Song: “10,000 Reasons” By Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning, it’s time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger. Your name is great and Your heart is kind. For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing; Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
And on that day, when my strength is failing, the end draws near, and my time has come; Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending ten thousand years, and then forevermore!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name, Worship Your holy name, Lord, I’ll worship Your holy name.
Song: “Yet Not I but through Christ in Me” Words and music by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Michael Farren
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer. There is no more for heaven now to give. He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom, My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus. For my life is wholly bound to His. Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken. For by my side, the Savior, He will stay. I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, For in my need, His power is displayed.
To this I hold: my Shepherd will defend me. Through the deepest valley He will lead. Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven, The future sure, the price it has been paid. For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon, And He was raised to overthrow the grave.
To this I hold: my sin has been defeated. Jesus now and ever is my plea. Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
With every breath I long to follow Jesus. For He has said that He will bring me home. And day by day I know He will renew me Until I stand with joy before the throne.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus. All the glory evermore to Him. When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me! Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” Words: Samuel J. Stone. Music: Samuel S. Wesley.
The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; she is his new creation, by Spirit and the Word; From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth, her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.
’Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, she waits the consummation of peace forevermore; till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Jesus Taught about the Future” Mark 13 (ESV)
1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Hymn: “It Is Well with My Soul” Words: Horatio G. Spafford. Music: Philip P. Bliss.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: My sin, not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so,” it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Benediction Ephesians 6:23–24 (ESV) 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Hymn: “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” Words by J. Wilbur Chapman, music by Rowland H. Prichard
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him. Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow! While the billows over me roll, Even when my heart is breaking, He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper! While the tempest still is high, Storms about me, night overtakes me, He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! I do now receive Him, more than all in Him I find. He hath granted me forgiveness, I am His, and He is mine.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Hymn: “Before the Throne Above” Words: Vikki Cook and Charitie Lees Bancroft. Music: Vikki Cook
Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea: a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart; I know that while in heav’n He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart, no tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there, who made an end to all my sin. Because the sinless Saviour died my sinful soul is counted free, for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me, to look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless righteousness, the great unchangeable “I Am,” the King of glory and of grace. One with Himself, I cannot die; my soul is purchased with His blood. My life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ, my Savior and my God, with Christ, my Savior and my God.
Song: “Yet Not I but through Christ in Me” Words and music by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Michael Farren
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer. There is no more for heaven now to give. He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom, My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus. For my life is wholly bound to His. Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken. For by my side, the Savior, He will stay. I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, For in my need, His power is displayed.
To this I hold: my Shepherd will defend me. Through the deepest valley He will lead. Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven, The future sure, the price it has been paid. For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon, And He was raised to overthrow the grave.
To this I hold: my sin has been defeated. Jesus now and ever is my plea. Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free! Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
With every breath I long to follow Jesus. For He has said that He will bring me home. And day by day I know He will renew me Until I stand with joy before the throne.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus. All the glory evermore to Him. When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me! Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Jesus Was Tempted but Didn’t Sin”
Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV) 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV) 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and
“ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
James 1:13–15 (ESV) 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Matthew 16:21–23 (ESV) 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Matthew 27:38–40 (ESV) 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
1 Peter 2:22 (ESV) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Hymn: “He Will Hold Me Fast” Words: Ada Habershon, Matt Merker. Music: Matt Merker.
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; when the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path; for my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast; precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast. He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last; Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast, Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ’till our faith is turned to sight, when He comes at last!
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Benediction 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, 28 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Hymn: “We Come, O Christ, to You” Words: Margaret Clarkson. Music: John Darwall.
We come, O Christ, to You, true Son of God and man, by Whom all things consist, in Whom all life began. In You alone we live and move and have our being in Your love.
You are the way to God, Your blood our ransom paid; in You we face our Judge and Maker unafraid. Before the throne absolved we stand; your love has met your law’s demand.
You are the living truth; all wisdom dwells in You, the source of every skill, the one eternal True! O great I AM! in You we rest, sure answer to our every quest.
You only are true Life, to know You is to live the more abundant life that earth can never give: O risen Lord! we live in You, in us each day Your life renew!
We worship You, Lord Christ, our Savior and our King, to You our youth and strength adoringly we bring: so fill our hearts that all may view Your life in us and turn to You!
Hymn: “God of Grace” Words and music: Keith Getty and Jonathan Rea.
God of grace, amazing wonder, irresistible and free; oh, the miracle of mercy, Jesus reaches down to me. God of grace, I stand in wonder, as my God restores my soul. His own blood has paid my ransom, awesome cost to make me whole.
God of grace, who loved and knew me long before the world began; Sent my Savior down from heaven; perfect God and perfect man. God of grace, I trust in Jesus; I’m accepted as His own. Every day His grace sustains me, as I lean on Him alone.
God of grace, I stand astounded, cleansed, forgiven and secure. All my fears are now confounded, and my hope is ever sure. God of grace, now crowned in glory, where one day I’ll see Your face; And forever I’ll adore You in Your everlasting grace.
Hymn: “Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery” Words and music by Matt Papa, Matt Boswell, and Michael Bleecker.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, in the dawning of the King; He the theme of heaven’s praises, robed in frail humanity.
In our longing, in our darkness, now the light of life has come; look to Christ, who condescended, took on flesh to ransom us.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, He the perfect Son of Man; in His living, in His suffering never trace nor stain of sin.
See the true and better Adam, come to save the hell-bound man; Christ, the great and sure fulfillment of the law; in Him we stand.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, Christ the Lord upon the tree, in the stead of ruined sinners, hangs the Lamb in victory.
See the price of our redemption, see the Father’s plan unfold; bringing many sons to glory, grace unmeasured, love untold.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, slain by death the God of life; but no grave could e’er restrain Him, praise the Lord, He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance, how unwavering our hope; Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when he comes.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Jesus Was a Man”
John 1:14 (ESV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 4:2–3 (ESV) 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
1 John 1:1–2 (ESV) 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.
Luke 2:39–52 (ESV) 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Romans 5:18–19 (ESV) 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Matthew 26:36–44 (ESV) 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Hebrews 2:14–18 (ESV) 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 4:15–16 (ESV)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; this Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All; here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh; fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness scorned by the ones He came to save; ’til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied; for every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay; Light of the world by darkness slain. Then, bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand; ’til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
Benediction
2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Have you broken any yet?
If you do make New Year’s resolutions, what kind do you make? A lot of people resolve to diet and exercise, or to read more, or to save money. Resolutions often require commitment and discipline. Not all resolutions do, however. When I think of New Year’s resolutions, I can’t forget what my college friend, Seth, once said. He said he never makes a resolution he can’t keep. So, one resolution was to never say “oh” in place of “zero” when saying a number, such as when giving someone a phone number or an account number. That’s a trivial resolution, and one you can easily keep.
New Year’s resolutions are usually about commitment. I think we realize that in order to achieve something valuable, or to become the people we want to be, we need to commit. But often, that word, “commit,” is one that makes people uncomfortable. It’s like the word “submit.” These words aren’t comfortable for us because we don’t like to commit and submit. We like to keep our options open. We like to think that by not committing and submitting, we have more freedom. But if we’re free from commitment and submitting to others, we won’t be free to love, to grow, and to be part of something larger than yourself.
Some of us have heard of a man named Jonathan Edwards, a theologian and pastor of the eighteenth century. He lived most of his life in Massachusetts. When he was a young man, he made several resolutions. This is the first one in a long list:
Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.[1]
Edwards resolved to live for God’s glory, as well as the good of other people, no matter the cost. That’s a great resolution, though it’s very different from the ones that most people make.
