Description
Luke 10:19-20
An ancient war between good and evil has echoed throughout time. Our Veterans have experienced the evidence of war and have the battle wounds both soul and body to prove the hardships of fighting. In this passage, Jesus reminded His followers that His authority had been given to them and no evil could overcome His power. Spiritual wars and physical wars will continue to exist, but we can rest in knowing that our Great Commander, Jesus Christ, has already won the war and has ultimately defeated death.
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
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, & Scott Cash, © 2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
You Make Me Brave
Amanda Cook, © 2013 Bethel Music Publishing
Fearless
Jonathan Smith | Maggie Eckford | Mia Fieldes, © Maggie Eckford Music (Admin. by CopyrightSolver) Songs of Razor and Tie (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Not Just Another Song Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Upside Down Under
(Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Be Strong In The Lord
BH 91 476; CH 734; HS98 866; LSB 665; WC 661, WAR 514
Before You Lord We Bow
ELW893; LBW 401; LSB 966; LW 500
Fight the Good Fight
BH 75 394; EH 552,553; HFG 613; HLC 469; HSP 163; LBW 461; LSB 664; LW 299; PH 307
Invocation
Pastor We gather together in the presence of God as members and citizens of this nation in honor of this country’s brave Veterans. These men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces have sacrificed their own freedom for the sake of the many. At this time, I’d like to ask any Veterans present or family members of Veterans to please stand as we extend our gratitude to you through applause.
(Applaud and thank Veteran’s and family members)
Pastor We thank you for your service.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor Let’s pray. Gracious Lord, we are thankful for the many freedoms we have in the United States of America and we are grateful for the men and women who have fought for us and protected our soil. We pray blessings on our Veterans today, and as we remember those whom You’ve already called home, we pray comfort for their loved ones.
ALL In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Psalm 24: 3-4 reads, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?”
ALL “The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”
Pastor King of glory, examine every area of our hearts. Where you find sin, reveal it to us now by Your Holy Spirit so that we may confess.
ALL We confess our sins to You, faithful God, who forgives us because Christ died for our ransom.
(Allow for a few minutes of quiet confession)
Pastor Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus Christ who loves us.
ALL We love you, Lord. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading 2 Chronicles 20:15
The Lord told King Jehoshaphat and all his people that the battle before them belonged to the Lord. He gave them specific commands to follow and encouraged them to be brave. In a miraculous encounter, the Lord defeated the army and King Jehoshaphat and his army didn’t even have to fight!
14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” 18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. 20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated
