Description
Mark 6:14-29
Have you noticed that in the last several years, we have seen more and more Christians challenging laws and policies in this country? This doesn’t mean that all Christians are on the same side of the issues which makes it even more complex. Also, when well-known Christian leaders take a stand on an issue, the media certainly has a way letting everyone know about it. In our Gospel account for this Sunday, John the Baptist challenges Herod in verse 18: For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” As the story goes, Herodias, the wife, has a grudge against John the Baptist and wants him killed. Herod very reluctantly gives in to her request and he is killed. There is a parallel to Jesus and we know what happened to him. There were consequences for challenging the power structures then and there are today as well. When we as agents for Christ stand up for our faith and our convictions, there will be pain and persecution.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Blessed Be Your Name
Beth & Matt Redman, ©2002 Thankyou Music
Everlasting God
Brenton Brown & Ken Riley, ©2006 Thankyou Music
Alive, Forever, Amen
Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, ©2003 First Hand Revelation Music
[Traditional Options]
All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name
BH 75 40,41,42; BH 91 200,201, 202; CH 16,43; CHH 91,92; EH 450,451; ELW 634; HWC 96,97; HPW 19; HFG 325,326,327; HLC 62,63; HGP 20,21; HSP 2,3,4; LBW 328,329; LSB 549; LW 272; NCH 304; PH 142,143; RH 30,31; STTL 124,126; WC 93,95; UMH 154,155; WAR 100,106; WHM 4,5; WIS 10,11
Lord Jesus Christ Be Present Now
ELW 527; LBW 253; LSB 902; LW201; NCH 324
By All Your Saints in Warfare
LBW 177; LSB 517; LW 193
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We are here to honor your name and listen to your word in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Gracious and Merciful God, we join together in the power of the risen Christ who gives us strength beyond our own means. Our world is filled with structures controlled by power and authorities. At times, we feel afraid to voice ourselves or challenge those in positions of authority knowing that it may lead to consequences. We live among people who differ from us when it comes to belief systems, moral standards, and spiritual backgrounds. As faithful followers of Christ, we realize that we will be faced with opposing views. Give us the strength and confidence to hold to our convictions and beliefs even in the midst of opposition. At the same time, give us a spirit of unconditional love toward others rather than a judgmental spirit, that they may see Christ working in us. Help us embrace the fact that God is in control and the ultimate judge of people. Give us the peace of knowing that we have been adopted as your children and have been sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
ALL In the strong and mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
All God of love and hope, we confess that at times, we make judgments upon other people as a way of making ourselves look better than we really are. We have all fallen short and are in need of forgiveness and help. As believers in Christ, we can easily puff ourselves up and put unbelievers or others different from us down. Forgive us for trying to take on a responsibility that is yours. Give us a loving heart as we share the message of Christ with others. We admit Lord, that we do not always remain strong in our convictions based on the truth of Jesus Christ and find ourselves caving into the world’s standards.
(silence for personal reflection and confession)
Pastor What assurance there is in knowing that whatever our sins are, we are forgiven and our sins melt away. At this time of confession we are restored and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. What a joy it is to embrace the reality that we are made clean and given a new start.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Amos 7:7-15
Amaziah, the chief priest in Bethel, represented Israel’s official religion and seemed to be only concerned with his position and authority, rather than listening to the truth.
7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
9 “The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam.” 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. 11 For this is what Amos is saying: “‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.’” 12 Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. 13 Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. 15 But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
