John 4:43-54
Links to the scriptures and hymns used during this service are provided below. Click on the hymn title to be taken to a page with sheet music.
Order of Service
Call to Worship: Psalm 111:1-10
Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness:
Father in heaven, we thank you for the freedom you have given us through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. But we confess today that we often live like slaves. Instead of living as though you delight in us, we avoid you in shame and guilt. Instead of receiving your favor as a gift, we try to earn it with our efforts. Instead of accepting your freedom, we prefer our chains. Instead of pursuing your purposes, we cling to our short-sighted agendas. Forgive us. Embrace us. Cleanse us. Heal us. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
from monergism.com
Scripture Readings:
Genesis 15:1-6
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Affirmation of Faith: from the Heidelberg Catechism
Question 12: Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we deserved temporal and eternal punishment, how may we escape this punishment, come again to grace, and be reconciled to God?
God wills that his righteousness be satisfied; therefore, payment in full must be made to his righteousness, either by ourselves or by another.
Question 14: Can any mere creature make the payment for us?
No one. First of all, God does not want to punish any other creature for man’s debt. Moreover, no mere creature can bear the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin and redeem others from it.
Question 15: Then, what kind of mediator and redeemer must we seek?
One who is a true and righteous man and yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is at the same time true God.
Question 18: Who is this mediator who is at the same time true God and a true and perfectly righteous man?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is freely given to us for complete redemption and righteousness.
Hymn: Hail to the Lord's Anointed
Sermon: John 4:46-54
Closing Hymn: Doxology