Description
Matthew 25:1-13
In this text Jesus speaks in a parable of a wedding to describe the kingdom of heaven and Christ’s return. This is part of the whole context of Matthew chapter 25, which is really about being prepared for the kingdom of heaven by remaining sincerely watchful, faithful, and loving. In this section we are told of a wedding party, 10 bridesmaids waiting for the groom to come so that they may join the procession to the banquet. Half of the bridesmaids are ready and well-prepared when the groom takes longer than expected, the other five we unprepared and ultimately rejected from participating in the feast. In this parable of the wise and foolish maidens Jesus’ instructs Matthew’s disciple community of the need for watchfulness, since it does not know the time of the return of the Son of Man.
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
Good morning! We welcome you today in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
Worshipers
And also with you.
Time of Praise and Worship
See A Victory
Ben Fielding, Chris Brown, Jason Ingram, Steven Furtick, © 2019 SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Set a Fire
Will Reagan, ©2010 United Pursuit Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Great I Am
Jared Anderson, ©2011 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI))
[Traditional Options]
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
EH 68; ELW 244; HS 98 801; LBW 25; LSB 515; PH 15
Christ is Surely Coming
LSB 509
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
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father of everlasting goodness, our origin and guide, be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise You. Forgive our sins and restore us to life. Keep us safe in Your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Worshipers
Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Holy God, Creator of all that is Donor of Grace, and Giver of Life:
Worshipers
Hear our prayer.
Pastor / Worship Leader
There are chasms in our lives, deep valleys that separate us from one another and from You. We confess that we have allowed those rifts to grow, for fear of admitting our part in the separation, for fear of being rejected when we reach out. You call us to a reconciled life, to healed relationships, to a wholeness with each other and with You.
Worshipers
Mend us, we pray, and make us new creations through the power and love of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Amos 5:18-24
God calls his people to account for loving their religious festivals and observances without a true love for Him or what He stands for: righteousness and justice. May we take honest stalk of our hearts before God, for He takes no delight in religious pretense.
18 Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light. 19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. 20 Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? 21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
