Introduction
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Jesus mercifully heals ten lepers. Only one of them returns to thank Jesus for his life-changing mercy. Ironically, the one who gives thanks is an outsider, a pagan. The Scriptures use leprosy as a vivid, living object lesson that illustrates the ravages of sin. The climax of the story is Jesus’ pronouncement the leper was “saved” by faith.
The elements of the service extol the Lord’s that cleanses us from our sin.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 103:1-5
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 2: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Note: The fourth verse of this hymn prays to the Lord for help to adore the King of heaven. Woven throughout the hymn, we find motivation for such adoring worship: his saving work, graciousness and mercy, eternal constancy, patience, goodness, immutability, eternality, and sovereignty. “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven!” is the only appropriate response to his mercy.
Hymn 267 There is a Fountain
Note: William Cowper was a friend and collaborator of John Newton. This is his most famous hymn. It vividly describes the power of the Christ’s death to remove the sinner’s guilt. Charles Spurgeon was so moved by this hymn that he has a portion inscribed on his tombstone:
E’re since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert God Be Merciful to Me
Note: God calls us to himself requiring only repentant faith as we trust the mercy and grace extended to us through his Son, Jesus. So, we sing words shaped by the repentant prayer of David (Psalm 51).
Message: The Lord of Mercy
Luke 17:11-19
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Note: We summon “sinners, poor and needy,” to come to Jesus for grace and mercy. Come to him! Why would you delay! In keeping with the story of the ten lepers, we will retain Joseph Hart’s original wording in the opening line: “Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched.”
Prayer Response: Eric Hicks, Jr.
Benediction: John Miles