Introduction
Peter had just declared that Jesus is the Christ of God (Luke 9:18-22). In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Jesus began to explain the implications of trusting in him. “Take up your cross and follow me,” he said. To trust him is to follow him; failure to follow him has eternal consequences.
The theme of following Jesus runs through the hymns chosen for the worship service.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude: Amazing Grace
Call to Worship: Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn HBC 35: There Is God Who Reigns Above
Notes: We begin the service with a declaration of our faith in the sovereign God who sent his Son to save us. He redeemed us for this reason: that we might “bring Him fame.”
Hymn Insert I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Notes: Horatius Bonar, 19th century minister in Scotland, left a rich legacy of hymns. This is, perhaps, the best known. He framed it as the response of faith in Jesus. The final verse expresses determination to follow Jesus: “In that Light of life I’ll walk till traveling days are done.”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1:1-6
Note: Those who trust the Lord follow him. The first Psalm explains that following means loving and doing God’s word.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 560 Take My Life and Let It Be
Notes: This is a particularly fitting hymn in a service that calls us take up our cross and follow Jesus—a picture of full commitment. “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”
Message: A Fool’s Bargain
Luke 9:23-27
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 585 Am I a Soldier of the Cross?
Note: Isaac Watts wrote this hymn to encourage introspection. “Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?” Jesus requires his disciples to take up their cross and follow. So we respond to Watts’ question, “Increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy word.”
Prayer Response: Bill Cunnien
Benediction: Mark Williams