Description

Mark 13:24-37

Jesus described the signs that will accompany His return, and urged His followers to remain alert and watchful, as no one knows the exact day or hour of His coming. He emphasized the importance of being faithful and responsible stewards of the tasks He had given them, living in readiness and expectation of His return. Are we watchful in our living or are we ignoring the signs of the return of Christ? How can we be a bright light in the world and remain faithful to the end as we await the glorious return of our Savior?

 

 

…  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

   Good morning, church family! It is a joy to gather with you in the presence of the Lord.

 

Worshipers

   It is by God’s will and grace that we are here together.

 

Time of Praise and Worship

Build Your Kingdom Here

Rend Collective Experiment, ©2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Way Maker

Osinachi Okoro, © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Confidence

Chris Rohman, Dustin Lolli, Ethan Hulse, Matthew Armstrong, © 1978 Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bluehouse Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Caelum Terra Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) EGH Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Fair Trade Tunes (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Curb Wordspring Music (Admin. by W.C.M. Music Corp.) Eyes Up Songs (Admin. by W.C.M. Music Corp.)

 

[Traditional Options]

For All The Saints

BH75 144; BH91 355; CH 767; CHH 637; EH 287; ELW  422; HWC 546; HFG 614; HLC 533; HGP 25; LBW 174; LSB 677; LW 191; NCH 299; PH 526; RH 667; STTL 685; TFWS 2283; WC 751; UMH 711; WAR 529; WHM 597; WIS 310

Your Kingdom, O God, is My Glorious Treasure 

LSB 654

Christ is Surely Coming

LSB 509

 

 

Invocation

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Heavenly Father, we ask that Your Holy Spirit would be strong in our midst.  We ask that our hearts would be open and willing to listen to Your voice today. Change us, shake us, move us to be kingdom builders in these last days.

 

Worshipers

   We watch and wait for You, Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus!

 

 

Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Gracious God, we thank You for this day and the opportunity to worship together freely and without restraint. We ask that You speak to us through Your Word, filling us with hope and strength as we navigate the trials of life.

 

Worshipers

   In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location: following Message]

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Heavenly Father, we confess that we have not always been watchful or faithful.

 

Worshipers

   We confess that we have allowed distractions to pull us away from You.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   You are the most important person in the world. Our lives should revolve around You, not the other way around.

 

Worshipers

  We repent of putting ourselves first and neglecting You. You, Jesus, are King. We submit to Your reign and rule as our Lord. Forgive us.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   In Christ, we are forgiven!

 

Worshipers

  We rejoice in His mercy and grace. Thank You, Jesus, for Your gift of forgiveness. We receive it now.  In Your precious name, Lord, we pray. Amen.

 

 

…  We Hear God’s Word  …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                             Isaiah 51:4-6

God calls His people to listen to His instruction and to seek justice, reminding them that His law will bring light to the nations. He assures them that His salvation will last forever, and his righteousness will not be shaken.

“Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. 5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.