The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany – Online Worship
Lord of Life LIVE - The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
”Celebrating & Trusting … The Bright New Finding!”
Sunday, February 4, 2023, 9:30am
Join us for our first Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In Light & Grace
Holy Spirit
Torwalt
There’s nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You’re our living hope
Your Presence Lord
I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
In Your Presence Lord
refrain:
Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere
Your glory God
Is what our hearts long for
To be overcome
By Your presence Lord
Your presence Lord
(repeat refrain)
Trusting A New Epiphany in the Grace of the Bright New Light
based on Psalm 111
Friends, today trust anew, the Holy Spirit truly welcomes us here, and everywhere; God’s bright new Light and grace break forth with a bright new Teacher, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the congregation. Great are his works. Let us hold fast to The Kingdom of God, and take delight in him.
Dear People of God: The Lord is full of honor and majesty, and his righteousness endures forever. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the Lord, and to hold fast alone, to the Bright New Light.
(silence for reflection)
Friends: God’s grace is fulfilled anew in the epiphany of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. A bright new Teacher awaits, breaking forth! Believe anew, live anew, thanks to the One who forever changes your hearts!
Song of Grace Anew
Change My Heart, O God
Espinosa
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
The Lord has shown us the power of his mighty works. He is faithful and just. A new teaching breaks forth; God is trustworthy and true. This new epiphany, is only the beginning to so much more!
People of Faith: The Lord has sent you his redemption. By the Holy Spirit, we will see again God alone is truly holy. The Bright New Teacher is here; our wisdom begins anew with the One who forever changes our hearts!
Song of Grace Anew
Change My Heart, O God
Espinosa
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, change our hearts once again, and give us a new epiphany today in your light and grace. Increase in us your Holy Spirit, to see the bright new teaching before us, to believe all you reveal and make known, to see all you fulfill, to call on your wisdom, to go into the world, trusting in your Light and Kingdom. In The Bright New Light of Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest meets following today’s Children’s Message!
Old Testament Lesson
Deuteronomy 18:15–20
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak – that prophet shall die.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 8:1–13
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth – as in fact there are many gods and many lords – yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Anew In Light & Spirit
Epiphany Carol
O’Brien
Ev’ry nation sees the glory
Of a star that pierced the night
As we tell the wondrous story
We are bathed in radiant light
Star sent forth from highest heaven
Dancing light of God’s design
Shine upon the gift that’s given
Word made flesh now born in time
Gospel
Mark 1:21–28
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching – with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Based on Revelation 21:5-7
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward to make us all one through his death and resurrection, will come again. Trusting every sign of hope and grace anew in each epiphany, we share our faith, for his light has come and the darkness will not overcome it.
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.
The Bright New Teacher!
DEUTERONOMY 18:15-20; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:1-13; MARK 1:21-28
All kinds of things around us can break us down, tear us down, and wear us down. From the day to day, to the life changing; circumstances and situations can beat us down. How do we get back up? How do you keep going? What raises your spirit, your hope, your energy, your purpose? God raises up Jesus Christ in our midst to raise us up. Even God's people cannot do enough on their own, that is why we needed Christmas, Emmanuel, God with us. God raises us up in Jesus to find heart and spirit, when we thought none was possible. Jesus is God's Bright New Light, our Bright New Teacher, a new authority giving renewed power and hope and grace, to raise us up, to go raise up others, and to raise up the name of Jesus. The best teachers open their students to new epiphanies. The Bright New Teacher is forever opening our heart and soul to the best epiphanies of all, raising us up, to raise up others, to make God and our neighbors first!
1. The bright New Light comes to us, to be our Bright New Teacher, to raise up for us a new teaching, a new authority, to give us power, hope and grace, even when we get tired, feel broken, feel lost, to raise us up.
A. What are the demons, spirits, obstacles, circumstances in your life that tire you, tear you down and distance you from God?
B. Where does The Bright New Teacher open you to a new epiphany, giving you hope, strength, courage, staying power? Where have you discovered this new teaching, new authority, new outlook? Are you able to trust God is raising you up?
Deuteronomy 8:15,18; 1 Corinthians 8:1; Mark 1:22,27
2. God raises up The Bright New Light, our Bright New Teacher, to raise us up through a new teaching, a new authority, new way of doing things, a new revelation, a new truth, a new power, a new hope, God’s grace!
