During the Sundays of Trinity we are reminded of the mystery and the glory of God. His thoughts are above our thoughts as far as the heavens are above the earth (Is.55:8-9). We cannot know His mind or be His counselor (Rom 11:34). Accordingly we receive in faith His counsel that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the one true God. We also receive in faith His counsel that the very body and blood of Christ are present under the bread and wine for our forgiveness. As we receive Holy Communion today, the whole counsel of God moves us to determine confessional oneness for those who receive the sacrament together. For Scriptural reasons, we practice close communion. If you do not belong to a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we invite you to join our communion fellowship. For details, please speak or make an appointment with Pastor Kane through the church office (319) 235-6705.
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Our Only Hope Is in Christ’s Righteousness
July 27, 2025
AS WE GATHER: “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). God demands nothing less than perfection and holiness from you in regard to His commandments (Ex. 20:1-17). Your only hope, then, is not in your own goodness but in the goodness of Christ, who did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them for you. In Christ, your righteousness does indeed exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. For you have been bap0tized into Christ’s death and your sinful nature crucified. Therefore, he who has died has been freed from sin (Rom. 6:1-11). You are now raised with Christ to walk in newness of life and to share in His resurrection on the Last Day. Christ has brought you through the baptismal sea “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex. 20:2). Therefore, “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11).
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/Preacher Pastor Justin D. Kane
Organist Mrs. Kolleen Hosford
Worship Elder Mr. Al Hosford
Mr. Kevin McCrindle
Lay Reader Mrs. Nancy McHone
Greeters Carol Gustafson/Al Kleinendorst
Door Greeters Brian Williams
Take a moment to notice the * at the beginning of various portions of the order of service. The * indicates the place where it is inappropriate to enter or leave the sanctuary because it marks a time of prayer or respect for the Word of the Lord. Please be considerate of others around you by honoring these notations.ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service IV
Announcements
Opening Hymn: LSB 579
“The Law of God Is Good and Wise”
Confession and Absolution: LSB 203
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie LSB 204
*Salutation: LSB 205
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: Lord of all power and might, author and giver of all good things,
People: graft into our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17 Pew Bible Page 118
Epistle: Romans 6:1-11 Pew Bible Page 1754
*Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:17-26 Pew Bible Page 1502
*Nicene Creed: LSB 206
Sermon Hymn: LSB 562 “All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall”
Sermon
Offertory LSB 601 “All Who Believe and Are Baptized”
*Prayer of the Church
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
O Lord, our strength, our refuge and our rock, do not be deaf to Your people, but hear us from Your most holy sanctuary in heaven through the mediation of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, You have purchased us from the power of sin, death and the devil through the waters of Holy Baptism and made us Your children. Grant that we may count ourselves as dead to sin and alive to You in Christ Jesus, serving our neighbors in love and looking for the resurrection that is ours in Your Son. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, You gave the Law, that we might know Your will and live as Your holy people. Increase in us true fear, love and trust in Your holy name and saving Word, that we may have no other gods but You. Guide and bless all fathers and mothers, pastors and teachers as they bring up children in the discipline and knowledge of the true faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Lord, uphold Donald, our president; Kim, our governor; our legislatures and judges; our local leaders; and all who serve in our armed forces. Grant peace graciously, O Lord, in our time; for there is no other who fights for us but You only, O Lord, our God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of all grace, shower Your forgiveness upon all who are baptized into Your name. In Baptism, You have united us with Your Son, that His death and resurrection have become our death and resurrection. Cause us daily to die to sin and to live in Your gracious salvation through Christ Jesus. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, in the Holy Supper You forgive our sins and bind us together in Your communion of love. Grant that we, too, may gladly forgive the sins of our brothers, and let no division arise among those gathered at Your table. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God of all truth, goodness and beauty, teach us the truth of Your Word. Fill us with virtue and righteousness. Inspire in our hearts the adoration of Your glory, that we may always be one with You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we confess that we are poor, miserable sinners with no good in us. Our hearts and our flesh and blood are so corrupted by sin that we are never without sinful desires in this life. Therefore, we implore You, forgive us our sins. Let Your Holy Spirit so cleanse our hearts that we would love Your Word, abide by it and, by Your grace, be saved forever; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the same Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lord’s Prayer LSB 209
*Benediction LSB 212
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT LSB 208ff
Distribution Hymns:
“The Gospel Shows the Father’s Grace” LSB 580
“Not unto Us” LSB 588
*Nunc Dimittis: LSB 211
*Post-Communion Collect: LSB 212
*Benediction: LSB 212
Closing Hymn: LSB 632 “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee”
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705