During this age, until the Lord’s return the Church is the Church Militant, a body called to engage the principalities and the powers, the rulers of this present darkness, the spiritual authorities of wickedness in high places. We are called to war, to do battle against the enemies of the Lord through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By faith in Christ we overcome the dragon – his accusations, lies, and resistance. Let us, then, declare with the Scriptures that the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, and that we conquer the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. Let us not love our lives in this world, even unto death.
We are called to engage the enemy, not flesh and blood to wound, but wrestle with the powers who through lies and deception have held the world captive. Through the armor of God, by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony, we overcome. As soldiers of Christ, let us fight the good fight of faith, knowing full well that he who indwells us is stronger than he who dwells in the world.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. [11] And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
~ Revelation 12.10-11
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for granting us victory over the dragon and his minions through the shed blood of your Son, Jesus. Teach us how to wage war in your name and for your glory today. Amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 34.15-22 OT: Josh. 24.1-2a, 14-18 Gospel: John 6.56-69 NT: Eph. 6.10-20 (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. [9] All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. [10] For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. [11] Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. [12] I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. [13] For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. [14] O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
~ Psalm 86.8-14
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
We overcome the dragon through the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and because we do not love our lives unto death.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Dragon, the Woman, and Her Seed
Revelation 12Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, August 27, 2018