The Test Of His Courage
Sermon
The Man From Galilee
Sermons and Orders of Worship for Lent and Easter
Object:
A man and his wife had their vacation interrupted by a terrible toothache. They knew no one in the little town by the interstate highway. But they drove into town and asked for directions to the nearest dentist. They went straight to the dentist's office and told the receptionist they had an emergency situation. They had to see the dentist immediately. The receptionist showed them into a little room, and in a minute the dentist came in. They stood up to greet him, and the wife said, "We are on a trip and we have a tooth that must come out. We have no time for any shots or gas, but it has to come out right now. Just pull it out now." The dentist agreed to pull the tooth the old-fashioned way, and said, "Which tooth is it?" The woman turned to her husband and said, "Show him your tooth, dear."
How much courage do you really have?
Years ago the great theologian Paul Tillich wrote a book called The Courage To Be. In that book he said, "The courage to be is the ethical act in which man affirms his own being in spite of those elements of his existence which conflict with his essential self-affirmation."1
Courage means we know who we are in spite of everything which seems to be against us, and because of our courage we can face even those things which threaten to destroy us.
Jesus was a man of courage because He was willing to go up to Jerusalem and face the things which were waiting on Him there. There were people and forces waiting there to destroy Him. This was to be a real test of His courage.
Several times Jesus talked with His disciples about going to Jerusalem. It seems the closer they got to it, the more He talked with them about it, naturally so. Late in Matthew's gospel we find Jesus and the twelve getting ready to go there.
In chapter seventeen Matthew tells us, "As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.' And they were greatly distressed."
Three chapters later Matthew writes, "Then Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.' "
Jesus was about to face the real test of His courage. But strangely enough these are the moments for which He was born. These are the moments for which He had been living. These are the moments which threatened to break Him, but they are really the moments which would make Him. Because of that Jesus was willing to face Jerusalem, knowing He was carrying out His Father's good will and His Father would see Him through. In that He found His courage.
So, let me suggest some things about His experience which will speak to our own experience, and our need of this kind of courage. First, hang on to this.
I.
When there is no way out -- let God in. Sometimes there is no way out. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way to avoid going up to Jerusalem. So He told His disciples they were going there, "and the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of the chief priests, and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death." There was no way out.
Jesus did not come to this realization out there on the road, and He did not decide to let God in at that time. He made this decision way back up there before He even left Nazareth. He made it there at the Jordan River when He was baptized and heard the voice of God saying, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased." He made it when He went back to Nazareth to preach at the beginning of His ministry and read those words, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel...." When He sat down He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Jesus knew there was no way out, and He let God in. He made the presence of God, serving God, obeying God the center of His life. Everything else was seen against the background of God's rule in His life.
Sometimes we face things we would like to get out of, not have to face. We all have those difficult moments. We discover many times there is no way out.
I heard about a marriage made in Heaven. This couple was to be married late in life, but before the wedding they died in a traffic accident. When they got to Heaven they asked Saint Peter if they could still get married. He said, "Let me see what I can do." They waited for about a year. Finally, he told them everything had been arranged. But, they said, "Look, we have been thinking. What if this does not work? Can we get a divorce and get out of this marriage?" He said, "What do you mean? Don't even talk to me about that. Why, it took me a year to find a preacher up here!"
There are times when we face situations for which there is no way out. When there is no way out, then we must prepare ourselves to face what is before us.
A young man was flunking out of college. He sent a telegram to his mother, "Flunked out. Prepare Dad." He received an answer right back, "Dad prepared. Prepare yourself."
How do we prepare for the things for which there is no way out? There is only one thing to do. Let God in. If we will let God in, then all the things we do will be against the background of God's rule in our lives. Whatever happens to us, we will know that God is in control of the situation and us.
A lady was shopping at the grocery store one afternoon. She suddenly became aware that her little girl was not with her. She walked over a few aisles and saw her with several other ladies, and heard her calling, "Marjorie!" She said, "Here I am. Why didn't you call 'Mama'?" The girl answered, "I tried that. You'd be surprised how many mommies came. But when I called for 'Marjorie' I knew you'd be here."2
Jesus knew He could call on His Father, and so can we. When there is no way out, let God in. Then, hang on to this.
