Your January 28th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

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Lectionary Readings — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 28, 2024

Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 111)

Leader: "Praise the Lord! Let us give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts."

People: "In the company of the upright, in the congregation, we celebrate God's works."

Leader: "Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them."

People: "Full of honor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever."

Leader: "The Lord has gained renown by His wonderful deeds; He is gracious and merciful."

People: "He provides food for those who fear Him; He is ever mindful of His covenant."

Leader: "The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy."

People: "They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness."

Leader: "He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever."

People: "Holy and awesome is His name!"

All: "Together, let us worship the Lord with reverence and celebrate His glorious deeds!"

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Opening Prayer (based on Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humble adoration, recognizing Your sovereignty and grace. As we gather today, we are reminded through Your word in Deuteronomy 18 that You raise prophets among Your people, messengers who carry Your divine truth and wisdom.

Lord, just as You promised to raise a prophet like Moses, who would speak Your words faithfully, we thank You for fulfilling this promise in Jesus Christ. He is our Prophet, Priest, and King, guiding us into all truth. Open our hearts today to receive Your word with reverence and humility.

We pray for a spirit of attentiveness and obedience. May we not only be hearers of Your word but doers also. Let the teachings we receive today resonate within us, transforming our minds and actions to reflect Your love and righteousness.

As the Israelites were instructed to listen and heed the words of Your prophets, let us be attentive to the spiritual guidance You provide us through Your Holy Scriptures and Your Holy Spirit. Help us discern Your voice amidst the noise of this world, and give us the courage to follow Your leading.

In this time of worship and reflection, let Your presence be felt among us, and let our hearts be open to the transformation that Your Spirit brings. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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

Purpose: To draw attention to the profound authority and power of Jesus Christ as demonstrated through His teachings, His direct confrontation with evil forces, and the transformative impact He has on individuals and communities. It aims to deepen the congregation's understanding and appreciation of Christ's divine authority, encourage a stronger, more faith-filled response to spiritual warfare, and highlight the importance of personal testimony in spreading the message of Christ.

Title: Unveiling the Power and Authority of Christ (Mark 1:21-28)

Introduction:

• Introduction to the context of Mark 1:21-28, emphasizing Christ's authority, the power of faith, and the reality of spiritual warfare.

1. Christ's Commanding Teachings (Mark 1:21-22)

• Scripture: “They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

• Point: Focus on the unique nature of Jesus' teachings, characterized by divine authority and deep wisdom.

• Application: Emphasize the importance of recognizing and submitting to Christ's teachings in our lives.

2. Christ's Confrontation with Evil (Mark 1:23-26)

• Scripture: “Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit... But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!'”

• Point: Illustrate Jesus' direct confrontation with an unclean spirit, showcasing His immediate authority over evil forces.

• Application: Encourage awareness and readiness to face spiritual warfare, anchored in Christ's authority and power.

3. Christ's Captivating Impact (Mark 1:27)

• Scripture: “They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, 'What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.'”

• Point: Reflect on the amazement and questioning among the people, revealing the profound impact of witnessing Jesus’ authority.

• Application: Urge a faith-filled response and deeper exploration of Christ’s teachings and actions.

4. Christ's Changing Testimonies (Mark 1:28)

• Scripture: “At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.”

• Point: Discuss the spreading of Jesus' fame as an example of how witnessing His works can transform lives and spread His message.

• Application: Encourage sharing personal experiences and testimonies of Christ’s transformative power in our lives.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points: Christ's commanding teachings, His confrontation with evil, His captivating impact, and His ability to change testimonies.

• Call to Action: Invite the congregation to deepen their understanding of Christ's authority and to share their faith experiences with others.

Closing Prayer:

• Pray for a deeper connection with Christ’s teachings, strength in spiritual battles, and courage to share personal testimonies of His power and authority.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers