The Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity Sunday
The Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
November 03, 2024
“Seven Popular Heresies and False Teachings Taught in Churches Today”
The Prosperity Gospel
The Prosperity Gospel, also known as “the health and wealth gospel” is part of something called “The Word of Faith movement.” It is one of the most prominent and dangerous false teachings that affects and afflicts churches today. The basic message of the Prosperity Gospel is that God rewards growing faith with increasingly physical, material, and financial prosperity. The reason for this, so they say, is that Jesus came to save us not only from our sins but from earthly adversities, as well as so that we might have all our needs and desires satisfied here.
The prosperity gospel originated in America as an offshoot of Pentecostalism following the close of the second world war. While it began in local congregations and in tent revivals, the movement gained a larger following through the use of radio and television, and it became firmly entrenched in many churches during the 1980s with the rise of “televangelism.” While not all prosperity gospel preachers are Pentecostal or charismatic (and, in fact, most charismatics and Pentecostals are not associated with the prosperity gospel), the movement is still largely connected to independent, non-denominational and charismatic-oriented churches.
The individual who could probably be considered “the father of the modern prosperity gospel” is Oral Roberts, whose media ministry was located just two hours from here in Tulsa, OK. A student and associate of Roberts was Kenneth Copeland, who became one of the most notorious (and wealthiest) of the Gospel of Prosperity preachers. These men paved the way for other televangelists, including Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, and Robert Tilton. Some of today’s better-known prosperity teachers are Creflo Dollar, T. D. Jakes, Guillermo Maldonado, Joel Osteen, and Paula White.
The messages of these independent individuals vary somewhat, but in addition to what we’ve already noted (above) all of them avoid discussing the reality of suffering and self-denial as a part of the Christian life. Also prominent in their teaching is a shallow, superficiality when it comes to the exposition of Scripture. Their emphasis is definitely on the Christian enjoying earthly material blessings and personal prosperity, over against repentance and faith for heaven through Christ’s redeeming work. One more common feature of the Prosperity Gospel that we can use to identify its adherents is that their church leaders/preachers enjoy exorbitant material lifestyles. Finally, on the basis of what God’s Word actually teaches, those who follow and embrace the Prosperity Gospel are being led away from the Biblical Gospel to a man-centered deception, that ultimately is a deviant, dangerous and damning false gospel.
Consequently, we not only need to avoid our faith being contaminated (or worse) by the lies of the Prosperity Gospel….but also as God gives us the opportunity, we need to correct and instruct anyone we encounter who has been caught up in this serious, soul-destroying false gospel.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
Our first Scripture lesson is today’s Psalm (22), familiar to nearly all of us while these words can fit any of us in difficult circumstances, they are the particularly the words of Jesus as He suffered for our sins on the cross. Since the false Prosperity Gospel emphasizes that God wants all His people to be materially blessed and free from suffering, it’s worth our noting that God the Father wanted His Son to suffer and die for our sins. We see that same point in today’s Old Testament Lesson. Here Job is a man who “has it all,” until – as a proof of Job’s faith – God allows Satan to not only deprive him of his possessions and servants, but also all of his children. Contrary to the Prosperity Gospel’s message of success, sometimes – as in the case of Job – God allows suffering and loss to be a part of His children’s lives for what always are blessed purposes, though it is often hard for us to recognize those purposes. This morning’s New Testament Lesson comes to us from the first chapter of Galatians, where Paul stresses that any “gospel” other than the Biblical Gospel which he taught (and which we believe) – the good news of forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation by God’s grace through faith in Christ – is a false gospel which cannot save souls. The Prosperity Gospel is such a false gospel. Next our Gospel Lesson/Sermon Text for today is the story of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5000. The crowds were so amazed and satisfied that they tried to make Jesus their “bread king,” so that He could continue to meet all of their material needs. Rather than being pleased with their offer, Jesus rebukes them for failing to see that He came – not to bring material prosperity and success to His people, but – to earn forgiveness and eternal salvation for us all. Sadly, the Prosperity Gospel’s emphasis better fits the crowd’s selfish desires than the real Gospel of Jesus…..and so Jesus would also rebuke it, just as we must reject it. Finally, our Children’s Lesson is based on two verses from Psalm 73, where the Psalmist declares to the LORD, “besides You, I desire no one else on earth.” In other words, the Psalmist is saying “there is nothing on earth I need, except my faith-relationship with the LORD and the salvation for my soul that He provides.” That truth is a far cry from the demands for material blessings, earthly happiness, pleasure and success that the Prosperity Gospel falsely teaches are what God wants us to enjoy.
