Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 3/29

Kingdom Justice Bible Study

*The link above will be part of the sermon. If you’d like to print it out ahead of beginning to move through the At Home Liturgy, then please do so. It will be included in the Sermon section of the Liturgy so printing it out is not required to participate. 

 

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from Him.

Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

From Psalm 20:6-8

 

6 Now this I know:

    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.

He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary

    with the victorious power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,

   but we rise up and stand firm.

9 Lord, give victory to the king!

    Answer us when we call!

 

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his presence and his peace. Invite his presence afresh and take time to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord as you feel led.

Worshiping in Song:

You can access the video of each song by clicking on the video. Participate freely and fully: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song. 

 

Your Love Never Fails

Nothing can separate

Even if I ran away

Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes

But You have new mercies for me everyday

Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

And may be pain in the night

But joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep

I’m not alone in these open seas

‘Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide

I never thought I’d reach the other side

‘Cause Your love never fails

‘Cause you stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

There may be pain in the night

But joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Oh no, love never fails

‘Cause You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

‘Cause you stay

‘Cause you stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

It may be pain in the night

But joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Love never fails

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make, you make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

‘Cause You make all things work together for my good

‘Cause you stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

It may be pain in the night

But joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Never fails

 

The Lord’s Greeting:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all. Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From 2 John 1:3:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

 

Greeting One Another:

It might feel a little odd doing this at home, but take time to say these words to greet each other, as you shake hands, hug or elbow bump: 

“The peace of the Lord be with you.”  (Or if alone, say aloud: The peace of the Lord be with me.”)

 

The Saving One

To Our God

Up from the ashes Your love has brought us

Out of the darkness into the light

Lifting our sorrows

Bearing our burdens healing our hearts

To our God we lift up one voice

To our God we lift up one song

To our God we lift up one voice

Singing Hallelujah

[x2]

Chains have been broken eyes have been opened

An army of dry bones is starting to rise

Death is defeated

We are victorious for You are alive

To our God we lift up one voice

To our God we lift up one song

To our God we lift up one voice

Singing Hallelujah

[x2]

Hallelujah

Singing Hallelujah

[repeat]

We’ll make His praise glorious glorious, glorious

For His name is glorious, glorious, glorious

Make His praise glorious, glorious, glorious

Shout His name Glorious, Glorious, Glorious

To our God we lift up one voice

To our God we lift up one song

To our God we lift up one voice

Singing Hallelujah

[x2]

We’ll make His praise glorious glorious, glorious

For His name is glorious, glorious, glorious

Make His praise glorious, glorious, glorious

Shout His name Glorious, Glorious, Glorious

[repeat]

Way Maker

You are here

Moving in our midst

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Working in this place

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Moving in our midst

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Working in this place

I worship you

I worship you

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God

That is who you are

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God

That is who you are

You are here

Touching every heart

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Healing every heart

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Turning lives around

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Mending every heart

I worship you

I worship you

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

That is who you are

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God

That is who you are

You wipe away all tears

You mend the broken heart

You’re the answer to it all

Jesus

You wipe away all tears

You mend the broken heart

You’re the answer to it all (to it all)

Jesus

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God

That is who you are

Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God

That is who you are

You are here

Touching every life

I worship you

I worship you

You are here

Meeting every need

I worship you

I worship you

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

As you transition, take a moment to reflect on how the Lord was ministering to you through song: what lyrics stood out to you? What emotions were you experiencing? What did God reveal to you about who he is? What did God reveal to you about what he says about you? How else were you ministered to? 

 

Share a story with those around you or to the Lord about how he was at work in worship as well as in your week. Give him glory for his goodness. If alone, you could write down your testimony.  

 

For Family Prayer Time:  Please utilize and add to this prayer guide and also take time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads. 

 

Song of Preparation: 

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. This song time also serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving. We’re invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us. 

 

Ways to give (Click the picture for more giving options):

1. TEXT– send amount to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
2. Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

As you feel led, surrender your attention, your will, and your heart to the Lord and ask him to anoint your ears to hear the message and to bless you to receive and apply it.

 

Even So Come

All of creation

All of the earth

Make straight a highway

A path for the Lord

Jesus is coming soon

Call back the sinner

Wake up the saint

Let every nation

Shout of Your fame

Jesus is coming soon

Like a bride

Waiting for her groom

We’ll be a church

Ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

There will be justice

All will be new

Your name forever

Faithful and true

Jesus is coming soon

Like a bride

Waiting for her groom

We’ll be a church

Ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

So we wait

We wait for You

God we wait

You’re coming soon

So we wait

We wait for You

God we wait

You’re coming soon

Like a bride

Waiting for her groom

We’ll be a church

Ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Like a bride

Waiting for her groom

We’ll be a church

(We’ll be) Ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

Even so come

Lord Jesus come

The Preaching of the Word:

This week the sermon is broken up into two parts with Bible Study activities and questions in between. You’re welcome to view the Bible Study materials below, but we strongly encourage you, if you have a printer, to download them here and make notes as you go.

You can Access the audio of Part 1 of the sermon here:  Sermon Audio Recording

Kingdom Justice Bible Study

 

This is a word study of the Hebrew word mishpat translated in English most often as “justice”.  God is the source of mishpat. Mishpat is the order of compassionate justice that God has created and on which the whole universe depends. Mishpat is a proper judgement, process, ordinance, decision or proper and fitting plan.  Kingdom justice is consistent with the character of God. Kingdom justice is a righteous world order and always points to God. 

