The Nineteenth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
Also known as the Seventeenth Sunday after
the Festival of the Holy Trinity – September 27, 2026
A Summer/Fall Study of Philippians:
The Grace of God in Christ is THE Source of our Joy
Faithful Servants Don’t Grumble or Complain
…..They Simply, Joyfully Serve
“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction….” The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to record these words in today’s Epistle Lesson as an evangelical reminder to us that God takes our sins against Him seriously. In it the Apostle gives a number of examples of Israel’s unfaithfulness before the LORD, as well as a short list of some of the ways in which God graciously, yet firmly dealt with and disciplined His disobedient, discontented people.
Though the LORD had powerfully delivered them from a horrible existence of slavery in Egypt through a series of plagues that devastated their oppressor……. though He had routed the pursing Egyptian army by drowning it in the Red Sea…… though He had spoken directly to Israel – giving them His Law from Mt. Sinai ….. and though He was miraculously providing food, water and protection for approximately 2 million people wandering in a barren desert….. the Israelites never seemed to be either satisfied or grateful. They were constantly murmuring and complaining about nearly everything.
It’s amazing – actually a miracle of God’s grace – that the LORD didn’t wipe the entire nation of Israel right off the face of the earth…given the way they both repeatedly disregarded His Word, and continually criticized His provision and leadership. Instead He consistently showed mercy to this mal-contented people – even as He also periodically (sometimes strongly – as we’ll see on today’s Old Testament Lesson) disciplined them for their stubbornness and sinfulness. Then again, that’s how the Lord graciously deals with us too, not treating us as our sins deserve (which would require Him to send us all to hell), but lovingly disciplining us so that we can repent and return to His righteous paths, always forgiving us the eternal consequences of our sins for sake of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and consistently blessing us both materially and spiritually (especially with His guarantee of heaven through faith in Christ) in the ways which He alone knows are best.
Our Gospel Lesson informs us that a dispute arose among Jesus’ disciples about which of them would be “the greatest” in His kingdom. It occurred immediately after Jesus predicted His suffering and death. His disciples argued over their status and prestige, revealing a worldly mindset rather than a godly, selfless Kingdom mindset. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a child and placed him next to Himself. Jesus then said that whoever received such a child in His name received Him, and whoever received Him received His Father as well. Our Savior defined greatness in His Kingdom in terms of humility, service, and openness, which He contrasted with His disciples’ selfish ambition. He told them (and tells us), “ the one who is least among all of you is the one who is great.” The child represented innocence, trust, and a lack of pride —essential qualities for being part of the Kingdom of God. In the closing part of our reading, James and John expressed a desire to call fire down from heaven on a Samaritans village simply because the people there didn’t welcome Jesus. However, Jesus rebukes them for their hatefulness and reminds them that His mission is to save souls, not destroy them, plus that His followers must reflect His mercy in their lives. This underscores that real life in Christ’s kingdom is marked by compassion, not judgment.
This morning’s Children’s Lesson has been developed around Paul’s directions to the normally positive and thankful congregation in Philippi. He urges them not to go through life using their mouths to complain and argue with others. Instead, God wants them (and us) to use their lips to praise Him and especially to share the Gospel with others.
And finally, today’s Sermon continues our summer/fall series on the book of Philippians. We’ll be examining the last half of chapter 2 this morning. Paul has just used the example of Christ’s selflessness and humility in becoming our Savior as the Christian’s motivation for selflessly serving the LORD as well as our fellow man. Now Paul urges his listeners to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” emphasizing that we are to be faithfully obedient to our Lord. He reminds us that God is the One Who actually does the work of faith and faithfulness in believers, enabling us both to desire and to act in line with His will. Then he directs us to avoid grumbling and arguing, and instead to be blameless and pure as we live among in a “crooked and twisted generation.” As Christians we are encouraged to live our lives so that they shine like light brilliant lights before the world displaying how we hold firmly to the Word of life. Paul additionally describes his ministry as something similar to an Old Testament drink/fellowship offering, where he has poured out everything he has to offer in Christ’s service. At the same time, he rejoices and calls on them to rejoice with him over the privilege God has given him to serve Him as a servant in His Kingdom. He then talks about two special co-workers in the Gospel. Paul says that he hopes to send Timothy to Philippi soon, because he is genuinely, personally concerned for their welfare, in contrast to those people who only care about themselves. He is like a son to Paul. Paul describes Epaphroditus, on the other hand, as brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. He notes that Epaphroditus had so expended himself in Christ’s service that he had become seriously ill and that he almost died – and yet God graciously spared him. Paul is sending him back to the Philippians so that they might rejoice and so Paul might be less anxious. Finally he urges them to honor Epaphroditus and Christians like him, who risk their lives for the work of Christ.
A Prayer Before Entering Church
O Heavenly Father, please guide me in wisdom and truth through Your Holy Spirit, as I spend this hour meditating on Your Word, rejoicing in Your limitless love for me. Assist me in being attentive in heart and mind to Your Word, as well as to the hymns of praise, the various petitions, and the prayers of thanksgiving my voice directs toward You. Use this worship service, O Lord, to deepen my love for You, to strengthen my trust in You, and to renew my commitment to You. All this I ask for the sake of and in the name of Your One and only Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
Welcome to Grace Lutheran Church
We welcome you this day in the name of our living Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. May you find abiding peace and renewed strength for your faith and Christian life in His Word of truth today.
The chief purpose of our ministry, as our Lord enables us, is to serve all people with the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed to us in the verbally inspired, inerrant Scriptures. To that end, it is our privilege and responsibility:
To proclaim the Law and Gospel keenly and clearly, in order to convict sinners of their sins, to lead them to repentance, to comfort penitent souls, and to build each other up in our faith in the one, true, Triune God through the Means of Grace (the Word and Sacraments of our Lord). and…..
To equip believers, through that same Means of Grace, to grow in their Christian lives as faithful servants, stewards, and witnesses to others of the redeeming grace of our God in Christ Jesus.
About Our Congregation . . . . Grace Lutheran Church is a fellowship of individuals and families who have found the Jesus Christ to be the only safe and reliable answer to all of life’s critical problems and questions. We are members of the WELS, or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Wisconsin indicates the geographical origin of a group of Christians (organized in Milwaukee, WI in 1850) who believe, teach, and confess that the Bible is the inspired and error-free Word of God, and who are united in their efforts to proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. Evangelical declares that we believe and proclaim the great Gospel principles of the Bible that sinners are saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone, on the basis of Scripture alone. Lutheran indicates that we hold to the historic Christian faith of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, almost lost to the Church at one time before God restored it through the Lutheran Reformation. Synod states that we are part of a gathering of 1259 Christian congregations throughout the United States plus congregations in 47 other nations, and 25 world mission exploratory fields….. all of which “walk together” for the express purpose of serving and sharing the Good News about our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Regarding our Approach to Worship: We take a “liturgical” (Greek for “ordered/structured”) approach to worship. For centuries, even before the beginning of the early Christian Church – going back to the days of the ancient Jewish “Synagogue” service and temple observances – God’s people have worshiped the Lord by following a basic arrangement, or “order of service.” Rich in its Biblical content and emphases, this liturgical approach is time-tested, and is (as it ought to be) centered – not on mere feelings or emotions, but – firmly on the saving actions of our merciful God as revealed in the Holy Bible.
This approach to worship is not one that can be fully appreciated and understood instantly. If this style of worship is new to you, we encourage you to be patient, allowing yourself sufficient time to become familiar with its purposes and meaning. We are confident that with time, patience, and instruction, you will find it very edifying for your faith. Already this first time you will hear throughout the service the Good News of God’s love clearly in the inspired words of God’s prophets, evangelists, apostles – and especially God’s Son – as they speak to from the Holy Scriptures. …..A very brief explanation of some outward actions might also prove helpful. The congregation in worship (we are not part of an audience, but are fellow participants in the act of worshiping) generally is seated to listen to God’s Word and to sing the regular hymns. When praying, we stand. The pastor faces the congregation when he is serving as God’s spokesman. He faces the altar when he is serving in the capacity of the congregation’s representative before the Lord, and when he joins them as a fellow worshiper. Please also note that because Jesus is our King and Lord, as well as our Redeemer and Savior, we typically stand to hear the reading of the daily Gospel lesson as an expression of our respect for the inspired words of Christ.
A Children’s Nursery is available for use by parents with small children during the worship hour. We encourage parents to bring children into worship whenever possible. This helps children learn why we come here each week: to praise God and to learn from Him. In addition, we know that the power of God the Holy Spirit in the written and spoken Word blesses the hearts and souls of little children, no less than adults. But for some of the youngest children among us, the nursery is, at times, a necessity, particularly when their agitation detracts from the worship of others around them in the chapel. When such situations occur, we encourage parents to be considerate of those around them, and to bring that child into the nursery for a few moments or longer, in order to become relaxed again before returning to the chapel for continued worship and growth in God’s Word. The Nursery is in the first room along the north wall in our rear — or second — seating area. A changing table for very small children is also in the nursery, – which is available to you at any time throughout today’s worship service.
