The Twenty-sixth Sunday after Trinity
November 24, 2024
The Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
The Last Sunday of the Church Year
Christ the King Sunday
Seven Popular Heresies Taught in Churches Today
The Lie of Universalism
Back on October 13th, we began a worship and sermon series that focused on seven subtle, and not-so-subtle,
heresies and false teachings that are becoming increasingly popular and prevalent among so-called Christian churches today. This morning, we’re concluding that series on those seven heresies. So far we’ve covered the popular lies of Religious Pluralism…..(the false belief that all religions are equal, and that all faiths worship the same God; Antinomianism….the practical rejection of God’s Law, and the popular notion that “I can live however I want;” Legalism….the heresy that God’s favor and eternal life must be earned by man’s effort; The Gospel of Wealth and Prosperity ….the lie that God will give you materially whatever you want; Also the falsehood that the believer’s Soul “Sleeps” at death and is in a sort of “suspended state” waiting for the resurrection….instead of going directly to heaven upon death. Last week we delved into The Fabrication of Annihilation…..the fantasy that the lost don’t go to hell, because hell doesn’t exist; instead, when they die in their unbelief, they just cease to exist. And, finally – today, November 24 – The heresy of Universalism…..perhaps the most popular heresy of these seven…..that everybody goes to heaven, regardless of what they believe or how they live…..and that even the Devil will ultimately go to heaven!
Incidentally, by using the word “heresy,” we mean teachings that so thoroughly distort the truths of God’s Word that embracing them destroys faith. Some false teachings, of course, are not faith-destroying heresies, but they are nevertheless serious rejections of God’s truths, and so should be soundly rejected by all faithful Christians. When churches that identify themselves as “Christian” teach heresy and/or tolerate false teaching, those institutions should be branded as unfaithful and given Biblical correction. They should also be avoided by anyone committed to the truths of God’s Word (and shouldn’t we all be committed to all of God’s Word all the time?).
A Brief Introduction to Christian Universalism
and Scripture’s Response to it (and rejection of it)
As already noted, today we’re going to conclude our service and sermon series by examining the centuries old, but also very contemporary and controversial, false belief of Christian Universalism. It ultimately focuses on who gets to heaven, as well as how and why they get there. This teaching of Christian Universalism maintains that, in the end, everyone will be saved – regardless of whether or not they believe in Christ as their Lord and Savior…..including Satan and his evil angels! This belief is also known as the doctrine of “universal salvation.” It is, in fact, embraced today not only by certain Christians, but also by other religious-minded (and some non-religious) people outside the umbrella of Christianity. However, regardless of its increasing popularity (and it is a growing belief particularly in the independent church movement as well as in contemporary liberal Christian circles), Christian Universalism is not only controversial…..it is damnably heretical. In other words, no one who embraces or advocates universalism in any form is going to be saved….in spite of what its followers and advocates might think.
From the Church Father Origen of Alexandria in the third century, to one of the twentieth century’s leading ecumenical theologians, Karl Barth, to prominent “evangelicals” today such as John Stott, the belief in universalism has been driven primarily by an emotional rejection of the doctrine of eternal suffering in hell (no one really wants anyone to suffer forever), as well as by a gross and purposeful distortion of the Triune God’s saving will (their deviant view that, if God wants all people to be saved, then He cannot condemn, but has to save everyone), and especially by a failure to properly understand Jesus’ redemptive work (their false assumption is that since He died for everyone’s sins – including unbelievers’ – they cannot be sent to hell for their refusal to believe in Him).
As with many popular heresies today, there are subtle variations of the doctrine of universalism. But, generally speaking, Christian Universalists have arrived at their belief from a combination of their distorting the meaning of certain passages of Scripture, mixed with rationalism and emotion. One of the driving concerns of Christian Universalism has to do with the fate of those persons who live and die without ever hearing the Gospel. And, in that regard, Universalists are driven by the notion that it’s not fair for God to punish – for not believing in Jesus – someone who never directly heard about Him.