Today, I want to encourage us to a greater level of commitment to God and to one another. And I want to do that by talking about the importance of the church. Specifically, I’m going to talk about the importance of membership.
What do you think of when hear the word “membership”? If you Google the word “membership,” you’ll see three definitions; the fourth result is a link to Costco. If you keep scrolling, you’ll see links to memberships for businesses, associations, and gyms. Think about what membership means at Costco. If you want to be a member of Costco, you pay an annual fee. Once you pay that fee, you get a Costco account and a card with your name on it. That card gives you access to the store. You can now go into any Costco and shop there.
But if you’re a member of Costco, you have no obligation to Costco. You can become a member of Costco and never shop there. Even if you shop at Costco, you really don’t have any obligation to the store, other than paying for the items in your cart. You don’t need to get to know the people who work there. You don’t have to worry about their lives. You don’t have to serve them. After all, you’re giving them your money. They are there to serve you. The customer is always right.
A gym membership works the same way. You can join a gym as long as you’re willing to pay the membership fee. You can show up or not. But if you show up, you don’t need to interact with the other members or the people who work at the gym. You don’t need to serve anyone.
Churches have members, too. But membership in a church is not like membership at a warehouse store or a gym. Membership in a church means you are a part of this local manifestation of the body of Christ.
This morning, we’re going to read several passages from the New Testament. The main one is 1 Corinthians 12:12–20. This comes from a letter written by the apostle Paul to a church in a city called Corinth. This is what he writes in that passage:
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.[2]
Paul says that Christians are “members” or “parts” of the body of Christ. That’s what we mean when we talk about membership of a church. We’re talking about being a part of the body of Christ. Paul says that all Christians are a part of the body of Christ. This is certainly true of all people who have been born again of the Holy Spirit. But Paul is also writing to a particular church, the church in Corinth, a city located in what is now known as Greece. He’s encouraging particular Christians in a particular local church to use their spiritual gifts in a way that builds up the entire body of Christ.
Throughout the New Testament, the church is described in various ways. It is the body of Christ (Eph. 4:4, 12). In that metaphor, Christians are members, or body parts. The church is also described as a temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21) or a spiritual house (1 Pet. 2:5). In that metaphor, Christians are living stones. The church is sometimes described as a flock (John 10:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). In that metaphor, Christians are sheep. The church is also described as the family or “household” of God (Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 4:17).[3] In that metaphor, each Christian is a child of God. The point in each metaphor is that Christians not only belong to God, but they belong to each other. Christians belong to something larger than themselves. They belong to something that includes other Christians.
I think that’s an important point to make, especially in our individualistic culture. It’s not uncommon to hear people talk about their faith in Jesus as if it’s just Jesus and them. You know, they come to the garden alone and walk with him and talk with him. But God’s word, the Bible, clearly indicates that though each of us must have our own individual faith in Jesus, we do not live the Christian life alone. We have an obligation to love God with everything—heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). But we also have an obligation to love each other. We are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). And the love that we have for each other in the church should be even greater than our love for just anyone (Gal. 6:10).
Think about all of these commandments that are given to Christians. Most of these come from Paul and nearly every one of them comes from a letter written to a specific church. These are some of the many “one another” passages in the New Testament.
Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:1–3 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (See also Col. 3:12–13.)
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 5:18–21 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (See also Col. 3:16.)
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 10:24–25 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I think the point is clear. Christianity is a “one another” religion. We can’t faithfully live our lives as Christians unless we are committed to each other. Christianity is not a solo sport, and it’s certainly not a spectator sport.
I think there are a number of reasons why church membership matters and why every Christian should officially join a local church. Here’s the first one: Throughout the Bible, God’s people are numbered. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were numbered. That’s why the book of Numbers is called Numbers. It begins with a census (Numbers 1–2). Then another census is given forty years later (Numbers 26). The point of each census was to count the number of men eligible to fight for the nation. But still, the people were numbered.
This is true in the New Testament as well. The book of Acts starts with a group of Christians who number about a hundred and twenty (Acts 1:15). At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples and Peter gives an impassioned sermon, about three thousand people were added to the number of Christians (Acts 2:41). Soon, the number grows to about five thousand (Acts 4:4). The point is that the church was growing. But still, there is a sense that certain people belonged to the church. And those people did life together. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” And Acts 2:44–45 says:
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
More to the point, in 1 Timothy, Paul tells Timothy that in a church, the widows should be listed. Widows over sixty should be listed so that the church can take care of them (1 Tim. 5:9). But for that to work, the church has to know which widows belong to the church and which widows do not.
And, finally, all of God’s people are listed in the “book of life” (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27). The Bible teaches that God has always known his people. From before he made the universe, he had a book of life, and the names of all the people of God throughout the ages are written down in that book.
So, the principal is that God knows who his people are, and the church should know who God’s people are.
Here’s a second reason why church membership matters: Christ gave the church authority. Let’s look at Matthew 16:13–19.
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Here, Peter recognizes who Jesus really is. He is the Messiah, the Christ, and the Son of the living God. And after Peter makes that confession, Jesus says, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Peter’s name is Petros which is Greek for “rock.” So, Jesus is doing a bit of wordplay. Peter is the rock upon whom Jesus will build the church. Now, Jesus does not mean that Peter is the first pope, or the bishop of Rome, as the Roman Catholic Church teaches. But Jesus means that he will build his church upon the apostles and their teaching. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul says that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
Jesus says that his church will not be overcome by the gates of hell. In other words, the church will not die. But here’s the really interesting part: the church will have the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The church is not the kingdom of God, but it’s related. The church is the visible representation of the kingdom of God on earth. And the church has the power to admit people into the kingdom. This is done through preaching the gospel, baptizing people, and making disciples. Now, to make this abundantly clear: the church doesn’t save anyone. The church doesn’t decide who is saved. God is the one who saves. It’s his decision and his action. But what is done in heaven should be reflected on earth in the church. The church has the obligation to recognize who are Christians and who are not. It’s possible that local churches can get this wrong.[4] Still, the church’s duty is to help people understand if they are Christians or not.
So, the church has the opportunity to open the doors of the kingdom of God to people by preaching the gospel, by baptizing people, and by making disciples. Jesus also says, “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This refers to forbidding and permitting certain things. Specifically, it refers to forbidding and allowing certain behaviors of people who have entered into the kingdom. Rabbis used the words of binding and loosing to refer to ethical behavior.[5] Here, it seems that Jesus is saying, “Peter, you and the disciples will be able to say what a citizen of the kingdom of God can and cannot do.” They will do this because they are led by God.
What does this mean for church membership? Jonathan Leeman, who wrote a book on the subject, says that Jesus gave the church “the authority of the keys to continue building itself—effectively to receive and dismiss members. The authority of the keys is the authority to assess a person’s gospel words and deeds and to render a judgment.”[6]
Jesus didn’t limit this authority to Peter. In Matthew 18, Jesus also talks about the church. And this brings me to another reason why membership matters: The church has the authority to discipline its members. Let’s turn to Matthew 18:15–20:
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Here, Jesus tells the church how to deal with someone who has sinned. If someone in the church has sinned against you, it’s your responsibility to tell that person about it. The goal is to bring about repentance and reconciliation. But if the person who sinned won’t listen, then you should bring one or two others. In the Old Testament, the principle of having at least two witnesses was established. If the sinner still refuses to listen, then he or she must be brought before the whole church. And it’s in that context that Jesus says, again, “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Again, the idea has to do with the behavior that is associated with a Christian. If the church agrees that a person is sinning and isn’t repentant, they have the authority to remove that person from the church. God promises to be in the midst of this difficult decision. That’s what Jesus means when he says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” That has nothing to do with a worship service or a Bible study or a prayer meeting.
