August 14, 2022 – The Ninth Sunday
after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
The Eleventh Sunday of the Pentecost Season
Adopted into God’s Family
There was once a young boy who was adopted by a Christian couple. When that boy became a teenager he began hanging around with the wrong crowd. He got involved with drugs and with the wrong kind of girls. He was rebellious, and enjoyed breaking as many rules as he could – as well as his adoptive parents’ hearts.
Hurting because of his rejection of them and their values, eventually, that couple went and talked to their pastor. They not only asked for his prayers and counsel, they asked him if he would talk with their teenage son.
Well, the pastor did as they’d asked. Meeting with the young man, he began the conversation by talking about how his parents had adopted him to be their own sin, and how they had showered him with their love and affection. Then the pastor talked about some of the things that this young man had been doing that were anything but godly. He asked him if he realized that he was causing his parents – and His Heavenly Father – a considerable amount of grief. Then the pastor inquired, “Aren’t you the least bit thankful for all that God and your parents have done for you over the years?” The young man thought for a moment and then said, “Yes, I guess I’m thankful for what they did for me. But am I supposed to be thankful to them for the rest of my life?”
As those parents adopted that child, and committed themselves to loving and caring for him – regardless of his behavior…..or his gratitude, already in eternity God predestined (chose) us for salvation and for adoption into His family. Some 2000 years ago, with Christ’s coming and sinless life lived for us, He carried out entirely the work of our salvation for us….so that there’s nothing more we have to do to be saved. Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death and bodily resurrection have secured our – and the world’s – redemption and salvation.
And, then as a further evidence of our Heavenly Father’s grace, during our lifetime, through the Holy Spirit’s work in the Means of Grace, the Spirit has effected faith in our hearts, enabling us to believe in the completeness of our salvation through Christ Jesus. And so, by faith, we know with certainty that God has adopted us into His everlasting family and has made us heirs of everlasting life in heaven (sinners though we are; yet declared “saints” for Jesus’ sake). That’s why, through faith in the Triune God, we have every legal right to eternal life in His Kingdom of Heaven. What an undeserved blessing you and I have! What a gift of God’s grace that He chose and adopted us to be His heirs, His children forever…..And so we are!
An Insight into Adoption in Ancient Times
During the period of history when the New Testament was written, whenever a family adopted a child, there typically was no immediate, big celebration over that adoption. Instead, when that child reached the proper age (usually about 16 years of age), the family would hold a special celebration. Because it was then that the child formally was given full legal standing, equivalent to that of every other member of the family. And, once adopted, that child possessed the assurance that he/she was a full member of that family, guaranteed all the appropriate, inheritable rights and privileges of everyone else in that family.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
In our Sermon Text for today, we’re told that Jesus Christ came into this world in order to redeem all of sinful humanity, “so that we would be adopted as sons.” Through the truths expressed in this portion of Scripture, our Lord will emphasize for us that we are not free from our “slavery” to sin (and any fear of damnation associated with our sinfulness), because of Jesus’ victory for us over sin, death and Satan’s power. In grateful response to God’s redeeming grace, the Christian will not want to revert to a state of slavery to sin, which grieves our God, but instead will live his/her life in all the ways that conform to God’s will and that consequently glorify the God of our salvation.
We’ll also see in this morning’s First Lesson how our God, from all eternity – and so, even before the creation of the world – had chosen (predestined/elected) each of us to be His own children and heirs of everlasting life in heaven through faith in Christ. In verse 5 of this reading (which serves as the basis for our Children’s Lesson) we’ll be encouraged to remember that God is our Father, and that we are His dearly loved and cared for children because He chose to adopt us into His family. He’s given us all the rights and privileges of being his “sons.”
Through our Second Lesson, Paul will remind us that we are no longer condemned for our imperfection, because God in the person of Christ, became the perfect human, fulfilling His divine law that we fail to keep, and suffering condemnation in order to secure our salvation. Consequently, and through the faith-imparting work of the Holy Spirit, we are no longer slaves to sin and damned to hell, but are our Heavenly Father’s adopted children and heirs of everlasting life in heaven.
In our Gospel Lesson John describes how Jesus came into the world as the one true God, and yet at the same time He was fully human. He appeared to His own people, the Jews, yet they refused to receive Him and believe in Him as the Promised Savior. Today you and I are part of the true Spiritual Israel, God’s chosen children, because we share the same faith in the Savior that Abraham did. Having received Christ as our Savior, through the faith-working activity of the Holy Spirit, we are automatically children of God. God-enabling, may we all continue to cherish the “family relationship” that our Heavenly Father has seen fit to establish between us and Him. May we express our gratitude every day for God’s graciously adopting us as His sons and daughters, and in so doing making us His heirs of everlasting life in heaven.
