This week we continue our series Confronting Christianity. We will think about the question “Doesn’t Religion Cause Violence?” The worship will focus on Jesus as the Prince of Peace (in contrast to violence) and the visual theme will be peaceful misty river sunrises.
Here is the link to the YouTube playlist: 210620 Heart Prep
Call to Worship:
In Christ Alone
Isaiah 2:2–4 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
Isaiah 9:6–7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Yet not I, but Through Christ in Me
Preparation for Communion
Lyric Video: Lord, I Lay My Armor Down
Closing Worship:
Lead On O King Eternal – Hymn #483
Scripture for Meditation:
Psalm 72:1–14 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! 2May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! 3Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! 4May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! 5May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! 6May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! 7In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 9May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! 10May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! 12For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. 14From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
