Introduction
For a second time, Jesus sends his followers out on a preaching mission. This time, he did not limit the ministry to the Twelve. Their goal was to announce the coming of the long-awaited Messiah in every city, village, and hamlet. The text serves as a precursor to the church’s mission. In the sermon, we will identify differences and similarities between their mission and ours.
The hymns selected for the worship service focus on themes related to our gospel mission.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude: Let All Things Now Living
Jan Buhr
Call to Worship: Psalm 105:1-3
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn HBC 1: Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
Note: Charles Wesley’s anthem summons us to “publish abroad [Jesus’] wonderful name.” This hymn focuses on our duty to honor, glorify, and adore the Lord Jesus. It is fitting to begin our service with a reminder of our task to proclaim the message of Christ.
Hymn 588: A Mighty Fortress is our God
Note: Jesus instructed his followers about the opposition they would face. Martin Luther’s majestic hymn reminds us that today the evil opposes the Church in its mission. Regardless of his rage, we know the outcome of it all: “the body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.”
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Note: The followers of Jesus in Luke 10 were sent to announce the reign of Jesus to Israel. In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissioned his church to take the message to the ends of the earth. This is our mission today.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn HBC 11: For the Sake of His Name
Note: In keeping with Luke’s ever-present theme, this hymn calls us to take the message of Jesus to the world. It expresses our resolve to “love the unloved” and “urge them to flee to the Lamb who was slain” to secure their forgiveness. Thus, our message exalts Jesus’ Name.
Message: Messengers of the Gospel
Luke 10:1-16
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn: 703 Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling
Note: In 1868, Daniel March preached a sermon based on Isaiah 6:8, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” He composed this hymn as a fitting conclusion to the message. It reminds us that the same Lord who called Isaiah to proclaim his message calls us to do the same.
Prayer Response: Mark Williams
Benediction: John Miles