Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
JAMES - True Faith & Worldliness
CALL TO WORSHIP
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Let’s hear that again, and join with me:
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
(Psalm 84:1-2)
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Song: Rejoice
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've already heard that God's dwelling place is lovely, yet so often we choose to make our home somewhere else. We make our home in the world, We let the world, not God, govern our thoughts, decisions and behaviour. But God tells us in his word not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but instead transformed by the renewal of our minds. Take a moment to reflect on that now. To confess to God the sin in our hearts, and the ways we choose the world, over God.
Well, the Gospel story doesn't end there, hear these words of assurance for us now:
If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
(1 John 2)
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Alex Passmore preached to us this week from James 3, looking at how we turn from friendship with the World to friendship with God. Click here to listen to that sermon.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: How Deep the Father's Love
Song: In Christ Alone
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, we ask that you'd help our lips to overflow with praise of you and our tongues to sing of your word. Would no corrupting talk come out of our mouths. Instead help our words be gracious, seasoned with salt and good for building one another up. Amen.
(Based on Psalm 119:171-173; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29)
Song: Cornerstone
BENEDICTION
Brothers and sisters, continue to walk by faith in the victory of Christ, who has empowered you with the Holy Spirit to overcome the world. Go therefore in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.