THE GOSPEL OF MARK [MARK 2:13-17]
During this time where our public gatherings are not able to meet, each Sunday we are providing you with a liturgy that you can use at home. You can use it in a number of ways: on your own, with your family, or with others from our church community via video conferencing. Our suggestion is that you take time to move through each of the sections below, listening to the songs, reflecting on the liturgy and hearing the word preached exactly as we do on a Sunday. As you move through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you.
As you do this remember that we are still the church even when we can’t gather together as the church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
As people of faith we are rooted in our hope and belief in the reality of Jesus. This is a wonderful anchor to the soul. But faith doesn't mean that every question has been answered or that every objection has disappeared. As we look around the world we still find ourselves confused and unsure of how to understand so much of what we see. Throughout the bible we see God patiently, tenderly and graciously addressing people in their doubts and fears. Sometimes he gives answers but sometimes he calls us to simply look upon his greatness and trust him. Start your time of worship today with these words that remind us of God’s greatness & glory:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
[Isa 40:21-25]
SONG: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (Matt Redman): A song directing our hearts to God, reminding us of the endless reasons we have to offer all of our praise and worship to Him.
CCLI Song # 6016351
Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman
© 2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing UK)
SONG: Behold our God (Sovereign Grace): A song declaring the beauty and glory of God, calling us to look again and behold Him afresh.
CCLI Song # 5937510
Jonathan Baird | Meghan Baird | Ryan Baird | Stephen Altrogge
© 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by Integrity Music)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
In the passage from Mark we will be thinking about today we see Jesus calling Levi to be one of his followers. Levi was a tax collector, a sinner who was despised and marginalised in his culture. But Jesus loves him and calls him. As he does that he explains what he came to do:
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
[Mark 2:17]
It is often true that as we start following Jesus we are quick to acknowledge that we are sick with sin- that we need his grace because we are sinners. But it can also be easy to forget that truth. To start believing that we are good enough on our own; to look down on other sinners who are so much worse than us. Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you have forgotten that you are a sinner saved by grace. Ask for forgiveness where you have looked down on others as being worse than you this week.
The beautiful truth of the gospel is that Jesus forgives and saves sinners. We are assured that
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
[1 Jhn 1:9]
So rejoice that in Jesus we have forgiveness and grace!
SONG: Lead us Back (Sojourn): A song of confession that we so often seek security, comfort and the worship of other idols above God. A plea that God would lead us back to life in him.
CCLI Song # 4878333
Bobby Gilles | Brooks Ritter
© 2006 Gilles, Bobby (Admin. by Robert E. Gilles Jr.)
Sojourn Community Church
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Because of Christ's work on the cross, his death and resurrection, we have been brought back into communion with our God and have been made righteous. We have peace with our creator, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit unites us together in Jesus.
We normally express that peace with one another in our gatherings by greeting those around us. In this time where we can’t do that take a moment to pray for someone who is part of our church family instead.
SERMON The Gospel Of Mark- [Mk 2:13-17] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.
This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. Click here where you will find this week’s sermon.
RESPONSE
Take a few minutes to reflect on how God was speaking to you from his Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit would take the truth and use it to change and transform you.
SONG: Lamb of God (Vertical Worship): A song that reflects on Jesus, the Lamb of God, slain for our sin.
CCLI Song # 7032328
Andi Rozier | Jason Ingram | Meredith Andrews
© 2014 Curb Word Music (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org))
All Essential Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
HBC Worship Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
SONG: Amazing Grace: A hymn that celebrates the grace that has been shown to us through Christ.
LYRICS
Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below
Will be forever mine
O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end
O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end
Amazing Grace (God of Grace)
lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Brickman Songs, Agape, Tv Tokyo Music Co. Ltd., Dead Bird Theology, Universal Tunes
COMMITMENT READING
The future of every follower of Jesus is a wonderful feast. A banquet of enjoying God’s presence and blessings in a renewed creation. Read the description of this banquet from Revelation:
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
[Rev 19:6-9]
As you prepare to close your time of worship rejoice in that sure and certain future that is yours in Jesus.
SONG: Lion and the Lamb (Bethel Music): A celebration of Jesus, our saviour, who is both the lion of Judah and the lamb of God.
CCLI Song # 7038281
Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring
© 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by Song Solutions)
BENEDICTION
End your time of worship with this benediction:
God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light. To him be honour and might forever. Amen [1 Timothy 6:15-16]
Peace be with you