The Lord’s Day Evening The Nicene Creed THE LORD’S DAY February 1, 2015 – 11:00 AM Let us prepare our hearts for worship as we enter the sanctuary this Lord’s Day. Welcome and Announcements * The Call to Worship “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15-16) * The Hymn of Praise No. 101 “Come, Thou Almighty King” Anon., 1757 * The Prayer of Adoration and Invocation The Confession of Sin Leader: All-seeing God, we confess our sinful response to the trials and discomforts of our lives. While in the depths of woe, we have resented our need for you and rarely lifted our eyes to you, the only one who can bring us true help. People: Instead we have consistently directed our gaze to earthly things that falsely promise escape and comfort. We have been charmed by vain things: the approval of others; the possessions that we have or want; and the enormous drive to worship our desires above all things. Leader: In our willful blindness to the love and comfort you offer us, we are found completely guilty in your holy sight. Yet as we continually stray from your love and your law, you look upon our helpless state and lead us to the cross. People: We ask you to do this now, Father. Thank you that Jesus looked perfectly to you in every single situation of his life, trusting you completely in all things. We are deeply grateful that Jesus never stopped trusting you, even when you did not allow the cup of condemnation that we deserve to pass from him. Leader: Loving God, soften our hearts to delight in your love for us. Change us into sons and daughters who are so enraptured with the story of the gospel that we run to our beautiful Savior as we experience suffering in our lives. Lift our eyes afresh to the cross, from whence our help comes, Amen. Assurance of Pardon “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Old Testament Reading We believe in one God, the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made; Who, for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life; Who proceeds from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The People of God Respond (Trinity Hymnal No. 726) Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me, Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me. Break me! Melt me! Mold me! Fill me! Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me. Prelude * Welcome and Responsive Call to Worship (from Rom. 11) Leader: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” All: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” Leader: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” * Hymn of Praise No. 4 “All Praise to God Who Reigns Above” Invocation New Testament Reading John 4:1-26 Hymn of Adoration – Insert “He Will Hold Me Fast” Westminster Shorter Catechism #11 The Prayer for Church and World Question: What are God’s works of providence? Collection of Tithes and Offerings Answer: God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. * The Hymn of Preparation No. 111 “This is My Father’s World” Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901 The Preached Word of God Evening Prayer Hymn of Preparation No. 109 Acts 4:23-31 "The Acts of the Ascended Christ: Corporate Prayer for Boldness” “Jesus in Genesis: Go into the Ark!” * The Hymn of Response No. 424 James Montgomery, 1825 * The Benediction * The Doxology No. 731 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below: Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (An elder will be available in the front of the sanctuary after the service for anyone who would like to request prayer, inquire about church membership, or discuss how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.) Proverbs 11 * Congregation Standing The Preached Word of God Genesis 7 Communion “Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless” “Lord, My Weak Thought in Vain Would Climb” * Hymn of Response No. 699 Benediction Postlude “Like A River Glorious”