Description
Mark 9:30-37
The world says bigger, faster, smarter, more power. The Kingdom of God says, kinder, lower, weaker, slower. If you had to think of the “greats” in this world, what names come to mind? George Washington, Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, a famous world leader? What do you think of when you hear these names: Alan Kurdi, Alfie Evans, or Omran Daqneesh? Maybe you didn’t recognize any of those names. These are all children: little, poor, suffering, and some now gone because of their circumstances. The world would say they are small, helpless, not famous or powerful. Jesus says they are the greatest. To be first you must be last. The Kingdom of God is always upside down. Jesus was the Messiah and He was also the servant of all. The disciples feared when Jesus shared of His impending death. Their lack of knowing was not a knowledge issue but a heart issue. Jesus welcomes us in our lowly condition. Jesus served to the point of death. When we humble ourselves and welcome others in their humble state, we welcome the Kingdom of God.
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
Great Are You Lord
David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, © 2012 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
No One Like Our God
Ed Cash, Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, © 2015 Said And Done Music, SHOUT! Music Publishing, Thankyou Music, (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Alletrop Music (Admin Music Services), Jonas Myrin Designee
I Will Boast
Paul Baloche, ©2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
[Traditional Options]
God of Grace and God of Glory
BH 75 265; BH 91 395; CH 435; CHH 464; EH 594,595; ELW 705; HWC 292; WFG 528; HLC 466; LBW 415; LSB 850; LW 398; NCH 436; PH 420; STTL 720;; WC 669; UMH 577; WAR 569; WHM 332
Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW 655; LBW 364; LSB 842; LW 394; NCH 542
Invocation
Leader In the name of God our Father, we gather here today.
ALL Together we gather to sing His praise and hear from His word. In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we come as one body. Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Leader Loving Father, thank You for Your sacrificial and unconditional love for each of us. You knew us before we were formed and love us each so intimately and infinitely. You have never left or forsaken us. Teach us, O Lord of Your Holy Greatness. Conform us to Your image. We long to know of Your great love for the least of these. We want to love like You do. Your great love has changed the world.
ALL Help us receive Your truth with open hearts and ears. Give us new eyes for Your Word. May we find our identity in Your truth and love today. Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor We confess our sins.
ALL Father God, we need You. Grant us eyes of faith and hearts of pure humility. We must decrease, and You must increase. Help us to seek wisdom that comes from above. We confess we have been wise in our own eyes, and we repent.
Pastor Jesus welcomes us in our lowly condition. He died for your sinful condition because He loves you so much. Jesus served, you, to the point of death. Your sins are forgiven. Receive His love and forgiveness today. When we humble ourselves and welcome others in their humble state, we welcome the Kingdom of God.
ALL We receive Your love and forgiveness today, O God. We choose to be last, so You can be First. Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 11:18-20
Jeremiah prays for God to bring justice to redeem what was left of this mess. He realized a plot was against his life and he knew he needed the help from Sovereign God to be the ultimate righteous judge. Jeremiah further exercised his faith and obedience by entrusting this dire situation fully to the Lord.
18 Because the Lord revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. 19 I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” 20 But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.
