Order of Worship for February 23, 2020
Gathering & Preparation
“The Lord Jesus Christ has prescribed no fixed forms for public worship but, in the interest of life and power in worship, has given His Church a large measure of liberty in this matter. It may not be forgotten, however, that there is true liberty only where the rules of God’s Word are observed and the Spirit of the Lord is (Matthew 15:9), that all things must be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:26-40), and that God’s people should serve Him with reverence and in the beauty of holiness (Hebrews 12:28). From its beginning to its end a service of public worship should be characterized by that simplicity which is an evidence of sincerity and by that beauty and dignity which are a manifestation of holiness” (Book of Church Order 47-6).
Prelude
*Call to Worship
*Hymn #94 How Firm a Foundation
*Prayer of Adoration
*Affirmation of Faith – Westminster Confession of Faith 1.4-5 (Trinity Hymnal p.848)
The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Almighty God our Father, we humbly seek your forgiveness of our many sins. Forgive us for doubting that you are indeed good, and that you mean to do us good. Forgive us for the sins that have proceeded from doubting your goodness – our apathy toward your Word and your world, our neglect of prayer, our obsession with our appetites, our callousness toward our neighbors. Cleanse us and change us through the finished work of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
Silent Prayer
Assurance & Comfort of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Worship through Giving
Offertory – Give Me Jesus (Spiritual/Hopson)
*Hymn #731 Doxology
*Prayer of Thanksgiving
Prayer for Our Covenant Children
Children’s Worship [2 & 3 Year Olds; Pre-K & K; 1st-3rd Grade]
*Hymn #500 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:14-18
Sermon: Is the Bible Biblical?
Pastor Dan Ledford
*Hymn #141 God in the Gospel of His Son
Prayer of Intercession for Christ’s Church & the World
*Hymn The Power of the Cross
Keith & Kristyn Getty; Stuart Townend (2005)
*Benediction
Postlude
Announcements
*Standing for those who are able
