WORSHIPING TOGETHER – Sunday September 13, 2020
We pray that you were encouraged by the Live Stream Video (YouTube) and the message, My Sheep Follow Me, shared by Pastor Dale. We are excited to be live streaming as it brings us one step closer to meeting in person. We want to thank all of those who helped prepare for and participated in this week’s service. We are so grateful for your contributions.
As you continue to worship together in your online and household groups, we offer the following as a guide:
Opening Prayer: (Read by a Single Voice)
Almighty God, we come before you as your children and your disciples. You have called us to follow you. The way is not always easy, and the path is narrow, but we know that you are here, our Good Shepherd, to guide us, teach us, and care for us. We look to your Word for examples of disciples and we see people like ourselves, not perfect, but with hearts turned toward you, desiring to follow you. But we also know that desire is not enough, to follow means taking action and it means leaving things behind. Please help us in our struggles to do so. Please encourage and remind us to have an eternal perspective and not an earthly perspective. And please forgive us when we are challenged to remember this and live our lives in this way. Your way isn’t just the better way, it is the only way. Amen.
Reading Scripture: (Take Turns Reading)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9: 23-25 (NIV)
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NIV)
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 (NIV)
Checking In:
- There are many stories in the Bible where Jesus calls people to follow him and where people ask him what it takes to follow him (Simon Peter, the fisherman; Levi, the tax collector; a wealthy man/Ruler, are some examples). Which story do you resonate with most and why?
Close in prayer for one another and then with these words: (Read by a Single Voice)
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV).