Description
Mark 9:38-50
When Jesus’ name is preached and miracles are done in His name, we can fully rejoice for the glory belongs to Him! Even petty acts of kindness, like giving a cup of water in Christ’s name, the Lord sees and rewards because He remembers the heart, not only the gift itself. But when we cause a brother or sister to stumble, the punishment is severe. What stumbling blocks have you laid in the way of others that need to be removed? What stumbling blocks are stopping you from serving Jesus as you should?
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
At Your Name
Phil Wickham & Tim Hughes, ©2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Who Am I
Mark Hall, ©2003 My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
Reckless Love
Caleb Culver, Cory Asbury, Ran Jackson, © 2017 Watershed Publishing Group (Admin. by Watershed Music Group) Bethel Music Publishing, Richmond Park Publishing
[Traditional Options]
Come Down O Love Divine
ELW 804; LBW 508; LSB 501; LW 162; NCH 289; PH 313; RS 617; UMH 475; WC 304
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW 786; LBW 459; LSB 913; LW 160
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW 533; LBW 250; LSB 901; LW 198, NCH 67; PH 489
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, today as we gather, show us the wonders of Your great love.
Worshipers
You save us by Your right hand. It is not too short- no!
Pastor / Worship Leader
We take refuge in You, our God, and our provider. Hide us in the shadow of Your wings.
Worshipers
Keep our feet steadfast and from stumbling, O Lord.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us pray together.
Worshipers
Lord in Heaven, You are holy and worthy of all our worship and sacrifice. We enter into this place with thanksgiving and gratitude and are eager to draw closer to You during this time. Reveal to us Your will in our lives. Convict us, Holy Spirit, of our sins and sanctify our hearts and minds. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord Jesus, you declared that those who do not cause others to stumble are indeed blessed.
Worshipers
Forgive us if our actions or lack thereof have been stumbling blocks to people in our lives.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, You call us to be salted with the influence of the Holy Spirit to keep us uncontaminated by greed, self-reliance, resentment, anger, and envy.
Worshipers
Forgive us if we have not been “salty” followers of Jesus.
Pastor / Worship Leaders
As we read in the book of James chapter five, Christ calls us to confess our sins to one another, to pray for one another, so that we may be healed.
Worshipers
We have confessed our sins to one another and to God and we declare in the name of Jesus that we are healed and forgiven! Thanks to the Redeemer! Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Even though the Israelites were provided manna from God, they turned to complaining and grumbling. Frustrated, Moses turned to God and poured out his heart. God sent seventy elders to assist Moses in his time of need.
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” 16 The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you.