This may all be a bit abstract, so let’s think about a hypothetical situation. Say I know someone in the church—let’s call him Joe—who is sinning in a very obvious, repeated, and public way. When he is rebelling against God and his word, he’s hurting himself. But he’s also bringing dishonor on the church and, more importantly, on Jesus himself. Say he’s been lying, or he’s caught up in some sexual sin, or he gets drunk regularly. So, I go to Joe and I say, “Joe, you have to stop doing that. It’s against God’s will.” And if Joe says, “No, I don’t have a problem, and God doesn’t care that I do it,” then I have to bring him before others. If Joe keeps saying, for example, that cheating on his wife isn’t a problem, and when he’s confronted he refuses to repent, then we wouldn’t have any reason to believe Joe is really a Christian. He may be, but from what we can tell, he doesn’t look like it, and he’s certainly not living like it. (Remember that the Bible warns about false professions of faith.) You can assume that we approached this issue prayerfully and we confronted Joe with love and care. And if we agree that Joe isn’t repentant and must leave the church, then God has affirmed us in our decision.
Now, churches can get these things wrong. There are a lot of churches that call themselves churches but are not. Yet still, God has given the church the authority to carry out such issues, and he has given the church his word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit to guide them.
If you look at 1 Corinthians 5, we see an example of church discipline. Paul says that a man has been having a sexual relationship with his father’s wife—most likely his stepmother—and the church has tolerated this. Paul tells the Corinthians that they should have removed this man from their church (verse 2). Of course, the understanding is that if this man stops doing what he is doing and confesses his sin, the church could readmit him to their fellowship. But Paul’s concern is that such sinful activity is like a bit of leaven that works its way through the whole lump of dough (verse 6). Paul’s concern is for the holiness of God and the holiness of God’s people. And Paul tells the whole church to do this, not just the elders or pastors.
Paul comes back to the issue of church discipline in his second letter to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul is either referring back to that case of church discipline or to another one. But regardless of the case, Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians 2:5–8:
5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
Notice how he refers to “the majority.” It seems that the majority of the church had voted to discipline this person. And now Paul says this punishment has been enough, and the church should forgive him.
Now, why do I bring up this whole business of church authority and church discipline? One reason is that it shows that to be a member of a church is not like joining a gym, or a store, or some club. You don’t just join a church. You submit to a church.[7] According to Jonathan Leeman, “the local church is the authority on earth that Jesus has instituted to officially affirm and give shape to my Christian life and yours.”[8] If that’s true, and I think it is based on Jesus’ own teachings, then we should gladly come under the authority of a local church. Doing so helps us become better followers of Christ.
The second reason I share these passages is that if a person can be removed from a church, it stands to reason that the person belonged to the church in the first place. And if, in at least one case, a majority of the church approved of a man’s discipline, it stands to reason that there was a list of people who were able to vote on such an issue.
All of the above is related to a third reason why church membership matters: The church makes disciples, baptizes, and cares for the souls of its members. In the Great Commission, at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples their marching orders.[9] This is Matthew 28:18–20:
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The disciples—and the church that is built upon their foundation—were to proclaim the gospel. They were to make disciples. A disciple is literally a student. A disciple is a follower of Jesus. They were to baptize anyone who repented of their sins and put their trust in Jesus. And they were to teach these disciples everything that Jesus taught.
Baptism is an outward sign of a transformation in a person’s life. It represents cleansing of sin. It’s also a picture of the old person dying and the new person emerging. You’ll find that Paul writes about this at the beginning of Romans 6. In that letter, as in all Paul’s letters, he’s writing to Christians. He assumes that Christians have already been baptized. Baptism is a public way of identifying yourself with Jesus. It’s therefore a prerequisite for belonging to a church. If you haven’t been baptized yet, we would love to baptize you here.
The church continues to care for those who have come under its authority. You see that in the many “one another” passages I read earlier. We also see this in passages that are written or about pastors. For example, we see that idea in Hebrews 13:7 and 17. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” The leaders here are obviously church leaders, because they are speaking the word of God. Now look at verse 17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Before I became a pastor, I didn’t think that church membership was such a big deal. But after I became a pastor, and I read verses like this one, I came to realize that church membership is very important. After all, I am supposed to keep watch over people and give an account for how I’ve done that. But how can I watch over your souls if I don’t know who belongs to the church? I can, in a broad way, care for the souls of people here just by teaching them God’s word. But it makes my job far more difficult when people don’t really get involved in the life of the church. There’s a similar idea in 1 Peter 5:2, which is directed towards pastors. It says, “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight.” The idea of a defined church membership helps establish who is part of the flock that is under a pastor’s care.[10]
A fourth reason why membership matters is that much of the Christian life is lived out in the life of the church. How else can you obey all those “one another” commands that I read earlier if you’re not plugged into the life of the church? How can you use your spiritual gifts? It is certainly possible to love other Christians who aren’t part of your church, and it’s possible to use spiritual gifts to serve other Christians and even non-Christians who aren’t part of your church. But it seems that we can best love and serve each other in the context of a local church. I believe that the way people in a church love and serve one another is a powerful witness to the world. It should make the church an attractive alternative to the selfishness and lack of commitment found in the world. Jesus himself said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Finally, here’s a fifth reason that membership matters: Your commitment to the local church is an antidote to the selfish, individualistic, commitment-phobic culture that we live in. Who commits to anything these days? Where can loyalty be found? People don’t commit to marriages, families, jobs, or much anything else. But Christians should be different. We belong to a forever family. Think about it: your relationships with other Christians will outlast all other relationships. Your commitment to God and his people will outlast your commitment to your job, your hobbies, your political ideology, and your support of the Red Sox and the Patriots.
Also, Christianity is more about giving and serving than getting. So many people look for churches and think, “What can that church do for me?” They think, “What am I going to get out of it?” That is anti-Christian thinking. It’s just incredibly selfish, and it reveals how much we can get caught up in the consumerism around us. Jesus came not to be served, but to be served, and that should be our goal, too.[11] Jesus died for the church (Acts 20:28). The church is his bride (Rev. 19:7; 21:2, 9). How can we not want to commit to Christ’s church? We should ask not what our church can do for us, but rather we should ask what we can do for our church.
That being said, I will say this: The more you put into a church, the more you’ll get out of it. If you just show up for this worship service and leave, it will be hard to get to know the people of the church. If you come to our class at 9:15, or to the evening worship service at 5:00 p.m., or join us in person or at least online during our Wednesday night prayer meetings, you’ll know others in the church and you’ll be known. And you will receive much more. If you go through the membership process, the same is true.
One more thought about church membership, one that is more practical: If people weren’t committed to local churches, there would be no local churches. Churches exist because in the past there were members of churches who gave their time, service, and money to build those churches. People who come and go to churches, who never commit, are able to attend churches because of the work and sacrifice of others. If everyone just came and went as they pleased, if everyone sought to be served rather than to serve, there would be no churches.
