Description
Matthew 16:21-28
Jesus revealed to His disciples that He must suffer, be killed, and rise again. This panicked Peter, but Jesus gave him a stern rebuke teaching him and the others that true discipleship involves self-denial. Taking up one’s cross and following Jesus means losing one’s life only to find eternal life in Christ. We must prioritize our commitment to Jesus above all else for the sake of eternal life and deny the empty promises that the world offers.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
I Will Follow
Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, & Reuben Morgan, ©2010 SHOUT! Publishing | sixsteps Music | worshiptogether.com songs | Vamos Publishing | Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)
No Longer Slaves
Jonathan David Helser / Brian Johnson / Joel Case, © 2014 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP)
Good Grace
Joel Houston © 2018 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Take Up Your Cross, The Savior Said
BH 91 494; EH 675; ELW 667; HLC 357; LBW 398; LW 382; NCH 204; PH 393; WC655; WAR 351
Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus
ELW 802; LSB 685; LBW 487; LW 381
The Only Son From Heaven
ELW 309; LBW 86; LSB 402; LW 72
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We call out to the Lord with a loud voice and seek mercy and compassion from the Almighty.
Worshipers
We seek refuge in Him who is our protector and salvation, our shield and buckler, and the One who stands with us.
Pastor/ Worship Leader
In His presence there is fullness of joy, and in His right hand are pleasures forevermore. His faithfulness will be our sure guide and His perfect love will keep us safe. Let us sing together praises to our God who has been faithful forever!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy extended to us. We are humbled by the knowledge of our own inadequacies. Yet, in spite of our shortcomings, we pray for strength to follow Your will and to follow Jesus in this world. Help us to brave like Peter in our faith, to willingly deny ourselves and take risks to follow You despite all opposition.
Worshipers
May we not forget the it is only through the power of Your Holy Spirit that we can do anything worthwhile. In Jesus’ name we ask and pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, we come to You in humble repentance for the ways in which our lives don’t bring honor and glory to Your name.
Worshipers
We confess our wrongdoings and failings, asking for Your forgiveness and guidance to put away sin from our lives. In Your righteousness, we ask You to fill us with courage and strength. Forgive us, we pray.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us, Merciful Father, and give us the power of faith to stand firm even in the face of opposition. Help us to trust in You always. May we remember that it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are granted strength to walk more closely in Your ways each day. We love You, Lord. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 15:15-21
Jeremiah declared that God would be a refuge for His people in times of distress, and that He would protect them from their enemies. He asked the people to repent from their sins, as they had broken the covenant with God, and reminded them of God’s justice and mercy towards those who follow Him.
Lord, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake. 16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. 17 I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails. 19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20 I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. 21 “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”
