Description
John 3:14-21
Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the desert for the Israelites to look upon and be healed, so Jesus was lifted up for us to be healed from our sin through His death and resurrection. Those who accept Jesus comes into the light and accepts the truth, but those who reject Jesus remain in sin and darkness. During this Lent season, embrace the Light that has come into the world and rejoice in the eternal life that is found only through Him.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!
Worshipers
His love endures forever.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Today, we are thankful for the love and light that is offered to us through the beautiful sacrifice of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Worshipers
The love of the Lord endures forever.
Time of Praise and Worship
3:16 (Spontaneous)
Brandon Lake | Brian Johnson | Chris Davenport | Dominic Shahbon | Kalley Heiligenthal | Phil Wickham, © 2021 Brandon Lake Music; Holy Valley Music; Maverick City Publishing Worldwide; CDavs Music; Songs For TIM; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs; Bethel Music Publishing
Way Maker
Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Gratitude
Benjamin Hastings, Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe; © 2019 Bethel Worship Publishing; Brandon Lake Music; Maverick City Publishing; Maverick City Publishing Worldwide; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Bethel Music Publishing
[Traditional Options]
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
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
BH 75 202; BH 91 56; CH 682; CHH 622; EH 690; ELW 618; HWC 51; HFG 608; HLC 448; HGP 363/364; HSP 33; LBW 343; LSB 918; LW 220; NCH 18/19; PH 281; RH 78/79; STTL 96; WC 634; UMH 127; WAR 501; WHM 551; WIS 64/65
Amazing Grace
BH 75 165; BH 91 330; CH 343; CHH 546; EH 671; ELW 779; HWC 202; HPW 33; HFG 107; HCL 288; HGP 206; HSP 186; LBW 448; LSB 744; LSB 744; LW 509; NCH 547; PH 280; RH 230; STTL 85; WC 502; UMH 378; WAR 422; WHM 429; WIS 212
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We recognize the wonderous deeds of the Lord. We accept His steadfast love and mercy. May this time together today be a reflection of His goodness, a testament to His enduring love, and a reminder during this Lent season to embrace the call to believe in Jesus and be healed from our sins.
Worshipers
We gather in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, to worship Him only.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, we beyond blessed to receive the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who was lifted up for our salvation. May we continually look to Jesus to be saved and embrace Him as the Light of the World, turning away from darkness.
Worshipers
Guide our hearts, Lord, so that we may walk in Your truth and reject the lies of darkness. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
As we enter into this time of confession, let us approach God’s throne in humility, for He is a forgiving, Father.
Worshipers
Father, we come before You in complete transparency, for You already know the condition of our hearts. We confess that we are drawn to dwell in the shadows over Your light. We are tempted to hide our sin and isolate, preferring our ways over Yours. We acknowledge that we have turned away from our Savior, Jesus, and looked to our own advice instead of seeking Yours. Forgive us, Lord, and cleanse our hearts.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Hear the good news! Jesus, the Light of the World, has offered us forgiveness and redemption through His sacrifice on the cross! Believe in Him and know your sins have been forgiven.
Worshipers
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. What good news! We believe! In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Numbers 21:4-9
God sent venomous snakes to bite the grumbling and complaining Israelites, whom eventually repented. God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent so whoever looked at the serpent was healed and saved from the snakebites.
They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” 6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at I t and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
