Hope, and the Strength to Resist

The First Sunday in Lent March 6, 2022 T

he text for the first Sunday in Lent is always the same – Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. This story illustrates Jesus’ power to resist and defeat evil, and thus, the message for us is clear. We, like the people Jesus healed, become slaves to some form of sickness – a form of slavery to evil influences. Jesus tells us “The Son of Man has come to give his life as a ransom for many”. We all get ourselves stuck in situations, later to discover we are on a destructive road and need to be ransomed – to be freed from an evil influence of some kind. Jesus did that by giving his life on the cross. We can let go of the past, and embrace a new life filled with hope, faith, and love.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude “Penitential Suite”, by Bela Bartok

Greeting and Announcements

*Hymn “O Lord, throughout These Forty Days”

*Apostolic Greeting

*Prayer of the Day

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

SECOND READING: Romans 10:8b-13

Choir Anthem: “Alas, My Savior Died”

Children’s Time

*GOSPEL: Luke 4:1-13

Sermon: “Hope, and the Strength to Resist” – Pastor Dan Severson

*Sermon Hymn: ”I want Jesus to Walk with Me”

*Apostles Creed

Choir Call to Communion “Now the Silence”

The Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Distribution

Communion

Blessing

Prayers

*The Benediction

*Sending Hymn: ”A Mighty Fortress is our God”

*DISMISSAL Postlude “Largo and Menuet”, G.F. Handel