October 16th 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: Luke 18:1-8 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Ask Boldly, Live Justly |
| 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:
Ask Boldly, Live Justly
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
[Reading above - Luke 18:1-8]
Jesus contrasts the justice that comes from God with the evil actions of the unjust judge. Unlike the judge who only does the right thing to avoid the persistent protestations of a widow, God acts out of love for creation. This love has been demonstrated in the previous chapter (and in many other accounts in the gospels!) in the story of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers (17:11-19). The emphasis of the teaching becomes clear at the conclusion of the parable with the questions Jesus asks:
Questions for Reflection:
Will not God grant justice to his chosen? Yes, for God is just by nature!
Will God delay long in helping the chosen? No, God is abounding in mercy and steadfast in love!
Will the Son of Man find faith on earth? That is the question that each of us will answer by our thoughts, words, and actions!
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Identify the injustice that pricks your conscience. Repent of this injustice by turning to God and asking to be transformed from your unjust ways. Take a step in faith to put things right. Pray for faithfulness to continue along this path of justice until real change is demonstrated in your own life and in the influence you exercise.
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
