The Twenty-first Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
The Twenty-third Sunday of the Pentecost Season
Are You A Soldier of the Cross?
On November 19, 1863, during the height of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln came to the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in order to dedicate a portion of that place as a national cemetery.
The featured speaker for that event was Edward Everett, acclaimed as the greatest orator of his time. A former United States senator, Governor of Massachusetts, and President of Harvard University, he spoke for more than two hours to an audience of over 25,000 people. His speech was masterful – broad in its scope and dramatic in its presentation.
Following a musical interlude by the Baltimore Glee Club, President Lincoln was formally introduced. The assembled crowd settled down to listen to him. Lincoln spoke simply and clearly, startling his audience by the brevity of his remarks. What he said on that day is familiar to many of us. Lincoln’s brief, memorable address now follows:
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Of course, the battlefield of Gettysburg does not stand alone in our national memory. Other respected fields of valor in our nation’s history include such places and campaigns as Valley Forge, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima, Pork Chop Hill, Khe Sanh and Operation Desert Storm. So that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans might be passed on from one generation to the next — including the freedom of religion that we are practicing now – committed, brave people…..most often those serving in our country’s military arms….must be willing to pay the price, because “freedom is never free.”
In the same way, even as we speak about God’s grace in Christ to us as something that is totally free to us (there is no work or worthiness that God requires from us to ensure our salvation), we know that our forgiveness and salvation are not free. Someone – the Ultimate Soldier, Jesus Christ – chose to pay the supreme, perfect price that freed us from Satan’s domination and eternal damnation due to our inherited and actual sins. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death and victorious resurrection for us, Jesus completely defeated the allied adversaries of our souls: sin, death and the Devil. He won full forgiveness for us, and guaranteed us free eternal salvation, through faith in Him.
In most years and at most times our churches make little or no mention of Veteran’s Day. Historically and traditionally, Veterans’ Day has been a civic, rather than a sacred observance. As with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and other secular occasions, Veterans’ Day is not a part of the traditional liturgical/church calendar. And, in fact, officially it’s two days from now, this Tuesday, November 11th. However this morning, we’ll use a portion of our service to express to God our gratitude for the many men and women who have served and sacrificed over the years in our nation’s military services to keep our freedom’s secure for us…..particularly our freedom to worship our Lord.
Grateful though we are for the service and sacrifices of our Veterans, we are here this morning, of course, to worship our Lord. And so, we’re going to use their examples of sacrifice and service to focus our attention to the Ultimate, Veteran Soldier Who by His service and sacrifice secured our Salvation: our Lord Jesus. We’ll also look to Christ’s service and sacrifice as our motivation for personally serving Him as “soldiers” in His spiritual army.
God’s Word in Today’s Service
Just as we remember our “veterans” today, through this morning’s Old Testament Lesson the Holy Spirit recognizes a group of soldiers, referred to as David’s “mighty men,” because of their loyalty and their impressive displays of bravery. Their names might be hard to pronounce, but their courage and commitment should be easy for us to appreciate. God-enabling, their example will also inspire us to better serve as “spiritual soldiers” for our Savior.
Today’s Children’s Lesson is taken from our Epistle Reading, Philippians 2. Here Paul describes one of his co-workers and a brother pastor, Epaphroditus, as a fellow “soldier” for Christ. Paul also mentions that in his faithful service for the Lord, Epaphroditus became so ill that he almost lost his life. As we consider what Epaphroditus was ready to sacrifice for our Lord, we’ll want to ask ourselves, “Am I willing to be the kind of ‘solider’ that he was?”
In the Gospel Lesson for this morning Jesus heals the servant of a Roman soldier….a “centurion” – someone who commanded 100 men. He had become a convert to Judaism, and believed in the coming Messiah. Jesus commends him for his faith, for rather than have Him physically visit his sick servant, the centurion confidently requests that Jesus “just say the word”/give the order, certain that the power of Jesus’ word will restore his servant’s health.
Finally, using as our theme the name of today’s Hymn of the Day (“Am I A Soldier of the Cross?”), our Sermon is based on some of Paul’s last words to Timothy, his protégé and fellow “soldier” for Christ. He tells Timothy (and us) that a faithful soldier for the Lord is strong in God’s grace (the Gospel); is committed to teaching it; is willing to suffer in his service; stays focused on ministry (not self); and is eager to please his Commander (the Lord).
A Brief History of Armistice/Veteran’s Day
World War I (known initially as “the Great War”….until the Second World War took place) ended at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918……at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. It was then that the Armistice to conclude the war was signed in a railroad car at Compiègne, France, by representatives of the Allies and Germany. On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson – in his Armistice Day proclamation – called for the nation to remember those who died in their country’s service during the recently concluded war, and to also make the day an occasion for Americans to pray for peace and justice among the nations of the world. By 1927 Congress called for the Armistice Day display of the U.S. flag on all government buildings, and in 1938 Congress officially designated that November 11 would be annually observed, nation-wide, as Armistice Day .
Through another act of Congress in 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veteran’s Day, so that our country’s citizens might annually remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all our nation’s wars, to celebrate the contributions of all veterans of military service, and to rededicate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace. That three-fold focus remains the purpose of Veteran’s Day
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
Pre-Service Prayer –
The day has dawned and duty calls, so many tasks await.
Lord, strengthen me when my spirit fails and when I hesitate
To do the things I ought to do, to shun each sinful way.
