The Fifth Sunday in Lent – April 06, 2025
also known traditionally as “Judica” (Judge) Sunday”
We Want To See the Real Jesus
You’ve undoubtedly heard about Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965), the German/ French
polymath (someone extraordinarily gifted with encyclopedic, varied knowledge that is not restricted to any one subject area.). He was a Lutheran minister and theologian, an organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace in 1952.
In his capacity as a Lutheran minister, in 1906 Schweitzer challenged the secular view of the historical Jesus as depicted by the historical-critical method (the popular theological view of his day…..which maintained – among other false teachings – that Jesus [if He even existed, vs being a mythic fabrication of a man] was not God, did not perform miracles, and so did not rise from the dead). At the same time he also challenged the traditional Christian view of Jesus as God’s Son and the world’s Savior from sin. He advocated a moderating, but – regrettably – flawed view of Jesus that maintained His historicity, but denied His deity. No doubt Schweitzer’s position on Jesus was heavily influenced by his being a Lutheran-Evangelical pastor’s son whose father served an ecumenical “union” church. As a result of both his upbringing and his personal studies, Schweitzer’s version of religion was one of exceptional religious tolerance and rationalism, with the goal of achieving a common unity of faith and purpose for everyone.
In 1906, in German, he published his most famous work, “Geschichte der Leben-Jesu-Forschung.” It was translated into English in 1910 under the better known title of “The Quest of the Historical Jesus.” In “The Quest,” Schweitzer criticized the view of Jesus that was being put forward at that time by liberal scholars, many of which claimed that Jesus never even existed. However, he also challenged the traditional, Biblical view of Jesus being the very Son of God and the one and only Savior from sin for the world. Schweitzer advocated something of a moderating position, which affirmed Jesus’ historical reality, but denied much of that the Gospels teach about Him. Schweitzer claimed to “correctly” understand Jesus in light of His stated convictions in the Gospels, which – according to Schweitzer’s unique interpretation – saw Jesus merely as a great martyr and as the advocate of Jewish eschatological and apocalyptic (Last Times) views by which Jesus wrongly anticipated that the immanent arrival Judgment Day, and went to His death expecting that the world’s end would occur within the lifetime of His audience. (In arriving at this false understanding, Schweitzer relied heavily on – and misinterpreted – many Bible passages, particularly ones like Mark 13:30 and Matthew 16:28….which says ”Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”) Consequently – according to Schweitzer – the traditional Christian (and our….) belief in Jesus of Nazareth Who appeared as God-in-human-form as the Promised Messiah, Who preached about the kingdom of God, and Who lived sinlessly, died on the cross and bodily rose from His grave to accomplish sinful mankind’s redemption and reconciliation with God…..is not true. THAT Jesus, according to Schweitzer, never existed.
Sadly, according to what Scripture clearly teaches about salvation being by God’s grace, through faith alone in Jesus – perfect, crucified and risen – as God’s Son and our Savior…..Albert Schweitzer, though a man extraordinarily gifted and accomplished, is not in heaven with Jesus today. Because, while he knew of Jesus’ historical existence, Schweitzer didn’t believe in the Real Jesus, and so he was eternally lost to hell, rather than saved for heaven.
……But why does any of this very long bulletin introduction about a man who lived and worked over a century ago, and who died in his unbelief half a century ago, matter to you and me today, as we gather for worship on this Fifth Sunday in Lent?
Here’s why: Albert Schweitzer is a representative not only of many of our world’s “intellectuals” (as he surely was), but also a representative of many “average” men and women today with which you and I rub elbows on a daily basis….as well as a representative of the many people who are either adherents of the world’s non-Christian religions, or the increasing number of people who are “generically religious” (who believe in a god…but who don’t want to be bogged down by any “details” of faith). Regrettably, the vast majority of these individuals have “reasoned” their way out of believing in almost everything that Scripture teaches about us as sinners, about humanity’s accountability to God, about God’s Will for us, and about God’s plan of salvation for the world through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Consequently, as was the case with the great Albert Schweitzer, whatever they believe about Jesus simply isn’t enough to save them. Unless they are taught by people like you and me the truth about Christ Jesus from God’s Word, and unless they believe that truth, their souls will be eternally lost.
