The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - September 17, 2023

Lord of Life LIVE - The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
The Rite of Confirmation - The Affirmation of Baptism
”A New Beginning … More Than Expected!”
September 24, 2023, 9:30AM

Join us in person or on YouTube for Lord of Life LIVE!

All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.

Gathering in Spirit & Grace

Jesus Messiah

Tomlin

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

vs. 2
His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured
Out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn
Love so amazing
Love so amazing

(refrain)

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

Litany Trusting a New Beginning in God’s Faithfulness & Grace

Based on Psalm 107

Friends, today we trust anew, Jesus, Messiah, is far more than we ever imagined, and we trust a new beginning in God’s grace is far more than we think, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. Our God has gathered us in from all the lands that we might trust in him.

People of God: At times we wander in the desert, losing our way. We thirst for our souls to be satisfied. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to trust alone in the Lord’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ, trust the new beginning that is more than you think, in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. You are anew! Celebrate! Believe! Come, just as you are, to the One who comes to you first!

Song of Renewal in Grace

Just as I Am

Elliot & Bradbury

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

We thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love. You bless us with a new beginning, that is far more than we think, in your abundant grace! Lead us in the straight and narrow, that we might come, and reach the promised land, just as we are!

Friends of Jesus: The Lord guards you and guides you through every darkness. In the midst of your every struggle, come just as you are; receive a new beginning in God’s grace that is far more than we ever thought possible!

Song of Renewal in Grace

Just as I Am

Elliot & Bradbury

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

Loving God, we thank you and praise you, for your abundant grace is so much more than we ever dreamed. Bless us with a new beginning today, to let go of judging others, and to open ourselves to your love and salvation. By your Holy Spirit we come just as we are, to believe anew, to hope anew, to have you bless our souls again, to trust we are forgiven and we can forgive others, calling on your power and presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 50:15-21

Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

(New Revised Standard Version)

New Testament Lesson

Romans 14:1-12

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So, then, each of us will be accountable to God.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Song Anew in Grace

I Love to Tell the Story

Hankey & Fischer

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. 2
I love to tell the story
How pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it
More wonderfully sweet
I love to tell the story
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God’s own holy Word

(refrain)

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)

Gospel

Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

based on Romans 8:31-39

As God’s Word in grace gave Saul a new beginning to become the Apostle Paul, we, now boldly speak these words to renew our faith.

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen.

Children are invited to return to their seats with their family and friends.

We are excited to resume Faith Quest, our Sunday School Ministry, on October 1st!

A New Beginning…Oh, You Think So?

GENESIS 50:15-21; ROMANS 14:1-12; MATTHEW 18:21-35

Some things just do not make any sense; even when it is so easy to say, `Oh, you think so!’  At times, we act so contrary, so ironically, to what history or our heart tells us.  Just when we are trying to make positive changes in our life, we make a mistake.  Just when we expected the one person we needed most to be on our side, we hear, `Oh, you think so,’ and they abandon us and we feel all the more ashamed.  Thanks be to God there are those times when we are sure no one cares, that no one will be there for us, and then suddenly we are blessed to hear, `Oh, you think so,’ and we are surrounded or lifted up.  In our faith journey, there is much that still does not make sense.  Like, when we try to make God first, only to have him come in last.  Like, when we are sure we have sinned too much or too deeply to ever be taken in by our Savior, only to have him say, `The debt is paid.'  Like, when after receiving God's unconditional love and forgiveness, we turn around and mistreat or judge others, showing no compassion or mercy.  Contrary to the extreme, ironic as it may appear, just when you think God would rightly say, `Oh, you think so?' God in Jesus forgives you once again.  Even when it makes no sense, celebrate and trust a new beginning is given to you in God’s abundant mercy and grace!

1. Contrary to wishful and prayerful devotion, even a new beginning in grace does not mean we are not human.  It doesn’t take much to cast judgment on someone else.
Matthew 18:28; Romans 14:4,10-12

A. `Oh, you think so;’ we would rather find fault in others than assume our own responsibility.

B. `Oh, you think so;’ we would rather cast blame than admit our own role.

2. Thanks to a new beginning in grace, it does not take much to tell someone you are truly sorry.
Genesis 50:17; Matthew 18:26; 28-35

A. Saying you are sorry simply requires you to be honest and complete in your confession.

B. What takes more effort, a little more grace, is to repent; to hear the Holy Spirit say, `Oh, you think so,’ and turn you around.

