PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY/GOOD GOOD FATHER
Welcome to this fourth Sunday of Lent. In a world that values personal rights and freedoms above all, in a world that encourages you to pursue your own happiness above all, in a world that says ‘if you can afford it, do not deny yourself any pleasure…’ there is perhaps nothing you or I will do this week that is more counter-cultural, more counter-formative than gathering with the people of God. It is when we gather with the people of God that we learn to treasure Christ above our individual rights and freedoms. It is when we gather with the people of God that we learn to grow together rather than seek our own happiness. It is when we gather with the people of God that we learn to live on mission to the glory of God instead of chasing after temporary pleasures. And this is really the invitation of the season of Lent as well, to be invited into a practice that is counter-formative to the way of the world. To starve the flesh, with all of its selfishness, pride, and preferences, to fast from pleasures, so that we may feast on the goodness, grace, mercy, and love of Christ in a unique way in this season. As followers of Jesus we are called to live counter to the way of the world, and that begins when we gather. And we hope that these songs being slow and quiet the last several weeks have served in some small way as visible and audible reminders of the counter-cultural way we are called to live as followers of Jesus. Let’s hear God call us to worship through His word:
Call to Worship: Psalm 40:5
WAYMAKER
BEFORE THE THRONE
Sermon: Joshua 15-21
ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK
Corporate Confession:
Merciful God,
We confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, By what we have done, and by what we have left undone.We have not loved You with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Merciful God,
We confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, By what we have done, and by what we have left undone.We have not loved You with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. (Book of Common Prayer)
Brothers and sisters, hear the good news: He remembers your sins no more. His mercy is greater than your ability to sin.
HIS MERCY IS MORE
Benediction