Description
John 8:31-36
Throughout the history of the world there have been dark periods of time when it seemed that the efforts to distort the Word of God would prevail. When it seemed that God’s truth was nowhere to be found, it was there – even as a small flicker of light it served as a beacon of hope – a reminder that God’s truth will stand the test of time. Reformation is a celebration that God’s truth always prevails.
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
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Martin Luther, Praise Band arrangement – check out PriaseCharts.com
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
(*consider altering text from “gladly choose You now” to “gladly serve You now”)
Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King
Robert Robinson & Thomas Miller, ©2005 Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by Integrity’s Praise! 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
Christ, the Word of God Incarnate
LSB 540
Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing
BH75 12,13; BH 91 15, 18; CH 11; CHH 16; EH 686; ELW 807; HS98 876; HWC 2; HPW 4; HFG 318; HLC 28; HGP 9; HSP 16; LBW 499; LWB 686; NCH 459; PH 356; RH 11; STTL 51; WC 45; UMH 400; WAR 68; WHM 30; WIS 62
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor Martin Luther kept emphasizing that the Spirit works in our hearts to speak God’s word to us and that we receive God’s grace through our faith in Christ. This is the truth that makes us free. Our life in the Body of Christ is shaped by this gift of freedom. Jesus’ first words in our theme for today ooze with promise. Three things follow from the initial “if,” which He speaks to people who had already expressed belief in Him:
If you continue in my word, [then]:
ALL
- you are truly my disciples
- you will know the truth
- the truth will make you free.
ALL Make it so among us, Lord Jesus, make it so.
Opening Prayer
Pastor Good Morning, Lord. Today’s a brand new day. Please come along and be among us as we seek Your face in worship today. Help us to realize that we are totally free in You. May our attitudes and actions match up with feelings of thanksgiving for the freedom You provide so richly for You dear children. AMEN.
Time of Greeting
Greet one another this morning with these words of encouragement, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” To which you reply, “Indeed.”
[This would be a fitting time to share the peace of the Lord]
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
ALL Great morning God. Great morning Jesus. Great morning Holy Spirit. We are celebrating Reformation Day today. That is a Great awakening of the church that we are full of joy to remember.
Pastor Thank you God for this day that You have made and we are still glad and rejoicing in it.
ALL Forgive us God for the things we have said, done, thought and felt that are not pleasing to You or lining up with Your word.
Pastor Thank you for favor in spite of what things may look like; we still have Your favor. Father God, we ask that You renew our strength today as we strive to do all that You instruct us to do this day.
ALL We know that You equip us for every assignment You place us on, but strengthen us in our spirits, emotions and bodies to get those things done.
Pastor We ask for Your shield of protection for leaders all around the earth today, as they are faced with decisions and challenges concerning the people they are leading. Empower them, Lord, to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and to make the right choices concerning your good and perfect will.
ALL Let freedom ring in the lives of people all around the world today as we are made free by knowing You Son, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Your word declares in John 8:31-36, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
ALL Thank you for reminding us that we must stay in Your word to know the truth and to be free. Thank You God for increasing our desire for Your word as we hunger and thirst for You. We thank You in advance for what shall come forth in this day. It is in the name of Jesus we do pray. Amen and Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Revelation 14:6-7
Late in his life, the apostle John recorded his experience of a revelation he received about future events.
Through John’s testimony, we are reminded of the gospel’s power.
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.”
