Christian Values

Christian Values is my suggested worship theme for the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 1, 2013. Focus scriptures are Luke 14:1, 7-14 and Hebrews 13:1-16.

In Luke Jesus teaches two values that are high on his list: humility and helping the poor. Both require the ability to curb our egos. Both eventually win the esteem of God and even human leaders. Neither comes easily to our anxious selves, since we have a strong human tendency to worry so much about our own place and well-being that we preempt God and spring into action seeking what is best for us.

In Hebrews, this same ability to curb our egos and seek to do God’s will is expanded. Here the values include loving one another, offering hospitality to strangers, helping and praying for fellow Christians who are imprisoned and tortured for their faith, honoring marriage vows, not being enslaved by money, relying on God’s grace and praising God each day.

Here is a Call to Worship based on Hebrews 13:1-16. Please use or adapt anything helpful to you.

 

Call to Worship    From Hebrews 13:1-16

L: Sisters and brothers, let us re-commit our lives to do God’s will:

     We will love one another.  We will offer hospitality to strangers,  

     remembering that by doing so, some have entertained angels unaware.

P: We will visit who are in prison, as though we were in prison with them.

     We will help those who have suffered abuse, as if we had suffered with them.

L: We will honor the bonds of marriage and be faithful in all relationships.

P: With God’s help we will live free from the love of money.

     We will be content with what we have, trusting God alone for our true security.

L: We will honor our faith leaders, consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.

P: We will remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

     We will not be captured by anxious teachings, but be strengthened by his grace.

L: Jesus suffered outside the city gate in order to win our hearts by his own blood.

    We will also live as “outsiders”. We will live for others and bear the abuse he endured.

     For we are not citizens of this earth, but our true home is in heaven.

P: In Christ, we will praise God every day!

L: We will do good and share what we have, knowing that giving to others pleases God.

All: Alleluia! Let us worship God!