Basically, Christian Universalists claim that Jesus came to be the whole world’s Savior, and so God cannot do anything else – provided He does not want to fail in His goal of saving sinful humanity – than to ultimately take everyone to heaven. Its advocates maintain that for God to do anything less…specifically for God to send some to hell while others go to heaven…is contrary to what the Bible teaches about Jesus being the Savior of everyone, as well as in opposition to the Scriptural teaching that God is love. If the latter is true, so Universalists say, then a loving God cannot send anyone to hell, but HAS to grant everyone…. whether or not they believe in Jesus…..everlasting life in heaven.
Of course, if universal salvation is true, then what’s the point of being a Christian, of believing in Christ as our one and only Savior, of being baptized, of belonging to the Church, of avoiding temptation, of living a sanctified life, and of doing Christian mission work? If Christian Universalism is true, we all might as well eat, drink, and be merry…..and live our lives – not according to God’s Word, but – however we please.
Along with misusing other portions of God’s Word, Universal Salvation proponents point for support to I Peter 3:19, which says that after Jesus died and before His visible resurrection, “He went and preached to the spirits in prison.” They view this passage as proof that Jesus descended into hell (in prison) in order to release everyone from the Old Testament era and take them to heaven. And they are not deterred by the fact that the passage and its context never come close to saying that Jesus released anyone from hell. What I Peter 3:19 teaches us (as does Colossians 2:15 and Ephesians 4:9, among others) is that after He came back to life, Jesus descended into hell to demonstrate His victory over sin, death and Satan….and not to release from hell the souls of everyone who died in unbelief before He came to earth (after all, OT believers were already in heaven…..see Luke 20:37-38; Luke 16:31).
As to the false notion that accompanies Christian Universalism, namely that every other religion/faith has
saving value too, orthodox Christianity unwaveringly teaches that Jesus is the only One through Whom anyone can be saved (Acts 4:12; I Timothy 2:14; Philippians 2:9-11; and Matthew 11:3), and that anyone whose faith is placed in anyone or anything besides Jesus is eternally lost (John 3:16-18; Matthew 25:46; and Romans 3:10, 23-24). As Lutheran Christians we put our faith – not in our reason or emotions, but – entirely on what God says in His Word. And if something is clearly taught in Scripture, then it doesn’t matter if it does not make sense logically, or “feel” right or fair. Scripture teaches that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, because God wants all people to be saved. But Scripture also teaches that many will harden their hearts toward Christ and refuse to believe in Him, such that they will be eternally condemned to hell for their unbelief. Scripture teaches that the elect (believers in Christ) have been predestined by God for heaven, and have been brought to faith through the converting work of God the Holy Spirit, but while the lost (unbelievers) are not predestined to damnation…..they have instead chosen damnation for themselves by failing to believe in Christ as God and Savior. Scripture also teaches that those who are saved are saved entirely by God’s grace and solely through the redeeming work of Jesus, but the eternally condemned are lost entirely on their own due to their persistent unbelief. These (and some other teachings in Scripture) are considered logical absurdities to the followers of universal salvation, who endeavor to “work around” them based on what they feel is right and fair. On the other hand, if God says it in His Word, that settles it…..and we believe it because God’s Word is truth (Jn 17:17).
Today’s Scripture Lessons
Our First Reading took place shortly after Pentecost. Peter and John were in the temple, where they healed a lame man and then proceeded to preach about Jesus and His resurrection. A large number of people listened and believed in Jesus. That got the attention of the Sadducees (the priests who controlled the temple). Now, the Sadducees were “spiritual liberals” who rejected much of the Old Testament, particularly (in this case) the belief in the resurrection of the dead. Because what Peter and John were preaching was contrary to what they (the Sadducees) believed, they had the two Apostles arrested and put in jail. The next day they interrogated Peter and John, demanding to know how they had healed the lame man. Peter’s response was that they had done so through the power of the same Jesus that the Sadducees had rejected and killed, but Whom God raised from the dead. Then Peter boldly declared that salvation could be found nowhere else but through faith in Jesus. As impressed as the Sadducees were by the Apostles’ courage, they nevertheless ordered the two to not preach anymore about Jesus…..which Peter and John refused, of course, to do. This lesson fits our emphasis for today because Peter’s words about salvation being found only through Jesus clearly contradict the false message of universalism: namely, that everyone will be saved regardless of what they believe.
Today’s Epistle Lesson is the introduction to Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica (located in northern Greece/Macedonia). The Apostle had established a small congregation there on his second missionary journey. After expressing his thanks to God for their faithfulness, Paul encouraged them to persevere in their faith because they were facing persecution. He assured them that God would deal with their adversaries, particularly on the Last Day, when Jesus will return as the righteous Judge. He will condemn to eternal punishment in hell all those who refuse to believe in Him. Again, in connection with today’s service emphasis, Paul makes it very clear that only those who obey (believe) the Gospel of Jesus Christ perfect, crucified and risen will go to heaven. Those who reject Him will be lost forever.
The message Jesus presents in our Gospel Lesson is essentially the same as what He teaches in today’s Sermon Text, which comes from His sermon on the mount. As our Gospel Lesson unfolds, Jesus is on His final journey to Jerusalem, to suffer, die and rise as our Savior. En route, someone asks Him if only a few people are going to be saved. His response, essentially, is “Yes, only a few people will go to heaven.” Jesus wants us to realize that salvation and eternal life are available only to those who “enter through the narrow door” – that is, who enter heaven through faith in Him. On the other hand, many people prefer to travel through a variety of other doors (or gates, in our Sermon Text)…which basically means they are willing to believe in any- and everything else but in Him as their Savior. Consequently, on the Last Day, “the Master of the house” (Jesus) will deny them entry into heaven, because even though they know who He is personally, they refuse to believe in Him as their God and Savior, and so they lock themselves out of heaven. Once more, in connection with today’s focus on the lie of universal salvation, Jesus teaches us that not everyone will get into heaven…..but only those who have faith in Him.
Finally, our Children’s Lesson comes from the book of Isaiah, the prophet. Speaking 700 years before Jesus was born to the people of Judah, some of which were in the process of rejecting the LORD in order to engage in heathen idolatrous practices, God’s prophet warns His wayward people that those false Gods they’re worshiping cannot save them for heaven, but that He alone can save them…and us.
A Children’s Nursery is available to assist parents with small children during the worship hour. We encourage parents to bring children into worship. This helps children learn why we come here each week — to praise God. Furthermore, we believe 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 very young children, the nursery is, at times, a necessity. It is located in our second/rear seating area, behind the first door along the north wall. It is available to you at any time during the service.
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 – O Lord God, Almighty Creator, from Whom every good and perfect gift comes, You have bountifully blessed me across the course of my life. You have established and maintained my faith through Your Word and Sacraments. You have provided for my bodily needs. You have protected me from spiritual harm and have kept me in the true Christian faith in spite of the sinful influences around me and within me. For Your abundant goodness to me, I humbly praise and thank You today. Regardless of how many days and years might lie ahead for me on this earth, I beg You to continue to bless me with Your abiding presence, Your Fatherly protection, and Your guidance in all areas of my life. I submit myself to Your gracious will, with the confidence that You will use me, as Your humble servant, in whatever ways will serve to further Your glory and Your kingdom. Bless and enrich my faith as I hear Your Word today, and receive my heart-felt praises and generous, first-fruits offerings, in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior and Lord. It is in His name that I pray. Amen.
A Service of Praise and Adoration
Pre-service prayer Pre service music
Pre-Worship Hymn Singing, beginning at 9:25 a.m.
We Worship Our Savior, Lord and King
The Service Introduction and Invitation to Worship
After which 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 96:8-13
- Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.
- Bring an offering and come into His courts.
P: Worship the Lord in holy splendor.
C: Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The Lord is King.
- The world is firmly established.
P: It shall never be moved.
C: He will judge the peoples with equity.”
P: Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice.
C: Let the sea roar and all that fills it.
P: Let the field exults and everything in them.
