09-13-2015 Sunday Evening Bulletin.pub

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The Lord’s Day Evening

Call to Worship ............................................................... Isaiah 54:1-5

September 13, 2015 Six O’clock

MINISTER: “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. P E O P L E : F o r y o u w il l s p r e a d a b r o a d t o t h e r i g h t a n d t o t h e l e f t , a n d y o u r o f f s p r i n g will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. MINISTER: “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. ALL: F o r yo ur Maker i s yo ur husband, the Lo rd o f ho sts is his nam e; and the Ho l y One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.

Welcome and Announcements Prelude Heavenly Father, I’ve always loved the patriarchs’ story. They remind us that it’s always been about your great faithfulness, not our great faith. The only real hero in your story is Jesus—in whom all your promises find their “Yes!” And so we come to you today asking you to do things well beyond our power—looking to Jesus, not to ourselves. For friends whose hearts have grown indifferent, even cold towards you, we ask you to bring new life into the barrenness of their souls. It’s hard to watch some of your previously faithful servants become disillusioned and disconnected. How does a cynical saint become childlike again? How can vain regrets be trumped by renewed affections? Pour out your Spirit, Father, in the name of Jesus.

Invocation ......................................................... Dr. Sean Michael Lucas

In church families under assault of the enemy, in the entanglements of pettiness, over their heads in messes—do exceedingly beyond all we can ask or imagine. Replace rancor with revival; gossiping with gospeling; armchair quarterbacking with bent-knee praying; a spirit of retaliation with the spirit of reconciliation. Pour out your Spirit, Father, in the name of Jesus.

Songbook 34 ......................................... Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God (Children will be dismissed to 4 Corners on last verse.)

Hymn 32 ......................................................... Great is Thy Faithfulness Missions Moment ...................... Rob Griffith, Third Millennium Ministries

Prayer of Illumination Scripture Reading.................................................. Genesis 29:31-30:43

On those of us facing ill-timed crises; anxious about rebellious children; wanting to flee dead marriages; fearful of acknowledging not-so-hidden addictions; mired in toxic self-righteousness; paralyzed by guilt and shame; entering major transitions; weak in the face of strong temptations… running out of money, time and hope… on us, pour out your Spirit, Father, in the name of Jesus. “Great is your faithfulness, oh God our Father… There is no shadow of turning with you. You do not change and your compassion does not fail. As you have been, you will ever be.” So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ strong and loving name. (365 Everyday Prayers, Scotty Smith)

Sermon ............................................................. Dr. Sean Michael Lucas “The Place of God: The Gospel According to Jacob (6)” Hymn 481..................................................... Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus Benediction Postlude

Sermon Notes Title: The Place of God: The Gospel According to Jacob (6) Text: Genesis 29:31-30:43 1.

2.

3.

Jacob's family (29:31-30:24)

A.

Unloved yet beloved

B.

Barren and bitter

C.

Conflicted yet blessed

Jacob's flocks (30:25-30:43)

A.

Scheme

B.

Success

God's favor

September 13, 2015 6:00 p.m. Presbyterian Church in America Hattiesburg, Mississippi