Description
John 10:1-10
The Pharisees were in the presence of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, but could not comprehend the analogy He used to compare God’s people to sheep entering through the gate. Jesus, the Gate, is the only way anyone can become part of God’s flock. People who truly belong to God listen to and believe in the words of Jesus thus experiencing the true, abundant, and joy-filled life here and now.
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
Way Maker
Osinachi Okoro, © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin by Capitol CMG Publishing)
The Lion and the Lamb
Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, Leeland Mooring, © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Bethel Music Publishing
One Way
Joel Houston & Jonathon Douglass, ©2003 Hillsong Publishing
(Admin. By EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
BH 75 213; BH 91 61; CH 688; CHH 558; EH 708; ELW 799; HWC 462; HPW 53; HFG 601; HLC 321; HGP 369; LBW 481; LSB 711; NCH 252; PH 387; RH 611; STTL 578; WC 522; UMH 381; WAR 440; WHM 542; WIS 489
Christ, the Word of God Incarnate
LSB 540
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
BH 75 17; BH 91 5; CH 101; CHH 18; EH 37; ELW 883;HWC 20; HFG 381; HLC 20; LBW 245; LSB 791; LW 435; NCH 7; PH 220; STTL 39; WC 317; UMH 75; WAR 661; WHM 9
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
There is nothing we lack when the Lord is our Shepherd.
Worshipers
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Pastor / Worship Leader
His pastures are green and flourishing and the calm streams are refreshing to our souls.
Worshipers
He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.
Pastor / Worship Leader
His paths are sure and His protection is sound.
Worshipers
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus, You are the Great Shepherd indeed. When we walk through dark valleys that resemble death, we need not fear for You have promised to be with us, to direct our steps, and to comfort us. Today as we set our hearts and eyes on You and say “Yes” to Your voice, we worship You alone. Give us undivided attention to hear and answer You today. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus, we praise You. You meet our every need and call us to meet the needs of others. You command us to freely give and to be generous with our lives. Yet, we are a selfish people first thinking of ourselves.
Worshipers
Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We can outwardly appear generous and inwardly give from obligation, fear, guilt, or pressure. We may desire to serve others but hesitate rather than obey.
Worshipers
We repent of our selfish ways and lack of obedience.
Pastor / Worship Leader
You ask us to give cheerfully. Give us hearts like the apostles of the early church who sold their property and possessions to benefit the needs of others. Give us eyes to see the many wonders and miracles that only You can accomplish. Lead us into abundant giving and living here and now.
Worshipers
We receive Your forgiveness and walk in obedience to Your will, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
In Christ’s name we pray,
Worshipers
Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 2:42-47
The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. True revival followed as their hearts were soft and repentant, their actions toward others was generous, their mouths filled with praise as they experienced a deep awe and reverent fear for God. Does your life reflect this kind of revival?
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