The portions of God’s that are 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 Pre-worship music
The Service Introduction
and Invitation to Worship
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Congregation will be asked to rise for
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 Opening Prayer
O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter, we are assembled in Your presence to hear Your Word and to offer You our worship and praise. We pray that You would open our hearts by means of Your Holy Spirit so that through the preaching of Your Word we may be taught to repent of our sins, to believe on Jesus in life and in death, and to grow day by day in grace and godliness. Hear us now, for Jesus’s sake. Amen.
Following the prayer, the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 234 “Praise to the Lord, the 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
Hear Us and Forgive Us, Lord
Pastor – God invites us to come into His presence and worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness.
Congregation – Holy and most merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and
actions; Each day I turn away from Your Will. I have left undone those things which You have asked me to do, and I have done those things which You tell me not to do. I do not love You or my neighbor the way I should. Because of these, and all of my other sins, too numerous for me to recall, I acknowledge that I deserve nothing less than Your punishment both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for the evil that I have thought, spoken, and done, and trusting in the perfect life, and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, forgive me all my sins, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen my weak faith through the promises of Your divine Word that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor – Find comfort for your souls, then, in these words of our Lord: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness, because we have One Who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” And now, upon this, your voluntary confession, I, because of my office as a called servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place of, and according to 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 Spirit. May the peace of God be with you. Amen.
Our Response To God’s Forgiveness
ALL sing: to the tune of “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
For Thy forgiveness, full and free,
He, who by grace, this truth believes
The blessings of Christ’s love receives
Praise God the Father, God the Son
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
As ’twas, is now, and so shall be
World without end, eternally! Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated
We Give Our Attention to God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Numbers 11:1-34
And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. 3 So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. 9 When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.
10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to the Lord, “Why have You dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that You swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If You will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in Your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”
16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. 18 And say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord Who is among you and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”“ 21 But Moses said, “The people among whom I am number six hundred thousand on foot, and You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month!’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, and be enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, and be enough for them?” 23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”
24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.
26 Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Then a wind from the Lord sprang up, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. 32 And the people rose all that day and all night and all the next day, and gathered the quail. Those who gathered least gathered ten homers. And they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. 33 While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck down the people with a very great plague. 34 Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving. 35 From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and they remained at Hazeroth.
The Second/Epistle Lesson I Corinthians 10:1-13
For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
After which the Congregation will rise
out of respect for Christ’s Words, as we give our attention to
Today’s Gospel Lesson Luke 9:46-55
46 An argument started among them about which of them would be the greatest. 47 Since Jesus knew the thoughts of their hearts, He took a little child and had him stand next to Him. 48 Then He said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me. And whoever receives Me receives Him Who sent Me. In fact, the one who is least among all of you is the one who is great.”
49 John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he is not following You along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not try to stop him, because whoever is not against you is for you.”
51 When the days were approaching for Him to be taken up, Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead of Him. They went and entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for Him. 53 But the people did not welcome Him, because He was determined to go to Jerusalem. 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them. “You don’t know what kind of spirit is influencing you. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s souls, but to save them.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; And sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Philippians 2:12-16
12 So then, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you, but also now much more in my absence, continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 In fact, it is God Who is working in you, both to will and to work, for the sake of His good pleasure. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish among a crooked and perverted generation. You shine among them like lights in the world, 16 as you hold on to the word of life.
“Quit Complaining….and Start Praising”
Hymn of the Day Hymn 405 “Oh For A Faith That Will Not Shrink”
1 Oh, for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by many a foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of poverty or woe,
2 That will not murmur nor complain
Beneath the chast’ning rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain
Can lean upon its God,
3 A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without,
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt,
4 That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown
Nor heeds its scornful smile,
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown
Nor Satan’s arts beguile,
5 A faith that keeps the narrow way
Till life’s last spark is fled
And with a pure and heav’nly ray
Lights up the dying bed.
6 Lord, give us such a faith as this,
And then, whate’er may come,
We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May the God of peace fill you with all joy in believing! Amen.
Sermon Text Philippians 2:12-30
12 So then, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you, but also now much more in my absence, continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 In fact, it is God Who is working in you, both to will and to work, for the sake of His good pleasure. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish among a crooked and perverted generation. You shine among them like lights in the world, 16 as you hold on to the word of life. Then I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I continue to be glad and rejoice with you all. 18 In the same way, also be glad and rejoice with me.
