Introduction
Luke 21:5-38 contains Luke’s account of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. The theme of the passage is the Second Coming of Christ, both the circumstances of the current age leading up to his return and the event itself. In the final paragraph of the text (Luke 21:34-38), Jesus challenged his hearers to live with constant expectation of Christ’s return. The kind of expectation Jesus had in mind is a commitment to resist careless worldliness while praying for persevering strength.
The hymns selected for this worship service express our expectant hope and consider how we should live until we meet him.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship Titus 2:11-15
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 427 My Hope Is in the Lord
Note: Christ secured a future hope for all who trust him. This hope rests on Jesus’ vicarious life and death, as well as his resurrection. Because he lives today, our eternal life is secure.
Scripture Reading Revelation 1:4-8; 3:7-13
Note: The book of Revelation describes the end of this age and Christ’s return to establish the coming age, his eternal kingdom. The book begins with John’s vision of the glorified Christ who promised that He is coming with glory and dominion. Chapters 2-3 contain seven letters to churches that existed in John’s day but are similar to churches throughout history. Jesus promised the church in Philadelphia that he will keep his people from the Tribulation that is coming on all the earth (Revelation 3:10).
Hymn 641 Immanuel’s Land
Note: The current age is moving toward its end. This hymn looks ahead to the day when the followers will have their expectant hope fulfilled. We will see “the Lord there in his beauty” with no intervening veil. His presence makes the kingdom our consuming hope.
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of grace:
Not at the crown He giveth,
But on His pierced hand:
The Lamb is all the glory Of Immanuel’s land.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert (Tune 130) O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?
Note: In keeping with the theme of the sermon text, this hymn looks ahead to the return of Christ and asks “O Lord, shall I meet you?” The followers of Jesus must avoid careless worldliness and must pray for strength to persevere. Thus, we pray,
O Jesus, let your Word be
a lamp to light my way,
to show me how to please you,
to guide me ev’ry day.
Message Living with Expectation
Luke 21:34-38
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Note: Philip Bliss’ classic hymn, with its climactic final verse, is a fitting conclusion to our study of the Olivet Discourse.
Prayer Response Mark Williams
Benediction John Miles