GRACE WINS! GRACE WINS THROUGH FAITH

July 20, 21, and 24, 2019

We’re sinful and God is holy. How can we bridge the gap? How can we go from one side to the other?

We can’t. But here’s the good news: God does what we cannot do. And it’s all ours through faith.

BELLS AND WELCOME

OPENING HYMN 376, vv. 1-4 Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness

BAPTISM (Sunday 9:15 am) Owen Blake Moran

Son of Kyle and Brooke (nee Westphal) Moran, born April 11, 2019

M In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.

CONFESSION OF SINS

M Dear brothers and sisters, the Scriptures repeatedly remind us that we are saved by grace

through faith in Christ Jesus, that salvation, peace, and eternal life come to us solely as a

gift from God.

C Yet a part of us wants to believe that God looks favorably on us because of how we

choose to live our lives.

M Our sinful nature taints everything that we think, do, and say. As Isaiah declared: All our

righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:4). There is no one who is good, not even one.

Let us, therefore, confess our sin to God, seeking his gifts of forgiveness and mercy

through Jesus Christ.

C Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am like a sheep who has gone astray. I have

disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I do what is evil and fail to do

what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. I am truly

sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on

me, a sinner.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

S 6 6 W 1 4 3 2 5 J A N E S V I L L E R D • M U S K E G O W I 5 3 1 5 0 • W E L S • 4 1 4 . 4 2 2 . 0 3 2 0 • W W W . S T P A U L M U S K E G O . O R G

M God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his one and only Son to

be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his

authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the

Holy Spirit.

M In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lamb, whose blood covers all our sins.

HYMN 376, vv. 5, 6 Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness

When from the dust of death I rise

To claim my mansion in the skies,

E'en then this shall be all my plea:

Jesus has lived and died for me.

Jesus, be worshiped endlessly!

Your boundless mercy has for me,

For me and all your hands have made,

An everlasting ransom paid.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M The Lord be with you.

M Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, you bring light to those who dwell in darkness and make your love known to them.

C Though we deserve your wrath and judgment, we know that you have chosen mercy.

M Open our eyes today to see more clearly the power of your forgiving love.

C Strengthen us in our faith that we may put all our hope in you.

M You live and reign with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

FIRST LESSON Leviticus 16:11-16a, 34, Bible page 116

On the great Day of Atonement, God offered a way for the high priest to bridge the gap between God’s

holiness and our sin. Jesus is our great High Priest.

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 103, Hymnal page 105

The Lord’s love is with those who fear him from everlasting to everlasting.

GOSPEL Matthew 15:21-28, Bible page 982

The faith of a Canaanite woman connected her to the gifts of forgiveness and salvation.

HYMN 378 All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall

SERMON Romans 3:21-31, Bible page 1129

Pastor David Kuehl

CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise you for reconciling us to yourself

through the sufferings and death of your dear Son.

C Through him we have confidence to enter your presence and to bring you our prayers

and petitions.

M Out of the infinite bounty of your goodness, grant us a rich measure of your Spirit.

C Let the love of Christ fill your Church, so that it may flourish in all good works.

M Help us show love and compassion for all who are in need. Bestow on the nations of the

earth the knowledge of your mercy, that they may turn to you, the only God, and find

salvation in you.

C Strengthen our faith so that we unfailingly come to you in prayer for all our bodily

needs.

M Give a special measure of your power to those who are sorrowful or mourning, to those

who are in pain or sickness, to those who may be in temptation or peril, that they may

receive your blessed aid.

Special prayers and intercessions.

M Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M Help us patiently endure any chastening and afflictions you permit to come into our lives,

C knowing that you are using them in love to prepare us for that joyful communion with

you, which is ours for all eternity.

M Accept our prayers and intercessions, and provide for all our needs, not because we are

worthy but for the sake of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be

done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we

forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from

evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 460 How Can I Thank You, Lord

CLOSING PRAYER

M We have gathered here today, Lord God, as your redeemed and holy people. You have fed

and refreshed us with your Word.

C As we go from this place, may we continue to know your presence and your power as we

seek to be living examples of your love and grace, to your praise and glory.

M We bless you now and forevermore.

BLESSING

M The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and † give you peace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PIANIST (Saturday and Sunday) Susan Gedemer

ORGANIST (Wednesday) Carol Nelson

UNDER THE CANOPY As you walk out of church after the Sunday morning services, you will be greeted by St.

Paul’s Library Team. Enjoy the provided refreshments, learn about the latest library upgrades, and take

advantage of some video give-aways set up in the lobby. The church library exists to help St. Paul’s members

and friends grow in their faith and commitment to Jesus. Church Library Team – thanks for hosting!

