Welcome

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: We have come here today to worship the Lord.  In worship we hear the Word of God, we receive God’s blessings, and respond with thanks and praise.  We begin by seeking God’s blessing of forgiveness.  He has promised to remove the guilt and shame of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

P: Let us confess our sins to the Lord. 

P: Heavenly Father,
C: Heavenly Father,

P: I have done things that were wrong.
C: I have done things that were wrong.

P: I have been mean to others.
C: I have been mean to others.

P: I have not obeyed my parents.
C: I have not obeyed my parents.

P: I have not obeyed You, God.
C: I have not obeyed You, God.

P: But I am very sorry.
C: But I am very sorry.

P: Please forgive me.
C: Please forgive me.

P: I love You very much.
C: I love You very much.

P: And I know You love me, too.
C: And I know You love me, too.

P: God has heard your apology.  He loves you very much.  God has told us that when we believe and trust in Him, He makes us His children.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. He has told me to tell you that you are forgiven.  So, as His servant, I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

Song: Away in a Manger

Verse 1:
Away in a manger, No crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus, Lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky, Looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay.

Verse 2:
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes;
But little Lord Jesus, No crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle, ‘Till morning is nigh.

Verse 3:
Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children, in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with thee there.

First Reading – Matthew 3:4

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message “This Strange Man”

Song: Joy to The World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart
Prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
 And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of,
His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love!

Second Reading – Matthew 3:1-3

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

    make his paths straight.’”

Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message “Prepare the Way!”

Sermon Song: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

Verse 1:
On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for He brings
Glad tidings of the King of Kings!

Verse 3:
We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward.
Without Your grace we waste away
Like flowers that wither and decay.

Verse 4:
All praise to You, eternal Son,
Whose advent has our freedom won,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore.

Sermon – “Prophecy – A Messenger Will Prepare the Way”

Sermon Text- Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

    make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, Christ.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song: Angels From The  Realms of Glory(Emmanuel)                                      

Verse 1:
Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight o’er all the earth
You who sang creation’s story Now proclaim Messiah’s birth
Come and worship Come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King

Verse 2:
Shepherds in the field abiding Watching o’er your flocks by night
God with man is now residing Yonder shines the infant light
Come and worship, Come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King

Chorus:
Emmanuel Emmanuel
You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises
Emmanuel Emmanuel
Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Oh… oh… oh… oh Oh… oh… oh… (No “oh”s second time)

Come and worship Worship Christ the newborn King
God is with us even now His love is here

(Repeat)
His love is here

Chorus

Emmanuel Emmanuel Emmanuel Emmanuel

Offering

Upcoming Events

December 13, 7 PM – Growth Group Bible Study
Location – Wesley Chapel District Park – Monarch A

December 17, 6-10 PM – Christmas Open House
The Chmiel’s home – 29708 Weybridge Way
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545 – Gate: #8419

December 18, 1-3 PM – Youth Christmas Party
Location – Song and Dance
Food – Fun – White Elephant Gifts – Games

December 24, 6 PM – Christmas Eve Service
Song and Dance

December 25, 11 AM – Christmas Service
Streamed Online (A brief Christmas message)

Welcome

Faith: This Is Who We Are: Our Measures: “Growing in God’s Way” 

Opening Song: Sing To The King

Verse 1:
Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

Chorus:
Come, let us sing a song, A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He’s all we need
Lift up a heart of praise. Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King

Verse 2:
For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King
Chorus 2x

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: Come into the presence of the Lord our God.

C: Have mercy, O Lord. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand; but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

P: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Let us confess our sin before the Lord. Let us confess together.

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinners.  We have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have not loved you with our whole heart and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your punishment.  For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.  Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name.  Amen.

P: The Lord is gracious and merciful. He promises to forgive our sins. Therefore, upon this, your confession, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving – Arise And Shine In Splendor

Verse 1: (Acapella)
Arise and shine in splendor, Let night to day surrender;
Your light is drawing near. Above, the day is beaming,
In matchless beauty gleaming; The glory of the Lord is here.

Verse 2: 
See earth in darkness lying, The heathen nations dying
In hopeless gloom and night. To you the Lord of heaven,
Your light, your hope, has given Great glory, honor, and delight.

Verse 3:
The world’s remotest races, Upon whose weary faces
The sun looks from the sky, Shall run with zeal untiring,
With joy your light desiring That breaks upon them from on high.

Verse 4:
Lift up your eyes in wonder; See, nations gat-her yonder,
They all come to be free. The world has heard your story,
Your sons come to your glory, And daughters haste your light to see.

Epistle Reading – Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Matthew

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message

Sermon Hymn – Savior Of The Nations Come

Verse 1
Savior of the nations, come, Virgin’s Son, make here Thy home!
Marvel now, O heaven and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth.

Verse 2
Not by human flesh and blood, By the Spirit of our God,
Was the Word of God made flesh– Woman’s Off-spring, pure and fresh.

Verse 5
Thou, the Father’s only Son, Hast o’er sin the vict’ry won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be; When shall we its glories see?

Verse 7
Praise to God the Father sing, Praise to God the Son, our King,
Praise to God the Spirit be Ever and eternally.

Sermon – “Savior of The Nations Come”

Sermon text Isaiah 2:1-5

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

It shall come to pass in the latter days

    that the mountain of the house of the Lord

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

    and shall be lifted up above the hills;

and all the nations shall flow to it,

    and many peoples shall come, and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

    to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

    and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

    and shall decide disputes for many peoples;

and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

    and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

    neither shall they learn war anymore.

O house of Jacob,

    come, let us walk

    in the light of the Lord.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 602-1104

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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 sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song – The Advent Of Our King

Verse 1:
The advent of our King, Our prayers must now employ;
And we must hymns of welcome sing In strains of holy joy.

Verse 2:
The everlasting Son, Incarnate deigns to be;
Himself a servant’s form put on To set His servants free.

Verse 4:
As judge, on clouds of light, He soon will come again
And His true members all unite With Him in heav’n to reign.

Offering

Welcome

Opening Song – Praise To The Lord The Almighty

Verse 1:
Praise to the Lord The Almighty, the King of creation
O my soul, praise Him for He is your health and salvation
Let all who hear, Now to His temple draw near
Joining in glad adoration

Verse 2:
Praise to the Lord Who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
And as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining
have you not seen, All that is needful has been
Sent by His gracious ordaining?

Verse 5:
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him
All that has life and breath Come now with praises before Him
Let the – men Sound from His people again Gladly forever adore Him

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: Our Heavenly Father asks us to come into His presence.

C: But we are sinful and unworthy. 

P: Yes, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but Jesus Christ died on the cross that we may be forgiven and washed clean of all our sins by His blood spilled on the cross.

C: Lord, if You wash us, we will certainly be clean and pure.

P: We take a moment to bow before the His cross and silently reflect on our lives and confess our sins.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

P: Let us confess, together, our sins to God our Father.

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinners.  We have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have not loved you with our whole heart and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not lived out our faith in our community. We justly deserve Your punishment.  For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.  Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name.  Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins.  As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I, therefore, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: Overcome

Verse 1:
Seated above, enthroned in the Father’s love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind
God’s only son perfect and spotless one
He never sinned, but suffered as if he did

Pre-Chorus:
All authority, every victory is Yours
All authority, every victory is Yours

Chorus:
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever, awesome and great is Your name,
You Overcame

Verse 2:
Power in hand speaking the Father’s plan
You’re sending us out, light in this broken land

Pre-Chorus

Chorus

We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb

and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome  

First Reading – Revelation 22:12-17

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Matthew 11:7-15

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

    who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
P: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message (Children dismissed to Children’s Church)

Sermon Song – O Praise The Name (Anastasis)

Verse 1:
I cast my mind to Calvary Where Jesus bled and died for me
I see His wounds, His hands, His feet.
My Saviour on that cursed tree

Verse 2:
His body bound and drenched in tears.
They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb
The entrance sealed by heavy stone.
Messiah still and all alone

Chorus:
O praise the Name of the Lord our God.
O praise His Name forevermore
For endless days, we will sing Your praise.
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Verse 3:
Then on the third, at break of dawn
The Son of heaven rose again
O trampled death, where is your sting.
The angels roar for Christ the King

(Chorus)

Verse 4:
He shall return in robes of white.
The blazing sun shall pierce the night
And I will rise among the saints,
My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face

(Chorus 2x)

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Sermon – Series – Navigating the Plan
This Week – “Malachi: The Final Word”

Sermon text: Malachi 3:1-5,4:1-6

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts…

…“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
P: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song: Our God/All Hail the Power of Jesus Christ

Our God – Verse 1:
Water You turned into wine, Opened the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You, None like You

Our God -Verse 2:
Into the darkness You shine , Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You, None like You

Our God – Chorus:
Our God is greater. Our God is stronger.
God You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, Awesome in power, Our God, Our God

Crown Him – Verse 1:
All hail the pow’r of Je- sus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all
Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all

Crown Him -Verse 3:
Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all
Hail Him who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all

Our God – Verse 2:
Into the darkness You shine , Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You, None like You

Our God – Chorus:
Our God is greater. Our God is stronger.
God You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, Awesome in power, Our God, Our God

Our God – Bridge:
And if our God is for us, Then who could ever stop us  
And if our God is with us, Then what could stand against  
(Repeat)

Then what could stand against? Then what could stand against?

Crown Him – Verse 6:
Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball 
To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all  
To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all

(Our God – Chorus)

Offering

Upcoming Events

Date, time, title
Location

Second Tuesday, 7 PM Council Meeting
Zoom 

Welcome         

Faith: This Is Who We Are: Our Values
“Pass It On” 

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: As we gather, today, let us cleanse our hearts and our consciences by confessing our sin to God.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you and against our neighbor in our thoughts, words, and actions.  We are truly sorry for our sins and sincerely repent of them. We ask for Your mercy. For the sake of Jesus Christ’s bitter suffering and death, please forgive us and renew us that we may walk in Your Spirit to the glory of Your holy name.

P: The Lord has heard your confession. Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving – Joy of The Lord

Though the tears may fall my song will rise,
 my song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail my song will rise,
my song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs, I will praise You Lord
In the dead of night I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
Though the waters rise I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in this heart, I will praise You Lord

Chorus:
The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the darkness I’ll dance, in the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength

Verse 2:
When I cannot see You with my eyes, let faith arise to You
When I cannot feel Your hand in mine, let faith arise to You
God of mercy and love, I will praise You Lord
How You shine with glory Lord of light, I feel alive with You
In Your presence now I come alive, I am alive with You
There is strength when I say “I will praise You Lord”
When sorrow comes my way, You are the shield around me
Always You remain my courage in the fight
I hear You call my name, Jesus I am coming
Walking on the waves, reaching for Your light

Gospel Reading: John 16:25-33

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Sermon Hymn – It Is Well with My Soul

Verse 1:
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul”

Chorus:
It is well, (it is well) with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Verse 2:
Though Satan should buffet tho’ trials may come,
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

Chorus

Verse 3:
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin not in part but in whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord oh my soul!

Chorus

Verse 4:
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

Sermon – Series – Navigating the Plan: Genesis to Jesus
This Week – “Daniel: Present in Exile”

Sermon Text: Daniel 1:1-7

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Prayers:

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, 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 sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Benediction

Closing Song: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

Offering

Upcoming Events

Date, time, title
Location

Third Monday, 7 PM Council Meeting
Zoom

Welcome

Faith: This Is Who We Are: Our Values

“Go The Distance” 

Opening Song: I Just Wanna Be A Sheep

Chorus:
I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.
I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep, I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.

Verse: 1
Don’t wanna be a goat…nope! Don’t wanna be a goat…nope!
Haven’t got any hope…nope! Don’t wanna be a goat…nope!

Verse: 4
Don’t wanna be a Sadducee. Don’t wanna be a Sadducee
‘Cause they’re so sad you see. Don’t wanna be a Sadducee

Chorus

Verse: 5
Just wanna be a child of God. Just wanna be a child of God
Walkin’ the same path He trod. Just wanna be a child of God

Chorus

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: We have come here today to worship the Lord.  In worship we hear the Word of God, we receive God’s blessings, and respond with thanks and praise.  We begin by seeking God’s blessing of forgiveness.  He has promised to remove the guilt and shame of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

P: Let us confess our sins to the Lord. 

P: Heavenly Father,
C: Heavenly Father,

P: I have done things that were wrong.
C: I have done things that were wrong.

P: I have been mean to others.
C: I have been mean to others.

P: I have not obeyed my parents.
C: I have not obeyed my parents.

P: I have not obeyed You, God.
C: I have not obeyed You, God.

P: But I am very sorry.
C: But I am very sorry.

P: Please forgive me.
C: Please forgive me.

P: I love You very much.
C: I love You very much.

P: And I know You love me, too.
C: And I know You love me, too.

P: God has heard your apology.  He loves you very much.  God has told us that when we believe and trust in Him, He makes us His children.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. He has told me to tell you that you are forgiven.  So, as His servant, I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

Song: Jesus Loves Me

Verse 1:
Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong, They are weak, but He is strong.

Chorus:
Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so.

