:: Download the 8.7.2016 Worship Study Guide and Sermon Notes
:: Download the 8.7.2016 Bulletin
:: Download the 8.7.2016 Sermon Audio
image :: Fugitives, Honoré Daumier (c.1868, French)
Preparation for Worship :: Refuge & Strength
“The Church, living under the authority of Scripture, is not a snowman in grave danger of melting away because of the burning rays of a hot secular sun that is beating down upon it. Rather, it is the flock of God, saved by the Divine Shepherd who safely leads His sheep through angry waters to quiet inlets where the sheep can drink and be renewed to go in and out as they live their lives and fulfill their ministries having received amazing grace sufficient to overcome ‘many dangers, toils and snares.’ May it so be with us, today.” (Kenneth Bailey)
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Sunday August 7 include ::
:: Doxology (Thomas Ken, 1709) CHART [bandcamp track=2257784892 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Holy, Holy, Holy (Reginald Heber,1826) CHART [bandcamp track=3071271614 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: We Will Feast In the House of Zion (Sandra McCracken, 2015) CHART [bandcamp track=3987551429 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Love’s Redeeming Work Is Done (Charles Wesley, 1739) CHART [bandcamp track=135949962 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923) CHART [bandcamp track=3717975761 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Psalm 46 (Tyler & Jennifer Somers, 2010) CHART [bandcamp track=1393067256 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=0687f5 size=short]:: Oh to Be Loved by Jesus (Thad Cockrell, 2009) CHART >>> AUDIO
Call to Worship :: Mark 4:35-41
When evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Confession of Sin
Heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your followers and have made us one family. Yet we have not lived as one, and have not loved You with our whole person. Ambition has driven us, and we have chosen not to care for others when it is inconvenient. Pride has gripped us, and we have promoted ourselves rather than worship You. Fear has reigned in us, and we have tried to control You and manipulate others. O Lord, forgive us for our many sins through the sacrifice of Christ. Subdue everything in us that is contrary to Your purposes. By Your Spirit, make us a church that is eager to do Your will and to walk in Your ways. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Words of Encouragement :: Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Sermon :: Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.