August 31, 2025…..The Eleventh Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
The Thirteenth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
We Believe and Confess Through the Apostles’ Creed
I believe in the Holy Christian Church,
The Communion of Saints
“Good morning……and welcome to Grace Lutheran Church! More than that……thank you for being part of our Grace Lutheran Church family today, and for sharing your unity with us as a fellow member of The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints. that is the Body of all believers in Christ. It’s a privilege to worship our Lord with you and to share God’s Word and work with each of you. So, thank you, and God bless all of you for being here this morning!
As we carry out our worship of the Lord this morning, you and I are going to be continuing the worship and sermon series in which we’ve been engaged most of this summer. It’s had us focusing on the key teachings of the Apostles’ Creed. Today’s service has been developed around the familiar expression/confession: “I believe in ….. the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints.” In preparation for what we’ll be studying today, please join me as we take a bit of a closer look at this phrase, through what follows.
First, the “Holy Christian Church” is a very specific and particular term which Christians have used for centuries to identify “the body of all true believers in Christ, whether they are found on earth or in heaven.” It’s sometimes referred to as “the Invisible Church” (because it’s a matter of faith, found in an individual’s heart….and so “invisible” to the eye). It is also referred to as the “Communion of Saints” – “saints” serving as a description of those persons who have been declared holy or righteous solely for Jesus’ sake, because of His righteous life credited to us. These “saints” (among which you and I are numbered) are definitely heaven’s citizens and so we are members of the one true Christian Church. Two more points are worth noting: 1) “Saints” in this case does not at all refer to Christians whose personal character is so exemplary as to merit special recognition and veneration by the Church….which, by the way, is forbidden by Scripture anyway. And 2) “Saints” also doesn’t just refer to believers whose physical lives have ended with death and whose souls are now at peace with the Lord in heaven. They certainly are part of the “Communion of Saints,” but so is every other believer in Christ who is still on earth. All believers are “saints” ….us included!
Two of this morning’s Hymns ( our “sequence” hymn and our “hymn of the day/sermon hymn”) emphasize the Christian’s confidence in our Savior-God to make us – as members of His Church – victorious in the face of all the spiritual struggles which we face while living on this earth. Both also hold before our eyes and hearts the final goal that – for Jesus’ sake — awaits His Church (namely, eternal bliss in heaven) because our Savior has guaranteed it to us all through His sinless life, sacrificial death for us, and His glorious resurrection.
Today’s Scripture Lessons are a combination of specific Bible passages which tell us about some of the significant characteristics of the Holy Christian Church (the Communion of Saints). For example, we’ll see that the Church is a group of sinners who have been declared holy because of Christ’s righteousness, which has been credited to us. Also the teachings of the true Christian Church are based exclusively on the solid and sure foundation of the entire Word of God. In addition, we’ll be reminded that the Church is “invisible” (known only to God rather than identified by a particular denomination or congregation). It is also “universal” insofar as it is open to everyone – regardless of income, age, ethnicity, or past. What’s more the Church is an enduring entity (since the forces of sin, Satan and hell will never be able to overcome and destroy it). Finally, we’ll be reminded and reassured that eternal life in heaven is assured, through Christ’s redeeming merits, to every believer who – by God’s grace – is a member of this one, true, Holy Christian Church. In addition, through our Children’s Lesson for this morning we’ll talk about how God has “called” the members of His Church out of the darkness of unbelief, and has mercifully brought them into the light of saving faith in Christ. And finally, in today’s Sermon, based on Ephesians 2:19-22, you and I will use our time to further consider our God-determined place, or role, in Christ’s Church. As we do, let’s not forget that we enjoy the status and privilege of being members of Christ’s holy Church, not because of our accomplishments, but solely because of a blood-bought admission fee that He has given us, redeeming us from the curse and condemnation associated with our sins, through His innocent death and glorious resurrection for us. And so, because of our now-privileged position as members of Christ’s Church, let’s all rededicate ourselves to living up to the expectations of unity, faithfulness, and devotion to serving Him and others that the Lord of the Church has for each and every one of us who, by His grace, are His Holy Christian Church!
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, through Christ my Savior, as I confess my sins to You today. Receive my praises and prayers, humble and imperfect though they are. Renew my faith and life through Your Word. And then, when my time here today is done, allow me to return to my appointed calling in this world, invigorated, equipped, and eager to serve You with all that I am and have……until the day comes when You graciously call me to the heavenly home which You promised to me and all true believers through the merits and mercy of Your Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that I pray. 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
Pre-service prayer Pre-worship music
Pre-service hymn singing, starting at 9:25
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Service 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 Opening Hymn “God Is Here Among His People”
cwh, 2000 sung to the melody of “‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”
God is here among His people! As we join in praise and prayer,
May we find in fuller measure, Jesus’ grace which we all share.
Here, though in the world abiding, as God’s children set apart,
We rejoice to join together, one in faith, in love, in heart.
Here the Means of Grace remind us of our life-long need for grace.
Here are altar, font, and pulpit; here Christ’s cross has central place.
Here in faithful Bible preaching, here in silence and in songs,
Here the Spirit, edifying, heart-felt joy in us prolongs.
Here our children find in Baptism entry to the Shepherd’s fold;
Here, in Sacramental Union, Christ sustains us, young and old.
Here the servants of the Servant, seek in worship to explore
What it means in daily living, to believe and to adore.
Lord of all, the Church and Kingdom, in an age of change and doubt,
Keep us faithful to all Scripture; Help us work Your purpose out.
Here, in bringing praise and off’rings, all we have to give, receive;
We who cannot live without You, We adore You! We believe!” AMEN.
We Confess 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”
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
following which the Congregation may be seated
We Hear God’s Word ….regarding the Holy Christian Church
The First Collection of Readings “The Church Is Righteous”
Philippians 3:7-9
7 But, whatever things were a profit for me, these things I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. 8 But even more than that, I consider everything to be a loss because of what is worth far more: knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For His sake, I have lost all things and consider them rubbish, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, which comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God by faith.
“The Church Is the Bride of Christ
Ephesians 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, in the same way as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26 to make her holy, by cleansing her with the washing of water in connection with the Word. 27 He did this so that He could present her to Himself as a glorious church, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but so that she would be holy and blameless.
Our Response In Song Hymn 538 “The Church’s One Foundation” verse 1
1 The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation By water and the Word.
From heav’n he came and sought her To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.
The Second Reading “The Church Is United by The Spirit
Around One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner in the Lord, therefore, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. 2 Live with all humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in the one hope of your calling. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in us all.
Our Response In Song Hymn 538 “The Church’s One Foundation” verse 2
2 Elect from ev’ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, With ev’ry grace endued.
The Third Collection of Readings “The Church, Chosen by
Grace, is Invisible”
II Timothy 2:19
19 Nevertheless, God’s foundation stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord keep away from wickedness.”
“The Church Is Enduring”
Matthew 16:15-18
15 He said to them, “But you, who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.
Our Response In Song Hymn 538 “The Church’s One Foundation” verses 3-4
3 The Church shall never perish. Her dear Lord, to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end.
Though there be those that hate her And strive to see her fail,
Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail.
4 Though with a scornful wonder The world sees her oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; Their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Final/Gospel Reading “The Church Is Able To Offer Salvation”
Acts 10:39-43
39 “Indeed, we are witnesses of all the things He did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem, yet they killed Him by hanging Him on a cross. 40 But God raised Him on the third day and caused Him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had already chosen—by us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify solemnly that He is the One appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about Him that, through His name, everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
John 3:11-17
11 Amen, Amen, I tell you: We speak what We know, and We testify about what We have seen. But you people do not accept Our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, except the One Who descended from heaven, the Son of Man, Who is in heaven. 14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Our Response In Song Hymn 538 “The Church’s One Foundation” verse 5
5 Mid toil and tribulation And tumult of her war
She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest
And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.
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 on 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
Children’s Lesson I Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 At one time you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. At one time you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy.
The Church: God’s Chosen People
Sermon Hymn Hymn 536 “Lord Jesus Christ, The Church’s Head”
1. Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head, You are her one Foundation;
In You she trusts, before You bows, And waits for Your salvation.