 

Please look up and read the following Bible passages, recording a few words about what each scripture says about justice.  You can split up the sections among the people you are worshipping with or take your time and do this alone. If you do it as a group, have each person read their verse and share what you learned with one another.  Depending on your available time, you may wish to do some of this now and come back to finish it later.  

 

Characteristics of God’s Justice

Genesis 18:25 Right

Psalm 89:14 Foundation of God’s Throne

Deuteronomy 24:17-21 Generosity for those who can’t care for themselves:

Foreigner and orphan

Psalm 112:5

Psalm 9:16

Ezekiel 34:16

Micah 3:8

 

Part of Covenant Blessings & Curses when Israel Entered Promised Land

Deuteronomy 27:19

Deuteronomy 30:16

 

More Blessings:

1 Kings 2:3

Psalm 106:3

 

Scope of God’s Justice

Numbers 9:14 Nationals and Foreigners

Deuteronomy 1:17 Impacts all matters

Exodus 23:6 Lawsuits

Proverbs 16:8

Proverbs 29:4

Jeremiah 22:3 Sanctity of Life

Amos 5:15

Malachi 3:5

Isaiah 58:6-7 Care of Family Members

 

How God Feels About Justice

Isaiah 61:8

Micah 6:8

 

When We Act Justly

Deuteronomy 11:1 We show our love for God

2 Chronicles 19:6 We act on behalf of God who is watching

Proverbs 21:3

Proverbs 21:15

Zephaniah 2:3

 

God’s Activity in Justice

Psalm 25:9 God guides humble in right (just) way

Psalm 103:6

Psalm 140:12

Jeremiah 1:16

Deuteronomy 10:18

Once you have completed this study and discussed your findings, listen to Part 2 of today’s sermon on Isaiah 42:1-9 here:  Sermon Audio Recording

 

 

Sermon Discussion Questions for After Sermon Part 2 on Isaiah 42:1-9

1. What was something you learned about kingdom justice? Explain.
2. God says in Isaiah 42:9

See, the former things have taken place,

    and new things I declare;

before they spring into being

    I announce them to you.”

One commentator pointed out that when God says He is doing a new thing, it will always be consistent with all He has done in the past and what He has promised for the future. How does this quote apply to the topic of kingdom justice? (Hint:  Look again at Deut. 27:19, Deut. 30:16 and then read Matthew 25:31-40.)

1. “The world is attracted by embodied compassion and righteousness.”  Who comes to mind as you think about people who have modeled being servants of kingdom justice?  
2. As you want to grow in being servants of justice, read over this list and share your thoughts, or additional ideas, on these suggestions:
   1. Intercede-spend time in prayer asking God to break off selfishness and any cultural or thought process that doesn’t align with His kingdom justice. Ask God to help you love people more.
   2. Get Informed-notice people and their needs.  Ask questions. Learn more about immigration reform, anti racism training, or health care reform.  
   3. Get Involved-consider a gift to our benevolence fund. Be advocates. Be active in ways the Lord would direct you, for His glory and the good of those who are weak, hurting and marginalized, as you joyfully follow in the steps of Jesus.
3. Isaiah 42:3 says “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”  What do these images symbolize and what does this show about the character of God’s servant? 
4. Who do you know, or know about, who might be considered poor, broken, bruised, burned out, struggling, weak, or oppressed right now?  Take turns sharing the person or situation that comes to mind (or journal if doing this study alone) and then close your time in prayer, asking God how you might serve.  

Song of Response:

The Song of Response serves to make space for us to respond to the message the Lord has given. Feel free to take a moment to ask the Lord how he might be inviting you to respond and follow accordingly.

God of Justice

God of Justice, Saviour to all

Came to rescue the weak and the poor

Came to serve and not be served

And Jesus, You have called us

Freely we’ve received now freely we will give

We must go, live to feed the hungry

Stand beside the broken, we must go

Stepping forward keep us from just singing

Move us into action, we must go

Fill us up, send us out

To act justly everyday

Loving mercy in every way

Walking humbly before You God

You have shown us what You require

Freely we’ve received now freely we will give

We must go, live to feed the hungry

Stand beside the broken, we must go

Stepping forward keep us from just singing

Move us into action, we must go

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out Lord

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out Lord

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out Lord

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out

Fill us up, send us out Lord

To act justly, loving mercy

We must go, we must go

To the broken and the hurting

We must go, we must go

We must go, live to feed the hungry

Stand beside the broken, we must go

Stepping forward keep us from just singing

Move us into action, we must go

Fill us up, send us out

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to make space for us to receive the Lord’s blessing to equip and empower us to receive his word, to be obedient to it, and to walk it out in his grace and favor.

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From Numbers 6:24-26:

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

 

Closing Song: While there is a link for this song, try to sing it acapella (without any music, just your voices). Let’s embrace the slowing down and simplicity of lifting our voices to the Lord.  

 

My Friends May you Grow in Grace

 

My friends, may you grow in grace,

and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

My friends, may you grow in grace,

and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory, now and forever,

now and forever, amen.

To God be the glory, now and forever,

now and forever, amen.

 

Response and Reflection:

 

Children’s Worship Lesson:

This week the lesson is: God Saves, Part 2! Enjoy going through the lesson with your family, and while you’re at it, please take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship and share them with us! You can post them to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com