Verse 2:

Jesus loves me, He who died. Heaven’s gates to open wide.
He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.

First Reading – Matthew 11:25-30

Then Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I am thankful that you have hidden these things from those who are so wise and so smart. But you have shown them to people who are like little children. Yes, Father, you did this because it’s what you really wanted to do.

“My Father has given me everything. No one knows the Son—only the Father knows the Son. And no one knows the Father—only the Son knows the Father. And the only people who will know about the Father are those the Son chooses to tell.

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.”

Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message “Like Little Children!”

Song: Echo

Verse 1:
When night has fallen When fear is common
Still You’re calling me When faith is lost
And my hope exhausted You will be my strength

Pre-Chorus:
When my mind says I’m not good enough God, You’re enough for me
I’ve decided I’m not giving up ‘Cause You won’t give up on me
You won’t give up on me

Chorus:
Your love is holding on And it won’t let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo Your love is holding on
And it won’t let go I feel it breaking out like an echo

Post-Chorus:
Echo in my so-o-o-o-oul So-o-o-o-oul.
Echo in my so-o-o-o-oul So-o-o-o-oul.

Verse 2:
In every season You keep repeating promises to me
Now there’s no stopping What you have started
Until it is complete

(Pre-Chorus)

(Chorus)

(Post-Chorus 2x)

Second Reading – Romans 3:21-22

But God has a way to make people right, and it has nothing to do with the law. He has now shown us that new way, which the law and the prophets told us about. God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message “We Are Right With God By Faith In Jesus”

Sermon Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation

Verse 1:
The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation by water and the Word:
from heav’n he came and sought her to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

Verse 2:
Elect from ev’ry 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 ev’ry grace endued.

Verse 5:
Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One,

and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won:
O blessed heav’nly chorus! Lord, save us by Your grace,
that we, like saints before us, may see You face to face.

Sermon – “Genesis to Jesus”
Series – Navigating the Plan: Genesis to Jesus

This Week – “Hezekiah: The God of Reformation”

Sermon Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8

In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. And the Lord was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him. He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God                                      

Verse 1:
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, a – mid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Verse 2:
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

Verse 3:
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

Verse 4:
That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever

Offering

Hey Youth!!
Do you know any worship songs you’d like to sing as part of our youth service? Let Pastor Kurt know.

Do you want to sing or play an instrument? Let Pastor Kurt know.

We want you to be a part of the service.

Upcoming Events

Date, time, title
Location

Third Monday, 7 PM Council Meeting
Zoom

Worship Service for October 30, 2022, at 11 AM

Welcome

Faith: This Is Who We Are: Our Values

“Know Your Neighbor”

Opening Song: Come Thou Font

Verse 1:
Come Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Steams 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.

Instrumental:

Verse 2:
Here I raise my “Ebenezer” Hither by Thy help I come.
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.

Verse
Oh, to grace how great to debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: Come into the presence of God. It is God, Himself, who bids us to come to Him in prayer, especially when we have sinned, so that we may receive His forgiveness. So, we enter His courts with confidence that if we confess our sins, He will forgive us as He promised.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ and His suffering and death on the cross, have mercy on us and forgive us; create in us a clean heart, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen

P: The Lord our God is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.  Therefore I announce unto you the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In His stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving – The Wonderful Cross

Verse 1:
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.

Verse 2:
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

Chorus:
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live.
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here By grace draw near and bless your name.

Verse 3:
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

(Chorus)

Verse 4:
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an present far too small
Love so amazing so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

(Chorus)

Epistle Reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-6

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – John 10:7-17

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message (Children dismissed to Children’s Church)

Sermon Hymn – No Other Name

Verse 1:
One Name Holds weight above them all
His fame Outlasts the earth He formed
His praise Re – sounds beyond the stars
And echoes in our hearts The greatest One of all

Verse 2:
His face Shines brighter than the sun
His grace As boundless as His love
He reigns With healing in His wings
The King above all kings The greatest One of all

Chorus:
Lift up our eyes See the King has come
Light of the world Reaching out for us
There is no other Name There is no other Name
Jesus Christ our God, whoa oh
Seated on high The undefeated One
Mountains bow down As we lift Him up
There is no other Name There is no other Name
Jesus Christ our God, whoa oh

Verse 3:
Find hope When all the world seems lost
Behold The triumph of the cross
His power Has trampled death and grave
Our life found in His Name The greatest Name of all

