Introduction
It is a privilege to welcome Chris and Heidi Seawright and their family to HBC. They serve as missionaries in Thailand. Chris will deliver the message in our worship service.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 67:1-7
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 27 Mighty God, While Angels Bless Thee
Note: This hymn begins with amazement that we mortals have the privilege of joining the angels to proclaim the praise of our mighty God. In view of Christ’s “free redemption,” we resolve to break our “guilty silence.” “Silent I can never be, for salvation’s wondrous story . . . .”
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Doxology
Hymn 150 ‘Tis the Christ
Note: Thomas Kelly’s wonderful hymn summons us to the cross of Christ, “to see him dying on the tree.” The mournful tune perfectly matches the vivid portrayal it offers of Jesus’ death. “Tell me, ye who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like His?”
Scripture Reading Isaiah 55:1-11
Note: The prophet Isaiah offered a call of grace to the rebels of Israel, “seek the Lord while he is near, call upon him while he may be found.” In our day, we also offer God’s grace to people in rebellion against Him. And we have full confidence that God’s word will not prove empty, but will accomplish the Lord’ purposes.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 163 Look, Ye Saints
Note: Thomas Kelly turns from Christ as “Man of sorrows” to Christ, risen and “victorious!” On earth “sinners in derision crowned him,” but now he “takes the highest station” and we resolve to “spread abroad the Victor’s fame.”
Message: Missionary, Chris Seawright
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched
Note: We conclude this worship service with a hymn that gives voice to our gospel message. As we await and long for the return of our Savior, our task is to summon “sinners, poor and wretched,” to come to Jesus.
Prayer Response: Bill Cunnien
Benediction: Mark Williams