The Service of Worship October 12, 2014 Reflection - Ephesians 1:18-21 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death—we give ourselves to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. - Sinclair Ferguson The implications of our union with Christ are very far-reaching. Union with Christ involves sharing in and with Christ, and that implies commitment to him principally as a crucified and risen Lord. On the other side of the cross lay the resurrection. That pattern is invariable. Through union with Christ in his death comes union with him in his resurrection and a share in his triumph. The power by which he was raised from the dead is the power by which he works in us (Eph. 1:81-21). INGATHERING Psalm of Preparation: Psalm 1 (p. 785) Silent Prayer of Preparation 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. 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. #103: Holy God, We Praise Your Name *Prayer of Adoration *Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles' Creed Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. RENEWAL PRAISE *Call to Worship *Hymns of Praise - Psalm 95:1-2 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Call to Confession - 1 John 1:8-9 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Corporate Prayer of Confession - The Valley of Vision Blessed Lord Jesus, before your cross I kneel and see the evil of my sin, my wickedness that caused you to be “made a curse”, the iniquity which deserves your wrath. Show me the greatness of my guilt by your crown of thorns, pierced hands and feet, and dying cries. Assure me that your compassions yearn over me, your heart hastens to my rescue, your love endured my curse, your mercy bore my deserved stripes. Cleansed by your blood and renewed by your Spirit help me to present myself to you as a living sacrifice which is holy and acceptable to God. Private Prayer of Confession Words of Assurance This victory march continues till the day Every eye and heart shall see Him So Spirit come put strength in every stride Give grace for every hurdle That we may run with faith to win the prize Of a servant good and faithful As saints of old still line the way Retelling triumphs of His grace We hear their calls and hunger for the day When with Christ we stand in glory Keith Getty & Stuart Townend © 2005 Kingsway Thankyou Music, CCLI#2249825 - Psalm 103:11-13 *Hymns of Response Just As I Am, without One Plea Just as I am—without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee—O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Welcome and Announcements Please fill out and pass the friendship registration pad. Prayers of the People COMMITMENT Just as I am—Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe—O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Reading of God's Word - Philippians 4:14-20 (sanctuary Bible p.1250) O Church Arise O Church arise and put your armour on Hear the call of Christ our Captain For now the weak can say that they are strong In the strength that God has given With shield of faith and belt of truth We’ll stand against the devil’s lies An army bold whose battle-cry is Love Reaching out to those in darkness Offertory Words Our call to war to love the captive soul But to rage against the captor And with the sword that makes the wounded whole We will fight with faith and valour When faced with trials on every side We know the outcome is secure And Christ will have the prize for which He died An inheritance of nations *Those who are able, please stand. Come see the cross where love and mercy meet As the Son of God is stricken Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet For the Conqueror has risen And as the stone is rolled away And Christ emerges from the grave Sermon: Gospel Fellowship Rev. Bill Massey - 2 Corinthians 8:9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Offertory Music *Hymn #542: Who Are These like Stars Appearing *Benediction Saundra Barker