Leader: Scripture teaches us that there

Leader: Scripture teaches us that there is one good and holy God; that we were created in God’s image, to commit ourselves to Him, to do good works, to reflect His glory, and to know Him as loving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 60:1-3, 1 John 3:1, Luke 2:11)

All: I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.

Leader: The scripture teaches that God has given us commands for our own good and the good of our community, but that each of us has failed in thought, word and deed. We have sinned, and the punishment is death. (Deuteronomy 6:24-25, Romans 7:18-20, Romans 6:23)

All: I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.

Leader: The scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ has ransomed us from this punishment through his sacrificial death on the cross; that death has lost its sting; that there is no fear; that love abounds; that someday every single person will see Jesus for who He really is; and that anyone who believes these truths is a new creation whose life is on a new trajectory: the old life has passed away and new life has come! (Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, 1 John 4:18, Philippians 2:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

All: I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.