+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Morning Reading: Proverbs 1:1-3 (NLT)
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
Morning Reading: Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.
Prayer
Almighty, ever-living God, keep our hearts set on heaven so that we may share in your glory. Clothe us in your righteousness that we may live disciplined and successful lives by doing what is right, just, and fair. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“In Christ Alone” – Kristian Stanfill
Blessing
Christ with me, Christ in me.
Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left; Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down; Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me; Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
Christ with me, Christ in me.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week.
Opening Prayer:
To set the earth ablaze, O God, your Son submitted to a baptism unto death, and from his cup of suffering you call the Church to drink. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and give us strength in time of trial to run the race that lies before us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________
“Our God” – Chris Tomlin
__________
A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 (NLT)
[Jeremiah, whose preaching disturbed his king, had to suffer for it. This illustrates Jesus’ words in the Gospel.]
Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1630 Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!”
King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. “Do as you like. I can’t stop you.”
So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
_____
So Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him. “My lord the king,” he said, “these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone.”
So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 40:2-4, 17 (NLT)
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.
_____
As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
__________
“Psalm 40 – A Hymn of Praise” – U2’s “40”
__________
A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)
[We are encouraged us to keep struggling on.]
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:49-53 (NLT)
[Those who follow Christ need not expect a trouble-free life.]
“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.
‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’”
__________
“Jesus” – Chris Tomlin
__________
Intercessory Prayer:
Gracious God: you are our helper, our Savior, our God; and we are poor and needy. Hear us now, Lord, as we pray –
+ That missionaries may have assurance of your help…. Lord, hear us.
+ That believers who face persecution may not give up…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people of good will may fight injustice and prejudice…. Lord, hear us.
+ That believers who are tempted to give up their faith may be encouraged…. Lord, hear us
+ That sick people may experience your healing presence in times of darkness…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people on vacation may come home renewed and refreshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the faithful who have died in Christ may receive a place near God’s throne of grace…. Lord, hear us.
Loving God, you are always thinking of your people: stoop down to us and hear our cry for your help, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
“Blessed Be Your Name” – Matt Redman
__________
Benediction:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Give your light, Lord, to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Morning Reading: Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Prayer
Lord God, source and origin of our salvation, make our lives here on earth so proclaim your glory that we may praise you without ceasing in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Let There Be Light” – The City Harmonic
Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s Gospel challenges us to stand ready for our Master’s return in glory.
Opening Prayer:
O God, on whom our faith rests secure and whose kingdom we await, sustain us by word and sacrament and keep us alert for the coming of the Son of Man, that we may welcome him without delay. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________
“Waiting Here For You” – Christy Nockels
__________
A Reading from the Old Testament: Wisdom 18:6-9 (NRSVCE)
[These are some of the words used by the Jews to celebrate God’s deliverance of them at Passover.]
Arnold Eagle, “Passover Seder” from ‘Asking the Four Questions’ (1934–35), gelatin silver print
That night was made known beforehand to our ancestors, so that they might rejoice in sure knowledge of the oaths in which they trusted.
The deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies were expected by your people. For by the same means by which you punished our enemies you called us to yourself and glorified us.
For in secret the holy children of good people offered sacrifices, and with one accord agreed to the divine law, so that the saints would share alike the same things, both blessings and dangers; and already they were singing the praises of the ancestors.
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22 (NLT)
Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
_____
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
_____
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
_____
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
__________
“Unfailing Love” – Hillsong
__________
A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12 (NLT)
[The Letter to the Hebrews is more a sermon on who Christ is than a letter. In today’s reading, Abraham and Sarah are held up as examples of faith.]
By faith: “Abraham went without knowing…”
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
_____
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:32-48 (NLT)
[Stand ready, we are told, for we do not know when Christ will return.]
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.
“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.
“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.
__________
“Boldly I Approach” – Rend Collective
__________
Intercessory Prayer:
The Lord is our help and our shield, so let us approach his throne of grace with confidence:
+ That Christian preachers around the world may spread God’s Word with a sense of urgency…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christian people may remember that life is short, and always be ready to meet their Master…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those on summer vacation may be preserved from every danger, and return home safely…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Olympic Games may be conducted peacefully, and draw the world closer together…. Lord, hear us.
+ That your grace may help people who find life hard, especially the poor and helpless…. Lord, hear us.
+ That you may rescue all who have died in Christ, and bring them safely to their eternal home….. Lord, hear us.
Lord our God, your faithful love sustains your people: hear the prayers of all who put their faith in you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
“Holy” – Wedding Day | The City Harmonic
__________
Benediction:
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.
Revelation 22:20-21
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Opening Sentence
Today Jesus Christ was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as snow.
Today Jesus Christ was transfigured and the voice of the Father bore witness to him.
The Law was given by Moses, prophecy by Elijah: they were seen in majesty, shining with the Lord on the mountain.
Morning Reading: Revelation 21:10,23 (NLT)
So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
_____
And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you are with God the Father and all power is given to you, in heaven and on earth. Help me to work well today: transfigure my heart with your presence – that I may see as you see.
+ Lord: I don’t always feel the joy and power of your presence; when I am weak and tired help me to look forward to the glory that is to come.
+ Lord: Remember all who live in depression and distress; bring to them new vision, and the hope of the gospel.
+ Lord: I praise you and thank you for the greatness of your glory; be with me as I set out to build up your new creation.
Father, at the Transfiguration in glory of your Only-Begotten Son, you confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness to Jesus of the prophets Moses and Elijah. You foreshadowed there what I shall be when you bring my sonship to its perfection. Grant that by listening to the voice of Jesus I may become heirs with him, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
“Show Me Your Glory” – Jesus Culture/Kim Walker Smith
Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 