Introduction
On the night before Jesus died, he prayed a prayer that puts God’s plan of redemption on display. The opening verses of the prayer (John 17:1-5) reveal the driving motive that lay behind all that Jesus came to do: the glory of God. Contrary to our tendency to evaluate the value of all things according to our own interests, Jesus saw all things through the lens of God’s interests. His glory is of ultimate importance.
The hymns chosen for this worship service uphold the glory of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 150:1-2, 6
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 162 Thine Be the Glory
Note: Each Lord’s Day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ which occurred on the first day of the week. Our risen Lord has conquered death and swept away our fear. Therefore, we sing, “Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son.”
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Doxology
Hymn 27 Mighty God, While Angels Bless Thee
Note: This hymn begins with amazement the we mortals have the privilege of joining the angels to proclaim the praise of our mighty God. We are not only eager to hear God’s message but, in view of Christ’s “free redemption,” we resolve to break our “guilty silence” and declare His glory to others. “Silent I can never be, for salvation’s wondrous story . . . .”
Scripture Reading Revelation 1:9-20
Note: Today’s trend in many quarters of Christendom is to treat Jesus with glib familiarity. How different was the apostle John’s response when he encountered the glorious Lord Jesus in the opening chapter of Revelation.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 21 Fairest Lord Jesus
Notes: This hymn proclaims that Jesus is dearer to us than anything in creation. “Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.”
Message: Christ, All Glorious
John 17:1-5
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Thy Strong Word
Note: Light is the theme of this hymn, symbolizing truth and glory. The first verse echoes Genesis 1, attributing creation to God’s “strong Word,” a double entendre for Christ (John 1:1-3). This strong Word created light, but more important was the Light that broke into a world of darkness, an allusion to the incarnation of Christ. This Light, the eternal Word, declares righteous all who embrace the glorious work of the cross. The final two verses offer prayer that God will help us fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of the Triune God. “Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim!”
Prayer Response: Eric Hicks Jr.
Benediction: Mark Williams