Sunday, February 6, 2022 - Where is God?
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions –Where is God?
“I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
Hymn Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord! (In Person Only)
Welcome
Awakening to God’s Presence (In Person Only)
Hymn You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord (In Person Only)
Prayer for God’s Guidance
Exodus 33:12-13 Common English Bible Translation
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you’ve been telling me, ‘Lead these people forward.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. Yet you’ve assured me, ‘I know you by name and think highly of you.’ Now if you do think highly of me, show me your ways so that I may know you and so that you may really approve of me. Remember too that this nation is your people.” (Ps 139:4-6) There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely. You surround me – front and back. You put your hand on me. That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it’s so high above me that I can’t reach it.
(Question: What do you ask God to show you in life?)
Exodus 33:14-16
The Lord replied, “I’ll go myself, and I’ll help you.” Moses replied, “If you won’t go yourself, don’t make us leave here. Because how will anyone know that we have your special approval, both I and your people, unless you go with us? Only that distinguishes us, me and your people, from every other people on the earth.” (Ps 139:7) Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? (Question: When do you find yourself questioning God’s presence the most?)
Hymn Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (In Person Only)
Exodus 33:17-18
The Lord said to Moses, “I’ll do exactly what you’ve asked because you have my special approval, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Please show me your glorious presence.” (John 14:7-8) If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.” (Question: How would you describe God’s presence in your life?)
Exodus 33:19-20
The Lord said, “I’ll make all my goodness pass in front of you, and I’ll proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord.’ I will be kind to whomever I wish to be kind, and I will have compassion to whomever I wish to be compassionate.’ But, the Lord said, “you can’t see my face because no one can see me and live.” (John 14:19-21) Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” (Question: How have you observed God’s goodness passing in front of you?)
Hymn Will You Come and Follow Me (In Person Only)
Exodus 33:21-23
The Lord said, “Here is a place near me where you will stand beside the rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I’ll set you in a gap in rock, and I’ll cover you with my hand until I’ve passed by. Then I’ll take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face won’t be visible.” (Eph 3:18-19) I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” (Question: When have you noticed the influence of God’s presence the most in your life?)
Offering Ourselves to God
During this time let us reflect upon the words from the Brief Statement of Faith
We trust in God the Holy Spirit everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church
Hymn I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (In Person Only)
The Lord’s Supper
Invitation
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
The Lord’s Prayer
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Benediction
Closing Hymn May the God of Hope Go with Us (In Person Only)
Hymn List
43 You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord
81 Glorious Things Are Thee Are Spoken
390 Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
700 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
726 Will You Come and Follow Me
745 May the God of Hope Go with Us
Sermon Series: Exploring the Seismic Questions
February 13th – Who is Jesus?
February 20th – What is our purpose?
February 27th – What does it mean to follow Jesus?