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Sunday, February 24, 2008

Suffer, Endure, Hope

Third Sunday in Lent

Scriptures: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–11; John 4:5–42/4:7–44 IV; II Nephi 1:71–77; Doctrine and Covenants 157:16–17

Sharing Christ’s Peace

The earth, lovingly created as an environment for life to flourish, shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of human greed and conflict. Humankind must awaken from its illusion of independence and unrestrained consumption without lasting consequences.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:4b

Prelude

*Opening Hymn

“Praise Him, Praise Him” HS 68
OR “How Gentle God’s Command” HS 130

*Invocation

*Response

Call to Worship

Jesus said, “The water that I will give will become…a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”—John 4:14

Lenten Confession

Hymn: “Just as I Am, Without One Plea” HS 119

Children’s Ministry or Scripture Lesson: Exodus 17:1–7 and Psalm 95

Discuss how God provided for the Israelites’ needs.

Ministry of Music or Hymn: “Mourning into Dancing” NS 39

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. Offertory 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/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: II Nephi 1:71–77

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

Offertory Hymn

“Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” R-15/SP 15
OR “All to Jesus I Surrender” HS 430

Sermon

Based on Romans 5:1–11

Moment of Meditation

Use quiet meditative music either played by a member of the congregation or from a CD.

*Closing Hymn

“God of Grace and God of Glory” HS 419
OR “O May Thy Church Build Bridges” HS 431

*Benediction: Read Doctrine and Covenants 157:16–17.

*Response

*Postlude

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–11; John 4:5–42/4:7–44 IV; II Nephi 1:71–77; Doctrine and Covenants 157:16–17

Exploring the Scriptures

Paul’s letter to the Romans provides a significant Christian message of grace through faith. Apostle Paul is so confident in God’s loving gift of grace that he advises that we can boast of three things: (1) peace with God that comes through the example of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit; (2) hope for our future sharing in the glory of God; and (3) endurance despite suffering. Because Jesus suffered and was resurrected, we are assured that our endurance of suffering will also bring us into loving relationship with God.

The Lenten season offers us time to reflect on our personal struggles and suffering and to reaffirm our commitment to persevere because of the hope for our future with God. As a peace church we are also called to proclaim the peace and hope offered through the sacrifice of Jesus to others who suffer and doubt their personal worth.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s gift of reconciling grace.
2. Just as Jesus suffered, we are to find strength in the peace, hope, and enduring presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
3. Because God showed great love for all people through Jesus Christ, we are to accept God’s grace as a gift and to share it with others.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you found peace and hope despite suffering in your life?
2. When have you been able to overcome doubts of God’s loving action in your life?
3. Describe times when you have shared the message of the grace of God in your life with others.

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