The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday – October 06, 2024
also the Twenty-first Sunday of the Pentecost Season
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
The Story of Philemon and Onesimus:
Lessons in Christian Forgiveness,
Service and Accountability
The famous British theologian W. Robertson Nichol once said, “If I were to covet any honor of authorship, it would be this: That some letter of mine might be found in the desks of my friends when their life struggle is ended.”
Whether or not he ever pondered Nichol’s fond wish, there is – tucked away in the New Testament between Titus and Hebrews – a short, model letter, written under divine inspiration, by a master of letter writing, the Apostle Paul. It serves as the basis for today’s Sermon. Only one chapter in length, twenty-five verses all told, Paul’s personal letter to Philemon contains a number of strong, touching and well-expressed statements that make it one of the gems of Scripture. C.S. Lewis called this letter “the most beautiful and intensely human of all St. Paul’s epistles, full of charm and beauty.” It deserves far more than the small attention most pay it, given its short length.
Who were Onesimus and Philemon? Philemon was very likely one of Paul’s converts (verse 19) and a friend of the Apostle. It is also possible that he could have heard the Gospel first through the ministry of Epaphras, a protégé of Paul and the pastor of the church in Colosse. Philemon apparently was a wealthy man, and a prominent, very active member of the church in Colosse, since the congregation met in his home (verse 2). “Apphia, our sister” and “Archippus our fellow-soldier” (verse 2) are assumed to have been, respectively, his wife and son. As Paul had not physically visited Colosse, so far as we know, it would seem that Philemon had come under his influence in Ephesus (@ 120 miles west of Colosse) during his time there as part of his second and third missionary journeys. Archippus, Philemon’s son, might have even been a pastor either at Colosse or at Laodicea (Colossians 4:17). One other important thing about Philemon: he was also a slave owner.
Onesimus was one of Philemon’s slaves. It is quite possible (verse 18) that he had stolen some property from his master (probably in order to fund his escape) and had fled to Rome (verse 10) where he met Paul – rather remarkably, since the Apostle was in prison – during his first imprisonment. By God’s grace, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in the Word, Onesimus was brought to faith and became a Christian. This runaway slave proved to be extremely useful to the Apostle while the latter was under house arrest in Rome (verses 11,13; also Colossians 4:9). Nevertheless, Paul knew that the right thing to do was for him to send Onesimus back to his rightful master (verse 12). When the epistle to the Colossians was sent from Rome around 60 A.D., it was carried by Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9). The two of them also carried this private note to Philemon.
Onesimus was just one of a world full of slaves in the first century Roman world. Most of those slaves belonged to a handful of earthly masters. In fact, three hundred years before Paul wrote to Philemon, 21,000 citizens of Athens owned 400,000 slaves! It wasn’t all that different, proportionately-speaking, in Paul’s day, when the Roman Empire was at its height. Estimates range that up to better than half the empire’s population were slaves. Some masters owned more than a thousand slaves, but regardless of the number owned, every slave legally had absolutely no rights whatsoever when it came to his/her life or liberty.
Consequently, what was Paul going to write to Philemon regarding Onesimus? After all, Philemon had been “damaged” by his runaway servant. Severe punishments were the standard discipline for escaped slaves – from beatings even to the point of being executed. The commentator Lightfoot writes: “The slave was absolutely at his master’s disposal. For the smallest offense he might be scourged, mutilated, crucified, or thrown to the wild beasts.” But now that Onesimus was a Christian, there was a new dimension to their relationship. He and Philemon were Christian brothers….and that reality was the basis for Paul’s appeal to Philemon for mercy toward Onesimus.
The letter to Philemon, consequently, is a masterpiece of Christian “diplomacy” as well as Christian charity. It is an intimate, personal appeal to Philemon to receive his slave back, not just as a slave, but as the brother in Christ that Onesimus now is. As he wrote, Paul had some obvious challenges to overcome. He was the mutual friend of both persons. Somehow he had to pacify a man who had good reason to be offended. He also wanted to commend the offender for his subsequent faithful service, while at the same time recognizing Onesimus’s sin in fleeing from his earthly master. What’s more, Paul had to emphasize the virtues of Christian mercy and equality in the face of an empire-wide system of slavery that barely recognized the humanity of the enslaved. He could have appealed especially to his friendship with Philemon – asking for a personal favor regardless of how Philemon felt. Paul could have insisted, by exercising his authority as an Apostle, that being gracious to Onesimus was simply the right thing for Philemon to do…..period! Instead, Paul ‘s intent was to encourage an willing act of spontaneous Christian grace and kindness on Philemon’s part. He limits his request to that of Philemon forgiving the wrong done to him by Onesimus. Paul’s goal for Philemon (and for us, his 21st century readers) is that Christian love should consistently triumph over any and all resentment or vengefulness.