Jesus, forgive the wrongs I do, and keep me safe today. Amen
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
Pre-worship Hymn Singing, beginning at 9:25 a.m.
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Greeting and Invitation to Worship
following which, at the invitation of the Pastor, 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.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 119:105-112
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, + to keep Your righteous rules.
P: I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to Your Word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, + and teach me Your rules.
P: I hold my life in my hand continually, + but I do not forget Your law.
C: The wicked have laid a snare for me, + but I do not stray from Your commands.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, + for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform Your statutes forever, + to the end.
After which the Congregation may be seated
The Opening Hymn Hymn 221 “Blessed Jesus, At Your Word”
1 Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.
2 All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us; You must work all good within us.
3 Gracious Savior, good and kind, Light from Light, from God proceeding,
Open now our heart and mind; Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your people raises; Hear and bless our prayers and praises.
4 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust, Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander, Till we sing your praises yonder.
after which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor Brothers and sisters in Christ: the Word of God urges us to confess to our Lord all our sins of thought, word, and action. This is something that ought to be daily part of our spiritual lives, and should come forth from every heart that is humble and penitent. But we should especially do this when we meet together in His house to thank God for all that He has done for us, to praise Him, and to hear His life-giving Word. Therefore, come with me now, to our Heavenly Father’s throne of grace, and let us confess our sins together.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, + I confess and lament to You, O most holy God, + that I am a weak and sinful creature, + guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. + I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in me. + I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. + I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. + I am full of anger, hate, and envy. + I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. + Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. + Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, + strengthen my faith, + and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, + that I may obtain Your promised grace.
The Song of Penitence “Create in Me”
sung to the melody of “Abide With Me” (CW 588)
Create in me, O God, a spotless heart;
renew in me a spirit that is right.
And from Your presence never make me part,
Or take Your Holy Spirit from my sight.
Restore to me, salvation’s joy, O Lord
Give me a willing spirit, Keep me true.
Then I will teach transgressors in Your Word
And many sinners will turn back to You.
Pastor Having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, now 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, rest assured that your sins have been fully covered by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ your Savior. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In joyful response to this reassurance of God’s love and forgiveness for us in Christ, please join me
now as we sing the praises of our gracious and majestic Lord:
ALL sing: “The Gloria in Excelsis”
to the tune of “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” (CW 382)
All glory be to God on high We praise, we thank, we glorify
And worship You Who gives earth peace,
Whose love and favor never cease.
Our Lord, our King, on heaven’s throne, Our Father the Almighty One.
O Lord, the sole-begotten One, Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son,
O Lamb of God You take away the sin of all, now hear us pray:
You rule at God’s right hand this day,
Have mercy on us Lord, we pray.
You only are the Holy One, o’er all things You are Lord alone.
Lord Jesus Christ we glorify You only as the Lord most high.
Who, with the Spirit, e’er shall be One in the Father’s majesty. AMEN
Our Prayer as we Prepare to Hear God’s Word
Almighty God, + grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit, + and the wisdom which comes down from above. + Let nothing hinder Your Word + from being freely proclaimed + to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, + so that we may serve You in steadfast faith + and confess Your name as long as we live. + We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, + Your Son, our Savior, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + One God, for ever and ever. + Amen
After which the Congregation will be seated as give our attention to
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson II Samuel 23
8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.
9 And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. 10 He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.
11 And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. 12 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory.
13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
18 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the three. 19 He was the most renowned of the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.
20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 21 And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and won a name beside the three mighty men. 23 He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.
24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, 27 Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.
The Epistle Lesson Philippians 2:25-30
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
after which the pastor will invite the Congregation to rise for the reading of
This Morning’s Gospel Lesson Luke 7:1-10
After He had finished all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to Him elders of the Jews, asking Hm to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with Hm earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to You. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed Him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
The Congregation will then be seted as we offer – set to song –
Apostles’ Creed melody of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” (CW 411)
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling, By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion, Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
The Children’s Lesson Philippians 2:25, 30
Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier
…..nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete….your service to me.
Are You A Solder For Christ Like Epaphroditus?
The Hymn of the Day “Am I A Soldier Of The Cross?”
Am I a soldier of the cross, A follow’r of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause, Or blush to speak His name?
Must I be carried to the skies On flow’ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word.
Thy saints in all this glorious war Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar, By faith’s discerning eye.
When that illustrious day shall rise, And all Thy armies shine
In robes of vict’ry through the skies, The glory shall be Thine. Amen
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sermon Text II Timothy 2:1-13
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the Offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful— for He cannot deny Himself.
Are You A Soldier of the Cross?
following the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for the post-sermon blessing
Pastor 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 and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We will be passing an offering plate through our chapel at this point. For those unable to worship with us in person, if you would like to participate in this offering, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
As the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation rises for prayer
Today’s Prayers followed by 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 537 “Onward Christian Soldiers”
1 Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
Christ, the royal master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle See his banners go!
Refrain
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
2 Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, One in charity. [Refrain]
3 Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ‘Gainst that Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, And that cannot fail. [Refrain]
4 Onward, then, ye faithful; Join the happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song:
Glory, laud, and honor Unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages Saints and angels sing. [Refrain]
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-Service Music
+ + + Thank You + + +
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 some good
conversation, coffee, juice, and other refreshments in our gymnasium/fellowship hall.
Finally, we encourage you to remain afterwards with us for further study in the Word of our Lord through our Bible Classes and Sunday School. May the comfort of God’s love and His forgiveness through Jesus Christ be with you throughout this day and this week.