SCRIPTURE: multiple
DATE: 7-5-26
As always, it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time or if you’re joining us at our North Main Campus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND INTRODUCTION
Each week, we take time to pray for people, circumstances, and situations going on in our congregation, community, country, and world.
Today’s entire sermon is essentially one long pastoral prayer as we recognize the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our nation’s founding. And this is quite the weekend — not only for our nation — but for pastors. You see, there’s a bit of a dilemma that we pastors face.
On one side, there are pastors who will be holding very patriotic services today. Where there will be more celebration of the US than of an empty tomb. And that’s a tragedy. On the other hand, many pastors will ignore this important weekend for our nation and continue with church as usual. Also a tragedy.
My concern is that no pastor will come out of this weekend unscathed. Much like other times in our recent history — whether COVID, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the war between Israel and Palestine, or Charlie Kirk’s assassination — no matter what a pastor says or does, he’s sure to be scrutinized. Some in the church will think the pastor goes too far — and they’ve got biblical verses to back up their claim. For others in the church, the pastor won’t go far enough — and they, too, have biblical verses to back up their claim. As I said, it’s a dilemma.
Because of all this, some pastors have chosen to use a guest speaker this weekend. At first, this was a tempting option — why not have someone else preach this weekend? But my conscience wouldn’t allow me to do that — so here I am, and here we are.
And the best I could come up with is to set aside this weekend and allow Scripture to be the basis for an extended time of prayer for our nation.
But — before we turn to prayer — I want to say something about patriotism. You’ve probably noticed these boots that I brought out with me. These are the boots I wore in combat as an infantry soldier in the US Army during my deployment to Afghanistan. If any of you think that I’ve gone too far today by acknowledging our nation’s birthday, just remember these boots. I am a patriot — and I’m not ashamed of it. And for anyone who may think that I didn’t go far enough in celebrating our country’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday today, just remember these boots. Though I am a patriot, there’s a line where my patriotism ends — while my devotion to Christ continues.
Late last year, an article titled “Pastors, Teach Your People to Love Their Country” was published. The author of the article also wrote a book titled In Defense of Christian Patriotism. It’s a well-balanced book — much more balanced than most books on the topic of Christianity and/or patriotism.
In his article “Pastors, Teach Your People to Love Their Country,” the author makes three points. First, healthy patriotism rightly orders loves. Rightly ordered loves is the idea of putting in rank order what deserves your love the most. For example, in response to being asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus said…
Matthew 22:37–38 ESV
37 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.
This means that our love for God is to reign supreme. All other loves are to be submitted to — or under — our love for God. Including our love for our country.
A biblical example of someone who disordered his love for country over his love for God is the Old Testament prophet, Jonah. The author of the article states, “Jonah was unwilling to obey God because he put his loyalty to country above his loyalty to God. Such disordered patriotism should be avoided.” As you probably know, God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell the people of this foreign nation about God’s coming judgment with the hope that they’d repent and respond to God’s mercy. But Jonah’s love for his country — and his hatred for the Ninevites — led him on a whale of a tale adventure where he learned some lessons about his disordered loves.
The author’s second point is that healthy patriotism gives thanks. As the apostle Paul tells us…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The author goes on to write, “In America, we can be thankful for freedom of worship, freedom of speech, and freedom of movement. Millions of people worldwide would love to live in a country as free and prosperous as ours. Only by God’s grace have we been given the gift of living here. We live in a land where we’re not only free to worship this Sunday, but we can choose from various faithful congregations with like-minded believers. I often wonder what our brothers and sisters around the world would say about our ambivalence toward patriotism. I wonder if they’d say it sounds strangely like ingratitude.”
Thanksgiving is where we’ll begin our time of prayer in a moment.
Finally, the author says that healthy patriotism seeks renewal. The Old Testament example of this is an often misquoted verse today.
2 Chronicles 7:13–14 ESV
13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
You usually hear verse fourteen quoted without verse thirteen. Verse thirteen is about God punishing his people for their rebellion and sin. Verse fourteen is his promise of what will happen when they repent. Though this promise was for Israel, the principle remains for God’s people today. If we desire renewal for our country — something which all Christians should desire — humility, prayer, and repentance on the part of God’s people will be key. Something else that is key for our nation’s renewal is us — God’s people — being the answers to our prayers by — as the author states — “roll(ing) up our sleeves and help(ing) make it (the US) better. We’ll get involved in faithful local churches. We’ll support public policies that promote the common good. We’ll serve in the public square where appropriate. And most importantly, we’ll pray for a move of God’s Spirit in America. We’ll pray that the Spirit convicts people’s hearts of sin and their need for salvation. Loving our country means praying for its revival.”
So we’re going to demonstrate love for our country today by being biblically patriotic as we pray for our nation. Indeed, “God, bless America…” is a great way to pray for our country.
THANKSGIVING
We’re going to begin our time of prayer by being thankful. As I read earlier…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
We’re going to thank God for our country right now. Thanksgiving doesn’t need much explanation. We all understand what it means to be thankful. Ed Grable — one of our elders — will lead us in this time of prayer.
ELDER PRAYER: ED
REPENTANCE AND RETURN
Now we turn our focus to repentance and returning. Our country is affected by sin. And sin — all sin — both personal and corporate sin — needs to be repented of. And all who’ve turned away from God — to chase after sin — need to return to him. “God, bless America with true repentance” is a good prayer for our nation.
As we read in the book of Acts…
Acts 3:1–21 NLT
1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? 13 For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him. 14 You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact! 16 “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed — and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes. 17 “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.
And as the apostle John tells us…
1 John 1:9 ESV
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And lest any of us think we’re above the need to repent and return, we remember this moment from the life of Christ.
Luke 13:1–5 ESV
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
We’re now going to pray a prayer of repentance for our country. For individuals to repent, that we’d repent, and for our nation’s repentance of our corporate sins. Kevin Snyder — one of our elders — will lead us in this time of prayer.
ELDER PRAYER: KEVIN
INTERCESSION FOR LEADERS
Now we turn to the leaders of our country. “God, bless America with godly leaders” is a prayer I hope all of us can get behind. For we’re told in Scripture…
1 Timothy 2:1–2 NLT
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
Though we’re a nation without a king, the principle still applies: Pray for those who are in authority. Whether you voted for them or not, we’re commanded to pray for them.
Proverbs 21:1 NLT
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
God’s people should pray for our nation’s leaders to have hearts guided by our God. For this time of prayer, for our nation’s leaders, Scott Sharpe — one of our elders — will lead us.
ELDER PRAYER: SCOTT
THE CHURCH’S PURITY AMIDST CULTURAL DECAY
Now we turn to the church. In the midst of the cultural decay in which we live, God’s church is to remain pure and holy. And — make no mistake — this cultural decay has found its way into the church. Into our church. Thus, we should pray, “God, bless America with a pure and holy church.”
Listen to this warning from Scripture written to a local church.
1 Corinthians 5:6–13 NLT
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. 9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
God’s people — throughout our history — have struggled with judging the sin of those outside the church while accommodating the sin of those within the church. And often — to our shame — the sins we condemn of unbelievers are the same sins we’re indulging in ourselves in secrecy. For we live in a time that’s summarized by these words.
1 Timothy 4:1–5 NLT
1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
And…
2 Timothy 3:1–5 NLT
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
We must recognize the times in which we live, pray that God’s church remains pure, and then live holy lives.
Romans 12:1–2 NLT
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
So…
Ephesians 5:3–11 NLT
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes — these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
Christ died for his bride — the church. He died for her purity. He gave his life for her holiness. And the standard is high — perfection. Thus, we’re not to let in even a hint of immorality among us.
To pray for the church’s purity, Terry Jolliff — one of our elders — will lead us.
ELDER PRAYER: TERRY
GOSPEL ADVANCEMENT
Finally, what better way to ask God to bless America than by asking for the gospel to continue to advance in our nation. For we must never forget when…
Matthew 28:18–20 NLT
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
And until the end of the age comes — the day when Christ returns — we’re to…
Colossians 4:2–6 NLT
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
To close our time of asking God to bless America — by praying for the gospel to continue advancing and changing lives in our nation — Dana Fought — one of our elders — will lead us in prayer.
