Do You Know the Way In? – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

In Luke 13, Jesus confronts a crucial question: Who will enter the Kingdom of God? Many of His listeners assumed that their heritage, knowledge, or outward practices guaranteed them a place. Yet Jesus makes it clear that there is only one way into the Kingdom—and many who think they are inside may in fact find themselves shut out.

This message is not just for first-century Jews, but for us today. Do we truly know the way into God’s Kingdom, or are we relying on the wrong things—our background, our good works, or our assumptions? Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow door: Himself. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. Join us as we hear God’s Word and consider the urgent invitation to enter by faith in Christ.

Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor George Gude; Reader: Nic Schatte

Order of service:

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Aug 24, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 50:1–15

Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 66:18–23

New Testament reading is from Hebrews 12:4–24

Holy Gospel is from Luke 13:22–30

Songs and Hymns:

O Worship the King

Text: Robert Grant, 1779–1838, alt.
Tune: William Croft, 1678–1727
Text and tune: Public domain

The Day Is Surely Drawing Near

Text: Bartholomäus Ringwaldt, 1532–99; tr. Philip A. Peter, 1832–1919, alt.
Tune: Geistliche Lieder auffs new gebessert, 1535, Wittenberg, ed. Joseph Klug
Text and tune: Public domain

Thank You Jesus For The Blood

Bryan McCleery, Charity Gayle, David Gentiles, Elisha Albright Hoffman, John Hart Stockton, Ryan Kennedy, Steven Musso
© 2021 Centricity Music Publishing; ComissionMusic; McCleery MSC
© 2021 Steven Musso Music; Watershed Worship Publishing
Remaining portion is unaffiliated
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Here Is Love Vast as the Ocean

Text and tune: Keith Getty; Kristyn Getty; Matt Boswell
Text and tune: © 2024 Getty Music Publishing; © Messenger Hymns
Tune: © 2024 Messenger Hymns
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Jesus Comes Today with Healing

Text: Heinrich Puchta, 1808–58; tr. David W. Rogner, 1960, © David W. Rogner
Tune: Johann Löhner, 1645–1705; adapt. Johann Balthasar König, 1691–1758, public domain
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson
© 2018 CityAlight Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740

Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Matthew Merker
© 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Jordan Kauflin Music,
Love Your Enemies Publishing, Matthew Merker Music, Messenger Hymns
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Sanctus

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Agnus Dei

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Recording:

Audio:

Video:

Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Aug 24:

Worship Service (Pastor George Gude): 9 AM to 10:15 AM

Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Sanctuary.

Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday, Aug 27:

Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

No Jr & Sr High Youth Group

Thursday, Aug 28:

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Aug 30:

No Women’s Bible Study

AA Meeting: 1:30 PM

Saturday, Sep 6:

Circle of Friends (LWML) – 2025 Schedule: 10 AM

Circle of Friends meets the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, Sep 7:

St. James Family Picnic: 12 PM

Sunday, September 7th