Song 1 – 10,000 Reasons 

Lamentations 3:22–24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
   his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
   “therefore I will hope in him.”

Song 2 – Hosanna

Song 3 – The House of the Lord

 Song 4 – His Mercy is More

Our welcome team members will pass an offering basket during this song.

For information about giving online, please visit ucclife.fi/give or follow the QR code on the screen. You can also speak to our pastors or leaders for more information about giving and generosity. You can also ask the welcome team or any of our staff team members for more info on giving online.

RPraise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen

A warm welcome to all, and especially to any visitors joining us today – if you’d like to get connected or find out more about UCC, please see our digital visitors card or speak to us after the service!

If you have children, they are welcome to join our Sunday school classes! 

Our Scripture reading today is Mark 2:1–12 (ESV). Hear the Word of God:

2:1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

This is the Word of the Lord.

Jesus, the Merciful and Gracious
Mark 2:1–12

1. Jesus returns to Capernaum with his disciples  (vv 1-2).
2. Jesus forgives the sins of the paralytic (vv 3-5).
3. Jesus displays His power and authority (vv 6-12)

If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you are welcome to receive the elements of communion.

The bread and the cup will be distributed as we sing together. You are welcome to join in singing or spend time in silent meditation or prayer.

Please hold the elements until all have received; we will all partake together as one body. 

Song 5 – Jesus Paid it All

Song 6 – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

“‘The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

– Numbers 6:24-26

For all church announcements, please see our digital announcements page: ucclife.fi/announcements

Into the text:
1. Why was Jesus so popular in the region of Galilee? How did this fulfill the promise of Isaiah 9:1-2 (see also Matthew 4:13-16)?

2. How is the preaching of Jesus different from the scribes? What is the gospel that he preached? Read Mark 1:15, 1:22, 27.

3. What does it mean that human beings are sinful by nature? Read Mark 7:20, Ephesians 2:1-3, Psalm 51:5, and Romans 3:23. Why do you think this is the most hated Christian doctrine?

4. In what way did Jesus show his mercy and grace towards the paralytic? Why did he do that? Read Mark 2:3-5 and Exodus 34:6-7.

5. Read Exodus 34:6-7 and Daniel 7:13-14. In light of these scriptures what does Mark 2:10 teach us about the identity of Jesus Christ?

6. God revealed Himself in Scriptures as three persons (triune), yet God is One. How does the trinitarian work of God bring forth salvation? In other words, why is it necessary that God is triune in order to bring forth salvation?

Application:
7. How should Mark 2:5b (the promise of forgiveness in Jesus) shape our lives? Read Hebrews 10:11-25.

8. Read Mark 2:9. What is too difficult for Jesus? How does Jesus’s power and authority make you firm and immovable in your faith?