Chorus

Bridge:
The earth will shake And tremble before Him
Chains will break As heaven and earth sing
Holy is the Name Holy is the Name of Jesus Jesus, Jesus
(Repeat Bridge)

Chorus:
Lift up our eyes See the King has come
Light of the world Reaching out for us
There is no other Name There is no other Name
Jesus Christ our God, whoa oh
Seated on high The undefeated One
Mountains bow down As we lift Him up
There is no other Name There is no other Name
There is no other Name There is no other Name
Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. Jesus

Sermon – Series: Navigating the Plan: Genesis to Jesus
Week # – “David and the Heart of God”

Sermon text 1 Samuel 13:13-14

And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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 sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song – Goodness of God

Verse 1:
I love you, Lord, For your mercy never fails me.
All my days, I’ve been held in your hands
From the moment that I wake up, Till I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

Chorus:

All my life you have been faithful.
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God

Verse 2:
I love your voice. You have led me through the fire
In darkest night you are close like no other.
I’ve known you as a father. I’ve known you as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God (Repeat last time)

(Chorus)

Bridge:
Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now I give you everything
Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me (Repeat)
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now I give you everything
Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me (Repeat)
(Chorus)

Upcoming Events

October 25, 7 PM – Growth Group Bible Study
Location – TBD

November 13, 11am – Faith and Food Worship Service
Song and Dance

November 13, After the Worship Service – God Squad (Youth)
Song and Dance

November 13, After the Worship Service – Service/Outreach Planning Meeting
Song and Dance

Welcome

Faith: This Is Who We Are: Our Values

“Know Your Neighbor”

Invocation

Responsive Reading (Judges – Selected Passages)

All: When God gave the Promised Land to Israel, He told them to kill or drive out all the former inhabitants of the land, lest they lead the Children of Israel away from God.

P: Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.

Men: The Angel of the Lord said, “I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’

Women: But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

P: And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals.

Men: And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt.

Women: They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them.

P: And they provoked the Lord to anger.

Men: They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth.

Women: So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them.

P: Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.

Men: Yet they did not listen to their judges

Women: whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers,

All: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Confession and Forgiveness:

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: The truth is that we often live as though we have no King. We ignore God’s commands and do what is right in our own eyes. As we gather, today, let us cleanse our hearts and our consciences by confessing our sin to God.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

P: Today, we confess our sins by singing the song, “Lord, I Need You.”

Song of Confession: Lord, I Need You

Lord I come, I confess. Bowing here I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart. You’re the one that guides my heart

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You. Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more.
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free. Holiness is Christ in me

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You. Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You.
Jesus You’re my hope and stay

Chorus

Lord, I need You, oh I need You. Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You

P: The Father has raised up the ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ, who saves us from the hand of the devil and our own sinfulness. He who died once for our sin, was raised and will never die again. The Lord has heard your confession. Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving – Living Hope

Verse 1:
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness Your loving kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written, Jesus Christ, my Living Hope

Verse 2:
Who could imagine so great a mercy
What heart could fathom such boundless grace
The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of Kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior I’m Yours forever, Jesus Christ, my Living Hope

Chorus:

Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain, there’s salvation in Your Name
Jesus Christ, my Living Hope
(Repeat)

Epistle Reading – Romans 3:21-26

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading –John 8:31-36

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message

Sermon Hymn – Chief Of Sinners Though I Be

Verse 1:
Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me.
Died that I might live on high, Lived that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.

Verse 2:
Oh, the height of Jesus’ love, Higher than the heav’ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity!
Love that found me wondrous thought! Found me when I sought Him not.

Verse 3:
Only Jesus can impart, Balm to heal the wounded heart,
Peace that flows from sin forgiv’n, Joy that lifts the soul to heav’n.
Faith and hope to walk with God, In the way that Enoch trod.

Verse 5:
O my Savior, help afford, By Your Spirit and Your Word!
When my wayward heart would stray, Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply, While I live and when I die.

Sermon – Series: Navigating the Plan: Genesis to Jesus
Week # – “The Judges: Unending Mercy”

Sermon text Judges 2:11-12, 16-19

And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt…

…Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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 sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen

Offering

Words of Institution

Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also, with you.
P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ.

Distribution

Prayer

Benediction

Closing Song – How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

Verse 1:
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 turned His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory

Verse 2:
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

Verse 3:
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
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom

Upcoming Events

Today, After the Worship Service, Budget Voter’s Meeting / Pastor’s Call Change Voter’s Meeting
Song and Dance

October 25, 7 PM – Growth Group Bible Study
Location – TBD