Berea Lutheran Church Sermons

Test the Spirits (1 John 4:1-9)

2010-05-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: Test the Spirits

Sermon Theme: Test the Spirits
1. Why is Testing So Important?
2. How Do We Do the Testing?
3. How Do You Test Love?

Sermon Text: 1 John 4:1-9
"Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.
So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. "

April 11, Easter, Good Friday, and Maundy Thursday Services

2010-04-11T14:24:00.003-05:00

Services: Here are the recent services.

April 11, 2010

April 4, 2010: Easter

April 2, 2010: Good Friday

April 1, 2010: Maundy Thursday

(My apologies for the delay in getting these up. I was experiences problems with our Internet Service Providers and hope to have everything worked out soon.)

March Services

2010-03-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

March 28, 2010

March 24, 2010: Lenten Service

March 21, 2010: Tour Choir Service (could not record due to copyright laws)

March 17, 2010: Lenten Service

March 14, 2010

March 10, 2010: Lenten Service

March 7, 2010

This blog has moved

2010-03-06T16:57:00.001-06:00

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Upon the Cross Extended (Hebrews 9:27-28)

2010-03-03T16:37:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100303.mp3

Order of Worship:

SING THE PRAISES OF THE LAMB
Sermon Topic: Upon the Cross Extended (Pastor Rick Grams)
Sermon Text: Hebrews 9:27-28 (NKJV)

'And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.'

Hymns: 150 - 178 - 171 - 390

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

HELP FOR THE BURDEN – WEARY (Numbers 11)

2010-02-28T06:27:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100228.mp3

Order of Worship:

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Sunday, February 28, 2010 9:00 a.m.

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 40, Page 132 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Church Choir -“Psalm Of Praise”
O praise ye the God of our fathers, O praise Him, ye servant of the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen. O blest be the Lord God out of Zion, Sing praise unto His holy Name. Alleluia! Amen. O praise Him for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever. Alleuia, Amen. O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy endureth forever. Alleluia, Amen.

Opening Hymn 19 (V1-4) -“All Praise To God Who Reigns Above”

The Liturgy ......................... Hymnal, Page 5ff
(Substitute Hymn 244 (V 1-2) For “Gloria In Excelsis” (P 7-9)

Glory be to God the Father, Glory be to God, the Son,
Glory be to God the Spirit: Great Jehovah, Three in One!
Glory, glory, While eternal ages run!

Glory be to Him Who loved us, Washed us from each spot and stain;
Glory be to Him Who bought us, Made us kings with Him to reign!
Glory, glory To the Lamb that once was slain!

The Scripture Reading – Matthew 11: 25 - 30
(Jesus – Our Burden-Lightener and Lifter, Our true Rest)

Our Profession Of Faith – The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)
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 & sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty, from thence He shall come again 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.

Hymn 277 - “I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say”

The Sermon ................................ Numbers 11 (Excerpts)

HELP FOR THE BURDEN – WEARY

1. Like Moses, We Sometimes Feel Over-Burdened With Struggles And Responsibilities
2. Like Moses, We Go To The Lord For Help And Relief
3. Like Moses, God Provides Help & Support Through Others

Hymn 492 - “Lord Of The Living Harvest”

The Offering, Prayers And Benediction

The Children's Message - “Cleansed From Sin”

The Closing Hymn 496 (V 3-4) - “If You Cannot Be A Watchman”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

There is a Fountain Filled With Blood (Zechariah 13:1)

2010-02-24T07:30:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100224.mp3

Order of Worship:

SING THE PRAISES OF THE LAMB
Sermon Topic: There is a Fountain Filled With Blood (Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Zechariah 13:1 (NKJV)

'In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.'

Hymns: 722 - 723 (V 1-3) - 157 - 149

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus Earns Our Holiness (Luke 4:1-13)

2010-02-21T12:57:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100221.mp3

Order of Worship:

Sermon Topic: Jesus Earns Our Holiness
(ILC Professor Paul Sullivan)
Sermon Text: Luke 4:1-13 (NKJV)

Hymns: 705, 760, 166, 359

Jesus I Will Ponder Now (Luke 18:31-34)

2010-02-17T06:58:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100217.mp3

Order of Worship:

SING THE PRAISES OF THE LAMB
Sermon Topic: Jesus I Will Ponder Now (Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Luke 18:31-34 (NKJV)

'Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.'

Hymns: 358 - 153 - 140 - 179

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE TRANSFIGURATION EXPERIENCE (2 Peter 1: 16 - 21)

2010-02-14T12:00:00.004-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090419.mp3

Order of Worship:

TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
Sunday, February 14, 2010 9:00 a.m.

For Pre-Service Reading – Palm 138, Page 154 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Church Choir -“Our Great Savior”
(Director: Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Amy Tester)
Jesus! What a Friend for sinners! Jesus, Lover of my soul. Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole. (Refrain)
Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah, what a Friend. Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end. Jesus! What a help in sorrow, while the billows o'er me roll. Even when my heart is breaking, he, my comfort, helps my soul. (Refrain)
Jesus! I do truly love Him, More than all in Him I find. He hath granted me forgiveness, I am His and He is mine. (Refrain)

Opening Hymn 775 (V 1-4) In Supplement - “ Thy Strong Word”

The Invocation, Confession Of Sins And Absolution

C: Almighty God, merciful Father, we are sinful by nature and have sinned against You in our thoughts, words and actions. But we are sorry for our transgressions and pray You, of Your bountiful mercy, to be gracious and merciful unto us. Forgive us for Jesus' sake, renew us by Your Spirit and lead us in the way everlasting. Amen.

P: Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only,but also for the sins of the whole world. We are forgiven. With boldness and confidence we may approach the throne of grace to find help in time of need. In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

All sing: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without
end. Amen. Hallelujah!

The Scripture Reading - Matthew 17: 1 - 9
Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; If you wish, let us make here three tabernacles – one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

(Sing) 'Tis good, Lord, to be here, Thy glory fills the night;
Thy face and garments, like the sun, Shine with majestic light.

'Tis good, Lord, to be here, Thy beauty to behold
Where Moses and Elijah stand, Thy messengers of old.

Fulfiller of the past, Promise of things to be,
We hail Thy body glorified And our redemption see.

While he was still speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; And suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying: “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said,“Arise and do not be afraid.”And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now, as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying: “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

(Sing) Before we taste of death, We see Thy Kingdom come;
In faith we hold this vision bright And see our heav'nly home.

'Tis good, Lord, to be here, Yet we may not remain;
But since thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.

In Word and Gospel pure, The story of Your Love,
We live and love to serve You now, Both here and heav'n above.

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 on 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.

Hymn 719 (Supplement) - “Jesus On The Mountain Peak”

The Sermon .................. 2 Peter 1: 16 - 21

We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor & glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying: “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. And we also have a more sure Word of prophecy, which you do well to heed as a Light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts; Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation; For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

THE TRANSFIGURATION EXPERIENCE

1. Reaffirms The Divine Glory Of The Suffering Savior
2. Points Us To the Glory & Assurance Of God's Word
3. Shows How God Knows & Meets Our Spiritual Needs

Hymn 294, The Offering, Prayers, Benediction & Closing Hymn

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR (1 John 4: 18)

2010-02-07T17:53:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100207.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 27, Page 129 (Front Of Hymnal)

Sunday School Song (Grades 3-8) -“Jesus On The Mountain Peak”
(Hymn 719 In Supplement)

Opening Hymn 761 (Supplement) - “In You Is Gladness”

The Order Of Service ................ Supplement (Pages 12 - 15)

The Scriptures – Psalm 27: 1,5; Isaiah 43: 1-3; 1 John 4: 16-19 ;
(A Trilogy Of Divine Reassurance In Time Of Fear)

The Nicene Creed (Supplement – Page 5)

Hymn 784 (Supplement) -”Lord, Take My Hand And Lead Me”

The Sermon ....................... 1 John 4: 18

PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR

The “Create In Me” (Supplement – Page 16)

The Installation Of The 2010 Berea Boards And Officers

Our Gifts For The Lord's Work

The Communion Liturgy ............ Supplement (Pages 17-19)

The Distribution Of The Sacrament (Hymns 783 & 755)

(Since Scripture presents the reception of this Sacrament as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional fellowship, we ask that only those who have publicly professed such unity with us through membership at Berea or another CLC congregation come forward. Those with questions or who may be seeking a church home are invited to speak with Pastor.)

The Closing Liturgy ........... Supplement (Pages 20-21)

The Closing Hymn 413 (V 4-6)-“I Walk With Angels All The Way”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SERVING THE LORD MEANS (Mark 9 : 30 - 37)

2010-01-31T12:27:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100131.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading – Palm 61, Page 136 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Younger Children -“I Am Jesus' Little Lamb” (Hymn 648)
(Director: Mikki Aymond; Accompanist: Laura Karow)

Opening Hymn 797 (Supplement) - “ Sing Praise To The God...”

The Order of Service – The Supplement (Pages 1-4)

Scripture Reading - Is. 49 :1-7 -The Apostles Creed (Supp Page 15)

Hymn: “The Only Son From Heaven”

The Sermon ................... Mark 9 : 30 - 37

(Text Printed On Back Of Bulletin)

SERVING THE LORD MEANS

1. Appreciating The Service The Lord's Servant Rendered
2. Reflecting His Love In Service To Him & One Another

The “Create In Me” (Supplement, Page 6)

Hymn: “O Christ,Who Called The Twelve”
(Text For This & Last Hymn: Adapted From Words By H Stuempfle)

1. O Christ, Who taught the Twelve The Truth for ages sealed,
Whose words and works awakened faith, The ways of God revealed.
Instruct us now, we pray, By Your empow'ring Word.
True Teacher, be for all who seek Their Light, their Life, their Lord.

2. O Christ,Who sent the Twelve On roads they'd never trod,
To serve, to suffer, teach, proclaim The saving reign of God.
Send us to help where faith Reflects humility,
Where love prevails and hope sustains Both life and ministry.

3. O Christ, th'apostles' Lord, The faithfuls' Strength and Song,
The crucified and risen King To Whom the saints belong.
Though generations pass, Our tribute still we bring,
Our hymns a sacrifice of praise, Our lives an offering.

Our Gifts The Lord's Kingdom

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Benediction

Closing Hymn: “You Came To Earth, O Christ, As Lord”
(Melody: Hymn 22)

1. You came to earth, O Christ, as Lord, But pow'r You laid aside,
You lived Your years in servanthood; In lowliness You died.

2. No golden scepter but a towel You place within the hands
Of those who seek to follow You And live by Your commands.

3. You bid us bend our human pride Nor count ourselves above
The lowest place, the meanest task That waits the gift of love.

4. Lord, help us walk Your servant way Wherever love may lead
And bending low, forgetting self, Each serve the other's need.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WITH WHAT SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD ? (Micah 6 : 6 - 8)

2010-01-24T16:30:00.006-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100124.mp3

Order of Worship:

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
January 24, 2010 9:00 a.m.

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 30, Page 129 (Front Of Hymnal)

Choir Carol: “A Child is Born In Bethlehem”

A Child is born in Bethlehem. Alleluia! Exult for joy, Jerusalem! Alleluia! Our feeble flesh & His the same, Alleluia! Our sinless kinsmen He became, Alleluia! That we from deadly thrall set free, Alleluia! Like Him, and so like God, should be. Come then, and on this natal day,Alleluia! Rejoice before the Lord & pray. Alleluia!

Opening Hymn 138 (V 1-4) -“Thou Light Of Gentile Nations”

The Invocation And Responsive Confessional Psalm 51

P: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
C: Wash me throughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

P: Against you, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight.
C: Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; Let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

P: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your Presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
C: Restore to me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me by Your right Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will be converted to You.

P: O Lord,open Thou my lips and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
C: My tongue shall sing of Your righteousness.

P: You do not desire sacrifice or else I would give it; You do not delight
in burnt offering.
C: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit – A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

P: Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
C: Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness and with burnt offerings.

Sing: O Savior, precious Savior, Whom, yet unseen we love;
O Name of might and favor, All other names above,
We worship Thee, we bless Thee, To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee, our holy Lord and King.

O Bringer of salvation, Who wondrously hast wrought
Thyself the revelation Of Love beyond our thought,
We worship Thee, we bless Thee, To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee, Our gracious Lord and King.

The Scripture Reading – Galatians 3: 6 – 14
(Like Abraham, righteousness before God comes to us as Epiphany Gentiles as well not through the Law, but only through faith in Christ Jesus)

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 on 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.

Hymn 156 - “Not All The Blood Of Beasts”

The Sermon ........................... Micah 6 : 6 - 8

With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams and rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the offspring of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To have righteousness and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God.

WITH WHAT SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD ?

1. Nothing In My Hands I Bring
2. Simply To Thy Cross I Cling

Hymn 376 - “Rock Of Ages”

Our Gifts And Prayers & Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 134 (V 1 & 5) -“Songs Of Thankfulness And Praise”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HANDS (Jeremiah 18 : 1 - 10)

2010-01-17T12:09:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100117.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading – Palm 33, Page 131 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Choir - “Sing To The Holy Child”
(Director: Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Heather Schierenbeck)

Sing to the holy Child in the manger, Glory to God above! Born is the mighty King in the manger, Sing to the Lord of love! Praise Him forever, sing we together! Praise Him with singing, hear voices ringing, Alleluia! Angels adore the Child in the manger, Glory to God above! All come before the Lord in the manger, sing to the Lord of love! Praise Him forever, sing we together! Praise Him with singing, hear voices ringing. Sing Alleluia! Lift high a joyful song of praise, Rejoice with singing all our days. Christ the Lord came down to earth, Let all proclaim the blessed birth; High above the star shines bright where peace and love were brought that night. Sing with joy, Alleluia! Sing to the holy Child! Sing to the holy Child in the manger, Glory to God above! Praise the King of peace and love!

Opening Hymn 132 (V 1-3) - “O God Of God, O Light Of Light”

The Order of Service (Hymnal: Pages 5- 9 As Written)

The Scripture Reading - Psalm 66

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

Hymn 19 (V 1-4) - “All Praise To God who Reigns Above”

The Sermon ................. Jeremiah 18 : 1 - 10

This is the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah: “Go down to the potter's house.” So I went and saw the potter working at the wheel But the pot he was shaping from clay was marred in his hands; So the potter formed it into another pot, shaping as it seemed best to him. Then the Lord's Word came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? Like clay in the potter's hands, so are you in Mine. If I warn a nation or kingdom that it will be destroyed, and if it then repents, I will relent and not inflict judgment upon it. And if I declare that a nation or kingdom is to be built up, and it does evil in My sight, I will reconsider the good I had planned to do for it.”

CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HANDS

1. Humbling
2. Reassuring

Hymn: “Splendor and Honor”

Our Gifts The Lord's Kingdom

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Benediction

The Children's Message: Hands Are Amazing

Closing Hymn 136 -“Angels From The Realms Of Glory”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Lessons to be Learned from Simeon's Outlook (Luke 2:25-35)

2010-01-10T12:24:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100110.mp3

Order of Worship:

Sermon Theme: Lessons to be Learned from Simeon's Outlook
Text: Luke 2:25-35 (New King James Version)
(Our thanks to Immanuel, Mankato Professor Douglas Libby for sharing the Ephiphany Gospel with us)

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SEE GOD PROTECT CHRISTMAS (Matthew 2: 12 - 23)

2010-01-03T09:43:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20100103.mp3

Order of Worship:

EPIPHANY SUNDAY
Saturday, January 2, 2010 – 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, January 3 – 9:00 a.m.

Responsive Reading – Palm 47, Page 134 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Choir Men - “Seeking The Savior”

From lands afar they have journeyed, following the star that shone so bright; Seeking the promised King of Israel, onward they traveled day and night. Seeking the Savior, the promised Messiah, seeking the Savior, the Child Who is King. Strong the desire that had brought them. Long, weary miles their feet had trod, till in the little town of Bethlehem, There they beheld the Son of God. Worshiping the infant King of Israel, joyfully they bowed before Him there. Precious these moments as they worshiped Him, offering their gifts of gold and myrrh. Promised Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, How we adore you, our Savior and Lord, Savior and Lord.

Opening Hymn 715 (Supp) - “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt”

The Invocation And Epiphany Scripture – Matthew 2: 1 - 11
(The Wise Men From Afar Visit And Worship The ChristChild)

1. As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led by Thee!

2. As with joyful steps they sped, Savior to Thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before Thee Whom heav'n and earth adore,
So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

3. Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And,when earthly things are past,Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

The Nicene Creed (Hymnal, Page 22)

The Sermon .................... Matthew 2: 12 - 23

And, having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, the Magi returned to their country by another way. When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up”, he said, “take the Child and His mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” So he got up, took the Child and His mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said: “Get up, take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the province of Galilee and went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

SEE GOD PROTECT CHRISTMAS

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 2

P: Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain?
C: The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather
together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.

P: “Let us break their chains”, they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
C: He Who sits in the heavens laughs; The Lord scoffs at them.
Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His
wrath, saying, “I have established my King on Zion, My holy hill.

P: I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; He said to Me: “You are My
Son; Today I have become Your Father. Ask of Me and I will give You
all the nations of the earth as your possession. You will rule them with
an iron scepter and dash them to pieces like pottery.
C: Therefore, be wise, inhabitants of the earth. Serve the Lord with
fear and rejoice with awe. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you
be destroyed. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

Song: “Herod The King”
(Melody: The Coventry Carol)

Herod the king in his raging, God's infant Son would slay;
Through evil guile with heart so vile, all Beth'lem babes his prey.

To Joseph went, an angel sent, to warn them they must flee;
When safe return, for they must learn God's mighty hand to see.

In all their ire, the kings conspire To thwart God's anointed,
Their plans shall fail, Our God prevail Our vict'ry appointed.

Lord, now assure, keep us secure, From every evil foe.
Your own defend on every hand, That we Your love may know.

O mighty Lord, now thru Your Word Your love & strength extend,
O God and King, Of Thee we sing; All praise to Thee. Amen.

