Description
Luke 4:14-21
Full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus endured temptation from Satan while he was fasting for 40 days. Even in the heat of temptation, Jesus never once sinned, but relied on the word of God to sustain and protect Him. After this period, Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth and quoted the prophet Isaiah to the people, who were amazed. Later on we read that Jesus was completely rejected by His own people. When we are faced with temptation, we can take courage in knowing that our Lord was also tempted. We have the Word of God to rely on, to sustain us, and to protect us from evil. Hold fast to the 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
The Kingdom of God
Kari Jobe, Mia Fieldes, & Paul Baloche, © 2007 SHOUT! Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI))
As It Is In Heaven
Ed Cash | Matt Maher, ©2005 Thankyou Music | spiritandsong.com | Alletrop Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
God You Reign
Lincoln Brewster, ©2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)
[Traditional Options]
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
CHH 140; EH 616; ELW 311; LBW 87; LSB 398; LW 82; NCH 104; UMH 203
Preserve Your Word, O Savior
LSB 658; LW 337
The Only Son From Heaven
ELW 309; LBW 86; LSB 402; LW 72
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Gathering together in this place sure is a beautiful gesture of worship.
Worshipers
Unity in the Body of believers is God’s will and desire.
Pastor / Worship Leader
So we come together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Worshipers
With hearts joined, we look to the Lord to build our faith and build His Church!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Holy Father, enthroned in Heaven and on our praises, we desire You near us. We wait on You, Lord, in this time, in this place, for Your agenda is far more important than ours.
Worshipers
We want to say, Holy Spirit, you are welcome in this place.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Without the Spirit of the Lord, we have nothing. Without Your presence, we are empty. Come fill us now, Your people, with all You have to offer. Pour upon us Your lovingkindness, mercy, and grace.
Worshipers
We ask this now in Your name, Jesus, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
In this nation, in these times, we value self-reliance rather than God-dependence. We build up ourselves, rather than build up one another in love.
Worshipers
We think and we say, “No, I’ve got this. I don’t need anyone else.” Lord, forgive us, for the sin of self-reliance and independence has ancient roots. We want no part in this evil!
Pastor / Worship Leader
No, we want no part in the pride of humanity, for apart from God, we are nothing.
Worshipers
Forgive us, Lord, and help us recognize that these gifts You have given us are to build up Your kingdom, not our own.
Pastor / Worship Leader
The world contradicts the message of the Lord, and we are on the Lord’s side. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to follow You daily, picking up our crosses, and holding fast to the truth of Your Word.
Worshipers
We love You, Lord. Thank You for forgiving us. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
When Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses, the people wept. They bowed down and worshiped the Lord in reverence and praise.
1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. 5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
