Description

Mark 8:27-38

Albert Einstein said “Any fool can know.  The point is to understand.”  In Chapter 9 of Mark we find a nameless man, as well as the disciples, being frustrated with their knowledge alone.  They readily admitted their weakness and failure, but they didn’t give-up.  Like dedicated students, they relied on Jesus for understanding.  When our knowledge alone leaves us scratching our head, we can also rely on Jesus for true understanding.  Jesus sent His Spirit to teach us all things.

 

… 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

Say Say

Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, & Kristian Stanfill, ©2010 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Reaching For You

Lincoln Brewster & Paul Baloche, ©2010 Integrity’s Praise! Music, Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)

 

 [Traditional Options]

My Faith Looks Up To Thee    

BH 75 382; BH 91 416; CH 539; CHH 576; EH 691; ELW 759; HWC 410; HFG 84; HLC 366; HGP 192; HSP 8; LWB 479; LSB 702; LW 378; PH 383; RH 423; STTL 433; WC 552; UMH 452; WAR 419; WHM 433; WIS 54

Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling

ELW 582; LBW 523; LSB 650; LW 164; NCH 59; WC 289

 

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme 

Pastor              Almighty God, we welcome your Holy presence.  Draw us near to your throne so we may be transformed into the likeness of our Savior, Jesus, who lives and reigns with                            You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

  

Opening Prayer

Pastor              God of all Truth, we are gathered to hear Your word and learn Your decrees.

ALL                  In Your word, Your truth is revealed to us.

Pastor              God of all wisdom teach us this day.

ALL                  We deliberately turn our hearts and minds to You, O Lord.

Pastor              This we ask, for the cause of Christ.

ALL                  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

 

Time Of Greeting

[This would be a fitting time to share the peace of the Lord]

   

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

Pastor              When we fail to seek God’s wisdom, we may suffer from spiritual amnesia.  We may feel that because our situations are complex, God must have an equally complex                                  solution. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as putting into practice His truths that we already knew in our heads.  Will you join me as we consider and confess these                                things before the Lord.

 

ALL                   Father, it is our desire to understand to know Your truth.

                          We confess that we confuse human philosophies with Your profound, uncomplicated wisdom.

                          We confess that we have twisted Your truth to serve our sinful needs.

                          We confess our own selfish agendas speak louder than Your Holy Spirit’s leading.

                          We confess that our hearts are not always teachable.

                          Forgive us, Father.  Renew our thoughts and minds.   Help us to hear Your still small voice speaking to us afresh today.

Pastor             Our God is gracious and loving.  He hears and answers your humble pleas.  He has clothed you with the garment of salvation and wrapped you in the robe of                                                 righteousness.  Through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, made willingly for you, your sins have been forgiven.  In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

  

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

 

First Reading          Isaiah 50:4-9a

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the leaders of Judah, who have been exiled from Jerusalem and living as captives in Babylon for a long period.  As the political climate begins to change,  Isaiah stays true to the word the Lord has given him.

 

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me?