II.
When there is no way around -- follow God through. Sometimes there is no way around. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way around Jerusalem. The road He was on led there. He had to go there and face His enemies and the cross. So He told His disciples as they walked that road that He would be delivered "into the hands of the Gentiles to mock and to scourge." There was no way around that.
Later we see Him there in the garden as He prays, "Father, if you are willing let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done." Jesus knew there was no way around, and He decided to follow God through, to face what was before Him. He did not make that decision there in the garden. He did not make it on the road to Jerusalem. He made it much earlier than that.
Sometimes we face things we would like to avoid, to go around, not have to confront. And many times we discover there is no way around.
A boy went off to camp, though he did not really want to go. After a few days he wrote a letter home. It said, "Dear Mom and Dad, I told you something terrible would happen if I went off to camp. Well, it did. Love, Joe."3
Another boy went on a skiing trip with the youth of his church. He sent home a card which said, "Yesterday we learned how to ski. I'm not very good. I broke a leg. Thank goodness it wasn't mine."4
Some things we cannot avoid. When there is no way around, then we must prepare ourselves to confront what is before us. How do we do that?
There is only one way. Follow God through. If we will follow God through, then we will be able to find our way with our hands in God's hands. And He will lead us in His ways.
In the midst of battle a young man became afraid. He knew there was a great possibility that he would not make it. He decided to run. The pressure was too much. But when he turned around, there stood his general. He said to the young man, "Your road lies that way."5 It always does.
Jesus knew He had to stay on the road, but on the road He would be following God. When there is no way around, follow God through. Finally, hang onto this.
III.
When there is no way off -- go with God over. Sometimes there is no way off. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way for Him to get off. So He told His disciples they would "crucify Him." There was no way off, no way to get off from this. But then He added, "The third day He will rise again." Jesus knew there was no way off the cross, but there was a way over the cross. The New Testament calls it resurrection.
Because of this Jesus could promise His disciples on the night before the cross, "In the world you have tribulation: But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Sometimes we face things we would like to get off from, not have to bear, not have to endure. Many times we discover we cannot find an easy way off. When there is no way off, we must prepare to endure what is facing us.
How do we prepare for the things from which there is no way off? There is only one thing to do. Go with God over. So many people have been able to do that.
Maybe you think you are facing something you cannot handle, something overwhelming which is greater than you are. Maybe you feel you have a cross too great to bear. When there is no way off, go with God over.
Alan Walker told about a young preacher who went to be the pastor of a small church. During his first year he developed two great goals. One was to build a new church, and the other was to marry a girl in the choir. He reached both of those goals in his second year there. But during the third year the new building burned down, and then his wife died in a tragic accident. This experience nearly destroyed him. One day he went out for a walk and went into a church. He went in and sat down. While he was there something wonderful happened to him. He said later of that experience, "When I went in, all the stars had gone out of my sky. When I came back out, God had lit them again."6
Jesus knew what that final week in Jerusalem would mean. He knew that for all of those who loved Him the stars would be torn out of their sky. Those people and those forces in Jerusalem were waiting to do Him in, and there was no way off for Jesus. They would hang Jesus on a cross. But they did not know that God was putting Him there, and they did not know that Jesus had the courage to face it, saying, "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me." He knew out of that terrible experience waiting on Him would come the dawn of a new day. In that He found His courage.
The things which threatened to break Jesus are the things which would make Jesus. His life, His victory is a promise for all of us.
So when there is no way out, let God in. When there is no way around, follow God through. When there is no way off, go with God over. "In the world you have tribulation; But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
____________
1. Paul Tillich, The Courage To Be (Yale University Press: New Haven and London, 1952), p. 3.
2. Bruce Larson, The Presence (Harper & Row Publishers: San Francisco, 1988), p. 22.
3. Brian L. Harbour, "Super Single Or Dynamic Duo?" Award Winning Sermons, Volume I (Broadman Press: Nashville, 1977), p. 29.
4. Ernest A. Fitzgerald, You Can Believe (Abingdon Press: Nashville and New York, 1975), p. 30.
5. Wallace Chappell, The Trumpet's Certain Sound (Wallace Chappell Ministries, Inc.: Nashville, 1987), p. 27.
6. Alan Walker, God, The Disturber (Word Books: Waco, Texas, 1973), p. 27.
Morning Prayer
Lent 5
Eternal God and Father of us all, who has shown Thyself to us in the coming of Thy Son, we have gathered here in His name to worship Thee and to thank Thee for all Thy bountiful gifts upon us. For the greatest gift, the gift of Thy Son, we thank Thee, O God. And as we thank Thee for His wonderful birth, His unselfish life, His marvelous deeds, His transforming words, and His precious death, prepare us to celebrate soon His triumphant resurrection.
May we continue in these days of Lent to follow faithfully along with Him as He heads toward that awful place where Heaven and Hell collided. Give us the kind of courage He had. Keep us near the cross and an empty tomb.
Continue, gracious God, to give us the things we need for living. Give us a strong faith. Put a new song in our hearts. Make us to be people of hope. Help us to put Thee, Thy Son, and Thy kingdom first in our lives so that we would give ourselves to Thee and never count the cost, or fall short, or give up, or quit believing, or fail to dream. Make our dreams for Thee come true.
Continue to bless the witness of this church. Bless the ways we serve Thee and the people of our own community and even to the ends of the earth. Enable us to touch the lives of others for Christ across the street and across the world.
Bless with Thy hands of mercy people of our church and community who need Thy touch in whatever way, whether it is in sickness, sorrow, pain, loneliness, or a lack of nerve.
Give us enough nerve to serve Thee and the needs of hurting people, and we will strive to serve Thee and please Thee in all we do, for we pray in His holy name. Amen.
Children's Message
Lent 5
Can You Pass The Test?
I want to welcome you to our service today. I am really glad you are here with us for worship this Sunday. We are moving right along in the season of Lent. Today is the fifth Sunday in Lent. Next Sunday is what we call Palm Sunday, and the next Sunday is Easter Sunday.
On these Sundays we have been thinking together about Jesus going to Jerusalem. Today we come closer to that time. I want us to think today about how brave Jesus was during those days.
Now, I am going to pass out to each of you a piece of paper and a pen. Then I will call out some words to you. You write them down. Here are the words: cat, house, run, boat. What have we just done? That's right. This was a spelling test. I bet you have one every week in school. When I was your age we had one every Friday. It was important to study and to be able to pass the test. You have tests you must pass all the way through school.
There are other times when we have tests. It is not just in school. Life has many tests for us. Sometimes these are difficult things we go through which test our courage, or how brave or how strong we are.
Jesus had a time when He was tested. This was a test of His courage. But He passed the test. He was brave enough to go to Jerusalem and face His enemies. And He promised His disciples He would always be with them.
And do you know what? He is always with us to help us. Because He is, we can face all the things which test us and we can pass the tests we face.
May we pray. O God, make us to be strong and make us brave, just like your Son and our Friend Jesus was always brave, for we know He is with us. Amen.
Discussion Questions
Lent 5
1. Begin with a prayer by a group member.
2. Have someone read Matthew 20:17-19.
3. Having asked them ahead of time, let members of the group share various sections of the chapter.
4. What was it that brought Jesus to this point?
5. What was at stake here during this time?
6. Did the Disciples understand what was happening?
7. How do you respond to such situations in your own life?
8. What is it that sees you through such times?
9. Close with sentence prayers and a benediction.
Order Of Worship
11:00 a.m.
Fifth Sunday In Lent
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Prelude
Chiming the Hour
Introit
Greeting
Leader: What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
People: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
Hymn of Praise
"Come, Christians, Join To Sing"
Affirmation of Faith
The Apostles' Creed
Welcome and Sharing
Children's Message
"Can You Pass The Test?"
