Now, that we have heard the word and been moved by its power to change
our lives, we are ready to Respond to
the Word.
Our Presbyterian Book of Order says that,
“The response to the proclamation of the Word is expressed in an affirmation of
faith and commitment.”
There are many ways that we can affirm our faith
in God and here are a few: the
congregation can sing a hymn or other type of musical response declaring our
continuing faith in God; we could say or sing one of the creeds, such as the
Apostles Creed or Nicene Creed. This is
also a place where the choir could sing an anthem.
The congregation may also renew and express their commitment
to God. There are many ways to do that:
by receiving of new members at this time; by the ordination and installation of
church officers (elders and deacons); and by the commissioning for service in the
church (i.e., Sunday School teachers for children and adults) and to the church
around the world (i.e., sending members and friends to the mission field,
whether long- or short-term). Our faith
in and continuing commitment to God may also be expressed through prayer and
intercession, for each other in our local church and for the Church in general,
those in distress around the world, and in our nation, state, and local
communities.
Our most common and frequent way to express our
commitment is through the offering. The
thought is that when we hear God’s word proclaimed we are so moved by faith and
trust that we want to offer to God our resources and ourselves so that
His work might be done.
There is a separate movement that occurs
periodically in our service that can be considered part of the Response to the
Word, called Sealing in the Word. It includes our two sacraments: baptism
(including reaffirming the commitments made at baptism) and the Lord’s
Supper. These are also ways of
expressing and renewing our faith and commitment. They are in a different category, however,
because they involve more than just us.
While the parents may present their child for baptism (or others may
present themselves), God is doing the work of enfolding us into His
family by His grace. We respond to God’s
call by presenting ourselves or our children but God does the work. Similarly with the Lord’s Supper; as we come
forward in response to God’s drawing us with His love, He renews His presence
in our hearts and spirits as we take the bread and cup, His body and blood.
Looking back, as we have come to worship God as we
are, to hear His word proclaimed and to respond in love, faith, and renewed
commitment, we are now ready to see how we can take our renewed hearts and
spirits out into the world to share with others. We’ll take a look at that next time!
