Prayer for the Gathering
Our Father, we acknowledge that we are utterly hopeless apart from Christ. Make us aware of our sin and of our need for redemption, and help us to be quick to repent and steadfast in belief. We praise you for the hope that is ours through Christ and his work on our behalf. We rejoice that you keep us now and will cause us to persevere until we are finally glorified with you in Heaven. Amen.
Reflection: New City Catechism
New City Catechism #24
Q: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?
A: Since death is the punishment for sin, Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. By his substitutionary atoning death, he alone redeems us from hell
and gains for us forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.
Call to Worship: Colossians 1:19-22
"[19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things one arth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [21] Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. [22] But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him."
Worship in Song
Worship Set for 8/13/2023
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death | Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine | Living Hope
The Word Preached: 1 Peter 1:8-12
"[8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. [10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. [11] They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. [12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things."
Response to the Word Preached
Response in Song: Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery