Your August 13, Lectionary Resources

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Lectionary Readings — 11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 13, 2023

Gen. 37:1-4,12-28; Psalm 105:1-6,16-22,45b; Rom. 10:5-15; Matt. 14:22-33.

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 105:1-6)

Leader: Give thanks to the LORD! Call on His name and make known His deeds among the nations.

People: We rejoice in your works, O Lord, and we celebrate your mighty deeds.

Leader: Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; ponder over all His wonderful works.

People: With joyous hearts, we sing your praise, O Lord. We reflect on your miracles and wonders.

Leader: Glory in His holy name; let your heart seek the LORD!

People: Our hearts seek you, O Lord, and in your glorious name, we find our joy.

Leader: Seek the LORD and His strength, yearn for His presence continually.

People: Lord, we seek your strength and crave your constant presence in our lives. Amen.

Opening Prayer (based on Romans 10:5-15)

Let's pray together:

Our gracious and loving Father, we come before You today acknowledging that righteousness does not come through our own efforts, but through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You that the word of faith is near us, in our mouths and in our hearts. May we have the courage to declare with our mouths, "Jesus is Lord," and to believe in our hearts that You have raised Him from the dead.

We understand that it is through such faith that we are saved, and for that, we express our deepest gratitude. We confess that sometimes we stumble and fall, sometimes we doubt, but You remain steadfast. We thank You for your promise that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

But Father, we also recognize the challenge that lies ahead, for "how can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" We pray for those who are yet to hear the Good News of the Gospel. Strengthen us, equip us, and embolden us to be bearers of this Good News.

We pray for those who have been called to preach the Gospel, in our communities and around the world. We ask that You would guide their steps, strengthen their voices, and prepare the hearts of those who will hear their message. Just as beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, so too may our feet be directed towards acts of love, kindness, and the spreading of Your word.

In this service today, may our worship and our praise be pleasing to You. Open our hearts to receive Your Word, and may it take root, grow, and bear fruit in our lives. We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sermon Outline (based on Matthew 14:22-33)

Purpose: This message aims to guide the congregation in understanding the power of faith when facing life's turbulent storms. Through the experience of Peter, the sermon will highlight how faith empowers us to venture into challenging circumstances under God's guidance and how fear can limit us. Ultimately, the sermon will underscore recognizing and worshiping Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the one who calms our storms.

Title: Stepping Into the Storm: Faith Over Fear

I. Encountering Jesus in the Storm (Matthew 14:22-27)

A. Jesus' Need for Solitude (Matthew 14:22-23)

• The Value of Quiet Prayer (Mark 1:35)

B. The Disciples Facing the Storm (Matthew 14:24)

• Understanding Trials in Life (John 16:33)

C. Jesus' Appearance to His Disciples (Matthew 14:25-27)

• Trusting in God's Assurance (Isaiah 41:10)

II. Peter's Step of Faith (Matthew 14:28-31)

A. Peter's Request and Jesus' Invitation (Matthew 14:28-29)

• Exercising Faith in God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

B. Peter's Doubt and Fear (Matthew 14:30)

• The Barrier of Fear in Faith's Journey (Mark 11:23)

C. Jesus' Rescue and Admonishment (Matthew 14:31)

• Relying on God's Saving Power (Psalm 18:16)

III. Recognizing Jesus' Authority (Matthew 14:32-33)

A. The Calming of the Storm (Matthew 14:32)

• God's Peace in Turbulence (Mark 4:39)

B. The Disciples' Worship of Jesus (Matthew 14:33)

• Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9)

Closing Thoughts: This sermon reminds us that, like Peter and the disciples, we too may find ourselves in the midst of life's storms. When we do, we are to remember that our faith in Jesus is not in vain. Even when we falter and allow doubt and fear to creep in, as Peter did, we have a Savior who is ready and willing to reach out His hand and rescue us.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers