Introduction
This Lord’s Day we begin a series that follows the doctrinal themes laid out in Brandon Crawford’s new publication, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches (based on the Second London Baptist Confession, 1689). The first topic is “The Holy Scriptures.” The morning sermon will focus on the concept of sola scriptura, that is, Scriptures alone have ultimate authority.
The elements of the service focus on the Scriptures and up uphold their essential role they play in all matters of belief and behavior.
Note: Here is the first article of the confession, “The Holy Scriptures
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Open in new tab PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Hebrews 1:1-2
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 610 How Firm a Foundation
Note: This hymn is a fitting start to a service with the authority of “The Holy Scriptures” as its focus. The Lord’s “most excellent Word” is the foundation of our lives. It secures the believer’s faith and life so securely that we need no other word from the Lord.
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Doxology
Hymn 333 How Sad Our State
Note: Without the Word of God, the state of all humanity would be hopeless and helpless. But the voice of sovereign grace calls from the pages of Scripture calls us to saving, transforming faith.
Scripture Reading Psalm 19:1-14
Note: God speaks in the beauty and majesty of creation (vv. 1-6). However, this revelation is insufficient to save. But God has spoken, revealing himself in the written word of God.
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. Key to understanding Newton’s understanding of the source of this grace comes 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: Sola Scriptura
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Thy Strong Word
Note: Rich metaphors layer our final hymn as it describes the work of the Triune God in our salvation. Light is the theme. The first verse echoes Genesis 1, attributing creation to God’s “strong Word,” a double entre for Christ (John 1:1-3). This strong Word created light, but more important was the Light that broke into a world of darkness, an allusion to the incarnation of Christ. The Light, the Word, declares righteous all who embrace the glorious work of the cross. The final two verses offer prayer that God will help us fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of the Triune God. “Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim!”
Prayer Response: Joel Owen
Benediction: John Miles