SUNDAY GATHERING (28th June 2020)

THE GOSPEL OF MARK [MARK 2:18-22]

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 

All through the week we have all heard many different voices. These voices come at us from every angle and say many different things. Some of those voices will have been good and wise, others much less helpful. But we need to hear from God and Sundays are a way for us to re- centre our hearts on God’s voice. So begin your time of worship today with this prayer asking for God’s help: 

Heavenly Father, help us to delight in your word, meditating on it day and night. Would we be like trees planted by streams of water, yielding our fruit in season and whose leaf doesn't wither. Help us to believe that all Scripture is breathed out by you and profitable for teaching, reproof, and correction. By your Spirit, meet us in your word, that we may be competent and equipped for every good work. Amen. 

(Based on Psalm 1:3 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

SONG: Cornerstone (Hillsong): A song reflecting on the wonderful truth of Christ as our Cornerstone. A reminder that our hope and trust should always be built on Jesus and His saving work on the cross.

CCLI Song # 6158927

Edward Mote | Eric Liljero | Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan | William Batchelder Bradbury

© 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)

SONG: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy (Sojourn): A call to come to Jesus in repentance, weak and sinful, knowing that he saves us and meets us in our need.

CCLI Song # 7090498

Brooks Ritter | Joseph Hart

© Words: Public Domain

Music: 2012 Sojourn Community Church

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE 

God tells us in his word that we've worshipped and served created things rather than him, our creator God. The truth is that when we look to these things to give us meaning, hope and happiness, they will ultimately fail us. God himself, is the only one who can provide us with the joy we were built to know. But we forget this and end up creating idols in our hearts that take our worship and attention away from God. Take a moment now to confess to God with this prayer, asking that he would direct our worship back to him. 

Merciful God, we confess that in our longing we have worshipped the idols of this world instead of worshipping you, the one true God. We realise the sin in our own hearts and ask for your forgiveness and mercy. In your grace, would you direct our eyes back to you. Amen. 

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)

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 The Gospel Of Mark- [Mk 2:18-22] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon. 

This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. 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: New Again (Sojourn): A song looking forward to the future hope we have in the gospel. We look to the day when all pain and sorrow will be over and Christ will make all things new again!

CCLI Song # 7037768

Brooks Ritter | Mike Cosper

© 2013 Sojourn Community Church

SONG: Everlasting God (Brenton Brown): A song affirming the eternal, unchanging nature of God who never tires or grows weary.

CCLI Song # 4556538

Brenton Brown | Ken Riley

© 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

COMMITMENT READING 

Jesus has wonderfully shown his love for us at the cross, where he freed us from our sin. Jesus gave himself for us and he also gave us his Spirit, to help us and equip us for the christian life. Let's pray these words thanking God for his great love: 

Father God, help us to love you and obey your commandments as a response to the love you have shown to us in Jesus. Thank you that Jesus promises to be with us forever by his Spirit to help us in this. Help us Spirit, to love Jesus with all of our hearts, souls and minds. Amen. 

(based on John 14:15-16) 

SONG: This is Amazing Grace (Phil Wickham): A song of wonder and amazement at the God of grace we gather to worship. A celebration of who God is and what he's done for us in Jesus.

CCLI Song # 6333821

Jeremy Riddle | Josh Farro | Phil Wickham

© 2012 WC Music Corp. (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org))

Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by Song Solutions)

Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Seems Like Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Sing My Songs (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

BENEDICTION 

Close your time of worship with this wonderful reminder of the delight that Jesus has in us: 

Brothers and sisters, look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

(Based on Heb 12:1-2) 

Peace be with you

SUNDAY GATHERING (21st June 2020)

THE GOSPEL OF MARK [MARK 2:13-17]

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 

As people of faith we are rooted in our hope and belief in the reality of Jesus. This is a wonderful anchor to the soul. But faith doesn't mean that every question has been answered or that every objection has disappeared. As we look around the world we still find ourselves confused and unsure of how to understand so much of what we see. Throughout the bible we see God patiently, tenderly and graciously addressing people in their doubts and fears. Sometimes he gives answers but sometimes he calls us to simply look upon his greatness and trust him. Start your time of worship today with these words that remind us of God’s greatness & glory: 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

[Isa 40:21-25] 

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: Behold our God (Sovereign Grace): A song declaring the beauty and glory of God, calling us to look again and behold Him afresh.

