Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
ROMANS - Saving Faith pt. 1
CALL TO WORSHIP
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
(Psalm 33:6-9)
Song: Indescribable
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
When we come before God and hear of his glory and majesty, it reminds us how small we are in comparison. When we see the holiness of God we are reminded that we are flawed and broken. Our sin separates us from God and this can leave us feeling guilty and ashamed. God tells us in his word that we needn't hide our guilt from him, he encourages to confess our sins to him, and to come and know forgiveness in Christ. We no longer need to carry our guilt, instead we can know freedom from sin. Take a moment to do that now, to confess your sin to God and seek his forgiveness.
Hear these words of assurance to us now, this can be true for us because of Jesus:
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
(Psalm 32:1-2)
Song: You Alone Can Rescue
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This week Gary Aston preached to us on saving faith from Romans 4:1-8. Click here to listen to that sermon.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: When I Survey
Song: See the Lamb of God
COMMITMENT READING
Once you were alienated from God and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Help us Lord to continue in our faith, established and firm, not moving from the hope of the gospel we have heard and which has been proclaimed in all creation. Amen.
(Based on Colossians 1:21-23)
Song: This I Believe
BENEDICTION
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
(Colossians 2:6-7)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.