Your January 21st, Sermon & Ministry Resources

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Lectionary Readings — Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 21, 2024

Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 62:5-12)

Leader: "In God alone, our souls find rest; our hope comes from Him."

People: "He alone is our rock and our salvation, our fortress; we shall not be shaken."

Leader: "Pour out your hearts before Him, people of God, for God is our refuge."

People: "The power belongs to God, and steadfast love is His."

Leader: "In God, we find unfailing love and mighty strength for our journey."

People: "We trust in Him at all times, and pour out our hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

Leader: "Might and love are yours, O Lord; you reward everyone according to their deeds."

People: "We come together to worship, to rest in God's grace, and to be strengthened by His love."

All: "Let us worship God, our rock, our salvation, and our hope."

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Opening Prayer (based on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, in this moment of worship and reflection, we come before You, mindful of the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians. He reminds us that "the appointed time has grown short," and in these days, we are called to live with an eternal perspective.

Lord, as we navigate the complexities of our lives, help us to hold lightly the things of this world. Teach us to engage with the world as if we are not engrossed in it, for the present form of this world is passing away. May our hearts not be weighed down by anxieties or the pursuit of temporary pleasures, but instead, be lifted up in service and devotion to You.

In a world that often measures success by material accumulation and personal gain, grant us the wisdom to understand the impermanence of earthly things. Help us to use the time, resources, and opportunities You have given us for the furtherance of Your kingdom, knowing that our true treasure lies in heaven.

We pray for the ability to experience joy and gratitude in our daily lives, even as we hold these experiences lightly, understanding that they are but a glimpse of the greater joy found in You. May our relationships, work, and leisure be infused with a sense of Your presence and purpose.

Father, we also ask for Your guidance in discerning what is truly important. In a world filled with noise and competing demands, grant us clarity to focus on what is eternal. Help us to love deeply, act justly, and walk humbly with You.

As we gather here today, we commit this time to You. May our worship be pleasing in Your sight, and may our hearts and minds be open to the teaching of Your Word. Strengthen us, renew us, and prepare us to go out into the world as ambassadors of Your love and grace.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

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

Purpose: To illuminate the foundational aspects of discipleship as demonstrated by Jesus' early call to His first followers. It seeks to emphasize the significance of Jesus’ proclamation of God's Kingdom, the immediacy and completeness of the disciples' response, and the depth of commitment required in following Christ. This message aims to inspire congregants to reflect on their personal response to Jesus' call, challenging them to embrace a life of prompt obedience, sacrificial discipleship, and active participation in the unfolding of God's Kingdom in their daily lives.

Title: Following the Fisher of Men (Mark 1:14-20)

Introduction:

• Brief introduction to the context of Mark 1:14-20.

• John the Baptist has been arrested, and Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee.

• Jesus calls His first disciples with a simple, yet profound invitation.

1. Proclamation of the Kingdom

• Mark 1:14-15: Jesus proclaims the good news of God’s Kingdom.

• Discuss the urgency and immediacy of Jesus' message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

• Application: How this proclamation is relevant in our lives today.

2. Prompt Response

• Mark 1:16-18: Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets to follow Jesus.

• Explore the theme of immediate obedience and willingness to follow Christ.

• Application: Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own response to Jesus’ call.

3. Pursuit of the Called

• Mark 1:19-20: Jesus calls James and John, who also immediately leave their father and the hired men.

• Discuss the cost of discipleship and leaving behind the familiar.

• Application: Identify areas in our lives where we need to abandon comfort to follow Christ more closely.

Conclusion

• Summarize the key points: Proclamation, Prompt Response, Pursuit of the Called.

• Reiterate the significance of Jesus' call to follow Him and the urgency of the Kingdom of God.

• Encourage the congregation to seek a deeper commitment to living out the gospel in their daily lives.

Closing Prayer

• Pray for the grace to respond promptly and wholeheartedly to Jesus’ call, just as the first disciples did.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers