Introduction
The sermon text juxtaposes two paragraphs that contrast blessing and cursing. Those who are blessed hear and keep the message of Jesus; judgment awaits those who do not. Luke presents Jesus as One wiser than Solomon bearing a sign greater than that of Jonah.
The hymns selected for the worship service will extol Jesus as God’s chosen Messiah. The pinnacle of our worship is to praise him as the risen, victorious King of kings.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 110:1-2
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 42 Praise Ye the Lord!
Notes: The Lord we serve is the “King of creation.” Nothing lies outside his rule. We respond, “O let all that is in me adore Him!” We call to each other, “Praise Him in glad adoration.”
Hymn 11 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Notes: This hymn recalls the Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as the crowds spread palms before him—a moment that should have removed any lingering doubts about his identity as Israel’s King. Yet, Jesus’ first coming ended in crucifixion. But we anticipate a Coming that shall have a different result. We, too, shall honor him as “He comes, a King most glorious.”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 111:1-10
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 213 O Word of God Incarnate
Notes: Jesus is the Prophet who speaks for God. The pinnacle of God’s self-revelation is his own Son, Jesus Christ the living “Word.” And so we sing, “O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O truth unchanged unchanging , . . .” God’s truth, revealed in Jesus, comes to us through “the hallowed page” of Scripture.
Message: Blessing and Cursing
Luke 11:27-32
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 163 Look, Ye Saints
Notes: Our message does not simply point people to the cross. Christ is the risen and exalted Lord of all. Thomas Kelly turns from Christ as “Man of sorrows” to Christ, risen and “victorious!” On earth “sinners in derision crowned him,” but now he “takes the highest station” and we resolve to “spread abroad the Victor’s fame.”
Prayer Response: John Miles
Benediction: John Miles