Below is the first of Tom’s videos in our new Friday blog series Redeem your time. You can access the PDF of the book he is discussing for free here.
SUNDAY GATHERING (March 29, 2020)
ROMANS 15:14-33 [Gospel Ambition]
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
Every day we hear many voices that compete for our attention. At a time like this those voices are often loud, urgent and hard to tune out from. In the midst of so many voices it can be easy to miss the one voice that counts above every other voice- God’s. But we need to hear from God more than we need to hear from any other voice. His voice is unlike any other voice.
Hear what the Psalmist tells us:
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
[Psalm 29:3-4]
Let’s ask God for his help in hearing him speak to us today:
Lord, we praise you that your voice is powerful. That your voice spoke creation into existence; that at your voice stars and galaxies were formed and made.
But we praise you that your voice of power is also the voice of comfort. The voice that speaks peace to troubled hearts and anxious spirits.
We pray that we may hear your voice as we listen to your word today. You are always speaking, so let us hear your voice.
Amen
SONG: Jesus is the Lord of All (Olly Knight): A glorious reminder that Jesus reigns over all. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
CCLI Song # 7070739
Olly Knight | Tom James
© 2016 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
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
God is a compassionate God, and he rules with truth and justice. That he is the God who stooped down to serve us in the person of Jesus. When we're reminded of God's character, we realise how different we are. Instead of looking to serve those in need, we so often use our time, money and resources for selfish gain. We chase our selfish ambitions instead of seeking to bless others. Often our selfishness causes hurt and harm to others rather their good. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess those selfish ways before God.Let’s pray this prayer:
Father God, forgive us for using the good gifts you have given us to serve ourselves rather than others. Help us to see the needs of those around us and use all that we have to meet them. Forgive us when our selfishness causes harm to others. Remind us of your generosity, shown to us in Christ, as he gave himself up for us. Help us to show that kind of generosity towards others in how we love and care for them.
Amen
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 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.
Why not also take time to pray for our government and governments around the world. Pray they would make wise decisions that would help stop the spread of Coronavirus and protect their citizens.
READING: Romans [15:14-33]
Take time to read the bible passage and pray that God would let you hear him speak in his Word.
SERMON Gospel Ambition
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: Mighty to Save (Hillsong): A song that reminds us that it is Jesus who saves and calls us to live our lives as a witness to the gospel at work in our lives.
CCLI Song # 4591782
Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan
© 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)
COMMITMENT READING
In times when we can’t move as freely as we are used to it is easy to feel our focus shrink down. So it’s vital to remind our hearts that God is the God of the whole earth.
Hear this truth about God’s ambition for the whole earth as the gospel of Jesus spreads.
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Habbakuk 2:14
SONG: Be Thou My Vision: A song that asks for God to direct our eyes towards him, that he would be our vision in all that we do.
CCLI Song # 7056332
Eleanor Henrietta Hull | Mary Elizabeth Byrne | Russell Mauldin
© Words: Public Domain
BENEDICTION
Finish remembering the hope that God offers us in Jesus:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
[Rom 15:13]
Peace be with you
A song to encourage
Rock of Ages
Words by Augustus Montague Toplady, music by Dustin Kensrue and The Modern Post
This song was a part of our gathering on Sunday, and is a wonderful reminder that God is the rock and refuge who cleanses us from our sin. It is also a reminder that we are not saved by works, but by grace, and that in our helplessness we can turn to him and he will not turn us away, but welcome us with open arms.
Lyrics
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure
Not the labours of my hands
Can fulfil the law's commands
Should my passion never fade
And my efforts all be weighed
All for sin could not atone
You must save and you alone
Rock of Ages
No one takes your life
Yet you died that I might live
Costly grace you freely give
Rock of Ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let my hide myself in thee
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to the cross I cling
Naked come to thee for dress
Helpless look to thee for grace
Wretched to the fount I fly
Wash me, Saviour, or I die
Rock of Ages
No one takes your life
Yet you died that I might live
Costly grace you freely give
Rock of Ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let my hide myself in thee
And while I draw my final breath
I'll rest upon your grace
And when I close my eyes in death
I'll wake to see your face
Rock of Ages
No one takes your life
Yet you died that I might live
Costly grace you freely give
Rock of Ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let my hide myself in thee
The inspiration for this song came to a young Augustus Toplady whilst he was travelling in a torrential downpour in the English countryside near Cheddar Gorge. In the midst of the storm, he sought shelter beneath a rocky outcrop, prompting the opening lines to this hymn:
‘Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee’
It is such a comfort to know, at this time of uncertainty and anxiety, the incredible truths in this song:
The truth that God is the rock of ages; that he is unchanging; that he is the one constant in our lives; and that he can be depended upon - no matter what.
