Sunday 5.21.23
Published on May 09, 2023
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Gathering
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Call to Worship
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Leader: From work and school, from travel and home, from exhaustion and enthusiasm, we come to worship God. Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid.”
Many: Our hearts are filled with gratitude. We lift our voices to praise God!
Leader: We’ll tell the stories of what God has done, and is doing. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
Many: Blessed be God, who keeps filling us with steadfast love!
Leader: From the noise all around us, to a quiet heartbeat in the silence,
Many: let us step into this spacious place where we can focus on God.
Leader: How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord is laid for your faith in God’s excellent word!
What more can be said than to you God has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled
Prayers of Confession and Repentance
Photo by Lawrence OP
Responsive Scripture
Photo by Chris Yarzab
Leader - You cannot be a Christian simply by affirming the right doctrines or agreeing with biblical facts. You must commit your mind and heart to Christ. Right actions are the natural byproducts of true faith. A genuine Christian will have a changed life.
People - My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
James 2:1 (NLT)
Leader - James condemns acts of favoritism. Often we treat a well-dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks shabby. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures.
People - For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well,
James 2:2-3 (NLT)
Leader - Are you easily impressed by status, wealth, or fame? Are you partial to the "haves" while ignoring the "have nots"? This attitude is sinful. God views all people as equals, and if he favors anyone, it is the poor and the powerless. We should follow his example.
People - doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
James 2:4-5 (NLT)
Leader - Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status? Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work. On the other hand, it may only mean that a person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family. Or it may be the sign of greed, dishonesty, or selfishness. By honoring someone just because he or she dresses well, we are making appearance more important than character. If we say that Christ is our Lord, then we must live as he requires, showing no favoritism and loving all people regardless of whether they are rich or poor.
People - For God does not show favoritism.
Romans 2:11 (NLT)
Message - Favorites
Photo by cesarastudillo