Built on this Rock secure, Your Church shall endure
E’en though the world decay And all things pass away. Oh, hear, oh, hear us, Jesus!
2. O Lord, let this Your little flock, Your name alone confessing,
Continue in Your loving care, True unity possessing.
Your Sacraments, O Lord, And Your saving Word
To us e’er pure retain. Grant that they may remain Our only strength and comfort.
3. Help us to serve You evermore With hearts both pure and lowly;
And my Your Word, that light divine, Shine on in splendor holy
That we repentance show, In faith ever grow;
The power of sin destroy And evils that annoy. Oh, make us faithful Christians!
4. And for Your Gospel let us dare To sacrifice all treasure;
Teach us to bear Your blessed cross, To find in You all pleasure.
Oh, grant us steadfastness In joy and distress,
That we You ne’er forsake. Let us by grace partake O endless joy and glory.
after which the Congregation will rise for the reading of
The Sermon Text Ephesians 2:19-22
19 So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. 20 You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Cornerstone. 21 In Him the whole building is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
I Believe In The Holy Christian Church –
The Communion of Saints
I. His Gracious Exemption, Which Makes Us His Church
II. His Expectations For His Church
following the sermon the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The 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.
Lord, Receive our Offerings and Prayers
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.
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
Today’s Special Prayers
This Morning’s Responsive Prayer
P O Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, You never slumber nor sleep, but always watch over Your whole creation. Bless Your Church that it may always declare Your glory, tell of Your salvation, and make known the treasures You have prepared for those who call on Your name.
C Help us, as Your people, + to proclaim the truth that there is no other god beside You + and to make known to others the story of Your marvelous works. + Enable us all to remain fully faithful to Your Word of truth, + and in every circumstance, near or far, keep us from physical and spiritual harm.
P For all the blessings You have bestowed on this congregation, we give thanks to You, O Lord. Help us remember each other in our daily prayers.
C: Send Your Holy Spirit with power among us + to strengthen our faith + and to equip us for works of service to You. + Give us true zeal to work and witness for You. + And teach us to warmly welcome all who seek Your mercy in this place of worship.
P O God, Yours is the glory and power that rules and judges the nations. Where there is division and strife, bring unity and peace. Where there is hunger and thirst, give rain, abundant harvest, and generous neighbors. Where there is prejudice and lack of justice, give understanding, fairness, and trustworthy rulers.
C: Bless our nation, + our President, + and all who serve in government from the local to the national level, + that we who rejoice in Your truth may continue to publicly proclaim the Gospel + and to serve You without restriction.
P Gracious Lord, sustain and protect those who whose vocations call them to the service of their country, especially the members of our armed forces .Bless their efforts to establish peace and stability in the world. Sustain them during lonely times; guard and defend them from all danger.
C: Be with their families as well, + that during their time of separation + they may receive support and encouragement from their communities, + and especially from the members of Your Church on earth.
P Heavenly Father, our eyes look to You to send help to all who are in need. Give work, we pray, to the unemployed. Give confidence in Your love to those who are anxious about tomorrow.
C: Grant strength and patience to those who bear heavy burdens at work, + school, + or home, + and give the peace of Your forgiveness to those who live with regrets over past actions. + Grant the comfort of Your Holy Spirit to all who confess You to be the only God, + that as they call on Your name they may find rest for their souls.
P Please hear us also, Gracious God, as we now take a few moments to silently offer You our own, personal petitions and praises.
Silent Prayer
P Finally, O Lord, into Your hands we commend everything and everyone for which we pray, trusting in Your wisdom and mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, in Whose name we offer this prayer, and in Whose name we continue now, by praying:
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.
Now Dismiss Us, Lord
The Doxology
Pastor Now, to Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy –
Congregation to the only God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
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 grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 610 “Now Thank We All Our God”
1 Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, In whom his world rejoices,
Who from our mother’s arms Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.
2 Oh, may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us
And keep us in his grace And guide us when perplexed
And free us from all ills In this world and the next.
3 All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,
The Son, and him who reigns With them in highest heaven,
The one eternal God, Whom earth and heav’n adore!
For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.
silent prayer
announcements
post-service music