Oct 15 2017 Worship Recap :: Blessing

::  Download the 10.15.2017 Worship Study Guide and Sermon Notes
::  Download the 10.15.2017 Bulletin
::  Download the 10.15.2017 Sermon Audio

image :: Out Chorus, Romare Bearden (1980, American)

Preparation for Worship on October 15 2017 :: Blessing

“At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they still do today.” (Deuteronomy 10:8)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (II Corinthians 13:14)

“I feel that in pronouncing [the benediction blessings at the close of worship] I do not do it as a mere finale, but that I am actually dispensing peace from God and at God’s command. I know not the individuals to whom my benediction is a blessing; but I know that I am the appointed instrument by whom God is conveying the blessing to those who are able to receive it.” (Charles Simeon)

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for October 15 include ::

:: Come, Ye Sinners (Joseph Hart, 1759) [bandcamp track=1143385813 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Trisagion (5th century Greek Hymn) [bandcamp track=727383532 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: How Long, O Lord / Psalm 13 (Isaac Watts, 1719[bandcamp track=231763990 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Draw My Soul To Thee (J. Adams, 1838[bandcamp track=1601547953 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: May the Mind of Christ My Savior (Kate B. Wilkinson, 1925)[bandcamp track=383595627 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: On Jordan’s Stormy Banks (Samuel Stennett, 1787[bandcamp track=1174694383 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Doxology (Thomas Ken, 1709) [bandcamp track=2257784892 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]

Call to Worship :: Psalm 18:1-3

I love You, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, my God, my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Confession of Sin :: Jeremiah 2:11-13 & Psalm 79:5,8-9

Has a nation changed its gods,
even though they are no gods?
But My people have changed their glory
for that which does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
for My people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken Me,
the Fountain of Living Waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.

How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
let Your compassion come speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of Your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for Your name’s sake!

Words of Encouragement :: Psalm 32:1, 5

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”—and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Gospel Reading :: Mark 10:13-16

And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.

Sermon :: Numbers 6:22-27

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”