DisciplesNet Worship #318, “Is it Worth It? ” (Smith 08.28.2016)
To watch this worship service on YouTube, click here.
“Whoever should follow me must hate his mother and father, his brother.... Hand raises. "Uh Jesus? Did I hear you correctly? Just what does this mean? And… will it be worth it?" Our worship today looks at following Christ through the lens of one of the most misunderstood passages of scripture, Luke 14:22-33, where Jesus gives to his disciples words that have been translated into some of the most confusing lessons in scripture.
We hope you’ll be part of this journey into looking at the cost-benefit analysis of this special project God gives us, through a creative, inspiring, and informative message by Rev. Russ Smith.
Worship today is under 30 minutes, a time of worshipping God together through song, prayers, scripture, and considering God's word together.
As you worship with us, keep in mind that our 'pews' are very big: you will be worshipping with people in times and places all around the world. We like to think that although most of us can't see each other here, God sees our DisciplesNet Church gathered, perfectly well, and is in our midst.
As we do every week, our time together includes a time of communion (breaking of the bread) where you may choose to participate, or simply meditate as we tell of Jesus' invitation to "do this in remembrance of me." If you would like to share with us at the table that goes beyond all earthly boundaries of time, place, and structure, we ask that you prepare a piece of bread of some type and a drink, such as grape juice, wine, or water. As we pray, our prayers are given to extend to where you are If you are unable to eat or drink, you may want to use a symbolic gesture or mental symbol as you come together at this table of remembrance with us. (Scroll down for an Order of Worship)
We hope that as you join us for worship you will feel a blessing from beige part. Please tell friends, family, and others you know about our online church that is here with doors that are always open, walls as wide as the world, and always room at the table.
ORDER OF WORSHIP:
1. Opening background music: “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow,” Dean Phelps
2. Welcome: Bob Shaw
3. Opening Hymn, “Here I Am, Lord,” DisciplesNet Singers
4. Pastor's Prayer with Lord's Prayer: Deb Phelps
5. Gospel Hymn: “Stepping in the Light”
6. Scripture: Deb Phelps, Luke 14:25-33 (NRSV)
7. Message: “Is it Worth it? " Rev. Russ Smith
8. Hymn: “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore”
9. Communion: Susan McNeely
10. Hymn: “Here at Thy Table, Lord,” DisciplesNet Singers
11. Sending out
If you would like to chat with one of our pastors, including talking more about belief in God, becoming a Christian or following Christ, or living as a disciple of Christ, please email us at pastor@disciplesnet.org, or contact us using the contact information on our website, disciplesnet.org, or our Facebook page, DisciplesNet Church.
Invitation to Giving:
DisciplesNet Church is a not-for-profit church that exists to cross barriers and boundaries to share the Good News of God's redeeming love. We rely on the gifts of our online viewers as we continue to grow and extend our nets around the world.
We also extend the invitation for you to be part of the DisciplesNet ministry by giving a one time gift, or ongoing, including a tithe. Even the smallest of gifts, like the mustard seed, have a way of growing in amazing ways to share God's word and the love of Jesus Christ.
We have a giving page on our website, disciplesnet.org.
Our physical address for donations is:
DisciplesNet Church
disciplesnet.org