THE LORD’S DAY
June 7, 2020
CALL TO WORSHIP: The Preeminence of Christ: Colossians 1:15-23
15 Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven.
OPENING HYMN: We Come, O Christ, to You
INVOCATION
Most glorious and gracious Father, I rejoice to stand before you as your justified one; forgiven, clothed in the righteousness of your Son, reconciled and at peace with you forevermore. I come to worship and adore you. Empower me now by the outpouring of your Holy Spirit, to worship you with fervency of spirit. Drive away dullness and distraction. Let me know by faith that I stand before your glorious throne. Make me receptive to both your fatherly correction and consolation. Make me attentive to the things you want to say and submissive to all you call me to do. Open my eyes to behold your glory in Christ Jesus, my exalted Lord and King in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Lord Christ, you are my Way, my Truth, and my Life. I humble myself before your majesty, even while you raise me up by your mercy. For there is none like you, O Lord. So hear me as I come to worship you, O Lord, and join all creation, in singing the praises of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
GREATER GLORIA
TIME FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS OF REPENTANCE AND RENEWED FAITH
ANTHEM: Do Not Be Afraid Piece ends at 5:27
THE WORD SPEAKS TO OUR LIVES: Rejoicing in Suffering, Part 1
1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)