Who Am I Celebration
Introduction
Who Am I?
In reading Matthew’s gospel today, we see that Peter gets it; he is in the presence of the One who is anointed by and Son of the living God. In todays homily we will see there is more invested in this dialog than acknowledging Jesus; this comes down to allegiance to Jesus and our Creator God.
God speaks imperatively through the prophet Isaiah; hear me, pursue righteousness. History and my power as God demand righteousness. Bam.
David brings us a psalm of praises in thanksgiving to a powerful God.
Paul’s letter to the Romans addresses all believers. Humble yourself before God no matter what your calling or experiences are in this mortal world.
We have a tough challenge this week. There is no edging nor waffling. Stand up for Jesus.
Scripture
Old Testament: Isaiah 51:1-6.
Psalm: Psalm 138.
New Testament: Romans 12:1-8.
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20.
Hymn
Who Am I
Casting Crowns
https://youtu.be/3rT8Re1EIQc
Prayer
Through the waters of oppression and death, Lord God, you led a people into the burning presence of your love.
As you fed them in the desert, now feed us with the finest of wheat, that we may know the liberating power of the paschal feast. Amen.
Altar Call
Lord Jesus, I want to experience your mercy today. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. I admit I am a sinner in need of a Savior, and I am inviting you to be mine right now. Come into my life. Forgive my sin. Live in me as my Leader from now on. I believe you are a God who is rich in mercy.
Prayer Intentions
Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world.
Prayers of the People;
Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.
Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).
Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Handshake of Peace
Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).
Communion
Prayer
Dear God, you blessed Abraham and Sarah, and made them a great nation.
Keep us in remembrance of the rock from which we are hewn, that the waste places of our lives may blossom to your glory. Amen.
Hymn
My hope is built on nothing less
Edward Mote (1834).
Sovereign Grace
https://youtu.be/rkMapZB8qMk
Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.
Closing
The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.
God’s Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus SpiritofPeace.us
Year A Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 16 (21).
