Description
Luke 12:22-40
Jesus reminds his disciples that we need not live in perpetual fear of the future. God has happily planned blessings for us that far supersede anything we could work for, save, or hoard for ourselves in this life – that we will inherit the Kingdom of God. Since that which is most valuable has already been promised to us, Jesus encourages us to release our grip on material possessions – giving freely to those in need, and to set our hearts on treasure in heaven. As we live unfettered by the trappings of this life, we are freed to eagerly wait for that which has been promised to us – the return of Jesus Christ and the coming of His Kingdom.
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
Jesus Son of God
Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, & Matt Maher, ©2012 Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC), Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
Wilbur Chapman, Mark Hall, & Michael Bleecker, © 2009 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
Mighty to Save
Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan, ©2006 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
O Jesus King Most Wonderful
HLC 73; LBW 537; LSB 554; LW 274
This is the Day the Lord Has Made
BH 75 68; BH 91 358, 359; CH 209; CHH 286; EH 50; HWC 590; LSB 903; LW 200; NCH 84; PH 230; RH 705; STTL 26; WC 801; UMH 657, 658; WAR 652
Salvation Unto Us Has Come
ELW 590; LBW 297; LSB 555; LW 355
Invocation
Pastor Praise to our generous and loving Lord, Jesus Christ!
ALL Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor Lord, we have come to seek and worship you today. Free our hearts and minds from the concerns of this world so that we may focus on you.
ALL We commit ourselves to you. Lord have your way in us. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor As your disciples, Lord, we confess our sins to you.
ALL Forgive us for our faithless acts and wrongdoing. Heal our hearts of stone and
give to us hearts of flesh that we may serve you and others in love.
Pastor We ask you to resume your Throne in our hearts.
ALL We confess you as Lord of our lives. May we follow you fully and faithfully. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Genesis 15:1-6
God promises to protect Abram and to bless him with innumerable descendants though he is childless and advanced in years. Abram’s response is one of total trust – in doing so he becomes the Father of Faith.
15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
