Introduction
The sixteenth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith deals with the topic, “Good Works.” While the Scriptures are clear that good works do not secure our salvation, they are equally clear that good works are identifying characteristics of those who believe.
In the hymns selected for this worship service, we will emphasize the believer’s love for our Savior which motivates every true Christian to pursue good works.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 63:1-4
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 220 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Note: This hymn uses the imagery of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21) to describe the future perfection of the church in the presence of the Lord. The fourth verse shows that this confident hope shapes the way we live today.
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Psalm 116b
Hymn (Insert) Priest and Victim
Note: This hymn beautifully declares the work of Christ from his death to his ascent to his throne. It is remarkably suited to worship because Jesus Christ is the subject of every line. We worship and adore him for who he is and what he has done and will do.
Scripture Reading Mark 12:28-34
Note: The first and greatest commandment undergirds the gospel. Saving faith transforms the believer’s affections resulting in adoring love for God and his image bearers. The subject of the sermon is “good works;” the motivation for good works is love for God.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 384 My Jesus, I Love Thee
Note: We follow Jesus because we love him above all else—and how can we not? Following Jesus because we love him is the essence of the Christian life—a love that excludes the old way of sin and follows Jesus without reservation.
Message: Living Faith
James 2:14-19
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn (Insert) Here is Love
Note: The first two verses of this hymn were written during the Scottish revival of the mid-1800s. The first two verses describe God’s vast love for us in the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The third verse expresses the priorities of those who receive this redeeming love, “Let me seek Thy kingdom only, And my life be to thy praise.” The fourth verse describes the evidence of saving faith, “In Thy truth Thou dost direct me, by Thy