A Word Of Welcome To Our Guests
Good morning and welcome to Grace Lutheran Church. Thank you for choosing to worship with us today. Whether you’re a guest, or a member of this Christian family, your presence at this service is sincerely appreciated. We hope that the time you spend here will be enjoyable and spiritually edifying, and so it is our desire to serve you in the best way we can. If there is anything that we might do to assist you in your worship today, please speak with one of our ushers or our Pastor. They will be pleased to serve you in any way they can. Following the worship service this morning, we invite you to join those around you for some coffee, refreshments, and good conversation in our gymnasium/fellowship hall. After that, you are encouraged to join us for additional time in God’s Word through our Bible Class and Sunday School.
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 – Dear Father in heaven, let me rejoice with my fellow Christians gathered here this morning as we worship You in Your house. Reassure me of Your love and forgiveness for me as I confess my sins to You today. Receive my praises and prayers, humble and imperfect though they be. Renew my faith and Christian through your Word. And then, return me to my appointed calling in this world, invigorated, equipped, and eager to serve You with all that I am and have, until the day when you call me to that heavenly home which you have promised and prepared for me and all believers, through Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service music
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation to Worship
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.
Today’s Psalm Reading Psalm 112
P: Praise the Lord.
C: How blessed is a man who fears the Lord. + In his commands he delights greatly.
P: His descendants will be mighty in the land. The circle of the upright will be blessed.
C: Wealth and riches are in his house, + and his righteousness stands forever.
P: In darkness, light dawns for the upright.
C: He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.
P: Good things will come to the man who is gracious and lends, + who conducts his business with justice.
C: Surely he will never fall. + The righteous will be remembered forever.
P: He will not fear bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
C: His heart is secure. + He will have no fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes.
P: He scatters seed—he gives to the poor.
C: His righteousness stands forever. + His horn will be lifted high in
glory.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
Opening Hymn Hymn 223 As We Begin Another Week
- As we begin another week, In Jesus’ name Your grace we seek:
God, grant that through these seven days No evil may befall our ways.
- Your gentle blessings, Lord, outpour On all our labor evermore;
Our hearts with Thy good Spirit fill That we may gladly do Your will.
- In every season, every place, May we regard Your Word of grace
Until, when life’s brief day is past, We reach eternal joy at last.
- And keep with angels in Your rest The endless Sabbath of the blest.
This grant to us through Christ, Your Son, Who reigns with You upon Your throne.
After which, the Congregation will rise as
We Confess our Sins Before the Lord
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask Him to forgive us.
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 + and failed to do what is good. + For this I deserve Your punishment, + both now and in eternity. + But I am truly sorry for my sins, + and trusting in my Savior, Jesus Christ, + I pray: + God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor God our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given His only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of God and by His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation Amen.
Lord, Have Mercy
P: For all that we need in life, and for the wisdom to use all Your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.
C: (sung) Lord have mercy.
P: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ:
C: (sung) Christ have mercy.
P: For the well-being of Your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord
C: (sung) Lord have mercy.
P: Merciful God, Maker and Preserver of life, uphold us by Your power, and keep us in Your tender care:
C: (sung) Amen.
P: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; His name is worthy of praise.
(Sung)
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
Almighty God, merciful Father, Your crown our life with Your love.
You take away our sin; You comfort our spirit;
You make us pure and holy in Your sight.
You did not spare Your only Son, but gave Him up for us all.
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
O Son of God, eternal Word of the Father,
You came to live with us; You made Your Father known;
You washed us from our sins in Your own blood.
You are the King of glory; You are the Lord!
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
The Prayer for Today
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, + You abundantly bless us every morning. + Thank You for Your continuing goodness to us + because we do not deserve it. + In fact, what we deserve is only punishment for our evil thoughts, words deeds. + Yet, You have chosen to adopt us as Your children + and by Your grace + You continue to provide for all our needs of body and soul. + Through Your Holy Spirit’s working in our hearts and souls today + enable us to gratefully acknowledge Your many mercies to us, + give thanks for all Your benefits, + and recommit ourselves + to faithfully serving You in willing obedience all the days of our lives. + This we humbly ask through the merits of and by faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the one, true God, now and forever. + Amen.
after which the Congregation may be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
4 He did this when He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ. He did this in accordance with the good purpose of His will, 6 and for the praise of His glorious grace, which He has graciously given us in the One He loves.
