FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT March 9, 2025

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT March 9, 2025 AS WE GATHER In the Garden, man exalts himself to be a god in place of God (Gen. 3:1–21). He succumbs to the temptation of the devil, and eating of the forbidden fruit, he receives death. But in the sin-cursed wilderness, God humbles Himself to become man in place of man (Mt. 4:1–11). He does not eat but fasts and bears the onslaughts of the devil for us that we may be restored to life. Jesus stands as David in our place to do battle against the Goliath, Satan (1 Samuel 17:40–51). Though outwardly Jesus appears weak, yet He comes in the name of the Lord of hosts. He draws from the five smooth stones of the books of Moses and slings the Word of God. The stone sinks into the forehead, and the enemy falls. In Christ we are victorious over the devil. Let us therefore not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1–10), but seeing that we have a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need (Heb 4:14–16). St. Paul Lutheran Church A Member Congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod AS WE GATHER The people of God are treasured possessions, chosen and loved for all eternity. God’s divine, amazing grace embraces the predestined, the justified, the glorified. God’s divine deliverance rescues from tribulation, persecution, danger, and death. Anything that would separate us from the love of God in Christ is rendered completely powerless! God’s people, made righteous by Him, will live forever as citizens in the kingdom of heaven. We greet and welcome all guests and visitors worshiping with us today. We hope that the message you hear today will strengthen your understanding and faith in God’s plan to save us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. If you are visiting with us for the first time, please introduce yourself to Pastor Mat. If you are without a church home, we invite you to join us here at St. Paul. ORDER OF WORSHIP DIVINE SERVICE 3 Ringing of the Bell Hymn of Invocation 418 Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit p12 of bulletin Kyrie p186 Salutation/Collect p189 Old Testament p2 Genesis 3:1-21 Psalm 32 Front of Hymnal Epistle Reading p1003 Hebrews 4:14-16 Holy Gospel p809 Matthew 4:1-11 Apostles Creed p192 Hymn of the Day 656 Sermon Offertory p422 Offering (please sign attendance book in pew) Prayer of the Church † Service of the Sacrament † Preface p194 Sanctus p195 Lord’s Prayer p196 The Words of our Lord p197 Pax Domini p197 Agnus Dei p198 Distribution Hymns 621, 420, 659, 746 Nunc Dimittis p199 Thanksgiving p200 Salutation and Benedicamus p201 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart 425