First Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - March 6, 2022

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Today as we share our Lenten journey we pray our power is renewed in the heart and grace of Jesus Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. O Lord, in the midst of the congregation, I will praise your name. You alone have delivered my soul. You keep my heart on you. You keep your heart on me, and you come quickly to my aid.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, for we come just as we are.

Amen.

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

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 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)

Most merciful God, ...

We confess, we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. 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. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Save us and renew us, in the grace of Christ alone. Amen.

In the mercy and grace of Almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you, Jesus saves, and for his sake, God forgives you all your sins, just as you are. Hear again the simple power of these words: To those who believe in Jesus Christ alone, he gives power to become the children of God and bestows on them The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

vs. 5
Just as I am thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome pardon cleanse relieve
Because thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God I come I come

People of God: Trust the Lord will not hide his face from you. Watch for him, for he is very close! In grace you are renewed, forgiven, and saved. Return to the Lord with all your heart. Keep your heart on the One who forever keeps his heart on you, then go in the grace and power of Jesus’ every word; go, just as you are.

vs. 6
Just as I am thy love unknown
Has broken ev’ry barrier down
Now to be thine yea thine alone
O Lamb of God I come I come

Almighty and loving God, the battle between good and evil rages within and around our lives. Satan is real; we are tempted with deceit and empty promises. During this Lenten season, keep our hearts on you. Give us powerful hearts, to trust your Word and grace, to come just as we are, to worship, to be filled, to believe in the grace of Christ alone. When our every day wilderness feels too vast; by your power, raise us up, to return to the Lord with all our heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Paul quoted Moses and the law, saying, “The word is near, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

vs 1
O Lord throughout these forty days
You prayed and kept the fast
Inspire repentance for our sin
And free us from our past

vs 2
You strove with Satan and you won
Your faithfulness endured 
Lend us your nerve your skill and trust
In God’s eternal Word

vs 4
Be with us through this season Lord
And all our earthly days
That when the final Easter dawns
We join in heaven’s praise

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

(New Revised Standard Version)

I love the Lord because he has heard my voice 
and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me,
Therefore, I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
The pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple; 
When I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death, 
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”;
Even when I said in fear, “No one can be trusted.” Amen.

DEUTERONOMY 26:1-11; ROMANS 10:8b-13; LUKE 4:1-13

Power.  Where do you go to find it?  How do you draw on it?  What part of your life and spirit need it the most?  Where does your heart, get its power?  Power can be taken for granted, until there is a shortage.  We may not think much about where we get power for our heart and spirit, until we find ourselves in the middle of a wilderness, a crisis, looking desperately for more power before we run out.  Of course one way to call on as much power as possible, is to be as close, to stay as close, as you can to the power source.  In Luke’s Gospel today, Jesus is led by The Spirit’s power into the wilderness to beat Satan.  As our Lenten journey continues, as our spiritual journey continues and our daily life unfolds, trust God keeps our powerful hearts on The One who is all powerful, The One who forever has his heart on us, giving us all the power we will ever need, in the grace of Christ, in the powerful heart of Christ alone!

1. Do you ever feel your heart running out of power?  What robs power in your spiritual life?  What steals power from your heart and spirit? 

A. How do you trust the powerful heart of Christ will beat Satan and the wilderness?
Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Luke 4:1

i. The wilderness in its many forms is real; it all takes so much energy from our heart, who we are, and our spirit.

ii. Satan is real and can have real power over us as well.  Satan works hardest on those who try to make God and our neighbors first.

iii. Lent is a journey, a searching, a longing, through the wilderness, revealing the powerful heart of God’s grace! 

B. How do you trust the powerful heart of Christ will restore your heart with power, to believe anew?
Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1

i. Believing when believing seems impossible can wear out our hearts.  The uncertainties of the world, wear us down.  We can question how much about God is certain.

ii. Do not beat yourself up over this.  Some of the greatest believers got tired, too.  Noah, Moses, David, Peter

iii. The Word is near, in your heart, keeping your heart renewed through your baptism, giving you faith, power!

iv. Baptism, Jesus, The Spirit each give our hearts power for daily living.

a. Jesus is baptized, then led into the wilderness.

b. Where would our heart’s power come from, to beat the wilderness, if not baptized?

2. Return to the Lord with all your heart!  In the powerful heart of Christ your heart is powerful; The Spirit is driving your spirit!
Luke 4:1-13

A. The season of Lent is a new beginning springing forth in God’s grace and hope, giving power through more than bread alone, giving our hearts power when we bow down, giving hope when we trust, not test, God’s power in our midst each and every day!

B. The powerful heart of God’s grace is revealed once again, as we fast and feast, filling up on real power, led by The Spirit!

3. Celebrate and trust your heart is powerful in Christ alone!  Believe, be filled with the power to beat every wilderness, to beat Satan, to live anew!  God forever keeps his heart on us, for the power given in Lent, baptism, grace, The Spirit, the cross, the tomb is more than enough for each day, for all eternity!

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
You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God and live

refrain:
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest

vs 2
If you pass through raging waters
In the sea you shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the pow’r of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you
Through it all

(refrain)

(Including sung response, “The Spirit Intercedes For Us” by Olson)

As God’s people, gifted to trust and to call on God’s peace and grace in Jesus Christ, let us pray for the needs of all God’s people. 

... as we pray to you, Jesus,

The Spirit intercedes for us
With sighs too deep
For words to express
Oh oh oh

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.

vs 1
Precious Lord take my hand
Lead me on let me stand
I am tired I am weak I am worn
Through the storm through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

vs 2
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

vs 3
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

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.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our hearts, and our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.

Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; trust anew The One who keeps his heart on you! 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.

Satan we’re gonna tear your kingdom down
Satan we’re gonna tear your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan we’re gonna tear your kingdom down

Satan we’re gonna pray your kingdom down
Satan we’re gonna pray your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan we’re gonna pray your kingdom down

Satan we’re gonna sing your kingdom down
Satan we’re gonna sing your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan we’re gonna sing your kingdom down

Satan the cross has torn your kingdom down
Satan the cross has torn your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan the cross has torn your kingdom down

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Today we celebrate and share, The First Sunday In Lent, “Powerful Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!

Join us during Lent as we share and provide our midweek services each Wednesday on Facebook!

Join us next Sunday, March 13, 9:30 a.m., as we share The Second Sunday In Lent, “Peaceful Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on Facebook! Daylight Saving Time begins next Sunday, March 13! Turn your clock ahead one hour!

As we continue share worship in this way, we are seeking more 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!

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 Trusting The Powerful Heart & Grace In Christ Alone, written based on Psalm 22. “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. “Just As I Am, Without One Plea,” Words & Music Public Domain, CCLI #23206 “O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days” © 1978 Augsburg Fortress, OL #11862 “Be Not Afraid” © 1975, 1978, Robert J. Dufford, S.J. and New Dawn Music “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” This Far by Faith, © 1999; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress, “Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down” ©1999 Augburg Fortress, OL #72593 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.