C: Let everything and everyone sing for joy before the Lord,
P: for He is coming to judge the world with righteousness
C: and the peoples with His truth.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
- The Opening Hymn Hymn 238 “Oh Bless the Lord, My Soul”
1 Oh, bless the Lord, my soul! Let all within me join
And aid my tongue to bless his name Whose favors are divine.
2 Oh, bless the Lord, my soul, Nor let his mercies lie
Forgotten in unthankfulness And without praises die.
3 ‘Tis he forgives my sins; ‘Tis he relieves my pain;
‘Tis he that heals my sicknesses And makes me young again.
4 He fills the poor with good; He gives the suff’rers rest;
The Lord has judgments for the proud And justice for th’ oppressed.
5 His wondrous works and ways He made by Moses known,
But sent the world his truth and grace By his beloved Son.
After which the Congregation will rise as
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
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 in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins, and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and authority, 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 rest upon all of you. 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 and King:
- “Majesty” written by Jack Hayford, Rocksmith Music
- used with permission, CCLI # 13666699
Majesty, worship His majesty.
Unto Jesus, be all glory, honor and praise.
Majesty….Kingdom authority, flow from His throne,
unto His own, His anthem raise.
So exalt – lift up on high, the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty. Jesus Who died.
Now glorified. King of all Kings.
The Prayer for Today
O Everlasting God, + Author and Giver of Life, + Who gave us Your Son, Jesus Christ, + so that in Him we might have everlasting life …. + According to Your will, + and in Your own appointed time, + make our faith complete + with the glory and perfection of heaven, + through that ultimate victory + which the Church will enjoy on the Last Day, + when the effects of sin, death, and Satan + have been overcome by the power + and according to the promise + of Your Son, our Savior, Lord and King – Jesus Christ – Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the one true God. + Now and forever. + Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
- The First Lesson Acts 4:1-21
As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple guard, and the Sadducees approached them. 2 They were very upset because Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead in connection with Jesus. 3 They arrested them and put them in jail until the next day because it was already evening.
4 But many of those who had heard the message believed, and the number of the men increased to about five thousand.
5 The next day, the rulers, the elders, and the experts in the law assembled in Jerusalem 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the rest of the high priest’s family. 7 After they made Peter and John stand in front of them, they began to question them: “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9 if we are being questioned today for a kind act that was done for the lame man, as to how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead! By him this man stands before you healed. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone.
12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and found out that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished and took note of the fact that these men had been with Jesus.
14 But since they saw the man who had been healed standing there with them, they could not say anything in reply. 15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they discussed the matter among themselves. 16 They asked, “What should we do with these men? To be sure, it is evident to all who live in Jerusalem that a miraculous sign has been done through them, and we cannot deny it. 17 However, in order that this may spread no further among the people, let us give them a strict warning not to speak any longer to anyone in this name.”
18 Then they summoned them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Decide whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God. 20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After they had threatened them further, they let them go. They found no way to punish them because all of the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this miraculous sign of healing was performed was over forty years old.
- The Epistle Lesson 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are always obligated to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that each and every one of you has for one another is increasing. 4 So we ourselves boast about you in God’s churches in regard to your patient endurance and faith in all your persecutions and in the trials that you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of God’s righteous verdict that resulted in your being counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also suffer. 6 Certainly, it is right for God to repay trouble to those who trouble you, 7 and to give relief to you, who are troubled along with us. When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his powerful angels, 8 he will exercise vengeance in flaming fire on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 Such people will receive a just penalty: eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious strength, 10 on that day when he comes to be glorified among his saints, and to be marveled at among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 For this reason, we are always praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of your calling and use his power to fulfill every good desire and work of your faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him, in keeping with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
after which the Congregation will rise, for the reading of
- The Gospel Lesson Luke 13:22-30
22 He went on his way from one town and village to another, teaching, and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone said to him, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?”
He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 Once the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open for us!’ He will tell you in reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 And he will say, ‘I don’t know where you come from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown outside. 29 People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30 And note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
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
- The Children’s Lesson Isaiah 43:11
I, yes I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.