WE TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER
Joys and Concerns
Morning Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
WE GIVE TO GOD
Prayer of Dedication
Offertory
Doxology
WE HEAR GOD'S WORD
Hymn of Preparation
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Anthem
Reading of the Scriptures
Matthew 20:17-19
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Message
"The Test Of His Courage"
WE RESPOND TO GOD
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
Hymn of Invitation
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"
Benediction
Congregational Response
WE DEPART TO SERVE GOD
Postlude
How much courage do you really have?
Years ago the great theologian Paul Tillich wrote a book called The Courage To Be. In that book he said, "The courage to be is the ethical act in which man affirms his own being in spite of those elements of his existence which conflict with his essential self-affirmation."1
Courage means we know who we are in spite of everything which seems to be against us, and because of our courage we can face even those things which threaten to destroy us.
Jesus was a man of courage because He was willing to go up to Jerusalem and face the things which were waiting on Him there. There were people and forces waiting there to destroy Him. This was to be a real test of His courage.
Several times Jesus talked with His disciples about going to Jerusalem. It seems the closer they got to it, the more He talked with them about it, naturally so. Late in Matthew's gospel we find Jesus and the twelve getting ready to go there.
In chapter seventeen Matthew tells us, "As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.' And they were greatly distressed."
Three chapters later Matthew writes, "Then Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.' "
Jesus was about to face the real test of His courage. But strangely enough these are the moments for which He was born. These are the moments for which He had been living. These are the moments which threatened to break Him, but they are really the moments which would make Him. Because of that Jesus was willing to face Jerusalem, knowing He was carrying out His Father's good will and His Father would see Him through. In that He found His courage.
So, let me suggest some things about His experience which will speak to our own experience, and our need of this kind of courage. First, hang on to this.
I.
When there is no way out -- let God in. Sometimes there is no way out. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way to avoid going up to Jerusalem. So He told His disciples they were going there, "and the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of the chief priests, and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death." There was no way out.
Jesus did not come to this realization out there on the road, and He did not decide to let God in at that time. He made this decision way back up there before He even left Nazareth. He made it there at the Jordan River when He was baptized and heard the voice of God saying, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased." He made it when He went back to Nazareth to preach at the beginning of His ministry and read those words, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel...." When He sat down He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Jesus knew there was no way out, and He let God in. He made the presence of God, serving God, obeying God the center of His life. Everything else was seen against the background of God's rule in His life.
Sometimes we face things we would like to get out of, not have to face. We all have those difficult moments. We discover many times there is no way out.
I heard about a marriage made in Heaven. This couple was to be married late in life, but before the wedding they died in a traffic accident. When they got to Heaven they asked Saint Peter if they could still get married. He said, "Let me see what I can do." They waited for about a year. Finally, he told them everything had been arranged. But, they said, "Look, we have been thinking. What if this does not work? Can we get a divorce and get out of this marriage?" He said, "What do you mean? Don't even talk to me about that. Why, it took me a year to find a preacher up here!"
There are times when we face situations for which there is no way out. When there is no way out, then we must prepare ourselves to face what is before us.
A young man was flunking out of college. He sent a telegram to his mother, "Flunked out. Prepare Dad." He received an answer right back, "Dad prepared. Prepare yourself."
How do we prepare for the things for which there is no way out? There is only one thing to do. Let God in. If we will let God in, then all the things we do will be against the background of God's rule in our lives. Whatever happens to us, we will know that God is in control of the situation and us.
A lady was shopping at the grocery store one afternoon. She suddenly became aware that her little girl was not with her. She walked over a few aisles and saw her with several other ladies, and heard her calling, "Marjorie!" She said, "Here I am. Why didn't you call 'Mama'?" The girl answered, "I tried that. You'd be surprised how many mommies came. But when I called for 'Marjorie' I knew you'd be here."2
Jesus knew He could call on His Father, and so can we. When there is no way out, let God in. Then, hang on to this.
II.
When there is no way around -- follow God through. Sometimes there is no way around. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way around Jerusalem. The road He was on led there. He had to go there and face His enemies and the cross. So He told His disciples as they walked that road that He would be delivered "into the hands of the Gentiles to mock and to scourge." There was no way around that.
