Preparing for Worship | June 23, 2019
READING THE TEXT
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits." — James 1.9–11 (ESV)
PREPARING OUR HEARTS
What do you think is the main point of the passage? This may be signaled by repetition of something important; or a consistent theme.
Who was the passage originally written or spoken to? Are we in the same situation?
Why do you think the Bible writer wrote this passage? What is the passage intended to achieve in its hearers?
Pray as Martin Luther used to pray: “Lord, teach me, teach me, teach me.”
PRAYING FOR THE SERVICE
Thank God for the gift of a local church family that we can gather with to worship Him as one body. Pray that Pastor Brian would be prepared, healthy, and focused as he preaches this Sunday.
Pray that God would bring people into our worship service who need to hear the message from this passage.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict and regenerate those who have not yet trusted in Jesus for new life.
Pray the Holy Spirit would open the hearts of those who hear the message and that He would comfort, strengthen, and teach His people.
Pray that God would guide us as we seek to live out the truth of His word the following week.
Order of Worship
GOD CALLS US TO WORSHIP HIM
Call to Worship
Worship Leader: The Lord is our God; the Lord is one. [Deuteronomy 6:4]
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” | Hymn of Adoration
Verse 1:
Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of creation
O my soul praise Him for He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration
Verse 2:
Praise to the Lord
Who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings yea so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth
Verse 3:
Praise to the Lord
Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with His love He befriend thee
Verse 4:
Praise to the Lord
O let all that is in me adore Him
All that hath life and breath come now with praises before Him
Let the Amen sound from His people again
Gladly for all we adore Him
GOD GRACIOUSLY RENEWS US IN CHRIST
Confession of Sin
Worship Leader: Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!
Congregation: For you are God, and there is no other. [Isaiah 45:22]
Forgiveness of Sin
Worship Leader: Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servants for himself.
Congregation: The Lord hears when we call to him. [Psalm 4:3]
“Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery” | Hymn of Assurance
Verse 1:
Come behold the wondrous myst'ry
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
Verse 2:
Come behold the wondrous myst'ry
He the perfect Son of Man
In His living in His suff'ring
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
Verse 3:
Come behold the wondrous myst'ry
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
Verse 4:
Come behold the wondrous myst'ry
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 deliv'rance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when He comes
Thanking God for What He Has Done
Worship Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to his people, and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
[Psalm 98:1, 4–5]
Giving Our Tithes and Offerings
“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” | Hymn of Pentecost
Verse 1:
Spirit of God descend upon my heart
Wean it from earth through all its pulses move
Stoop to my weakness mighty as Thou art
And make me love Thee as I ought to love
Chorus:
My heart an altar
And Thy love the flame
Verse 2:
I ask no dream no prophet ecstacies
No sudden rending of the veil of clay
No angel visions no op’ning skies
But take the dimness of my soul away
Verse 3:
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear
To check the rising doubt the rebel sigh
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer
Verse 4:
Hast Thou not bid me love Thee God and King
All all Thine own soul heart and strength and mind
I see Thy cross there teach me to cling
O let me seek Thee and O let me find
Verse 5:
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love
One holy passion filling all my frame
The presence of thy descended dove
My heart an altar and Thy love the flame
GOD INSTRUCTS US THROUGH HIS WORD
Scripture Reading | James 1:9–11
Pastoral Prayer
Sermon: “Rich Man / Poor Man” | Brian Albert
GOD FEEDS US THROUGH HIS SUPPER
Questions for Reflection
How central is the gospel in your life?
What is one purpose of the Lord’s Supper that brings comfort to you now?
In what ways did you “participate” in the death of Christ?
What progress have you been making in your Christian life in proportion to the blessings of God you enjoy? Are you really gaining ground?
Breaking the Bread
Taking the Cup
GOD BLESSES US AND SENDS US OUT
Pastoral Prayer of Blessing