The Offering - “Where Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
(Flute: Sarah Tester & Leah Hallstein; Clarinet – Nate Rehm)

Our Confession Of Sins

C: Heavenly Father, we come before Your throne confessing our many sins and spiritual failings, many of which were not absent in this holy season. Despite our best intentions, we continue to stumble and fall in our thoughts and feelings, our attitudes and words, in our lives and activities. We seek Your mercy, which You have promised not to withhold from the contrite heart. Forgive us for the sake of Your Son, Who came to earth to rescue and redeem us. In Him we believe and trust and find Your forgiving love and mercy – our Christmas and Epiphany Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Absolution And Consecration Of The Sacramental Elements

The Distribution Of Holy Communion (Hymns 717 & 711)

(As an expression of the unity of our faith and belief, we practice “Close” or “Closed” Communion, asking only those who are confirmed members of Berea or of the CLC to come forward. Any with questions or seeking a church home may speak with Pastor.)

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

Closing Hymn 714 (Supplement)-“Break Forth....”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A Changless Jesus for Changing Lives (Hebrews 13:8)

2009-12-31T12:11:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091231.mp3

Order of Worship:

Sermon Theme: A Changless Jesus for Changing Lives
Text: Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Greatest Gift Ever (Isaiah 9:6-7)

2009-12-27T16:43:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091227.mp3

Sermon Theme: The Greatest Gift Ever

Text: Isaiah 9:6-7

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Christmas Eve Service

2009-12-24T19:52:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091224.mp3

Order of Worship:

+ (“Darkness” - Lights Out) Opening Voice With Instrumental & Piano (Choir Groups)
(PK -2 Go Up Front; Grades 3-8 To Seats)

+ Recitation By Pre-K – Grade 2 (With Symbols – Break After Each Part)

Come, O Child Of Hope, we pray Jesus is our Light and Way (Break For Symbol)
Come, O Child Of Love, we pray, Jesus loves us every day. (Break For Symbol)
Come, O Child Of Peace, we pray, Jesus takes our sins away. (Break For Symbol)
Come, O Child Of Joy, we pray, Jesus was born on Christmas day. (Break For Symbol)

+ Song By Pre-K - Grade 2: “Little Children, Can You Tell” (Adult – V 1; Children – V 2 & 3)

+ Pre-K – Grade 2 Sit Down; Choir Sings: “The First Noel/Pachelbel Canon” (Grade 6 Goes Up)

I. A CHRISTMAS CHILD OF HOPE

+ Recitations By Grade 6

- Jocelyn G: “I know the thoughts that I think toward you”, says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Our God is a God of hope. We are His children of hope. When sin entered our world, it not only destroyed man's wonderful relationship with His loving God, it also removed all hope for the future. Hopelessness filled man's heart and life.”
- Bailey G: But the God of hope intervened. With His mercy, He promised to Adam and Eve an “Offspring Who would crush the serpent's head” and restore hope to a lost world. As the years passed, this hope was reaffirmed as God's people waited in faith for that hope to become reality.
- Aben S: The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 146 - “Blessed is the man whose hope is in the Lord”. In the midst of many life & ministry struggles, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great mercy we are not consumed; His compassions fail not; They are new every morning.”
- Riley S: On that first Christmas night “hopes and fears of all the years” were finally realized. The Child of Hope came from heaven above and was born as the world's Savior. For us, the Child of Hope has come. And now, in faith and hope we await His coming again in power and glory to take us home to heaven.
- Bryan S: The Apostle Paul reminds us that “our faith rests on the hope of eternal life, which God, Who does not lie, has promised since the beginning of time. And now the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people as we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Taylor S: Yes, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Peter reminds us that God, Whose promises never fail, has given to us a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We celebrate your coming, O Child of Hope!

+ Grades 3-5 & 7-8 Join Grade 6

+ Grades 3-8 (& Congregation) Sing: “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”

+ All Children Go Down Except Grade 5

II. A CHRISTMAS CHILD OF LOVE

+ Group Recitation By Grade 5 (Christopher B, Brennan W, Jonathan G and Zachary T)

The Bethlehem Infant was indeed a Child of Love – of God's great love for a lost world. It was the Father's love which sent His dear Son to earth, and it was the Son's love which moved Him to come to us that first Christmas as our infant Savior::
“And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David; To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 1-7)

Grades 5 Returns To Seats

• Choir Song: “Birthday Carol”
+ The Christmas Eve Offering

III. A CHRISTMAS CHILD OF PEACE

+ Grades 3-4 & Ethan To Front

+ Ethan G: The Child of Peace entered a world that far from peaceful – filled with human hatred, strife and conflict. It remains so today. But the ChristChild came bringing the greatest peace ever – spiritual peace between a holy God and sinful man because He paid for our sins. “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the Kingdom shall be upon His shoulders. And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” And this is the peace proclaimed by Christmas angels as we now hear:

+ Grades 3-4 Recitation: ”And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not; For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2: 8-14) Grades 3-4 & Ethan G go to seats

IV. A CHRISTMAS CHILD OF JOY

+ Congregational Carol - “Joy To the World”
( All Children Except PK Go To Front During Last stanza Of Carol)

+ All Children: “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: 'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the Child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2: 15-20)

+ Song By All Children (Not PK) And Choir: “Christmastime”

+ The Lord's Prayer And Benediction (Grades 3-8 Remain Up Front, Rest To Seats)

+Sam N: We have heard the Christmas angels proclaim the good tidings of great joy and we have seen the hearts and lives of shepherds and of ourselves filled with joy and praise. God's great Christmas gift to us this night is This wonderful, heaven-sent Child of Hope, Child of Love, Child of Peace and Child of Joy. Thanks be to God for this indescribable Gift! May we return to our homes and lives glorifying and praising God for all things that we have heard and seen, which the Lord has made known to us. As our Sunday School now sings, “This Peaceful Night” you are invited to join in the conclusion as it leads into the beloved carol, “Silent Night”

+ Song By Grades 3-8 - “This Peaceful Night”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

MESSIAH'S MESSENGERS

2009-12-20T14:15:00.007-06:00

(The original file had a large space with no sound, I removed the section with no sound and replaced it with 2 separate files. You can click on the choir piece to hear it separately.)

Click here to listen: 20091220.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 145, Page 155 (Front Of Hymnal)

Choir Carol: “Prepare The Way Of The Lord
(Director:Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Audra Wiste ; Soloist: Sarah Olmanson)

Prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight His path..... Every valley shall be exalted, every hill made low; And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it, shall see it together...... Prepare the way, make straight His path.

AN ADVENT SCRIPTURE & CAROL SERVICE

Opening Hymn 90 (V 1-3,7-8) -“Come, Your Hearts....”

The Invocation And Advent Prayer

The Lighting Of The Advent Candles
(Choir Group & Flute: Leah Hallstein)
“Come, O Child of Joy, we pray. Enter our hearts and show us Your way. Promise of God, heaven's pure Light, Joy for our world shining bright! Come, O Child of Joy, we pray.”

MESSIAH'S MESSENGERS

The Prophets
Deut. 18:15 ; Micah 5: 2-4 ; Zechariah. 6: 12-13 Mike Taylor
Hymn 710 (V 1-3) – “Once In Royal David's City”

Isaiah
Isaiah 7:14 ; 9:6-7 ; 40: 1-2 Dave Aymond
Hymn 77 (V 2,10,14) - “Forth Today The Conqueror Goeth”

John The Baptist
Isaiah 40: 3-5 ; Luke 1: 76-79 Jim Doring
Hymn 61 (V 3-4) - “Hark, The Herald's Voice”

Mary
Luke 1: 46-55 Kyle Moen
Carol: “Away In A Manger”
(V 1 – All Children ; V 2-3 - Everyone)

1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky look down where He lay -
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

2. The cattle are lowing, The baby awakes,
The little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.

Our Gifts For Our Advent King
Duet: “Silent Night/O Holy Night” (Heather & Teri Schierenbeck)
(Accompanist: Cathy Augustin)

Silent Night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender & mild, Sleep in heavenly peace.. O holy night! The stars are brightly shining; It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world that night in sin and error pining Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees. O hear the angel voices! O night divine, when Christ was born! Silent night, O holy night!

ZACHARIAS
Luke 1: 67-75 Dan Beekman
Hymn 712 (Supplement) - “What Child Is This?”

ANGELS
Matthew 1: 20-21; Luke 2: 10-14 Paul Voss
Hymn 707 (V 1-2) Supplement - “On Christmas Night”

JOHN
John 1: 10-14, 16-17 David Lueck
Hymn 98 (V 1-2) - “Of The Father's Love Begotten”

THE PSALMIST
Psalm 98 Pete Sydow
Carol: “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”

1. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul & voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven's door, And we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

2. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul & voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and call you all To gain His everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

Closing Hymn 708 (Supplement)-“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
(Trumpet: Ryan Augustin)

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Great For Our Lives! (Timothy 3: 16)

2009-12-13T10:27:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091213.mp3

Order of Worship:

Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 85, Page 140 In Front Of Hymnal

Choir Carol - “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Hymn 62)
Director: Cathy Augustin Vocalist: Jim Doring;
(Accompanist - Heather Schierenbeck; Flute – Leah Hallstein)

Opening Hymn 58 (V 1, 4-5) -“O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

A Responsive Advent Prayer

P: Eternal Father, throughout the centuries You repeated and reaffirmed Your Promise to send the Offspring of the woman to crush the serpent's head. Through Your prophets of old, You continually directed the eyes of Your people to the advent of their Savior.
C: We praise You, O Lord, for keeping Your promise and sending Your Son to destroy the works of the devil.

P: As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King, use Your mighty Word to shatter our pride and to rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy.
C: Move us to take to heart the words of John: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”

P: You sent your Son to redeem us from sin. Let this Good News be our joy and strength. Use it to cheer the lonely, encourage the fearful, and give hope to the despairing. In these days before Christmas, spare us from the stress of deadlines and the frenzy of commercialism.
C: Fill our lives with message of Your peace and the music of Your grace.

P: Direct our eyes not only to the manger, but also to the skies, where we will see your Son coming again, not as a lowly Child but as the Lord of lords.
C: Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day.

P: Come quickly, Lord Jesus, in Your grace, in Your power and in Your glory.
C: Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Lighting Of the Advent Candle (Choir & Flute - Leah Hallstein)
“Come, O Child of peace, we pray. Enter our hearts and show us Your way.
Promise of God, heaven's pure Light, Peace for our world shining bright!
Come, O Child of peace, we pray.”

The Scripture Reading - Luke 1: 26 - 35
(The Annunciation)

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 on 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.

Hymn 66 - “Hark! The Glad Sound”

The Sermon ............... 1 Timothy 3: 16

“Without Controversy Great Is The Mystery Of
Godliness – God Was Manifest In The Flesh!”

Great For Our Lives!

Hymn: “O Come, Thou Mystery From On High”
(Sung To Melody Of “O Come, Emmanuel”)

O Come,Thou Myst'ry from.. on high;
In Thee all grace and truth.. do lie.
To faithful hearts Thy Love reveal,
And thru Thy Grace salva..tion seal.
Rejoice, rejoice, this Child by faith adored,
Shall come to Thee, O children of the Lord.

O God in Man made man...ifest;
True God, yet Babe in man..ger rest;
For sinners came,O Savior.. & Lord!
For us now come in Gospel & Word!
Rejoice, rejoice, this Child by faith adored,
Shall come to Thee, O children of the Lord.

Love's Gift from heav'n, Our Christ Child Savior true,
By faith each Christmas o..pen anew -
Throughout our lives, its blessings employ -
To comfort, help, bring peace, hope and joy.
Rejoice, rejoice, this Child by faith adored,
Shall come to Thee, O children of the Lord.

O come, O come, thou My..stery great!
Thy glory show, For Thee... we wait.
With hearts aglow with love and praise,
For Thee, O Lord, through end...less days.
Rejoice, rejoice, this Child by faith adored,
Shall come to Thee, O children of the Lord.

The Offering (“The Bethlehem Rose”)
(Vocalist: Heather Schierenbeck; Accompanist: Cathy Augustin)

There's a rose in Bethlehem with a beauty quite divine, perfect in this world of sin, on this silent holy night. There's a fragrance much like hope, that it sends upon the wind, reaching out to every soul from a lowly manger's crib. O Rose of ethlehem, how lovely, pure and sweet. Born to glorify the Father, born to wear the thorns for me There's a rose in Bethlehem colored red like mercy's blood. 'Tis the flower of our faith, 'tis the blossom of God's love. Though its bloom is fresh with youth, surely what will be He knows. For a tear of morning dew is rolling down the rose. O Rose of Bethlehem, how lovely, pure and sweet. Born to glorify the Father, born to wear the thorns for me. There's a Rose in Bethlehem with a beauty quite divine, perfect in this world of sin, on this silent holy night. O wear the thorns for me.

The Lord's Prayers And Benediction

Closing Hymn: “Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming”
(V 1 – All ; V 2 – Ladies & Girls; V 3 – Men & Boys; V 4 - All)

1. Lo, How A Rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming As prophets long have sung.
It came, a flow'ret bright, Amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night.

2. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind,
To show God's love aright, She bore to us a Savior,
When half-spent was the night.

3. This flow'r, Whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness ev'rywhere.
True Man, yet very God, From sin and death he saves us
And lightens ev'ry load.

4. O Savior,Child of Mary, Who felt our human woe;
O Savior, King of glory, Who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray To the bright courts of heaven,
And to the endless day.

Silent Prayer and Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

God Was Manifest in the Flesh (1 Timothy 3 : 16)

2009-12-06T09:27:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091206.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 24, Page 25 (Front Of Supplement)

Choir Anthem: “Once He Came In Blessing” (Hymn 74)

Hymn 705 (Supplement) -“Come, O Long-Expected Jesus”

The Invocation And Advent Prayer

The Scripture Reading - 1 John 1: 1 - 7

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,which our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life. The Life appeared; We have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have heard and seen, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you; God is light; In Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”.

The Lighting Of The Advent Candle (Choir & Flute–Leah Hallstein)

“Come, O Child Of Love, we pray. Enter our hearts and show us Your
way. Promise of God, Heaven's pure Light, Love for our world shining
bright! Come, O Child of Love, we pray.”

The Nicene Creed (Supplement, Page 5)

Hymn 701 (Supplement) - “Prepare The Royal Highway”

The Sermon ................. 1 Timothy 3 : 16

“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness -
God was manifest in the flesh”

Our Gifts Of Faith And Love

Our Confession Of Sins And Our Lord's Absolution

The Preface And Greeting

P: May the good Lord be with you. Lift your hearts to God in praise.
C: May the Lord be with you too. To the Lord our hearts we raise.

All (Sung Response): Melody: “Angels We Have Heard On High”

In the Word of God made flesh – Great and wondrous mystery.
Now we see with vision fresh God's abundant majesty.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Repeat)

Therefore with the Church on earth And the hosts of heav'n above,
Let us praise His Name, Whose birth Brings to us eternal love.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Repeat)

The Consecration Of The Sacramental Elements

The Consecration - All Sing (Melody: “From Heaven Above”)

The night Lord Jesus was betrayed,
He took the bread and when He'd prayed,
He broke and gave them of the bread
And unto His disciples said:
(Pastor Consecrates The Bread)

Then, when the sacred meal was o'er,
Our blessed Savior spoke once more:
He offered thanks, and lifted up,
To give to all, the blessed cup:
(Pastor Consecrates The Wine)

O, Lamb of God, You take away
The sin of all; Now hear us pray.
And grant us from our sin release:
Have mercy on us! Grant us peace!

Reception Of Holy Communion (Hymns 63 & 702)

The Lord's Prayer and Benediction

Sung Response:
May the good Lord bless and keep, Cause His face on us to shine;
Look on us with favor deep, Granting us His peace divine.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Hymn 703 (V 3-4) - “The Saints, Who Here In Patience....”

Silent Prayer and Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GOD'S “REVELATION” OF CHRIST (Revelation)

2009-11-29T14:30:00.005-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091129.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 30 (Page 34 In Front Of Supplement)

Choir Chorale - “Jesus, Lead Thou On” (Hymn 410)
(Arranged And Directed By Cathy Augustin)

Hymn 743 (Supplement) -“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

GOD'S “REVELATION” OF CHRIST

1. CHRIST AND THE CHURCH

Revelation 1–3 - “Divine Shepherd And Strengthener”
(The vision of the glorified Christ & letters of love and concern to the seven churches)

Hymn 466 V 1-2 - “Christ, Thou Art The Sure Foundation”

2. CHRIST AND THE WORLD

Revelation 4-11 – A Heavenly History Perspective
(Visions of the victorious, worthy and ruling Lamb as He opens the scroll of history – revealing both the enemy forces and His mighty and conquering Gospel as it “rides” victorious through history – evoking outbursts of praise among God's own in heaven and upon earth.)

Hymn 344 - “Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs”

3 CHRIST AND VICTORY

Revelation 12 – 20 – A Mighty Foe Vanquished
(Portrayed as a vicious dragon with beast-like, spiritually-destructive agents roaming the earth and again as a seductive, mysterious harlot sent to spiritually seduce and destroy a vulnerable world, Satan is exposed, bound and overcome by the power of Jesus through His Gospel in time and by His return in glory for all eternity.)

Hymn 471 (V 3-4) - “They Have Come From Tribulation”

Our Gifts Of Faith And Love For Christ's Kingdom-Work

4. CHRIST AND ETERNITY

Revelation 21-22- The Heaven That Awaits Us
(In unforgettably picturesque language, the Spirit portrays the beauty, glory and joy of our future and eternal home – the “new heaven and new earth” where we will serve and glorify the Lamb unfettered, uninhibited or unlimited by sin or its effects. Come, quickly, Lord Jesus – and take us home.)

Hymn: “Lo, He Comes” (Cf Bulletin Insert)

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

The Lighting Of The Advent Candle
(On this first Sunday of Advent the Candle of Hope is lit as a group of members of our church choir sing - “Come, O Child of Hope, we pray. Enter our hearts & show us Your way. Promise of God, Heaven's pure Light, Hope for our world shining bright! Come, O Child of Hope, we pray.

Hymn 56 (V 1 & 5) - “Jesus Came, The Heavens Adoring”

Silent Prayer and Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

O GIVE THANKS....... TO WHOM ? (Psalm 103: 1-3, 26)

2009-11-26T14:07:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091126.mp3

Order of Worship:

Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 103, Page 145 (Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Song By Choir And Congregation:
“Come With Thanksgiving”
(Choir Director: Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Amy Tester)

Choir: Come into His courts with thanksgiving and praise! Give thanks to
the Lord for His excellent ways! God's love is forever, He is faithful all our
days. Our songs of Thanksgiving we joyfully raise!

