Description
Matthew 24:36-44
No one knows the day nor the hour that Jesus will return. Only the Father knows, not even the Son. As people go about their earthly business, Jesus is preparing to return, and He warns us to be ready and keep watch. For He will return like a thief in the night when it is least expected, so we must pay attention and be ready. No matter what the world may claim, we know that Jesus is the only Truth, and He promises to return. Are you ready?
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
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley, John Wasson, & Rowland Hugh Prichard, ©2005 praisecharts.com
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Martin Smith, ©1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Creator King
Mary MacLean, ©2003 Vertical Worship Songs
[Traditional Options]
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
BH 75 79; BH 91 77; CH 244; CHH 125; EH 66; ELW 254; HWC 124; HFG 168; HLC 102; LBW 30; LSB 338; LW 22; NCH 122; PH 1,2; RH 115; RS 496; STTL 157; WC 135; UMH 196; WAR 153; WHM 121; WIS 181
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
EH 68; ELW 244; HS 98 801; LBW 25; LSB 515; PH 15
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
There’s joy in this place!
Worshipers
We rejoice in the Lord’s house!
Pastor / Worship Leader
We praise the holy name of the Lord!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, Your return is coming soon. We don’t know when, but we want to be ready. We don’t want to be caught sleeping or off guard. As we live our lives on this earth, give us purpose and direction. Help us to remember that we exist for eternity; this world is not our home. Today, as we praise and worship You, as we spend time in your Word, and as we fellowship with one another, strengthen this church body. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Worshipers
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we have much to confess.
Worshipers
Much indeed.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We admit that it’s difficult to be Christians in this world. It seems as if all is against us, but we know that the prince of this world is the one against You. We fall so easily, caught off guard and in sin.
Worshipers
Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We need You, Holy Spirit, to quicken our souls, awaken us from our slumber, and shed light on the dark areas of our hearts.
Worshipers
Yes, we so desperately need You, Holy Spirit. Forgive us, cleanse us by the blood of Jesus Christ, and renew our minds. In Jesus’ name we ask, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 2:1-5
The prophet Isaiah saw the coming of the last days where God would establish His temple as the highest of mountains and all nations would look to Him. Peace would reign between them, and the light of the Lord would shine bright.
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
