Description

Mark 7: 24-37

Differences between people can cause them to be suspicious of one another — perhaps critical, judgmental, or even cruel.  We are encouraged to be “tolerant” of one another; Jesus went far beyond tolerance. He reached out to the unattractive and unlovable in the culture.  When we remember how much God, through Jesus, loves each and every person, we find reason to do more than “tolerate” each other – we find an opportunity to be an instrument of God’s love.  We can be Jesus’ hands and feet to the world around us.

 

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

 

Time of Praise and Worship

So Long Self

Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Jim Bryson, Mike Scheuchzer, Nathan Cochran, Robbie Shaffer, ©2006 Simpleville Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.) Wet As A Fish Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.)

Love the Lord

Lincoln Brewster, ©2005 Integrity’s Praise Music

 

[Traditional Options]

I Love Your Kingdom, Lord

BH 75 240; BH 91 354; CH  405; EH 524; HWC 280; HFG 545; HLC 203; HGP 168; HSP 189; LBW 368; LSB 651; LW 296; NCH 312; PH 441; RH 330; WC 702; UMH 540; WAR 549; WHM 349; WIS 311

Christ Is Our Cornerstone

LSB 917; LW 290

Lord, Speak to Me, that We May Speak

BH 75 276; BH 91 568; CH 667; ELW 676; HWC 450; HFG 625; HLC 378; HSP 239; LBW 403; NCH 531; PH 426; RH 520; WC 574; UMH 463; WAR 593; WHM 646; WIS 338

 

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme 

Pastor              Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, of men, and all creatures; abide in our presence and inhabit our praises, O Lord, as we gather in Your name.

All                    We lift our hearts to You, O God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

Opening Prayer

Gracious and Loving God, we can hardly comprehend Your great love, and yet without it we would have no hope. Teach us to rest in the confidence of Your kindness and compassion as You allow us to be an instrument of Your love to others.  This we pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen

 

Time of Greeting  

 [This would be a fitting time to share the peace of the Lord]

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message] 

Pastor              We were once spiritually dead, but through the sacrifice of Christ, we have come to inherit eternal life.  We can hear the voice of God and see His goodness revealed in                                the world and in His Word.  But sometimes, the noise of our busy schedules and our worldly focus can drown out the still small voice of God.  We repent of our                                            ignorance and selfish existence.

ALL                  Father, we confess that we have been distracted by things of the world.  We have relied on our own efforts and plans.  We have sought the                                        wisdom of others before seeking Your wisdom.    We have esteemed ourselves more highly than others and not been an instrument of Your                                    peace and love.  Forgive us, Lord, because of Your great love for us.  Because of Jesus death and resurrection, we bow in humble repentance.  It                            is in His name we pray.  Amen. 

Pastor             Thank you, most gracious God, for hearing the request of our contrite hearts.

                        (to the people) God has forgiven your sin and remembers it no more.  As far as the east is from the west, your sins are forgotten.   Now, watch for His goodness and                                 listen for His voice, for He longs to have you near.  Amen.

                    

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture] 

First Reading          Isaiah 35:4-7a

Isaiah’s comforting words were spoken to the people of Judah, who feared Edom, their neighbor across the Dead Sea. His comfort includes God’s promise of salvation, followed by metaphors describing salvation.  These words were not only for Judah, but for people for generations to come.

 

4say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you.”  5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.  7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty round bubbling springs.