In Luther’s upbringing, the term “righteousness” was understood as the truth by which God deservedly condemns those who have merited evil. In his study of the Bible, however, the Holy Spirit led him to see that Christ’s righteousness is something we are freely given by God’s grace through faith! (Rom. 3:22) That wondrous truth was the basis for the Reformation! That wondrous truth is also the basis for the Lord’s Supper, for herein Christ is present with His body and blood to give us His forgiveness. In joyful obedience to the teaching of Scripture, we practice close communion and ask guests desiring to commune to speak with the pastor or elder before the service.
REFORMATION DAY
The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace
October 27, 2024
AS WE GATHER: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus the incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Take a moment to notice the * at the beginning of various portions of the order of service. The * indicates the place where it is inappropriate to enter or leave the sanctuary because it marks a time of prayer or respect for the Word of the Lord. Please be considerate of others around you by honoring these notations.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service III
Announcements
Opening Hymn LSB 663 “Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray”
*Confession/Absolution LSB 184
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie: LSB 186
*Gloria in Excelsis: LSB 187
*Salutation: LSB 189
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: Almighty and gracious Lord,
People: pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Catechism Review Question 63 If someone is thinking about having an abortion, what should I do? What if someone has already had an abortion?
First Reading: Revelation 14:6-7 Pew Bible Page 1928
Epistle: Romans 3:19-28 Pew Bible Page 1750
*Alleluia and Verse LSB 190
*Holy Gospel: John 8:31-36 Pew Bible Page 1663
*Nicene’ Creed: LSB 192
Sermon Hymn: LSB 539 “Christ Is the World’s Redeemer”
Sermon
Offertory “Praise Him! Praise Him!” Choir
*Prayer of the Church
Prayer of the Church
Reformation Day
27 October 2024
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Almighty God, we give You thanks and praise for all Your goodness and tender care, especially on this Reformation festival. Thank You for the gift of Your Son and for the revelation of Your will and grace. Implant Your Word in us, and give us fertile hearts to keep it and bring forth its good fruit in our lives. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, keep us steadfast in Your Word, and prevent our wayward hearts from following false gospels that lead us away from You. Provide Your Church with faithful pastors who preach in purity and joy, that we are saved by Your grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Mighty God, You have great power and yet You act with mercy. Teach those who lead us to use power rightly for the preservation of order, the accomplishment of justice, the protection of life and the defense of the weak. Give us wise, godly and faithful leaders who will follow Your commands and serve with integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, remember all who face adversity of any kind. Comfort them by Your Holy Spirit, that they would acknowledge their afflictions as the manifestation of Your fatherly will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, You have given us the certainty of sins forgiven in Your Son, set forth as the propitiation by His blood to be received by faith. So lead us to eat and drink Your holy body and precious blood in repentance and faith, now and always. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Preserve Your Church, O Lord, and each of us as members of Christ’s Body, that we may not surrender the true Gospel for any reason, but be kept in this faith and fear throughout the days of our earthly pilgrimage, until that day when we and all Your people shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the reward You have prepared for us and all who have loved His appearing; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lords Prayer LSB 196
*Benediction LSB 202
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT LSB 194ff
Distribution Hymns:
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” LSB 621
“Hope of the World” LSB 690
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” LSB 643
*Nunc Dimittis: LSB 199
*Thanksgiving: LSB 200
*Benediction: LSB 202
Closing Hymn: LSB 656 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
REFORMATION DAY
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705
www.gracewaterloo.org