AN END IN SIGHT [Mark 16:1-7]
During this time where our public gatherings are not able to meet, each Sunday we are providing you with a liturgy that you can use at home. You can use it in a number of ways: on your own, with your family, or with others from our church community via video conferencing. Our suggestion is that you take time to move through each of the sections below, listening to the songs, reflecting on the liturgy and hearing the word preached exactly as we do on a Sunday. As you move through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you.
As you do this remember that we are still the church even when we can’t gather together as the church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
The bible constantly reminds us that God is good and that he is worthy to be praised. Our praise is fuelled as we consider what God is like and what he has done. That means every day is full of countless moments to stir praise and thanksgiving as God reminds us of his goodness. From the taste of a good meal, the smile of a friend, the feel of warm sunshine to the realities of our spiritual blessings in Jesus. All give us reasons to praise.
So start your time of worship with Psalm 145 that reminds us of this.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts and of your faithfulness.
We speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty and we will meditate on your wonderful works. We tell of the power of your awesome works and we will proclaim your great deeds.
We will join with all generations as we celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
(Based on Psalm 145:3-7)
SONG: All Praise to Him (Sovereign Grace): A song of praise that speaks of the power of God which is displayed in creation and in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
CCLI Song # 7096636
Bob Kauflin | Matt Merker
© Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Integrity Music)
SONG: Fountain of Goodness (Olly Knight): A song of praise, celebrating our God who is the fount of all that is good.
CCLI Song # 6358617
Mike Reeves | Olly Knight
© 2012 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We are in a sermon series called ‘An End in Sight’. Each week we are thinking about a particular concern that the virus outbreak has caused. This week we are thinking about despair.
For lots of people despair has been a familiar emotion over these past weeks. In small ways or in large ways, times of difficulty always have the potential to push us towards hopelessness. Whilst as Christians we are not immune to those feelings, we so often forget the hope that belongs to us in Jesus. Take a moment and speak to God about where you are tempted to despair and ask him to remind you of the hope that is yours in Jesus.
The truth of the gospel allows us to have hope that is deep enough for anything we face. In Christ we are able to say with the apostle Paul:
we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. [2 Cor 4:7-9]
What confidence we have that our hope lies in the power of God and that we are safe in Christ.
SONG: It Is Well (Matt Redman): A new song with a familiar chorus, this song reminds us that through trials and hardship, God is with us and we can rely upon him.
CCLI Song # 7043170
Beth Redman | Matt Redman
© Said And Done Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
sixsteps Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Integrity Music)
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Because of Christ's work on the cross, his death and resurrection, we have been brought back into communion with our God and have been made righteous. We have peace with our creator, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit unites us together in Jesus.
We normally express that peace with one another in our gatherings by greeting those around us. In this time where we can’t do that take a moment to pray for someone who is part of our church family instead.
SERMON An End In Sight- [Mk 16:1-8] An end to despair Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.
This week we’re continuing in our series ‘An End in Sight’. We have created a dedicated page to make them easy to share with your non-Christian friends and family. Click here where you will find this week’s sermon.
RESPONSE
Take a few minutes to reflect on how God was speaking to you from his Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit would take the truth and use it to change and transform you.
SONG: Come Thou Fount: A song of praise of the God who brings our wandering hearts back to himself.
CCLI Song # 7055916
Chad Gardner | Robert Robinson
© Words: Public Domain
Music: 2012 Asaphs Arrows (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
Moms Like Us Too (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
SONG: Before the Throne of God Above: A reminder that we have a new identity in Christ. We can now approach God with confidence because of what Jesus has done for us.
CCLI Song # 990391
Charitie Lees Bancroft
Public Domain
COMMITMENT READING
It’s hard to live in light of our future hope, but the more we do the more we will be able to battle hopelessness and despair. It’s only as we fix our eyes on Jesus that we will keep that future hope in sight.
Use this prayer to ask God to help you to do that:
Father God, keep us from looking to the world for fulfilment. Instead, give us strength to continually look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
By your Spirit's work in our hearts, give us the faith and courage to hold onto the gospel above all else. Remind us of your love and of your kingdom that we have been brought into. May we go from this gathering and boldly live out our mission to proclaim Jesus as saviour, redeemer and king. Teach us to live in the present with the powerful hope of our future. Amen.
SONG: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Zach Sprowls): A new take on the old hymn, reminding us of the hope we have in the Gospel, that one day the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory.
CCLI Song # 863569
Charles Wesley | Thomas Jarman
© Words: Public Domain
Music: Public Domain
BENEDICTION
Finish your time of worship with this cry of praise from the book of Revelation:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing! ...To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever! [Rev 5:12-13]
Peace be with you