Introduction
Luke laid four stories from the life of Jesus side-by-side in chapter eight. They drive us to ask, with Jesus’ disciples and opponents alike, “Who is this?” In each of these four stories, Jesus intervenes to save people in helpless distress and, in so doing, he demonstrates his power over nature, demons, disease, and even death. Who is this? Jesus is LORD of all!
In our service we will proclaim the story of the gospel in song, describing our helpless condition, his intervention on our behalf, and the glory that he deserves.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship:
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 27 Mighty God, While Angels Bless Thee
Note: We stand amazed that as mere mortals we are privileged to join with 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 . . . .”
Hymn 141 Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
Notes: We begin our rehearsal of “salvation’s wondrous story” with Isaac Watt’s timeless hymn. It begins with the humbling thought that the Lord of all would choose to die for “such a worm as I.” This language speaks of both our depravity and utter helplessness. We respond, “Here, Lord, I give myself away—‘Tis all that I can do.”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
Note: When we know the Lord of all, we need not fear anything—even when we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 128 Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Notes: As we contemplate what Jesus suffered in our place, Lord of all dying for the utterly undeserving, our only appropriate response must be, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
Message: Who is This? (Part 3)
Luke 8:40-56
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 67 Come Christians, Join to Sing
Notes: In response to the gospel story, we “join to sing” with “heart and voice” to sing “loud praise to Christ our King.” What delight to know that his “love will never end.”
Prayer Response: John Miles
Benediction: John Miles