Description
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
While the Pharisees were concerned with ritual purity (regarding handwashing), Jesus emphasized that true defilement comes from within a person. Jesus taught that the evil thoughts and actions originating from the heart is what corrupts a person, not the mere observance of human traditions. When focusing on a pure heart and authentic faith, we can align our daily actions with the core principles found in Jesus’ teachings to become better witnesses to the world.
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
Welcome, dear friends, to this time of worship. The Lord has given us His commandments, so it is time for action!
Worshipers
We devour Your words, O God, for they are sweeter than honey on our lips.
Time of Praise and Worship
One Way
Joel Houston, Jonathan Douglas, © 2003 Joel Houston/Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)
Build My Life
Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Elizabeth Kaple, Matt Redman, and Pat Barrett © 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew, Kaple Music, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music,
Thankyou Music, worshiptogether.com songs, Bethel Music Publishing
Absolutely
Ian Eskelin, Jon Neufeld, & Tim Neufeld, © 2010 Stonebrook Music Company | Neufeld Publishing | Designer Music Group, Inc. | Honest And Popular Songs (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin TN 37067) | (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
[Traditional Options]
In Thee Is Gladness
ELW 867; HLC 64; LBW 562; LSB 818; LW 442; UMH 169
Blessed Jesus, At Your Word
EH 440; ELW 520; LBW 248; LSB 904; LW 202; NCH 74; PH 454; UMH 596
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we seek understanding and desire to live out Your statutes with our whole hearts.
Worshipers
Guide us, Holy Spirit, to be better witnesses for You. Lead our steps to follow the ways of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, we gather in Your presence today, seeking Your guidance and strength. As we prepare our hearts to receive Your word, we ask that You fill us with the light of Your truth. Illuminate our hearts and minds so that we may be better witnesses for Christ in this dark world. Empower us with Your wisdom and grace, and inspire us to reflect Your love and hope to everyone we encounter.
Worshipers
In the name of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Almighty God, we come before Your throne acknowledging our need to obey Your statutes and decrees.
Worshipers
Forgive us, Lord, when we have strayed from Your commands. Forgive us, Lord, when we have neglected to live out Your teachings as Your witnesses. Help us, Lord, to hold fast to Your commandments in our hearts and to follow them faithfully.
Pastor / Worship Leader
You have called us to be wise and understanding, reflecting Your laws in our lives. Teach us to remember Your words and to pass them down to our children. Through Your grace, we are renewed by our merciful and forgiving God.
Worshipers
Thanks be to God! We receive Your forgiveness and commit to living as Your faithful witnesses. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
It was imperative for the Israelites to obey God’s laws so that they could experience God’s prosperity and in the Promised Land. By teaching these decrees to their children, the Israelites could experience longevity as well.
4 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.
6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