Pre-Service Prayer
Lord Jesus, though but two or three In Your dear name assembled be,
You will among them show Your face And bless them with Your saving grace.
In Your dear name again we meet And worship humbly at Your feet;
You will Your gracious Word fulfill And cheer us with Your presence still.
Jesus, from Whom all blessings flow, Your peace and comfort now bestow;
Abide with us till life is o’er And keep us Yours forevermore. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
The Order for Holy Communion
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary Pre-service Music‘
We Praise Our God
Welcome and Introduction to Worship
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
Our Psalm for Today Psalm 22, selected verses
Pastor: My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?
Congregation Why are You so far from saving Me, so far from the words of My groaning?
P: O my God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
C: Yet You are enthroned as the Holy One; You are the Praise of Israel.
P: In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted and You delivered them.
C: They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed.
P: But I am a Worm and not a Man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see Me mock Me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
C: “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue Him. Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him.”
P: Yet You brought Me out of the womb; You made Me trust in You even at My mother’s breast.
C: From birth I was cast upon You; from My mother’s womb You have been My God.
P: Do not be far from Me, for trouble is near and there in no one to help
C: I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within Me.
P: My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You lay Me in the dust of death.
C: Dogs have surrounded Me; a band of evil men has encircled Me, they have pierced My hands and My feet.
P: I can count all My bones; people stare and gloat over Me.
C: They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing
P: You who fear the Lord, praise Him! For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the Afflicted One.
C: He has not hidden His face from Him but when He cried out to Him,
He heard.
P: You are the source of my praise in the great congregation.
C: I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who fear Him.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 234 “Praise to the Lord, he Almighty”
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear Now to his temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!
2 Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen All that is needful has been
Sent by his gracious ordaining?
3 Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously, made you,
Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.
What need or grief Ever has failed of relief?
Wings of his mercy did shade you.
4 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew What the Almighty can do
As with his love he befriends you.
5 Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen Sound from his people again;
Gladly forever adore him!
After which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do
what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us.
Christ Have Mercy on Us
Lord have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, be
strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung) Glory be to God on high
and on earth peace good will to men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You,
we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King,
God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world.
Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father.
Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
After which the Congregation may be seated as
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Job 1
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright, a man who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions included seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys. He also had a very large retinue of servants. This man was the greatest of all the men of the East.
4 His sons would regularly arrange feasts, each one in his own house on his assigned day, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of the feast were complete, Job would send for them and consecrate them. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them. Job would say, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this regularly.
6 There came a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came into their midst. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming the earth and walking around on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and turns away from evil.” 9 Satan answered the Lord, “Is it without cause that Job fears God? 10 You have put a protective hedge around him and his household and everything that belongs to him, haven’t You? You have blessed the work of his hands. His livestock has spread throughout the land. 11 But just stretch out Your hand and strike everything that is his, and he will certainly curse You to Your face!” 12 So the Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then. Everything that he has is in your hand. But you may not stretch out your hand against the man himself.” So Satan left the presence of the Lord.
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their oldest brother, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the female donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 when the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to death with the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the flocks and the servants and consumed them, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and plundered the camels and took them away. They put the servants to death with the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and were drinking wine in the house of their oldest brother. 19 Suddenly a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it collapsed on the young people, and they died, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshipped. 21 Then he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be blessed.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin or blame God.
The New Testament Lesson Galatians 1:1-24
Paul, an apostle—not from men, nor through a man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead— 2 and all of the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 He gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father— 5 to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting the One Who called you in the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is really not another gospel at all. There are, however, some who are trying to disturb you by perverting the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven would preach any gospel other than the one we preached to you—a curse on him! 9 As we have said before, so I now say again: If anyone preaches to you any gospel other than the one you received—a curse on him!
10 Am I now seeking the favor of people or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to gain the approval of people, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 But I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation from Jesus Christ.
13 Certainly you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God to an extraordinary degree and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my own people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 However, God, Who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I would preach Him among the Gentiles. At that time, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 and I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. Instead I went away into Arabia, and then I returned again to Damascus.
18 Next, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to meet Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles, except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now about the things I am writing to you—look, I assure you in the presence of God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They heard only: “The one who was once persecuting us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were praising God for what happened to me.
after which, the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson John 6:1-14; 22-40
After this, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him because they saw the miraculous signs He was performing on those who were sick. 3 Jesus went up on the hillside and sat down there with His disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 But Jesus was saying this to test him, for He Himself knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to have just a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what is that for so many people?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, so they sat down. There were about five thousand men. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and, after giving thanks, He distributed pieces to those who were seated. He also did the same with the fish—as much as they wanted.
12 When the people were full, He told His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the miraculous sign Jesus did, they said, “This really is the Prophet Who is coming into the world.”
……………..22 The next day, the crowd that stayed on the other side of the sea noticed that only one boat was there. They also knew that Jesus had not stepped into the boat with His disciples, but they had gone away without Him. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came to shore near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord gave thanks. 24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
26 Jesus answered them, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: You are not looking for Me because you saw the miraculous signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not continue to work for the food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” 28 So they said to Him, “What should we do to carry out the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God: that you believe in the One He sent.”
30 Then they asked Him, “So what miraculous sign are You going to do, that we may see it and believe You? What miraculous sign are You going to perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said to them, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the real bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the One Who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said to Him, “give us this bread all the time!” 35 “I am the Bread of Life,” Jesus told them. “The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have also seen Me, and you do not believe. 37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him Who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him Who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up on the Last Day. 40 For this is the will of My Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life. And I will raise him up on the Last Day.”
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, + and of all things visible and invisible. + And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, + begotten of His Father before all worlds, + God of God, Light of Light. Very God of Very God. + Begotten, not made. + Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made; + Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven + And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary + And was made man; + And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. + He suffered and was buried; + And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, + And sitteth on the right hand of the Father; + And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; + Whose Kingdom shall have no end. + And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, + Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, + Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, + Who spake by the Prophets. + And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. + I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, + And I look for the resurrection of the dead, + And the life of the world to come. + Amen.
The Congregation will now be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Psalm 73:25-26
Who else is there for me in heaven? And besides You, I desire no one else on earth. 26 My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.
All We Really Need is the LORD
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 477 “What Is The World To Me?”
1 What is the world to me With all its vaunted pleasure
When you, and you alone, Lord Jesus, are my treasure!
You only, dearest Lord, My soul’s delight shall be;
You are my peace, my rest. What is the world to me!
2 The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty,
Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty.
But what I truly prize Above all things is he,
My Jesus, he alone. What is the world to me!
3 The world seeks after wealth And all that money offers,
Yet never is content Though gold should fill its coffers.
I have a higher good; Content with it I’ll be;
My Jesus is my wealth – What is the world to me!
4 What is the world to me! My Jesus is my treasure,
My life, my health, my wealth, My friend, my love, my pleasure,
My joy, my crown, my all, My bliss eternally.
Once more then I declare: What is the world to me!
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
The Sermon Text John 6:1-14; 22-40
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise…
or…Faithful to the Gospel?
Following the sermon the Congregation will rise for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
The Offertory – based on Psalm 51:10-12
(Sung) Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within Me
Cast me not away from Your presence
And take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation
And uphold me with Your free Spirit. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
after the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise as
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We Bring our Prayers Before Our Lord
Today’s Special Prayers
Included in our Prayers today are:
An Intercessory Prayer for
Tim Pfortmiller, who has completed radiation and chemotherapy treatments for his cancer, and who is awaiting surgery to remove that cancer, as well as a subsequent successful recovery.
