Ephesians 2:13–17
[13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. [14] For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility [15] by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, [16] and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. [17] And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. (ESV)
Scripture Reading
One of our Advent traditions is having families read the sermon text both in English and in a different language. We do this because the Gospel is Good News for ALL PEOPLE! Antoinette Yabeny and the Easley Family read the scripture in English and Navajo at the 8 AM service, the Adkins family read in English and Albanian at the 9:30 AM service, and the Palmer family read in English and Spanish at the 11:10 AM service.
Call to Worship
Psalm 138:1–5
[1] I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
[2] I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
[3] On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
[4] All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
[5] and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD. (ESV)
Prayer of Repentance
Our Father in Heaven, our sins have made a separation between us and you, our God, and have kept good from us; and by them, we have defiled our minds and consciences. But you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us according to our iniquities. Instead, you have been gracious to us in Christ. Now, being justified by faith, let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through him let us rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Amen.
Benediction
May the God of peace, who has drawn us near by the blood of Christ, bless you with His unshakable presence, as Christ Himself is our peace.
May you walk as one people, united in His Spirit, no longer far off but near to God as His beloved children.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
May His peace strengthen you, unite you, and sustain you, both now and forevermore
In Jesus’ name we pray.Amen.
Weekly Discipleship Resources
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Weekly Discipleship Resources are tools for families to use to help connect Sunday’s sermon to the rest of your week, fostering conversations and habits of worship.
