New Life's Worship Service on October 22nd, 2023, the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost/ Proper 24

Worship Service on October 22nd, 2023, the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost / Proper 24, at New Life Ev. Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich. Service folder/bulletin: http://www.newlife-wels.org/podcast/P... Before Service Prayer: Almighty God, Your Word and will are accomplished despite the enemies of Your purpose and through the unlikely means of those indifferent to You. Encourage us when we are quick to judge and slow to believe, that we may never forget the triumph of Your saving purpose in Your Son; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Today's Theme: GODLY GOVERNMENT: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1). Note the absolute language: no authority. None. Stated positively, every government and all government authority figures have power only because God gave it to them. Therefore, as citizens of the United States, we don't support the government because those we voted for were elected or because we approve of the current tax policy or even because freedom of religion is enshrined in the First Amendment. We support our government simply because it was instituted by God. Jesus Himself taught that we owe respect and obedience to our government, even when it doesn't align with our political preferences. Christians sometimes struggle with this. We see that government and rulers can be evil. Certainly, if government asks us to sin, "we must obey God rather than human beings" (Acts 5:29). But the existence of corrupt government and evil rulers does not negate what Scripture says to be true. "There is no authority except that which God has established". Therefore, when we talk about "godly government" we are not saying that the only legitimate governments are those who do what is perfectly godly. We are confessing our belief that the King of kings is in perfect control of all the governments of this world, and that He works in all things - including tyrants and dictators - for the eternal good of His dear children. Today’s Service: Comfort, NPH; reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-800156 and under CCLI license #1132777. Personal Preparation for Holy Communion: p. 295-296 "Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal". Christian hymns preach Jesus Christ: crucified, risen and seated at God's right hand. The hymns in this service are from "Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal" ©2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used with permission. Additional hymns: "Christian Worship Supplement" ©2008 Northwestern Publishing House. Used with permission. #newlifewelslz