Introduction
It is our privilege to welcome Rev. Art Larson, long-time pastor of Tri-Lakes Baptist Church (now retired), and a friend of our church. He will speak in the morning worship service.
The hymns selected for this service reflect themes that appear throughout his sermon text (1 Peter 4:7-11).
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 18:1-3
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 2 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Note: We begin the service with an anthem that offers praise to the King of Heaven. Woven throughout the hymn, we find characteristics of God that provide motivation for such adoring worship. Especially appropriate for our sermon text are references to the grace He extends in days of distress, his knowledge of our human frailty, and His angels who help us adore him.
Worship through Giving
Hymn 73 Holy Savior, We Adore Thee
Notes: Praise to the glory of Jesus Christ flows throughout this hymn. It connects Jesus’ suffering people servants with their suffering Savior: “Should we not with joy expect it / Here like Thee our Lord to be?” But it also anticipates the day when our labor gives way to endless praise in the presence of Christ. So we sing, “Come. Lord Jesus, quickly come.”
Scripture Reading Psalm 138:1-8
Note: David offered thanksgiving to the Lord for His faithfulness and the increased strength he gave. It is a valuable song for hostile times (v. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life”). David ended with confident assurance, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me” (v. 8).
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 560 Take My Life and Let It Be
Notes: This is a particularly fitting hymn in a service that calls us to faithful, consistent service for the Lord Jesus. To him we give our time, hands, feet, voice, possessions, mind, will, and heart. All this is summed up in the opening line: “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”
Message: Our Duty to God in a Hostile World (It is what it has always been)
1 Peter 4:7-11
Rev. Art Larson
RESPONSE
Hymn (Insert) Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
Note: Our sermon text begins with a powerful motivation for fulfilling Christian duty: “the end is near.” The Christian should draw encouragement and strength from this truth. But it should strike terror into the hearts of those who continue to refuse Jesus. We conclude this service with a reminder that this hostile world is moving toward a glorious conclusion.
Prayer Response: Dr. Robert Teachout
Benediction: John Miles