Prayer for the Gathering
Our Father, we thank you for your immeasurable grace. We praise you for the access that we are given to you through Christ. We pray that you would remind us of our constant need for the Gospel and for your mercy. Help us to fix our affections on you as we gather for worship and as we go separate ways this week. Amen.
Reflection: Quote from John Stott
"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims perogatives that belong to God alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone."
Call to Worship: Hebrews 4:14-16
"[14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. [16] Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need."
Worship in Song
Worship Set for 9/10/2023
Crown Him with Many Crowns | Before the Throne of God Above | Jesus Paid It All
The Word Preached: Colossians 1:15-20
"[15] He 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."
Response to the Word Preached
Response in Song: Rock of Ages Cleft for Me