Since the time the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Ac 2:4), believers in Christ have gathered together to worship Him, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45, Mt 10:28). Every Sunday, on the Lord's Day, we gather as members of the Christian Church for the Divine Service, receiving what is promised to believers in God's Word and the Sacraments—the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.