7 In Him we also have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in keeping with the riches of His grace, 8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight. 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will in keeping with His good purpose, which He planned in Christ. 10 This was to be carried out when the time had fully come, in order to bring all things together in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In Him we have also obtained an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in keeping with the purpose of His will. 12 He did this so that His glory would be praised as a result of us, who were the first to hope in Christ.
13 In Him, when you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and in Him, when you also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 14 He is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own possession, so that His glory would be praised.
The Second Lesson Romans 8:1-17
So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 Indeed, what the law was unable to do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did, when He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin. God condemned sin in His flesh, 4 so that the righteous decree of the law would be fully satisfied in us who are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
5 To be sure, those who are in harmony with the sinful flesh think about things the way the sinful flesh does, and those in harmony with the Spirit think about things the way the Spirit does. 6 Now, the way the sinful flesh thinks results in death, but the way the Spirit thinks results in life and peace. 7 For the mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the sinful flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the sinful flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed God’s Spirit lives in you. And if someone does not have the Spirit of Christ, that person does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One Who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One Who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through His Spirit, Who is dwelling in you.
12 So then, brothers, we do not owe it to the sinful flesh to live in harmony with it. 13 For if you live in harmony with the sinful flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live.
14 Indeed, those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery so that you are afraid again, but you received the Spirit of adoption by Whom we call out, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself joins our spirit in testifying that we are God’s children.
17 Now if we are children, we are also heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, since we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
After which the Congregation will rise for the reading of
The Gospel Lesson John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him everything was made, and without Him not one thing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The Light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome It.
6 There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as an eyewitness to testify about the Light so that everyone would believe through Him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 The real Light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to what was His own, yet His own people did not accept Him. 12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory He has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Apostles’ Creed to the melody “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”
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!
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Ephesians 1:5
In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ.
We’ve All Been Adopted By God
The Sermon Hymn The Perfect Time God Chose Arrived
cwh, 2022
sung to the melody of CW 338 (Vox Dilecti) CMD
The perfect time God chose arrived When He sent forth His Son
Born of a woman, under law, Redemption had begun.
Christ did reverse sin’s damning curse, Adopting us in love,
Our blessing from the Trinity: Free grace from heav’n above.
Joint-heirs with Christ and heaven-bound, For all eternity.
It’s “Abba Father” we can cry; we’re in God’s family.
For Jesus gave His life for us, from sin and death set free –
And God the Spirit gave us faith to trust in His mercy.
Predestined to eternal life, Secured for us by Christ,
Who in the fullness of the times Paid our salvation’s price.
He bought our souls with His pure blood – forgiving all our sin
Adopted heirs of heaven’s bliss. One day it will begin.
We are the Father’s children now Through His amazing love,
Resolved to godly living here, We long for life above —
Where what we’ll be is not yet clear, But we know that we are His
And, glorified, at perfect peace, We’ll see Christ as He is.
We’ve heard the Gospel Word of Truth, believing by His Grace
In God’s sure, precious promises For all the human race.
The Holy Spirit seals us now For greater blessings still –
We don’t deserve them, but they’re ours By God’s eternal will.
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.
The Sermon Text Galatians 4:1-7
What I am saying is this: As long as the heir is a young child, he is no different from a slave. Although he is owner of everything, 2 he is still under guardians and managers until the day set by his father. 3 So also, when we were younger children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son to be born of a woman, so that He would be born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts to shout, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son. And if you are a son, then you are also an heir of God through Christ.
Adopted, by Grace, To Be Heirs of God
afterward the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for blessing
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, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship. However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
the Congregation will please rise as the offerings are brought to the altar
We Offer Our Prayers to the Lord
Today’s General Prayer
Today’s Special Prayers
An Intercessory Prayer for Bill Krizsan, who will be undergoing surgery for bladder cancer this coming Thursday at Mercy Hospital; and
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of George and Laura Layton, who are celebrating their wedding anniversary this morning (August 14)
We Leave with the Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord in gladness.
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 grant you His peace.
C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
Closing Hymn Hymn 321 Savior Again To Thy Dear Name We Raise
1 Savior, again to thy dear name we raise With one accord our parting hymn of praise.
Once more we bless thee ere our worship cease, Then, lowly bending, wait thy word of peace.
2 Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way; With thee began, with thee shall end the day.
Guard thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame, That in this house have called upon thy name.
