Description
Hebrews 11:8-16
We are always looking for something better. This is one of the driving forces in humanity. We want to improve ourselves, our relationships, our communities. We work to discover things, create new technology, and learn more about the world. Yet this only motivates us in this life. Today we think on what motivates God’s people: faith. It keeps our eyes forward and up, seeking Christ and Him fulfilling His promises. Through Faith, by Jesus, we have been and will be saved and brought to our heavenly homes.
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
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman & Jonas Myrin, ©2011 Thankyou Music, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music, SHOUT! Publishing (Admin EMI CMG Publishing)
Always
Jason Ingram & Kristian Stanfill, ©2010 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) West Main Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)
Windsor Hill Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)
This I Believe (The Creed)
Ben Fielding & Matt Crocker, ©2014 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
CH 377; CHH 377; EH 460,461; ELW 392; HS98 851; HWC 223; HLC 174; LBW 158; LSB 821; NCH 257; PH 144; STTL 273; WC 263; WAR 320
I Know My Faith Is Founded
LSB 587; LW 354
Have No Fear Little Flock
BH 75 225; ELW 764; LBW 476; LSB 735; LW 410
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We gather this day as God’s faithful people. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Almighty God, you have blessed your people by Your presence since You walked in the garden with Adam and Eve. We pray that You would continue that today with us Your baptized beloved gathered in Your name. Have mercy on us Lord,
ALL Amen. Bless us oh Lord, Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Since we are gathered together in the presence of our Holy God, it is good that we reflect on who we are and how we have turned from our Lord’s ways
Time for personal reflection & confession.
Pastor Holy Lord, Merciful Father,
ALL We confess before You and one another that we have sinned in our actions and words. We have not loved others as You have asked. We have not relied on our relationship with You. Forgive us our sins Lord, renew us and guide our lives for Jesus sake. Amen.
Pastor Our God is merciful and keeps His promises. Out of His perfect love He sent His only Son to die for us and save us from our sins. You are counted as His redeemed, perfect in His sight. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Genesis 15:1–6
Abram, soon to be renamed Abraham by God, is wondering how God’s promises will be fulfilled since he has no children. God once again promises Abram many offspring and Abram believes Him.
1After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