Later we see Him there in the garden as He prays, "Father, if you are willing let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done." Jesus knew there was no way around, and He decided to follow God through, to face what was before Him. He did not make that decision there in the garden. He did not make it on the road to Jerusalem. He made it much earlier than that.
Sometimes we face things we would like to avoid, to go around, not have to confront. And many times we discover there is no way around.
A boy went off to camp, though he did not really want to go. After a few days he wrote a letter home. It said, "Dear Mom and Dad, I told you something terrible would happen if I went off to camp. Well, it did. Love, Joe."3
Another boy went on a skiing trip with the youth of his church. He sent home a card which said, "Yesterday we learned how to ski. I'm not very good. I broke a leg. Thank goodness it wasn't mine."4
Some things we cannot avoid. When there is no way around, then we must prepare ourselves to confront what is before us. How do we do that?
There is only one way. Follow God through. If we will follow God through, then we will be able to find our way with our hands in God's hands. And He will lead us in His ways.
In the midst of battle a young man became afraid. He knew there was a great possibility that he would not make it. He decided to run. The pressure was too much. But when he turned around, there stood his general. He said to the young man, "Your road lies that way."5 It always does.
Jesus knew He had to stay on the road, but on the road He would be following God. When there is no way around, follow God through. Finally, hang onto this.
III.
When there is no way off -- go with God over. Sometimes there is no way off. Jesus knew it was true. There was no way for Him to get off. So He told His disciples they would "crucify Him." There was no way off, no way to get off from this. But then He added, "The third day He will rise again." Jesus knew there was no way off the cross, but there was a way over the cross. The New Testament calls it resurrection.
Because of this Jesus could promise His disciples on the night before the cross, "In the world you have tribulation: But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Sometimes we face things we would like to get off from, not have to bear, not have to endure. Many times we discover we cannot find an easy way off. When there is no way off, we must prepare to endure what is facing us.
How do we prepare for the things from which there is no way off? There is only one thing to do. Go with God over. So many people have been able to do that.
Maybe you think you are facing something you cannot handle, something overwhelming which is greater than you are. Maybe you feel you have a cross too great to bear. When there is no way off, go with God over.
Alan Walker told about a young preacher who went to be the pastor of a small church. During his first year he developed two great goals. One was to build a new church, and the other was to marry a girl in the choir. He reached both of those goals in his second year there. But during the third year the new building burned down, and then his wife died in a tragic accident. This experience nearly destroyed him. One day he went out for a walk and went into a church. He went in and sat down. While he was there something wonderful happened to him. He said later of that experience, "When I went in, all the stars had gone out of my sky. When I came back out, God had lit them again."6
Jesus knew what that final week in Jerusalem would mean. He knew that for all of those who loved Him the stars would be torn out of their sky. Those people and those forces in Jerusalem were waiting to do Him in, and there was no way off for Jesus. They would hang Jesus on a cross. But they did not know that God was putting Him there, and they did not know that Jesus had the courage to face it, saying, "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me." He knew out of that terrible experience waiting on Him would come the dawn of a new day. In that He found His courage.
The things which threatened to break Jesus are the things which would make Jesus. His life, His victory is a promise for all of us.
So when there is no way out, let God in. When there is no way around, follow God through. When there is no way off, go with God over. "In the world you have tribulation; But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
____________
1. Paul Tillich, The Courage To Be (Yale University Press: New Haven and London, 1952), p. 3.
2. Bruce Larson, The Presence (Harper & Row Publishers: San Francisco, 1988), p. 22.
3. Brian L. Harbour, "Super Single Or Dynamic Duo?" Award Winning Sermons, Volume I (Broadman Press: Nashville, 1977), p. 29.
