The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - October 1, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
”Signs of Love … Bearing Fruit”
October 8, 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 Glory & Grace
Gather Us In
Haugen
vs. 1
Here in this place
New light is streaming
Now is the darkness
Vanished away
See in this space
Our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you
In the light of this day
Gather us in
The lost and forsaken
Gather us in
The blind and the lame
Call to us now
And we shall awaken
We shall arise
At the sound of our name
vs. 2
We are the young
Our lives are a myst’ry
We are the old
Who yearn for your face
We have been sung
Throughout all of hist’ry
Called to be light
To the whole human race
Gather us in
The rich and the haughty
Gather us in
The proud and the strong
Give us a heart
So meek and so lowly
Give us the courage
To enter the song
vs. 3
Here we will take
The wine and the water
Here we will take
The bread of new birth
Here you shall call
Tour sons and your daughters
Call us anew
To be salt for the earth
Give us to drink
The wine of compassion
Give us to eat
The bread that is you
Nourish us well
And teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy
And hearts that are true
Litany Trusting God’s Signs of Love
Based on Psalm 25
Today we celebrate and give thanks, for God’s grace gathers us in, here in this place, showering upon us, every blessed sign of God’s love, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. The Lord walks paths of steadfast love and faithfulness. He leads the humble in what is right; he will not remember our sins. The Lord remembers us according to his grace and mercy.
People of God: Jesus knows our transgressions; our sins are ever before him, yet, the Lord is mindful of his steadfast love. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust God’s wisdom and grace.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: The signs of God’s love and wisdom in our life are these: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. He is our God, we are His people! Live in the authority, wisdom and grace of the One who invites us to share, just a closer walk with thee!
Song Anew in Faith & Grace
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 1
I am weak but thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk let me walk close to thee
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; you have not let me be put to shame. You, O God, renew me, to share a closer walk with thee, to live anew in the signs of your love!
Brothers and Sisters in faith: Even when we fail to make known God’s wisdom in our life, God turns to us in grace. Come, share a closer walk with thee! Be made new! You are a blessed sign of God’s love!
Song Anew in Faith & Grace
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 2
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter Lord who cares
Who with me my burden shares
None but thee dear Lord none but thee
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
Loving God, as we trust your authority and wisdom in our life, increase our faith to see you alone save us. Let now be the time you renew us as signs of your love. By your Holy Spirit you give us real wisdom, to go where we are sent, to care for all you have given to us, to share all our blessings, to make you and our neighbors first, to surrender to you and to make known your Kingdom, you, and your grace, are at the center of every sign of love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 2:1-13
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Anew in Wisdom & Grace
He Is Exalted
Paris
vs. 1
He is exalted
The King is exalted
On high
I will praise Him
He is exalted
Forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted
The King is exalted
On high
(repeat)
He is exalted
The King is exalted
On high
Gospel
Matthew 21:23-32
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.” (New Revised Standard Version)
based on Revelation 21:5-7
As God’s children, we trust God the good steward, in God’s grace, loves us first, and blesses us with every sign of love. In thanks to God’s faithfulness, countless blessings, and all God entrusts into our care, by The Holy Spirit, we boldly state our faith.
God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” 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!
Signs of Love … Real Wisdom, Every Day!
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13; MATTHEW 21:23-32
Do you like riddles and brain teasers? Do you like to try and figure them out for yourself, or would you rather just know the answer? Life is filled with challenging questions. Sometimes the answers are fairly clear; at other times, the answers are not so clear. Sometimes, once we know the answer, trusting the answer, and then doing something about it requires us to be determined and obedient and wise. The chief priests and the elders had a riddle for Jesus: `By whose authority are you doing these things?' Jesus had his own brain teaser: `Where did the baptism of John come from, God or humanity?' Some of the questions that riddle our spiritual journey are these: `What is the number one authority in our life?' And `Do we trust the power of God in our baptism?' Just because we follow Jesus, we are not promised easy or clear answers to all of life's questions. When you cannot figure it all out by yourself, stand firm anew each day, in the One who is the Answer, the One who provides wisdom, real wisdom, for Jesus blesses you every day, with signs of love in wisdom and grace!
