Description
Mark 10:17-31
The disciples were sold out for Jesus. They had left behind everything and everyone to follow Him, but when a wealthy man chose his riches over following Jesus, the disciples were concerned and left wondering how it was even possible for someone like this man to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus knew that a change of heart was required for this man to have the strength to give up his life for God, and that transformation would only be possible through God, not people. We are called to follow Jesus and give up the comforts, riches, and treasures of this life that tend to pull our focus away from God. Being sold out for the Kingdom of God is possible, but only through God alone.
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
Say Say
Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, & Kristian Stanfill, ©2010 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Give Me Faith
Chris Brown | London Gatch | Mack Brock | Wade Joye, © 2009 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Open Up the Heavens
Andi Rozier, James McDonald, Jason Ingram, Meredith Andrews, & Stuart Garrard, ©2012 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) HBC Worship Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Stugio Music Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
The King Shall Come
EH 73; ELW 260; HLC 181; LBW 33; LSB 348; LW 26; RS 497; WC 277
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
BH 75 58; BH 91 208; CH 648; CHH 517; EH 657; ELW 631; HWC 92; HFG 21; HLC 5; HGP 3; HSP 24; LBW 315; LSB 700; LW 286; NCH 43; PH 376; RH 34; STTL 507; WC 558; UMH 384; WHM 94; WIS 16
Seek Ye First
BH 91 478; CH 713; CHH 354; EH 711; HWC 42; LSB 712; PH 333; RH 601; STTL 90; WC 447; UMH 405;
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome O People, young and old, single or married, followers of Jesus or those who are unsure, welcome. The Lord is abundant in love and grace, and we worship Him together today.
Worshipers
We worship the Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We worship with surrendered hearts to the Lord. Let nothing hold us back- not our doubts or our fears, not our poverty or our wealth, not unforgiveness, shame, or bitterness- let nothing hold us back from worshiping the one true God of Heaven and of Earth.
Worshipers
We may express our worship in many forms- with arms lifted, on our knees, tears shed, or even just quiet reflection. Accept our worship today, Lord.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, give us courage today to give everything we have to You. You are more valuable than anything this world has to offer. May we not give our attention or devotion to anything or anyone other than You.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
We are in this world, but not of it. We face many opportunities to sin, and we are tempted to do so. Even Jesus was tempted while on this earth, but did not engage in sin. May we be like You Lord. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to turn away from sin and follow You.
Worshipers
We confess of our sins in every form, both intentional and unintentional, and ask for Your forgiveness. We know we don’t deserve it, yet You, Jesus, extended Your grace to us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We are faced with every kind of evil, and we are tempted.
Worshipers
Give us strength to hate evil and love only good.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Yes, that the Lord would be with us and have mercy on us. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
There will always be lovers of evil, but we must seek good in the midst of dark times. The Lord is with those who hate evil and love good.
Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire; it will devour them,
and Bethel will have no one to quench it. 7 There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court and detest the one who tells the truth. 11 You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. 12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. 13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil. 14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.
