Description
John 8:31-36
We were once captives in chains and prisoners to sin until the Truth Himself, Jesus Christ, justified us freely by His grace through the saving work of the cross. His blood was poured out for us to abolish condemnation and promote His wonderful gift of grace. We receive this by faith and rejoice in the truth that we are not slaves to sin, but through Jesus, we are free indeed!
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Mighty Fortress
Aaron Shust, Paul Baloche © 2013 Bridge Building Music, Inc. (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) CP Shust Tunes (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Grace Alone (Kensrue)
Dustin Kensrue, © 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) It’s All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Grace Like Rain
Chris Collins, Edwin O. Excell, John Newton, & Todd Agnew, ©2003 Ardent/Koala Music
[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
Thy Strong Word
EH 381; ELW 511; LBW 233; LSB 578; LW 328
Built on the Rock the Church Doth Stand
BH 75 235; BH 91 351; CHH 273; ELW 652; HFG 555; HLC 201; LBW 365; LSB 645; LW 291; WC 705; WAR 546; WHM 340
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
As Americans, we experience may freedoms in our country that other countries do not. We take great pride in that freedom and owe our lives to the brave men and women who have fought the battles on the frontlines for us. But Jesus offers a freedom that no one else can give us. His freedom leads to eternal life!
Worshipers
We are no longer slaves to sin. We are the children of God through Jesus Christ.
Pastor / Worship Leader
As children of God, let us walk in the freedom of Christ and humbly share all that we’ve been given by Him with those around us
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
God of Power and Liberation, on this Reformation Day, we have cause for joy and gratefulness. Out of incredible love for humanity, you made a provision for our freedom by sending Jesus Christ, you’ve set us free from the grasp of sin and death. You have given us freedom unlike any other. We may crave the freedoms that this country has to offer, but Your freedom is eternal and everlasting. We thank you, Jesus, for giving us eternal life through Your death and resurrection. We want to live in the spirit of the Reformation when Martin Luther and the great reformers brought the world back to the Word and the truth which sets us free. Help us Lord.
Worshipers
We ask this in Jesus name, Amen
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
To be free, we must confess to the Father, who is faithful and just and forgives us from all unrighteousness.
Worshipers
We confess that we take pride in our freedoms and don’t acknowledge You. We confess that we depend on ourselves and take our own paths as if we know better than You, Lord. We confess that we’ve tasted earthly freedom that leads to dissatisfaction, death, and depression. We gravitate toward our fleshly desires and away from You, Lord, who truly satisfies our deepest longings and needs. We ask for your forgiveness and mercy.
Pastor / Worship Leader
It brings us a sense of peace to know that God has conquered sin and death. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, the Lord reconciles us through the blood of Jesus Christ. We must never forget how much the Lord loves us and accepts us. You are set free from the shackles of your sin. You are forgiven! Praise God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Lord promised a new covenant with the people of Israel. He would write His law on their hearts and minds. He would forgive them of their wickedness and forget their sins.
“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.”
