Description
John 10:11-18
Listening is much more vital to our lives than merely hearing. With the rise of technology, there has been an increase in the number of voices coming at us. It can be rather overwhelming unless we make an effort to focus on the voice of God and act in accordance with that voice. First, we must recognize that voice, and then respond to it through our lives. It is one thing to hear God and another to listen to God’s voice. Listening means we respond to what we hear. In the gospel lesson, we see the example of the shepherd and the sheep. The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice and if other sheep join the fold, they must listen to his voice as well. As preachers, we have the privilege and high calling to use our voice to convey God’s voice. We can only hope and pray that the recipients will listen and respond with action.
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
Pouring It Out For You
Jared Anderson, Jonathan Lee, © 2010 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Tunes (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) JLee Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Don Quixote Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
All Because of Jesus
Steve Fee, ©2007 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Six Steps BMI Designee (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Beautiful News
Matt Redman, ©2006 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW 533; LBW 250; LSB 901; LW 198, NCH 67; PH 489
Listen, God Is Calling
ELW 513; HS 98 872; LSB 833; WOV 712
I Know My Faith Is Founded
LSB 587; LW 354
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We have gathered to listen to the Word of God and praise his holy name! God spoke clearly when He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” May God’s mighty wisdom enter the recesses of our minds and hearts as we begin this time of worship.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Gracious and Merciful God, we are so thankful that you revealed your glory and power to the apostles so that they could record accounts we have in scripture. We desire to not only hear your Word, we also yearn to listen with open ears so that we will grasp your will for our lives. As we engage in worship today through prayer, song, and the Word, help us to be attentive to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Instill in us the love of Christ that we may love one another as he has commanded us. Focus our minds and hearts, so that we will listen to the voice of God who knows each of us so well.
ALL In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Gracious God, at this time, we lay before you our brokenness and sins we have committed. Help us to acknowledge our condition and bring them before you in silence. (Silence)
People We confess to you the following:
Our tendency to listen to the voices of the world rather than the voice of God who has perfect wisdom.
Our reluctance to ask for help from others, but mostly our unwillingness to ask for your help to transform us and direct our lives.
Our lack of love for one another, knowing you commanded us to abide in you and reach out in love to all people.
Our attempts to rationalize our decisions and behavior, yet when we hear and read about your commands and the example of Jesus, we are convicted.
Our preoccupation with the things of the world rather than worshipping and praising you, the one, true God and Father of us all.
Forgive us Lord for our disobedience manifested in many and various ways.
Pastor The voice of God spoke and promises were made, fulfilled, and realized. God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead, so that all our sins are forgiven and we have life forever in heaven. Praise be to God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 4:1-12
While Peter and John were proclaiming the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, the Sanhedrin became upset and arrested them.
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
