Description

Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus obediently fulfilled the prophesy found in Isaiah chapter 9.  He called fishermen and brothers, Simon and Andrew, to follow Him and fish for people.  He also called two more brothers, James and John, who left their father and their boat to follow Jesus.  What have you left behind to follow Jesus?  No matter how tempting it is to look back, following Jesus wherever He leads will always be better than earthly treasures.

 

  

…  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

Forever Reign

Jason Ingram & Reuben Morgan, ©2009 SHOUT! Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Windsor Hill Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) West Main Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)

God of Miracles

Chad Bohi, Chris McClarney, Jordan Frye © Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Hear Our Praises

Reuben Morgan, ©1998 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)

 

[Traditional Options]

Rise, Shine, You People

ELW 665; HS 98 871; LBW 393; LSB 825; UMH 187; WAR 89

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

CHH 140; EH 616; ELW 311; LBW 87; LSB 398; LW 82; NCH 104; UMH 203

Light of Light, O Sole Begotten

LSB 914

 

 

Invocation

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   The Lord is my light and my salvation.

 

Worshipers

   Whom shall I fear?  No one!  For the Lord is the stronghold of my life.  I shall not be afraid.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Though wars and rumors of wars surround us, we shall not fear.

 

Worshipers

   May we dwell with Jesus forever and ever.  May He shelter us from the storms of this life.  May we follow Him ruthlessly put our faith in Him.

 

 

Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Jesus, You are the lover of our souls.  We seek Your face, and we ask that You’d draw near to us now.  Please don’t hide Your face from us, rather show us Your glory.  This world leaves us forsaken, but You will never.  Teach us Your ways as we learn to follow You.   

 

Worshipers

   In Jesus’ name we ask, amen. 

 

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Who is faithful?  Who is just? 

 

Worshipers

   The Lord is faithful and just.  He is the only one.

 

Pastor/ Worship Leader

   Who cleanses us from unrighteousness?

 

Worshipers

   The Lord Jesus Christ washes us white as snow.

 

Pastor/ Worship Leader

   Who are the sinners’ turned saints by the blood of Jesus?

 

Worshipers

  We are!  We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, the forgiver of our sins, and the leader of our lives.  We embrace His sacrifice, His redemption, and His faithfulness.  Amen. 

 

 

…  We Hear God’s Word  …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                                      Isaiah 9:1-4         

Jesus is the great light that shines in the darkness.  He is the reason we rejoice as He carries our burdens for us. 

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.