April 19, 2020
This week, we return to our series in the book of Matthew. It’s week 10, and we’re picking up where we left off in the Sermon on the Mount, discussing “Jesus and Mission” from Matthew 5:13–16.
Why Matthew in the first place? The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life. Here’s how you can prepare for this week’s 10am service stream!
1. Read our text, Matthew 5:13–16.
According to Jesus, the people of the Kingdom will experience tension and opposition in the world as they seek to be faithful to their King and His Kingdom (see 5:10–12). After all, Jesus’ mission to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth is a revolutionary movement. The temptation for His people would be to soften the edges of the Gospel and attempt to blend into the world around them—to either adapt or withdraw. To this impulse, Jesus calls His people to remember their identity and mission. Their call is not to shrink in insecurity and fear, but to shine as the beloved children of God. For it will be through their faithfulness to Jesus and their distinctive lives that God will transform the world.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 36:7–8
Come Thou Fount (Robert Robinson, John Wyeth)
Christ The Sure And Steady Anchor (Matt Boswell, Matt Papa) / No Longer Slaves (Joel Case, Jonathan David Hesler, Brian Johnson)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Book of Common Prayer:
Most 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;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in Your will,
and walk in Your ways,
to the glory of Your Name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: 1 John 1:7–9
GREETING
SERMON & COMMUNION
Great Are You Lord (Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, David Leonard) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm)