Description
Matthew 10:24-39
Jesus prepared his disciples for a worldwide mission first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. Persecution would accompany this mission, but the disciples were instructed to not fear death on this earth. For eternal suffering is far worse. We, too, must not fear death, but stand firm and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
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
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, & Scott Cash, © 2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Stand in Your Love
Ethan Hulse | Josh Baldwin | Mark Harris | Rita Springer, © 2018 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) EGH Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Gateway Create Publishing (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Gateway Worship Publishing (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Coastal Lyric (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Kindred Joy Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Bethel Music Publishing
Lifesong
Mark Hall, ©2005 My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
[Traditional Options]
Once He Came In Blessing
EH 53; LBW 312; LSB 333; LW 30
Lift High The Cross
BH 91 594; CH 450; CHH 108; EH 473; ELW 660; HWC 304; HLC 141; LBW 377; LSB 837; LW 311; NCH 198; PH 371; STTL 237; WC 229; UMH 159; WAR 28; WHM 221
From All That Dwell Below The Skies
BH 91 13; CHH 49; EH 380; LBW 550; LSB 816; LW 440; NCH 2; PH 229; UMH 101; WIS 262
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
May the peace of the Lord be with You.
Worshipers
And also, with you.
Pastor / Worship Leader
As we are gathered together in the presence of the Lord, may we remember that it is He who sustains us. It is He who promises us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. We do not need to fear death, suffering, or persecution, for the Lord is with us.
Worshipers
The Lord is with us, indeed.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father, we thank You for Your goodness and mercy. We thank You that grant us peace through suffering, hope in darkness, and eternal life. We are grateful that You know us, and that we can know You. We can’t imagine our lives without You, Jesus.
Worshipers
You are our hope and peace. We love You, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We ask that You would be with us now. Plant and water seeds of truth in our hearts so that we may grow and spread Your Gospel message to this dying world. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we must look at our hearts before continuing in our worship. For if we say we are sinless, we are only deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess to You, Lord, You are faithful, just, and will forgive us of our sins.
Worshipers
We confess of our sins, both public and private. You know all things. We are sorry for the sins we have committed against You, Jesus Christ our Lord. We know it is not Your desire that we would carry out sinful deeds. You desire holiness. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask this with confidence because of the substitutionary sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is perfect in nature and one with You.
Worshipers
By the power of Jesus Christ, sin has no grip on us any longer! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 20:7-13
Jeremiah complained of his circumstances to the Lord, but then turned to praising God. He recognized the calling on his life and described It like a fire shut up in his bones.
7 You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. 9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. 10 I hear many whispering “Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!” All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, “Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.” 11 But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. 12 Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. 13 Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.
