Theme: Forge us in the radical vision of your reign
COLLECT
God of all blessing, in Christ you open for us a new way of living:
purge us of our easy acceptance of the ways of the world,
and forge in us the radical vision of your reign, that your will may be done on earth as in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
READING Micah 6: 1-8
The Lord says, “My people, what have I done to you? How have I been a burden to you? Answer me.
4 I brought you out of Egypt; I rescued you from slavery; I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead you.
5 My people, remember what King Balak of Moab planned to do to you and how Balaam son of Beor answered him. Remember the things that happened on the way from the camp at Acacia to Gilgal. Remember these things and you will realize what I did in order to save you.”
8 No, the Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
READING 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31
23 As for us, we proclaim the crucified Christ, a message that is offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles;
24 but for those whom God has called, both Jews and Gentiles, this message is Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
GOSPEL according to Matthew 5: 1-12
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
PRAYER for Africa
God, refresh Africa and all the world,
Protect and grow our children.
Convict with justice and truth, all our leaders
And fill all hearts with your peace.
For Jesus Christ sake. Amen.
THE BLESSING
Go out into the world.
Walk with integrity.
Do only what is right.
Speak the truth with courage.
Additional music: Gratitude – Brandon Lake
The Chosen season 2, episode 8 (sermon on the mount): https://watch.thechosen.tv/episode/season-2-episode-8-beyond-mountains
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