There’s much more to say about church membership, but I’ll wrap up things up by saying this: If you’re not an official member of this church, please consider becoming one. Join us this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. If that time doesn’t work for you, let me know and we’ll arrange something else. If you are a member of the church, I would ask that you recommit to serving the church. Some of you are already doing that, and I am very thankful for you. Imagine what this church would be like if everyone here became a member and actively served. That’s what I would like to see happen here.
Notes
“John Edwards’ Resolutions,” A Puritans Mind (http://www.apuritansmind.com/the-christian-walk/jonathan-edwards-resolutions). ↑
All Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV). ↑
There are also many examples of Christians being called “brothers” (with the intended meaning “brothers and sisters”) or “children.” ↑
Jonathan Leeman (Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012], 62) writes, “Will the local church exercise the keys perfectly? No. It will make mistakes just as every other authority established by Jesus makes mistakes. As such, the local church will be an imperfect representation of Christ’s end-time gathering. But the fact that it makes mistakes, just as presidents and parents do, does not mean it’s without an authoritative mandate.” ↑
According to Leon Morris, “The metaphor of binding and loosing was used by the rabbis for declaring forbidden or permitted.” The Gospel according to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992), 426. ↑
Hymn: “Our Great God” Words and music: Fernando Ortega and Mac Powell.
Eternal God, unchanging, mysterious and unknown; Your boundless love, unfailing, in grace and mercy shown. Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight around Your glorious throne; they raise their voices day and night in praise to You alone
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God! Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Lord, we are weak and frail, and are helpless in the storm; surround us with Your angels, and hold us in Your arms. Our cold and ruthless enemy, his pleasure is our harm. Rise up, O Lord, and he will flee before our sovereign God.
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God! Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Let every creature in the sea and every flying bird, let every mountain, every field, and valley of the earth, let all the moons and all the stars in all the universe sing praises to the living God who rules them by His Word.
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God! Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Advent Reading and Candle Lighting
Isaiah 9:1–2 (ESV)
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Zephaniah 3:14–17 (ESV)
14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Words: Latin Hymn, trans. J. M. Neale, H. S. Coffin. Music: Plainsong (“Veni Emmanuel”)
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall by His word our darkness dispel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall by His word our darkness dispel.
O come, Desire of Nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind. Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has banished every fear of hell.
Hymn: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Words: Aurelius C. Prudentius. Music: Plainsong.
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing; powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King! Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!
Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be: honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore!
Sermon: “Have Mercy Jude 17–25 (ESV)
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Hymn: “Christ, the Sure and Steady Anchor” Words and Music: Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Christ the sure and steady anchor, in the fury of the storm; when the winds of doubt blow through me, and my sails have all been torn.
In the suffering, in the sorrow, when my sinking hopes are few; I will hold fast to the anchor, it shall never be removed.
Christ the sure and steady anchor, while the tempest rages on; when temptation claims the battle, and it seems the night has won.
Deeper still then goes the anchor, though I justly stand accused; I will hold fast to the anchor, it shall never be removed.
Christ the sure and steady anchor, through the floods of unbelief; hopeless somehow, O my soul, now, lift your eyes to Calvary.
This my ballast of assurance, see his love forever proved. I will hold fast to the anchor, it will never be removed.
Christ the sure and steady anchor, as we face the wave of death; when these trials give way to glory, as we draw our final breath.
We will cross that great horizon, clouds behind and life secure; and the calm will be the better, for the storms that we endure.
Christ the shore of our salvation, ever faithful, ever true! We will hold fast to the anchor, it shall never be removed.
Benediction 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (ESV) 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
Hymn: “Never Cease to Praise” Words and music: Jeff Bourque.
May we run this race, may we keep the faith, may our eyes be fixed on Jesus, that we’ll not lose heart in our struggle with sin, and through suffering know endurance.
May we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ to rejoice in trials and be not surprised. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
May our company be the saints You’ve called, may we all stand firm in one spirit, that the gospel’s truth may resound on earth, that all living things may hear it.
May the fruits of faith mark the path we trod through the life of Christ to the glory of God. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
May the words we share be Your grace and peace. May our tongues speak Your proclamations that the many parts of the body of Christ be affirmed in their right relation.
As we long and wait for the groom to come, may we learn to love, and spur each other on. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
When that day arrives, and our race is won, when our griefs give way to deliverance, we will fully know, as we’re fully known, all our groans will end as new songs begin.
And a multitude from every tribe and tongue, wearing robes of white, will stand before Your throne, And our hearts will be so consumed by You that we’ll never cease to praise!
May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
Hymn: “By Faith” Words and music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend.
By faith we see the hand of God in the light of creation’s grand design. In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness, who walk by faith and not by sight
We will stand as children of the promise; we will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward; till the race is finished and the work is done. We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
By faith our fathers roamed the earth, with the power of His promise in their hearts, of a holy city built by God’s own hand, a place where peace and justice reign.
We will stand as children of the promise; we will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward; till the race is finished and the work is done. We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
By faith the prophets saw a day when the longed-for Messiah would appear, with the power to break the chains of sin and death, and rise triumphant from the grave.
We will stand as children of the promise; we will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward; till the race is finished and the work is done. We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
By faith the church was called to go in the power of the Spirit to the lost. To deliver captives and to preach good news in every corner of the earth.
We will stand as children of the promise; we will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward; till the race is finished and the work is done. We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
By faith this mountain shall be moved, and the power of the gospel shall prevail; for we know in Christ all things are possible for all who call upon His name.
We will stand as children of the promise; we will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward; till the race is finished and the work is done. We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
Advent Reading and Candle Lighting
Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Words by Charles Wesley, music by Rowland H. Prichard
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Sermon: “The Faith That Was Once Delivered to All the Saints” Jude 1–4 (ESV)
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Hymn: “He Will Hold Me Fast” Words: Ada Habershon, Matt Merker. Music: Matt Merker.
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; when the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path; for my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast; precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast. He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last; Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast, Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ’till our faith is turned to sight, when He comes at last!
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Benediction 1 Corinthians 16:23 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Hymn: “And Can It Be?” Words: Charles Wesley. Music: Thomas Campbell.
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace; emptied Himself to show His love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine; bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
Hymn: “My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness” Words and music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who bore my pain, Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace and gave me life again, Who crushed my curse of sinfulness and clothed me in His light, And wrote His law of righteousness with pow’r upon my heart.
My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who walks beside, Who floods my weaknesses and strengths and causes fears to fly, Whose ev’ry promise is enough for ev’ry step I take, Sustaining me with arms of love and crowning me with grace.
My heart is filled with thankfulness to him who reigns above, Whose wisdom is my perfect peace, whose ev’ry thought is love. For ev’ry day I have on earth is given by the King; So I will give my life, my all, to love and follow him.
