Introduction
In the ninth chapter of Luke, Jesus’ Galilean ministry began to draw to a close. In a climactic act, Jesus sent out his disciples as an extension of his own ministry, charging them to proclaim his message of the Kingdom and empowering them to confirm the message through miraculous deeds.
The hymns we will sing in our worship service share a common theme: Jesus is King.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship: Isaiah 66:1-2
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 69 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Note: We begin our worship with a hymn that expresses the inadequacy of our ability to praise our great Redeemer. We ask the Father to assist us as we proclaim “the glories of [our] God and King.” The cross lies at the heart of the praise we offer for “His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me.” (We will sing this hymn to the tune Azmon, p. 70).
Hymn 2 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Note: The fourth verse of this hymn cries out for help to adore the King of heaven. Woven within these verses, we find motivation for such adoring worship: his saving work, graciousness, eternal constancy, patience, goodness, immutability, eternality, and sovereignty. “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven!” is the only appropriate response.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 24:1-10
Note: The message that Jesus commissioned his disciples to proclaim in Galilee focused on the promised kingdom. The kingdom was at hand because the King had come. This Psalm anticipates the King’s coming and calls his people to prepare to receive him. It mirrors the message the disciples preached.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 11 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Notes: This hymn recalls the Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as the crowds spread palms before him—a moment that should have removed any lingering doubts about his identity as Israel’s King. Jesus’ first coming ended in crucifixion, but we anticipate a Coming that shall have a different result. We, too, shall honor him as “He comes, a King most glorious.”
Message: On the King’s Mission
Luke 9:1-9
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art
Note: With this hymn, we welcome the Savior. In the second verse, we acknowledge him as the King whose very character is mercy. We express submission to him and pray that He will transform us completely (“our whole being sway”).
Prayer Response: Eric Hicks
Benediction: John Miles