Description
Luke 10:1-20
When it comes to evangelism and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, we have the instructions Jesus gave to the disciples and his first followers. We, as pastors can be so easily influenced by the world around us in order to determine if we are effective or not. As with the world, we feel the need to measure our success. Are we reaching new people? Is the church we are serving growing numerically? Is the giving up? Is there a building program on the horizon? As we look at Jesus’ instructions in our Gospel account today, he does not say anything about measuring success. He only tells them to pack light, work with like-minded people, and move on if you are not received. It sounds like Jesus wants us to simply and faithfully do what he says and great things will happen.
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
A New Hallelujah
Debbie Smith, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, ©2008 Smittyfly Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) This Is Your Time Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Alive, Forever, Amen
Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, ©2003 First Hand Revelation Music
Happy Day
Ben Cantelon & Tim Hughes, ©2006 Thankyou Music (Admin by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Rise, Shine, You People
ELW 665; HS 98 871; LBW 393; LSB 825; UMH 187; WAR 89
Spread the Reign of God The Lord
LBW 379; LSB 830; LW 321
Hark The Voice of Jesus Calling
BH 91 591; HFG 669; HLC 493; LBW 381; LSB 826/827; LW 318; RH 365
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor As the people of God, we gather together in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor God of comfort and love, we are so blessed to be here as we worship you in spirit and in truth. We give you the glory for creating this world and all of humanity. We give you thanks for making yourself known in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ. His display of love, compassion, and words of wisdom provides for us the perfect example so that we reach out to the world. As Jesus appointed and instructed many to spread the Good News, may we heed his words and simply do what he says – realizing that lives will be changed and the Lord will be glorified.
ALL In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
Pastor Gracious and Loving God, we know that you listen to our prayers of confession as we admit and express our sins to you. It’s so obvious that temptations surround us at every corner and we fail to let your Word be driving power for our lives. We give in to our own fleshly desires and the hurtful and destructive consequences follow. We may deceive others but we cannot deceive you. We are sorry that we have not adhered to your Spirit where we would experience holiness. We ask for your help to keep us strong.
(A time of personal reflection and confession)
All Your instructions and wisdom are contained in your word. We are so influenced by the world around us and so easily get distracted from the great commission which is to reach others with the Good News. We confess to you that we have let sin get a foothold in our lives and lose sight of our purpose in life. Give us the strength to do what is right and pleasing in your sight for we will reap wonderful benefits. Lord, give us a passion for reaching others with the Gospel, knowing the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. Give us the strength and desire to be laborers for the Good News!
Pastor Know in your heart that your sins are forgiven. You have been cleansed and are free to live with that truth forever. Depart from here today–knowing that the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you a new and abundant life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 66:10-14
God’s message of comfort to the people of Israel is compared to the comfort of a mother to her child.
10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her– 11 that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. 12 For thus says the LORD: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the LORD is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.
