January 22nd Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:12-25 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Called Together |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Called Together
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
[Reading above - Matthew 4:12-25]
Today’s lesson from Matthew builds on the story of the visit of the Magi—the universal appeal of Jesus and, now in chapter four, his message of transformation by entering the kingdom of heaven that has come near. The Gentiles are implicitly (as those who sit in darkness) and explicitly (by name and by the mention of places like the Decapolis and Syria) included in Jesus’ audience. Not only is Jesus’ ministry launched with teaching and healing but also the calling of disciples to follow and learn Jesus’ way
Questions for Reflection:
Matthew connects Jesus’ ministry with the words of Isaiah 9:1-7. Isaiah’s words were offered in a time of adversity. Assyrian forces had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were now applying pressure to Judea. Isaiah lifts-up hope for the coming of an appointed leader who would bring deliverance and liberation. How do you understand Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy?
What does it mean to you to repent (to turn to God for transformation) so that you might live in alignment with God’s reign that is here? What are the values of God’s reign?
Andrew, Simon, James, and John respond immediately to the invitation to follow Jesus. What is it about Jesus that claims our attention and allegiance?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Jesus manifested the grace of God in his life through the gift of healing. Healing is not always the same thing as curing. Our earthly journey makes us vulnerable to illness, accident, suffering, and death. And yet we find in the loving embrace of Christ a spirit of healing that sees us through adversity. Spend some quiet time in prayer acknowledging the broken places in your life that need healing. Feel the loving embrace of Christ that offers a new sense of hope and assurance.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
