Fourth Sunday in Lent - Online Worship - March 14, 2021

Today as we share our Lenten journey, we pray to be alive and anew thanks to God’s gifts of faith and grace alone, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. 

People of Faith: Love the Lord; he hears you when you cry out to him. He inclines his ear to hear you. Call on him as long as you live. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have not believed in God’s grace. (silence for reflection)  Friends, the Lord is our salvation, we are precious in his sight. Today, fear not, trust in the grace alone in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Though the snares of death encompass us, though we suffer distress, we believe anew, we have nothing to fear.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you,”
Says the Lord.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you;
ear not, for I am with you,”
Says the Lord.

People of faith: The Lord has delivered your soul from death, your eyes from tears, your feet from stumbling; together, we walk without fear, we boldly believe, and we walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Thanks be to God’s faithfulness; we fear not!

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you,”
Says the Lord.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you;
Fear not, for I am with you,”
Says the Lord.

Almighty and loving God, out of your power and compassion, you broke into our troubled world through the life, death and resurrection of your Son. By your faithfulness, we fear not; we boldly believe, for you, God, so loved the world, that you gave your only Son. By your Spirit, increase our faith, this Lenten season, to believe we are alive and anew in your grace alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus said, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

NUMBERS 21:4-9; EPHESIANS 2:1-10; JOHN 3:14-21

`Can you believe it?'  `Do you believe it?'  `I can't believe it!'  `I saw it, but I don't believe it!'  `If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.'  `I'll have to see it to believe it.'  Believing is not an easy thing to do.  We want to, but something inside pulls us towards proof.  We are drawn to sure things.  `To believe' by nature is to have confidence in existence or worth when proof is not possible.  In your faith walk, how are you at believing when you are not sure?  How does God build faith in your life?  In our story from John today, we hear those familiar words, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that all who believe in him would not die but have eternal life."  `All who believe, will have eternal life.'  As we continue our Lenten journey, we boldly believe in God’s grace alone, trusting with confidence Jesus' existence, power and faithfulness, even though at times we would rather have proof.  John 3:16 invites us to believe and to trust the surest thing of all, the love of God for us in Jesus Christ alone!

1. `To believe' is not easy to define, it is even more difficult to accept.  Thanks be to God, to believe is possible, in grace alone!  Numbers 21:4-5

A. `To believe:' To have confidence in someone's or something's existence or worth when proof is not possible.

B. `To believe:' To accept as real.

C. What keeps us trusting Jesus' existence?  What gives you the power to accept as real you are alive and saved anew in God’s grace alone?  What about Jesus is a sure thing for you?

2. We so often try to analyze and break down the gift of faith.  Instead, let us break down John 3:16, and let us believe in God’s grace alone!

A. For God – Who do you believe is in charge? Ephesians 2:4

B. So loved – Do you believe God is crazy about you? Ephesians 2:5,8

C. The world – Do you believe this includes but is not limited to you?
Numbers 21:6-7; Ephesians 2:2

D. That he gave – Do you believe the gift is a gift? Ephesians 2:4-5,8

E. His only Son – Do you believe God in the flesh? Ephesians 2:5; John 3:17

F. So everyone – Again, do you believe this is inclusive? Numbers 21:6-7

G. Who believes – Do you believe all you need do is believe? John 3:18 

H. In him – Do you believe Jesus above yourself?  Ephesians 2:5-6; John 3:14-15

I. Would not die but have eternal life – Do you believe you will not die, that you live now, and forever? Ephesians 2:1,6; John 3:16

3. Do you believe, God believes in you?  Ephesians 2:5,8; John 3:16

A. God sends his Son for all who believe because God through love and grace and mercy believes in us.

B. God sees value in us, has confidence in our existence and worth.

C. Believe in God’s grace alone!  Trust God so loved, so all who believe would not die, but live.  Can it be proven?  Does it need to be?  Believe God’s grace in Jesus Christ is a sure thing!

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
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory,
Of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know it’s true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else would do.

refrain:
I love to tell the story;
I’ll sing this theme in glory,
And tell the old, old story,
Of Jesus and his love.

vs. 3
I love to tell the story,
For those who know it best,
Seem hungering and thirsting,
To hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I’ll sing the old, old story,
That I have loved so long.

(refrain)

... as we pray to you, Jesus,

Renew us in the blessing to believe anew in your grace alone.

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.

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Again after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in 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.

Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; be alive and anew in God’s grace alone! 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 his peace. In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Give thanks to the Lord,
Our God and King.
His love endures forever.
For He is good,
He is above all things.
His love endures forever.
Sing praise, sing praise.

With a mighty hand
And outstretched arm,
His love endures forever.
For the life that’s been reborn,
His love endures forever.
Sing praise, sing praise.
Sing praise, sing praise.

refrain:
Forever God is faithful.
Forever God is strong.
Forever God is with us,
Forever.
Forever God is faithful.
Forever God is strong.
Forever God is with us,
Forever.
Forever.

vs. 1
My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet,
Though faroff hymn
That hails a new creation.

refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

vs. 2
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

vs. 3
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.

vs. 4
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?

Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!

Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

Join us next Sunday, March 21, 9:30 a.m., as we share The Fifth Sunday In Lent, “Glorified In Grace Alone!” Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion!
Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on our Facebook page, under “videos.”

Throughout the Lenten season, midweek Lenten services will be on our Facebook page  under “videos;” with services accessible beginning each Wednesday morning. Bulletins for midweek services are available via daily devotions and on our Facebook page. If helpful, you can access the bulletins and our Facebook page on our website (lordoflifemn.org).

As we share worship in this new 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!

Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion will be offered to you following the closing song as you exit the sanctuary, 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 sanctuary.

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.

We hope having the service provided for you in this way, will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.

In this time when we are committed to safety and social distancing, please trust we are equally committed to keeping us socially and spiritually connected! On behalf of the Kingdom of God, thank you for the ways you make God and neighbor first!

rom 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 of Renewal In Faith and Grace Alone In Jesus Christ, written based on Psalm 116. “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. “I Surrender All (Surrender)” Words Public Domain, Music © 2002 Hearts to God Music, Inc. CCLI #5253263 “Fear Not” © 1984 C3 Music Publishing CCLI #13508 “I Love to Tell the Story” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #29413 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 “My Life Flows On in Endless Song” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #2794377 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.