WEEKLY CALENDAR

MON 10:00 am Walking Club (Trinity Gym)

TUE 9:30 am Ministerial Growth Team Meeting

10:00 am Walking Club (Trinity Gym)

10:30 am Ministerial Team Meeting

WED 7:00 pm Traditional Worship Service

THURS 6:30 am Sunrise Bible Study (Faith Room)

10:00 am Walking Club (Trinity Gym)

SAT 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (Grace Room)

5:00 pm Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion

SUN 7:45 am Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion

9:15 am Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion

9:15 am Grace Room Bible Study

9:45 am The Bridge Communion

10:15 am The Bridge

10:45 am Contemporary Worship Service with Holy Communion

JOIN US ONLINE

If you can’t join us in person, join us online! A video archive of sermons is available at

www.stpaulmukego.org/worship/sermons.

The Bridge, our casual contemporary service, is livestreamed every Sunday at 10:15 am on each of

the following platforms. You can find an archive of past messages on each site, with the full-service

replay on YouTube.

www.thebridgemuskego.org

@ The Bridge Church Muskego

@ The Bridge at St. Paul’s

For the week of July 22, 2019

Our vision is that by every possible means we bring every

person in our area of influence closer to Christ through

regular worship, small groups, and serving together.

WEDDING

Congratulations to Jonathan and Emily (nee Davis) Fink, who were joined in marriage on Saturday, July 20.

May God bless their marriage and their commitment to each other in Christ.

PRAYERS REQUESTED

Please pray for the following individuals in their time of need: Carol Beyer, David Burkowitz, Carol

Gosseck, Connie Hikade, Shelly Pearson, Mary Schauwitzer, Carol Smith, Jeanne Steinbrecher, and Dick

and Jane Sternberg.

HOSPITALIZED

Lois Guhr is in hospice care at The View at Pine Ridge in Oconomowoc and June Hackbart in hospice care

at Dycora in Greenfield. Donald Oakes is at Froedtert, Carol Kolosovsky at St. Luke’s, Sandra Merfeld has

transferred to New Berlin Linden Grove, and Carol Gosseck to Village at Manor Park.

ATTENDANCE 918 attended last week’s worship services.

FOLLOWING THE PROMISE BIBLE STUDY

Join Pastor Nate for a look at the basics of what the Bible teaches and how

God’s promises throughout the Bible relate to you on Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15

pm. Invite a friend and grow in the Word together. Text Pastor Nate

at (414) 426-8236, email at nstrobel@stpaulmuskego.org, or register on

the Connection Card.

GRACE ROOM BIBLE STUDY—BEING AWAKE AND ALIVE

As a follow-up to What Makes Teens Tick and a continuation of the Sunday morning Grace Room sessions on

the need to be attentive to all generations, representatives of Awake & Alive, the ministry for 18-25 year olds,

will speak about the unique, spiritual issues facing young adults today. Please consider attending Being Awake

& Alive, Sunday, July 28, at 9:15 am, in the Grace Room.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT—AUGUST 8 AND 9

On August 8 and 9, the Global Leadership Summit will telecast live in HD to over 500 locations nationwide.

St. Paul’s will be one of the live telecast locations this year for the first time. St. Paul’s receives a discounted

rate of $119, which is a savings from the $208.00 regular rate if you use our priority code PV2019. Register

at StPaulMuskego.org\GLS.

HOLY LAND EXCURSION INFO MEETING

Pastor Panitzke will be giving a short presentation about the upcoming trip to the Holy Land (June 16-25,

2020) on Sunday, July 21, at 9:15 am in the Faith Room for anyone interested. If you would be traveling

alone, please speak to Pastor Panitzke. Single travelers, both male and female, have asked about finding a

roommate to reduce costs. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.

ST. PAUL’S CHILD CARE CENTER INFANT OPENING

Our Child Care Center has an opening in the infant room (6:00 am – 6:00 pm, 6 weeks – 12 months). If you

need child care arrangements, contact Child Care Director Kim Neubauer at (414) 422-0320, ext. 200, or

kneubauer@stpaulmuskego.org or for a tour and answers to your questions.

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

many summer renovations.

Several of us attended the funeral of our dear sister in Christ and

former St. Paul’s teacher Linda Martens. Her casket lay at the foot of

this statue of Jesus in her home congregation of St. Paul’s Lutheran

Church, Grant Park, Illinois.

As we saw her lying at Jesus’ feet, seeing the power and reality of

death, Mr. Fitzsimmons leaned over and said to me, “Imagine what it

was like when Jesus raised people from the dead!” At that moment, it

was hard to imagine seeing Linda, dead for a week, sit up alive in her

casket.

