Untitled Sermon

Whose Image, Who is Lord?

The Blessings of Redemption

If we are found united to Jesus, we experience the blessings of redemption: that God is at the ready and willing to hears us, and not only that but to answer our prayers as he provides for us and we provide for the church.

God’s Promise to Hear

As we’ll hear from Pastor Dan later this morning, we see that God has properly ordered the rule of the world and has delegated authorities among his people. How often do we misplace our trust, though, in political figures, looking for redemption from them. As Psalm 2 reminds us this morning, the kings plot in vain—they take action apart from the Lord’s counsel. But the Lord has set himself above every ruler and every king and reigns supreme over all things. As we approach the throne this morning and pray, let us be reminded that at the end of the day Jesus is King and can hear and answer our prayers.

Let’s hear God’s promise to hear from Psalm 2:10-12:

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Prayer of Petition

Lord, as we’re reminded of from Psalm 2, we ask the question this morning: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” We experience and witness so much sin and misery in this life. We look to the kings and the rulers of this age and our country for deliverance, but how often do we turn to you? Come quickly, Lord, that we may experience the fullness of the blessings of redemption that comes from knowing you. We pray for those who do not know you, that through our outreach, they would come to know you as Lord and Savior of their life. We pray for the work of our missionaries across the globe, for the ministries that we support in the community, and for the churches we are helping. As they all work and live and have their being, may they be like a city set on the hill, a light to the glory of your gospel and your saving work, and may the people come to know you as their Savior. May we look to their examples and be missionaries to our own communities. Place us in opportunities for gospel conversations where we can clearly explain the hope we have in you, and the opportunity for salvation others have. We pray for Harold and Jenny Lee and Jason Svec as they publically confess their membership vows today. As they are members of this church, may we support and care for them and may you empower them to do the same. We also look forward to the baptism of Elijah Lee today. As he receives the sign of your covenant—that you have come to redeem your people—may we support the Lee family in his discipleship so that he grows in the love and knowledge of our Lord.

You say later in Psalm 2, "I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” The solution to our sin and our misery is not found in ourselves, its not found in our rulers, but it is found in your Son, Jesus. And what better ruler can we have? For we not only have a king who rules over us regally, but also cares for us with a shepherd’s heart, one that sees your people, your sheep, as helpless and harassed, needing his guidance and care. May we be models of that care as we proclaim your gospel to our communities and help meet their material needs. We think and pray especially for the healing of Denise Ruppert, Richard Smith, Rhett Manahan, and the Garbrick family this morning. Thank you for sustaining them this far in the midst of their varying health conditions. Be with their doctors in their appointments that they would best know how to care and heal them. May they rest assured that their healing comes from you.

We pray these things through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

God’s Promise to Provide

Everything we have this morning comes from him. We now have the opportunity to provide a portion of what he has given us back to him in service of the church and her ministry to us and our community.

Let’s hear God’s promise to provide from Psalm 104:24, 27-28:

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

Our Tithes and Offerings

Let’s receive this morning’s offerings as the ushers come forward.