Order of Service, March 24, 2019

Introduction

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, the apostle Paul calls the church to holiness. He explains that the nature of God demands it. He further explains that God promises to be with his holy church and love his holy people as a father. In view of God’s promises, Paul challenges the church to cleanse itself from defilement and to go hard after holiness.

Hymns in this service will express our worship of the Triune God by 1) praising his revealed character (his sovereignty, transcendence, and holiness) and 2) declaring his gracious, sanctifying work in his church.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Prelude

Call to Worship          Habakkuk 2:18-20

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 46     O Worship the King

Notes:  This hymn, based on Psalm 104, calls us to worship our God who is King. The themes of the song artfully display his sovereignty over the world he created and sustains.

Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Hymn     Doxology

Hymn 3     Holy, Holy, Holy

Notes: This well-known hymn that extols the mysterious triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The attribute of God emphasized most frequently in the Scriptures is his holiness. Like the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3, we sing, “holy, holy, holy!”

Scripture Reading     Revelation 4-5

Notes: Revelation records John’s vision of the climactic conclusion of history. This passage describes the scene in heaven with angelic beings and the people of God surrounding the throne of God. Consider the majestic, awe-filled worship directed toward Christ, the Lamb of God. Truly he is holy!

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 222 (tune: 220, Austrian Hymn)     Church of God, Beloved and Chosen

Notes:  The church is created by God and for God. It is “beloved and chosen” by God. This hymn emphasizes the holiness of God’s church through repeated references to her sanctification. It climaxes by anticipating the day when our transformation will be complete: “Spotless, glorious and holy Is the church, His chosen bride.”

Message     Go Hard After Holiness
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn HBC 40     Give Praise to God

Notes:  The gospel message of Christ saves and sanctifies his people. This lies at the heart of God’s wise, eternal plan.  Therefore, we conclude with a hymn of praise to God framed in the theme of Romans 11:33-36 which reminds us that all things are from him, through him, and to him.  To him be glory forever.

Prayer Response     Jon Lont

Benediction     John Miles