CCLI Song # 5937510

Jonathan Baird | Meghan Baird | Ryan Baird | Stephen Altrogge

© 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Integrity Music)

Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by Integrity Music)

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE 

In the passage from Mark we will be thinking about today we see Jesus calling Levi to be one of his followers. Levi was a tax collector, a sinner who was despised and marginalised in his culture. But Jesus loves him and calls him. As he does that he explains what he came to do: 

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

[Mark 2:17] 

It is often true that as we start following Jesus we are quick to acknowledge that we are sick with sin- that we need his grace because we are sinners. But it can also be easy to forget that truth. To start believing that we are good enough on our own; to look down on other sinners who are so much worse than us. Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you have forgotten that you are a sinner saved by grace. Ask for forgiveness where you have looked down on others as being worse than you this week. 

The beautiful truth of the gospel is that Jesus forgives and saves sinners. We are assured that 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

[1 Jhn 1:9] 

So rejoice that in Jesus we have forgiveness and grace! 

SONG: Lead us Back (Sojourn): A song of confession that we so often seek security, comfort and the worship of other idols above God. A plea that God would lead us back to life in him. 

CCLI Song # 4878333

Bobby Gilles | Brooks Ritter

© 2006 Gilles, Bobby (Admin. by Robert E. Gilles Jr.)

Sojourn Community Church

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 The Gospel Of Mark- [Mk 2:13-17] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon. 

This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. 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: Lamb of God (Vertical Worship): A song that reflects on Jesus, the Lamb of God, slain for our sin.

CCLI Song # 7032328

Andi Rozier | Jason Ingram | Meredith Andrews

© 2014 Curb Word Music (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org))

All Essential Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

HBC Worship Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

SONG: Amazing Grace: A hymn that celebrates the grace that has been shown to us through Christ.

LYRICS

Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see

T'was grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below
Will be forever mine

O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end

O God of grace, Who cleanses me of sin
Your strong embrace will keep me till the end

Amazing Grace (God of Grace)

lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Brickman Songs, Agape, Tv Tokyo Music Co. Ltd., Dead Bird Theology, Universal Tunes

COMMITMENT READING 

The future of every follower of Jesus is a wonderful feast. A banquet of enjoying God’s presence and blessings in a renewed creation. Read the description of this banquet from Revelation: 

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

[Rev 19:6-9] 

As you prepare to close your time of worship rejoice in that sure and certain future that is yours in Jesus. 

SONG: Lion and the Lamb (Bethel Music): A celebration of Jesus, our saviour, who is both the lion of Judah and the lamb of God. 

CCLI Song # 7038281

Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring

© 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by Song Solutions)

BENEDICTION 

End your time of worship with this benediction: 

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light. To him be honour and might forever. Amen [1 Timothy 6:15-16] 

Peace be with you

SUNDAY GATHERING (14th June 2020)

THE GOSPEL OF MARK [MARK 2:1-12]

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

Over the past few months a truth we have often reflected on is that, in Jesus, God is a refuge for Christians in times of distress. He is our bedrock and foundation; an un-moving source of confidence in a world that changes so rapidly. But a truth like that is designed not to simply be known but to be felt and enjoyed. The Psalms encourage us to know God as our refuge and rejoice in the security and hope that brings. 

So use the words of the Psalmist to call your heart to rejoice in the reality of God as your refuge today.

Keep us safe, O God, for in you we take refuge. LORD, you alone are our portion and cup; you make our lots secure.

We keep our eyes always on the LORD. With him at our right hand, we will not be shaken.

Therefore our hearts are glad and our tongues rejoice; our bodies also will rest secure, because you will not abandon us.

We have trusted in your steadfast love; our hearts will rejoice in your salvation. We will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with us.

