Order of Service, September 27, 2020

Introduction

Luke 9:18-22 marks a climactic and pivotal point in Luke’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It clearly answers any remaining questions about the identity of Jesus. He is the Christ, Israel’s promised King. It also sets his course toward the cross that must precede the crown.

The hymns we will sing focus on our relationship with Christ in his suffering and subsequent glory.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Welcome

Prelude:     Fairest Lord Jesus

Call to Worship:     Psalm 145:1-9

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 243:     Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Notes: Our first hymn calls on the Lord to help praise him in worship-filled song. The lyrics weave together two biblical images of Christ’s redeeming work: He is the source of life-giving water and he is the Shepherd who gathers and keeps his sheep. (In the second verse, “Ebenezer” means “stone of help,” referring to a monument of public testimony. See 1 Samuel 7:12).

Hymn 386:     Jesus Christ, the Crucified

Notes:  In the sermon text, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am.” Their great and marvelous answer was, “the Christ.” This hymn echoes that moment. We sing, “Ask ye what great thing I know,” and the glorious answer is, “Jesus Christ, the Crucified.”

Scripture Reading:     Acts 2:22-36

Notes: This passage records a synopsis of the sermon Peter delivered on the day the Church was born. It clearly presents the gospel: Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and glorification. Peter concluded the sermon in verse 36, declaring Jesus’ identity: He is Lord and Christ.

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn Insert:      Before the Throne of God

Notes: This beautiful hymn declares our confident assurance of acceptance by God. This assurance rests on Christ’s death by which “my sinful soul is counted free.” The final verse marvels at the identity of the One who died for us:

Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace!

Message:      “Who Do You Say that I Am?”
Luke 9:18-22
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 137:     When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Notes: Christ, the promised King, came to die a shameful death. The disciples would not fully understand why this was essential to the plan of God. Today, we know—and marvel. When we “survey the wondrous cross,” the only appropriate response is, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Prayer Response:      Mike Towry

Benediction:      John Miles