Description
Mark 8:27-38
Peter had just finished confessing that Jesus was the Messiah, but after Jesus told His disciples that He must suffer and die and rise from the dead, Peter quickly rebuked Jesus. Jesus rebuked Peter, “Get behind me Satan!” Following Jesus is easy when life is running smoothly. However, it’s in our trials and suffering that our true commitment to Jesus is revealed. Following Jesus means taking up our crosses daily, giving up our hopes and dreams, our relationships, our comforts, and even our lives if needed for the sake of Christ. The reward of this sacrifice is worth the price. Are you willing to take up your cross?
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
Blessed Be Your Name
Beth & Matt Redman, ©2002 Thankyou Music
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman & Jonas Myrin, ©2011 Thankyou Music, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music, SHOUT! Publishing (Admin EMI CMG Publishing)
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
Stuart Townend, ©1995 Thankyou Music
[Traditional Options]
Come Follow Me, The Savior Spoke
ELW 799; LBW 455; LSB 688; LW 379
97; WC 530; UMH 534; WAR 45`; WS 41
Be Still My Soul
CH 712; CHH 566; HWC 347; HPW 56; HFG 77; HLC 324; HGP 332; LSB 752; LW 510; NCH 488; RH 432; STTL
Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus
ELW 802; LSB 685; LBW 487; LW 381
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We love You, Lord!
Worshipers
We love You, Lord!
Pastor / Worship Leader
You hear our voices and our cries for mercy.
Worshipers
You are gracious and righteous and full of compassion, and we worship You.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord God in Heaven, we worship You and praise Your holy name. You are good to us and faithful, even when we stray. You deliver us from death, wipe our tears, keep our paths straight, and save us from ruin. You’ve called us to take up our crosses and follow You. Show us the way, where no way is clear. Lord, as long as we live, we will follow You.
Worshipers
Thank you, Father, we love you. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
When life gets tough,
Worshipers
We lay down our crosses.
Pastor / Worship Leader
When our ways seem more interesting or enticing,
Worshipers
We confess that we don’t follow Jesus into suffering.
Pastor / Worship Leader
When we are bothered by others actions or behaviors,
Worshipers
We confess that we gossip and curse, rather than uplift.
Pastor / Worship Leader
All of this means one thing.
Worshipers
We need you Lord, for our strength is lacking and our faith is weak. We’ve laid down our crosses instead of taking them up.
Pastor / Worship Leader
So we ask…
Worshipers
Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, will you forgive us from our sins once again?
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Holy Spirit reminds us once again that we are forgiven and free by the blood of the Lamb. No longer are we held captive in sin. Our chains have been broken by the broken body of our Lord, and our sins washed by His blood. We are forgiven in Jesus!
Worshipers
Hallelujah and amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 50:4-9a
In the face of persecution and pain, the Messiah endured the worst in submission to the Lord. Steadfastly and courageously, He obeyed, and we must do the same.
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.
