Respond generously to God's grace

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?