CONG: We praise You, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring.
We lay it before You; We kneel and adore You;
We bless Your holy Name; Glad praises we sing.

Choir: Worship the Lord, shout with joy and gladness! Come and sing
joyful songs! Know that the Lord has created and claimed us. We are
His people, so lift up your voices and sing!

CONG: With voices united our praises we offer;
Our songs of thanksgiving to You we now raise.
Your strong arm will guide us; Our God is beside us;
To You, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

Choir: Our songs of thanksgiving we joyfully raise!

Opening Hymn 27 - “O Bless, The Lord, My Soul”

The Invocation

OUR THANKSGIVING LITANY
(Interspersed With Chorale Stanzas)

The Scripture Reading – Psalm 100

The Sermon ................ Psalm 103: 1-3, 26

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods,for His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy endures forever... O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy endures forever.

O GIVE THANKS....... TO WHOM ?

Hymn 36 - “Now Thank We All Our God”
(Trumpet: Ryan Augustin)

The Offering And Responsive Thanksgiving Prayer
(Pastor speaks “bold” section and congregation the rest of the prayer)

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

Closing Hymn 793 (Supplement)-“Sing To The Lord Of Harvest”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

JESUS' LAST WORDS TO US (Revelation 22: 12 - 21)

2009-11-22T16:43:00.006-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091122.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 30, Page 129 (Front Of Hymnal)

Sunday School Children:“My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less”

Opening Hymn 746 (Supplement) - “Father, Most Holy”

The Order Of Service ........... Supplement (Pages 12-15)

The Scripture: Revelation 21: 9-11, 22-27 ; 22: 1-5
(Found On Back Page Of Bulletin)

The Apostles Creed (Supplement – Page 15)

Hymn 778 (Supplement) - “Grace Has A Thrilling Sound”

The Sermon ..................... Revelation 22: 12 - 21

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha an the Omega,the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those whose robes are washed, who have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers and sexually immoral, the murderers, idolaters and those who loves and practices lies. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony to the churches. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright morning Star. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come and take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of this prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He Who testifies to these things, says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.

JESUS' LAST WORDS TO US

1. A Word Of Warning – Don't Change My Words
2. A Word Of Comfort – Blessed Are Those With Washed Robes Who May Enter The Heavenly City
3. A Word Of Hope – Behold, I Come Quickly!

The “Create In Me” (Supplement, Page 16)

Hymn 574 - “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

The Offering, Prayers And Benediction
(Trumpet Offertory - “The Lord's My Shepherd” (Hans Klingenschmitt)

The Children's Message - “My Cup Runs Over”

Hymn 783 (Supplement) - “Jesus, Shepherd Of The Sheep”

Silent Prayer and Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OUR GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW (Revelation 21)

2009-11-15T08:22:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091115.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 16 (Page 125 In Front Of Hymnal)

Choir Chorale - “Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him”

Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore Him; Praise Him, angels, in the height;
Sun and moon, rejoice before Him; Praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord, for He hath spoken; Words His mighty voice obeyed;
Laws which never shall be broken, For their guidance He hath made.

Praise the Lord, for He is glorious, Never shall His promise fail.
God hath made His saints victorious; Sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation, Hosts on high His power proclaim.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Laud and magnify His Name.

Opening Hymn 35 -“Songs Of Praise The Angels Sang”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

OUR GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW

I. OUR NEW HOME – RECREATED BY HIM

Revelation 21: 1 - “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for
the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was
no longer any sea.”

Hymn 618 - “Jerusalem My Happy Home”

II. OUR NEW SPIRITUAL WARDROBE
– ADORNED AS A BRIDE

Revelation 21:2 - “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming
down out of heaven, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her
husband.”

Hymn 72 (V 2-3) - “The Watchers On The Mountain”

III. OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP
– LIVING WITH GOD

Revelation 21:3 -“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them.
They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and
be their God.”

Hymn 616 (V 1-4) - “Forever With The Lord”

IV. OUR NEW LIFE –PAIN AND CARE-FREE

Revelation 21:4 - “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the
old order of things has passed away.”

Hymn 794 (Supplement) - “Jerusalem, Jerusalem”

V. OUR NEW CONFIDENCE–TRUSTING IN HIM

Revelation 21:5 - “He Who was seated on the throne said, “I am
making everything new!” Write this down, for these words are
faithful and true.”

Hymn 660 (V 1 & 4) - “I'm But A Stranger Here”

The Offering, Prayers And Benediction

(A Thanksgiving Children's Message To Be Given Next Sunday)

The Closing Hymn: “O Happy Day When We Shall Stand”

1. O happy day when we shall stand In heaven with the saved;
All peoples at the Lord's right hand Shall find their names engraved.

2. O blessed day when Christ shall come And show Himself as Lord,
And countless meet in their new home Which Jesus has prepared.

3. O what a mighty rushing flood Of joy and love and peace
Will roll down over us with good And blessedness and grace.

4. O Lord, Your Grace is everything; Your love has made us free
To stand among the saints and sing The glory that we see.

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE MILLENNIUM OF GOSPEL RULE (Revelation 20: 1 - 6)

2009-11-08T06:47:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091108.mp3

Order of Worship:

Choir: “All Glory Be To God On High” (Hymn 237)

Opening Hymn 239 - “Come, Thou Almighty King”

The Invocation And Opening Prayer

Selected “Kingdom” Scriptures
Mark 1: 14-15 (“The Kingdom is at hand... Repent and believe”)
John 18: 36-37 (Christ's Kingdom not of this world,but “truth” found in believing hearts)
Luke 17: 20-21 (Kingdom of God not seen or physical, but “within you)
Romans 14: 17 (Kingdom “righteousness, peace & joy in Holy Spirit”)
Philippians 3: 20-21 (“Our citizenship is in heaven...”)

The Nicene Creed (Hymnal, Page 22)

Hymn 265 - “Thine Honor Save, O Christ, Our Lord”

The Sermon ............. Revelation 20: 1 - 6

And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the Word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with
Him for a thousand years.

THE MILLENNIUM OF GOSPEL RULE

1. In Which Satan Is Bound & Cannot Thwart The Gospel
2. In Which Believers Die And Live And Rule With Christ
3. Will Give Way To The Christ's Eternal Kingdom

The Offering, Confession Of Sins and Absolution

The Communion Prayer And Consecration

The Distribution Of The The Lord's Supper (Hymn 315)

(Holy Communion is being celebrated in our service today. The reception of this holy Sacrament is, according to Holy Scripture, both an expression of “vertical” unity and fellowship with God by faith in Jesus Christ and “horizontal” unity and fellowship with those with whom we are united in faith and in our confession of God's Word. We therefore ask only those who have publicly professed such unity by membership at Berea or another CLC congregation to come forward to the Lord's table. This is not a judgment of anyone's faith or heart (“The Lord knows them that are His”), but rather an expression of our Scriptural faith and convictions. Any having questions or seeking a church home are invited to speak with the pastor.)

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

Hymn 207 (V 2,4 & 6) - “Thanks To Thee, O Christ Victorious”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THIS IS GOD'S HOUR (Revelation 14: 6-7)

2009-11-01T13:17:00.004-06:00

Click here to listen: 20091101.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Hymn 258 -“Lord Of Our Life And God Of Our Salvation”

The Invocation (Sung “Amen” By Congregation)

The Order Of Matins (Hymnal, Page 32 Only)

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 46 (Hymnal, Page 134)

The Epistle Reading – Hebrews 13: 7 - 17
The Gospel Reading – Matthew 11: 12 – 19
The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

Hymn 262 - “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

The Sermon ................... Revelation 14: 6-7

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue and people – saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; And worship Him Who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

THIS IS GOD'S HOUR

Hymn 261, The Offering, Prayers And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 266 - “O God, Our Lord, Thy Holy Word”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GROW WITH JESUS IN WISDOM AND STATURE, AND IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN (Luke 2 : 52)

2009-10-25T08:01:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20091025.mp3

Order of Worship:

Choir: “Teach A Child, Shape A World”

(Refrain) Teach a child, shape a world where faith in Jesus make us free; Children of our loving Lord, we'll praise and serve in victory. When you teach a child of the wondrous pow'r of the God Who made all creatures great and small, you can shape a world that adores His Name, living thanksfully and caring for it all. (Refrain).. When you teach a child of the wondrous love of our Savior, dying there on Calvary, you can shape a world that proclaims His Name, living joyfully in peace and harmony (Refrain) .... When you teach a child of the wondrous gifts of the Spirit, bearing fruit in you and me, you can shape a world that upholds His Name, living faithfully in hope and charity. (Refrain)

Opening Hymn 628 (V 1-3) - “Shepherd Of Tender Youth”

The Order Of Service..................Worship.Supplement (Pages 1-5)
The Old Reading - Psalm 127 : 1-5
Psalm Of The Day – Psalm 96 (Page 26 In Supplement)
The Epistle Reading – 2 Timothy 3: 10 - 17
The Nicene Creed (Supplement – Page 5)

Hymn 302 - “The Savior Kindly Calls”

The Sermon ............................... Luke 2 : 52

GROW WITH JESUS IN WISDOM AND STATURE, AND IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN

Hymn 629 - “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds”

The Offering, Prayers, Benediction & Closing Hymn 628 (V 4-5)

CROWN HIM.......

2009-10-18T08:20:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20091018.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 8 (Page 124 In Front Of Hymnal)

Choir Chorale - “Ascribe To The Lord”

(Refrain – Ascribe to the Lord all honor and glory. Ascribe to the Lord all worship and praise. Ascribe to the Lord all mercy and blessing. Worship the Lord and sing praise to His Name) Singing Alle, Alleluia, O bow down before Him; His greatness proclaim, singing Alle, Alleluia! Rejoice and give thanks to His Holy Name! (Refrain) The voice of the Lord God almighty resounds in the midst of the seas, with echoes so glorious proclaiming in chorus the Lord's great majesty; The Lord will give strength to His people and bless them with peace all their days. O let us rejoice, lifting one mighty voice to His glory always. (Refrain)

Opening Hymn 430 (V 1 & 8) “What Is The World To Me?”

The Invocation And Confession Of Sins (From The Psalms)

Have mercy upon me,O God, according to Your unfailing love; According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.Surely I have been sinful from birth,sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean;Let the bones You have crushed rejoice. For Jesus' sake, hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a clean heart , O God, and renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with Your free Spirit.

The Absolution (Announcement Of God's Forgiveness)

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True, and on His head are many crowns.... And on His robe He has the name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19: 11-12,16)

CROWN HIM.......

I. THE VIRGIN'S SON

Hebrews 2: 9 & 14 – “We see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone..... Since children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil.”

H ymn 341 (V 2) and Hymn 73 (V 2) – Second Tune

II. WITH THORNS AND DEATH

John 19: 5 - “And Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns.”

Philippians 2: 6 – 8 - “...Christ Jesus, being in very nature God... made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross!”

Hymn 171 (V 7) - 2nd Tune and Hymn 175 (V 1 & 3)

III. THE LORD OF LIFE

Romans 14: 9 - “For this reason Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.”
2 Timothy 1: 10 - “Our Savior, Christ Jesus, has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”

Hymn 341 (V 4) and Hymn 2 19 (V 1-3)

Our Gifts For The Work Of Our Lord's Kingdom

IV. LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS

Revelation 11:15 - “The kingdom of this world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 19:16 - “And on His robe His name was written: King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Hymn 222 (V 1-2) and Hymn 339 (V 1,3 & 7)

V. WHO GIVES ME A CROWN OF LIFE

Revelation 3: 11 - “Hold fast... so that no none will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:10 - “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.”
Isaiah 62: 3 - “You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 - “....we are striving for an imperishable crown”
1 Peter 5:4 - “receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
2 Timothy 4:8 - “There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness”
Revelation 4:10-11 - “And they lay their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive honor & glory.”

Hymn 463 (V 4,6,8) - “O Blest Communion”

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

The Children' Message - “Are You Wearing A Crown?”

The Closing Hymn: “Rejoice! O Pilgrim Throng”
(Found In Bulletin Insert)

Silent Prayer And Announcements

The Great War & Fall of Babylon (Revelation 12-18)

2009-10-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20091011.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 209: "Who Is This That comes From Edom?"

Invocation and Responsive Easter Prayer

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12):

Sermon Topic: The Great War & Fall of Babylon
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Revelation 12 - 18 (NKJV)

I. Satan's Vicious, But Futile, Attacks on the Church and the Child

Hymn 198 - "He's Risen! He's Risen!"

II. Mighty Spiritual "Beasts" Roam the Earth - But Do Not Fear!

Hymn 446 (V 2-3, 5) - "Watch Against The Devil's Snares"

III. The Outward Success, Empty Glory and Great Fall of the Spiritual Harlot - Babylon

Hymn 265 (V 1,4-5) - "Thine Honor Save, O Christ, Our Lord"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 444 (v 1 & 4) - "Rise To Arms! With Prayer Employ You"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE BITTERSWEET SCROLL (Revelation 10: 8 - 11)

2009-10-04T06:24:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20091004.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 119 (I & II), Page 149 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By Younger SS Children : “God's A Father, Kind and True”

Opening Hymn 285 - “How Precious Is The Book Divine?”

The Invocation And Responsive Confession Of Sins

P: God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
C: If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.

P:If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, & the truth is not in us.
C: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

P: Let us pray:
C: Almighty God, merciful Father,we are sinful by nature, and have sinned against You in our thoughts,words and actions. But we are sorry for our transgressions and pray You, of Your boundless mercy,to be gracious & merciful to us. Forgive us, for Jesus' sake, renew us by Your Spirit, and lead us in the way everlasting.

P: Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. We are forgiven. With boldness & confidence we may approach the throne to find grace to help in time of need. In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
C: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Scripture Reading - Revelation 10: 1 - 7

John sees yet another vision of Jesus as a mighty angel (messenger) coming as a cloud, surrounded by a rainbow (symbol of God's Gospel Covenant) with a sun-like (glory) face and pillar-like (strength) legs. With feet planted on land and sea (rule over all), He announces the “mystery” (Bible “End Time” Words) fulfillment of God's promises and purposes for all mankind – coming without delay.

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 on the right hand of God the Father almighty; From thence He shall come again 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.

Hymn 289 - “The Law Commands And Makes us Know”

The Sermon ....................... Revelation 10: 8 - 11

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go and take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and the land.”So I want to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn
your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Then I was told,“You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations,
languages and kings.”

THE BITTERSWEET SCROLL

Our Gifts Of Faith And Love For Jesus

The Communion Liturgy (Hymnal: Pages 24 - 28)

The Distribution Of The Lord's Supper (Hymns 310 & 304)

(The Lord's Supper is a special meal which God has prepared for His people in which they receive His very body and blood along with the bread & wine as a Gospel assurance of forgiveness, life and salvation. The reception of this Sacrament is also an intimate expression both of spiritual unity with God by faith in Christ and of confessional unity with those we are united in faith and belief. For this reason, we ask that only those who are confirmed members of Berea or another CLC church come forward to the Lord's Table. Any having questions or seeking a church home are invited to speak with the Pastor.)

The Closing Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 283 - “God's Word Is Our Great Heritage”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE REVELATION OF HEAVENLY GLORY (Revelation 7: 9 - 17)

2009-09-27T08:23:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090927.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 16, Page 125 (Front Of Supplement)

Choir Anthem - “All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name”

(The Choir will sing V 1-3 with the congregation invited to join the choir on V 4
O, that with yonder sacred yonder throng, we at His feet may fall.
We'll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.
(Choir: Final Refrain)

Opening Hymn 613 - “Jerusalem The Golden”

The Liturgy: Hymnal, Pages 5 – 9 (AsWritten)

The Scripture Reading (Revelation 5: 9 – 14) And Creed

I believe that God created us to live with him forever. When sin severed our loving relationship with God and destroyed our eternal hope, God in mercy found and effected a plan to restore both. In love He promised and sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to become one of us, to live and then give His life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Through His substitionary death on the cross and His Easter resurrection, He has conquered sin, death and Satan. Through faith in that Gospel message, His forgiveness, salvation and victory become ours. As His believing children, we now live in the sure & joyful hope of the resurrection of the body and life everlasting in heaven. We believe that in His Presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. We eagerly await His return to take us to Himself where we will join the hosts of heaven in praising and glorifying the lamb forevermore. Amen.

Hymn 656 - “Behold, A Host Arrayed In White”

The Sermon ......................... Revelation 7: 9 - 17

After this I saw a great multitude that no one could count from every nation,tribe and people standing before the throne and in the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches. And they cried out loudly: “Salvation belongs to our God, Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.” All the angels and those around the throne fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes - who are they and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know. These are they who have come out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.Therefore, they are before the God's throne, serving Him day and night in His temple; And He Who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger or thirst; The sun or scorching heat will not beat upon them. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

THE REVELATION OF HEAVENLY GLORY

1. The Reality Of Heaven - God's Sure Promise
2. The Inhabitants Of Heaven - God, Angels & Redeemed
3. The Activities Of Heaven - Praising God & The Lamb

Hymn: “Behold The Lamb Of God”
Based On Revelation 5: 9-14; 7: 9-17
(Lyrics: Judith Snell ; Melody: St. Thomas (Hymn 27)

Behold the Lamb of God! Who carried all our sin;
He washed us pure in holy blood, And made us pure within.

Behold the Lamb of God! Worthy alone is He
To glory, honor, pow'r and praise From all on land and sea.

Behold the Lamb of God! Surrounded at the throne;
By multitudes of saints forgiv'n Washed in His blood alone.

Behold the Lamb! His throne! Where all our fears are stilled;
Love, joy and light for darkness there; All hope forever filled.

Behold the Lamb Who lives! Who passed through death's dark door;
Because He lives, I too shall live With joy forevermore.

The Offering, Prayers And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 660 (V 1 & 4) - “I'm But A Stranger Here”
Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

CHRIST “UNSEALS” HUMAN HISTORY: THE LAMB OVERCOMES ALL SIN-FORCES (Revelation 6:1 – 7:10)

2009-09-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090920.mp3

Order of Worship:

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
September 20, 2009 9:00 a.m.

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 25, Page 128 (Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Prayer By Pastor

Opening Hymn 15 - “From All That Dwell Below The Skies”

The Invocation and Confession Of Sins

C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For a sometimes lack of love for You and for one another, for failure to always trust You and to follow Your Word, for selfishness and pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and good I have failed to do – For all this, and so much more, I deserve to be cast away from Your presence forever. Yet, O Lord, I am truly sorry for my sins and repent; Have mercy on me and forgive me for the sake of Jesus, my Savior, Who was delivered for my offenses and raised again for my justification. In my weakness, strengthen me to love and live for You as Your dear child. In Jesus' Name we pray.

The Absolution And The Collect (Prayer)

Sing The “Te Deum” (Hymnal, Pages 35 - 37)

The Scripture Reading – Revelation 5: 1 – 14

The “scroll'”which no one could open represents the future, all unknown to man. Understandably, this saddens John. Yet, those tears are removed by the vision of the Lamb, Judah's Lion Who alone is open the scroll of our destiny. And what John sees is a Savior and King Who loves us and as our earthly and eternal future in His saving and almighty hands. For John and all in heaven, this evokes boundless praise and worship of the Lamb.

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 on the right hand of God the Father almighty; From thence He shall come again 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.

Hymn 437 - “Who Trusts In God, A Strong Abode”

The Sermon .................. Revelation 6:1 – 7:10 (Excerpts)

I watched as the Lamb opened the seven seals. The first was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown and he rode out as a Conqueror.... The second was a fiery red horse with its rider having a large sword, power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other..... The third seal was a black horse with its rider have a scale in his hand. And he was buying and selling.... And the fourth was a pale horse with a rider named “Death”, and Hades following behind him, with power to kill some..... The fifth seal was the souls of those slain because of the Word of God and their testimony. And they wore white robes and cried out, “How long, Lord, before you return?”.... As the sixth seal was opened, a great earthquake struck with the sun turning black, the moon red and stars falling from the sky. The earth itself rolled up like a scroll and many cried out for the mountains to fall on them, “For the great day of wrath has come and who can stand?”.... After this I saw four angels holding back from harm those who had the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.... And this great multitude that noone could count stood before the Lamb in white robes and proclaimed in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”

CHRIST “UNSEALS” HUMAN HISTORY:
THE LAMB OVERCOMES ALL SIN-FORCES

Hymn 430 (V1-2,4,6-8) - “What Is The World To Me”

The Offering, Lord's Prayer, Benediction & Children's Message

The Closing Hymn 54 - “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

SEE JESUS IN ALL HIS GLORY (Revelation 1: 9-19)

2009-09-13T08:16:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090913.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 45, Page 32 (Front Of Supplement)

Opening Hymn 756 (Supplement) - “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”

The Service Of The Word (Supplement: Pages 12 - 15)

The Scripture Reading - Revelation 1: 1 - 8
These opening verses of Revelation provide some wonderful insights into the the purpose and interpretation of this Book. Clearly Jesus is the author of these inspired visions, given to His church through John, to provide comfort & hope regarding “the things that must soon take place” in our lives and in the world. While the forces of evil are many & mighty, it is Jesus in Whose living, loving, almighty and eternal hands the destiny of all things in heaven and earth rest. To Him be glory forever and ever!

Hymn 765 (Supplement) - “Christ High-Ascended”

The Sermon ......................... Revelation 1: 9-19

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and perseverance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit and heard behind me a voice like a trumpet, which said:“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches.” And I saw seven golden lampstands, and Someone 'like a Son of Man' dressed in a robe and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like blazing fire.His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand were seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw Him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Fear not. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead and behold, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore what you have seen, what is now and what will happen later.”

SEE JESUS IN ALL HIS GLORY

The “Create In Me....” (Page 16 In Supplement)

Hymn 757 (Supplement) - “Christ Triumphant, Ever Reigning”

The Installation Of The Sunday School Staff

The Offering, Prayers and Benediction

The Closing Hymn 738 (Supplement)“Alleluia! Sing To Jesus”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SARDIS: MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE (Revelation 3: 1 - 6) & LAODICEA: NEITHER HOT NOR COLD (Revelation 3: 14 - 22)

2009-09-06T18:36:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090906.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 116, Page 148 (Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Hymn 11 - “Safely Through Another Week”

The Invocation and Pastoral Prayer

The Nicene Creed (Hymnal, Page 22)

The Sermon (I) ......................... Revelation 3: 1 - 6

To the angel of the church in Sardis, write: “These are the words of Him Who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works; You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember what you have received and heard; Hold it fast, and repent. For I will come at an unknown time like a thief. Yet I have a few in Sardis who have not soiled theirgarments. They will walk with Me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will be dressed in white. I will never blot out His name from the Book of Life, but will confess his name before My Father and His angels. He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

SARDIS: MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE

Hymn 361 - “O Jesus, King Most Wonderful”

Sermon (II) ........................ Revelation 3: 14 - 22

To the angel of the church in Laodicea: “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, Ruler of God's creation: I know your works, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold – I will spit you out of My mouth. You say, 'Iam rich and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,so you can become rich;And white clothes to wear to cover your shameful nakedness, and salve for your eyes so you can see.Those I love I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and he with Me. Whoever overcomes will sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

LAODICEA: NEITHER HOT NOR COLD

Hymn 73 (V4-5) 2nd Tune-“Fling Wide The Portals Of Your Heart”

Our Faith-Gifts For The Lord's Work

Prayer Before Receiving The Sacrament
(Hymnal, Page 118)

The Absolution

Distribution Of the Sacrament (Hymn 315)

(Since Holy Scripture presents the reception of Holy Communion as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional unity, we ask that only those who have publicly expressed such unity by membership at Berea or another CLC congregation come forward. Any having questions or seeking a church home are invited to speak with the pastor.)

The Closing Liturgy (Hymnal, Pages 29 - 31)

The Closing Hymn 309 - “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, To Thee”

Silent Prayer And Announcements
Go in peace. Serve the Lord with gladness.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

PHILADELPHIA: THE SMALL BUT FAITHFUL CHURCH (Revelation 3: 7 - 13)

2009-08-30T14:55:00.006-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090830.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 30 (Hymnal, Pagx 129)

Opening Hymn 538 –“Now The Shades Of Night Are Gone”

The Invocation & Confessional Prayer

A Responsive Scripture Reading (Interspersed Hymn Stanzas)

P: “We always thank God for you, beloved of the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
C: He called us to this through the Gospel, so that we might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, let us stand firm and hold to the teachings passed on to us, whether by word or letter.”

P: “We also thank God continually, because when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.
C: As beloved of the Lord, His Gospel has come to us not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. As children of our Father, we are encouraged and urged to live lives worthy of God, Who calls us in Christ into His kingdom and glory.” (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

Sing: Abide, O dearest Jesus, among us with Thy grace
That Satan may not harm us. Nor we to sin give place.

Abide, O dear Redeemer, Among us with Thy Word
And thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford.

Abide with heav'nly brightness Among us, precious Light;
Thy Truth direct and keep us From error's gloomy night.

P: “Jesus said, ' If you continue in My Word, you are truly My disciples.
C: And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.”

P: “God's grace has been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Of this Gospel I have been called as a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am.
C: “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know Whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us.” (John 8 an 2 Timothy 1)

Sing: Abide with richest blessings Among us, bounteous Lord;
Let us in grace and wisdom Grow daily through Thy Word.

Abide, O faithful Savior, Among us with Thy Love;
Grant steadfastness and help us To reach our home above.

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 crucifed, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on 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.

Hymn 264 (V 1, 5-6) - “Preserve Thy Word, O Savior”

The Sermon ................ Revelation 3: 7 - 13

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of Him Who is holy and true,Who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your works. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowlege that I have loved you. Since you have patiently endured, I will keep you from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. He who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never will He leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the city of my God, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God; And I will write on him My new Name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

PHILADELPHIA: THE SMALL BUT FAITHFUL CHURCH

Hymn 477 (V 1-2) - “Lord Jesus, Thou The Church's Head”

Our Gifts For The Lord's Kingdom Work

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Blessing

Closing Hymn 291 - “Lamp Of Our Feet Whereby We Trace”

Silent Prayer and Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE GRACE OF GOD WORKING THROUGH US (Matthew 25: 14 – 30)

2009-08-23T15:00:00.005-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090823.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 31, Page 130 (Front Of Hymnal)

Song By ILC Youth - “The Kingdom Of the Lord”
(Director: Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Susan Rehm; Flute – Sarah Tester)

Opening Hymn 773 (Supplement) - “Rise Shine, You People”

The Invocation and Responsive Confessional Psalm 51

P: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
C: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
P: Against You, You only have I sinned & done this evil in Your sight.
C: Surely I have been sinful from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice.

The Absolution By The Pastor

P: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

C: Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to You. My tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
P: O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
C: Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness.

The Scripture Reading - Romans 10: 4 -15

Sinful man can neither fulfill nor keep God's holy Law as required nor provide the righteousness to end its eternal judgment upon the sinner. But what man cannot do God has done for us in Christ. He has given us His Son and His Word in which we find Him and by faith believe and confess Him. And this great Savior is God's gift to all nations and races. And this wonderful Gift is brought to us through those whom God has called and sent to proclaim the Gospel of peace and the Good News of comfort, hope and blessing in Jesus Christ.

The Baptism Hymn 750 (Supplement) - “See This Wonder”

The Baptismal Affirmation – Emma Kathleen Starland

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

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 on 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.

Hymn 770 (Supplement) - “I Hear The Savior Calling”

The Sermon ................... Matthew 25: 14 – 30

For the Kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; And immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went & dug in the ground & hid his money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, “Lord, you delivered me five talents; Look, I have gained five more talents besides them.”. His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many. Enter into the joy of your lord!”He also who had received two talents came and said, “Lord, you delivered to me two talents; Look, I have gained two more talents besides them.” His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many. Enter into the joy of your lord! Then he who had received the one talent came and said, “Lord, I knew you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.” But his lord answered and said to him, “You wicked and lazy servant; You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; But from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

THE GRACE OF GOD WORKING THROUGH US

Hymn 496 - “Hark, The Voice Of Jesus Crying!”

The Offering, Prayers and Benediction

The Closing Hymn 511 (V 1-3,6) - “Jesus Shall Reign.....”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

PRAY TO BE A CHURCH FAITHFUL IN DOCTRINE AND LIFE (Revelation 2: 18 - 29)

2009-08-16T14:48:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090816.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 25 (Hymnal, Pagx 128)

Opening Hymn 293 –“O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace”

The Invocation & Responsive Reading Of Psalm 143, Page 155

The Absolution And Order Of Matins – Page 32 Only

P: O Lord, open Thou my lips.
C: And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

P: Make haste, O God, to deliver me.
C: Make haste to help me, O Lord.Glory be to the Father and to the
Son and to the Holy ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Hallelujah!

The Scripture Reading – 1 Thessalonians 4: 12 - 24
(An Encouragement To To Follow Our Lord With Faithfulness
To His Word In Our Confession And Our Lives.)

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 crucifed, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on 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.

Hymn 292 (V 1-3, 6-9) - “Lord Jesus Christ, With Us Abide”

The Sermon ................... Revelation 2: 18 - 29

To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, Whose eyes are blazing fire and Whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and she has not repented. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering and those with her unless they repent. Then all the churches will know that I am He Who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay according to their deeds. Now I say to the rest who do not hold to her teaching and have not embraced Satan's deep secrets. Hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does My will to the end, I will give him the Morning Star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

PRAY TO BE A CHURCH FAITHFUL IN DOCTRINE AND LIFE

Hymn 473 - “The Churches One Foundation”

Our Gifts For The Lord's Kingdom Work

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Blessing

Hymn 466 (V 1 & 4) - “Christ, Thou Art The Sure Foundation”

1 Corinthians 10: 12 - 13

2009-08-09T12:41:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090809.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 31, Page 130 (Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Hymn 398 - “Renew Me, O Eternal Light”

The Order Of Service ................ Hymnal, Pages 5 – 9
(Substitute Hymn 237:1 For “Gloria En Excelsis”, Pages 7-9)

The Scripture - 1 Corinthians 10: 1 - 13
The spiritual history of Israel is indeed mixed – filled with much evidence both of man's sinfulness and God's judgments & mercies. In spite of divine presence, purpose and power constantly at work in their lives and history,sin and Satan continue to rear their heads at every turn. Yet God's love and covenant promises remained sure as He contually forgave their repentant hearts, led and guided them and ulti-mately fulfilled His saving purposes through them and in them. In all of that there is a powerful warning, example and promise for us who face similar temptations and sin-struggles in our lives, as well. Indeed, God is faithful..

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)
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; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hadn 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.

Hymn 413 (V 1-2, 5-6) - “I Walk In Danger All The Way”

The Sermon ..................... 1 Corinthians 10: 12 - 13

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; But God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be temted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

(Sermon Prayer: Hymn 410)

Hymn 421 - “Come Follow Me”

The Offering, Prayers And Benediction

Closing Hymn 425 (V 1-4) - “All Depends On Our Possessing”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

JOSEPH : A CHRISTIAN ROLE MODEL

2009-08-02T10:53:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090802.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 111 (Hymnal, Page 127)

Opening Vacation Bible School Recitation
(Romans 8:31, Genesis 39:9, Galatians 6:10, Eph. 4:32; Jer. 29:11)

Vacation Bible School Song - “Let Us Walk In The Light”

Opening Hymn 246 –“Holy, Holy, Holy!”
(Trumpet Descant – ILC Students)

The Invocation & Responsive Reading Of Psalm 119 (Excerpts)

P: How shall a young man keep his way pure?
C: By living according to Your Word.

P: I seek You with all my heart; Do not let me stray from Your Word. Praise be to You, O Lord; Teach me Your Will.
C: I meditate on Your teachings and consider Your Will; I rejoice in Your Word as one rejoices in great riches. I delight in Your Word and will not neglect it.
P: Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; It stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations.
C: Your Word endures to this day; For you Yourself have taught me. Oh, how I love Your Word; For it gives me understanding and blessing and makes me wiser than all my enemies.
P: Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in Your commandments; Turn my eyes and heart away from worthless things.Let not sin rule over me; Make Your face shine upon Your servant.
C: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Sustain me according to Your promise; Uphold me, and I will be delivered. For all Your words are true and trustworthy.
P: My soul longs for Your salvation, for I have put my hope in Your Word. Save me, for I am Yours today and forever. Preserve my life in your righteousness.
C: Your statutes are my heritage forever; They are the joy of my heart; My heart is set on keeping Your Words to the very end. May Your unfailing love be my comfort. Let me live that I may praise You.

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; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; From thence He shall come again 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.

Hymn 286 - “How Shall The Young Secure Their Hearts?”

The Sermon ........... Childrens' Texts

JOSEPH : A CHRISTIAN ROLE MODEL

1. In Handling Adversity
2. In Rejecting Temptation
3. In Using God's Blessings
4. In Forgiving His Brothers
5. In Trusting God's Future Promises

The Offering And “Christian Questions”

The Consecration And Distribution Of The Holy Sacrament
Hymn 306 - “Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Hast Prepared”

(Because God's Word presents the reception of this Sacrament as an intimate expression of spiritual and confessional unity, we ask that only those who are confirmed members of Berea or another CLC congregation come forward. This is not a judgment on anyone's faith, only an expression of ours. Any having questions or seeking a church home is invited to speak with Pastor.)

The Lord's Prayer, Benediction & Closing Hymn: “Sent Forth”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

BIBLICAL BALANCE IN CHRISTIAN CONCERN (Revelation 2: 12 – 17)

2009-07-26T14:00:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090726.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 26, Page 128 ((Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Hymn 745 (Supplement) - “Let All The World... Sing”

The Service Of the Word ........................ Pages 1 – 5 (Supplement)

The Scripture - Galatians 6: 1 – 10
It is well to be reminded that each of us has a spiritual responsibility to those who are around us – especially to those within our earthly and spiritual families. In Christian love, this involves reflecting the spirit of Christ by helping and doing good as we have opportunity; But it also in loving concern means gently and humbly dealing with those who are caught up in sin, all for the welfare of precious souls.

The Nicene Creed (Supplement, Page 5)

Hymn 767 (V 3-4) - “Once You Were.... But He Brought You”

The Sermon .............................. Revelation 2: 12 – 17

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him Who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to My Name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas,my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you:You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israel- ites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent, therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear to ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some fo the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

BIBLICAL BALANCE IN CHRISTIAN CONCERN

1. Involves Showing Christian Patience & Kindness
2. While Not Tolerating Sin And Error

Hymn 764 (Supplement) - “God Of Grace And God Of Glory”

Our Gifts Of Faith For The Work Of The Kingdom

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Blessing

The Closing Hymn 783 - “Jesus, Shepherd Of The Sheep”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

MORE THAN CONQUERORS IN CHRIST ! (Romans 8: 31 – 39)

2009-07-19T16:23:00.004-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090719.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 27 (Hymnal, Page 129)

Opening Hymn 16 –“Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word”

The Order Of Service ...... Hymnal, Page 5ff
(Substiture Hymn 237:1 For “Gloria In Excelsis” - Pages 7-9)

The Epistle Reading – Romans 8: 18 - 30
(Faith Brings Hope And Eager Expectation For The Future)

The Gospel Reading – Matthew 11: 25 - 29
(An Invitation to Find True Rest For Our Burdens In Jesus)

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12 In Front)

Hymn 372 - “Through Jesus' Blood And Merit”

The Sermon .............................Romans 8: 31 – 39

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God be for us, who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God Who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, Who died – more than that, Who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we face death all day long; We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, niether angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neitehr height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

MORE THAN CONQUERORS IN CHRIST !

Hymn 528 (V 1-2, 10-12) - “If God Himself Be For Me”

Our Gifts For The Work Of Christ's Kingdom

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Benediction

Closing Hymn 528 (V 13-15) - “Tho' Earth Be Rent Asunder”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH (Revelation 2: 8 - 11)

2009-07-12T15:41:00.005-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090712.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-service Reading: Psalm 28, Page 129 (Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Hymn 480 - “Lord Of The Worlds Above”

The Invocation And Confession Of Sins

C: Merciful Father, we have erred and strayed fromYour ways like
lost sheep.. We have followed too much the desires of our own
hearts. We have been faulty in the performance of Your will.
Many indeed are the things we ought to have done and did not do; Many the things we have done wrong. Be merciful unto us, most gracious Lord. Restore the penitent, O God, according to Your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Empower
us by the Holy Spirit that we may live godly and righteous lives of
faithful service, to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.

The Absolution And Order Of Matins

P: O Lord, open Thou my lips.
C: And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
P: Make haste to help me, O Lord.
C: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Hallelujah! Responsive Reading Of Psalm 143, Page 155 (Front Of Hymnal)

The Scripture Reading – John 15: 18f
(The Servant's “Reception” Will Be That Of The Master)
The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

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 on 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.

Hymn 452 - “The Son Of God Goes Forth To War”

The Sermon ............................. Revelation 2: 8 - 11

To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of Him Who is the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of your in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what theSpirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

1. Assures God's Strength In Our Persecutions
2. Promises That A Crown Of Life Awaits Us

Hymn 396 - “Oh,For a Faith That Will Not Shrink”

Our Gifts Of Faith For The Work Of The Kingdom

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Blessing

The Closing Hymn 451 (V 3-4) - “Stand Up For Jesus!”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

BEWARE OF LOSING YOUR FIRST LOVE ! (Revelation 2 : 1 – 7)

2009-07-05T16:07:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090419.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Hymn 30 (V 1,4-6) –“O That I Had A Thousand Voices”

The Invocation And Scripture Reading – Ephesians 3: 14 - 21
(A Pastor's prayer for a deeper appreciation of Christ's great love and a corresponding strengthening of their own faith and love.)

Hymn 399 - “Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower”

The Sermon ........................... Revelation 2 : 1 – 7

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who
holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp-
stands: I know your works, your labor, your perseverance and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil. You have tested those who say they areapostles and are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for My name and have not grown weary.
Yet I have this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the first works or else I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him ear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

BEWARE OF LOSING YOUR FIRST LOVE !

The Offering Of Love-Filled Hearts

The Confession Of Sins And Absolution

The Communion Liturgy (Pages 17 – 19 In Worship Supplement)

The Distribution Of The Sacrament
(Hymn 316)

(Since God's Word presents the reception of this
Sacrament as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional fellowship, we ask that only those who are confirmed members of Berea or another CLC church come forward. This is not a judgment of anyone's faith, only an expression of ours. Please speak to pastor if you have questions or are seeking a church home.)

The Post-Communion Liturgy – Supplement, Page 20 – 21

Closing Hymn 409 (V 1 & 4) - “Let us Ever Walk With Jesus”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WORSHIP: OUR GIFT TO GOD

2009-06-28T16:12:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090628.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 84 (Supplement, Page 38 - Front)

Our worship this morning will take the form of a “Narrative Service”.
Every part of the worship service will be explained by a narrator (Matthew Thurow) before it is spoken or sung by the Pastor or congrega- tion.It is our prayer that this will enhance both your understanding and appreciation of everything that happens in the worship service. May the Lord richly bless your worship.)

Opening Hymn 741 (Supp) - “May Jesus Christ Be Praised”

The Liturgy ........................... Supplement, Pages 12 -15

The Scripture Reading – Psalm 100; Colossians 3: 15-17

The Apostles Creed (“Worship Supplement” - Page 15)

Hymn 758 (Supp) - “Christ is Made The Sure Foundation”

The Sermon ............................ Select Passages

“Worship the Lord, your God, and serve Him only.” (Matthew 4:10)
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be accept- able in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.”(Ps. 19:14)
“God is a spirit, and His worshipers must worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
WORSHIP: OUR GIFT TO GOD

Hymn: “All Praise To Thee, For Thou, O King Divine”

Our Gifts Of Faith For The Lord's Work

Our Prayers And The Lord's Benediction

Closing Hymn 47 - “Savior.. To Thy Dear Name We Raise”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

HOPELESSLY LOST IN SIN – FREELY REDEEMED BY THE GOD.MAN (Genesis 3: 8 - 15)

2009-06-21T21:15:00.006-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090621.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Hymn 233 – “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”

The Liturgy ...... Supplement, Pages 22-24

The Scripture Readings - John 12: 20 – 36; Revelation 12: 1 - 17

Hymn 721 (Supplement) - “Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow”

The Sermon .......................................... Genesis 3: 8 - 15
(Preacher: ILC Professor Paul Sullivan)
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the resence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.then the Lord God called to Adam, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden,and I was afraid because I was naked; And I hid myself.”And He said,“Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “the serpent deceived me, and I ate.” So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more that every beast of the field. On your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will putenmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall burise your head, and you shall buise His heel.”

HOPELESSLY LOST IN SIN – FREELY REDEEMED BY THE GOD.MAN

Hymn 279 -”Today Thy Mercy Calls Us”

The Offering And Responsive Prayer (See Next Pages)

The Lord's Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 494 - “Awake, Thou Spirit, Who Didst Fire”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT FALLING ROCKS! (Psalm 37 : 5)

2009-06-14T12:41:00.004-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090614.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Hymn 537 - “Every Morning Mercies New”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

C: Lord, to Thee I make confession; I have sinned and gone astray.
I have mulitplied trasnsgression, Chosen for myself my way.
Led by Thee to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.

Yet, Thy Son did suffer for me, Gave Himself to rescue me,
Died to heal me and restore me, Reconciled me unto Thee.
'Tis alone His cross can vanquish My dark fears & soothe my anguish.

Then on Him I cast my burden, Sink it in the depths below.
Let me know Thy gracious pardon, Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Thy Spirit leave me never; Make me only Thine forever.

God's Absolution (Assurance Of Forgiveness)

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 91

P: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
C: I will say of the Lord, “He is my Refuge and my fortress, my God in Whom I trust.”

P: You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence or plague that seeks to destroy.
C: He will cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I will find refuge; His faithfulness shall be my shield and rampart.

Sing: Are we weary. Are we troubled, Are we sore distrest?
“Come to Me”, says One, “and coming, be at rest.”

Hath He marks to lead me to Him If He be my Guide?
In His feet and hands are woundprints, And His side.

Savior, Shepherd, ever near us, In Thy love we stand;
Guard, protect us, ever cheer us, By Thy Hand.

P: If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, Who is your Refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
C: For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways; They will lift you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

P: “Because He loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he confesses My Name.”
C: “He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Sing: Finding, following, keeping, struggling, Is He sure to bless?
Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs, Answer, “Yes.”

If I ask Him to receive me, Will He say me nay?
“Not till earth and not till heaven Pass away.”

If I still hold closely to Him, What hath He at last?
“Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed.”

The Apostle's 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 on 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.

Hymn 393 (V 1-4) - “From God Shall Naught Divide Me”

The Sermon ............................................ Psalm 37 : 5

“Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.”

DON'T WORRY ABOUT FALLING ROCKS !

Hymn 410 - “Jesus, Lead Thou On”

Our Gifts Of Faith For The Lord's Kingdom

Our Prayers And Our Lord's Benediction

The Closing Hymn 648 - “I Am Jesus' Little Lamb”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE LORD, YOUR GOD – HE IS GOD! (Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40)

2009-06-07T10:27:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090607.mp3

TRINITY SUNDAY
June 7, 2009 9:00 a.m.

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 115 (Hymnal, Page 148)

Opening Hymn 746 (Supplement) – “Father, Most Holy”

The Liturgy ................................ Supplement, Pages 1-3

Hymn 798 (V 1 & 3) - “God, We Praise You”

The Sermon …………………………Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40

“Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; Ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice ofGod speak- ing out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any God ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by miraculous signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and aswesome needs, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egpyt before your very eyes? Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other. Keep His decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you.”

THE LORD, YOUR GOD – HE IS GOD!

1. Only He Has Done Such Mighty Deeds
2. Only He Is Worthy Of Our Praise
Our Gifts Of Faith For The Lord's Work

The Communion Liturgy ..................... Pages 7-9 (Supplement)

The Lord's Supper (Hymn 305)
(Since Scripture presents the reception of this Sacrament as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional fellowship, we ask that only those who are confirmed members of Berea or other CLC churches come forward. If you have questions or are seeking a church home, we invite you to speak with the Pastor.)

The Closing Liturgy (Supplement – Page 10)

The Lord's Prayer And Benedicion
The Closing Hymn 748 (V 1-2,5) -“Praise To The Lord”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

2009-05-31T15:54:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090531.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 48, Page 134 In Hymnal

Opening Hymn: “Father Most Holy”

The Invocation And Opening Prayer

I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Presented As True God

Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 3:16; 28:19 ; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 13:14;
Paul Voss
Hymn 239 (V 3-4) – “Come, Holy Comforter”

Prophesied In The Old Testament

Isaiah 11:2 ; 59:20-21 ; 61:1 Dave Aymond
Hymn 226 (V 1-2) – “Come, Oh, Come, Thou Quickening Spirit”

Promised By And Points To Jesus

John 14: 16-17; 15:26; John 16: 12-15 Kevin Hoffmann
Hymn 740 (V 1-2) Supp – “Holy Spirit, End Our Sadness”

Poured Out On Pentecost

Acts 1: 5 & 8; 2: 1-4, 17-18, 21-24; 37-39 Tom Owens
Hymn 229 (V 1-4) – “Holy Spirit, Hear Us”

Our Spirit-Moved Gifts of Faith And Love For the Lord’s Kingdom
Prepares, Proclaims & Empowers The Word

I Corinthians 2: 11-13; 2 Peter 1:19-21 Kyle Moen
Hymn 285 (V 1-4) – “How Precious Is the Book Divine”

Produces And Preserves Faith

1 Corinthians 12:3 ; John 3:5; Romans 8:14-17 ; 2 Thess. 2: 13 David Lueck
Hymn 231 (V 1-2) – “We Now Implore God The Holy Ghost”

Promotes Christian Living
Galatians 5: 16-18, 22-25 Steve Schierenbeck
Hymn 417 (V 5-6) – “Grant That Thy Spirit’s Help”

Our Pentecost Profession of Faith
(Luther’s Explanation to The Third Article)

I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him. But the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead; And He will give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 234 - “Holy Ghost, With Light Divine”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SET YOUR HEART ON THINGS ABOVE (Colossians 3: 1-4)

2009-05-24T17:47:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090524.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn 222 – “Look, Ye Saints, The Sight Is Glorious”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer
Our Responsive Ascension Reading

P: The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
C: The world is firmly established and cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago, for You are from eternity.

P: Mightier than the thunder of the great waters and the breakers of the sea is the Lord almighty.
C: Your statues stand firm; Holiness adorns Your house forever, O Lord.

Before Jehovah’s mighty throne, Ye nations, bow with humble awe;
Know that the Lord is God alone; He can create and He destr

We are his people, we his sheep, Our souls and all our mortal frame.
In love He blesses and He keeps – All praise and glory to His Name.

P: After Jesus had taken his disciples up to the Mount of Olives, encour- aged them in their great calling of proclaiming the Gospel to all the earth, and as He was blessing them, he was suddenly taken up before their eyes until a cloud hit Him from their sight.
C: As they were looking intently into the sky, suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do stand there gazing into the sky. This same Jesus, Who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1: 9-11)

P: “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him a Name that is above every name, C: That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

P: “The incomparable power of God is at work in us who believe. That mighty power was at work in Christ when God raised Him from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.
C: And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1: 19-21)

O grant, our prayer,Ascended Lord:Our eyes to see Your boundless love, Our hearts in faith look to Your Word; O bring us to our home above.

To Father, Son & Holy Ghost, The God Whom heaven & earth adore,
From us and from the angel host, Be praise and glory evermore.

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 on 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 resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

Baptism Hymn 300 (V 1-3) – “Dearest Jesus, We Are Here”

The Baptism Of Joelle Estelle Weasler

Hymn 217 – “Oh, Sing With Exultation”

The Sermon …………………………………… Colossians 3: 1-4
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of god. Set your mind on things above, not on things below. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

SET YOUR HEART ON THINGS ABOVE

1. Because You Have Died And Risen With Christ
2. Because Sin-Gravity Seeks To Drag You Down
3. Because Your Life Goals Are Eternal

Hymn 215 – “Draw us To Thee”

Our Faith-Gifts For The Lord’s Work

Our Prayer And Our Lord’s Benediction

Hymn 219 – “The Head That Once Was Crowned With Thorns”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Image: [The Ascension by Brian Jekel - from Pictures of Jesus]

Trust God's Unfathomable Wisdom and Ways (Romans 11:33-36)

2009-05-17T14:16:00.007-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090517.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 35: "Songs of Praise, The Angels Sang"

Invocation and Responsive Easter Prayer

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 55:1-9

While recognizing that the Lord’s thoughts and ways are not always ours, but higher and greater, it is also important to ever remember that they are always thoughts and ways of love. Beginning with the Gospel invitation and continuing with the power and promises of His Word and the unfolding of our Christian lives right to the end, they all reflect the everlasting covenant of peace with His people. In that we by faith can live and rest secure.

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12):

Hymn 529 - "I Leave All Things To God's Directions"

Sermon Topic: Trust God's Unfathomable Wisdom and Ways
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)

“ Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Hymn 514: "God Moves In A Mysterious Way"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Children's Message: "Trusting And Following God"

Hymn 436 - "The Lord's My Shepherd"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Marriage and the Family: God's Masterplan!

2009-05-10T09:28:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090510.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 409 (v 1 & 4) : "Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus"

Invocation and Confession of Sins

The Absolution In Christ

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 5 (Excerpts)

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12):

Sermon Topic: Marriage and the Family: God's Masterplan!
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
1. Union and Commitment (Matthew 19:4-6)
Hymn 620 (v 2-3) - "This Holy vow That Man Can Make"

2. Family Blessings (Psalm 127:3)
Hymn 625 (v 1-3) - "Oh, Blest The House, Whate'er Befall"

3. The Bond and Power of Love (Ephesians 5:25)
Hymn - "O Spirit of the Father"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Choir: "God's Own Child"

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Closing Hymn - "Love Divine, All Love Excelling"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Death of Accountability (Not Before Almighty God!)

2009-05-03T21:25:00.005-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090503.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 193: "Christ, The Lord Is Risen Today"

Invocation and Opening Prayer

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 2:1-9

The Nicene Creed (TLH, Page 22):

Hymn 342 - "Chief of Sinners"

Sermon Topic: The Death of Accountability (Not Before Almighty God!)
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 14:12 (NKJV)

We Confess our Sins and Pray For Forgiveness

God's Absolution Spoken By the Pastor

The Consecration of the Elements

The Distribution of the Sacrament

Distribution Hymn:

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 207 (v 2, 4, 6) - "Thanks to Thee, O Christ..."

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Your Goal: Safe at Home! (Mark 13:13b)

2009-04-26T06:44:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090426.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn: "He's Risen... Christ Jesus, The Lord"

Invocation and Responsive Prayer

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12):

Hymn: "Thy Holy Wings, O Savior"

Sermon Topic: Your Goal: Safe at Home!
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Mark 13:13b (NKJV)

Hymn; "Good shepherd, Savior, Guard and Keep" (Melody & v 4-5 from Supplement Hymn 713; v 1-3 written as a prayer for the confirmands)

The Rite of Confirmation

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lord's Prayer, Benediction and Closing Hymn "Go, My Children, With My Blessing"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Find Easter Joy in the Great Shroud-Remover and Death-Swallower (Isaiah 25:7-9)

2009-04-19T06:20:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090419.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn: "On Easter Morning"

Invocation and Responsive Easter Prayer

Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15 (Excerpts)

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12):

Hymn 731 - "Today In Triumph Christ Arose"

Sermon Topic: Find Easter Joy in the Great Shroud-Remover and Death-Swallower
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Isaiah 25:7-9 (NKJV)

Hymn: "The Strife is O'er" (Melody Hymn 463; Lyrics of Hymn 210 reworked by Judith Snell):

Children's Message: "The Easter Lily: Plant to Bloom!"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Choir: "Resurrection Praise"

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 733 - "This Joyful Eastertide"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Easter Gospel Power (Romans 6: 5, 8-11)

2009-04-12T15:42:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090412.mp3

Easter Service

Hymn 192 (v 1-3)

Easter Invocation

Our Responsive Easter Litany

The Lord is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The light of the sun breaks forth across the sky, and a new day has dawned.
The Son of God has broken forth from the tomb, and new life has begun.
The dark night has been transformed by the light of the sun, and the world breaks forth with color.
Christ has emerged from the depths of the grave, and the world breaks forth with joy.
The silence of the night is broken by the sounds of chirping birds.
The hush of death is overcome by the sounds of God's people breaking forth in songs of praise.
Plants and trees turn toward the light from above as morning breaks.
And we turn toward the Son of God to live in the light of his life.
Now every morning will break forth with hope and promise, because Christ is alive.
Every morning will be filled with blessing and salvation! Alleluia! Amen!

Easter Story (intersperes with Hymn 191 announced verses)

Our Easter Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Man, Lord of lords and Savior of our fallen world. I believe that He came to earth on a mission of salvation, lived a holy life as my Law-fulfilling Substitute, was crucified at the hands of sinful men, and endured the punishment fo hell at the hands of a just God. He died and was buried.
And I believe that on the tird day He rose bodily from the dead, exactly as it had been prophesied and as He had promised. Attested to by the inspired Scriptures and by many eye witnesses, Jesus' resurrection verifies that He is God's Son, that His salvation mission is complete, and that He has triumphed over the last great enemy - death.
And in rising and conquering death, Christ has become the first-fruit of all who sleep in him. Because He rose, I and all who look to Him in faith shall one day rise. Because He lives, I too shall live. For He has promised me: "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even though He dies, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."

Hymn: "Christ Has Arisen! Alleluia!"

Sermon: Easter Gospel Power
Text: Romans 6: 5, 8-11
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)

Hymn 200: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

The Easter Offering

Our Easter Prayer and the Lord's Prayer

The Closing Hymn 201 - "Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won!" (v 1, 3 & 4) - Congregation; v2 - Ladies

Recitation: (Grades 3-8) 1 Peter 1:3-4
(All children) - "O Risen Savior, We Celebrate..."

"Sound the Trumpet" (Children, Choir & Congregation)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Which Cross Were You On? (Matthew 27:38; Romans 6:10,6-7)

2009-04-10T19:18:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090410.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 142 - "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth"
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess to You our sinfulness. All we like sheep have gone astray. We have sometimes turned away from you in our thinking, speaking and doing. We have too often done the evil You forbid and not done the good Your Law requires. Before You we repent and seek Your mercy for the sake of the atoning sacrifice of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Forgive us all which is past and witht he power of Your Spirit move us to love and serve You faithfully. Set our feet upon the new path of life and build Your Kingdom here through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Good Friday Absolution

The Good Friday Scriptures (Interspersed with Hymn 150)

The Good Friday Faith Profession (Isaiah 53 Excerpts)
"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrow; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The punishment for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all... Yet it pleased the Lord to crush Him and to make His soul an offering for sin. He shall see the suffering of His soul and be satisfied and shall justify many. For He shall see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand."

Hymn 151 (v 1, 6-7) - "Christ, The Life of All the Living"

Sermon Topic: Which Cross Were You On?
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Matthew 27:38; Romans 6:10,6-7 (NKJV)

Hymn - "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Our Good Friday Prayer and Benediction

Hymn - "The Old Rugged Cross"
(V 1&3 - vocalist: Tom Owens)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Maundy Thursday Service

2009-04-09T19:14:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090409.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn

Sermon Topic:
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Produce Jesus-Confessors (Romans 10:8-10)

2009-04-05T19:39:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090405.mp3

Palm Sunday -- Order of Worship:

Hymn 162 - "Ride On, Ride On, In Majesty"

The Scripture Reading - Matthew 21:1-9

The Apostles Creed

Hymn 161 - "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"

Sermon Topic: The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Produce Jesus-Confessors
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 10:8-10 (NKJV)

The Confession of Sins and Absolution

The Consecration and Distribution of Holy Communion
Hymn 160 - "O Jesus, King of Glory"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Choir: "Hosanna We Sing"

The Lord's Prayer and Benediction

Hymn 344 - "Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Despised Worm (Psalm 22:6-8)

2009-04-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090401.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 145
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 143 (v 1-5)

Sermon Topic: The Despised Worm
(Pastor John Hein - Grace Fridley)
Sermon Text: Psalm 22:6-8 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 151 (v 1-4)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Spiritually Sensitize Us to Others (Romans 14:19,21;15:1-2,5-7)

2009-03-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090329.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 165 - "Behold the Lamb of God"
Liturgy:

The Scripture Reading - Romans 14:1-18 (Excerpts)

The Apostles Creed (TLH, page 12)

Hymn "Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace"

Sermon Topic: The Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Spiritually Sensitize Us to Others
1. By Recognizing and Responding to Their Spiritual Needs
2. By Not Misusing Our Christian Liberty To Give Offense
3. By Pursuing a Spirit of Peace and Mutual Edification
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 14:19,21;15:1-2,5-7 (NKJV)

Hymn: "Son of God, Eternal Savior"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Choir: "The Heavens Resounding"

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 412 - "May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Therapeutic Snake (John 3:14-16)

2009-03-25T13:09:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090325Lent5_1.mp3 and 20090325Lent5_2.mp3
(The service is divided into two files, because the battery needed to be replaced during service. We apologize for any inconvience this causes.)

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 155
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 245

Sermon Topic: The Therapeutic Snake
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: John 3:14-16 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 354

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Judah's Lion (Genesis 49:9-11)

2009-03-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090318.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 166
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 721

Sermon Topic: Judah's Lion
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Genesis 49:9-11 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 175

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Create a True People of God (Romans 9: 1-5,22-26)

2009-03-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090315.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 462 - "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"

Scripture Reading - Romans 9;14-16,30-33

Apostles Creed

Hymn 460 - "Behold, The Sure Foundation Stone"

Sermon: The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Create a True People of God
Text: Romans 9: 1-5,22-26 (NKJV)
Pastor David Schierenbeck

Hymn 473 (v 1-3)- "The Church's One Foundation"

Children's Message: "A Sad Or Happy Face?"

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn: "How Wide The Love of Christ!"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Provisional Ram (Genesis 22:13-14)

2009-03-11T15:05:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090311.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 149
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 159

Sermon Topic: The Provisional Ram
(Former Pastor Paul Voss)
Sermon Text: Genesis 22:13-14 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 390

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Make Us More Than Conquerors (Romans 8:31-39)

2009-03-08T11:29:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen: 20090308.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 427 (v 1,3,5,7) - "How Firm A Foundation"

Invocation, Confession of Sins and Absolution

Responsive Reading of Romans 8 (Excerpts)

The Apostles Creed

Hymn 385 (v 1, 4, 9-10) - "Now I Have Found The Firm Foundation"

Sermon: The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Make Us More Than Conquerors
1. Over Our Accuser - For We Are Justified In Christ
2. Over Any Who Would Separate Us From Christ
Text: Romans 8:31-39
Pastor David Schierenbeck

Hymn - "When Peace Like a River (It is Well With My Soul)"

Our Gifts for the Lord's Work

Our Prayers and Our Lord's Benediction

Hymn 428 - "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Merciful Hen (Matthew 23:37)

2009-03-04T14:23:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090304.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 723
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 419

Sermon Topic: The Merciful Hen
(Pastor John Hein - Grace of Fridley)
Sermon Text: Matthew 23:37 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 172 (v 1-5)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO BATTLE AND TO DEFEAT OUR INNER DEMONS (Romans 7 : 18 – 25)

2009-03-01T19:54:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090301.mp3

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 51 (P 28 In Front Of Supplement)

Opening Hymn 742 (Supplement) – “Praise, My Soul”

The Liturgy ………………………….. Supplement (Pages 12 – 15)
The Scripture – Matthew 6 : 19 - 23
After establishing that our sin “died with Christ”, that the guilt and condemnation of our sins was nailed to the cross and buried with Christ, the Apostle reminds us that we have also risen with Christ– to new spiritual and eternal life in Him. No longer are we slaves to sin and all its horrific life and eternity consequences. Rather we are now by faith slaves to God and His righteousness – which leads to a life of love and service to Jesus and an eternity of joy in His Presence.

Hymn 784 (Supplement) – “Lord, Take My Hand And Lead Me”

The Sermon …………………………………… Romans 7 : 18 – 25

“I know that nothing good lives in me – that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good,but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; No, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin living in me. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; But I see another law at work in me, waging war against me and making me captive to the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So then, with the mind I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO BATTLE AND TO DEFEAT OUR INNER DEMONS

The “Create In Me” (Supplement – Page 16)

Our Gifts For the Lord’s Work

The Communion Liturgy (Pages 17-19 In Supplement)

The Distribution Of Holy Communion (Hymn 755 – Supplement)
(Since God’s Word presents the reception of the Sacrament as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional unity, we ask that only those who have publicly expressed such oneness with us by membership at Berea or another CLC church come forward. Any having questions or seeking a church home are invited to speak with Pastor.)

The Post-Communion Liturgy (Pages 20-21)

The Benediction

The Closing Hymn 764 (V 2 & 4) In Supplement

(8:30) Choir: “O Bread Of Life”
Director: Cathy Augustin Accompanist: Audra Wiste
O Bread of Life from heaven to every pilgrim given, O manna from above: The souls that hunger feed Thou, the hearts that see Thee lead Thou with Thy most sweet and tender love…. O Fount of grace redeeming, O river ever streaming from Jesus’ holy side: Come Thou Thyself bestowing on thirsting souls, and flowing till all their wants are satisfied… O Jesus this receiving, Thy Word of truth believing, We Thine unseen adore: Grant,when our race is ended, that we to heaven ascended, may see Thy glory evermore.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Substitute Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:20-22)

2009-02-25T11:53:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090225.mp3

Christ in the Creatures of the Passion -- Order of Lenten Worship:

Hymn 140
Lenten Liturgy:
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Confession of Sins (Psalm 51 Excerpts):
For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight. Have mercy on me, O God according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions; Wash me thoroughly from my inquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

The Absolution

Sung Response: (Melody Hymn 388)
Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, Whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Story of Our Lord's Suffering and Death

The Lenten Creed (Luther's Second Article Explanation):
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. All this He did that i should be His own, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as He has risen from death, lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Hymn 156

Sermon Topic: The Substitute Scapegoat
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Leviticus 16:20-22 (NKJV)

Hymn (Melody Hymn 552):
Hold Thou Thy cross before my faith-filled heart,
Show me Thy love, Thy grace to me impart.
Forgiveness, peace, Thy help in ev'ry need -
My Savior, Shepherd, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Our Gifts of Faith and Love

Lenten Prayer:
Great Redeemer, strong to save, You came to earth to take our place under the Law, to suffer and die that we might live. during this somber season, we see You agonize, bleed, suffer hell and die - all for us. There are no sins to call for such punishment, except the sins that we have done. It is far beyond our capacity to fathom the Love that takes our place on the cross. Out of this horrible tragedy, You have brought us peace, joy and hope. Through Your cross, we are forgiven and forever free from the guilt, burden and punishment of our sin. What language is there to express our utter and heartfelt thanks to You, dear Savior? Lord, make outs a faithful and meaningful journey to Calvary with You. Help us in word and song and life to ever proclaim: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory". Amen

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.

The Lenten Benediction

Hymn 154

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Us a "Second Adam" (Romans 5:18 - 21)

2009-02-22T14:44:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090222.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 369 - "All Mankind Fell in Adam's Fall"
Liturgy: TLH Page 48
Hymn "The Venite" TLH Page 48

Scripture Readings: Romans 5:6-11

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 380 - "Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ"

Sermon Topic: The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Us a "Second Adam"
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 5:18 - 21 (NKJV)

Hymn 345 - "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
Our Gifts of Faith and Love
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 779 (v 1,4) - "Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Peace, Perseverance, Joy and Hope (Romans 5:1-5)

2009-02-15T11:23:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090215.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 32 - "Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven"
Responsive Reading of Psalm 85, Page 140 (TLH)

Scripture Readings: Romans 4:18-25

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 357 - "Jesus, Thou Art Mine Forever"

Sermon Topic: The Power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Peace, Perseverance, Joy and Hope
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)

Hymn 364 - "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds"

Children's Message: Thumbs Up Or Down

Our Gifts of Faith and Love
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 361 - "O Jesus, King Most Wonderful"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Righteousness Before God (Romans 3:21-22)

2009-02-08T09:37:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090208.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 31 - "When All Thy Mercies, O My God"

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 376 - "Rock of Ages"

Sermon Topic: The power of the Gospel of Christ to Give Righteousness Before God
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 3:21-22 (NKJV)

Hymn 371 (v 1,4-7) - "Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness"
Our Gifts of Faith and Love
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 370 (v 1 & 4) - "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Power of the Gospel of Christ ... to Save the Sinner (Romans 1:16-17)

2009-02-01T07:57:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090201.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn "I Sing As I Arise Today"
Invocation and Opening Prayer

Scripture Readings: Romans 1:16-17

The Nicene Creed (TLH, Page 22)

Hymn 352 - "O Savior, Precious Savior"

Sermon Topic: The Power of the Gospel of Christ ... to Save the Sinner
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)

Offering of Redeemed Hearts
Liturgy TLH Page 24-28
Hymn 304
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 391 - "Blessed Are the Sons of God"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Real Life Success In Christ (Phil 3:8-14)

2009-01-25T15:43:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090125.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 746 - "Father, Most Holy"
Liturgy: Supplement (pg 12 -15)

Scripture Readings: Matthew 7:24-29

Hymn "Light of Light, O Sole-Begotten"

Sermon Topic: Real Life Success In Christ
1. Reassessing the Gospel Value Over Everything Else
2. Recommitting To Life's Great Purpose and Goal

(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Philippians 3:8-14 (NKJV)

Hymn - "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"

Our Gifts for the Lord's Work

Choir: Brother James' Air (The 23rd Psalm)
Director: Cathy Augustin
Accompanist: Audra Wiste

Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn "O Jesus, I Have Promised"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE CHRISTIAN’S GREAT BATTLE

2009-01-18T07:27:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090118.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 27 (P 129 In Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Hymn 467 (V 1-3) – “Built On The Rock”

The Liturgy ……………………………………… Hymnal, Page 5ff

The Scripture – Ephesians 6: 10 - 17
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you can withstand the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and, having done all, to stand. Stand firm, therefore, having the belt of truth around your waist, and with the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of peace; Above all, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

Hymn 768 (Supplement) –“Be Strong In The Lord”

The Sermon ……………………………………… Ephesians 6 : 10

“Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might”.

THE CHRISTIAN’S GREAT BATTLE

1. The Enemy : Formidable
2. The Lord : Invincible
3. The Battleplan : Victorious

Hymn 451 – “Stand Up! Stand Up For Jesus!”

Our Gifts For The Lord’s Work

Our Prayer

Lord God, we are creatures, but You are our almighty Creator and Preserver; We are sinful, but You are holy; We are lost and condemned in our sins, but You in mercy have rescued and redeemed us through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; We are weak, but You are strong; We are vulnerable, but You are invincible.
Through Your holy Law and our knowledge of our own hearts, help us see through the façade of our own seeming armor of righteous- ness and strength. Lead us by faith to trust instead in You and Your armor alone for salvation, for strength, for safety and for eternal victory. Without Christ, we are vulnerable and powerless before the wiles of the evil one. Yet, with Jesus and His Word at our side, as we wield “the sword of the Spirit”, victory is assured. In our many life struggles, daily renew us and reassure us through Your precious promises. This we ask in the Name of conquering Savior Who has taught us to pray:

The Lord’s Prayer (Hymnal, Page 14)

Our Lord’s Benediction

(8:30) the Children’s Message:

The Closing Hymn 658 (V 1 & 3) – “Onward, Christian Soldiers”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GOD’S EPIPHANY EXTREME MAKEOVER (Galatians 2 : 20)

2009-01-11T17:56:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090111.mp3

Order of Worship:

Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 92, Page 143 In Hymnal

Opening Hymn 59 (V 1-2, 5-6) – “Hail To The Lord’s Anointed”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

The Order Of Matins (Page 32 Only In Front Of Hymnal)

P: O Lord, open thou my lips.
C: And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

P: Make haste, O God, to deliver me.
C: Make haste to help me, O Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Hallelujah!

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 89

P: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever:
C: With my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations.

P: The Lord has made a covenant with His people; He has sworn to establish David’s Seed forever:
C: All the heavens shall praise Your wonders, O Lord – Your faithfulness in the congregation of the saints.

P: For who in heaven can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the earth can be likened to the Lord?
C: O Lord God of hosts, who possesses either Your strength or Your faithfulness? You are to be revered by all who surround you.

P: The heavens are Yours, the earth and world also, for You created them.
C: Holiness and righteousness live before Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.

P: Blessed is the people who know that joyful sound, who walk in the light of Your radiance.
C: In Your Name they shall rejoice all the day, and in Your righteousness they shall be exalted. For You are the glory of their strength.

P: For the Lord is our Fortress; the Holy One of Israel is our King;
C: For You have spoken to Your Holy One saying: “In You I have helped and exalted my people. For I have anointed & strengthened them. The enemy shall not overcome them, for My faithfulness and My mercy shall ever be with them; And in My Name shall their horn be exalted.”.

P:“Though their sins grieve Me, My love and My mercy will remain forever and My Covenant with them shall never fail: C: Though their earthly lives are fleeting and the power of the grave lies before them, their family line will be established forever, their throne as long as the heavens endure.” Praise be to the Lord forever and ever. Amen.

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

Hymn 129 – “Hail, Thou Source Of Every Blessing”

The Sermon ………………………………………... Galatians 2 : 20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

GOD’S EPIPHANY EXTREME MAKEOVER
(Check Out Each Room In Your Spiritual House)

Hymn: “O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright”

1. O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God’s own truth and light, Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob’s race, King David’s son, Our Lord and Master, You have won Our hearts to serve You only!
Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, All victorious,
Rich in blessing! Rule and might o’er all possessing!

2. Come, heav’nly Bridegroom, Light divine, and deep within our hearts now shine; there light a flame undying!
In Your one body let us be As living branches of a tree, Your life our lives supplying.
Now though daily Earth’s deep sadness May perplex us
And distress us, Yet with heav’nly joy You bless us.

3. Lord, when You look on us in love, At once there falls from God above A ray of purest pleasure.
Your Word and spirit, flesh and blood Refresh our souls with heav’nly food. You are our dearest Treasure!
Let Your mercy Warm and cheer us! O draw near us!
For You teach us God’s own Love through You has reached us.

Our Epiphany Gifts

(8:30) Choir: “All My Heart Today Rejoices” (Hymn 77)
Director: Cathy Augustin Accompanist: Amy Tester)

Our Prayers And Our Lord’s Epiphany Blessing

Hymn 134 (V 1 & 5) – “Songs Of Thankfulness and Praise”

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Epiphany Glory of God's People (Isaiah 62:1-5)

2009-01-04T13:23:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20090104.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn WS717 - "Bright and Glorious Is the Sky"
Liturgy:
The Nicene Creed (WS, Page 5)

Hymn WS718 (v 1-3) - "O Jesus, King of Glory"

Sermon Topic: The Epiphany Glory of God's People
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Isaiah 62:1-5 (NKJV)

Offering
We Confess Our Sins (Hymn WS718 (v 4) - "O Jesus, King of Glory")

We are Forgiven In Christ (Hymn WS718 (v 5) - "O Jesus, King of Glory")

Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction

Hymn 136 - "Angels From the Realms of Glory"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Year's Eve Service

2008-12-31T13:21:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081231.mp3

GOD PROTECTS CHRISTMAS (Revelation 12: 5b - 6)

2008-12-28T11:00:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081228.mp3

Order of Worship:

Opening Prayer

Hymn 705 (Supplement) – “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus”

The Invocation And Responsive Christmas Reading
(Poetry By Pastor L.D. Redlin ; Sung Verses By Berea Day School (Grades 7-8), Melody To Hymn 713 – “Your Little Ones, Dear Lord Are We”)

C: How gracious are You, O Lord. When I was fast bound in the prison of sin and death, You came to me! You came to rescue me, to forgive me and to give me new life. All of this You gave me through my ChristChild Savior Jesus Christ. I pray that my life may always be one of thankful praise to you. In my Savior’s Name I pray.

P: A wonder that will never cease To cause our hearts to stir,
Is when the LORD came down to us With prophets’ words concur.

C: We know we don’t deserve a thing, From God and from His grace.
In fact our sins condemn us all, In shame we hide our face.

The wonder of it all we see With eyes of faith and trust.
W e marvel most of all because the LORD GOD comes to us.

God sent His Son for just one cause, To tell us,”I love you!
On my dear Son I’ll lay your sins, There’s nothing left to do.”

(Sing): Our Savior Christ was born this day, And in a lowly manger lay.
God’s mighty plan had just begun; Because of Him salvation won.

Was humbly born in manger low, Sent from above to battle foe, To give his life upon the cross, To save poor sinners who were lost.

P: So here’s God’s Christmas gift to you, for sinners one and all.
Come with us at this sacred time, To that dark cattle stall.

C: For there we’ll see the greatest Gift that we will ever find.
Our hopes and dreams are met in Him, Our peace in heart and mind.

The wonder of all we see, With eyes of faith and trust.
We marvel most of all because the LORD GOD comes to us.

(Sing)
With hearts of faith we come to Thee, Your Christmas love again to see.
With thankful hearts desire to serve Now keep us Lord,our souls preserve.

This Christmas we rejoice in Thee; Now may we live eternally!
Praise be to God Who sent His Son, Christ Jesus, the vict’ry’s won!

The Scripture Reading – Revelation 12: 1 – 6

Our Christmas Creed

I believe that Christmas is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and glory. God sent his only-begotten Son into the world to become also Man in order that he might truly represent the human race as the Second Adam. Long- promised and long-awaited, Jesus came lowly and humbly as a servant. Perfectly He fulfilled the Law for us by living a holy life; Lovingly He gave His life as a ransom for many to atone for our sins; Victoriously He rose from death to seal our redemption. From the manger to the cross and to the empty Tomb - this God-Man, Jesus Christ, perfectly and completely accomplished His mission of salvation. Through faith in Jesus God’s precious gifts – forgiveness, life and love - become ours. All praise and glory be our God Who created Christmas and preserves it in our hearts. Amen.

The Sermon …………………………………Revelation 12: 5b - 6
“And her Child was snatched up to God and to His throne. And the woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for by God.”

GOD PROTECTS CHRISTMAS

Hymn 715 - “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt”

Our Gifts For The ChristChild And His Christmas Gospel

The Wexford Carol
(Vocalist: Cathy Augustin; Accompanist: Ryan Augustin)

Good people all this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done, In sending His beloved Son.
With Mary lowly we should pray To God with love this Christmas Day;
In Bethlehem upon that morn there was a blessed Messiah born.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;
To whom God’s angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear.
‘Prepare and go’, the angels said, ‘To Bethlehem, be ye not afraid;
For there you’ll find, this happy morn, A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born.’

With thankful heart and joyful mind the shepherds went the Babe to find,
And as God’s angel had foretold, They did our Savior Christ behold.
Within a manger He was laid, And by His side the virgin maid,
Attending to the Lord of life, Who came on earth to end all strife.

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 711 – “See In Yonder Manger Low”
(V 1,3 & 4 – Everyone ; V 2 – Ladies & Girls)

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Why Shepherds? (Luke 2)

2008-12-25T14:30:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081225.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 95 - "Savior of the Nations, Come"
Liturgy: Psalm 98

Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:1-8

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 109 - "While Shepherds Watched"

Sermon Topic: Why Shepherds?
1. God Exalts Those of Humble Estate (Luke 1:53)
2. They Were Sheep of the Good Shepherd (John 10)
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Luke 2 (NKJV)

Carol: "Still, Still, Still"
Offering
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 94 (v 1-3) - "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Christmas Eve 2008 - "A Festival of Trees"

2008-12-24T14:25:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081224.mp3

Christmas Eve 2008
“A Festival of Trees”

All Children - Processional: “O Come, Little Children”
1) (children only) O come little children, O come, one and all
O come to the cradle in Bethlehem’s stall
Come see what has happened this holiest of nights
Come gaze on the gift from the Father of Might.
Verses 2 and 3 sung by choir
4) (children and cong.) O come little children, o come, one and all
O come to the cradle in Bethlehem’s stall
Come see what has happened this holiest of nights
Come gaze on the gift from the Father of Might.

Narrator: Tonight we present to you a festival of trees. We will consider 5 different trees; The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Branch from the stump of Jesse, our traditional symbol of the Christmas tree, the Tree of the Cross, and finally, the Tree of Life. Our look at these trees will take us from the fall into sin, and therefore the need for a Savior, to the family tree from which that Savior would come, to the fulfillment of the promised Savior, and then to the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior on the cross. Finally, it will bring us to what all Christians look forward to as a result of that sacrifice, namely, eternal life in heaven.

Song by Pre-school and K: “As Each Happy Christmas”

Pre-school and K recitation:
On this happy Christmas Eve, Praise to God our Father -
For Your gift, our Savior dear, Happy Birthday Jesus!

Angels came to tell the news, to the lowly shepherds -
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Happy Birthday Jesus!

We’re so happy you were born, our best friend and Savior -
Praise and thanks we sing to You - Happy Birthday Jesus!
(Kindergartners sit, pre-schoolers return to their parents)

Congregational Hymn: WS 707 “On Christmas Night all Christians Sing”
(5th and 6th gr. stands following hymn)

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
Narrator: The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the first tree we present tonight. In all of God’s beautiful, perfect creation, this was the one tree that Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat from as a test of their love and obedience. In Genesis 2:17, God told Adam; “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” We know from scripture Adam and Eve did fall into temptation, and that they did eat of the tree that God had forbidden. This fall into sin set into motion God’s plan for our salvation.

Recitations Grades 5-6:
Joci/Taylor - Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned…

Markus - Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bailey/Bryan - Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Aben/Riley - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.

Ethan/Sam - 1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of Man was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
(5th and 6th gr. joined by 1st - 8th)

Song by grades 1-8: “Christmas Medley”
1) Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev-‘ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n
and nature sing.

3) O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem. Come, and behold Him, born the King of Angels! O come let us adore Him, o come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord.

2) For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, Unto us a Son is given. (Repeat)
And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

4) Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
(7th and 8th grade remain standing)

The Branch from the Trunk of Jesse
Narrator: Jesse who was of the tribe of Judah, lived in the little town of Bethlehem. He had eight sons, the youngest of whom was David. Many of the kings of Judah were powerful rulers who became very corrupt over the years. Finally Judah ended up in exile in Babylon. Even so, it was out of this seemingly dead family tree that a fresh twig would grow. Isaiah 11:1 says "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." This is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, Who would be the hope of His people.

Recitations grades 7-8:
Hans - Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the one to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Lauren B. - Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold the days are coming”, says the Lord, “that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

Jake - Revelation 5:5a “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has prevailed…”

Zachary G. - Isaiah 53:2a For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground.

Michael L. - Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

(K-6th gr. joins 7th/8th)
Hymn by grades K-8: “Who is This Child?”
(K-3) Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky look down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
(4-8) Who is this Child? Who can it be?
The little Child in the manger asleep peacefully.
The angels sing, Good news they bring:
The Child asleep in the hay will one day be a King.

(all children sit)
OFFERING/Choir Song

(1st-4th gr. stand)
The Traditional Christmas Tree
Narrator: The modern day Christmas tree is a popular part of the Christian’s Christmas. Traditionally, there are many different explanations of the origin and meaning of the Christmas tree. Seeing its symbolism of pointing heavenward, Martin Luther is said to have brought one home for his family. Additionally, for the Christian it is a reminder of the ever-living Gospel and also of everlasting life as seen in the EVER-GREEN. The focus of the Gospel is the Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate each Christmas, the report of which we joyfully hear from the Gospel of Luke. The message of our Savior’s birth is old but always new--always alive with the Spirit through whom our heart is comforted.

Recitations grades 1-4:
Chris B., Martin, Jack, Alec, Brynn, Jillian, Sam -
Luke 2: 1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Jonathan, Emma O., Austin, Dannie, Nikole, Linsey, Jadyn, Brandon -
Luke 2: 8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Zachary T., Lauren, Alex S., Nathan, Ravyn, Isaiah, Maya -
Luke 2: 15-20
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Hymn by grades 1-4: WS 706 “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev’rywhere; Go tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

1) While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. (Refrain)

2) The shepherds feared and trembled when lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.
(Refrain)

3) Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
(Refrain)

(1st-4th sit, 7th/8th stands)
The Tree of the Cross
Grades 7-8 group recitation: Had Jesus simply been born of a virgin, our salvation still would not be secured. To be our Substitute, Jesus needed to live a perfect life and be sacrificed for our sins in order to save us. As we are reminded in a Lenten prayer… “Christ who on the tree of the cross didst give salvation unto mankind that, whence death arose, thence Life also might rise again…”

Recitations grades 7-8:
Jonah - Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)

Abby - 1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold…, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Sarah - 2 Peter 2:24 Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

Michael H. - 1 John 1:7b the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(7th and 8th gr. sit)

Congregational Hymn: TLH 645 “Behold, a Branch is Growing” verses 4 & 5

The Tree of Life
Narrator: In Revelation 2:7 we read: “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” The Tree of Life in the Eden Paradise is a picture of heavenly blessedness. Those who by the grace of God overcome the forces of the devil will see and partake of the highest delights in Heaven. The everlasting life in heaven will be enjoyed by all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
May each of us who have celebrated Jesus’ birth hold fast to the faith whereby we “may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)

Choir Song

Lords Prayer/Benediction

Closing Hymn: TLH 646 “Silent Night”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Why a Christmas Baby? (Matt 1:20b-21)

2008-12-21T15:27:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081221.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 91
Liturgy:

Scripture Readings: Matthew 1:18-25

Hymn 90- "Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising"

Sermon Topic: Why a Christmas Baby?
1. Because God's Christmas Covenant So Promised
2. To Show His Complete Humanity and Law-Fulfillment
3. To "Embody" His Gospel Love

(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Matt 1:20b-21 (NKJV)

Hymn 102 - "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful"
Children's Message
Offering (Song: "Mary, Sweet Mary")
Lord's Prayer
Choir: "Angels From the Realms of Glory"
Lord's Benediction

Hymn 85 (v 13-15) - "Ah, Dearest Jesus"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GOD’S GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT

2008-12-14T10:09:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081214.mp3

Order of Worship:

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Sunday, December 14, 2008 - 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Our Advent Scripture And Carol Service

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 24 (P 128 In Front Of Hymnal)

Opening Carol – “Sing We Now Of Christmas”

The Invocation and Opening Advent Prayer
GOD’S GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
Prepare To Receive This Gift

Isaiah 40: 1 - 5 Kyle Moen (8:30) Matthew Thurow (10:30)

Carol: “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel”

1. Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel That mourns in lowly exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

2. Oh come, thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell thy people save And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

3. Oh come, Thou Key of David, come and open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high and close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

How The Gift Was Given

Isaiah 7: 14 ; Luke 1: 30-35, 37-38
Mike Taylor (8:30) Larry Eisenbeisz (10:30)

Carol 712 (Supplement) – “What Child Is This?”
Its Humble Wrappings

Philippians 2: 5-8 Paul Voss (8:30) Bob Bruckbauer (10:30)

Carol 710 (Supplement) – “Once In Royal David’s City”

We Bring Our Gifts To Our Advent Savior

A Cherished Gift For Children Of Light

John 1: 4-5, 9-14
Dan Beekman (8:30) Dave Aymond (10:30)

Carol – “Angels And Shepherds” (See Next Page)

The Perfect Gift For You
Colossians 1:19-23; 2:9-10 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jim Doring (8:30) David Lueck (10:30)

Carol: “Sleepy Little Bethlehem” Text: Judith Snell Melody: Gustav Holst (1874-1935)

A Gift From Our Father’s Loving Heart
Galatians 3: 26-28 ; 4: 4-7
Tom Owens (8:30) Gene Lang (10:30)

Carol: “O Ye Joyful People”

(8:30) Choir: “Hymn Of Advent”
Director: Cathy Augustin Acompanist: Amy Tester

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Carol: “Angels We Have Heard On High”
1. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherd, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which insire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

3. Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

SILENT PRAYER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Mary and Martha Celebrate Christmas (Luke 10:38-42)

2008-12-07T16:08:00.002-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081207.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 704 - "Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You?"
Liturgy:
Hymn 701 - "Prepare the Royal Highway"

Sermon Topic: Mary and Martha Celebrate Christmas
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)

Hymn 702
Offering & Holy Communion
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 713 - "Your Little Ones, Dear Lord"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What About Heaven?

2008-11-30T13:52:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 22081130.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 703

Sermon Topic: What About Heaven? (Pastor David Schierenbeck)
- Is There Really a Heaven? Yes!
- What is Heaven Like? Perfect, Glorious, Beautiful
- Who Will Be In Heaven? God. Jesus. His holy Angels. Believers Who Have Died. Believers Alive At Christ's Return.
- Will Our Souls Go Immediately To Heaven? Yes.
- What About Our Bodies? Raised in Glory.
- Is There Evil, Death or Sin-Consequences in Heaven? No.
- What Are The Greatest Joys Of Heaven? Being In God's Presence. Praising and Serving God.
- Will Heaven Be Also A Physical Place? Yes.
- How Do We Get To Heaven? Only Through Faith In Jesus Christ As Our Savior From Sin!

Hymn 463 (v. 1, 4, 6 & 8) - "For All the Saints"

Hymn 215 - "Draw Us To Thee"

Offering

Hymn 475 (v 2-4) - "O Higher Than..."

Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction

Hymn - "O Happy Day When We Shall Stand"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving Service

2008-11-27T13:45:00.000-06:00

“THERE WILL BE SIGNS……. BE WATCHFUL!” (Luke 21)

2008-11-23T09:42:00.000-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081123.mp3

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 2 (P 123 In Front Of Hymnal)

(10:30) Sunday School: “Let All Things Now Living” Director: Heather Schierenbeck Accompanist: Barb Breth

Opening Hymn 606 – “O’er The Distant Mountains Breaking”

The Liturgy ……………………………………… Hymnal, Page 5ff

The Scripture Reading: Luke 21: 25 - 36 He told them this parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth: This people will not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with overindulgence and with the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the earth. Be watchful and pray that you may escape what is about to happen and be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

The Sermon …………………………………… Luke 21 (Excerpts)

“THERE WILL BE SIGNS……. BE WATCHFUL!”

Hymn 429 – “Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart”

Our Gifts For the Lord’s Kingdom

Our Prayers And Our Lord’s Blessing

(8:30) Sunday School: “Let All Things Now Living”

The Closing Hymn 574 – “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

SILENT PRAYER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE AWESOME GLORY OF OUR CREATOR GOD (Psalm 19)

2008-11-16T10:30:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081116.mp3 or 2nd Service

Order of Worship:

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 100 (P 35 In Front Of Supplement)

(10:30) Church Ch oir: “All Things Bright And Beautiful” Director: Cathy Augustin Accompanist: Heather Schierenbeck

(Refrain)All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all….. Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings (Refrain). The purple headed mountain, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky; The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one (Refrain). He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell How great is God almighty, Who has made all things well. (Refrain)

Hymn 743 (Supplement) –“Immortal, Invisible,God Only Wise”

The Liturgy …………………… Worship Supplement (Pages 12-13)

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 19: 1-6

P: The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of His hands. C: Day after day they pour forth speech; Night after night they display knowledge.

P: There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
C: Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.

P: In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his race.
C: It rises from the one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; Nothing is hidden from its heat.

THE AWESOME GLORY OF OUR CREATOR GOD

(Dr. David Menton)

Hymn 744 (V 1-2) Supplement – “How Great Thou Art”

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 19: 7-14

P: The Word of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The testimonies of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
C: The statutes of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

P: The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
C: They are much more precious and to be desired than gold and sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.

P: By them is Your servant warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
C: Who can understand his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep Your servant also from willful sins; May they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

All: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

THE EVEN GREATER GLORY OF GOD’S WORD AND GOSPEL

Hymn 744 (V 3-4 Supplement – “And When I Think….”

Our Gifts For The Proclamation Of His Glory

(8:30) Choir – “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

Our Prayers And the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed by 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 for- give 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.

Our Lord’s Benediction

Hymn 748 (Supplement) – “Praise To the Lord, The Almighty”
Descant: Choir Ladies (8:30) Jake Gamble – Instrumental (10:30)

SILENT PRAYER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

God's Masterplan for Building His Church (Ephesians 4:11-12)

2008-11-09T13:04:00.001-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081109.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn
Liturgy

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 485 (v4 - 7)

Sermon Topic: God's Masterplan for Building His Church
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

Hymn 492
Offering
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 493

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

LUTHERAN CONFESSORS (Matthew 10:32)

2008-11-02T05:07:00.003-06:00

Click here to listen: 20081102.mp3

Order of Worship:

(10:30) Song By All Sunday School Children Director: Heather Schierenbeck Accompanist: Barb Breth

1. I put a cross of black inside The heart that stands for me.
I put it there because I know Christ died to make me free.

2. A rose of white holds up my heart Just like my pillow soft.
God keeps me happy and so safe I never will fee lost.

3. Behind the rose the sky is blue Like heaven’s sky may be.
I plan to live with Jesus there, But first the world I’ll see.

4. Around this all I drew a ring Of gold that has no end.
It’s like a promise God will keep To always be my Friend.

The Invocation And Opening Prayer

(10:30) Song By Choir: “The Church Of Christ Shall Stand”
Director: Cathy Augustin Accompanist: Heather Schierenbeck

The Church of God is founded on Christ our Lord and King.
By faith in Him we are grounded, and of his Grace we sing.
(Refrain) In love, God gently guides us with his sustaining hand;
With God, our Shield beside us, the Church of Christ shall stand.

Through storm and tribulation God’s church has yet endured.
By trial and reformation its future is secured. (Refrain)

One body, one communion, one faith in Christ we share,
One fellowship, one union, one banner do we bear.
One fiery declaration, one flame that must be fanned,
And on one true foundation, the Church of Christ shall stand.
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.
She is his new creation by water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her to be his holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
The Church of Christ shall stand!

We Confess Our Faith In God (Augsburg Confession,Article I)
Our churches teach with common consent that the decree of the Council of Nicea about the unity of the Divine essence and the three Persons is true. It is to be believed without any doubt. God is one Divine essence Who is eternal, without a body, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness. He is the Maker and Preserver of all things, visible and invisible (Nehemiah 9:6). Yet there are three Persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). These three Persons are of the same essence and power. Our churches use the term person as the fathers have used it. We use it to signify, not a part or quality in another, but that which subsists of itself.
Hymn: “We Sing For All The Unsung Saints”

LUTHERAN CONFESSORS
“Whoever confesses Me before men, him will I confess before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)

The Great Treasure Of The Scriptures
(Luther’s Large Catechism – Third Commandment)
Readers: Paul Voss (8:30) Matthew Thurow (10:30)

The Great Treasure Of Christ And The Gospel
(Smalcald Articles – Article I)

The Great Treasure Of Faith
(Augsburg Confession – Article VI)

Hymn 262 (V 2 & 4) – “With Might Of Ours Can Naught Be Done”
The Confession of Sins And Absolution

The Sacrament Of The Altar (CLC Statement of Faith – Article VIII)

The Consecration And Distribution (Hymn 387)

Our Gifts For the Proclamation & Spread Of The Gospel

(8:30) Choir: “The Church Of Jesus Christ Shall Stand”

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction (8:30 – Children Sing)

The Closing Hymn 283 – “God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Healthy and Unhealthy Doctrine Embrace One; Avoid the Other (3 John 2, 4; Titus 2:1; Jeremiah 23:28f)

2008-10-26T15:34:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen: 20081026.mp3

Order of Worship:

Hymn 290 - "We Have a Sure Prophetic Word"
Liturgy

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 264 (v. 1, 4-6) - "Preserve Thy Word, O Savior"

Sermon Topic: Healthy and Unhealthy Doctrine Embrace One; Avoid the Other
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: 3 John 2, 4; Titus 2:1; Jeremiah 23:28f (NKJV)

Hymn "Lord Jesus Christ, With Us Abide"
Offering
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 783 (WS) - "Jesus, Shepherd of the Sheep"

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE ESSENCE OF TRUE UNITY (1 Corinthians 1 : 10)

2008-10-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen:

Order of Worship:

23ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 19, 2008 (Sunday – 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.)

(10:30) Choir: “Cantate Domino” (O Sing To The Lord) Director: Cathy Augustin ; Accompanist: Audra Wiste

Opening Hymn 465 – “Christ Is Our Cornerstone”

The Invocation And Confessional Prayer

The Order of Matins (Hymnal: Page 32)

P: O Lord, open Thou my lips.
C: And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

P: Make haste, O God, to deliver me.
C: Make haste to help me, O Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Hallelujah!

The Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4: 3-6, 11-16
Just as there is unity among the members of the Godhead, so the Spirit desires and creates unity around the Gospel and the Word. In establishing his Church among men, our ascended Lord has given people-gifts to it for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and creating a genuine unity around the Word.

The “Te Deum” (We Praise Thee, O God) Hymnal (P 35-37)
Vocalist: Jay Sandeen

The Apostles Creed (Hymnal, Page 12)

Hymn 296 – “Speak, O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth”

The Sermon ……………………………......... 1 Corinthians 1 : 10

Now I urge you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

THE ESSENCE OF TRUE UNITY:

ONENESS IN FAITH, BELIEF, PURPOSE & LOVE

Hymn 477 (V 1-2) – “Lord Jesus, Thou The Church’s Head”

Our Gifts For the Lord’s Work

Our Prayers And the Lord’s Blessing

(8:30) Children’s Message: “Feed Me, Lord”

The Closing Hymn 53 – “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THAT MEN MAY KNOW THE UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17 : 23)

2008-10-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen: 20081012.mp3

Order of Worship:

15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 12, 2008 (Sunday – 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.)

A PRAYER & PREACHING SERVICE
(Found In Bulletin Insert)

Opening Hymn 239 – “Come Thou Almighty King”

The Invocation

AN ACT OF ADORATION

AN ACT OF CONFESSION

The Scripture Reading - Acts 17 : 22 - 34

The Greeks were highly regarded for their education, wisdom and philosophy. They ever sought answers to life’s deepest questions. Whatever new idea or thought surfaced was worthy of discussion, especially religious. High on a hill above Athens, they had erected a temple with idols and altars to every “god” imaginable, including one “To An Unknown God”. This afforded Paul a wonderful opportunity to proclaim the only God Who truly exists, Who created and rules the world and Who has given life to all people.

The Apostles Creed

Hymn 28 (V 1-3) – “Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise”

The Sermon ……………………………………………. Acts 17 : 23

“Now what you worship as something unknown, I will proclaim to you.”

THAT MEN MAY KNOW THE UNKNOWN GOD

Hymn 13 – “Before Jehovah’s Awefull Throne”

Our Gifts For The Lord’s Work

AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING

AN ACT OF SUPLLICATION

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn – “Almighty God And Lord”

1. Almighty God and Lord, Creator of all things,
To Thee great Three In One To Thee our praises bring.
For all Thou art – In Thee we live and move; To us all blessings give.

2. Thy mercy and Thy grace, My tongue now bless Thy Name;
From Thee the joyful news Of our salvation came;
The Gospel news of sins forgiv’n, of hell subdued and hope of heav’n.

3. My Savior Jesus Christ, My Shepherd and my King;
Lord of my faith and life, Eternal praises sing.
Worthy Thou art! My heart believe, My tongue confess, My Love receive.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Holy Christian Church (Ephesians 5:25-27)

2008-10-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

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Order of Worship:

Hymn 758
Liturgy: Supplement 12-15

Selected Scripture Readings

Hymn 767 (v 1-3)

Sermon Topic: The Holy Christian Church
(Pastor David Schierenbeck)
Sermon Text: Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV)

1. Is Holy, Built Upon Jesus Christ
2. Is An Invisible Fellowship Of Believers
3. Is Found Wherever The Gospel Is Preached
4. Endures Forever

Offering
Communion Liturgy (Pages 17-19 in Supplement)
Hymn 755
Closing Ligury (Pages 20-21 In Supplement)

Hymn 767 (v4)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

In the Midst of Affliction in this Sin-cursed World, We Possess Certain Hope, Knowing that God Works Everything Out for Our Good (Romans 8:18-28)

2008-09-28T16:27:00.003-05:00

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Order of Worship:

Hymn 535
Liturgy: TLH Page 5ff
Hymn 237

Scripture Readings: Acts 27

The Apostles Creed (TLH, Page 12)

Hymn 520 (v1-5)

Sermon Topic: In the Midst of Affliction in this Sin-cursed World, We Possess Certain Hope, Knowing that God Works Everything Out for Our Good
(Pastor Mark Gullerud)
Sermon Text: Romans 8:18-28 (NKJV)

Hymn 521
Offering
Our Prayers and Lord's Benediction
Hymn 644

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SPIRITUAL PATH-CROSSING (Acts 8: 29, 35 & 39)

2008-09-21T18:17:00.000-05:00

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Order of Worship:

MISSION FESTIVAL September 21, 2008 ( 8:30 & 10:30 A.M.)

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 145, Page 155

(10:30) Choir: “From All That Dwell Beneath The Skies”
(Words Of Hymn 15 + Alleluia & Additional Mission Verse)
In every land begin the song, To every land the strains belong;
In cheerful sound all voices raise, And fill the world with joyful praise.

Opening Hymn 508 : “Thou, Whose Almighty Word”

The Invocation And Confession Of Sins

C: Lord Jesus, You have called us be lights of the world and the salt of the earth – to reflect the light of Your Gospel glory and to be a godly influence upon others. Yet we confess before You both our sinfulness and our failure to let Your light properly shine. At times, our light has been dimmed by our busyness with the things of this world, by our misplaced priorities, by a lack of concern for others’ souls, even by a lack of confidence in the power of Your Word. Forgive us and renew us for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Open our hearts and unloose our tongues to share Your Gospel and to speak of Your glory. Amen.

The Absolution

A RESPONSIVE MISSION SCRIPTURE
Pastor: Acts 8: 26 – 40 Congregation: Romans Excerpts

P: Now, an angel of the Lord told Philip: “Go to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. As he journeyed, he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important treasury official under Queen Candice. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship. On his way home he was sitting in his chariot, reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip: “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

C: How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written; “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace!”
Sing
How shall they hear who have not heard News of a Lord who loved & came;
Nor known His reconciling Word, Nor learned to trust a Savior’s Name?

To all the world, to ev’ry place, Neighbors and friends, all precious souls,
Preach the Good News of saving grace; Fulfill our great commission roles.

P: Then Philip ran to the chariot & found the man reading the prophet Isaiah. “Do you understand what you are reading”, Philip asked. “How can I”, he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Is the prophet speaking of himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus.

C: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. But I ask: Did they not hear? Yes indeed! Their voice has gone out into all the world, their words to the ends of the earth.
Sing
“Whom shall I send?” Who hears the call, To serve & tell of Savior slain,
Of Him Who rose from death for all, To bring a lost world home again.

“Lord, here am I:” Your fire impart To this poor, cold, self-centered soul;
Touch now my lips,my hands,my heart And make a world for Christ my goal.

P: As they came to some water, the eunuch asked: “What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip said: “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then Philip baptized him. When they came up from the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. Although the eunuch did not see Philip again, he went on his way rejoicing.

C: For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.
Sing
Spirit of love, within us move; Spirit of truth, in pow’r come down!
So shall they hear & find and prove Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.

Our CLC Mission “Statement Of Faith And Purpose” (I)
It is our single purpose to be a Christian church that proclaims the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. This Gospel is the only way people can know the true God and the way to eternal life. Our right of existence as a church body has been established by our Lord’s commission to “preach the Gospel to every creature”. (Mark 16:15). Therefore we are committed to say with the Apostle Paul: “I am determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Hymn 496 – “Hark! The Voice Of Jesus Crying”

The Sermon ……………………………………. Acts 8: 29, 35 & 39
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it”….. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus….. When they came up from the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. But the eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

SPIRITUAL PATH-CROSSING
1. The Spirit Directs Our Path-Crossing
2. The Spirit Moves Hearts Through His Word

Our Gifts For The Furtherance Of Our Lord’s Kingdom

(8:30) Choir: “From All That Dwell Below The Skies”

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn: “Christ The Eternal Lord”

Christ the eternal Lord, Whose promise here we claim,
Whose gifts of grace are freely poured On all who name Your name;
With thankfulness and praise We stand before Your throne,
Intent to serve You all our days And make Your glory known.

Christ the redeeming Son, Who shares our human birth,
And by His death salvation won For ev’ry child of earth;
Inspire our hearts, we pray, To tell Your love abroad,
That all may honor Christ today And follow Him as Lord.

Silent Prayer And Announcements

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

KNOWING OURSELVES - LOST IN SIN

2008-09-14T11:29:00.001-05:00

Order of Worship:

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST September 14 ( 8:30 & 10:30 A.M.)

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 19, Page 126
Opening Hymn 250 : “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”

The Invocation And Prayer

KNOWING OURSELVES - LOST IN SIN

Genesis 1:27 ; Ephesians 2:1 ; Psalm 51:5 ; Romans 8:7 ; Psalm 14:2-3
(8:30 – Mike Taylor; 10:30 – David Lueck)

Our Statement of Faith And Purpose
Man was created in the image of God (holy and righteous), but he lost that image through the fall into sin. Since the Fall, he is by nature and from conception without spiritual goodness. Man is spiritually blind and dead, an enemy of God, and doomed to eternal damnation. In his lost condition he can do nothing to save himself.

Hymn 369 (V 1-3) – “All Mankind Fell In Adam’s Fall”

KNOWING GOD FROM NATURE & CONSCIENCE

Romans 1: 18 – 25 ; Romans 2: 14-15
(8:30 - Gene Lang ; 10:30 – Dan Schafer)

C: The creation of the world and the testimony of conscience (natural knowledge) make evident the existence of God. However, the saving knowledge of God is known only through His gracious revelation in Christ found in the Bible (revealed knowledge). Without exception, any other god is an idol that cannot hear, see or save. This describes false gods worshiped by non-Christians. In the darkness of wicked hearts, sinners left to themselves follow the errors of idolatry – false worship.

Hymn 19 (V 1 & 5) – “All Praise To God Who Reigns Above”

KNOWING GOD THE FATHER
John 3:16 ; Galatians 3: 21 – 24 ; Galatians 1: 3-5
(8:30 – Jim Doring ; 10:30 – Steve Schierenbeck)

C: We confess and worship the Triune (Three-In-One) God: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. In this Triune God we find the source and promise of salvation. God the Father is our Creator and Preserver. He loved the world, which was perishing in its sins, and from eternity planned the salvation of every sinner through God the Son.

Hymn 387 (V 4-5) – “But God Beheld…. And Gave….”

KNOWING GOD THE SON
Galatians 4: 4-5 ; 2 Corinthians 5: 19-21 ; Romans 5: 8 - 10
(8:30 – Tom Schwartz ; 10:30 – Larry Eisenbeisz)

C: God the Son is our Redeemer. He became man to be our Savior. Jesus Christ, true God and true man, lived a life of perfect obedience to God’s Law on behalf of every sinner. As the sinner’s substitute, He suffered the full punishment of hell on the cross. He atoned for the sins of the whole world, completely removed all guilt, and reconciled everyone to God. On the third day He rose from the dead in glorious victory over sin and death. We believe that God has justified (declared righteous) all sinners because of Jesus’ perfect obedience and His sacrificial death.

Hymn 387 (V 6 & 8) – “The Son Obeyed His Father’s Will”

Our Gifts For The Advancement Of The Kingdom

KNOWING GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 12:3 ; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 3:16
Ephesians 2: 10 ; Galatians 5: 22-24
(8:30 – Dan Beekman ; 10:30 - Brian Ludvigson )

C: God The Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier (the One Who sets us apart as believers in Christ). His function in our salvation is to enlighten our dark and sinful hearts. To accomplish this, He uses the Gospel (The Good News of salvation through Jesus) to create saving faith and give the comfort of the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit creates believers in Christ Through His gracious working in the heart of the sinner. Scripture calls this change from unbeliever to believer regeneration, that is – a new birth.

No one, by his own strength of mind or will, can do anything except resist and reject the life-giving Gospel. No one, by his own power, can choose to believe in Christ. Being dead in trespasses and sins, no one can “accept Christ” or “welcome him into his heart” by his own reason or strength. The sinner receives and accepts the blessing of his justifica- tion only through the faith which the Holy Spirit creates.
The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of those in whom He has created faith, sanctifying them day by day. The Spirit empowers them to live before God as His children according to His revealed will and enables them to crucify the sinful urges that still cling to them in this life.

Hymn 235 (V 1-2) – “O Holy Spirit, Enter In”

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn 644

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE CHURCH’S CALLING: TO BAPTIZE & TEACH THAT THEY MAY KNOW CHRIST (Matthew 28: 18 – 20 ; John 17:3)

2008-09-07T13:56:00.003-05:00

Order of Worship:

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST September 6 & 7 (Saturday – 7 P.M.; Sunday – 8:30 & 10:30 A.M.)

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 119 (IV & V), Page 149
Opening Hymn: “Let Me Learn Of Jesus”

The Invocation And Prayer

(10:30) The Installation Of Our Sunday School Staff

Sung Response:
Send, O Lord, Thy Holy Spirit On these servants now, we pray;
Help them be Your faithful shepherds To your little lambs always.
Your pure teaching to proclaim, To extol Your holy Name, And to feed Your lambs,dear Savior, Make their aim & sole endeavor.

The Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 5-6, 13-14; 3: 14-17
As important as it was for Timothy’s faith to continue in, learn, guard and treasure the Word handed down to him by Christian parents, grand- parents and teachers, so it remains vitally important for the health and growth of our faith today.

The Nicene Creed (Hymnal, Page 22)

Hymn 288 – “Lord, Help Us Ever To Retain”

The Sermon ………………………. Matthew 28: 18 – 20 ; John 17:3

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go Therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world’….. And this is life eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent.

THE CHURCH’S CALLING: TO BAPTIZE & TEACH THAT THEY MAY KNOW CHRIST

The Offering

The Confession of Sins And Absolution

The Consecration And Distribution of The Sacrament
Since God’s Word presents the reception of the Sacrament as an intimate expression of faith and confessional unity, we ask that only those who have professed such unity by membership at Berea or another CLC church come forward to the Lord’s table. Any having questions or wanting information on church membership may speak with the Pastor.

Communion Hymn: “Jesus Comes Today With Healing”
(Words: Heinrich Puchta ; Melody: Hymn 425)

1. Jesus comes today with healing, Knocking at my door, appealing,
Off’ring pardon, grace and peace. He Himself makes preparation, And I hear His invitation: “Come and taste the blessed feast.”

2. Christ Himself, the priest presiding,, Yet in bread and wine abiding
In this holy Sacrament, Gives the Bread of Life, once broken,
And the cup, the precious token Of His sacred covenant.

3. Under bread and wine, though lowly, I receive the Savior holy,
Blood and body, giv’n for me; Very Lamb of God from heaven, Who to bitter death was given, Hung upon the cursed tree.

4. God descends with heav’nly power, Gives Himself to me this hour
In this ordinary sign. On my tongue His pledge receiving, I accept His grace, believing That I taste His love divine.

5. Let me praise God’s boundless favor,Whose own feast of love I savor,
Bidden by His gracious call. Wedding garments He provides me,
With a robe of white He hides me, Fits me for the royal hall.

6. Now have I found consolation, Comfort in my tribulation,
Balm to heal my troubled soul. God, my Shield from ev’ry terror,
Cleanses me from sin and error, Makes my wounded spirit whole.

The Lord’s Prayer And Benediction

The Closing Hymn: “Lord Jesus Christ, The Children’s Friend”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DISADVANGED OR PRIVILEGED ? (Romans 9: 1-9, 24-25)

2008-08-31T13:53:00.003-05:00

Order of Worship:

16TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST August31, 2008 (Sunday – 9:30 A.M)

For Pre-Service Reading – Psalm 66, Page 136

Opening Hymn 246 – “Holy! Holy! Holy!"

The Invocation

Our Confession Of Sins And God’s Absolution

The Responsive Reading Of Psalm 138, Page 154 In front Of Hymnal
A Sung Litany Of Praise: “Splendor And Honor”

The Scripture Reading - Galatians 3 : 6 - 14

All who trust God’s promises in Christ are true children of Abraham.

The Apostles Creed

Hymn 399 (V 1-4) – “Thee Will I Love, My Strength”

The Sermon ………………………………….. Romans 9: 1-9, 24-25

I speak the truth in Christ – I have great sorrow and anguish in my heart. For I wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adopt- ion as sons; Theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, Who is God over all, forever praised! Amen… Yet not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, it the children of the promises who are Abraham’s true offspring…… For we have been called as His children not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles. As He says in Hosea, “I will call them ‘My people’ who were not My people; And I will call her ‘My loved one” who was not My loved one.”

DISADVANGED OR PRIVILEGED ?
1. Outward Religious Advantage Is No Guarantee Of Spiritual Success
2. Christ Turns The Spiritually-Disadvantaged Into The Truly Privileged

Hymn: “God of Our Fathers”

Our Gifts And Prayers

Our Lord’s Benediction

Closing Hymn 47 –“Savior, Again To Thy Dear Name We Praise”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.