Song: “His Mercy Is More” Words and music: Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
What love could remember no wrongs we have done? Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum. Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore, Our sins they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more. Stronger than darkness, new every morn’. Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
What patience would wait as we constantly roam? What Father, so tender, is calling us home? He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor. Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more. Stronger than darkness, new every morn’. Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
What riches of kindness He lavished on us. His blood was the payment; His life was the cost. We stood ’neath a debt we could never afford. Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more. Stronger than darkness, new every morn’. Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “No Neutral Reaction” Mark 5:1–20 (ESV)
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Hymn: “My Savior’s Love” Word and music by Charles H. Gabriel
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
For me it was in the garden He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.” He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
In pity angels beheld Him, and came from the world of light to comfort Him in the sorrows He bore for my soul that night.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calv’ry, and suffered and died alone.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, ’Twill be my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
Benediction 1 Peter 5:14b (ESV) Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Hymn: “Across the Lands” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
You’re the Word of God the Father from before the world began. Ev’ry star and ev’ry planet has been fashioned by Your hand. All creation holds together by the power of Your voice. Let the skies declare Your glory; let the land and seas rejoice!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Yet You left the gaze of angels, came to seek and save the lost, and exchanged the joy of heaven for the anguish of a cross. With a prayer You fed the hungry; with a word You calmed the sea; Yet how silently You suffered that the guilty may go free!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
With a shout You rose victorious, wresting vict’ry from the grave, And ascended into heaven, leading captives in Your way. Now You stand before the Father, interceding for Your own; From each tribe and tongue and nation, You are leading sinners home!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Hymn: “Thou Who Wast Rich” Words: Frank Houghton. Music: French Carol “Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable.”
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, a all for love’s sake becamest poor; thrones for a manger didst surrender, sapphire-paved courts for stable floor. Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, All for love’s sake becamest poor.
Thou who art God beyond all praising, all for love’s sake becamest man; stooping so low, but sinners raising heavenward by Thine eternal plan. Thou who art God beyond all praising, All for love’s sake becamest man.
Thou who art love beyond all telling, Savior and King, we worship thee. Emmanuel, within us dwelling, make us what Thou wouldst have us be. Thou who art love beyond all telling, Savior and King, we worship Thee.
Song: “Man of Sorrows” Words and Music: Matt Crocker and Brooke Ligertwood
Man of sorrows, Lamb of God, by His own betrayed. The sin of man and wrath of God has been on Jesus laid.
Silent as He stood accused, beaten, mocked, and scorned. Bowing to the Father’s will, He took a crown of thorns.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Sent of heaven, God’s own Son to purchase and redeem, and reconcile the very ones who nailed Him to that tree.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Now, my debt is paid, it is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. Now, the curse of sin has no hold on me. Whom the Son sets free, oh is free indeed.
Now, my debt is paid, it is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. Now, the curse of sin has no hold on me. Whom the Son sets free, oh is free indeed.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
See the stone is rolled away, behold the empty tomb. Hallelujah, God be praised, He’s risen from the grave.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Lord Takes Thought for Me” Psalm 41 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.
4 As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!” 5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.
Hymn: “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” Words by J. Wilbur Chapman, music by Rowland H. Prichard
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him. Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow! While the billows over me roll, Even when my heart is breaking, He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper! While the tempest still is high, Storms about me, night overtakes me, He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! I do now receive Him, more than all in Him I find. He hath granted me forgiveness, I am His, and He is mine.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Benediction Philemon 25 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Hymn: “Across the Lands” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
You’re the Word of God the Father from before the world began. Ev’ry star and ev’ry planet has been fashioned by Your hand. All creation holds together by the power of Your voice. Let the skies declare Your glory; let the land and seas rejoice!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Yet You left the gaze of angels, came to seek and save the lost, and exchanged the joy of heaven for the anguish of a cross. With a prayer You fed the hungry; with a word You calmed the sea; Yet how silently You suffered that the guilty may go free!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
With a shout You rose victorious, wresting vict’ry from the grave, And ascended into heaven, leading captives in Your way. Now You stand before the Father, interceding for Your own; From each tribe and tongue and nation, You are leading sinners home!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man; and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Song: “All I Have Is Christ” Words and music: Jordan Kauflin.
I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way. The sin that promised joy and life had led me to the grave. I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will. And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still.
But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost, You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross. And I beheld God’s love displayed, You suffered in my place. You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life. Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, and live so all might see the strength to follow Your commands could never come from me. Oh, Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose, and let my song forever be my only boast is You.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life. Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Lord Takes Thought for Me” Psalm 40 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! 14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Words by Isaac Watts, music by Lowell Mason
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” Words by Frances R. Havergal, music by Henri A. C. Malan
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee, swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee, filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose, every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee.
Benediction 2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Hymn: “All Glory Be to Christ” Words: Dustin Kensrue. Music: Traditional Scottish tune (“Auld Lang Syne”).
Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive; unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive.
To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me what is your life? A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ!
All glory be to Christ our King! All glory be to Christ! His rule and reign will ever sing, all glory be to Christ!
His will be done, His kingdom come, on earth as is above; Who is Himself our daily bread, praise Him the Lord of love.
Let living water satisfy the thirsty without price, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, all glory be to Christ!
All glory be to Christ our King! All glory be to Christ! His rule and reign will ever sing, all glory be to Christ!
When on the day the great I Am, the Faithful and the True, the Lamb who was for sinners slain, is making all things new.
Behold our God shall live with us and be our steadfast light, and we shall e’er His people be, all glory be to Christ!
All glory be to Christ our King! All glory be to Christ! His rule and reign will ever sing, all glory be to Christ!
Hymn: “My Soul Finds Rest” Words and music: Aaron Keys and Stuart Townend.
My soul finds rest in God alone, my rock and my salvation, a fortress strong against my foes. And I will not be shaken. Though lips may bless and hearts may curse, and lies like arrows pierce me, I’ll fix my heart on righteousness, I’ll look to Him who hears me.
O praise Him, hallelujah, my delight and my reward, everlasting, never failing, my Redeemer, my God.
Find rest, my soul, in God alone amid the worlds temptations; when evil seeks to take a hold, I’ll cling to my salvation. Though riches come and riches go, don’t set your heart upon them; the fields of hope in which I sow are harvested in heaven.
O praise Him, hallelujah, my delight and my reward, everlasting, never failing, my Redeemer, my God.
I’ll set my gaze on God alone and trust in Him completely; with every day pour out my soul, and He will prove His mercy. Though life is but a fleeting breath, a sigh too brief to measure, my King has crushed the curse of death, and I am His forever.
O praise Him, hallelujah, my delight and my reward, everlasting, never failing, my Redeemer, my God.
Hymn: “Abide with Me” Words by Henry Lyte, music by Wiliam Henry Monk
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day. Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!
I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through clouds and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me!
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee! In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Mankind Is a Mere Breath!” Psalm 39 (ESV)
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! 9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. 10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. 11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”
Hymn: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” Words and Music: Stuart Townend.
How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.
Benediction Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV) 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” Words: Reginald Heber. Music: John B. Dykes
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, who were, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea. Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Song: “Man of Sorrows” Words and Music: Matt Crocker and Brooke Ligertwood
Man of sorrows, Lamb of God, by His own betrayed. The sin of man and wrath of God has been on Jesus laid.
Silent as He stood accused, beaten, mocked, and scorned. Bowing to the Father’s will, He took a crown of thorns.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Sent of heaven, God’s own Son to purchase and redeem, and reconcile the very ones who nailed Him to that tree.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Now, my debt is paid, it is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled.
Now, the curse of sin has no hold on me. Whom the Son sets free, oh is free indeed. Now, my debt is paid, it is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. Now, the curse of sin has no hold on me. Whom the Son sets free, oh is free indeed.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
See the stone is rolled away, behold the empty tomb. Hallelujah, God be praised, He’s risen from the grave.
Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah, praise and honor unto Thee.”
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Vindicate Me, O Lord, My God” Psalm 35 (ESV)
Of David.
1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!”
4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away! 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them!
7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. 8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it—to his destruction!
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. 10 All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
11 Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. 12 They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. 13 But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. 14 I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.
15 But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; 16 like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.