But that is what Christian education is all about! Seeing death

has been defeated.

In the pew behind me, a little girl was asking her mom about

Linda. Her mom explained, “Linda’s soul is with Jesus right

now. Her body is only asleep. Jesus will come back and raise up

her body some day.” Christian education is all about

death defeated. It starts in the home.

Mr. Fitzsimmons shared with Miss Martens’ family our plan to include a special recognition for Miss

Martens at the opening service of our school on Tuesday, August 20. He explained, “This

message of heaven is the reason our school exists - to teach truth so that all of us will receive our

eternal reward and hug first from our Savior and then from one another.” Christian education is all

about death defeated.

Our public school confirmation classes will be starting in late August. The goal is not just that our

young people are confirmed, but that they have a life-long relationship with their Savior. The evening of

Linda’s funeral, a former public-school confirmation student, now a first-time mother, expressed her

desire for baptism for her baby boy. She and her husband have a life-giving, death-defeating relationship

with Jesus, and they want that for their son too. I saw in my mind the image of the statue of Jesus at

the church in Grant Park, watching over Miss Martens, but also over this little boy. Christian

education is all about death defeated.

The risen and ascended Savior has defeated death. We shall live forever. There is no more

important message for us to learn for ourselves, to share with our children, and to share with the world

around us.

Thank you for every gift you give to support gospel ministry here at St. Paul’s. Every gift, no matter

what the designation, ultimately has this same goel—to share this death-defeating message!

Initial financial reports from the fiscal year ending June 30 indicate that our offerings for both our

Mission and Ministry Fund and our Mortgage Fund were at the level we had estimated last year. Cool Million

gifts total $565,000. The special picnic offering envelope will be used for a Cool Million with the prayer that

we might receive approximately $150,000 in new gifts and plans over the next few months to fully fund our

WHAT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS ALL ABOUT

MISSION NEWS FROM AFRICA

Pick up the July Mission Partner Communique from Pastor John Holtz, a

son of our congregation and a missionary in Malawi. He shares his

experiences on the second exploratory mission visit to Uganda. With

the approval of the WELS One Africa Team, a $10,000 tithe gift of our

Cool Million campaign is funding this Uganda mission exploration. Our

regular gifts designated Malawi Mission Partner provide the synod with

approximately 1/3 of the funds necessary to support Pastor Holtz’s on-

going mission work in Malawi.

Pray for St. Paul’s member, Kara Darling, who left for a three-week mission trip to Malawi with WELS

Kingdom Workers. May God bless her ministry there. May her service also be an inspiration to her

five young children and the rest of us, that we too ask, “Lord, what gifts have you given to me that I

might put to use in your kingdom work?”

Ten of us from St. Paul’s just returned from a visit to Lusaka, Zambia,

where we toured the two Lutheran elementary schools supported by

the Vulnerable Children’s Foundation. We will host an “Under the Canopy” this fall to share some of our experiences, but we’d love to

share stories with you now. Just ask any of us: Glenn and Linda

Ebeling, Bob and Sharon Garbe, Bryan and Lynda Guhr, Tammy and

Aaron Miller, Peter and Joni Panitzke.

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Pastor Jonathan Kongongo, his wife Sarah, and Joni

and Pastor Panitzke. Pastor Pete had the opportunity

to preach at Pastor Kongongo’s church at Kaunda

Square Township in Lusaka.

Matthew West’s song “Grace Wins” captures

the truth we want to claim for ourselves this

summer as we study St. Paul’s letter to the

Romans.

For the prodigal son

Grace Wins

For the woman at the well

Grace Wins

For the blind men and the beggar

Grace Wins

For always and forever

Grace Wins

For the lost out on the street

Grace Wins

For the worst part of you and me

Grace Wins

For the thief on the cross

Grace Wins

For the world that is lost

There’s a war between guilt and grace,

And their fighting for a sacred space,

But I’m living proof

Grace wins every time.

We are paving the way through Paul’s letter to the Romans. Prepare for an uncomfortable ride.

Experience some “g’s” as Paul allows us to feel the weight of our guilt. We will understand Matthew

West’s comment about “the worst part of you and me.”

But Paul’s purpose is to prepare us to experience the exhilaration that only the “g’s” of God’s grace can

give. God’s grace wins over the guilt of every failure and every act of rebellion. Grace wins over the

power of sin so that God can work amazing changes in us.

Invite your friends to celebrate with you: “Grace Wins Every Time!”

