October 4 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:11; Mark 2:1-12
Sermon: Ten Commands; Ten Ways of Being: Being in Awe
Deuteronomy 5:11 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Mark 2: 1-12 (The Message)
After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren’t able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, “Son, I forgive your sins.” Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, “He can’t talk that way! That’s blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins.”
Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, “Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or say, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . .” (he looked now at the paraplegic), “Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.” And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, stunned—and then praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!”
Key Idea of the Sermon
Fifteen centuries prior to Jesus, God worked through Moses to liberate the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt. Moses also prepared God’s people for a return to a land of promise and a life of freedom with a set of ten key Divine commands. These commands have served as a reliable framework for a faithful relationship with God, as well as a helpful foundation for living in community. Each command is paired with a story of Jesus that shows us how to fulfill each command. God’s commands invite us to a way of being. Today we build on last week’s encouragement to be humble before God. We are also to be in awe of a God who is powerful and loving. We see the awesome presence of God in Jesus who extends forgiveness for our sin and healing for our brokenness.
Questions for Reflection
• How have you experienced awe in the presence of God? What makes you say, “I’ve never seen anything like this”? • What role does awe play in your faith and discipleship? How does a practice of mindfulness open you to awe in daily life?
• The devotion of good friends is a worthy lesson from the story Mark tells. How has friendship blessed you? What are the key characteristics of being a good friend?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Spiritual practice is a path to experiencing awe. Pay attention for moments of mystery and give yourself the space to enjoy and be grateful for them.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