FINAL ELDER PRAYER: DANA
COMMUNION
Having spent time praying for our nation, we now turn to the Lord’s Table.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Congregation: It is right for us to give thanks and praise.
Leader: With joy we praise you, gracious God, for you have created heaven and earth, made us in your image, and kept covenant with us — even when we fell into sin.
Congregation: We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who by his life, death, and resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore, we join our voices with all the saints and angels and the whole creation to proclaim the glory of your name.
Leader: We give thanks to God the Father that our Savior, Jesus Christ, before he suffered, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice, until he comes again. At his last supper, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this in remembrance of me.” For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Leader: Therefore, we proclaim our faith as signed and sealed in this sacrament:
Congregation: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
INSTRUCTIONS
At this time, I’d like to invite those who will be serving us to come forward. And — while they make their way forward — know that as the bread and cup are passed down your rows, you’re to take the bread on your own — but save the cup — which we’ll drink together. Also — in the bread trays — there’s a gluten-free option in the center.
If you’re not TAKING communion today, know that no one is judging you. We would appreciate it if you could help by passing the trays to the next person in your row. And if you have any questions about communion or what it means to follow Jesus, please stop by the Resource Center before you leave today.
Eat the bread on your own — but save the cup — which we’ll drink together.
COMMUNION PASSED OUT
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
PRAYER (TRANSITION FOR WORSHIP TEAM)
Let’s pray. Father, we acknowledge that you are holy and majestic — and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. In Jesus, your Word became flesh and dwelt among us — he was full of grace and truth. He lived as one of us — he knew both joy and sorrow. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, opened blind eyes, and broke bread with outcasts and sinners. Dying on the cross, he gave himself for the life of the world. Raised from the grave, he won for us victory over death. We praise you that Christ now reigns with you and will come again to make all things new. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available / Treats in the cafe)
May you be God’s blessing to America. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.
SERMON TITLE: God, Bless America…
SCRIPTURE: multiple
SPEAKER: Josh Hanson
DATE: 7-5-26
TURN MIC ON / WELCOME
As always, it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time or if you’re joining us at our North Main Campus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND INTRODUCTION
Each week, we take time to pray for people, circumstances, and situations going on in our congregation, community, country, and world.
Today’s entire sermon is essentially one long pastoral prayer as we recognize the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our nation’s founding. And this is quite the weekend — not only for our nation — but for pastors. You see, there’s a bit of a dilemma that we pastors face.
On one side, there are pastors who will be holding very patriotic services today. Where there will be more celebration of the US than of an empty tomb. And that’s a tragedy. On the other hand, many pastors will ignore this important weekend for our nation and continue with church as usual. Also a tragedy.
My concern is that no pastor will come out of this weekend unscathed. Much like other times in our recent history — whether COVID, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the war between Israel and Palestine, or Charlie Kirk’s assassination — no matter what a pastor says or does, he’s sure to be scrutinized. Some in the church will think the pastor goes too far — and they’ve got biblical verses to back up their claim. For others in the church, the pastor won’t go far enough — and they, too, have biblical verses to back up their claim. As I said, it’s a dilemma.
Because of all this, some pastors have chosen to use a guest speaker this weekend. At first, this was a tempting option — why not have someone else preach this weekend? But my conscience wouldn’t allow me to do that — so here I am, and here we are.
And the best I could come up with is to set aside this weekend and allow Scripture to be the basis for an extended time of prayer for our nation.
But — before we turn to prayer — I want to say something about patriotism. You’ve probably noticed these boots that I brought out with me. These are the boots I wore in combat as an infantry soldier in the US Army during my deployment to Afghanistan. If any of you think that I’ve gone too far today by acknowledging our nation’s birthday, just remember these boots. I am a patriot — and I’m not ashamed of it. And for anyone who may think that I didn’t go far enough in celebrating our country’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday today, just remember these boots. Though I am a patriot, there’s a line where my patriotism ends — while my devotion to Christ continues.
