Introduction
This Lord’s Day, we will consider Jesus’ warning, “Strive to enter [the kingdom] through the narrow door” (sermon text: Luke 13:22-30). He explained with several declarations that would have shocked his audience. A question launched the discussion in the passage, but it turns out that the question was the wrong one. By the end of the sermon, we will identify the right question that should have been asked.
The hymns selected for the worship service echo Jesus’ call, “strive to enter . . . the time is now.”
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship: Ezekiel 36:26-27
Note: The Lord promised Israel that in the coming kingdom he would given all his people a new heart. All who trust the Lord today receive that promise.
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 63 Come, Thou Almighty King
Notes: We begin with an anthem that invokes the presence of the Triune God to help us worship as we ought. It expresses our desire for God to rule over us through the Word and by the Spirit for he is worthy of our praise.
Hymn 294 Hark! The Gospel News is Sounding
Note: The gospel of Jesus Christ calls to all who hear, “look to him who died for thee.” The second stanza carries the same urgency found in Jesus’ words found in the sermon text: “Do not tarry, come to Jesus while you may.” The tune fittingly reflects the sober and serious call to hear the Gospel and respond.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 95:1-11
Note: David summoned the Lord’s people to bow down and worship Him, the great God and Creator. He warned against hardening the heart as rebels in Israel had done (Numbers 20:13) and, thus, had been excluded from their promised “rest” (v. 11).
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 400 Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
Notes: This hymn describes the glories of the kingdom. What have we done to enter in? Nothing! We are utterly dependent on Jesus’ “blood and righteousness.” His “blood” speaks of payment made for us on the cross. His “righteousness” speaks of his satisfaction of the law’s demands. Because of these no one shall be able to lay anything to our charge; “Fully absolved through these I am.”
Message: Ask the Right Question
Text: Luke 13:22-30
Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 362 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
Note: The concluding hymn declares our utter dependence on Christ for eternal salvation. “Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Prayer Response: Mike Towry
Benediction: John Miles