17 How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! 18 I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.
19 Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. 20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. 21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!”
22 You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! 23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart’s desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
Hymn: “The Communion Hymn” Words and music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend.
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, slain for us, and we remember the promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice as a sign of our bonds of peace around the table of the King.
The body of our Savior Jesus Christ, torn for you, eat and remember the wounds that heal, the death that brings us life paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice as a sign of our bonds of love around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, shed for you, drink and remember He drained death’s cup that all may enter in to receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice as a sign of our bonds of grace around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond, and to remember our call to follow in the steps of Christ as His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering we proclaim Christ will come again! And we’ll join in the feast of heaven around the table of the King.
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn: “Glorious Is Thy Name” Words and music: B. B. McKinney.
Blessed Savior, we adore Thee; we Thy love and grace proclaim. Thou art mighty, Thou art holy; glorious is Thy matchless name!
Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord! Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Great Redeemer, Lord and Master, Light of all eternal days, let the saints from every nation sing Thy just and endless praise!
Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord! Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
From the throne of heaven’s glory to the cross of sin and shame, You did come to die a ransom, guilty sinners to reclaim!
Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord! Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Come, O come, Immortal Savior, come and take Thy royal throne; Come, and reign, and reign forever; be the Kingdom all Thine own!
Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord! Glorious, glorious, glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Benediction
Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” Words: William Kethte and Thomas Ken. Music: Genevan Psalter.
All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; Him serve with fear, His praise forth-tell; come ye before Him and rejoice.
The Lord, you know, is God indeed; without our aid He did us make; we are His flock, He doth us feed, and for His sheep He doth us take.
O enter then His gates with praise; approach with joy His courts unto; praise, laud, and bless His name always, for it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good, His mercy is forever sure; His truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.
Hymn: “Compassion Hymn” Words and music by Stuart Townend, Keith Getty, and Kristyn Getty
There is an everlasting kindness You lavished on us, When the radiance of heaven came to rescue the lost. You called the sheep without a shepherd to leave their distress For Your streams of forgiveness and the shade of Your rest.
What boundless love, what fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion. Each day we live an offering of praise As we show to the world Your compassion.
And with compassion for the hurting You reached out Your hand As the lame ran to meet You and the dead breathed again. You saw behind the eyes of sorrow and shared in our tears; Heard the sigh of the weary, let the children draw near.
What boundless love, what fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion. Each day we live an offering of praise As we show to the world Your compassion.
We stood beneath the cross of Calvary and gazed on Your face At the thorns of oppression and the wounds of disgrace; For surely You have borne our suffering and carried our grief, As You pardoned the scoffer and showed grace to the thief.
What boundless love, what fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion. Each day we live an offering of praise As we show to the world Your compassion.
How beautiful the feet that carry this Gospel of peace To the fields of injustice and the valleys of need. To be a voice of hope and healing, to answer the cries Of the hungry and helpless, with the mercy of Christ.
Hymn: “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” Words: Aurelius C. Prudentius. Music: Plainsong, 13th Century.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me, underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love; Leading onward, leading homeward to my glorious rest above.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore; how He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best; ’tis an ocean vast of blessing, ’tis a haven sweet of rest. O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me; and it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Taste and See That the Lord Is Good” Psalm 34 (ESV)
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Hymn: “Come to Me” Words: Lizzie Akers, refrain by Village Church. Music: Michael Bleecker, Jeff Capps, and Hunter Pecunia.
Weary, burdened wand’rer, there is rest for thee. at the feet of Jesus, in His love so free.
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.” Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Listen to His message, words of life, forever blessed. “O thou heavy laden, come to Me, come and rest.”
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.” Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Bring Him all thy burdens, all thy guilt and sin. Mercy’s door is open, rise up and enter in.
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.” Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Jesus there is waiting, patiently for thee, Hear Him gently calling, “Come, O come to Me.”
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.” Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Benediction Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV) 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: “O Breath of God” Words and music: Keith Getty and Phil Madeira.
O Breath of God, come fill this place; revive our hearts to know Your grace, and from our slumber make us rise, that we may know the risen Christ.
O Word of God, so clear and true, renew our minds to trust in You; and give to us the Bread of Life, that we may know the risen Christ.
O Love of God, so unrestrained, refresh our souls in Jesus’ name. Let us reflect Your sacrifice,
that we may know the risen Christ.
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit make us one; in holiness let us unite, that we may know the risen Christ.
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” Words by Stuart J. Hine, who arranged a Swedish folk melody
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Hymn: “Never Cease to Praise” Words and music: Jeff Bourque.
May we run this race, may we keep the faith, may our eyes be fixed on Jesus, that we’ll not lose heart in our struggle with sin, and through suffering know endurance.
May we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ to rejoice in trials and be not surprised. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
May our company be the saints You’ve called, may we all stand firm in one spirit, that the gospel’s truth may resound on earth, that all living things may hear it.
May the fruits of faith mark the path we trod through the life of Christ to the glory of God. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
May the words we share be Your grace and peace. May our tongues speak Your proclamations that the many parts of the body of Christ be affirmed in their right relation.
As we long and wait for the groom to come, may we learn to love, and spur each other on. May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
When that day arrives, and our race is won, when our griefs give way to deliverance, we will fully know, as we’re fully known, all our groans will end as new songs begin.
And a multitude from every tribe and tongue, wearing robes of white, will stand before Your throne, And our hearts will be so consumed by You that we’ll never cease to praise! May our hearts be so consumed by You that we never cease to praise.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Sing to Him a New Song” Psalm 33 (ESV)
1 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. 2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
13 The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. 16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Hymn: “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” Words: Philip P. Bliss. Music: Rowland H. Prichard.
I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me. On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will tell the wondrous story how, my lost estate to save, in His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me. On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell, how the victory He giveth over sin, and death, and hell.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me. On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will sing of my Redeemer, and His heav’nly love for me; He from death to life hath brought me, Son of God with Him to be.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me. On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
Benediction 1 Corinthians 16:23 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Hymn: “Across the Lands” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
You’re the Word of God the Father from before the world began.
Ev’ry star and ev’ry planet has been fashioned by Your hand.
All creation holds together by the power of Your voice.
Let the skies declare Your glory; let the land and seas rejoice!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;
and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Yet You left the gaze of angels, came to seek and save the lost,
and exchanged the joy of heaven for the anguish of a cross.
With a prayer You fed the hungry; with a word You calmed the sea;
Yet how silently You suffered that the guilty may go free!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;
and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
With a shout You rose victorious, wresting vict’ry from the grave,
And ascended into heaven, leading captives in Your way.
Now You stand before the Father, interceding for Your own;
From each tribe and tongue and nation, You are leading sinners home!
You’re the Author of creation; You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;
and Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Hymn: “And Can It Be?” Words: Charles Wesley. Music: Thomas Campbell.
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace;
emptied Himself to show His love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race.
’Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine;
bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!
“What Wondrous Love Is This” Words: American Folk Tune. Music: William Walker’s Southern Harmony.
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great “I AM”;
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
and through eternity I’ll sing on.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “You Forgave the Iniquity of My Sin” Psalm 32 (ESV) A Maskil of David.
1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.a 7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Hymn: “Come to Me” Words: Lizzie Akers, refrain by Village Church.
Music: Michael Bleecker, Jeff Capps, and Hunter Pecunia.
Weary, burdened wand’rer, there is rest for thee.
at the feet of Jesus, in His love so free.
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.”
Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Listen to His message, words of life, forever blessed.
