Introduction
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 11:37-54), the theme of opposition to Jesus and his message continues. Jesus directly assaults the false teachers who oppose him, exposing their hypocrisy, legalism, and pride. Most of all, he condemns them for leading others astray. Their words and works were directly antithetical to the message of Jesus, a message of grace and mercy.
The hymns selected for the worship service emphasis the grace and mercy of God that brings us salvation through faith in Jesus alone.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude: Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Jan Buhr
Call to Worship: Psalm 51:15-17
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 243: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Notes: Our first hymn calls on the Lord to help us praise him in worship-filled song. The final verse acknowledges our indebtedness the Lord for his grace because we are “prone to wander.” And so we pray, “Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.”
Hymn 247 Amazing Grace
Notes: John Newton, the author of the most famous hymn, never got over the grace of God that delivered him from his sin. We, like him, must continually remember the grace of God given through Christ that opened our eyes: “I once was blind but now I see.”
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:37-54
Note: This lengthy sermon text exposes the lie often heard: “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.” In fact, God will condemn those who insist on coming to him their own way.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 335 And Can It Be?
Notes: Charles Wesley’s magnificent hymn compresses the Gospel story into 5 verses. The theme of God’s amazing love displayed in mercy runs through the story. We express overwhelming wonder at this Gospel: Can it be? Can mercy this immense and free be ours? We conclude that he alone is worthy of faith and honor.
Message: A Direct Assault on Error
Luke 11:37-54
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn HBC 40 Give Praise to God
Note: In Romans 11, Paul quoted Jeremiah 9:23-24 which encapsulates the difference between true Christian faith and all other religions. All who follow other gods seek their own will. But we know that salvation and all things good and true come only from God. Therefore, we sing “give praise to God alone.”
Prayer Response: Mike Towry
Benediction: John Miles