1. What are the ways in which the Church is defined?
To begin with the church, the true church is defined as the group of people who truly believe in Jesus Christ’s work to save them. Heaven is theirs because of what he did for them. The members of this church are everywhere. They are known only to God. They are not visible to us. This church has been made perfect by Christ and has no flaws. The marks of this church can be identified when we see evidence of the proclamation of God’s Word, the administration of the Sacraments that he commanded and the Office of the Keys and Confession being practiced.
There is also the visible church. In it are members of the true church mixed with all sorts of other people who may not be true believers. This church is not perfect. It includes heretics, unbelievers, and the like. With all of its imperfections it is still a church provided that there is enough of the marks of the proclamation of God’s Word, the administration of the Sacraments that he commanded and the Office of the Keys and Confession being practiced to produce faith in a person to believe.
2. Where can the Church be found?
Although the invisible church can be known only to God we see evidence of its marks everywhere namely the proclamation of God’s Word, the administration of the Sacraments that he commanded and the Office of the Keys being practiced.
3. Explain the difference between the Church and churches
There is only one true church, the invisible church, the “una sancta.” The definition of “The Church” is as the group of people who truly believe in Jesus Christ’s work to save them. Heaven is theirs because of what he did for them. The members of this church are everywhere. They are known only to God. They are not visible to us. This church has been made perfect by Christ and has no flaws. The marks of this church can be identified when we see evidence of the proclamation of God’s Word, the administration of the Sacraments that he commanded and the Office of the Keys being practiced.
There are many churches. They differ from the true church in that they are not perfect but they can have members of the true church mixed with all sorts of other people who may not be true believers.
Service Times:
Our regular scheduled services are every Sunday at 11:00am. Special Wednesday night Advent and Lenten Services are posted on this website.
Sunday School and adult education times:
We have Sunday School and adult education classes on Sunday mornings at 9:30am
The structure of our worship service is very simple.
There's nothing you need to know in advance. Nobody will call on you or ask you to say anything; you can participate as much or as little as you desire
Sit Anywhere You Like
You are more than welcome to sit anywhere you like. We are happy to accommodate our visitors, so please don't worry about "sitting in someone's seat". If you think you might need to leave before the service ends... feel free to set in the rear and leave when you need. We're glad for any amount of time you invest in worship and learning about Lord of Life.
The Offering Plate
Don't worry about giving money. Our members support our church in every regard, in fact many of our members make their contribution electronically and don't put anything in the offering plate. We're happy to have you as a visitor and do not expect you to give.
Will someone show up knocking on my door if I visit Lord of Life?
Not unless you ask us to, and that is a promise! You will be asked to sign the guest book or leave some contact information. Feel free to do so and we will mail or email you a thank you note for attending, or feel equally free to say, "Not today, I'm just looking around."
How should I dress?
We have a friendly and casual atmosphere, but dress the way you feel most comfortable, from jeans to business casual to suit and tie. But don’t worry about what you are wearing. We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear.
What is the music like?
Music at our 11am service on Sunday is contemporary and is lead by our Worship Team. Remember, you don't have to sing or even hum along to praise the Lord with music.
What about children?
Children are an important part of our worship service and are encouraged to attend from the youngest of age. We can't emphasize enough that your kids are absolutely welcome at our church, and will probably get a few compliments.
We Will Never Embarrass You
You will not be asked to raise your hand if you are a first time visitor. You will never be asked to stand, to make a speech, to get up in front of a crowd, etc. We want you to feel at home, never embarrassed.
What if I come from a non-Christian or non-Lutheran background?
You will not be expected to say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Come to see what we're all about and participate in as much or as little of the service as you feel comfortable with. As you look around our church you will see members that a few months or years ago were setting in the same position you are now. They have found a church home at Lord of Life with other members whose families have been members here longer.
What About Communion?
Holy Communion is celebrated many times at Lord of Life. Because we desire all who participate in Christ’s body and blood will receive the blessings promised therein, and because the Scriptures call for a self-examination prior to participating in the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:28) we have found the following questions helpful in preparing for the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).
a. Have I been baptized in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
b. Do I believe that I am a sinful human being without hope of eternal life except for God’s mercy in Christ?
c. Do I believe the Jesus Christ is God’s Son and my personal Savior?
d. Do I believe that He is personally present in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with His body and blood?
e. Do I intend by the power of the Holy Spirit to change my sinful life and strive to walk according to God’s will?
As you come to the Lord’s Supper you are affirming with each communicant that Jesus is your Savior and Lord, that with Lutheran Christians you believe His body and blood are present, and you desire to serve Him as a dynamic disciple in the fellowship of the church.
We have adult classes where you can learn more about our understanding and teaching of God’s Word regarding Holy Communion. We do ask that guests who are not members of a fellow LCMS - Lutheran Church visit with our pastor before celebrating Holy Communion with our members. If you will not be taking Communion, just let the usher know that you do not wish to join the communion line when he stops at your pew.
I don't know that much about the Bible
That's what we're here for! Church and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You don't have to know anything about the Bible or even any religion to attend a service.
I'm worried that I will feel out of place
We hope that our web site will ease your mind but if you have a question, please ask someone for help. Don't hesitate to say, "I am new. What is this about?" Our congregation is very friendly and are happy to have the chance to welcome new visitors. There are always other visitors at each service so you
shouldn't feel alone.
Our Congregation Cares About People & Families
Our church is small compared to some Mega Churches in the area. Our smaller congregation provides the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other. We are thankful to God for our families and friends in the church.
Consider This Your Formal Invitation
We'd be delighted to have you come to any of our services. If you would like more information about our church or the services, please feel free to email Vicar Jonathan Schultz at jschultz@lordoflifeok.org. We look forward to seeing you soon in one of our services.
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918-369-5558