Description
John 8:31-36
We talk often about freedom, especially in the United States, which prides itself in being a country that will do whatever is necessary to uphold that freedom. We do live in a world where other countries, people, and leaders threaten the freedom we hold dear, and our military is in place to defend it. Freedom can also be applied to our faith and our spiritual life, for it is about whose we are and who we are in this world. On this Reformation Day, we recall what it means to have freedom in and through Jesus Christ. Without Christ, we are slaves to sin and condemned to death, therefore not free. Through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, we are reconciled to God and given new life. We are freed from sin and death and freed for an abundant life in Christ through a grace-filled relationship with God and others.
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
I Am Free
Jon Egan, ©2004 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Where I Belong
Jason Ingram & Jason Roy,© 2010 Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) West Main Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Windsor Hill Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
Break Through
Tommy Walker, ©2005 Wemobile Music
[Traditional Options]
Rise, My Soul, To Watch And Pray
LBW 443; LSB 663; LW 302
To God Be The Glory
BH 75 33; BH 91 4; CH 56; CHH 72; HWC 66; HPW 12; HFG 363; HLC 40; HGP 18; HSP 20; PH 485; RH 19; STTL 36; WC 72; UMH 98; WAR 66; WHM 31; WIS 3
You Are The Way, To You Alone
ELW 758; LBW 464; LSB 526; LW 283; NCH 40
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We are here today to give praise to God Who has given us freedom through the power of Jesus’ saving work!
ALL Yes, the chains are gone and we have been set free!
Opening Prayer
Pastor God of grace and truth, it is such a joy to come into this place today and know that we have been given a new and abundant life through Jesus Christ. Reformation points us to change, cleansing, renewal, and hope. Fill us today with the spirit of the great reformers of the church. Give us an awareness of their perseverance, faith, zeal, and contributions. Give us enthusiasm to celebrate their vision and witness. Help us to continue living in the spirit of the reformation within in our own lives and as the Church built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
ALL In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor God of grace and truth, You speak to us through Your word, yet we still attempt to devise a way of living that works for us, that makes us feel comfortable. The truth is, we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves from its grips. You sent Jesus to fee us from sin which imprisons us and proclaim the gospel of freedom so that we could live in grace and peace. Help us now to look within ourselves and confess those things that enslave us and taint our relationship with You.
(A time of personal reflection and confession)
ALL Father, we confess to You that we have fallen short in many areas of our lives and have not lived the life You desire. We have not loved You with all of our heart and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have allowed the ways of the world to take precedence over Your ways. Many times we have not embraced the truth of Your word and have suffered the consequences. We ask 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 It is such a relief and comfort to know that God has made a provision for our sin. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, the Lord keeps His promises and reconciles us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Remember, the Lord loves you and accepts you. You are set free from the grips of your sin. You are forgiven! Thanks and praise to God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Revelation 14:6-7
An Angel is proclaiming the gospel to those on earth to fear and worship the God of all creation.
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