Late last year, an article titled “Pastors, Teach Your People to Love Their Country” was published. The author of the article also wrote a book titled In Defense of Christian Patriotism. It’s a well-balanced book — much more balanced than most books on the topic of Christianity and/or patriotism.
In his article “Pastors, Teach Your People to Love Their Country,” the author makes three points. First, healthy patriotism rightly orders loves. Rightly ordered loves is the idea of putting in rank order what deserves your love the most. For example, in response to being asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus said…
Matthew 22:37–38 ESV
37 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.
This means that our love for God is to reign supreme. All other loves are to be submitted to — or under — our love for God. Including our love for our country.
A biblical example of someone who disordered his love for country over his love for God is the Old Testament prophet, Jonah. The author of the article states, “Jonah was unwilling to obey God because he put his loyalty to country above his loyalty to God. Such disordered patriotism should be avoided.” As you probably know, God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell the people of this foreign nation about God’s coming judgment with the hope that they’d repent and respond to God’s mercy. But Jonah’s love for his country — and his hatred for the Ninevites — led him on a whale of a tale adventure where he learned some lessons about his disordered loves.
The author’s second point is that healthy patriotism gives thanks. As the apostle Paul tells us…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The author goes on to write, “In America, we can be thankful for freedom of worship, freedom of speech, and freedom of movement. Millions of people worldwide would love to live in a country as free and prosperous as ours. Only by God’s grace have we been given the gift of living here. We live in a land where we’re not only free to worship this Sunday, but we can choose from various faithful congregations with like-minded believers. I often wonder what our brothers and sisters around the world would say about our ambivalence toward patriotism. I wonder if they’d say it sounds strangely like ingratitude.”
Thanksgiving is where we’ll begin our time of prayer in a moment.
Finally, the author says that healthy patriotism seeks renewal. The Old Testament example of this is an often misquoted verse today.
2 Chronicles 7:13–14 ESV
13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
You usually hear verse fourteen quoted without verse thirteen. Verse thirteen is about God punishing his people for their rebellion and sin. Verse fourteen is his promise of what will happen when they repent. Though this promise was for Israel, the principle remains for God’s people today. If we desire renewal for our country — something which all Christians should desire — humility, prayer, and repentance on the part of God’s people will be key. Something else that is key for our nation’s renewal is us — God’s people — being the answers to our prayers by — as the author states — “roll(ing) up our sleeves and help(ing) make it (the US) better. We’ll get involved in faithful local churches. We’ll support public policies that promote the common good. We’ll serve in the public square where appropriate. And most importantly, we’ll pray for a move of God’s Spirit in America. We’ll pray that the Spirit convicts people’s hearts of sin and their need for salvation. Loving our country means praying for its revival.”
So we’re going to demonstrate love for our country today by being biblically patriotic as we pray for our nation. Indeed, “God, bless America…” is a great way to pray for our country.
THANKSGIVING
We’re going to begin our time of prayer by being thankful. As I read earlier…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
We’re going to thank God for our country right now. Thanksgiving doesn’t need much explanation. We all understand what it means to be thankful. Ed Grable — one of our elders — will lead us in this time of prayer.
ELDER PRAYER: ED
REPENTANCE AND RETURN
Now we turn our focus to repentance and returning. Our country is affected by sin. And sin — all sin — both personal and corporate sin — needs to be repented of. And all who’ve turned away from God — to chase after sin — need to return to him. “God, bless America with true repentance” is a good prayer for our nation.
As we read in the book of Acts…
Acts 3:1–21 NLT
1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? 13 For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him. 14 You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact! 16 “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed — and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes. 17 “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.
And as the apostle John tells us…
1 John 1:9 ESV
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And lest any of us think we’re above the need to repent and return, we remember this moment from the life of Christ.
Luke 13:1–5 ESV
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
We’re now going to pray a prayer of repentance for our country. For individuals to repent, that we’d repent, and for our nation’s repentance of our corporate sins. Kevin Snyder — one of our elders — will lead us in this time of prayer.
