Description

Series:           Surviving THRIVING in a Mixed-Up World

The problems Jesus and His disciples experienced are no different than the problems we face today:  family problems, social problems, church problems, relationship problems.  Jesus taught His disciples how to rise above the problems of the world and not just survive – but thrive!  This series looks at some timeless truths that make the difference between surviving and thriving in the mixed-up world in which we live.

Part 3 Theme            “My Place in the Kingdom” Mark 4:26-34

Worldy success comes through privilege or hard work – but these principles aren’t as valuable in God’s kingdom.  Jesus uses parables to illustrate what happens in the Kingdom when our obedience is combined with God’s power.

 

… 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

A New Hallelujah

Debbie Smith, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, ©2008 Smittyfly Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) This Is Your Time Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music

Everlasting God

Brenton Brown & Ken Riley, ©2006 Thankyou Music

Every Move I Make

David Ruis, ©1996 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing

 [Traditional Options]

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty

BH 75 10; BH 91 14; CH 210; CHH 25; EH 390; ELW 858; HWC 8; HPW 1; HFG 337; HLC 43; HGP 2; HSP 1; LBW 543; LSB 790; LW 444; PH 482; RH 6; STTL 20; WC 77; UMH 139; WAR 71; WHM 24; WIS 3

Jesus, Still Lead On                

BH 75 500; ELW 624; HLC 450; LBW 341; LSB 718; LW 386; NCH 446

I Will Sing My Maker’s Praises

LSB 977; LW 439

  

Pastor:             We submit ourselves to the One True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

ALL:                 In whom we live, and move, and have our being.  We can do all things through Him, and without Him we can do nothing.  We surrender our                                   spirit to hear Your word, in the name of our Savior, Jesus.    AMEN.

 

Opening Prayer 

Pastor          Sovereign God, there is none mightier than You, and we bow in Your holy presence. We look joyfully to the day when the world will also bow at the name of Your Son,                              Jesus.  Until then, Lord, keep us focused on the sure hope of heaven, as we labor with You to build Your kingdom on earth.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

 

Time of Greeting

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

 

Pastor:              Today is about knowing our place and knowing God’s power. Let us confess our sins and surrender our power so that the power of God may be evident in our lives.

Pastor               Omnipotent, all-powerful God,

All                    Forgive us for trusting in the power of people, position, and money.

                          Forgive us for relying on our own strength, rather than on Your power.

Pastor               Omniscient, all-knowing God,

All                     Forgive us for our impure motives and thoughts.

                          Forgive us for esteeming our wisdom above Your word.

Pastor               Omnipresent, ever with us God,

All                    Forgive us for thinking we can hide from Your presence.

                          Forgive us for thinking You don’t notice.

Pastor              Sovereign God, ruler of everything,

All                    Forgive us for wanting the last word.

                         Forgive us for not trusting Your timing. 

Pastor              Merciful, Longsuffering God,

All                    Forgive us for thinking You don’t care.

                         Forgive us for thinking we don’t matter.  

                         Forgive our iniquity, Father.  Teach us to fully rely on You, so that Your power may be made manifest in our lives, and in Your kingdom. 

Pastor:             It is with great joy that I can announce that your sins are forgiven!  Not because I say it, and not because you said some magical words, but because Christ has taken the                            punishment for what you have just confessed, and God has accepted his sacrifice.  Live in that grace.  Amen.

 

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

 

First Reading          Ezekiel 17:22-24

 “‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.  “‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’”