Lest that happen to you and me (and it IS possible for us to lose our faith, if we take God’s grace for granted…..but that’s a topic for another service and sermon at another time), IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR US TO REGULARLY RECONFIRM OUR FAITH IN THE REAL JESUS, GOD’S SON, OUR SAVIOR, by examining what God in His Word teaches about Who Jesus is and what He has done for us. That’s what we intend to do on this Fifth Sunday in Lent. And the “core” of that truth about Jesus centers on both His cross of sacrifice and redemption, and His bodily resurrection three days later that affirmed He had secured God’s forgiveness of our sins, as well as our souls’ salvation, through faith in Him.
The Last Two Weeks of Lent
traditionally known as “Passiontide”
Although as our preparation for Easter began with “Ash Wednesday” back on March 5th, with today’s service
our preparation intensifies as we enter into the final two weeks of Lent…..a time traditionally known by the term “Passiontide.” This period of fourteen days’ duration, starting on the fifth Sunday in Lent, was the Church’s first formal effort to commemorate our Lord’s Passion. Eventually, the fourteen days of Passiontide were incorporated into the season of Lent when the latter was “officially” defined as a 40 day period of preparation (this occurred in the 9th century A.D.). “Passiontide’s” purpose is to recall, in a more vivid way than is done on the other Sundays in Lent, the persecutions and sufferings our Lord endured for our eternal deliverance.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent: Judica Sunday
This morning is sometimes referred to as “Passion Sunday.” But it is also known by an older, more traditional name…..“Judica Sunday.” That name is taken from the first word of the Psalm appointed to be read during worship on this day, Psalm 43. The world “Judica” means “judge”. In our Psalm reading we’re going to declare, “Judge me, O God” because we know that it is God who judges us. How does He judge us…by our works and merits? Well, if we were judged by our merit, then we would be guilty of sin and deserving of eternal death. Thank God we aren’t judged by our merit, but according to Jesus’ merits. He was sinless in our place and laid down His life for our sins on the cross. Because of His redeeming work for us, we will never be punished eternally because of our sins. May the Holy Spirit bless us as we meditate on the Gospel truth that Jesus was judged for our sins, and so we are now judged perfect according to the righteousness of Christ.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
Our worship service for this Judica/”Vindicate” Sunday is developed around three Scripture lessons which all concentrate on the saving, reconciling work of Christ our Savior. In other words, the principal Spiritual truth which they share is that sinful humanity’s redemption has happened only because of the sinlessness, sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for us….and not through any effort or merit on our part. This saving power is most graphically and dramatically expressed through our Savior’s death for us on the cross.
We’ll begin our consideration of the significance of Christ’s cross for us at today’s Old Testament Lesson. The bronze snake which the Lord had Moses erect in the wilderness as a temporary means of deliverance for the Israelites, serves us as an Old Testament symbol, or “Type” of Christ. Like that snake on its pole, Jesus was “lifted up” on a cross for the salvation of God’s children. As at Moses’ time, so also today, everyone who looks in faith to the crucified Christ as their Savior from sin will receive from God the assurance of eternal deliverance from sin and everlasting life in heaven.
In today’s Epistle Lesson Paul refers to Christ’s redeeming love for him (and for us and everyone else) as his motivation for living a godly life. He also says that he no longer looks at Christ as just another human being, but as His Lord and Savior. Then he talks about how Christ earned for us the forgiveness of all our sins by taking the responsibility for all our sins upon Himself, thus reconciling us to God through His righteousness, death and resurrection – applied to us.
Next, in our Children’s Lesson Paul talks about his work among the Corinthians, and how he came to them preaching – not fancy, persuasive, eloquent words, but – the simple message of the Gospel…. Christ crucified and risen for the eternal salvation of all who believe in Him. What Paul preached 2000 years ago must remain the central message of the Christian church today…if souls are going to be saved.
The events in our Gospel Lesson/Sermon Text take place during Holy Week. Some Greek believers come to Philip asking him to arrange for them to meet Jesus. Next Jesus compares the saving results of His death and resurrection to a kernel of wheat that is buried and later produces much grain (abundant salvation for those who believe in Him). After all, as the voice of the Father affirms, that is why Christ came into this world: to be our Redeemer. Then He urges His audience to believe in Him as the Light of salvation in this sin-darkened world. Finally, John finishes his account by citing two prophecies of Isaiah, that indicate only a few people would believe in Him as their Savior.
Some Background on Today’s Opening Hymn:
When the Portuguese colonists five centuries ago first settled in Macao, along the coast of South China, they erected a massive cathedral high on the crest of a hill overlooking both the city and the sea coast. However, in time a violent China Sea typhoon proved too severe a test for even such a massive building, and three centuries ago that cathedral fell — all of it, that is, except the front wall. The cathedral has never been rebuilt, and that remaining wall has stood ever since as a memorial of sorts. At the very top of the wall standing out against the sky stands the cathedral’s original, large bronze cross – defying time, rain, lightning and typhoon.
It was such an impressive sight that when Sir John Bowring, then governor of Hong Kong, visited Macao in 1825, he was deeply impressed by that cross which towers over the ruins of its cathedral. Returning to his home, Bowring penned the words of the famous hymn, which serves as our Sermon Hymn for this morning” “In the Cross of Christ I Glory, Towering O’er the Wrecks of Time.”
Sir John went to his eternal rest over a century and a half ago, but his hymn lives on and remains one of Christianity’s most beloved and well-used hymns. Likewise, the builders of that distant cathedral are long since forgotten, but the cross they erected there in memory of and out of love for the Crucified One continues to stand tall for all to see to this very day. Even more significant, the forgiveness and salvation for sinners, which Jesus secured through His cross, will endure for all eternity. Because we believe in Jesus as our God and Savior, and because we trust in all that He accomplished for us on that cross, we can be sure that forgiveness and salvation belongs to every one of us. And that’s why we “glory…..in the cross of Christ!”
Pre-Service Prayer –
Lord, open now my heart to hear
And through Your Word to me, draw near;
Let me Your Word e’er pure retain, Let me Your child and heir remain.
Your Word does deeply move the heart,
Your Word does perfect health impart,
Your Word my soul with joy does bless,
Your Word brings peace and happiness. 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
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation To Worship
following which, the Congregation will rise for the invocation
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 43
P: Judge me justly, O God and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.
C: You are God my stronghold. Why have You rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?
P: Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me;
C: let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell.
P: Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
C: I will praise You, with the harp, O God, my God.
P: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
C: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
P: Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.
C: Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men You rescued me.
P: For Your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life;
C: in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble, for I am Your servant.
The Prayer for the Morning
O Gracious Lord God, + drive out every trace of spiritual darkness from our hearts + that we may see Your Son as our one and only Redeemer + and that we may confidently call on Him + to deliver us from all our troubles of body and soul. + Bless our worship of You this morning + that through our meditation on Your Word + our faith might grow stronger + and our love for Your truth might increase. + All this we seek for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the One true God + Now and forever. + Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 345 “In the Cross of Christ, I Glory”
1 In the cross of Christ I glory,
Tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
2 When the woes of life o’ertake me,
Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me;
Lo, it glows with peace and joy.
3 When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
4 Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
After which, the Congregation will rise for
The Confessional Order of Service
Pastor O LORD, Open my lips.
Congregation – (Sung) And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
Pastor Hasten, O God, to deliver me.
Congregation – (sung) Hasten to help me, O LORD
Pastor The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
Congregation – (sung)
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning
Is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor – I now ask you before God, who searches your heart, do you confess that you have sinned against God and deserve His wrath and punishment? Then declare so by saying, “I do confess.”
Congregation – “I do confess.“
Pastor – Truly you should confess, for the Holy Scriptures say, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Second, do you, with all your heart, repent of all your sins, committed in thought, word, and deed? Then declare so by saying, “I do repent.”
Congregation – “I do repent.”