4. Ernest A. Fitzgerald, You Can Believe (Abingdon Press: Nashville and New York, 1975), p. 30.
5. Wallace Chappell, The Trumpet's Certain Sound (Wallace Chappell Ministries, Inc.: Nashville, 1987), p. 27.
6. Alan Walker, God, The Disturber (Word Books: Waco, Texas, 1973), p. 27.
Morning Prayer
Lent 5
Eternal God and Father of us all, who has shown Thyself to us in the coming of Thy Son, we have gathered here in His name to worship Thee and to thank Thee for all Thy bountiful gifts upon us. For the greatest gift, the gift of Thy Son, we thank Thee, O God. And as we thank Thee for His wonderful birth, His unselfish life, His marvelous deeds, His transforming words, and His precious death, prepare us to celebrate soon His triumphant resurrection.
May we continue in these days of Lent to follow faithfully along with Him as He heads toward that awful place where Heaven and Hell collided. Give us the kind of courage He had. Keep us near the cross and an empty tomb.
Continue, gracious God, to give us the things we need for living. Give us a strong faith. Put a new song in our hearts. Make us to be people of hope. Help us to put Thee, Thy Son, and Thy kingdom first in our lives so that we would give ourselves to Thee and never count the cost, or fall short, or give up, or quit believing, or fail to dream. Make our dreams for Thee come true.
Continue to bless the witness of this church. Bless the ways we serve Thee and the people of our own community and even to the ends of the earth. Enable us to touch the lives of others for Christ across the street and across the world.
Bless with Thy hands of mercy people of our church and community who need Thy touch in whatever way, whether it is in sickness, sorrow, pain, loneliness, or a lack of nerve.
Give us enough nerve to serve Thee and the needs of hurting people, and we will strive to serve Thee and please Thee in all we do, for we pray in His holy name. Amen.
Children's Message
Lent 5
Can You Pass The Test?
I want to welcome you to our service today. I am really glad you are here with us for worship this Sunday. We are moving right along in the season of Lent. Today is the fifth Sunday in Lent. Next Sunday is what we call Palm Sunday, and the next Sunday is Easter Sunday.
On these Sundays we have been thinking together about Jesus going to Jerusalem. Today we come closer to that time. I want us to think today about how brave Jesus was during those days.
Now, I am going to pass out to each of you a piece of paper and a pen. Then I will call out some words to you. You write them down. Here are the words: cat, house, run, boat. What have we just done? That's right. This was a spelling test. I bet you have one every week in school. When I was your age we had one every Friday. It was important to study and to be able to pass the test. You have tests you must pass all the way through school.
There are other times when we have tests. It is not just in school. Life has many tests for us. Sometimes these are difficult things we go through which test our courage, or how brave or how strong we are.
Jesus had a time when He was tested. This was a test of His courage. But He passed the test. He was brave enough to go to Jerusalem and face His enemies. And He promised His disciples He would always be with them.
And do you know what? He is always with us to help us. Because He is, we can face all the things which test us and we can pass the tests we face.
May we pray. O God, make us to be strong and make us brave, just like your Son and our Friend Jesus was always brave, for we know He is with us. Amen.
Discussion Questions
Lent 5
1. Begin with a prayer by a group member.
2. Have someone read Matthew 20:17-19.
3. Having asked them ahead of time, let members of the group share various sections of the chapter.
4. What was it that brought Jesus to this point?
5. What was at stake here during this time?
6. Did the Disciples understand what was happening?
7. How do you respond to such situations in your own life?
8. What is it that sees you through such times?
9. Close with sentence prayers and a benediction.
Order Of Worship
11:00 a.m.
Fifth Sunday In Lent
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Prelude
Chiming the Hour
Introit
Greeting
Leader: What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
People: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
Hymn of Praise
"Come, Christians, Join To Sing"
Affirmation of Faith
The Apostles' Creed
Welcome and Sharing
Children's Message
"Can You Pass The Test?"
WE TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER
Joys and Concerns
Morning Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
WE GIVE TO GOD
Prayer of Dedication
Offertory
Doxology
WE HEAR GOD'S WORD
Hymn of Preparation
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Anthem
Reading of the Scriptures
Matthew 20:17-19
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Message
"The Test Of His Courage"
WE RESPOND TO GOD
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
Hymn of Invitation
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"
Benediction
Congregational Response
WE DEPART TO SERVE GOD
Postlude
