As unsexy and out of vogue as this concept may seem in evangelical circles today, the Scriptures declare that our Lord Jesus will return to earth to judge the living and the dead. The same One who groaned in agony on the Tree will roar in triumph at his return, putting down all his enemies, and judging all humankind for the evil for which we have done. The bowls of judgment in John’s vision vividly display the righteous indignation of our God, and his absolute resolve to make all things right again. As difficult as it is for us to accept the biblical truth of God’s matchless holiness, let us allow the clear visions of the Apocalypse to resuscitate in us a new vision of the Kingdom, a vision of a holy God restoring creation under his righteous rule again.
Let us, therefore, stand in awe before him, serving with dread and fear this great God who will prove his holiness in terrifying acts of judgment in the soon-coming return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”
~ Revelation 16.1
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, give us a passion to share the Gospel while there is time, for soon the time of judgment will arrive, and who can stand in your presence without the blood of your Son? With you alone is there mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Through Christ our Lord, amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 1 OT: Prov. 31.10-31 Gospel: Mark 9.30-37 NT: James 3.13-4.3, 7-8a (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with 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, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. [2] Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. [3] For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah [5] I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah [6] Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
~ Psalm 32.1-6
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and he will forgive the iniquity of my sin.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Coming of Christ
Revelation 19Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, September 24, 2018