Description

John 8:31-36

On this Reformation Sunday, we are reminded once again how we attain true life-changing freedom. Jesus makes it crystal clear by using the conjunction “if.”  “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” He is telling them and us that in order to know the truth that will set them and us free, it means that we can do less than remain in the Word. The Greek word for remain is meno which equates to having a firm relationship with Jesus’ word. It means to abide in the word.  We are set free from the bonds of sin and guilt by this word which gives us new life and propels us forward as disciples to share this good news in the world. Staying grounded in the scriptures will assure us of this freedom in Christ.

 

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

 

Time of Praise and Worship

O Praise Him

David Crowder, ©2003 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Everlasting God

Brenton Brown & Ken Riley, ©2006 Thankyou Music

Dancing Generation

Matt Redman, ©2004 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

[Traditional Options]

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

BH 75 37; BH 91 8; CH 151; CHH 65; EH 687,688; ELW 503,504; HWC 26; HPW 18; HFG 118; HLC 11; HGP 10; HSP 31; LBW 228,229; LSB 656,6577; LW 296,297; NCH 439,440; PH 259,260; RH 17; STTL 30; WC 43; UMH 110; WAR 507; WHM 13; WIS 4

You Are The Way, To You Alone

ELW 758; LBW 464; LSB 526; LW 283; NCH 40

Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word            

ELW 517; LBW 230; LSB 655; LW 230

  

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

Pastor              We are delighted to gather together in praise to God who has given us freedom through the life and atoning power of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

ALL                   Yes, the power of the Word made flesh has set us free!

 

Opening Prayer

Pastor              God of truth, grace, and hope, it is such a joy to come into this place of worship with the assurance that we have been given a new and rich life through Jesus Christ.                                    The spirit of the Reformation reminds us of change, cleansing and renewal. In Christ, we have the greatest source of hope the world has ever known. Give us                                                enthusiasm to celebrate the vision and witness of great people of God such as Martin Luther who brought people back to the word. Give us the strength to remain in                                  the word—knowing that this is the key to freedom as we move through life.         

ALL                  In the name of the way, the truth, and the life—our Lord Jesus we pray. Amen

  

Time of Greeting

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message] 

Pastor             Gracious God, you chose to communicate with us through your word, yet we ignore its power and wisdom for living. We let our own way of handling life take                                                precedence and realize that it doesn’t work and we suffer the consequences of our selfish actions and decisions. The reality is this: we are in bondage to sin and cannot                              free ourselves. You sent Jesus to free us by taking all the sins of the world on the cross. Help us now to look within ourselves and confess those things that hurt our                                    relationship with you as well as others.

(A time of personal reflection and confession)

All                    Father, we fully admit to you that we have fallen short in many areas of our lives and have not lived according to your will. We have not loved                                  you with all of our heart and strength.  We have not loved others as we love ourselves. We have allowed the world’s ways to take precedence                                    over your ways. Often times we have not embraced the truth of your word and have suffered the consequences. We yearn for your forgiveness.                              Bring wisdom to our minds and soften our hearts so that we can receive your Word as truth and live by that truth.                                                                                                                                               

Pastor            We have peace in our lives knowing that God made a full payment for our sins. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, the Lord keeps His promises and                                    reconciles us through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Lord desires our freedom and wants us to be free from the shackles of our sin. You are forgiven!   Thanks and                                        praise to God!

ALL                   Amen! 

 [Alternate location:  following Message]

  

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture] 

First Reading                      Jeremiah 31:31-34 

God proclaims a new covenant – a covenant written on the mind and heart

 

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”