New Life's Worship Service on March 17th, 2024, the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Worship Service on March 17th, 2024, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, at New Life Ev. Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich. Service folder/bulletin: http://www.newlife-wels.org/podcast/L... Before Service Prayer: Father, You know the multitude of sins I have committed in my life and even this past week. Help me hate my sin more and grow in grace as I contemplate what Christ has done to forgive me and free me from sin's death grip. Open the eyes of my heart to see the glorious hope we have in Christ, Your love for all of the saints, and Your power at work in us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-21). Cause my heart to burn within me as we celebrate the gospel in song, learn and apply the gospel through the preached Word, and see the gospel in the sacraments. Amen. Today's Theme: RETHINKING DEVOTED COMMITMENT: Religious sociologists sometimes divide Christians into two groups: committed Christians and cultural Christians. The former are usually defined as those who are active in a congregation, who pray regularly, who read Scripture, etc. The latter are those individuals who call themselves Christian and perhaps have some Christian beliefs. Yet, they do not strive to live a Christian life. They are not interested in church involvement. Those definitions are interesting when trying to understand shifts in American Christianity. However, they demonstrate a false assumption about the Christian religion. There is indeed a devoted commitment at the center of Christianity, but it is not man’s commitment to God. Even believers will at times demonstrate lukewarm commitment at best. Instead, at the heart of Christianity we find God’s devotion and commitment to us. It is a devoted commitment so strong that it put God on the cross. Today’s Service: Service of the Word, NPH, Gathering Rite, GIA; reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-800156 and under CCLI license #1132777. 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
