An End in Sight

WELCOME

Welcome to this series called, “An End In Sight”.

The idea behind these messages is to think about what living with hope in a time of crisis looks like. We believe that the Christian faith is deep enough to explain what we’re currently feeling & experiencing but also powerful enough to give real hope in hard times like this. Each message invites you to think about a particular concern raised by the virus outbreak and looks at an episode from the life of Jesus that speaks directly to those concerns. We’re going to add a new message each Sunday so be sure to drop by each week.

If you’ve got questions, click the button below — we’d love to help!

CONTACT

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1. JESUS HELPS US DEAL WITH FEAR

2. JESUS PERSPECTIVE ON DEALING WITH ILLNESS

3. JESUS HELPS US CONQUER LONELINESS

4. JESUS HELPS US CONQUER DESPAIR

FIND OUT MORE

We believe the hope that Christianity offers us, in Jesus, is powerful and real. We’d love for you to find out more! One of the best ways to do this is to take a look at the life of Jesus for yourself. Mark’s Gospel is one of the early eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus. Click the button below to read that account and to find some resources to help you uncover more.

SUNDAY GATHERING (10th May 2020)

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

SUNDAY GATHERING (3rd May 2020)

An End in Sight [Mark 15:25-39]

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 

In uncertain times it is good for us to remind our hearts that Jesus is our risen King who rules and reigns. That isn’t a distant truth but a daily hope. Today we remember that out of nothing God created the heavens and earth. We also remember that God raised Jesus from the powerlessness of death to the power of his right hand. 

So start your time of worship with this prayer as you remember the reality of Jesus. 

We give you thanks, great God, for the hope we have in Jesus, who died but is risen and rules over all. Because he lives, we look for eternal life, knowing that nothing past, present, or yet to come can separate us from your great love made known in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 

SONG: Look and See (The Village Church): A song that helps us gaze upon Christ, to direct our praise and worship to him, the one who has redeemed us. 

CCLI Song # 6550721

Michael Bleecker | Ross King

© 2012 Bleecker Publishing (Admin. by Michael Bleecker)

Simple Tense Songs (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

SONG: Rejoice (Dustin Kensrue): A call to praise God and gaze upon His glory. A reminder that, even in the midst of our trials and suffering we still have reasons to rejoice in the Gospel.

LYRICS

Come and stand before your maker
Full of wonder full of fear
Come behold his power and glory
Yet with confidence draw near
For the one who holds the heavens
And commands the stars above
Is the God who bends to bless us
With an unrelenting love

Rejoice
Come and lift your hands and raise your voice
He is worthy of all praise
Rejoice
Sing the mercies of your king
And with trembling rejoice

We are children of the promise
The beloved of the Lord
Won with everlasting kindness
Bought with sacrificial blood
Bringing reconciliation
To a world that longs to know
The affections of a father
Who will never let them go

Rejoice
Come and lift your hands and raise your voice
He is worthy of all praise
Rejoice
Sing the mercies of your king
And with trembling rejoice

All our sickness all our sorrows
Jesus carried up the hill
He has walked this path before us
He is walking with us still
Turning tragedy to triumph
Turning agony to praise
There is blessing in the battle
So take heart and stand amazed

Rejoice
When you cry to him he hears your voice
He will wipe away your tears
Rejoice
In the midst of suffering
He will help you sing

Rejoice
Come and lift your hands and raise your voice
He is worthy of all praise
Rejoice
Sing the mercies of your king
And with trembling rejoice

CCLI Song # 7004663

Dustin Kensrue | Stuart Townend

© 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Townend Songs (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (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 loneliness. 

For many people this time in lockdown has been one of painful isolation. Unable to be physically close to family and friends has left many feeling lonely. That’s a horrible experience for anyone. But today we will look at how Jesus faced the complete isolation and loneliness of bearing our sin on the cross. Hear these words that Jesus cried out from the cross: 

Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Mark 15:34] 

Jesus experienced the isolation and forsakenness that our sin deserved. Take a moment to reflect on what that shows you about the seriousness of our sin but also the love of God. 