“O thou heavy laden, come to Me, come and rest.”
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.”
Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Bring Him all thy burdens, all thy guilt and sin.
Mercy’s door is open, rise up and enter in.
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.”
Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Jesus there is waiting, patiently for thee,
Hear Him gently calling, “Come, O come to Me.”
There is freedom, taste and see. Hear the call, “Come to Me.”
Run into His arms of grace, your burden carried, He will take.
Benediction Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV)
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Song: “10,000 Reasons” By Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning,
it’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me,
let me be singing when the evening comes.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger.
Your name is great and Your heart is kind.
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing;
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
And on that day, when my strength is failing,
the end draws near, and my time has come;
Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending
ten thousand years, and then forevermore!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; I’ll worship Your holy name,
Worship Your holy name, Lord, I’ll worship Your holy name.
Hymn: “O God, My Joy” Words: Paul Keew and Brian Pinner. Music: Paul Keew.
O God, my joy, You reign above in radiant splendor and beauty.
Your Word has drawn my heart to love the awesome sight of Your glory.
Your blazing light and gospel grace shine brightly from my Savior’s face.
No other wonder would I see than Christ enthroned in His glory!
Sustained by joy in trial and pain, I trust Your wisdom and mercy.
Through suff’ring that Your love ordains, more like Your Son You will make me.
For Christ embraced the cross of shame, beholding glorious joys to come.
O give me faith like His to see that suff’ring lifts me to glory!
Compelled by joy, I fight the sin that turns my gaze from Your glory.
Your Holy Spirit dwells within; His presence arms me for vict’ry.
Let death and hell against me rise; through death I’ll gain eternal joys.
All pow’rs of hell will bend the knee before my great King of Glory!
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “A Rock of Refuge” Psalm 31 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me! 2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
3 For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; 4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
6 I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord. 7 I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have known the distress of my soul, 8 and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.
9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
my eye is wasted from grief;
my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away.
11 Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,
especially to my neighbors,
and an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have been forgotten like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many—
terror on every side!—
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 16 Make your face shine on your servant;
save me in your steadfast love! 17 O Lord, let me not be put to shame,
for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame;
let them go silently to Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be mute,
which speak insolently against the righteous
in pride and contempt.
19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind! 20 In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was in a besieged city. 22 I had said in my alarm,
“I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
when I cried to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!
Hymn: “Rock of Ages” Words: August M. Toplady. Music: Thomas Hastings.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee;
let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.
Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown, see Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” Words: Julia H. Johnston. Music: Daniel B. Towner.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
what can avail to wash it away?
Look, there is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
will you this moment His grace receive?
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Benediction 1 Corinthians 16:23 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Hymn: “O Worship the King” Words by Robert Grant. Music by Johann Michael Haydn.
O worship the King all-glorious above,
and gratefully sing His wonderful love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail.
Thy mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!
Song: “This Is Amazing Grace” Words and Music: Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle, and Josh Farro.
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness,
whose love is mighty and so much stronger?
The King of glory, the King above all kings.
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
and leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?
The King of glory, the King above all kings.
This is amazing grace, this is unfailing love,
that You would take my place, that You would bear my cross.
You laid down Your life that I would be set free.
Oh, Jesus, I sing for all that You’ve done for me.
Who brings our chaos back into order,
who makes the orphan a son and daughter?
The King of glory, the King of glory.
Who rules the nations with truth and justice,
shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?
The King of glory, the King above all kings.
This is amazing grace, this is unfailing love,
that You would take my place, that You would bear my cross.
You laid down Your life that I would be set free.
Oh, Jesus, I sing for all that You’ve done for me.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
Worthy, worthy, worthy!
This is amazing grace, this is unfailing love,
that You would take my place, that You would bear my cross.
You laid down Your life that I would be set free.
Oh, Jesus, I sing for all that You’ve done for me.
Hymn: “O God, My Joy” Words: Paul Keew and Brian Pinner. Music: Paul Keew.
O God, my joy, You reign above in radiant splendor and beauty.
Your Word has drawn my heart to love the awesome sight of Your glory.
Your blazing light and gospel grace shine brightly from my Savior’s face.
No other wonder would I see than Christ enthroned in His glory!
Sustained by joy in trial and pain, I trust Your wisdom and mercy.
Through suff’ring that Your love ordains, more like Your Son You will make me.
For Christ embraced the cross of shame, beholding glorious joys to come.
O give me faith like His to see that suff’ring lifts me to glory!
Compelled by joy, I fight the sin that turns my gaze from Your glory.
Your Holy Spirit dwells within; His presence arms me for vict’ry.
Let death and hell against me rise; through death I’ll gain eternal joys.
All pow’rs of hell will bend the knee before my great King of Glory!
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Voice of the Lord”
Psalm 29 (ESV) A Psalm of David.
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” Words by Stuart J. Hine, who arranged a Swedish folk melody
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
and there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Benediction Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace when fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my All in All; here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh; fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness scorned by the ones He came to save;
’til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied;
for every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay; Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then, bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;|
for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand;
’til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
Hymn: “My Worth Is Not in What I Own” Words and music by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Graham Kendrick
My worth is not in what I own,not in the strength of flesh and bone,
but in the costly wounds of love at the cross.
My worth is not in skill or name, in win or lose, in pride or shame,
but in the blood of Christ that flowed at the cross.
I rejoice in my Redeemer, Greatest Treasure, Wellspring of my soul,
I will trust in Him, no other; my soul is satisfied in Him alone.
As summer flowers we fade and die; fame, youth, and beauty hurry by,
but life eternal calls to us at the cross.
I will not boast in wealth or might, or human wisdom’s fleeting light,
but I will boast in knowing Christ at the cross.
I rejoice in my Redeemer, Greatest Treasure, Wellspring of my soul,
I will trust in Him, no other; my soul is satisfied in Him alone.
Two wonders here that I confess: my worth and my unworthiness,
my value fixed, my ransom paid at the cross.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Lord Is My Strength”
Psalm 28 (ESV)
Of David.
1 To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.
3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts. 4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.
6 Blessed be the Lord!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Hymn: “The Communion Hymn” Words and music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend.
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, slain for us, and we remember
the promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of peace around the table of the King.
The body of our Savior Jesus Christ, torn for you, eat and remember
the wounds that heal, the death that brings us life paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of love around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, shed for you, drink and remember
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in to receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of grace around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond, and to remember
our call to follow in the steps of Christ as His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering we proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven around the table of the King.
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn: “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” Words: Philip P. Bliss. Music: Rowland H. Prichard.
I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me;
on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will tell the wondrous story how, my lost estate to save,
in His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell,
how the victory He giveth over sin, and death, and hell.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
I will sing of my Redeemer, and His heav’nly love for me;
He from death to life hath brought me, Son of God with Him to be.
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.
Benediction Philippians 4:23 (ESV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” Words and music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace when fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my All in All; here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh; fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness scorned by the ones He came to save;
’til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied;
for every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay; Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then, bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand;
’til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
Hymn: “My Shepherd, You Supply My Need” Words: Isaac Watts. Music: North American Traditional.
My Shepherd, you supply my need, most holy is Your name.
In pastures fresh You make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wand’ring spirit back when I forsake Your ways,
and lead me, for Your mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, Your presence is my stay;
one word of Your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
oh, may Your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home.
Hymn: “O God, My Joy” Words: Paul Keew and Brian Pinner. Music: Paul Keew.
O God, my joy, You reign above in radiant splendor and beauty.
Your Word has drawn my heart to love the awesome sight of Your glory.
Your blazing light and gospel grace shine brightly from my Savior’s face.
No other wonder would I see than Christ enthroned in His glory!
Sustained by joy in trial and pain, I trust Your wisdom and mercy.
Through suff’ring that Your love ordains, more like Your Son You will make me.
For Christ embraced the cross of shame, beholding glorious joys to come.
O give me faith like His to see that suff’ring lifts me to glory!
Compelled by joy, I fight the sin that turns my gaze from Your glory.
Your Holy Spirit dwells within; His presence arms me for vict’ry.
Let death and hell against me rise; through death I’ll gain eternal joys.
All pow’rs of hell will bend the knee before my great King of Glory!
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Your Face, Lord, Do I Seek” Psalm 27 (ESV)
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” Words: Elizabeth C. Clephane. Music: Frederick C. Maker.
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
There lies beneath its shadow but on the further side
The darkness of an awful grave that gapes both deep and wide
And there between us stands the cross two arms outstretched to save
A watchman set to guard the way from that eternal grave.
Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears, two wonders I confess;
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
Benediction Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV) 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Hymn: “Be Thou My Vision” Traditional Irish melody; ancient Irish text translated by Mary E. Byrne, set to verse by Eleanor H. Hull
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou, and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Song: “I Will Glory in My Redeemer” Words and music: Steve Cook and Vikki Cook.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
whose priceless blood has ransomed me.
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
and hung Him on that judgment tree.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
who crushed the power of sin and death;
my only Savior before the holy Judge,
the Lamb who is my righteousness,
the Lamb who is my righteousness.
I will glory in my Redeemer;
my life He bought, my love He owns.
I have no longings for another;
I’m satisfied in Him alone.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
His faithfulness my standing place.
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me,
my feet are firm, held by His grace,
my feet are firm, held by His grace.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
who carries me on eagles’ wings.
He crowns my life with lovingkindness;
His triumph song I’ll ever sing.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
who waits for me at gates of gold.
And when He calls me, it will be paradise,
His face forever to behold,
His face forever to behold.
Hymn: “Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery” Words and music: Matt Papa, Matt Boswell, and Michael Bleecker.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, in the dawning of the King;
He the theme of heaven’s praises, robed in frail humanity.
In our longing, in our darkness, now the light of life has come;
look to Christ, who condescended, took on flesh to ransom us.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, He the perfect Son of Man;
in His living, in His suffering never trace nor stain of sin.
See the true and better Adam, come to save the hell-bound man;
Christ, the great and sure fulfillment of the law; in Him we stand.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, Christ the Lord upon the tree,
in the stead of ruined sinners, hangs the Lamb in victory.
See the price of our redemption, see the Father’s plan unfold;
bringing many sons to glory, grace unmeasured, love untold.
Come behold the wondrous mystery, slain by death the God of life;
but no grave could e’er restrain Him, praise the Lord, He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance, how unwavering our hope;
Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when he comes.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “Redeem Me, and Be Gracious to Me”
Psalm 26 (ESV) Of David.
1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites. 5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord, 7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12 My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.
Hymn: “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” Words by J. Wilbur Chapman, music by Rowland H. Prichard
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow! While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking, He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper! While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me, He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Jesus! I do now receive Him, more than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness, I am His, and He is mine.
Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Benediction Romans 15:13 (ESV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Hymn: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Words: Robert Robinson. Music: traditional American melody.
Come, Thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love.
Hither to Thy love has blest me; Thou has brought me to this place;
And I know Thy hand will bring me safely home by Thy good grace.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God,
He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with His precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy lovely face,
Clothed then in the blood-washed linen how I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace.
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry, take my ransomed soul away;
Send Thine angels now to carry me to realms of endless day.
Song: “His Mercy Is More” Words and music: Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
What love could remember no wrongs we have done?
Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum.
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore,
Our sins they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness, new every morn’.
Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
What patience would wait as we constantly roam?
What Father, so tender, is calling us home?
He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor.
Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness, new every morn’.
Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
What riches of kindness He lavished on us.
His blood was the payment; His life was the cost.
We stood ’neath a debt we could never afford.
Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness, new every morn’.
Our sins, they are many; His mercy is more.
Hymn: “Speak, O Lord” Words and music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
to receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
that the light of Christ might be seen today
in our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
all Your purposes for Your glory.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
holy reverence, true humility.
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
in the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see
your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow’r that can never fail,
let their truth prevail over unbelief.
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us.
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
that will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises,
and by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
and the earth is filled with Your glory.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Humble” Psalm 25 (ESV) A Psalm of David.
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O Lord,
pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant. 15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.
Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory” Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick. Music: John Hughes.
God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour Thy power;
crown Thine ancient church’s story, bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us, free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
Cure Thy children’s warring madness; bend our pride to Thy control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
Set our feet on lofty places; gird our lives that they may be
armored with all Christ-like graces in the fight to set men free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, that we fail not man nor Thee,
that we fail not man nor Thee!
Benediction Philippians 4:23 (ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Hymn: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” Words: William Kethe and Thomas Ken. Music: Genevan Psalter.
All people that on earth do dwell,
sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, His praise forth-tell;
come ye before Him and rejoice.
The Lord, you know, is God indeed;
without our aid He did us make;
we are His flock, He doth us feed,
and for His sheep He doth us take.
O enter then His gates with praise;
approach with joy His courts unto;
praise, laud, and bless His name always,
for it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good,
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
and shall from age to age endure.
Hymn: “My Shepherd, You Supply My Need” Words: Isaac Watts. Music: North American Traditional.
My Shepherd, you supply my need, most holy is Your name.
In pastures fresh You make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wand’ring spirit back when I forsake Your ways,
and lead me, for Your mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, Your presence is my stay;
one word of Your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
oh, may Your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home.
Time of Prayer
Sermon: “The Lord Is My Shepherd” Psalm 23 (ESV)
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Hymn: “See the Destined Day Arise” Words: Fortunatus; translated by Richard Mant. Music: Matt Merker.
See the destined day arise! See a willing sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss, hangs upon the shameful cross;
Jesus, who but You could bear wrath so great and justice fair?
Every pang and bitter throe, finishing Your life of woe?
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!
Who but Christ had dared to drain, steeped in gall, the cup of pain,
and with tender body bear thorns and nails and piercing spear?
Slain for us, the water flowed, mingled from Your side with blood;
sign to all attesting eyes of the finished sacrifice.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!
Holy Jesus, grant us grace in that sacrifice to place
all our trust for life renewed, pardoned sin, and promised good.
Grant us grace to sing Your praise ’round Your throne through endless days,
ever with the sons of light: “Blessing, honor, glory, might!”
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!
The Lord’s Supper
Song: “Yet Not I but through Christ in Me” Words and music by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Michael Farren
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer.
There is no more for heaven now to give.
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom,
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus.
For my life is wholly bound to His.
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken.
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay.
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing,
For in my need, His power is displayed.
To this I hold: my Shepherd will defend me.
Through the deepest valley He will lead.
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven,
The future sure, the price it has been paid.
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon,
And He was raised to overthrow the grave.
To this I hold: my sin has been defeated.
Jesus now and ever is my plea.
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
With every breath I long to follow Jesus.
For He has said that He will bring me home.
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus.
All the glory evermore to Him.
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Benediction Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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