August 8, 2009 AM Worship Service

Today’s service began with Deacon Joe Gross reading Psalm 130 and praying for VSBC. Minister of Worship and Praise, Johann Kim, played an introduction to the opening song and encouraged the congregation to take a moment and pray that hearts would be ready for worship. The gathered sang:

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• There is a Redeemer
• Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
• He is Exalted

Two Shape Note songs were sung after a time of welcome and fellowship, followed by Interim Pastor Ben Dockery leading the congregation in a Pastoral Prayer.

Mickie Bainter read Matthew 14:22-24, the miracle of Jesus walking on water, which was set to music composed by Kim.  Before giving of tithes and offerings, those gathered for worship sang Just a Closer Walk With Thee.

Today’s message, “Don’t Miss Jesus” from Mark 2:13-3:21, began with the end in mind.  Several questions are posed by the Pharisees to Jesus about His and His disciples activities.  The Pharisees catch Jesus and the Disciples doing things counter to the laws around the Sabbath — three times they did this.

• Eating with tax collectors
• Fasting
• Gathering wheat

Jesus was able to give just reasons for each activities.  Dockery showed how Jesus’ answers were opposite of what was expected.  Furthermore, Jesus ends up showing the Pharisees that He is even Lord over the very thing they seem to be worshiping, that is the book of rules surrounding the Sabbath.  Then Jesus turned the tables on the Pharisees and posed a significant question to the Pharisees: “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath?”  The silent Pharisees had been caught in their own game, and Jesus made a significant point.

Sometimes life seems to be a list of things not to do.  In Jesus, however, life is about what can be done.