July 28 – Romans 4

August 4, Picnic Sunday – Romans 5:1-11

August 11 – Romans 5:12-21

August 18 – Romans 6:7-7:6

August 25 – Romans 7:7-8:17

September 1 – Romans 8:18-39

SUMMER MESSAGE SERIES

Our vision is that by every possible means we bring every

person in our area of influence closer to Christ through

regular worship, small groups, and serving together.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH PICNIC—COMING SOON!

When? Sunday, August 4, at 11:30 am, following the

outdoor church service.

Where? On the St. Paul’s grounds.

What? Burgers, brats, and hotdogs for purchase. Plus,

beverages, ice cream, and other treats.

What Else? Children’s games and play area, face painting, adult bags tournament, musical entertainment.

Why? Because you couldn’t have more fun on a Sunday afternoon if you tried!

We are still looking for more volunteer help.

Food Tent— Grill cooks and food preppers are needed.

Children Games—An attendant is needed for each game (there will be 5 or 6 games) running in 2 shifts. This is an easy and fun job for a young adult.

Be generous with your time! Sign up for a volunteer position on the table in the lobby.

A COOL OFFERING ON PICNIC SUNDAY

In your offering packet is a green “Picnic Offering” envelope. These special picnic offerings will be

included in the Cool Million effort.

PARENTS: REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR FALL CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION CLASSES

If you have a child entering 6th-8th grade this fall who will be enrolled in a school other than St. Paul’s

Lutheran School, please contact Dr. Nelson at (414) 422-0320, ext. 145, or jnelson@stpaulmuskego.org

to receive all the necessary information about the program and the August 19 orientation night that will

be held in the church, 6:30-7:30 pm. These Wednesday afternoon classes begin August 28 at 4:30 pm.

KIDS CLUB THIS FALL

If being a part of shaping the next generation for the Lord is something you’d enjoy, contact Dr. Nelson

at jnelson@stpaulmuskego.org or mark the back of your Connection Card to experience the joys and

rewards of youth ministry.

READING BUDDIES WILL BE BACK THIS FALL – JOIN THE FUN!

Reading Buddies starts Wednesday, September 4, 9:45-10:45 am, in the Trinity Cafe. Read together

with a Kindergarten - 2nd grade student in 15 minute increments. Help instill the love of reading and

enjoy the camaraderie with our students. Contact School Administrator Seth Fitzsimmons to volunteer

at 414.422.0320, ext. 118 or sfitzsimmons@stpaulmuskego.org. Volunteer for as many Wednesdays

that work for you.

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

1. Start by sharing the highs and lows from last week and begin your time together in prayer.

2. Has there ever been a time in your life when you tried to find an "alternate route" to God's plan?

3. Read Luke 15:11-32. Which of these two sons do you more easily identify with? What did each

of them have to learn about grace in this parable?

4. Why is it so critical for each of us to read the Bible on our own for a better understanding of

how grace truly wins?

5. Re-read the sermon text (Romans 3:21-31). Which verse from this section of scripture stands

out the most to you in communicating the message that Grace Wins!?

6. Have you ever shared your personal account of God's grace - your testimony - with anyone? Pair

up in teams of 2-3 and listen to each other's testimony and pray for opportunities to share these

grace victories with others.

GroupWork Bible Study Discussion Starters

Life application materials for use in Connector Groups, home devotions, and other small groups.

God’s Grace Wins through Faith in Jesus

Romans 3:21-31, Bible page 1129

Introduction: Road construction and alternate routes

Righteousness = being r_________ with God

1. The wrong way to be right (with God).

Surprisingly, the last place people tend to look to learn about being right with God is the

B_________.

The first step in understanding how to be right with God is to recognize that we are s__________ (vv. 22, 23).

We all fall short of God’s glory because God requires p__________ (Matthew 5:48).

The road of self-righteousness is a popular road, but it’s a d_________ e__________.

2. The right way to be right (with God).

The right way to be right with God is to walk the road that focuses on J__________ (John 14:6;

Romans 3:24).

Redemption = b_________ something back that once belonged to us

Since we could never be p_________, Jesus was p_________ for us (v. 24).

Instead of p___________ us for our sins, Jesus was p___________ in our place (v. 25).

Atonement = p___________ for sin.

“Where, then, is boasting?” Not in the law of works but in the law (principle) of faith (v. 27).

Conclusion: Rest assured that through faith in Jesus God will let you into his heaven someday.

God’s grace wins!

My Next Steps

Memorize 1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus, [God’s] Son, purifies us from every sin.”

Read Romans 4 to prepare for next week’s message on Grace Wins in Real Life.

Commit to 5-10 minutes of devotional time and prayer each day to grow and be strengthened in your

certainty of heaven through faith in Jesus.

NoteSheet Sermon Outline

Take notes during the sermon to help you remember the main points