Description

Mark 6:1-13

The researchers all agree that the number of people who embrace Christianity as their faith belief and expression has declined quite significantly in the last ten years. This is especially evident among those between the ages of 18 and 30. There are more people than ever before designating themselves “none” when asked what their religious affiliation is. Some studies state that those who were nominal Christians (cultural) are now more comfortable just stating that they have no affiliation. The mission of committed Christians has not changed. Perhaps the mission is now heightened even more because of what we see happening around us. Secular culture seems to be gaining ground. This gives us all the more reason to stay on course, by taking up the cross, following Christ and proclaiming the Gospel. Like Jesus, we are amazed at the unbelief and like Jesus we must stick with the mission before us.

 

… 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

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)

Thrive

Mark Hall & Matthew West, ©Songs For Emily Music Publishing (Admin. by Amplified Administration LLC) My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)

My Life Is In You

Daniel Gardner, ©1986 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music

[Traditional Options]

By All Your Saints in Warfare

LBW 177; LSB 517; LW 193

Lord of All Hopefulness

EH 482; ELW 765; HS 98 886; LBW 469; LSB 738; TFWS 2197; WC 369; WAR 489

Christ the Eternal Lord

LSB 829; WAR 339

 

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme 

Pastor              As the people of God, we join together in the powerful name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

ALL                  Amen!

 

Opening Prayer 

Pastor              Almighty God, it is a joy to be here together to give praise and honor for who you are and what you have done. We are so grateful for what you have accomplished in                                  the person of your Son, Jesus Christ. We live in a world that looks for fulfillment and meaning in life through so many other means and in time, they realize that they                                are not satisfied. Jesus has provided the perfect example for us through his acts of love, humble service, teaching, preaching, and outreach to the world. Jesus                                              appointed many to spread the Good News, and he works mightily through us to do the same—knowing that lives will be changed and the Lord will be glorified. 

ALL                  In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

  

Time of Greeting

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness 

Pastor              God of love and forgiveness, you are always there to listen to our prayers of confession whereby we bring to you our sins and struggles where we have fallen short. We                                 know that temptations surround us at every corner and we often fail to heed your Word and commands causing us to fail and fall. The desires of the flesh take us over                               and we act on them. We are sorry that we have not adhered to your Spirit and have veered off the path of discipline. We need your help to get on track.

(A time of personal reflection and confession)

All                    God of faithfulness, we reap whatever we sow and we know that the flesh can win out if we let it and the results will hurt us. We confess to you                                that we have let sin win out in our lives; therefore we need your help. Give us the strength to do what is right and pleasing in your sight. Give us                            courage and persistence to follow Jesus and His example for our daily lives.  

Pastor             Brothers and sisters be assured that your sins are forgiven. You have been cleansed and freed up for the mission before you. Even in the face of opposition, tell others                               this amazing news that they may come to know the Lord and Savior of the world.

 

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                      Ezekiel 2:1-5

The prophet, Ezekiel, received a call from God in a vision and was obedient as he gave the message to God’s people.

 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.