory and grace free us. God in glory and grace is counting on us, to believe and to see anew! Trust His light shines in you before others!
3. Long ago, The Reformation changed how some people lived out life in The Church. From eternity, for eternity, God continues to reform, reshape, change God’s people and God’s Church. God’s glory and grace, God loving us, has forever changed everything, has forever changed us, one and all!
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:23-24; John 8:31-36
A. God’s glory and grace are never changing, yet, in Jesus Christ, God’s glory and grace change bondage into freedom, sin into forgiveness, death into life, weakness into power, helplessness into hope, changing forever how salvation is secured!
B. God’s glory and grace has forever changed you! ‘You are a life, that is changed’ forever! Trust God’s glory and grace, passion, devotion, and desire for you will never, ever, change!
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
vs 1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God I come I come
vs 2
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot
To thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God I come I come
refrain:
I come broken to be mended
I come wounded to be healed
I come desperate to be rescued
I come empty to be filled
I come guilty to be pardoned
By the blood of Christ the Lamb
And I’m welcomed with open arms
Praise God just as I am
vs 3
Just as I am I would be lost
But mercy and grace my freedom bought
And now to glory in your cross
O Lamb of God I come I come
(refrain)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Bless us, change us, to believe and to see anew, all your glory and grace.
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place after the closing Benediction. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.
In order to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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 believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back again
Let the lost be found
And the dead be raised
In the here and now
Let love invade
Let the Church live loud
Our God will save
We believe
We believe
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
For the pow’r of God
Has torn the veil
Now we know Your love
Will never fail
We believe
We believe
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back
He’s coming back again
He’s coming back again
We believe
We believe
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ, The Lord of life. Amen.
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, as you believe and see God’s glory and grace change everything. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
vs 1
Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with
The sinner’s restless heart
You lead us by still waters into mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember your promise oh God
refrain 1:
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
bridge:
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember your promise oh God
refrain 2:
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough
Heaven reaches out to us
Your grace is enough for me
God I see Your grace is enough
I’m covered in Your love
Your grace is enough for me for me
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Today we celebrate with Christians around the world, Reformation Sunday! Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
Join us next Sunday, November 7, as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday! “All The Saints: Believe, See, God’s Glory and Grace!” Please share names of loved ones you wish to have us prayerfully remember next Sunday! Worship includes a Children’s Message, a Sermon, and Holy Communion! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on our Facebook page, under “videos.”
As we share worship in this way, we are seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, ushering, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!
All who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion is now offered once again during worship, as we share pre-packaged single servings of communion, including a wafer and grape juice. Carefully pull back the first tab to expose the host, the body of Christ, given for you; then pull back the second tab to expose the blood of Christ, shed for you! Please ask for assistance or clarification as you are served!
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the building.
For those who are not able to join us for worship, you are invited to receive drive-through communion, available Sundays, 10:15-10:30 a.m. at the front curb near the church entrance.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love, and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Seeing & Believing God’s Glory & Grace, written based on Psalm 46. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #2184098 “In Christ Alone” © 2002 Thankyou Music CCLI #3350395 “God, Whose Almighty Word” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #1771942 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #43073 “Grace Alone” © 1998 Maranatha! Music, CCLI #2335524 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” © Words and Music Public Domain & this arr. by Heather Sorenson “Just As I Am” © 2009 CCTB Music CCLI #5635850 “We Believe” © Integrity Worship Music, CCLI #6367165 “Your Grace Is Enough” © 2003 Thankyou Music CCLI #4477026 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