1. Many people in society try to claim positions of authority and wisdom.
Philippians 2:3-5; Matthew 21:24-27
A. Who do you see claiming authority and wisdom?
B. Authority is also given. Who do you give authority?
C. It is a real brain teaser: We know, yet, we do not listen or follow. Wisdom, real wisdom every day in Christ, is grace!
D. It is a real brain teaser, though we do not always surrender to Jesus’ authority and wisdom, Jesus still calls us, loves us, makes us new! Believing, believing in grace, is a sign of love, is grace; this is real wisdom!
2. Do those around you know what authority you answer to, the wisdom, the grace, that you call on every day?
Philippians 2:10-13; Matthew 21:23
A. They might think they know. You might think they know. This is old wisdom; this is not very wise!
Matthew 21:23, 27
B. Is it clear to others, Who is your authority, Who is true wisdom for you, Who is grace, in your life?
Matthew 21:31
C. It is a real brain teaser that we know Who our authority is, and then we do not answer, or act, or tell, or share with others the real wisdom and grace in our life every day!
Matthew 21:28-32
3. It is a real brain teaser that Jesus knows who we are, and who we too often look to as authorities and wisdom in our lives, and he still saves us!
Philippians 2:5-9; Matthew 21:25-26
A. This wisdom is so new to us, being made new, being blessed anew, is all so foreign to us, beyond what we know, giving us love and life and hope and grace every day!
B. We may at times wonder why God obediently acts on our behalf. Trust it does not take that much to believe anew the power of Jesus in our life every day … this is real wisdom!
C. We may have questions or doubts. We may find it impossible to understand Jesus and his authority, and yet our wisdom is revealed as we surrender to Wisdom, The One who is the Answer, The One who blesses us with every sign of love in real wisdom and grace, each and every day!
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 Wisdom In Faith & Grace
Cry of My Heart
Butler
refrain:
It is the cry of my heart
To follow You
It is the cry of my heart
To be close to You
It is the cry of my heart
To follow
All of the days of my life
vs. 1
Teach me Your holy ways O Lord
So I can walk in Your truth
Teach me Your holy ways O Lord
And make me wholly devoted to You
(refrain)
vs. 2
Open my eyes so I can see
The wonderful things that You do
Open my heart up more and more
And make me wholly devoted to You
(refrain twice)
All of the days of my life
All of the days of my life
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
We trust anew, in your signs of love 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
Carry The Light
Paris
In this world of darkness
We are given light
Hope for all the dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And He died to save them
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light
Count them by the millions
Blinded slaves to sin
Inside they are dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And His heart is breaking
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light the Light
Carry the Light
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 anew, every sign of God’s love, 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 in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Anew in Spirit & Grace
Lord Reign in Me
Brown
vs. 1
Over all the earth
You reign on high
Ev’ry mountain stream
Ev’ry sunset sky
But my one request
Lord my only aim
Is that You’d reign in me again
refrain:
Lord reign in me
Reign in Your pow’r
Over all my dreams
In my darkest hour
You are the Lord
Of all I am
So won’t you reign in me again
vs. 2
Over ev’ry thought
Over ev’ry word
May my life reflect
The beauty of my Lord
‘Cause You mean more to me
Than any earthly thing
So won’t You reign in me again
(refrain twice)
Won’t You reign in me again
Won’t You reign in me again
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Today, Sunday, October 1st, we celebrate The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Signs Of Love … Real Wisdom, Every Day!” Today, Sunday, October 1st, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry resumes!
Join us next Sunday, October 8th, as we celebrate The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Signs Of Love … Bearing Fruit!” Join us next Sunday, October 8th, as our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!
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 as you exit the building.
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 God’s Signs Of Love – written based on Psalm 25. “Here In This Place, Gather Us In,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” © 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. “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” © Words and Music Public Domain, OL #95172 “He Is Exalted” © 1985 Mountain Spring Music CCLI #17827 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Cry of My Heart” © 1991, this arr. © 1997 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #844980 “Carry The Light” © 1989 Ariose Music CCLI #126402 “Lord, Reign In Me” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2490706 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.