October 13th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

The Piercing and Priestly Power of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Lectionary Readings — Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost — October 13, 2024

Job 23:1-9,16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31

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Call to Worship (based on Hebrews 4:12-16)

Leader: Come, let us gather in the presence of the living God.

People: We come to hear the Word that pierces hearts and transforms lives.

Leader: God's truth discerns our thoughts and intentions,

People: Revealing who we are and who we are called to be.

Leader: We have a great high priest who understands our struggles,

People: Jesus, who has experienced our humanity yet remained without sin.

Leader: He stands before God on our behalf,

People: Bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

Leader: Therefore, let us approach God's throne with confidence,

People: For there we find grace and mercy in our time of need.

Leader: In our weakness, we find strength;

People: In our confusion, we find guidance.

Leader: Let us worship the God who knows us completely,

All: And loves us unconditionally. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Mark 10:17-31)

Gracious and loving God,

We come before You today, much like the rich young man who approached Jesus, seeking the path to eternal life. We too ask, "Good Teacher, what must we do to inherit eternal life?"

Lord, You know our hearts. You see the things we cling to, the possessions and priorities that sometimes come between us and Your kingdom. Help us to recognize these obstacles in our lives.

We confess that, like the disciples, we are often astonished by the challenges of following You. The call to sell all we have and give to the poor seems impossible. Remind us, O God, that with You, all things are possible.

Jesus, You look at us with love, just as You looked at the rich young man. Give us the courage to follow when You call, even when the path seems difficult. Help us to loosen our grip on worldly treasures and to store up treasures in heaven instead.

We pray for those who struggle with abundance, that they may find freedom in generosity. We also lift up those in need, that they may experience Your provision through the open hands and hearts of Your people.

Lord, teach us the true meaning of greatness in Your kingdom. May we learn to be servants of all, following the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve.

As we worship today, open our eyes to see the rewards of discipleship – the hundredfold blessings of life in Your family, even amidst persecutions, and the promise of eternal life to come.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who makes the impossible possible, and who invites us to follow Him on the adventure of faith.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "The Piercing and Priestly Power of God's Word” (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Introduction

• Brief overview of the context of Hebrews 4

• Transition to our focus on verses 12-16

I. The Penetrating Word (v. 12)

II. The Perceptive Witness (v. 13)

III. The Priestly Way (vv. 14-15)

IV. The Privileged Welcome (v. 16)

Conclusion

• Call to action: How will we respond to the piercing word and the priestly work of Christ?

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers