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Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
July 18, 2010 9:00 a.m.
For Pre-Service Reading: Psalm 84, Page 38 In Supplement
Opening Hymn 798 (Supplement) - “God, We Praise You”
The Order Of Service ………………………………… Supplement, Pages 12 – 15
The Scriptures Readings – Philippians 3: 7- 14 ; Hebrews 12: 1 – 3
Be encouraged and empowered by your Savior to strive with every fiber of
your being to attain and secure the great faith-victory for which God has
called you heaven-ward in Christ Jesus.
The Apostles Creed (Supplement, Page 15)
Hymn 758 (Supplement) - “Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation”
The Sermon ……………………………………………………. 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the
prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the
games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last;But
we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a
man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I train my
body and make it my servant so that after I have preached to others,I myself
will not be disqualified for the prize.”
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE !
1. Perservere Against Great Sin-Obstacles
2. Focus On Jesus Who Saves And Strengthens Us
3. Be Encouraged By The “Cloud Of Witnesses” Surrounding You
Hymn 447 – “Fight The Good Fight With All Thy Might”
The Offering And Prayers
Lord God, heavenly Father, neither in time nor in eternity can we sufficiently thank You for Your great grace and mercy toward us – for washing us clean in the blood of Your dear Son, for receiving us into
Your family in infancy through Holy Baptism, for permitting us to hear, learn and grow in Your Word of grace, for raising us when we fell and strengthening us when we were weak, for helping us in our every need
and comforting us in our sorrows, for ever keeping before our eyes the blessed hope of everlasting life.
O help us not to be ungrateful for the great grace we have
received. As we run our life’s race, inspire and strengthen us by Your
Holy Spirit. As we face the many obstacles and burdens that come
from within and without,help us overcome them through Your forgiving
and empowering love; As we grow weary and discouraged, restore us
and uplift us with your precious promises and assurances of victory in
Your Son. Help us ever focus our eyes on Jesus, the Author & Finisher
of our faith. For He has run the race before us and for us, and has secured victory for us by faith. His joy in securing our salvation moved
Him to endure the cross and every enemy attack. May we also find joy
in loving, praising, pleasing and serving Him as we run our race.
Dear Father, help us fight the good fight, keep the faith and fin-
ish our race – knowing that as we cross the finish line, a glorious prize awaits us in heaven. May the sure and certain hope of that crown of
life and righteousness fill our hearts with joy. Lord, reawaken, renew, rekindle and rejuvenate our hearts with a zeal to run the great race
You have set before us. This we ask in the Name of our Savior Who
has taught us to pray – “Our Father Who Art In Heaven…”
The Benediction & Closing Hymn: “Look Up, Look Up To Jesus”
1. Look up! Look up to Jesus! Look to His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own.
His Word alone will lead you In care or sorrow’s cries -
To run your race undaunted, To gain the victor’s prize.
2. Look up! Look up to Jesus! The race will not be long;
Today the race’s struggle and soon, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory Shall reign eternally.