Fifth Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - April 3, 2022
Join us in-person or on facebook for Lord of Life LIVE this Sunday at 9:30am!
Today as we share our Lenten journey we pray our hope is renewed in the compassionate heart and grace of Christ alone, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. My glory is in the compassion of The Lord. He protects me. When I was brought low, he saved me. My soul rests in The Lord.
Friends in Christ: Love the Lord; he hears your voice 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 trusted the compassionate heart of Christ alone.
(silence for reflection)
Friends, The Lord is our salvation, we are precious in his sight. Today, live anew in the compassion of The Father’s amazing grace; for Jesus saves, and Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust anew the One who forever purifies your heart!
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
You are the Potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
Brothers and sisters in faith, hold close these words: Loving God, cast me not away from thy presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, fill and uphold me with a willing spirit, to keep my heart on you. The Lord is gracious and merciful. Even when our hearts stray, God is driven in grace to be faithful; keeping His heart on one and all; forever changing our hearts!
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
You are the Potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
Almighty and loving God, through your faithfulness, you broke into our troubled world through the life, death and resurrection of your Son. In our weakness, we fail to worship you alone, to be driven alone, by The One who forever changes our hearts. During our Lenten journey, by your grace and Holy Spirit, keep our hearts on you. Create in us clean hearts, trusting you keep us faithful, to make you and our neighbors first. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
(New Revised Standard Version)
vs. 1
He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become
His righteousness
He humbled Himself
And carried the cross
Love so amazing
Love so amazing
refrain:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The Rescue for sinners
The Ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
bridge:
All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You God
The Light of the world
(refrain)
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
The Lord of all
The Lord of all
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
(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.
JOSHUA 5:9-12; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; LUKE 15:1-3, 11B-32
Companies are often driven by niches, missions, purposes, callings, and needs to answer. People for centuries have been driven to discover the meaning of life. Have you discovered the meaning of your life, what is driving you? A better question is, what is God’s heart driven by? How is The One keeping his heart on you, driving you, gracing you, to reveal your mission, your meaning, your calling? The Pharisees and Judas thought they knew what they were driven by. Christ alone is driven to keep his heart on us, to bless us with grace. As Jesus visits Lazarus, Martha and Mary, as we read Isaiah and Paul, we are invited to see The Lord’s heart is driven to use our gifts to do a new thing, to press on, to make God and our neighbors first in new ways. As you reflect on your calling, the meaning of your life, how Christ alone is driving you, surrender to The One driven to keep his heart on you. As we follow Jesus these final weeks of Lent, trust God is driven to grace you, with salvation and hope in Christ alone!
1. God’s heart is driven in Jesus to fulfill salvation in the cross and tomb to free you, to call you, to empower you, to reveal to you, God’s heart is on you, driving your heart in grace!
Isaiah 43:19; Philippians 3:12-14; John 12:8
A. The Pharisees and Judas thought they knew what was driving their hearts. Deep down, they were not allowing their hearts to be driven in grace.
John 12:4-5
B. As Jesus visits Bethany, mission and calling are revealed, driven like our own, in grace alone.
John 12:1-3
i. Lazarus’ heart is driven to reveal Jesus’ compassion.
ii. Martha’s heart is driven to reveal Jesus’ service.
iii. Mary’s heart is driven to reveal Jesus as Savior.
C. We often question, wonder, how Jesus’ heart is driven, to drive us in grace alone? Trust The One who is driven to bless you, will keep his heart on you, and drive you, as you press on. Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians.3:10-14; John 12:3
i. If perfume has purpose, trust your heart is driven with far more mission, purpose, and calling!
ii. If prophets of old were heard, trust your heart is driven, and your voice, too, will not be silenced.
iii. If one like Paul, was graced to begin new works, trust your heart is driven to do new things, to press on, to keep your heart on Christ alone!
2. What drives you, at your core, moving you? Such a common question, easy to answer, if we do so, without much thought. Such a question may not be so easy to answer if you are willing to look deep, and yet, spirit and faith and life and grace await in the answer. As we follow Jesus these final weeks of Lent, with Easter before us, trust and celebrate, God is driven to grace you, with salvation and hope in Christ alone!
Isaiah 43:19-21; Philippians 3:10-14; John 12:3,8
A. Jesus’ heart is driven to grace you!
B. God’s heart is driven in the cross and the tomb, to grace you, to save you!
C. God’s heart is driven, to bless you, to enjoy, to accept, to serve, to
fulfill, to live; with this at your core, with this truth forever driving you: God forever keeps his heart on us, in the saving grace of Christ alone!
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.
When I survey
The wondrous cross
On which the Prince
Of glory died
My richest gain
I count but loss
And pour contempt
On all my pride
See from His head
His hands His feet
Sorrow and love
Flow mingled down
Did e’er such love
And sorrow meet
Or thorns compose
So rich a crown
refrain:
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die
And find that I
May truly live
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
All who gather here
By grace draw near
And bless Your name
Were the whole realm
Of nature mine
That were an off’ring
Far too small
Love so amazing
So divine demands
My soul my life my 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,
Lord
Listen to your children praying
Lord
Send your Spirit in this place
Lord
Listen to your children praying
Send us love
Send us power
Send us 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.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O sisters let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O sisters let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
O brothers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O brothers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O fathers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O fathers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
O mothers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O mothers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O sinners let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O sinners let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
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.
vs. 1
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
refrain:
Your love never fails
It never gives up
Never runs out on me
Your love never fails
It never gives up
Never runs out on me
Your love never fails
It never gives up
Never runs out on me
Your love
vs. 2
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains one thing remains
(refrain)
bridge:
In death
In life
I’m confident and covered by
The pow’r
Of Your great love
My debt
Is paid
There’s nothing that can separate
My heart
From Your great love
(repeat then refrain)
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Today we celebrate and share, The Fifth Sunday In Lent, “Driven Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today! Join us during Lent as we share and provide our Lenten Midweek Worship each Wednesday on Facebook!
Join us next Sunday, April 10, 9:30 a.m., as we share Palm Sunday, The Passion Of Our Lord, “Passionate Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on Facebook!
Join us for our Holy Week and Easter Worship Schedule: Maundy Thursday, including First Communion, Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m. Good Friday, including, “Jesus’ Seven Last Words,” Friday, April 15, 7 p.m. Community Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday morning, April 16, time and details finalized soon Easter Sunday, The Resurrection Of Our Lord, Sunday, April 17, 9:30 a.m.
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 Driven Heart & Grace In Christ Alone, written based on Psalm 51. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” “Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying,” 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. “Change My Heart, O God” © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1565 “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 5508444 “The Wonderful Cross” © 2000 worshiptogether.com songs CCLI #3148435 “Down to the River to Pray” © 2007 Musicnotes, Inc. CCLI #4746245 “One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)” © 2010 Bethel Music CCLI #5508444 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
