Description
John 10:11-18
All of us know what it means to sacrifice such as giving time, money, possessions, and service for the benefit of another person, cause, or organization. We are not as familiar with sacrificing or giving life in order to save the life or the lives of others. What may come to mind first as we think in these terms, are the lives that have been sacrificed on the battle field in war. Perhaps we have seen the statement and reality embossed on a memorial wall or monument: “All gave some and some gave all.” The greatest sacrifice a person can make is to lay down one’s life for his or her friends or comrades. The ultimate purpose for our soldiers fighting on behalf of the U.S., is to preserve the freedom we hold so dear. As we examine our Lesson from John, we see that the ultimate sacrifice for humanity was made by God in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross for our sins to give us an abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven. As the good shepherd, we see in this sacrifice the incredible love toward us, the sheep, and the amazing love and faithfulness toward God, the Father. This truly is the ultimate sacrifice. Knowing this, how will we live?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
My Savior My God
Aaron Shust & Dorothy Dora Greenwell, ©2005 Bridge Building Music, Inc. (Admin. By Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin TN 37067
At the Cross (Love Ran Red)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jonas Myrin, Matt Armstrong, Matt Redman, © Countless Wonder Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Fots Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) McKittrick Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Songs (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Tunes (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Said And Done Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
The Lion and the Lamb
Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, Leeland Mooring, © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Bethel Music Publishing
[Traditional Options]
Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won
ELW 621; LBW 133; LSB 490; LW 139
God Loved the World So That He Gave
BH75 445; ELW 323; LBW 292; LSB 571; LW 352; NCH 208
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
BH 75 337; CH 526; CHH 537; ELW 596; HFG 92; HLC 313; HSP 125; LBW 293,294; LSB 575; LW 368; NCH 403; PH 379; RH 419; UMH 368; WAR 405
Invocation
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor We have come together to give praise and honor to the Lord, our Shepherd. God spoke clearly when He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” May God’s love and wisdom enter the recesses of our minds and hearts as we begin this time of worship.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor Gracious and Merciful God, we are so grateful that you spoke, thus revealing your glory and power to the apostles so that they could record accounts we have in scripture. As the good shepherd, Jesus came so that through our knowledge of him, we would know you. Like the flock of a shepherd, we are called to hear your voice and follow you so that we will grasp your will for our lives. As we worship today through prayer, song, and the Word, help us to be attentive to the saving power of Jesus Christ. You have called us to make sacrifices for the well-being of our brothers and sisters so that the light of Jesus will shine through us. The ultimate sacrifice was made for us as Jesus laid down his life and took it up. Instill in us the love of Christ that we may give sacrificially in love and service.
ALL In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Gracious God, at this time, we lay before you our brokenness and sins we have committed. Help us to acknowledge our condition and bring them before you in silence. (Silence)
People We confess to you the following:
Our tendency to listen to the voices of the world rather than the voice of God who has perfect wisdom.
Our reluctance to ask for help from others, but mostly our unwillingness to ask for your help to transform us and direct our lives.
Our selfishness and preoccupation with our own needs instead of focusing on the needs of others.
Our attempts to rationalize our decisions and behavior, yet when we hear and read about your commands and the example of Jesus, we are convicted.
Our inclination to be drawn into the things of the world rather than worshipping and praising you, the one, true God and Father of us all.
Our unwillingness to make sacrifices for the lives of others because of our self-centeredness.
Forgive us Lord for our disobedience which shows up in many and various ways.
Pastor The voice of God spoke and promises were made, fulfilled, and realized. God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead, so that all our sins are forgiven and we have life forever in heaven. Praise be to God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 4:1-12
While Peter and John were proclaiming the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, the Sanhedrin became upset and arrested them.
1The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