3. Thanks to a new beginning in grace, it does not take much once you are ready, to share the gift of forgiveness, to receive the gift of forgiveness.
Genesis 50:19; Matthew 18:21-22,27

A. It can take time and healing to be ready to say, "I forgive you."

B. `Oh, you think so?!’  Saying, "I forgive you," does not mean it was `ok.'  It means you and I will be `ok,’ we are `ok,' now let's go forward in a new way.

C. Thanks be to God, we are blessed with a new beginning in God’s abundant mercy and grace!  `Oh, you think so,’ indeed, we are forgiven to forgive one another in Jesus’ name!

A few simple math problems:

$10 x 8 hours = $80/day
8 hours/day x 5 days = 40 hours/week
40 hours/week=$400/week
$80/day/(1 denari) x 100 days (100 denari) = $8000; 
$400/week x 50 weeks/year = $20,000/year; $20,000 x 15 years (1 talent) = $300,000/talent
$300,000 x 10,000 talents = $3,000,000,000

4. Thanks to a new beginning in grace, it does not take much of God’s mercy to know the forgiving power of Jesus.  Jesus could make it hard for us; could say to us, "Oh, you think so;" could have solidified an ending for us; and yet, we are graced with a new beginning!  We know it took so much to provide us with forgiveness and new life!  Let us not make too little of that.  In Jesus, God's grace, compassion and mercy are for real.  Let us be honest about who we are, accept what forgiveness is, and trust all that God is!
Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:27 

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.

Song of Hope & Grace Anew

Lord, I Need You

Maher

vs. 1
Lord I come I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart

refrain:
Lord I need You oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

vs. 2
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

(refrain)

You’re my one defense my righteousness 
Oh God how I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Give us a new beginning in your power and hope 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 during our service. 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.

For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.

We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.

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.

Songs During Holy Communion

Revelation Song

Riddle

Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy holy is He
Sing a new song
To Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat

(repeat)

refrain:
Holy holy holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows
Of living color
Flashes of lightning rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and
Glory and power be
To You the only wise King

(refrain)

Filled with wonder
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power
Breath and living water
Such a marv’lous mystery

(refrain)

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

Founds

Lord I lift Your name on high
Lord I love to sing Your praises
I’m so glad You’re in my life
I’m so glad You came to save us

You came from heaven to earth
To show the way 
From the earth to the cross
My debt to pay

From the cross to the grave
From the grave to the sky
Lord I lift Your name on high

(repeat as directed)

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 trust each new beginning in the grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Let us go anew in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, together serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!

Going Anew in Hope & Grace

The Name of The Lord (Blessed Be)

Utterbach

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Most High
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Most High

Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Most High
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Most High

The name of The Lord is
A strong tower
The righteous run into it
And they are saved
The name of The Lord is
A strong tower
The righteous run into it
And they are saved

Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Most High
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Most High

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Today, Sunday, September 17, we celebrate The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “A New Beginning … Oh, You Think So?”

Join us next Sunday, September 24, as we celebrate The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost! “A New Beginning … More Than Expected!”

Next Sunday, we celebrate The Rite Of Confirmation, The Affirmation Of Baptism!

As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, 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. 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.

We hope our worship 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.

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 A New Beginning In God’s Faithfulness And Grace – written based on Psalm 107. “Just As I Am.” “I Love To Tell The Story” Words and Music Public Domain, © 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 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea,” Words & Music Public Domain, CCLI #23206 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Lord, I Need You” © 2011 sixsteps Music, CCLI #5925687 “Revelation Song” © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing CCLI #4447960 “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High” © 1989 Universal Music CCLI #117947 “The Name of The Lord (Blessed Be)” © 1989 & this arr. © 1997 Polygram International Publishing, Inc. CCLI #265239  All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.