BEFORE THE THRONE
Let’s hear God call us to worship from His Word…
Call to Worship: Matthew 11:28-30
Because of Jesus, the invitation is always to draw near to God. Because of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne of God. Let’s sing with confidence in the person and work of Jesus together:
WHAT YOU SAID
The reality of living in a fallen and broken world means that we can sing words like ‘God, You are good, and You do good,' and wonder if they are actually true. But what we cling to as followers of Jesus is that God Himself steps into the brokenness of our world, and will one day return to make all things new and set all things right. So what is the answer when we look at the brokenness of the world with things like 25,000 people dead, tens of thousands injured, and thousands still missing from an earthquake in Syria and Turkey? I think the answer is grief and lament. Honestly engaging the brokenness of the world, while looking with hope to our soon-returning Savior. We are going to spend some time grieving in prayer together this morning. I will read this prayer first, and then we will pray together:
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround the people of Syria and Turkey with grace and peace, and preserve them through these earthquakes. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill them with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
An Occasional Prayer During Times of Natural Disaster, Book of Common Prayer
We will spend time praying silently in these four categories:
…The people.
…The peacemakers.
…The politicians.
…The pastors.
From Pete Greig, Founder of 24/7 Prayer
HYMN OF HEAVEN
Sermon: Mark 3:7-35
Hear the good news: it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. Through the finished work of Christ, applied by the Holy Spirit, would you stand as we sing and celebrate that truth.
YET NOT I BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME
I STAND AMAZED
Benediction: Hebrew 13:20-21