One LORD, One Savior, One Faith
- The Hymn of the Day Hymn 460 “How Can I Thank You, Lord”
1 How can I thank you, Lord, For all your loving-kindness,
That you have patiently Borne with me in my blindness!
When dead in many sins And trespasses I lay,
I kindled, holy God, Your anger ev’ry day.
2 It is your work alone That I am now converted;
O’er Satan’s work in me You have your pow’r asserted.
Your mercy and your grace That rise afresh each morn
Have turned my stony heart Into a heart new-born.
3 Lord, you have raised me up To joy and exultation
And clearly shown the way That leads me to salvation.
My sins are washed away; For this I thank you, Lord.
Now with my heart and soul All evil I abhor.
4 Grant that your Spirit’s help To me be always given
Lest I should fall again And lose the way to heaven.
Grant that he give me strength In my infirmity;
May he renew my heart To serve you willingly.
5 O Father, God of love, Now hear my supplication;
O Savior, Son of God, Accept my adoration;
O Holy Spirit, be My ever faithful guide
That I may serve you here And there with you abide.
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 Matthew 7:13-14
13 “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter through it. 14 How narrow is the gate, and how difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Will Everyone Be In Heaven?
following the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
To Him Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and has made us to be a Kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father – to Him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers 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, please) to our church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or
2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
As the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation rises for prayer
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Our Prayers for Each Other
Included in our prayers this morning:
A Prayer of Intercession on behalf of Tim Pfortmiller, who
is looking ahead to surgery to remove the cancer afflicting his body;
and also
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Erich & JoAnn Diewock,
celebrating their wedding anniversary this Tuesday.
The Prayers of the Church
P: To him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!
C: Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory.
P: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise, for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being.
C: Alleluia! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!
P: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased us for God. From every tribe and language and people and nation You have called us into Your kingdom and have made us priests to serve You, our God and Father.C: Help us to live as royal priests.
P: We give thanks to You, O Christ our Shepherd-King, because You have searched for us and found us. Lead us to the green pastures and quiet waters of Your saving love, so that we may enjoy peace and comfort for our souls.
C: Heal our hearts when they are broken with sin and guilt. Strengthen us when we are weak.
P: We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. Come with Your mighty power to break and defeat every evil plan and purpose of the devil, of the ungodly influences and ideas of the world, and of our own sinful nature. Use Your power to calm the unrest among nations and peoples so that Your kingdom may spread and grow.
C: Strengthen our confidence in knowing that Your kingdom will never be destroyed.
P: O Christ our King, You have supremacy over all. You will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. You have destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Reign in our hearts that we may serve You more faithfully and speak to others of Your saving love more boldly.
C: Praise be to the Lord God, Who alone does marvelous deeds. May the whole earth be filled with His glory.
P: Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
C: The Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! Amen, and Amen!
P: Finally, Eternal God! Keep us all in Your saving faith, by which You enable us to overcome all things through the power of and by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we offer this prayer, and now continue 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.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
- The Closing Scripture Reading Revelation 22:10-22
12 Look, I am coming soon and My reward is with Me, to repay each one according to what Me has done. 13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and so that they may enter through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, that is, the sorcerers, the adulterers, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears this say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift.
18 I give this warning to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City, which are written in this book.
20 The one who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. 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 give you His peace. Amen.
- The Closing Hymn Hymn 426 “Yours Forever, God of Love”
1 Yours forever, God of love! Hear us from your throne above;
Yours forever may we be Here and in eternity!
2 Yours forever, oh, how blest They who find in you their rest!
Savior, Guardian, heav’nly Friend, Oh, defend us to the end.
3 Yours forever, Lord of life! Shield us through our earthly strife.
You, the Life, the Truth, the Way, Guide us to the realms of day.
4 Yours forever! Shepherd, keep All your weak and trembling sheep
Safely in your tender care; Let us all your goodness share.
5 Yours forever! You our guide, All our needs by you supplied,
All our sins by you forgiv’n, Lead us, Lord, from earth to heav’n.
silent prayer, announcements
post-service music
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