Martin Luther saw another purpose in this letter. He saw parallels 1) between us and Onesimus as law breakers, deserving of death; 2) between Philemon and God as the offended parties; and 3) between Paul and Jesus as intercessors on behalf of the guilty persons. Luther said, “What Christ has done for us with God the Father, that Paul does for Onesimus with Philemon” (cf verses 18-19). This letter to Philemon, then, is an application of Ephesians 4:32 (“forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”)
A couple of additional thoughts about the book of Philemon are probably in order before this part of our worship flyer is completed. First, there are no great doctrines expounded in this short letter. As a pastor for nearly 40 years, I have only once before (that I can recall) preached on the book of Philemon. In fact, only one “text” from Philemon is recommended in all of the major Scripture series (called “pericopes”) that pastors often use for preaching and lessons for public worship. Second – and contrary to what some have wrongly attempted in generations and centuries past – this is not a letter whose purpose was to overthrow the social order of the Roman world…..specifically, it was never intended to repudiate the institution of slavery. Third, one of the primary Spiritual lessons contained in this letter is that Biblical principle must be put before personal expediency. Here’s what I mean: Paul benefitted greatly from Onesimus’ support. Therefore, lest he offend Philemon and possibly lose his support, the apostle could have hidden the entire matter and said nothing to him about Onesiumus having come to him – particularly since Onesimus had become so useful to him in his ministry (why give up a “good thing?”). Or Paul could have kept his mouth shut and simply sent Onesimus back to his rightful master without asking Philemon to extend any mercy to this runaway slave. Instead, Paul chose to do what was right in God’s sight over what might have seemed expedient (and personally beneficial to him). He encouraged Onesimus and Philemon to do the same: to put Biblical principal ahead of any personal expediency. Let’s also not forget that Onesimus had no idea at all what Philemon’s response was actually going to be….and it could have been very bad for him. Still, Onesimus shows his Christian integrity by returning to a master who could have justifiably punished him, or at the very least had every right to demand that he once more return to his life as a slave. But Onesimus, as a believing child of God, was committed to righting the wrong he had done, and to facing the consequences for his sins….whatever those consequences might have been. What refreshing and encouraging examples not only Onesimus, but also Philemon and Paul set for all of us today!
Today’s Other Scripture Lessons
In our Epistle Lesson Paul encourages us, as Christians, to live our lives of faith faithfully. In other words, our LORD wants us to recognize and respect the common faith in Him that we share with our fellow believers. Among other virtues, He also wants us to “take off” our sinful nature (i.e., don’t let it control you), and instead “put on the new self” (our godly nature and character, given to us by the Holy Spirit). So….don’t lie and don’t get angry. We need to do our work faithfully and honestly. God also expects us to control our mouths by not saying anything unwholesome, but rather those things that encourage others in their faith. We’re urged not to disappoint the Holy Spirit, but to please Him by being kind, compassionate and forgiving….just as God is all that to all of us. In so doing, we imitate Christ, our Savior. Finally we ought to use our time on earth wisely, to gratefully serve our LORD and His people.
Today’s Gospel Lesson has two of Jesus’ disciples (and relatives), James and John, asking Him for a special favor: that they would be given positions in His kingdom of authority and honor by being allowed to sit on his right and left hands, respectively. Jesus asks them if they are willing to go through a life of suffering and sacrifice for Him – as He was about to do for them and all of us. They said that they were committed to doing that. At which point Jesus tells them that the authority to grant those positions belongs – not to Him, but – to His Father. As soon as the other disciples learned about James’ and John’s request, they became upset with them. And so Jesus has to explain to all of His disciples (including us!) that in His kingdom, those who are great and who lead are those who are committed to being humble servants to others – just as He came to serve us and to be our Savior.
Finally, this morning’s Children’s Lesson reminds us not to “get even” with people who harm and sin against us. Instead, God wants us to “focus on those things that are noble”(good, godly, positive) and to be “at peace” with everyone.
Pre-Service Prayer – O Lord God, Almighty Creator, my merciful Father in heaven, from Whom every good and perfect gift comes……You have bountifully blessed me throughout my life. You have preserved me in Your Word. You have provided for all my bodily needs. You have protected me from spiritual harm and have kept me in the one true faith. For your abundant goodness to me, I humbly praise and thank You. As I prepare for worship this morning – and every day You allow me to live on this earth – please bless me with Your continued presence, Your Fatherly protection, and Your divine 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 offerings…..in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior. It is in His name that I offer this prayer. 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
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation to Worship
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation shall rise
The Invocation
Pastor – We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 103
P: Bless the Lord , O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord , O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits –
C: Who pardons all your guilt, + Who heals all your diseases,
P: Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with mercy and compassion
- Who satisfies your life with goodness + so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
P: The Lord performs righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He has made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel:
C: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, + slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
P: He will not always accuse, nor will He keep His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He does not repay us according to our guilty deeds.
- Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, + so powerful is His mercy toward those who fear Him; + As distant as the east is from the west, + so far has He removed our rebellious acts from us.
- As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.
C: As for man, his days are like grass. + Like a wildflower He blossoms. + Then the wind blows over it and it is gone, + and its place recognizes it no more.
P: But Lord’s mercy is from eternity to eternity over those who fear Him, and His righteousness is with their children’s children, with those who keep His covenant, with those who remember His precepts in order to obey them.
C: The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, + and His royal power rules over all.
P: Bless the Lord , you His angels, you strong warriors who obey His word by listening to what He says.
C: Bless the Lord , all His armies, + you who minister to Him, + you who do whatever pleases Him. + Bless the Lord , everything He has made + in all places where He rules. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
The Opening Hymn “The Morning Sun Is Dawning”
To the tune “Webb” ……..(CW 474).
vv 1 & 3 adapted from Johannes Nuhlmann’s
“Dank Sei Gott in der Hohe”; vv 2 & 4 by cwh
The morning sun is dawning, And I thank God once more
Beneath Whose care awaking I find the night is o’er:
I thank Him that He’s called me To be His child and heir;
I know, whatever happens I’m safely in His care.
O Lord of all creation, Watch over me this day;
In all I do be near me, For others too I pray –
To You I do commend them: Our church, our youth, our land;
Direct them and defend them, When dangers are at hand.
You are the Vine, O Savior, May we, Your branches be,
Connected to You firmly, And for eternity.
Your Spirit place within us, And let His gifts of grace
Empower us to serve You – throughout our earthly race.
So grant us, Lord, Your blessing That we may do Your will,
No more Your ways transgressing, Our calling to fulfill;
To go and tell the Good News: Christ died for all, that we –
through faith in Him, forgiven — Have heaven eternally. Amen.
after which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor O LORD, open my lips.
Congregation – And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
Pastor Hasten, O God, to deliver me.
Congregation – Hasten to help me, O Lord.
Pastor The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
Congregation – A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and every shall be.
World without end. Amen.
Pastor – “I now ask you before God, who searches your heart, do you confess that you have sinned against God and deserve His wrath and punishment? Then declare so by saying, “I do confess.”
Congregation – “I do confess.”
Pastor – “Truly you should confess, for the Holy Scriptures say, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Second, do you, with all your heart, repent of all your sins, committed in thought, word, and deed? Then declare so by saying, “I do repent.”
Congregation – “I do repent.”
Pastor – “Truly, you should repent, as other penitent sinners have done: King David, who prayed for a contrite heart; Peter, who wept bitterly; the sinful woman, the prodigal son, and others.
Third, do you sincerely believe that God, by grace, for Jesus’ sake, will forgive you all your sins? Then declare so by saying, “I do believe.”
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – “Truly you should so believe, for the Holy Scriptures say, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Fourth, do you promise that with the help of the Holy Ghost, you will, from this time forward, reform your sinful life? Then declare it by saying, “I do promise.”
Congregation – “I do promise.”
Pastor – “Truly, you should so promise, for Christ, the Lord says: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Finally, do you believe that through me, a called servant of God, you will receive from God the forgiveness of all your sins? Then declare it by saying, “I do believe.
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – “Upon this, your confession, I, because of my office as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place, and by 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 Ghost. Peace be with you. Amen.”
after which the Congregation may be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The Epistle Lesson Ephesians 4 & 5,selected verses
4:1 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……..
22 As far as your former way of life is concerned, you were taught to take off the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed continually in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new self, which has been created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Therefore, after you put away lying, let each of you speak truthfully with your neighbor, because we are all members of one body. 26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 27 Do not give the Devil an opportunity. 28 Let the one who has been stealing steal no longer. Instead, let him work hard doing what is good with his own hands, so that he has something to share with a person who is in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouths. Say only what is beneficial when there is a need to build up others, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of every kind of bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander, along with every kind of malice. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.
5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God as His dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God……
15 Consider carefully, then, how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise people. 16 Make the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk on wine, which causes you to lose control. Instead, be filled with the Spirit 19 by speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (singing and making music with your hearts to the Lord), 20 by always giving thanks for everything to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and by submitting to one another in reverence for Christ.