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 To be sure, I have no one else like him, who will be genuinely concerned about your welfare. 21 For, the others all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven character, that as a child for his father, he served with me in the gospel. 23 So he is the one I hope to send just as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 But I have confidence in the Lord that I myself will be coming soon too.
25 I also considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as the one you sent to serve me in my need. 26 I sent him because he was longing for all of you and was distressed, because you had heard that he was sick. 27 As a matter of fact, he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Now I am especially eager to send him, so that you may rejoice when you see him again, and I may be relieved. 29 Therefore, receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard, 30 because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life in order to fill in what was lacking in your service to me.
Faithful Service…Without Complaint
following which the Congregation will rise for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will! Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated
Lord, Receive our Offerings and Prayers
The Offering Hymn Hymn 609 “We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer Creator”
1 We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator!
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring:
We lay it before you; we kneel and adore you;
We bless your holy name; glad praises we sing.
2 We worship you, God of our fathers; we bless you.
Through trial and tempest our guide you have been;
When perils o’ertake us, you will not forsake us,
And with your help, O Lord, our battles we win.
3 With voices united our praises we offer;
To you, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise.
Your strong arm will guide us; our God is beside us.
To you, our great Redeemer, fore’er be praise!
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.
The Offerings are gathered and presented to our Lord
as the offerings are brought forward the Congregation will rise for
Today’s Prayers
In our Prayers this morning we include:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Joyce & Allen Skogen
who will be celebrating their wedding anniversary this Saturday
Eternal and merciful God, we, poor, miserable and distressed sinners, approach You in prayer with heads and hearts bowed down, fully conscious of our many sins; and so we do not dare to lift up our eyes to You, but are ashamed of ourselves, since every day we provoke You, LORD, with sins that are too many for us to recall, let alone confess.
If You choose to deal with us as we deserve, we would suffer nothing but Your wrath and eternal condemnation in hell. But, heavenly Father, we take comfort in Your infinite mercy and Your gracious promises to us. In Your Word You have told us, “As surely as I live, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they turn from their sinful ways and live.” Through the obedience, suffering, death and resurrection of our one and only Redeemer, Justifier, Mediator and Savior, Jesus Christ, You have forgiven us all our sins and reconciled us to Yourself. By Your Holy Spirit, working in our hearts and heads through Your Word, You have given us the faith to believe in You, to repent of our sinfulness, and to recommit ourselves to living for You as our Savior-God.
Knowing that there is nothing good in our sinful flesh, and that – in spite of our best efforts – we continue to sin against You daily in our deeds, words and actions, we humbly beg You to give us a greater measure of Your Holy Spirit, so that our faith can be greater and our faithfulness for You will increase. LORD, this morning, we especially ask that You would enable us to control our tongues, so that only what is pleasing to You and edifying for others might come from our mouths. Help us to control our sinful impulses, and in particular to restrain all feelings of anger or vengeance inside of us. Instead make us kind and gracious toward everyone….even our enemies and adversaries. Give us forgiving hearts and minds so that we can forgive any- and everyone who sins against us….. no matter what those transgressions might be. Empower us all to be truly generous, selfless and faith-filled in our offerings to You, as well as in our charity toward others. Enable us to constantly find joy and growth of mind and Spirit through Your Word, that we might gladly hear it, read it, meditate on it and minister to others with it. Empower us to gladly and gratefully serve You and others all our days….until that day comes, when, by Your grace, through faith in Christ our Savior, we leave this world to live with You in heaven, where we will worship and serve You eternally as the God of our salvation. We ask all of this in the name, and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our LORD and Savior, Who lives and rules along with You and the Holy Spirit, as the One, True God…..and in Whose name we also join in praying…..
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.
Now Dismiss Us, Lord
The Benediction
Brothers and sisters, now go in peace. Live in harmony with one another.
And Serve the Lord in gladness.
The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The LORD look on you with favor, and give you peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn “The Time Has Come”
The time has come O Lord,
for us to leave this place.
Tend Your sheep, Good Shepherd,
and lead us in Your grace.
Wherever life may take us
as we go our separate ways,
Help us share with others
the things we’ve shared today.
May the peace of God the Father,
and the Love of Christ, His Son,
Guide us in the days ahead,
and strengthen us, each one.
May the blessings of the Spirit
fill us from within.
God bless us and return us.
to this fellowship…..Once again.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.