Pastor – Truly, you should repent, as other penitent sinners have done: King David, who prayed for a contrite heart; Peter, who wept bitterly; the sinful woman, the prodigal son, and others.
Third, do you sincerely believe that God, by grace, for Jesus’ sake, will forgive you all your sins? Then declare so by saying, “I do believe.”
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – Truly you should so believe, for the Holy Scriptures say, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Fourth, do you promise that with the help of the Holy Ghost, you will, from this time forward, reform your sinful life? Then declare it by saying, “I do promise.”
Congregation – “I do promise.”
Pastor – Truly, you should so promise, for Christ, the Lord says: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Finally, do you believe that through me, a called servant of God, you will receive from God the forgiveness of all your sins? Then declare it by saying, “I do believe.
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – Upon this, your confession, I, because of my office as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place, and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Peace be with you. Amen.
after which, the Congregation will be seated as
We Give Our Attention To God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Numbers 21:4-9
4 They set out from Mount Hor along the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom, but the people
became very impatient along the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? Look, there is no food! There is no water! And we are disgusted by this worthless food!”
6 The Lord sent venomous snakes among the people, and the snakes bit the people. As a result many people from Israel died. 7 The people went to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord to take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed on behalf of the people.
The Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we came to this conclusion: One died for all; therefore, all died. 15 And He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves but for Him, Who died in their place and was raised again.
16 As a result, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we knew Christ according to the flesh, we no longer know Him that way. 17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come! 18 And all these things are from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them. And he has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, inasmuch as God is making an appeal through us. We urge you, on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made Him, Who did not know sin, to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
After which the Congregation will please rise,
out of respect for the words of Christ
The Gospel Lesson John 12:20-41
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew. Andrew came with Philip and told Jesus.
23 Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it continues to be one kernel. But if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 Anyone who loves his life destroys it. And the one who hates his life in this world will hold on to it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me. And where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27 “Now My soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, this is the reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name!”
A voice came from heaven: “I have glorified My name, and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it thundered. Others said an angel talked to Him. 30 Jesus answered, “This voice was not for My sake but for yours.
31 “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death He was going to die.
34 The crowd answered Him, “We have heard from the Scriptures that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is This Son of Man?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “The Light will be with you just a little while longer. Keep on walking while you have the Light, so that darkness does not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.”
Jesus spoke these words, and then went away and was hidden from them.
37 Even though Jesus had done so many miraculous signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 For this reason they could not believe, because Isaiah also said: “40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes, or understand with their heart, or turn—and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things when he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Apostles’ Creed Sung to the melody of Melita
(Almighty Father, Strong to Save)
All glory to our God and Lord, Who by the power of His Word
Created and sustains each thing,
and all that live. His praises sing….
Our Father, Who in mercy still,
Guides everything by His sure will.
We worship Jesus Christ, God’s Son,
by Whom salvation has been won.
For us He lived, and for us died, that we might all be justified,
Raised from the dead, on high to reign.
We know that He will come again.
We praise the Holy Spirit sent, active in Word and Sacrament,
He binds the Church, below, above,
in faith in Christ’s redeeming love.
And ne’er forget this promise true:
with Christ we shall arise anew! Amen
The Children’s Lesson I Corinthians 2:1-5
As for me, brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with superior speech or wisdom in order to proclaim to you the testimony of God. 2 For I had no intention of knowing anything among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness, in fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not marked by persuasive words of human wisdom, but by a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Always… It’s Jesus Crucified and Risen for Us
The Sermon Hymn “As Strode the Christ To Cross And Grave”
Meter: 8787887 Tune: nun freut euch, lieben christen
As strode the Christ to cross and grave,
To bear all men’s transgression,
Men saw His mighty pow’r to save
And of Him made confession.
Hail, Jesus, David’s greater Son,
Who, in His love, heals everyone,
Delivering God’s mercy.
“‘Tis better that one man should die
Than die our holy nation.”
When Caiaphas these words did cry,
He prophesied salvation.
Though speaking as Christ’s enemy,
Unknowing, he spoke faithfully.
Christ died to save all people.