The gospel says that Jesus became forsaken so that we might never need to be. So rejoice today in the hope that even though we might feel alone we have the powerful comfort of God’s presence with us always. 

SONG: Nothing in All the Earth (Sovereign Grace): A song based out of Romans 8:31-39 that speaks of the unbreakable love of God which nothing can separate us from.

LYRICS

What shall separate us from Your love
Can years of sorrow break eternal bonds
Can condemnation ever raise its voice
Against the pardon of the blood of Christ
Though our journey here is long
This will be our triumph song

Nothing in all the earth
Not any height above
Could ever tear us from Your everlasting love
Nothing in all the earth
Not any height above
Could ever tear us from Your everlasting love

What shall separate us from Your love
For now the sting of death is overcome
And all the powers of this world must fall
Before Your feet because You rule them all
Though our journey here is long
This shall be our triumph song

Nothing in all the earth
Could ever tear us from
Your everlasting love

CCLI Song # 7001323

Joel Sczebel

© 2013 Sovereign Grace Worship (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 15:25-39] An end to loneliness Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon. 

This week we’re continuing in our new 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: How Deep the Father’s Love (Kings Kaleidoscope): A reflection on the depth of  God’s love shown to us in the cross of Christ.

LYRICS

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 turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

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

I will not boast in anything
No gifts no pow’r 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

CCLI Song # 1558110

Stuart Townend

© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

SONG: Never Alone (Emu Music): A song which reminds us that because of everything Jesus endured on the cross for our sakes, we can live secure in the knowledge that our God will never forsake us.

LYRICS

We're not alone for Christ is here
Immanuel our God come near
We're not alone for to our world
Jesus has come eternal Word
And as he speaks our souls laid bare
Naked ashamed sin is made clear
And yet he clothes us in his love
Never alone Christ is with us is with us

The longest walk earth's darkest day
The pressing crowd his mounting pain
A heavy load of grief and shame
Breathless that we should breathe again
Father forgive them comes his cry
Silence from God blackens the sky
A creeping dread in every heart
Lost in the world now God departs God departs

The dawn will come the sun will rise
Out of the grave we'll see hope's light
Tomb opened wide stone rolled away
Morning has come a brand new day
He isn't here the angel said
He is alive no longer dead
Our hearts are lifted souls raised high
Christ is with us Christ is our life he's our life

Never alone is now our cry
In joy in grief in lonely sin
Never alone for Christ is ours
He lives in us we live in him
And 'til we reach that final day
When fears are gone cast far away
We'll live secure trust in his love
Never alone Christ is with us he's with us

CCLI Song # 4928159

Philip Percival | Simone Richardson

© Words: 2006 Richardson, Simone

Music: Percival, Philip (Admin. by Philip Gordon Percival)

COMMITMENT READING 

Jesus’ life death and resurrection offer us the deep hope of God’s constant and unceasing presence. During his life on earth Jesus was criticised for being a ‘friend of sinners’ [Lk 7:34]. Whilst it was meant as an insult for us it is a precious hope. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners and welcomes broken people like us who have put our faith in Him. His friendship brings the assurance that we are never truly alone and the hope that one day we will be with him for ever. 

SONG: Saviour of the World (Ben Cantelon): A celebration of Jesus our saviour who gave his life as a ransom for many.

CCLI Song # 5742169

Ben Cantelon

© 2010 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

BENEDICTION 

Finish your time of worship with the confidence that because of the work of Jesus we are adopted and belong to a new family. 

We are the family of God, adopted through the Son and empowered by the Holy Spirit we can confidently live as children of God. 

Peace be with you

SUNDAY GATHERING (19th April 2020)

An End in Sight [Mark 4:35-41]

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 Psalms are full of God’s people facing times of uncertainty and danger. They are always honest about how that leaves them feeling. But as well as honest they are also filled with hope as they boldly affirm God’s goodness and grace.Start this time of worship with the words of the Psalmist: 

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you!

Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress!

Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.

The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.

[Psalm 102: 1-2; 25-28]

SONG: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (Matt Redman): A song directing our hearts to God, reminding us of the endless reasons we have to offer all of our praise and worship to Him. 

CCLI Song # 6016351

Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman

© 2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing UK)

SONG: Indescribable (Chris Tomlin): A song of praise and worship to God who's glory and majesty can be seen in all of his creation.

CCLI Song # 4403076

Jesse Reeves | Laura Story

© 2004 Laura Stories (Admin. by Integrity Music)

sixsteps Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Integrity Music)

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

Today we start a new sermon series called ‘An End in Sight’. Each week we will be thinking about a particular concern that the virus outbreak has caused. This week we start by thinking about fear. 

Fear can so often overwhelm us. We feel its icy hands grip us and, just like Jesus’ disciples in the storm, we cry out to God ‘don’t you care about us?’.

Take time now to speak honestly to God about your own fears. Be specific and name them before him.

One of the beautiful images the bible uses to help us address our fears is to speak of Christ as the Good Shepherd who cares for us his flock. He is the one who loves and cares for each of us as his people. Hear the words of Psalm 23

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

[Psalm 23:4]

The comfort that we have as we face our fears is that, in Christ, God is with us. That he will never leave us or forsake us. That even in the darkest valley he walks by our side.

This next song reminds us of that wonderful truth

SONG: Oh God (Dustin Kensrue): An assurance that God is present with us in our struggles, when we feel alone and far from Him he is with us. A wonderful reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

LYRICS

In the valley, O God, you're near

In the quiet, O God, you're near

In the shadow, O God, you're near
At my breaking, O God, you're near
You're near

O God, you never leave my side
Your love stands firm through all my life

In my searching, O God, you're near
In my wandering, O God, you're near

When I feel alone, O God, you're near
At my lowest, O God you're near
You're near

O God, you never leave my side
Your love stands firm through all my life

Height nor depth
Nor anything else can pull us apart
We are joined as one by your blood

Hope will rise
As we become more than conquerors
Through the one who loved the world

O God, you never leave my side
Your love stands firm through all my life

O God, you never leave my side
Your love stands firm through all my life

CCLI Song # 6534493

Zach Bolen

© It's All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

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 unties 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. 

Let’s also use this prayer as we pray for our government:

Almighty God,

All authority is yours, but you have given authority to leaders to protect and guide us. Today, we ask that you would give all our leaders wisdom, discernment, strength, and resolve. Keep them healthy, safe, and rested so that they can continue to guide us through this troubling time.

Give our government leaders wisdom about what needs to be done to stop the virus and stabilise our economy.

Give our medical leaders insight into how to stop the virus. Strengthen their resolve and honour their hard work in creating a treatment for COVID-19.

Give our civic leaders inspiration, courage, joy, and strength to meet the needs of their communities.

And help us as the church to live showing hope of Jesus as our great King to those around us.

In his great name, 

Amen

SERMON An End In Sight- [Mk 4:35-41] An end to fear  Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.

This week is the first in our new 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: Oceans (Hillsong): A song that reminds us of God's leading and the Spirit's guiding, even when we are fearful and life feels uncertain.

CCLI Song # 6428767

Joel Houston | Matt Crocker | Salomon Ligthelm

© 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)

SONG: Defender (Kings Kaleidoscope): A song which reminds us that when we cry out to God, he hears us, and that we need not fear because we can place our hope in him.

CCLI Song # 7032881

Chad Gardner | Zach Bolen

© 2014 Asaphs Arrows (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Moms Like Us Too (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Remaining portion is unaffiliated

COMMITMENT READING

Jesus offers us great comfort and peace in the face of our fears and concerns. He faced the storm of God’s righteous anger against sin to welcome us into the calm of his care. Read this wonderful confidence that we can have in Jesus: 

The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

[Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1-2]

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)

BENEDICTION 

Finish your time of worship with this benediction.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

[2 Thessalonians 2:16-17]

Peace be with you