New Life's Worship Service on October 5th, 2025, the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

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Before Service Prayer: Almighty and gracious God, we give You thanks for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of Your Word and Sacrament through which You nurture us in Your truth and feed us with the holy food of the body and blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that all pastors may continue to follow in word and deed the example of Your Son, and that together we may serve You now in the church on earth and evermore praise You in the kingdom of heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Today's Theme: INCREASED FAITH INCREASES DUTY. As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations. So, if someone is offered a promotion, they might ask, "Is this worth it?" It is similar in God's kingdom. As our faith grows, there are obvious benefits: the comfort of knowing you are a redeemed and loved child of God, the peace of knowing your eternity is secure. However, increased faith also increases duty. There are ever more opportunities for service.

This week, Jesus has sharp words for those who want the benefits of being Christian but would shirk those responsibilities. However, to lead us to take up those responsibilities, our Savior doesn't threaten or cajole. He helps us see that while increased faith increases duty, increased duty increases delight. The believer knows he serves the One who came to serve us first. Just as Christ's service brought him great joy, so does our service to others.

Today's Service: Morning Praise, NPH; used with permission under the OneLicense.net copyright agreement #A-800156. The service is a revision of the historic Order of Matins. Matins (comes from the Latin matutinus meaning "of the morning") was the monastic service marking the beginning of the new day. In Morning Praise we sing back to God the message He has given us in His word.

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.