Liturgy
We gather this day to hear and
learn from God’s Living Word.
For his Word is alive and active,
sharper than any two-edged sword.
It cuts through our spirits and souls, through
our joints and marrow, until it discovers the
desires and intentions of our hearts.
Before God, we have no need to hide,
though we may be naked and exposed
to the eyes of the One who beckons us
to tell the truth of our lives.
For we have a great High Priest who
has soared to the heights of heaven,
and he is Jesus, the Son of God!
Let us therefore hold fast to our faith in him.
He understands our weaknesses.
He faced all our temptations, yet
without giving in to sin.
Let us go boldly to his throne of grace.
There we will receive mercy and grace to match
our every need. In the shelter of Christ’s mercy
and grace, let us dare to hear and explore
the truth of God’s Living Word for our lives.
We ask in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
We read in scripture that what is most essential in our conduct as Christians
is not knowledge, but love. And that what we know is less important than our
being known by God. So, we confess…
The times when we pridefully use knowledge in ways
which put people down rather than build them up.
God, source of all knowledge,
forgive and have mercy on us.
When we see people being exploited because
of lack of knowledge, and do nothing.
God, source of all goodness,
forgive and have mercy on us.
When we have idolized knowledge at the
expense of loving and caring for others.
God, source of all love,
forgive and have mercy on us.
When we show disregard toward others, because
we can not seem to find common ground.
God, source of all wisdom,
forgive and have mercy on us.
Forgive us, O God, for seeing good only in what
we understand, and accept as your truths.
Remind us of Paul’s words, ‘If I have all knowledge,
but do not have love, I am nothing.’
Teach us, heal us and make us newly
aware of your love and forgiveness.
We pray to our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 7.12.15 -Scripture
What do you think of the Bible?
How does scripture affect your soul in a trans-rational way?
How are you living out scripture in active ways?
Benediction
Just as God’s Word was sent into the
world to heal and to redeem, so God
sends you into the world this day to
be light and love, healing and hope.
Leave here to be light for the world,
And may the grace and peace of
God the Creator, the Redeemer,
and the Sustainer be with you this
week and remain with you always.
Go in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.