Today’s General Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation (sung) And also with you
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation (sung) We lift them up unto the Lord,
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (sung) It is good and right so to do.
Pastor – It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who promised that wherever two or
three come together in His name, there He is to shepherd His flock until He comes again in all His glory. Therefore with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:
Congregation
(Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of heav’nly hosts
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
Blessed is He. Blessed is He.
Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
Consecration of the Communion Elements (Pastor)
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper (Pastor)
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
To our Guests this morning, we appreciate your presence among us. It is an honor to have you join with us as we worship our Lord and listen to His Word. We truly consider it a privilege to spend this time with you! It is our hope that you will both return in the future to worship with us again, and – perhaps – that You will even choose to become part of our congregation’s membership and our Synodical (WELS) fellowship, so that you might become even more involved in worship, study of God’s Word, and in Christian ministry and fellowship with us.
In connection with our worship as Christians, we regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. But, as a key part of our church’s Biblically-based communion practice, before we can ask anyone to commune with us, we are compelled to first sit down with that individual and establish (upon a comprehensive study of the teachings of Scripture) that we are united in full doctrinal/ teaching fellowship…….which Scripture requires of any and all Christians before they can commune together.
Accordingly, we can offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals who have completed that course of study, and who have chosen to become confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation or from one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) congregations.
For some guests, this Biblical practice of “Close Communion“ is both unfamiliar and (quite possibly) uncomfortable. We realize that, unfortunately, few churches today continue to follow this approach to communion…..though, in the past (when many churches were more concerned about following all of God’s Word than is the case today) nearly all did. We understand that it is not necessarily easy to watch others receiving the Lord’s Supper, while being asked – respectfully — to refrain from receiving it. Many of us who are communing today once also watched others receive the Lord’s Supper, as you are asked to do this morning, while waiting for the privilege of one day being an active partner in this “Close Communion.” We want to assure you that we are not judging your faith in Christ today. Nor it is our desire to offend you. But it also is not our desire to offend or disobey our Lord’s expectations for the proper use of His Supper. Indeed, we must all obey Him above all others, and we want to obey Him.
Consequently, if you have any questions or concerns about our use/practice of the Lord’s Supper (and we invite you to ask or express them — if you do), please feel free to speak with our Pastor after the service, or at your convenience. He considers it a privilege to share with you and others the Biblical reasons for our approach to receiving and offering the Lord’s Supper. In addition, you can also find a brochure in our tract/brochure rack in the entryway; it is entitled “Our Communion Practice.” This brochure also provides our guests and friends with the Scripture-based explanation for our understanding of and use of the Lord’s Supper.
Finally, please know that we truly are grateful for your participation – as a fellow Christian – in this morning’s worship service. We also thank you for your patience and understanding, and for respecting this Biblical approach we must take as we endeavor to faithful make us of our Lord’s Supper. We hope and pray that you will come back to worship with us again — often. And that one day you might become a part of this Christian fellowship, not only as we worship and hear God’s Word from these pews, but as we receive the Lord’s Supper together. May God bless and keep you always!
The Distribution Hymn Hymn 310 “I Come, O Savior, To Your Table”
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
The Benediction
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look upon you with favor, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 421 “All Depends On Our Possessing”
1 All depends on our possessing God’s abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart. They who trust with faith unshaken
In their God are not forsaken And e’er keep a dauntless heart.
2 He who to this day has fed me And to many joys has led me
Is and ever shall be mine. He who ever gently schools me,
He who daily guides and rules me, Will remain my help divine.
3 Many spend their lives in fretting Over trifles and in getting
Things that have no solid ground. I shall strive to win a treasure
That will bring me lasting pleasure And that now is seldom found.
4 Well he knows what best to grant me; All the longing hopes that haunt me,
Joy and sorrow, have their day. I shall doubt his wisdom never–
As God wills, so be it ever – I to him commit my way.
5 If on earth my days he lengthen, He my weary soul will strengthen;
All my trust in him I place. Earthly wealth is not abiding,
Like a stream away is gliding; Safe I anchor in his grace.
Silent Prayer,
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