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Woship Resources 2009-2010 — Year C: Live Generously, Love Courageously
Return to Year C: 2009-2010
Resource Index
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Listen to God’s Voice
First Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1–7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14–17;
Luke 3:15–17, 21–22/3:22–24, 28–29 IV; Mosiah 7:77; Doctrine and Covenants
163:7d
Prelude
Welcome
Response: “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord” as vocal solo HS 94
Focus Moment: “Be Still” or “Are You Ready?”
videos from www.Sermonspice.com
Call to Worship
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
and strips the forests bare.
The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace. —Psalm
29 NLT, selected verses
Hymn: “God Who Spoke in the Beginning” HS 308
OR “The Church’s Life” HS 297
OR “Spirit Song” Worship & Rejoice 352
Scripture for Peace: Mosiah 7:77
Prayer for Peace
Scripture for Confessional Reflection: Doctrine and Covenants 163:7d
Think of times you walked in darkness and were confused. Jesus, thank you
for the light we are given for our journey when we follow you.
Prayer That We Might Hear God’s Voice
Ministry of Music
Poem: “We Will Listen, Lord”
As the rain descends to earth
and your Spirit breathes new birth,
as your love shines from each face
filling us with peace and grace,
We will listen, Lord, and we will hear.
(pause to listen)
As the mountain stands in awe
of a God who’s love is law,
reaching high its tow’ring peak
for a chance to hear you speak,
We will listen, Lord, and we will hear.
(pause to listen)
As the willow bends its bough
whispering a humble vow,
quiet waters lap the shore
shaping stone forevermore,
We will listen, Lord, and we will hear.
(pause to listen)
As the sun shines through the cloud
and a hush falls on the crowd,
when we call forth the unheard,
send to us Thy Holy Word,
We will listen, Lord, and we will hear. —Lu
Mountenay
Testimonies of Hearing God’s Voice
Hymn: “The Living Word of Scripture” verse 1 HS 299
First Testimony: At Jesus’ baptism God revealed that Christ was his Son.
When did you receive that revelation? (Luke 3:21–22)
Hymn: “The Living Word of Scripture” verse 2 HS 299
Second Testimony: Share about a time when you felt the Lord had spoken to
you in response to your prayers.
Hymn: “The Living Word of Scripture” verse 3 HS 299
Third Testimony: Share about a time when you felt you heard the voice of
God call you to ministry and what you were called to do.
Hymn: “The Living Word of Scripture” verse 4 HS 299
OR Sermon based on Isaiah 43:1–7
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
*Hymn: “Lord, Speak to Me” HS 412
OR “Let Us Sing a Worldwide Anthem” HS 468
OR “I Have Called You by Your Name” R-10
*Benediction
*Sending Forth
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are
mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When
you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set
you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God. Do not be afraid, for I am with
you.” —Isaiah 43:1b, 2, 3a, 5a
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1–7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14–17; Luke 3:15–17,
21–22/3:22–24, 28–29 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
A beautiful poetic description of a thunderstorm is found in Psalm 29. It has
its beginnings over the water and then comes to land with such force and majesty
as to shake the wilderness and bring down sturdy ancient trees. The elements of
wind, rain, lightning, and thunder are lifted up as the voice of the Lord
manifesting itself to all of creation. The psalmist seems to believe that God’s
presence and power are found in the midst of the storm, and its components are
God’s voice. In seven verses the phrase “the voice of the Lord” is repeated
seven times. This scripture text calls the listener beyond a grand act of nature
into a comprehension of the very nature of God. It is God’s presence that is to
be worshiped, not only in times of calm and joy, but in times of storm and
struggle—not out of fear, but out of assurance. This scripture text concludes
with a strong affirmation of the reign of God and God’s commitment to be present
through the storms of life into a time when God’s people will be strengthened
and blessed with peace. It is the realization of this peaceable kingdom that
brings hope to all humankind.
This ancient writing takes on relevant meaning even as the same theme and
hope have been expressed in Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a. God’s people are
invited to “receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and
struggles of life.” It is in the very storms of contemporary life that the
assurance of God’s presence brings hope. It is the responsibility of those who
have experienced this blessing of peace to share it with others and to share it
boldly without fear.
Isaiah 43:1–7 provides a parallel witness of God’s presence in all of
creation. This prophetic declaration speaks to the nation of Israel at a time of
oppression and uncertainty as its people are enslaved and scattered. The prophet
reveals the nature of God as creator and redeemer.
I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
I will be with you.
I have loved you.
I will sacrifice for you.
I will gather you together again.
I have created, formed, and made you.
These affirmations speak of an intimate relationship between God and Israel,
which, from God’s perspective, was not coming to an end. God’s revelation is
about the future of Israel, not its past. But Israel was living in fear, fear of
the present as well as the future. To this condition the prophetic voice spoke:
“Fear not!” The assurance is that God’s people will come through this time into
a new life if they will but listen.
Just as in Psalm 29, so now with this Isaiah text, connection to the present
is to be found. In Doctrine and Covenants 162 the counsel or commandment is
given to listen nine times. “Listen to the Voice” might serve as the
theme of this prophetic revelation. To fulfill the purpose of creation requires
the created to listen to the Creator. The divine-human relationship only begins
with creation rather than ending there. God creates, redeems, and then covenants
with those who would respond. A devotional song frequently sung in this faith
community calls upon the Spirit of the Living God to “melt, mold, fill, and use”
and that is exactly the covenant that God desires to have with each disciple.
God’s presence with us, as well as the clear communication of the Voice, has
always been assured. Will we but listen?
Central Ideas
1. God’s presence is active in every aspect of life.
2. Fear can be overcome through listening to the Holy Spirit.
3. Human struggle will always be present, but the blessing of peace is
assured.
Questions for the Speaker
1. How have you experienced God’s presence and power in nature?
2. In which struggle or storm of life have you felt God’s Spirit speak to
you?
3. How have you been able to respond to the counsel to “fear not”? How
has this response strengthened your faith and relationship with God?
4. In what ways can your congregation improve its listening to God’s
voice?
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