ELDER PRAYER: KEVIN
INTERCESSION FOR LEADERS
Now we turn to the leaders of our country. “God, bless America with godly leaders” is a prayer I hope all of us can get behind. For we’re told in Scripture…
1 Timothy 2:1–2 NLT
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
Though we’re a nation without a king, the principle still applies: Pray for those who are in authority. Whether you voted for them or not, we’re commanded to pray for them.
Proverbs 21:1 NLT
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
God’s people should pray for our nation’s leaders to have hearts guided by our God. For this time of prayer, for our nation’s leaders, Scott Sharpe — one of our elders — will lead us.
ELDER PRAYER: SCOTT
THE CHURCH’S PURITY AMIDST CULTURAL DECAY
Now we turn to the church. In the midst of the cultural decay in which we live, God’s church is to remain pure and holy. And — make no mistake — this cultural decay has found its way into the church. Into our church. Thus, we should pray, “God, bless America with a pure and holy church.”
Listen to this warning from Scripture written to a local church.
1 Corinthians 5:6–13 NLT
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. 9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
God’s people — throughout our history — have struggled with judging the sin of those outside the church while accommodating the sin of those within the church. And often — to our shame — the sins we condemn of unbelievers are the same sins we’re indulging in ourselves in secrecy. For we live in a time that’s summarized by these words.
1 Timothy 4:1–5 NLT
1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
And…
2 Timothy 3:1–5 NLT
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
We must recognize the times in which we live, pray that God’s church remains pure, and then live holy lives.
Romans 12:1–2 NLT
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
So…
Ephesians 5:3–11 NLT
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes — these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
Christ died for his bride — the church. He died for her purity. He gave his life for her holiness. And the standard is high — perfection. Thus, we’re not to let in even a hint of immorality among us.
To pray for the church’s purity, Terry Jolliff — one of our elders — will lead us.
ELDER PRAYER: TERRY
GOSPEL ADVANCEMENT
Finally, what better way to ask God to bless America than by asking for the gospel to continue to advance in our nation. For we must never forget when…
Matthew 28:18–20 NLT
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
And until the end of the age comes — the day when Christ returns — we’re to…
Colossians 4:2–6 NLT
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
To close our time of asking God to bless America — by praying for the gospel to continue advancing and changing lives in our nation — Dana Fought — one of our elders — will lead us in prayer.
FINAL ELDER PRAYER: DANA
COMMUNION
Having spent time praying for our nation, we now turn to the Lord’s Table.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Congregation: It is right for us to give thanks and praise.
Leader: With joy we praise you, gracious God, for you have created heaven and earth, made us in your image, and kept covenant with us — even when we fell into sin.
Congregation: We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who by his life, death, and resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore, we join our voices with all the saints and angels and the whole creation to proclaim the glory of your name.
Leader: We give thanks to God the Father that our Savior, Jesus Christ, before he suffered, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice, until he comes again. At his last supper, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this in remembrance of me.” For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Leader: Therefore, we proclaim our faith as signed and sealed in this sacrament:
Congregation: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
INSTRUCTIONS
At this time, I’d like to invite those who will be serving us to come forward. And — while they make their way forward — know that as the bread and cup are passed down your rows, you’re to take the bread on your own — but save the cup — which we’ll drink together. Also — in the bread trays — there’s a gluten-free option in the center.
If you’re not TAKING communion today, know that no one is judging you. We would appreciate it if you could help by passing the trays to the next person in your row. And if you have any questions about communion or what it means to follow Jesus, please stop by the Resource Center before you leave today.
Eat the bread on your own — but save the cup — which we’ll drink together.
COMMUNION PASSED OUT
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
PRAYER (TRANSITION FOR WORSHIP TEAM)
Let’s pray. Father, we acknowledge that you are holy and majestic — and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. In Jesus, your Word became flesh and dwelt among us — he was full of grace and truth. He lived as one of us — he knew both joy and sorrow. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, opened blind eyes, and broke bread with outcasts and sinners. Dying on the cross, he gave himself for the life of the world. Raised from the grave, he won for us victory over death. We praise you that Christ now reigns with you and will come again to make all things new. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available / Treats in the cafe)
May you be God’s blessing to America. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.