Series Fruit of the Spirit 1 - A Delicious Apple of Love

 

Pastor Rick preaches this morning about LOVE!  Listen as Pastor EATS AN APPLE During the message!

Mothers Day - Gazing into the eyes of God

 

Listen as Pastor Rick honors Mothers on this Wonderful Mothers Day Weekend!

The Love Letter

 

Listen as Pastor Rick shares from a very personal experience about the value of communication both with our personal relationships and with our Heavenly Father!!!

Our Priority Toward God

   

"God’s number one priority toward us is to restore us into proper relationship with Him.  This is so that we can then fulfill our top priorities toward Him which are to love Him entirely and then love others.  When we do these things, we not only keep the commandments, but we fulfill the original intent of our design to rejoice in one another and be good stewards of everything entrusted to us."  Listen as Pastor Rick explains this today.

Nothing Can Separate Us

  

"I am persuaded and convinced today without any uncertainty that you are secure in the love of Jesus.  If you have repented and confessed your sins – you have been born again – adopted into the family of God.  If you are walking in obedience to the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit serving Him as Lord of your heart and life, then you are His child and NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING can separate you from His love!  You can rest in His love.  You can relax in His love.  You can let go and float in His love! You can completely let go of all your fear and worry and concern.  His love is wrapped tightly around you!  His grace will keep you!  His strength will sustain you.  He will KEEP you in His love!  And in that place of trust and faith, you can remain and know that not only will you not be separated from His love, but you will win a resounding victory through that love – you will be more than a conqueror!"

Intimacy with God

   

Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”  This is an utter abandonment of self to God.  Every fiber of our beings must be completely surrendered to Him.  In holiness circles we frame this theologically as begun in the new birth or salvation, anchored and empowered through the filling of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and continued all the lifelong by walking in the spirit in perfect love.  This is simple and accurate.  But however you want to frame it, it all boils down to letting go of yourself to the control of Christ knowing He made you and cares for you.  It is a complete trusting of Him with every part of you good or bad.  Just as a husband and wife totally surrender to each other in private uninhibited unrestrained intimacy, we must surrender utterly to Him with nothing held back.  It is in this place of full surrender that real intimacy with Christ begins.

A Meditation on Psalm 27

Sermons are often appropriate for the spiritual moments of our lives.  God enlightens our minds to understand a passage of Scripture: teaching us, convicting us, calling us, changing us.  Sermons take many forms and follow many structures.  But sometimes, we need the strength that comes from simply focusing on and meditating upon the words of the Word.  For today, I felt my heart drawn to Psalm 27.  It is a passage of only 14 verses.  We will read it together responsively in the King James version and then I will step through it in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) as we meditate upon it.

1. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
 7 ¶ Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (KJV)

Adam Clark outlined it this way:

• Freedom from Fear with Confidence in God (1-3)
• Love to God and His ways (4-6)
• Prayer for Assistance & Support (7-13)
• Exhortation to Dependence on God (14)

That is as good an outline of the passage as any I’ve seen.  If you want to snap a picture of that, feel free to do so.  So let’s ponder this for a little bit this morning.  And as I walk through this I encourage you to relax your mind and let it think on these good things.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident.

David was a warrior: one of the most valiant & successful warriors in the history of Israel.  This Psalm is full of military terminology and perspective.  Some scholars suppose that this Psalm was written by him after the events of 2 Samuel 21:15-22 where David was almost killed by the Philistine giant Ishbibenob.  One of his men, Abishai, came to David’s aid and killed the giant before he could use his new sword with deadly effect.  After this close call, David’s men said to him, “Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.”  In other words, “David, you are our hope and inspiration.  You are to be king.  We cannot risk you being in such mortal danger again.” Some suppose that David then penned these words as part of his response or reaction to that sentiment.  “The Lord is my light and my salvation.  The Lord is the strength of my life, whom should I dread?”  Whether or not this is the background of this Psalm, there is no way for us to know.  But I pose the exclamatory questions to you today: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom should I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom should I dread?”

Can you say emphatically in faith with the Psalmist that you are not afraid of evildoers?  Can you state with confidence that your enemies will not prevail?  Can you express assuredly that you are not afraid of even the armies arrayed against you – because you are not trusting in yourself but in the Lord?  Too often we say with our mouths that we are trusting in the Lord, but we don’t really mean it.  We mean that we are trusting in our own strength most of the time and today we feel good about it.    Unfortunately, that is not the same thing.  David is not saying “Today I feel like worshipping God so I am expressing my faith and praise.  No.  He is saying that in the toughest of times – in the fiercest battles when I should fear all is lost, I don’t fear.  For I am not trusting in my own strength; I am trusting in the strength of the self-existent eternal Jehovah God!  I am not resting behind hastily constructed defensive positions of shallow sand, sticks, and rock.  I am taking refuge in the mighty stronghold of God. 

When soldiers take up a defensive position from enemy fire, they are limited to whatever cover they can find in the immediate environment: whether it is a shallow ditch, a wall, a building, a tree, they will hug the ground and hunker down behind whatever they can.  If they have a few moments of time they will scoop out a shallow hollow to help them get lower and hopefully out of the reach of enemy fire.  This is what it is like if we trust in our own strength…it may get us through for a little bit, but it can’t last as a defensive position.  For true defensive positions, walls are erected, barbed wire is strung, guard posts are elevated, gates are placed, barriers are spaced about, bunkers are dug, weapons are positioned at key locations with intersecting fields of fire, and a watch is set.  It becomes a heavily fortified place of defense, refuge, and safety.  This is the comparison David was making.  “The eternal God is my light in the darkness and my salvation.  He is not my foxhole – He is my stronghold: whom should I dread?  Whatever comes – no matter how fierce the battle or how strong the enemy, I need not be afraid for I am safe in the hand of the Lord.”

4 I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
5 For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6 Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.
This section the passage is interesting to me.  At first it seems David is now turning his thoughts away from battle and war and difficulty and instead focusing on worship and praise.  But we quickly discover that is not the case.  As he begins to talk of the beauty of the Lord, we discover that He is not contemplating an absence of adversity or imagining a life without enemies.  Rather, he is expressing his reliance on God in spite of them.  His is not an expectation of peace without struggle but rather a rest amid the battle that comes from utter trust in God.  He wants to remain God’s presence continually, fixing his heart upon Him.  He wants to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and rejoice in His glory.  He wants to anchor every moment of living – even the battles – in eternity. 

When the enemies surround, when trouble comes, when hardship besets him, he takes refuge in the tabernacle of God.  God is his camouflage, his shelter, and his protection.  He also continues his military terminology: “He will set me high on a rock” & “my head will be above my enemies around me.”  For thousands of years, holding the high ground has been recognized as an important military tactic.  The ancient strategist Sun Tzu advised military leaders to take the high ground and force enemies to attack from the lower position.  Not only does it provide a superior position to observe and fire upon the enemy, it also forces large heavy armor whether elephants or tanks to stop because they cannot climb in steep terrain.  It also forces cavalry to dismount and attack on foot whether in chariots or Strykers.  What he is saying, is that “I will hold the high ground.”  Strategically I will have the advantage over my enemies when I trust in the Lord.

Whether it be physical enemies, emotional enemies, or spiritual enemies, as believers, we must go to the high ground of faith, trust, and worship.  When the battle is fiercest, then is when you need to run to the shelter of His arms.  You see, when we are in the midst of the battle with its chaos and fear and destruction, Satan wants to separate us from our sanctuary.  He wants to inhibit our prayers.  He wants to interfere with our worship.  He wants obstruct our faith.  But in the middle of the fiercest battles, we need God more than ever.  Ask Mr. Jesse sometime what it is like to radio for fire support and receive it!  When under fire, infantry units will call for artillery fire or for close air support and in will come the Air Force or Navy pilots to support and suppress the attack of the enemy.  We have the same option as believers in God.  We can cry out to Him and call in that “air support.”  Sadly, we too often do not.  We rely on our strength.  We sweat and struggle and stress and shout instead of taking refuge in Him and letting Him have control.  Instead of letting Him hold the high ground.

May I encourage you today to stop struggling so hard and center your heart directly on God?  Cry out to him.  Let Him take you into His tabernacle.  Let Him shelter you in the fortress of His arms.  Rest in His strength.  Let Him fight the battle for you. And never forget, these battles are temporary – for we are eternal beings serving an eternal God and we will leave these temporary battles behind to be with Him forever.  Rest in Him!  Sing with joy and worship in your heart placing all of it in His capable hands!

7 Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
8 My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
9 Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation.
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.

I love this because the Psalmist gets even more real here.  He honestly confesses his fears and worries.  He talks about his fear of abandonment, his lost earthly relationships, and his concern that God might be angry with him.  He admits that his heart had been convicted to seek God and that he is responding to that urging of conscience and praying to Him now.  He relies on the graciousness of God.  He confesses his deep need of God and expresses his faith that God will hear and answer his prayer. 

Did you know that it is okay to be real with God?  Prayer is not supposed to be limited to only our fanciest words and most worshipful phrases.  Prayer is not some sort of creative writing exercise whereby we please God and impress our friends.  Prayer is supposed to be visceral and real and right where we are.  We should always pray with respect and reverence for Who God is, but we should also talk to Him honestly and genuinely.  It’s okay to pray, “God, I’m angry with you!” “God, I’m hurting right now!” “God, I feel alone!”  “God, I’m lost – I don’t know what to do!”  “God, I don’t understand!”  “God, I don’t want to forgive.”  “God, I want you to take revenge upon my enemies!”  “God, help!”  How do I know it’s okay to pray this way?  Because the Scriptures – and especially the Psalms – are full of such prayers as people cried out to God whether in faith or despair. 

We need to be the same way.  If you’ve been trying to figure out how to impress God with your prayers or pray fancy things so other people think you are spiritually special, STOP IT!  Talk to God!  Get real with Him.  Stop thinking of Him as imaginary and far away.  He is real and He is HERE.  He is listening and ready to hold a conversation with you if only you will be honest with Him and then listen when He whispers His reply.  Seek His face.  He is our helper and He will not abandon us.

11 Because of my adversaries, show me your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path.
12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence.

We are going to face adversity.  Whether from human context or spiritual warfare, we are in a battle.  We need to have level footing for our feet in order to fight.  We need to be stable as we enter combat.  All too often Christians are not balanced in their battles.  We are not fixing our eyes on Christ.  We are not listening to the whisper of the Holy Spirit.  We are not concentrating on the Word.  We are not living in a place of constant worship.  As a result, when the battle begins, when the combat comes, we are not balanced with stable footing.  Our feet are not set.  We are not on the level path of the Lord.  Because of this we stumble, we falter, we fail, we fall.  The only way to avoid this is to be walking with the Lord in His way on His path. 

The conflict is fierce.  The skirmishes are hot.  Violence is the order of the day in the battles we face.  Have you experienced physical violence…emotional violence…spiritual violence?  You say, well, “Pastor Rick, “I don’t know.  I mean, I’m just facing life like everyone else.”  Well, let me ask you this: when life goes “wrong” or things don’t go right…what is happening in your heart?  When your car doesn’t work or your body doesn’t work or people fail you or relationships struggle, what are you tempted to do?  You are tempted to give up on relationships.  You are tempted to give up on living.  You are tempted to give up on worship.  You are tempted to give up on God.  You are tempted to stay away from all that is good because things just aren’t going like you expected or planned.  You want to escape the violence of the battle.  You want to run away.  You want to leave behind the struggle. In these moments we must stop relying in our own strength.  It is in these moments we need God most of all.  We cannot begin to imagine we can triumph alone.  We cannot win on our own.  We must have our feet anchored on the Solid Rock of Christ Jesus and be balanced by living in His presence and walking in His ways.  We need to be on the level path!

13 I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.

Here, the Psalmist expresses a powerful faith: “I am certain, confident, sure that I will see the Lord’s goodness and joy here on earth while I am alive.”  This is not just some vague hope or confidence that the future will be better by and by.  This is not an expression of future faith that all will be right in the end.  This is not saying, I know that God will redeem all things in eternity.  This is an expression of faith in the present goodness of God. 

It reminds me of the story of Lazarus after he had died.  Martha, the sister of Lazarus hears that Jesus is coming and runs out to meet him.  An interesting conversation ensues.
“John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.”
Jesus replies, “Thy brother shall rise again.” 
Martha says, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus says, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
She replied, “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Then she went to call her sister.  I think she scarcely comprehended at all what Jesus was saying.  Jesus was saying, “You are about to see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living” – not just in the future eternity but in the here and now!

Are you trusting in the Lord for help and strength refuge and comfort in the here and now or is He some imaginary person you pretend to talk to and claim to believe?  Trust Him for His goodness to be extended to you now in the land of the living!

The Psalmist concludes with a simple exhortation: “Wait on the Lord: and he shall strengthen thine heart: when all around your soul gives way, let Him be your hope and stay – wait on the Lord.”  May I gently ask today how much you have been waiting on God?  Have you been seeking refuge in His presence – I don’t just mean desperate calls for help as you are drowned by life – I mean the intentional waiting upon Him and seeking His face?  Get out of your self-made foxhole and run to the high ground and seek sanctuary in the fortress He is.  Retreat from the battle you’ve been fighting in your own strength and let Him take over.  He has superior fire power!   Call in His air support!  Let Him be your light and salvation.  Stop being afraid.  Stop being fearful.  Stop trusting in yourself and trust in Him.  Be real and tell Him how you really feel.  Pray with honesty and faith.  Let your feet walk His balanced and level pathway.  Find peace in worshiping Him.  Discover His goodness here and now in your life.  Be strong and courageous – but not in your own strength – rather in the strength that comes when you wait on the Lord. 

I hope this meditation is a strength and help to you today.  Rest in the Lord.  He is good even in the present, in the land of the living. 

Lent - Consider the Cross

 

REDEMPTION, FORGIVENESS, GRACE

 

Building Series - Building A Woman

 

Building Series - Building A Man

 

The Internal God

I urge you to reject the lie from Satan in the beginning that we can be gods within ourselves.  I also urge you to go beyond the place where you merely believe in an External God “out there,” but come to know Him as the INTERNAL God “in here.”  Get to know the Eternal One Internally where you are His and He is yours; where your spirit is intertwined with His Spirit; where you are never alone, but Christ liveth in you!  Live with the constant undercurrent of joy that sustains you no matter what the circumstance and that daily refines you to be more like Him!

2017 Advent Sunday 4 - Love & Magi

Today's service was not recorded due to its many moving parts.  Please enjoy the outline below for our Christmas Eve Service.

Welcome – Welcome to Water of Life Fellowship.  I know we are a small crew today since many are traveling.  We are skipping all of the normal announcements for now.  The only announcement is that there will not be any Bible studies this week.  Please spend time with your families and rejoice in the togetherness, joy, and unity that comes in knowing Christ together as a family.  Please also take time to intentionally consider Christ together in light of the remembrance of His birth. Let us begin with prayer.

Lighting of the 4 Advent Candles – With Reading

            We will now proceed with the Lighting of the four Advent candles.  One of our mothers has consented to light the four candles today. 

            On the First Sunday of Advent we lit the candle representing the Hope of the Prophets.  Today we relight it and recall God’s promise through His prophets to send a Savior.  On the Second Sunday of Advent, we lit the candle representing the Peace of the Angels.  As we relight it today, we remember the voices of angels declaring a message of peace to astonished shepherds.  On the third Sunday of Advent we lit the candle representing the Joy of the Shepherds.  Today as we relight it we recall their amazement and wonder. Today we light the fourth candle which is the candle of Love and Magi.

            As we light this fourth candle, you might wonder how love and magi are related.  Ponder this: What motivated the magi to make their long dangerous journey and bring most precious gifts to a baby they had never met of a family they did not know in a place they had never been?  What would cause them to risk so much for only the hope of bowing at the feet of a newborn “foreign” king?  What would cause them to travel so far to adore someone so small?  What is amusing to me is that they did not travel nearly so far as the baby they came to adore.  He had traveled even farther than they had traveled.  What motivated Him to leave his place in Heaven?  What made Him set aside His Divinity and take on humanity? For Him it was love.  Genuine, astonishing, perfect love! As we think about the magi today - as we remember how far they traveled to adore Him - let us remember how far Jesus traveled in His love for us. “Today we celebrate the greatness of God’s love revealed through the Christ child”[1]…Joy from Heaven to earth come down!

A Capella Christmas Carols

Joy to the World – Verses 1 & 4 (p.173)

The First Noel – Verse 1 (p. 167)

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – Verse 1 (p. 168)

Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Verse 1 (p. 175)

What Child is this? – Verses 1 & 3 (p. 179)

Lighting of the Christ Candle – With Reading

            We have already lit the first four candles on the advent wreath.  Now we will light the Christ Candle.  Normally, this candle is lit on Christmas Eve, which today is.  In the lighting of this candle, we rejoice that the promise made to the prophets has been fulfilled.  The announcement of peace by the angels was true.  The joy felt by the shepherds was real.  The adoration of the magi was justified.  Christ is born!  Rejoice Oh Christians!  Rejoice that He who came to bear our sorrows has come at last!  Rejoice to know He is born who will bear our sins!  Rejoice to know that at His coming hope is restored, peace is complete, joy is full, and our adoration is true!  We bow at His feet – He Who is born in lowly estate in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

KIDS’ CAROLS

 Go Tell It on the Mountain – Chorus – Verse 3 – Chorus (P. 181)

 Away in a Manger (p. 176)

 “Humphrey’s First Christmas”

We Three Kings – Full Hymn (p. 202)

PASTOR’S WORDS

“Matthew 2:1 ¶ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

 9 ¶ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”

Today, it is Christmas Eve.  Our weeks of anticipation awaiting Christmas Day are nearly over.  Tomorrow we will be awakened by children eagerly awaiting the opening of gifts that are given in love and received with joy that commemorate the gifts given by magi and the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ Himself. 

It is this greatest gift we ponder today as we close our service with Christmas Communion.  The Christmas story tells us how Jesus came into the world.  The Easter story explains why he came into the world.[2]  Communion reminds us of the entire continuing story. It is with this remembrance we anchor our joy.  As we partake of the symbolic elements of the Lord’s Supper, we remember that Jesus was born to die.  He was born to be the sacrifice for our sins.  We did not deserve such a spectacular gift, yet He gave it with perfect freedom.  For just as God is perfect in His justice, perfect in His righteousness, perfect in His holiness, He is perfect in His love.  He is perfect in His freewill giving.  He gave out of the fullness of His heart.  Though we deserved much less, He gave us far more – in fact, He gave us everything in the gift of His only begotten Son.  “John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Because of this matchless gift, we rejoice.  We rejoice that God came to dwell among us to save us.  If you are not saved this morning – if you have not been born again – you may.  All you need to do is open your heart to let Christ in.

COMMUNION

As we prepare to receive the elements today, perhaps you are not ready to receive them.  Perhaps you say, Pastor Rick, I have not lived in the way I ought.  Pastor Rick I am in need of cleansing.  In case there is any among us who might be in need of forgiveness, let us read this confession aloud together.

“Almighty God and Father in heaven

Who also makes His home with those

Of a humble and contrite spirit:

Before You and Our Lord Jesus Christ

We confess our sins:

Whether they be sins committed with

A wicked heart in rebellion against God

Or sins of unbelief rejecting the truth.

Whether they be sins of ignoring the

Gentle presence of Your Spirit

Or sins of failing to look faithfully for the

Return of our Savior & Judge.

We confess our blindness to your coming

In those who are lonely, hungry, cold, poor, and sick.

All our sins we confess before you today

And ask Your forgiveness.

In Your great goodness, put away our offenses

And cleanse us from our sins,

For Jesus Sake.

I welcome you in my heart just now. Amen.”[3]

Having bowed ourselves humbly requesting His pardon, we rest in His mercy. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

And so now we partake of the Elements of the Lord’s Supper.

            Distribute the Elements  (Tom & Joe)

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread (1 Cor. 10:16-17)”

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“1 Corinthians 11:23 ¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”

We will now partake in the same manner in remembrance.

Please take the bread and hold it in your hand:

            “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat: this is my body.” – The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life.  Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on Him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving.  (You may eat of the bread.)

Please take the cup of wine in your hand:

            “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29).” – The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life.  Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.  (You may drink of the wine.)

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. 

Down from His glory,

  Ever living story,

My God and Savior came,

  And Jesus was His name.

Born in a manger,

  To His own a stranger,

A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.

 

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!

The great Creator became my Savior,

And all God’s fulness dwelleth in Him.

What condescension,

  Bringing us redemption;

That in the dead of night,

  Not one faint hope in sight,

God, gracious, tender,

  Laid aside His splendor,

Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul.

Without reluctance,

  Flesh and blood His substance

He took the form of man,

  Revealed the hidden plan.

O glorious myst’ry,

  Sacrifice of Calv’ry,

And now I know Thou art the great “I AM.”

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!

The great Creator became my Savior,

And all God’s fulness dwelleth in Him.

Closing Hymn: Emmanuel (Page 165)

Benediction:

Let us pray.

O God, whose glory fills the skies,

O Christ, the true and only Light,

Shine on us with your light and truth

Through the Word that gives light to all people.

Empower us by your Spirit to walk

In that light and to reflect your glory. Amen.[4]

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Rom. 15:13).”

Merry Christmas!

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[1] Advent Wreath Readings, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W6koWS_sRI

[2] http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Pastor-Christmas-communion-service

[3] Derived from a Reformed Worship Confession - https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1988/christmas-communion-service

[4] https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1988/christmas-communion-service

Betrothed to Christ

Listen and learn about the 7 elements in the 3 phases of the Jewish wedding tradition that point us inescapably to the great truths of God’s love for us.  Do you realize that He is calling you today and wooing your heart to surrender to Him?  He wants us to believe on Him, to enter into covenant with Him, to receive the gift and promise and purifying fire of His Holy Spirit, and to wait patiently and expectantly for His promised return when He will carry us away!  Are you His?  Are you betrothed to Christ?