Description
Mark 6:1-13
When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, He faced rejection by His own people. So, He commissioned His disciples to travel in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal and cast out demons. We, too, have holy assignments to boldly proclaim the Gospel, trust in God’s power, and minister to others as Jesus’ hands and feet in this world. Although we may face rejection, we are called to overcome our fears to follow Christ.
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
Welcome Sisters and Brothers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Worshipers
We are here to worship the Lord our God who sits enthroned in heaven! May our praises today be a pleasing sacrifice to Him.
Time of Praise and Worship
Raise A Hallelujah
Jake Stevens, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, © 2018 Bethel Music Publishing
Goodness of God
Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, & Jenn Johnson, © 2018 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing
Mighty to Save
Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan, ©2006 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
How Firm A Foundation
BH 75 383; BH 91 338; CH 408; CHH 618; EH 636,637; ELW 796; HWC 275; HPW 38; HFG 32; HLC 224; HGP 162; HSP 121; LWB 507; LSB 728; LW 411; NCH 407; PH 361; RH 221; STTL 689; WC 612; UMH 529; WAR 411; WHM 342; WIS 1
O God of Light
ELW 507; HS 98 869; LBW 237; LSB 836
We Are Called to Stand Together
LSB 828
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We flock like sheep to be together as one body, listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, our Lord. We listen and obey for we know that He is good. Most likely, we will face opposition and rejection, but being with Jesus keeps us safe.
Worshipers
Lord, give us resiliency in rejection as we seek to follow you and obey Your commands.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let’s bow our heads in prayer. Lord, in the face of rejection, we seek Your strength and resilience. Give us courage to embrace rejection not as defeat, but as an opportunity to grow in our reliance on You. Give us endurance and long suffering to press on, knowing that in our weaknesses, we can boast that Your power is made perfect. Sustain us with Your presence, Holy Spirit. Help us to navigate the challenges ahead.
Worshipers
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
We come before You, Lord, with humility. We acknowledge our tendency to doubt Your great power and provision.
Worshipers
We confess we are much like the Israelites in Psalm 123. We look to worldly sources for security and purpose instead of fixing our eyes on You. When we are uncertain, we falter and forget Your steadfast love, faithfulness, and grace. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Merciful Father, forgive us for relying on our own understanding instead of acknowledging You and Your ways. Cleanse us now and empower us to boldly step out in obedience to Your will. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit.
Worshipers
We are a forgiven people because of Christ! May we proclaim Your kingdom with confidence and boldness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Ezekiel 2:1-5
God sent the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the Israelites, a stubborn and rebellious nation. God emphasized that although the people may not listen, Ezekiel must still convey God’s words to them.
He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
