Introduction
The subject of the twentieth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith is “The Gospel.” Other chapters also address gospel themes such as Christ the Mediator, Justification, Repentance unto Life and Salvation, etc. But the unique emphasis in the current chapter is the relationship between the gospel and special revelation, that is, the Bible. God takes the initiative in salvation and the instrument that he always uses to draw people to Christ is his own word.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Deuteronomy 32:46-47
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Psalm 118b
Note: We begin with a hymn that echoes themes from Psalm 118. It is an appropriate start for our service because it fortifies our understanding of the Lord’s initiative in salvation. With its lyrics, we pray, “Help us, O Lord; descend and bring salvation from the throne.” And we are confident that in response to our prayer, He “comes in pow’r with messages of grace;” He comes “to save our sinful race.”
Worship through Giving
Hymn 333 How Sad Our State
Note: Without the Word of God, the state of all humanity would be hopeless. But the voice of sovereign grace speaks from the pages of Scripture, calling us to saving, transforming faith.
Scripture Reading Romans 10:1-17
Note: The apostle Paul insisted that righteous standing before God comes through faith in the Word of God; that this has always been true. Salvation comes to those who believe and proper faith is grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 247 Amazing Grace
Note: This might be the most famous of all hymns. John Newton extols the grace of God for the salvation God graciously lavished on him. The key to Newton’s understanding of grace appears in v. 4:
The Lord has promised good to me;
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Message: The Gospel: God’s Goodness Made Public
Text: James 1:16-18
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn (Insert) Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched
Note: We conclude this worship service with a hymn that gives voice to our gospel message. We call “sinners, poor and wretched,” to come to Jesus. The lost must come to him for saving forgiveness; believers must come to him for sanctifying forgiveness. Come to him! Why would you delay?
Prayer Response: Mark Buhr
Benediction: John Miles