TLDR;
This YouTube video from Valley Chapel features a worship service with music, announcements, a children's message, and a sermon. The service includes contemporary Christian songs, a call to worship, and a giving liturgy. Announcements cover upcoming events like Ash Wednesday and a grief share support group. The children's message focuses on listening to Jesus as the Son of God. The sermon explores the question "Who do you say that I am?" and encourages listeners to allow Jesus to reveal His true self rather than remaking Him in their own image.
- The service includes contemporary Christian songs and a giving liturgy.
- Announcements cover upcoming events like Ash Wednesday and a grief share support group.
- The children's message focuses on listening to Jesus as the Son of God.
- The sermon explores the question "Who do you say that I am?" and encourages listeners to allow Jesus to reveal His true self rather than remaking Him in their own image.
Opening Worship and Announcements [0:19]
The service begins with contemporary Christian worship music, expressing faith and devotion. Following the music, announcements are made, including information about connect cards for both new and seasoned members to share experiences and request meetings. Ash Wednesday is highlighted, with services scheduled and provisions for those unable to attend the main service. A special guest, Lauren, is introduced to discuss Grief Share, a 13-week faith-based support group for those grieving and seeking support, emphasizing that individuals do not have to grieve alone.
Call to Worship and Giving Liturgy [13:53]
The call to worship emphasizes the Lord's reign and the earth's trembling in His presence. This is followed by the giving liturgy, which includes an explanation of the "Step into Stewardship" card, encouraging the congregation to consider their next step in faithful stewardship. A video illustrates that giving is not about generosity with personal belongings but about practicing faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to them. The giving liturgy is recited, focusing on giving to glorify Christ and acknowledging Jesus as the center of worship and life.
Worship Songs [17:35]
The congregation stands to worship together, singing songs that express adoration and a desire for God to be central in their lives. The lyrics focus on surrendering to God, seeking His wisdom and presence, and prioritizing Him above all else. The songs continue with themes of worship, bowing down to God, and acknowledging His loveliness, worthiness, and wonderfulness. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is remembered, and the desire to worship and submit to God is reiterated.
Song: Word of God Speak [24:40]
The song "Word of God Speak" expresses a desire to hear God's voice and rest in His holiness. It speaks to finding oneself at a loss for words but recognizing the importance of hearing what God would say. The lyrics convey a longing to be in God's presence, beyond the music and noise, and to hear His voice in the quiet. A prayer follows, thanking God for the opportunity to gather and asking for healing, joy, and guidance to attune themselves to Him and act on His guidance.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 [28:54]
A passage from Matthew 17:1-9, describing the transfiguration of Jesus, is read. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. Peter suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. A bright cloud covers them, and a voice from the cloud says, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him." The disciples fall facedown, terrified, but Jesus touches them and tells them not to be afraid. When they look up, they see no one except Jesus.
Children's Message: Listening to Jesus [30:27]
The children are invited to join for a message about the transfiguration story. The story is retold, emphasizing Jesus's glowing appearance and the presence of Moses and Elijah. The key message is that God's voice from the cloud declared Jesus as His beloved Son and commanded, "Listen to Him." The importance of listening to Jesus is highlighted because He is the Son of God. Ways to listen to Jesus include learning Bible stories, praying, following Him, and talking to grown-ups who are learning to listen to Jesus. The big idea is that Jesus is God's Son, and He is the one we should listen to.
Worship Song [37:41]
The congregation sings "Worthy is the Lamb," praising Jesus for taking their place and making a way through His precious blood. The song emphasizes the worthiness of the Lamb and expresses gratitude for His sacrifice.
Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am? [38:43]
The sermon begins with a welcome to newcomers and a reflection on the question, "Who do you say that I am?" The speaker introduces the concept of Lent and Ash Wednesday, encouraging intentional engagement in fasting to draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is presented as a tool to focus on God, trust Him, and make space for Him, suggesting fasting from things that pull people away from Jesus, such as social media. The sermon series explores how people's personal experiences shape their understanding of Jesus, urging listeners to examine whether they are following the real Jesus or a version of Him shaped by their own experiences.
Matthew 16:13-23 - Peter's Confession and Rebuke [47:47]
The sermon references Matthew 16, where Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is and then asks them directly who they say He is. Peter answers correctly that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus acknowledges that Peter's understanding is divinely revealed. Despite Peter's correct answer, he doesn't fully grasp the implications. Jesus entrusts leadership to Peter, stating that He will build His church on the rock that is Peter. However, Peter soon misunderstands Jesus's mission, rebuking Jesus's prediction of His death. Jesus responds strongly, saying, "Get behind me, Satan," because Peter's perspective is based on human concerns rather than God's.
Matthew 17:1-9 - The Transfiguration [54:20]
The sermon moves to Matthew 17, the story of the transfiguration. Six days after the previous events, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the law and the prophets, respectively. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. A bright cloud covers them, and a voice from the cloud declares, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him." The disciples fall facedown, terrified, but Jesus touches them and tells them not to be afraid. When they look up, they see no one except Jesus.
Jesus is Primary [1:02:55]
The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is primary, and everything else must be understood through Him. When God reveals who Jesus is, there are no other voices left to hear. The speaker cautions against following Jesus with a slant towards other voices, emphasizing that it is just Jesus. This can be frustrating because Jesus isn't always as specific as people want Him to be, leading them to seek details from other sources and potentially stop listening to Jesus. The speaker reiterates that the question "Who do you say I am?" matters because the answer reveals the state of one's soul.
Allowing God to Keep Speaking [1:05:42]
The speaker discusses the importance of allowing God to keep speaking and listening to the Spirit within a community of believers. This involves pursuing Jesus with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, acknowledging the potential for mistakes and the need for correction. The speaker leads a prayer, asking Jesus to reveal Himself, show what the next step might be, and help listeners devote their lives to Him completely. The speaker encourages listeners to read the Gospels, talk to others about their assumptions, and not run away from the discomfort of tension, as that is where Jesus does His healing and growing work.
Concluding Remarks and Benediction [1:13:38]
The speaker concludes by stating that the transfiguration story provides clarity about who Jesus is and whose voice matters most. The goal is not to have all the answers resolved but to have a clear view of Jesus as He revealed Himself. The question "Who do you say I am?" remains, and the goal is to be more honest about the answer and understanding. The speaker offers a benediction, praying that the glory of Christ will steady hearts, the voice of Jesus will guide steps, and the peace of God will go with listeners as they listen and follow. The service concludes with a final song.
