Description
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Jesus told a parable about a farmer who sowed good seeds in his field. However, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the good seeds. When the workers asked if they should pull up the weeds, the farmer instructed them to wait until the harvest to prevent damage to the good crops. Evil forces are at work in this world, and the unseen spiritual battle requires us to pray and trust in God’s ultimate judgment.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
There is no one like the Lord God Almighty!
Worshipers
There is no one like our Rock.
Pastor / Worship Leader
When the enemy tempts us to worship idols,
Worshipers
We will only worship the Lord our God!
Time of Praise and Worship
Holy Spirit
Bryan Torwalt & Katie Torwalt © 2011 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Day After Day
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Holy Is The Lord
Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio, ©2003 Worshiptogether.Com Songs/Sixsteps Music
[Traditional Options]
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW 786; LBW 459; LSB 913; LW 160
God Himself is Present
LBW 249; LSB 907; LW 206; NCH 68
How Can I Thank You Lord
LSB 703; LW 385
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, there is no one like You.
Worshipers
You are the First and the Last.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Our allegiance is Yours.
Worshipers
There is no God besides You. Hallelujah!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Dear Lord, we proclaim that You are great and greatly to be praised! You are the only true and living God, and we come to worship You with all of our hearts. Help us to understand Your Word, which assures us that through grace, we can overcome the trials and tribulations of this life on earth. Guide us as we learn from the Parable of the Weeds, the message of hope in Romans, and the reassurance of Your sovereignty in Isaiah.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us confess to the Merciful God.
Worshipers
Father, we confess that we forget whose children we are- we are Yours! We allow the worries of the world and the pleasures of this short life to overshadow Your plan for us. We have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves and have been quicker to judge them than to help them. Forgive us, and grant us the grace to follow You.
Pastor / Worship Leader
In Christ, we are forgiven and free! We are set free from the power of sin and death. We trust in the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that we may live as the rightful adopted children of God. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 44:6-8
There is no one like the Lord, no one. Therefore, cast down any idols that would dare take the Lord’s place of King in your lives.
“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. 7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come— yes, let them foretell what will come. 8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