A. Jesus raises us up, to be who God wants us to be. Jesus gives us heart and spirit when we are not sure where to get it.
Mark 1:21-22
B. Jesus raises us up to raise up others - to do what God wants us to do.
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; 1 Corinthians 8:1, 9-13
i. The new prophet, our new teacher and authority, was raised up to raise us up to prophesy, too.
ii. The new servant, our new teacher and authority, was raised up to raise us up to serve others, too.
C. Jesus raises us up to raise up Christ - to teach and live what we know and believe.
Deuteronomy 18:19; 1 Corinthians 8:3-6
i. It can be easy to question authority, to be drawn to other authorities, idols. Daily we make choices that pull us closer to or distant us from The Bright New Teacher, the wisdom we know, what we believe.
ii. The Bright New Light blesses us to faithfully and confidently announce, lean on, trust, teach, serve and raise up the new authority and new wisdom of Christ.
iii. We are to proclaim and raise up and honor God first.
3. God gives us The Bright New Light in our Bright New Teacher, The Bright New Authority, a new prophet, a new promise that raises us up in grace! Even the evil spirits knew God was doing something new in Jesus Christ. If the evil spirits and demons knew who Jesus was, what his power could offer, let us much more trust and share the hope and power and grace of The Bright New Light!
Mark 1:27-28
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 Anew In Spirit
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Manley
refrain:
Spirit
Spirit of gentleness
Blow through the wilderness
Calling and free
Spirit
Spirit of restlessness
Stir me from placidness
Wind wind on the sea
vs. 1
You moved on the waters
You called to the deep
Then you coaxed up the mountains
From the valleys of sleep
And over the eons
You called to each thing
Awake from your slumbers
And rise on your wings
(refrain)
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Give us a new epiphany, of your bright new light 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.
The Words of Institution
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.
Songs During Holy Communion
We Believe
Fike/Hooper/Ryan
vs. 1
In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe
We believe
refrain 1:
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back again
We believe
vs. 2
So let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe
we believe
(refrain 1 then bridge)
bridge:
Let the lost be found
And the dead be raised
In the here and now
Let love invade
Let the Church live loud
Our God will save
We believe
We believe
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
For the pow’r of God
Has torn the veil
Now we know Your love
Will never fail
We believe
We believe
(refrain 2)
refrain 2:
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back
He’s coming back again
He’s coming back again
We believe
We believe
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, for you are blessed with every epiphany in The Bright New Light of God’s saving grace in 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 Light & Grace
Build Your Kingdom Here
Gilkeson
vs. 1
Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again
Increase in us we pray
Unveil why we’re made
Come set our hearts
Ablaze with hope
Like wildfire
In our very souls
Holy Spirit
Come invade us now
We are Your church
We need Your pow’r
In us
vs. 2
We seek Your kingdom first
We hunger and we thirst
Refuse to waste our lives
For You’re our joy and prize
To see the captives’
Hearts released
The hurt the sick
The poor at peace
We lay down our lives
For heaven’s cause
We are Your church
We pray revive
This earth
refrain:
Build Your kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here
We pray
vs. 3
Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r
Reaching the near and far
No force of hell can stop
Your beauty changing hearts
You made us for
Much more than this
Awake the kingdom
Seed in us
Fill us with the strength
And love of Christ
We are Your church
We are the hope
On earth
(refrain)
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Today, Sunday, January 28, we celebrate The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany “Celebrating & Trusting … The Bight New Teacher!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets today!
Next Sunday, February 4, we celebrate The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany 9:30 a.m. “Celebrating & Trusting … The Bight New Finding!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets next Sunday!
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 A New Epiphany In The Grace Of The Bright New Light, based on Psalm 111. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” “Spirit, Spirit Of Gentleness,” based on the Lutheran Book of Worship. © 1978 Augsburg Publishing House, Mpls & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia. Used w/permission. “Holy Spirit” © 2011 JesusCulture, CCLI #6087919 “Change My Heart, O God” © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1565 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Epiphany Carol” © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. “We Believe” © Integrity Worship Music, CCLI #6367165 “Build Your Kingdom Here” © 2011 Thankyou Music CCLI #6186078 All rights reserved. All songs used w/permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.