(Based on Psalm 13 and 16)

SONG: Everlasting God (Brenton Brown): A song affirming the eternal, unchanging nature of God who never tires or grows weary.

CCLI Song # 4556538

Brenton Brown | Ken Riley

© 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

SONG: You Alone Can Rescue (Matt Redman):  A reminder that it is Jesus who saves us from our sin, he came into this world to rescue the lost and is worthy of all of our praise.

CCLI Song # 5376377

Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman

© 2008 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

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

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

In the passage from Mark we will be thinking about today we see a wonderful picture of faith. We see a group of people who believe so completely that Jesus can help their paralysed friend that they dig through a roof and lower him down to meet Jesus. They are utterly committed to drawing close to Jesus believing that he can meet their needs. And we see the wonderful truth that as Jesus sees their faith he responds:

when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

[Mark 2:5]

But when faced with difficulties and trouble we so often find our need drawing us away from Jesus. Instead of drawing close to him in his word and prayer, we find that we turn to other sources for help and security.

Take some moments now to confess the ways that your need has led you away from Jesus this week.

The wonderful truth of the gospel is that in Jesus we can draw near to God. That he cares and is concerned for all of our needs and that faith always can move towards him. Hear the assurance of the New Testament:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

[James 4:8]

Rejoice in that truth as you sing the next song.

SONG: Forgiven (Sovereign Grace): A song of confession and assurance that reminds us we are forgiven through the blood of Christ, despite the ways we fail God and fail one another.

CCLI Song # 7096634

Brittany Kauflin | Kate DeGraide | Rebecca Elliott

© Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Integrity Music)

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 The Gospel Of Mark- [Mk 2:1-12] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.

This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. 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: Hallelujah What a Saviour (Ascend the Hill): A celebration of the Saviour we have in Jesus Christ, the man of sorrows, who took our pain upon Himself so that we might be healed.

CCLI Song # 29530

Philip Paul Bliss

© Words: Public Domain

Music: Public Domain

SONG: Jesus (Citizens): A song that celebrates our saviour Jesus, who sacrificed himself, giving up his crown to save us from our sin.

LYRICS

The King of all Creation Set aside His crown
A servant to the father's love
Descended from His throne above

Author of Salvation
Giver of new life
Crucified to pay for sin
Our righteousness is in the name of

Jesus every heart and tongue confess
Your name above all names
All things of this earth belong to You
Forever you will reign

God of Resurrection
Conqueror of death
Ruler over everything
The Lord of lords and King of kings is

Jesus every heart and tongue confess
Your name above all names
All things of this earth belong to You
Forever you will reign

Highly exalted is the name of Jesus Christ
Heaven and earth declare all praise to Jesus Christ

Highly exalted is the name of Jesus Christ
Heaven and earth declare all praise to

Jesus every heart and tongue confess
Your name above all names
All things of this earth belong to You
Forever you will reign

Jesus every heart and tongue confess
Your name above all names
All things of this earth belong to You
Forever you will reign

CCLI Song # 6534448

Brian Eichelberger | Zach Bolen

© 2013 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)

COMMITMENT READING

Jesus was so committed to us that he was willing to go to the cross to deal with our sin. There could be no greater demonstration of his love and utter devotion to secure our salvation. Read the words of [Heb 12] to remind you of Christ’s unstoppable love:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

[Heb 12:1-2]

SONG: In Christ Alone (Kings Kaleidoscope): A glorious reminder that it is only in Christ that our hope can be found. In him our sin has been taken away, we are free from the grip of death and we stand secure.

CCLI Song # 3350395

Keith Getty | Stuart Townend

© 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

BENEDICTION

End your time of worship with this benediction:

May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. 

[2 Peter 3:18]

Peace be with you

SUNDAY GATHERING (7th June 2020)

THE GOSPEL OF MARK [MARK 1:21-45]

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

As Christians we are not short of things to be thankful for. We can cry out with David, who himself faced times of great joy and suffering, that “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised”. 

