Introduction
The sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 6:43-49) concludes Luke’s account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus made it clear that his coming kingdom belongs to those who hear him and follow him. Learning and obeying his words characterize all who trust Christ; it is evidence of true faith.
The hymn selection in this service will develop this idea, beginning with an expression of our longing for the coming kingdom and followed by two hymns that use imagery from Luke 6:48-49 (foundation, rock) to call us to build our lives on Jesus’ teachings. We will finish with an appeal to trust him.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome and Call to Worship
Prelude
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 51 Jesus Shall Reign
Note: Jesus came as Israel’s King. In the end, she rejected Jesus, but that is not the end of the story. This hymn looks ahead to the return of Jesus and the Kingdom he will establish. In the sermon text, Jesus challenged his listeners to enter the Kingdom by following him. Because he is worthy of unreserved trust, the last verse of this hymn calls on “ev’ry creature to rise and bring blessing and honor to our King.”
Hymn 610 How Firm a Foundation
Notes: “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!” Jesus’ message is complete and sufficient; we need no other word. We build on him for this life and the next.
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-12
Note: Peter used the common biblical metaphor of “the cornerstone” to describe the church of Christ resting on the Word of Christ.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 225 The Living Stone
Notes: The hymn writer had Peter’s words in mind when he wrote, “On Christ salvation rests secure.” On him alone we rest: “To him we look . . . other foundations we disown.” We, the church, followers of Jesus, are “a temple to Jehovah’s praise.” It is an amazing work, “View the vast building, see it rise!” And so we express our adoration for Jesus’ “precious name” and declare that we “own no Savior but the “Living Stone.”
Message: Christ’s Kingdom Message, Part 4—“Two Ways to Live” –
Luke 6:37-42
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Notes: The sermon text concludes with an implied appeal: Follow Jesus, turn to him as your King and welcome him with saving, repentant faith. In keeping with Jesus’ purpose, we conclude with a call for all to come to Jesus in repentant faith.
Prayer Response: Mark Williams
Benediction: John Miles