After which, out of respect for Jesus’ words, the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson Mark 10:35-45
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said, “Teacher, we wish that You would do for us whatever we ask.” 36 He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Promise that we may sit, one at Your right and one at Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink or be baptized with the baptism that I am going to be baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they replied.
Jesus told them, “You will drink the cup that I am going to drink and be baptized with the baptism that I am going to be baptized with. 40 But to sit at My right or at My left is not for Me to give; rather, these places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they were angry with James and John.
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But that is not the way it is to be among you. Instead, whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
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.
Following which the Congregation may be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Romans 12:17-18
17 Do not pay anyone back evil for evil. Focus on those things that everyone considers noble. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace with everyone.
Don’t Get Even….Get Along With Others
The Sermon Hymn Hymn 493 “Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive”
- ‘Forgive our sins as we forgive,’ you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.
- How can your pardon reach and bless the unforgiving heart,
that broods on wrongs and will not let old bitterness depart?
- In blazing light your cross reveals the truth we dimly knew:
what trivial debts are owed to us, how great our debt to you!
- Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls, and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love, our lives will spread your peace.
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Sermon Philemon 1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and coworker, 2 to
Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love and faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. 6 I pray that this fellowship of your faith may become active in understanding every good thing that belongs to us in Christ. 7 For I have received great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 For that reason, even though I have plenty of boldness in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 I am appealing to you, instead, on the basis of love, just as I, Paul, am an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I am appealing to you on behalf of my child Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains. 11 There was a time when he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you. Welcome him. 13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might serve me in your place while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your kindness would not be the result of compulsion, but of willingness. 15 Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while: so that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. He certainly is dear to me, but he is even more of a dear brother to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, I am asking for a favor from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22 Just one more thing: Prepare a guest room for me, because I am hoping to be given back to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends his greetings to you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philemon: Lessons in Forgiveness & Faithfulness
afterward, the Congregation will remain seated for the post-sermon blessing
Pastor To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
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We Bring our Prayers Before Our Lord
In our prayers this morning we include:
A Prayer of Intercession for our brother, Tim Pfortmiller,
who continues to receive treatments for the cancer that afflicts him;
and for Ruth Strackbein, the mother of our sister, Cynthia Tragasz. Ruth has been placed in hospice care and
looks forward to entering heaven.
and, in addition
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Micah and Rachel Galvan,
whose wedding anniversary is today; and
for Christine and Pat Quinlan, whose anniversary is this Saturday
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation And also with you
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation We lift them up to the Lord
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Consecration of the Elements
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – Amen.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.
We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).
To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’ very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.
Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning.
It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.
And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.
The Distribution Hymn Hymn 312 verses 1-4; verses 5-8
“Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared
1 Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared This feast for our salvation;
It is your body and your blood, And at your invitation
As weary souls, with sin oppressed, We come to you for needed rest,
For comfort, and for pardon.
2 Although you did to heav’n ascend, Where angel hosts are dwelling,
And in your presence they behold Your glory, all excelling,
And though your people shall not see Your glory and your majesty
Till dawns the judgment morning,
3 Yet, Savior, you are not confined To any habitation,
But you are present ev’rywhere And with your congregation.
Firm as a rock this truth shall stand, Unmoved by any daring hand
Or subtle craft and cunning.
4 We eat this bread and drink this cup, Your precious Word believing
That your true body and your blood Our lips are here receiving.
This Word remains forever true, And there is naught you cannot do,
For you, Lord, are almighty.
5 Though reason cannot understand, Yet faith this truth embraces:
Your body, Lord, is ev’rywhere At once in many places.
I leave to you how this can be; Your Word alone suffices me;
I trust its truth unfailing.
6 Lord, I believe what you have said; Help me when doubts assail me.
Remember that I am but dust, And let my faith not fail me.
Your supper in this vale of tears Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.
7 Grant that we worthily receive Your supper, Lord, our Savior,
And, truly grieving for our sins, May prove by our behavior
That we are thankful for your grace And day by day may run our race,
In holiness increasing.
8 For your consoling supper, Lord, Be praised throughout all ages!
Preserve it, for in ev’ry place The world against it rages.
Grant that this sacrament may be A blessed comfort unto me
When living and when dying.
Following the distribution, the Pastor will invite the Congregation ro rise as
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
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 upon, and grant you His peace. Amen.
Closing Hymn Hymn 327 “God Be With You Til We Meet Again”
1 God be with you till we meet again, By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you– God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, Till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Till we meet, Till we meet– God be with you till we meet again.
2 God be with you till we meet again, ‘Neath his wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you– God be with you till we meet again. [Refrain]
silent prayer
announcements
post-service music
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