FOLLOW Lenten Worship Series – Week 1 March 9, 2014
“Follow Me” Announcements and Offering
Do You Want to Make a Difference? Call to Worship: Christians and Christian churches employ all kinds of strategies to influence their world. [Put each bullet point on the media screen.] • We try to elect politicians who share our values and goals. • We strive to enact laws and policies that reflect our beliefs. • We attempt to expose people to Christian ideas and precepts through religious radio and television programming. • We hope to shape the minds of young people by enrolling them in Christian schools or by ensuring that God and His principles are not completely removed from the public school environment. • We endeavor to get people to know Jesus by inviting them to evangelistic crusades, revivals, or other outreach events. All of these activities can be justified by their intent and outcomes. But here’s a better strategy: •
Ignite people’s passion for God and get out of their way.
What would happen for God’s kingdom if we did not consider our job complete when people confess their sins and say a prayer inviting Jesus to be their Redeemer, but would use their new commitments to Christ as a launching pad for a lifelong quest to be individuals who are completely sold out—emotionally, intellectually, physically, spiritually—to the Son of God? (Growing True Disciples, pages 1-3)
TB-686 – I’ll stand SB#687 – In the Army of Jesus we’ve for Christ taken our stand Additional Optional Songs TB-548 – Pilgrims SB#491 – I would be true, for there are those who trust me TB-408 – Austria (no SB#704 – Wanted, hearts baptized with chorus) fire TB-207 – Rachie SB#707 – Who is on the Lord’s side? SB#817 – Valiant soldier, marching to the TB-707 – Keep in step fray SB#776 – Army flag! Thy threefold glory TB-408 – Austria
HTD4-T7 (4 vs.)
HTD5-T16 (3 vs.) HTD1-T2 (3 vs.) HTD2-T13 (3 vs.) No CD HTD1-T2 (3 vs.)
SB#977 – Lead on, O King eternal HC#111 – Cry of My Heart HC#153 – Storm the Forts of Darkness HC#165 – Never Mind, Go On! HC#178 – Speak, O Lord
TB-977 – Lead on, O King eternal HC-111 HC-153 HC-165 HC-178
HTD8-T10 (3 vs.) HCD10-T11 HCD14-T13 HCD15-T15 HCD16-T18
Drama – Soup for You
The Cost of Following Responsive Scripture: Leader:
In the original biblical texts, the term used for disciple refers to someone who is a learner or follower who serves as an apprentice under the tutelage of a master. The apostles are great examples of this relationship between a student and master: they followed Jesus, the master teacher and model of the Christian faith, learning from His words and deeds and growing through the practical, hands-on training He facilitated.
All:
18
Leader:
Jesus began His public ministry by recruiting the twelve men who became known as the disciples. He spent the remainder of His time on earth pouring into them the key lessons required to understand life. His objective was to prepare them to carry on His mission in His physical absence.
All:
18
When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Leader:
20
All:
“Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Leader:
The first church is described for us in the book of Acts. There may be no better— and certainly no more succinct picture of a true church than that provided in Acts 2:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 21 Another disciple said to him, 22
But Jesus told him, “Follow me,
All:
42
Leader:
43
All:
44
All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Leader:
45
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
All:
46
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Growing True Disciples, pages 17, 24-26; Matthew 4:18-20, 8:18-22, 9:9-13; Acts 2:42-47, NIV)
HC-178 HCD16-T18 Additional Optional Songs TB-408 – Austria (no HTD1-T2 (3 vs.) SB#704 – Wanted, hearts baptized with chorus) fire HC-214 HCD20-T14 HC#214 – Holy Spirit HC#178 – Speak, O Lord
Pastoral Prayer Message – “Follow Me” HC#214 – Holy Spirit Leader:
HC-214
HCD20-T14
42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
HC#219 – King of Kings, Majesty
HC-219
HCD20-T19
Prayers of the Congregation Final Prayer: Lord, I praise you for the glorious birth of your church. This was not merely the beginning of an institution. This was the fulfillment of a plan you had set in motion at the foundation of the
world. The resurrected Christ reconciled us to you, and through him you continue to pour out your Holy Spirit on all who believe. Lord, I believe. Lord, fill us anew today with the power of your Holy Spirit. Enable us to declare your wonders wherever we are sent, whether it be to a nation across the sea or the family next door. Empower us to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. Amen. (The NIV Worship Bible, pages 1462-1463)
HC#112 – The Potter’s Hand
HC-112
HCD10-T12
Benediction: TB-207 – Rachie SB#707 – Who is on the Lord’s side? Additional Optional Songs HC-202 HC#202 – O Church, Arise HC#209 – Come People of the Risen King HC-209 TB-485 – In the SB#734 – I’ll go in the strength of the strength of the Lord Lord
HTD2-T13 (3 vs.) HCD19-T12 HCD19-T19 HTD4-T8 (3 vs.)