The truth that nothing we do can change God's love for us, or the fact that he is the one only one who can cleanse us from our sin.
‘Not the labours of my hands can fulfil the law’s commands, should my passion never fade, and my efforts all be weighed, all for sin could not atone - you must save and you alone.’
The truth that when we cry out to him, he hears our plea. He is our comfort in such uncertainty, and he will provide for us. In the line ‘Naked come to thee for dress, helpless look to thee for grace’ reminds us of Luke 12 and the promise that God provides beyond our wildest expectations
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.'“
[Luke 12:27]
Augustus Toplady died at the age of 38. However the words of this song proved true even as he faced death In his hymn he wrote
‘and while I draw my final breath I'll rest upon your grace, and when I close my eyes in death I'll wake to see your face’.
As he faced death he is quoted as saying:
‘My heart beats every day stronger and stronger for glory…my prayers are now all converted into praise.’
Isn’t that wonderful? As Christians we need not fear even death, because Christ has gone before us and our hope is that one day we will be united with him in glory.
CCLI Song # 7004664
Augustus Montague Toplady | 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)
SUNDAY GATHERING (March 22, 2020)
SUNDAY GATHERING
DATE: 22/03/20
SERMON: Help In Times of Trouble [Psalm 121]
Today is the first time we are not meeting as a church due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Our plan each Sunday is to provide 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 calls.
Our suggestion is that you take time to slowly move through each of the sections below. Take time to listen to the songs, to read and reflect on the liturgy & hear the word preached exactly as you would 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
It is good to start today by remembering that God is worthy of praise all the time. Sundays are normally a wonderful opportunity for us to gather as the church to praise & worship God. But worship isn’t something that only happens on a Sunday as we sing. Even when we can’t gather we can still worship because worship is about every part of our lives. It includes eating & drinking, working & sleeping. Through Jesus, the whole of life is about worship. So take the encouragement of this Psalm as a call to worship the God who is both good and great.
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture.
[Psalm 95:1-7]
SONG:
O God of our Salvation (The Village Church): A song of praise to our great God who has saved us and a call to give him the glory and praise he deserves.
CCLI Song # 5564684
Matt Boswell | Michael Bleecker
© 2009 Curb Dayspring Music (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org))
Bleecker Publishing (Admin. by Michael Bleecker)
SONG:
Rock of Ages (Dustin Kensrue): A reminder that God is the rock and refuge who cleanses us from our sin.
CCLI Song # 7004664
Augustus Montague Toplady | 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
It is very easy at times like this to let fear crowd out truth. To let panic overwhelm us and blur our sight of God. But the bible encourages us to cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you [1 Pt 5:7]
So take a moment to speak to God about the fears and anxieties that you are feeling at the moment. As you do that remember the truth that he sees your heart, so be honest as you pray.
As we name our fears to God we need to hear the encouragement of the bible that we can rest in God & put our fears and anxieties before him because he is a Father who loves us.
Hear the reassurance of Jesus:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
[Mt 6:25-27]
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)
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.
READING: Psalm 121
Take time to read the bible passage and pray that God would let you hear him speak in his Word.
SERMON Help In Times of Trouble [Psalm 121]
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:
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
In times where we feel afraid and uncertain we need to remember that God is Sovereign and that, somehow, he uses all things as part of his great plan. Read this wonderful truth from [Eph 1:11]
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
[Eph 1:11]
SONG:
It is Well: A hymn that speaks of the true joy and peace we can know in Christ, regardless of circumstance or situation.
CCLI Song # 5875665
Ben Fielding | Horatio Gates Spafford | Philip Paul Bliss | Reuben Morgan
© 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)
BENEDICTION
May you remember that even when the world seems upside down, when all that we know quakes and trembles, God is holding all things together.
Peace be with you.
[Based on Psalm 75:3]