“Truly this man was God’s own Son,”
The soldiers said in wonder,
As death’s fierce power was undone,
The veil now torn asunder.
May we, with those who saw, believe
The saving work which Christ achieved
For us and our salvation. Amen.
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Sermon Text John 12:20-33
the italicized part of today’s Gospel Lesson
Sir We Want To See Jesus !!!
following the sermon the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever. 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.
We Bring our Prayers Before Our Lord
Included in our Prayers this morning:
A Prayer of Intercession for our brother and sister, Tim and Diane Pfortmiller, ,as they continue to deal with some significant health problems, as they wait for God to provide them with a restoration of their health – according to His will and in His appointed time.
in addition
We ask God’s mercy for our brother George Layton, who is undergoing physical therapy at the Shiloh Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Springdale. We pray that George will be able to recover his strength sufficiently for him to return home to Laura, and return to us, his church family.
This Morning’s General Prayer concluding with….
P: Also hear us, dear Father, as we take a few moments to silently offer our personal petitions to You.
A Moment for Silent Prayer
P: And finally, with all our prayers being offered in Jesus’ name, we also join in that special prayer which has been given to us by our Savior:
C: 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
P: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
C: (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
The Words of Institution – Spoken by the Pastor
P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: (sung) Amen
The Distribution of the Sacramental Elements
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.
We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).
To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’ very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.
Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning.
It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.
And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.
Distribution Hymn Hymn 312 “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”
verses 1-4; verses 5-8
1 Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared
This feast for our salvation;
It is your body and your blood,
And at your invitation
As weary souls, with sin oppressed,
We come to you for needed rest,
For comfort, and for pardon.
2 Although you did to heav’n ascend,
Where angel hosts are dwelling,
And in your presence they behold
Your glory, all excelling,
And though your people shall not see
Your glory and your majesty
Till dawns the judgment morning,
3 Yet, Savior, you are not confined
To any habitation,
But you are present ev’rywhere
And with your congregation.
Firm as a rock this truth shall stand,
Unmoved by any daring hand
Or subtle craft and cunning.
4 We eat this bread and drink this cup,
Your precious Word believing
That your true body and your blood
Our lips are here receiving.
This Word remains forever true,
And there is naught you cannot do,
For you, Lord, are almighty.
5 Though reason cannot understand,
Yet faith this truth embraces:
Your body, Lord, is ev’rywhere
At once in many places.
I leave to you how this can be;
Your Word alone suffices me;
I trust its truth unfailing.
6 Lord, I believe what you have said;
Help me when doubts assail me.
Remember that I am but dust,
And let my faith not fail me.
Your supper in this vale of tears
Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.
7 Grant that we worthily receive
Your supper, Lord, our Savior,
And, truly grieving for our sins,
May prove by our behavior
That we are thankful for your grace
And day by day may run our race,
In holiness increasing.
8 For your consoling supper, Lord,
Be praised throughout all ages!
Preserve it, for in ev’ry place
The world against it rages.
Grant that this sacrament may be
A blessed comfort unto me
When living and when dying.
following the distribution of the Lord’s Supper at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
Hear the prayer of Your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised You here may glorify You in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of Your Son may long for His coming again, and that all who have received in His true body and blood the pledge of Your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
The Closing Salutation
Pastor May the Lord be with you.
Congregation And also with you.
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 “Search Me, O God”
(sung to the tune, “Savior Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise” CW 321)
Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
Lord, take my heart and make it wholly Thine
Fill my poor soul with Thy great love divine
Take all I have, my passion, self and pride
Now and forever, Lord with me abide. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Announcements,
Post-service Music
+ + + Thank You + + +
For being a part of our worshiping assembly this morning.
We invite you to join those around you for some good conversation and fellowship at the conclusion of today’s announcements. We also invite you to join us for coffee, juice, tea, and other refreshments in our gymnasium/fellowship hall. Finally, we encourage you to remain
afterward with us for further growth in God’s Word through our Bible Class and Sunday Classes. May the comfort of God’s love and His forgiveness through Jesus Christ be with you throughout this day and this week.