Order of Service, January 15, 2023

Introduction

This Lord’s Day we launch a new sermon series entitled, Truth Matters. The messages will follow the topics discussed in a new publication by Pastor Brandon Crawford, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches, which takes a fresh look at a confession of faith written in 1689. Two sermons will introduce the series by offering an answer to two questions: 1) Why do we need to study doctrine today? 2) Is a historical confession of faith relevant today?

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Prelude

Call to Worship:     Psalm 119:18-20

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 23       Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Note: Paul said, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever” (1 Timothy 1:17). This hymn employs Paul’s words to exalt the transcendent God who has made himself known to us. The ways of our God are often a mystery to us, but we know that he is all-wise. All truth (symbolized by “light”) come from him.

Worship through Giving

Hymn 213      O Word of God Incarnate

Notes:  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.

Scripture Reading     Exodus 32:1-26

Note: This passage records a moment when the Israelites “cast off restraint,” a concept that appears in the sermon text. The result was tragic.

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 403      I’m Not Ashamed

Note: We declare our resolve to uphold the truth of God’s Word and gospel of His Son, Jesus:

I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend His cause;
Maintain the honor of His Word,
The glory of His cross.

Message:  Truth Matters – Then and Now, Part One
Proverbs 29:18
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 588      A Mighty Fortress is our God

Note: The story is told that Martin Luther, composer of this hymn, once threw an inkwell against a wall, explaining that he was trying to hit Satan. The evil one was very real to Dr. Luther. This hymn reminds us of our formidable foe, but also encourages us with knowledge that a powerful word from Christ “shall fell him.” Confident that “his doom is sure,” we may confidently,

Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Prayer Response:      Mark Buhr

Benediction:      John Miles