Some worship resources appropriate for
October 14. I’m
providing two different Readings of the Written Word, so that there’s one to go
with whichever New Testament text the speaker has chosen to preach on. Both readings
are in the “two witnesses” style, where I set passages from Restoration
scripture alongside the biblical text. I know one person, at least, has tried
this style of reading in their congregation, and
they say it went well.
Scroll down to find the following:
- Reading of the Written Word—Mark 10:17-22
- Reading of the Written Word—Hebrews 4:12-16
- Disciples’ Generous Response
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READING OF THE
WRITTEN WORD—“Two witnesses” style
Excerpted from Mark 10:17-22 and D&C 42
(contemporary language)
1st Reader:
In the mouth of two or three witnesses—
2nd Reader:
—shall every word be established.
1st Reader: [holding up the Bible]
A reading from the Gospel of Mark.
2nd Reader: [holding
up the D&C]
A reading from the
Doctrine and Covenants.
1st Reader:
A man ran up to Jesus
and knelt in front of him.
He said: “Rabbi—
What must I do to receive eternal life?”
Jesus said:
“You know the commandments—
Do not kill.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not steal.
Do not bear false witness.
Do not cheat anyone.
Honor your parents.”
2nd Reader:
I am Jesus Christ,
the Son of the
living God,
the Savior of the
world.
I speak to the
church:
Do
not kill.
Do not steal.
Do not lie.
Do not commit
adultery.
Do not speak evil of
your neighbor
or do them any harm.
1st Reader:
The man said: “Rabbi—
I have kept all these commandments
from the time I was young.”
Jesus, looking at him, felt love for the man.
He said: “There is just one more thing you must do—
Go sell everything you own,
give the money to the poor,
and then come follow me.”
The man was shocked to hear this.
He went away devastated,
because he was rich.
2nd
Reader:
If you love me, you
will serve me
and keep all my
commandments.
You will remember the
poor
and consecrate your
property for their support—
whatever you have to
give them—
with a covenant and
deed that cannot be broken.
By giving your property
to the poor,
you will be giving it
to me.
For whatever you do
to the least of these,
you do to me.
1st Reader:
In the mouth of two or three witnesses—
2nd Reader:
—shall every word be established.
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READING OF THE
WRITTEN WORD—“Two witnesses” style
Adapted from Hebrews 4:12-16 and Book of Mormon excerpts
(contemporary language)
1st Reader:
In the mouth of two or three witnesses—
2nd Reader:
—shall every word be established.
1st Reader: [holding up the Bible]
These words are from the Letter to the Hebrews.
2nd Reader: [holding
up the Book of Mormon]
These words are from
the Book of Mormon.
1st Reader: [Hebrews 4:12]
God speaks with a word that is living and powerful,
sharper than any two-edged sword—
sharp enough to separate body from spirit;
sharp enough to cut clean through the bone.
2nd Reader: [Helaman
2:26]
Whoever is willing may lay hold on
the word of God,
which is living and powerful—
which will cut clean through
all the plots, and traps, and
deceptions of the evil one!
1st Reader: [Hebrews 4:12-13]
God can see into your heart—
all your thoughts, all your intentions.
There is nothing God cannot see.
Everyone is naked to the eyes of our great judge.
2nd Reader: [2
Nephi 6:34, 36]
We must all appear before the
judgment-seat of the Holy One.
We will have a perfect knowledge
of all our guilt, and our impurity,
and our nakedness.
1st Reader: [Hebrews 4:14]
But we have a great high priest,
Jesus, the Son of God,
who has passed into heaven to plead on our behalf.
Therefore, let us not lose faith.
2nd Reader: [2
Nephi 1:73, 76]
How important it is to make known
to everyone on earth
that no one can live in the
presence of God
except through the merits, and
mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah,
who pleads on behalf of all.
1st Reader: [Hebrews 4:15-16]
Even though he is free of sin,
Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses
because he was tempted like we are, in every way.
Therefore, let us approach God’s throne with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and grace
to help us in our times of need.
2nd Reader: [Alma
5:20-22]
The Son of God will experience
pain, and suffering,
and temptations of every kind.
He will take on himself the pains
and sicknesses of his people.
He will take on himself death,
so that he will be filled with
mercy
and will know how to help his
people in their weakness.
1st Reader:
In the mouth of two or three witnesses—
2nd Reader:
—shall every word be established.
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DISCIPLES’ GENEROUS RESPONSE
Adapted from Mosiah 2:28, 32-36
This responsive
reading could come immediately after someone reads D&C 163:9.
Leader: Lord, you have taught us to help those in
need of our help.
All: You have taught us
to share what we have with those in need.
Leader: Lord, we know that all of us are beggars.
All: We depend on you for
everything we have.
Leader: Even now, we have been begging you to forgive
our sins,
All: and you have not
left us begging in vain.
Leader: You have poured your Spirit out onto us!
All: You have filled our
hearts with joy!
Leader: If you, O God, who created us—
All: on whom we depend
for our lives and all we have—
Leader: If you
give us what we ask,
All:
how
can we not give to others?