Let us read the beginning of this Psalm as we start our gathering today, 

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 

Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

On the glorious splendour of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, I will declare your greatness. 

They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 

[Psalm 145 vs 1-9]

SONG: How Great Thou Art: A song of praise that celebrates the glory and beauty of God as seen throughout his creation.

LYRICS

O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made
I see the stars I hear the mighty thunder
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art

And when I think that God His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home what joy shall fill my heart
Then shall I bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great Thou art

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art

CCLI Song # 14181

Stuart Wesley Keene Hine

© Copyright 1949 and 1953 Stuart Hine Trust CIO Stuart K. Hine Trust (Admin. by Integrity Music)

SONG: Grace Alone (Dustin Kensrue): A song celebrating the grace shown to us in Christ. A reminder that it is only by grace we're saved.

LYRICS

I was an orphan lost at the fall
Running away when I'd hear you call
But Father you worked your will
I had no righteousness of my own
I had no right to draw near your throne
But Father you loved me still

And in love before you laid the world's foundation
You predestined to adopt me as your own
You have raised me up so high above my station
I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone

You left your home to seek out the lost
You knew the great and terrible cost
But Jesus your face was set
I worked my fingers down to the bone
But nothing I did could ever atone
But Jesus you paid my debt

By Your blood I have redemption and salvation
Lord you died that I might reap what you have sown
And you rose that I might be a new creation
I am born again by grace and grace alone

I was in darkness all of my life
I never knew the day from the night
But Spirit you made me see
I swore I knew the way on my own
Head full of rocks a heart made of stone
But Spirit you moved in me

And at your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened
On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone
Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken
Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone

So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone
I will run the race by grace and grace alone
I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone
I will reach the end by grace and grace alone

CCLI Song # 7004659

Dustin Kensrue

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

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)

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

In the passage today we see unmistakably Jesus’ power over sickness and the satanic forces. We read that those who witnessed Jesus’ power marvelled:

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 

[Mark 1:27] 

Peter stresses in his second letter that they had not concocted clever stories about Jesus but reported what they saw with their own eyes, “we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power”. Paul in a slightly different vein would encourage believers that freed from the rule of sin Christians are liberated to live freely for God, how?, by the power of the Holy Spirit. He wrote, 

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

God empowers his children to live for him by dwelling with them. And yet, doesn’t the temptation to sin appear so alluring, powerful and near at times. To borrow an expression from the Old Testament, “sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you.”   

Take some moments now to confess the ways in which we have failed to recognise God’s power in our lives, in weakness choosing sin over walking with the Spirit.

The joy of the gospel is that Jesus exercised his power as a servant, dying on the cross to overcome sin and death. We now take our place in his family, not through our own victorious battle against sin, but because of his.     

Rejoice in that truth as you sing the next song.

SONG: How Deep the Father’s Love: 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)

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 The Gospel Of Mark- [Mk 1:21-45] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.

This week we’re continuing our brand new series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. 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: Christ is Risen (Matt Maher): A song that celebrates our risen saviour Jesus and his triumph over death.

CCLI Song # 5242683

Matt Maher | Mia Fieldes

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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

For many the cross looked like weakness. Jesus had lost. What victory could possibly have been won through death? Hear the end of Philipians 2;

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

 Use this prayer for yourself and our church family today:

Father God, 

We want to respond to your Son, who did not hold onto power or prestige but humbled himself, giving his life up for us. We praise you Jesus for what you have done for us, for our brothers and sister in Redeemer and the immeasurable number around the world today. Victorious, risen Jesus, now seated in the heavens and we confess that your name is above every other name, in heaven, on earth and under the earth. 

May our service of others be an offering of worship to you.  

Amen.

(based on Phillipians 2 vs 8-11) 

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 # 2647652

Charles Wesley

Public Domain

BENEDICTION 

Every week we close our times of worship with a benediction. A benediction is another word for a blessing. This reminds us of all the promises that we have just heard, sung and prayed. It's a sending into the world with a call to remember the gospel and to go forth with Jesus in our mission.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

Peace be with you