3 Grant us thy peace, Lord, through the coming night; Turn thou for us its darkness into light.
From harm and danger keep thy people free, For dark and light are both alike to thee.
4 Grant us thy peace throughout our earthly life, Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife.
Then, when thy voice shall bid our conflict cease, Call us, O Lord, to thine eternal peace.
Announcement, Post-service music, Silent Prayer
Announcements
Last Week at Grace Worship Attendance: 59 Communed: 52 Online views: 15
Sunday Bible Class: 25 (Online views 8) Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 9
Budgetary Offerings: $ 5409 Online: $130.91
Birthdays and Anniversary this week
August 14 – Laura and George Layton; August 17 – Larry Center;
August 17 – Mary Karloski; August 18 – Harriet Johnson;
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship: 10:45 a.m.
Bible Class and Sunday School, 11:05 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Class, 10:30-11:30 am
Sunday Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper, 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 10:40 am
Sunday School/Bible Class 11 a.m.
Serving Us Next Sunday (8-21) Ushers: Terry Bruns; Tom Otto
Elders: Vic Walker, Tim Pfortmiller Fellowship: Mary Karloski
Altar Guild: Harriet Johnson, Jill Calkins Video: Tim Huebner
Grace Lutheran Church of Lowell, Arkansas
OUR STATEMENT OF MISSION
“The mission of Grace Lutheran Church and School, as expressed in Matthew 28:19-20, is: To reach out into our community with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior in all its truth and purity, and to provide Christian worship, education, and encouragement to all members of our congregation.”
ON THE BASIS OF GOD’S WORD WE BELIEVE, TEACH AND CONFESS…
…that there is only one, true God – the Triune God of the Bible Who is three persons, yet one God (Ex 3:14; Mt 28:19; II Cor 13:14; Mt 3:16,17)…..the Father, Who is our Creator and Preserver (Gen 1:1; Heb 1:3); the Son Who, as the God-Man (Mt 16:13,16; Rom 9:5) is our one-and-only Redeemer (II Cor 5:19-21); and the Holy Spirit, Who is our Sanctifier (I Cor 2:14; I Pet 1:5).
…that the Bible is the totally inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God. (2 Tim 3:16; II Pet 1:21; Jn10:35; Jn 17:17)
…that the Bible is the only source and standard of faith and life for the Christian. (Ps 119:105; Lk 16:29)
…that the main purpose of the Word of God is to show us God’s plan of salvation in Christ (Jn 20:31; II Tim 3:15)
…that God, our Father in Heaven, created this world and our first parents in His image to be perfect and holy. (Gen 1:31; Lev 19:2; Col 3:10; Eph 4:24)
…that man lost that image of God when Adam and Eve sinned against the LORD in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3; Rom 5:12)
…..that all mankind, since Adam’s fall, have been conceived and born in sin (Ps 51:5; Eph 2:1; Rom 8:7) and so, because of sin, we have all failed to live up to God’s holy standards; consequently, we deserve to be punished eternally. (Rom 3:23; Rom 6:23)
…that the only way for anyone to be saved from the terrible consequences of our sins is through faith in Jesus Christ our God and Savior (Acts 16:31; Rom 10:17), Who – as our Substitute – lived a life of perfect obedience to God’s holy Law (Heb 4:15; Gal 4:4,5), endured for us the wrath of God against sin through His death on the cross (Mk 10:45; Heb 2:14; Mk 15:34), and bodily rose from the grave three days later as the proof that our sins are forgiven and our salvation is assured (Rom 1:4; Rom 4:25; I Cor 15:17).
…that whoever trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin will not die eternally, but will have everlasting life. (Jn 3:16)
…that faith is a gift which God the Holy Spirit miraculously works in us; it is not something we personally acquire or accomplish. (I Cor 12:3; Rom 9:16)
…that we are saved by God’s grace (His undeserved love) through the redeeming work of Christ Jesus, and that no one can or has to earn his or her way into God’s favor by doing good deeds. (Eph 2:8-10)
…that, in response to God’s love for us, Christians will want to daily repent of their sins (Rom 6:3-6; Ps 51:4,17; Lk 15:21; II Cor 7:10) live God-pleasing lives and seek to serve God and to do His will (I Cor 10:31).
…that, as God’s redeemed children, we will fear, love, and trust in God over and beyond anything or anyone else (Ecc 12:3; Matt 4:10)
…that, as Christians, we are to make faithful use of the Means of Grace – God’s Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper — for the continued growth of our faith (Rom 1:16; II Thess 2:14; Lk 16:16; Titus 3:5-7; Acts 2:42