Description
Matthew 21:23-32
The chief priests doubted Jesus’ authority as supreme. Jesus explained a parable of two sons whose words and actions contradicted one another and compared this story to John the Baptist whom the chief priests also doubted, revealing where their hearts really were. Knowing of Jesus and believing in Jesus as the Supreme Christ are two different scenarios with contrasted endings. Following Jesus requires repentance and active belief in Him.
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
We Believe
Matthew Hooper, Richie Fike, & Travis Ryan, © Abundant Life Ministries UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI)) Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI)) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI)) Travis Ryan Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI))
This Is What I Believe
Walt Harrah & John Schreiner, ©1992 Maranatha! Praise, Inc. (Admin. by Maranatha! Music)
The Stand
Joel Houston, ©2005 Hillsong Publishing (Admin.by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding
EH 59; ELW 246; LBW 37; LSB 345; LW 18
Lord, Whose Love Through/In Humble Service
CHH 461; EH 610; ELW 712; HS98 882; HLC 512; LBW 423; LSB 848; UMH 581; WAR 575
O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing
LSB 635
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord guards our lives. He is gracious to us and frees us from our sin. Would you turn to the Lord today?
Worshipers
Yes! We fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, You are the giver of life and the provider of grace. You grant us eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son. You are true life and sin has been crushed by the empty cross, the empty tomb, and the empty grave! Deliver us, Lord, today from thoughts that are not from You, from sin that entangles, and from the curses and lies of the enemy. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus, You are our forgiver.
Worshipers
We confess of our sins with transparency and trust that You will forgive us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Only You can forgive us. Only You died on our behalf. Only You resurrected, and only You are returning to bring us home.
Worshipers
Our hearts long to be with You, Jesus, our Savior and our Redeemer. Keep our hearts ready, steady our lives, help us to endure in righteousness and walk in Your forgiveness and grace. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Repent and live was Ezekiel’s message to the people. Repentance leads to life, but stubbornness and evil make their path in death.
The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: “‘The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 26 If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. 27 But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. 28 Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. 29 Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 30 “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
