The only reason any human being escapes the sure and terrifying judgment of God is the wideness of his mercy, the same lovingkindness that our Father demonstrated by the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus, on the Cross. As a God of infinite holiness and righteousness, all people will and must give an account of their deeds before the Lord Jesus Christ. Only those whose names are written in the Book of Life will escape the terrifying prospect of eternal separation from him who is all good and just. Praise God for the unspeakable gift of his Son, which for those who believe settles all accounts and pays all debts through his shed blood on the cross of Calvary!
As we fast approach the end of this Season after Pentecost, let us remember the amazing grace of God which was shown to us in the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus, on the Cross. Because he died and rose again for us, we now can know that our sin debt has been paid, and our names are now written in the Book of Life. While we will be judged for our works, through Christ we will escape the specter of eternal separation from God, the second death. Only in Christ can we be saved. In him alone, we are free!
And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
~ Revelation 20.15
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, we thank you for the gift of Christ, who has paid for our sins and written our names in the Book of Life. Only because of what he has accomplished can we possibly escape the vision of the Great White Throne judgment to come. In humility, we cling to him with all our hearts, resting in your unmerited 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. 104.1-9, 24, 35c OT: Job 38.1-7, 34-41 Gospel: Mark 10.35-45 NT: Heb. 5.1-10 (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
But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. [17] Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. [18] He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. [19] God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
~ Psalm 55.16-19
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for your salvation and forgiveness that delivers me from the wrath to come.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Coming of Christ
Revelation 19Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, October 22, 2018