Pastor’s Note Dear Ones, Most people who believe in God, believe he is sovereign. That he is in control of their lives and the world around them. It seems to me, that if your God is not sovereign then he/she must be something more akin to a superhero than a God—powerful, but limited. Certainly, it is a comfort to have a sovereign God. But even more comforting is the fact that this sovereign God is loving. He is loving toward all that he has made and particular in that love to His particular people. That is where true comfort lies. Warmly, Steve
Sunday Worship Services: 9 AM and 10:30 AM Children’s Sunday School: 9 AM 9008 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 741.6562 |
[email protected] website: wepc.org PCA | pcanet.org 2 May 6, 2018
G O D T H E FAT H E R C A L L S U S T O W O R S H I P H I M
Preparation for Worship & Communion IT PLEASED THE LORD TO BLESS ISRAEL “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” —Genesis 12:3 “There is no end to the blessing which God gives to His chosen. He is always blessing us with blessings upon blessings, grace upon grace, and then there will be glory to crown it all… Christ bestows all the goodness of the past, the present, and the future upon His people. In the mysterious ages of the past the Lord Jesus was His Father’s first elect, and in His election He gave us an interest, for we were chosen in Him from before the foundation of the world.” —Charles H. Spurgeon
Sixth Sunday of Easter We are now in the season of Easter—a celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Followers of Christ are called to a life of dying to sin, rising to the life of the Spirit, and participating in His reign as the Sovereign Lord. The Church now lives as those who are “risen with Christ,” living under His rule.
Call to Worship Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel. He alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with His glory!
Psalm 72:18-19 The First Word Because we believe God initiates with sinners, we begin worship with His Word: His invitation to us to gather in His name.
Amen and Amen!
Invocation
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Song of Adoration Holy, Holy, Holy! HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Text: Reginald Heber (1783-1826) Tune: John B. Bykes (1823-1876)
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” – Revelation 4:8
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Text: Reginald Heber (1826) Tune: NICAEA (Dykes)
4 May 6, 2018
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Welcome
Visitors, we are glad you are here. Following the service, please join Pastor Steve Shelby for coffee in the Gallery.
New Testament Reading Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
I Peter 3:8-12
Ministry of Prayer
Offering
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Song of Praise Psalm 147 - Praise the Lord, O Zion!
PSALM 147
“Praise the Lord.” –Psalm 146:1
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Wendell Kimbrough ©2015 Wendell Kimbrough Music Used by permission. CCLI #708363
Gloria Patri
GLORIA PATRI “Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.” – Psalm 96:9
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Text: 2nd century hymn Tune: Karl Digerness © 2009 Karl Digerness Music Used by Permission. CCLI# 708363
6 May 6, 2018
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G O D T H E S O N R E N E W S U S T H RO U G H H I S WO R D & S AC R A M E N T
Scripture Reading And Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.” 28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert. 29 And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” 30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 23:27
When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and he took up his discourse and said, 24:1
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, 4 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: 5 How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! 6 Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. 7 Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8 God brings him out of Egypt and is for him like the horns of the wild ox; he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries, and shall break their bones in pieces and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 He crouched, he lay down like a lion
Numbers 23:27 - 24:25
and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.11 Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, ‘I will certainly honor you,’ but the Lord has held you back from honor.” 12 And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, 13 ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak’? 14 And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.” 10
And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, 16 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: 17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. 18 Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. 19 And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!” 15
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Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, “Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.” 20
And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, “Enduring is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock. 22 Nevertheless, Kain shall be burned when Asshur takes you away captive.” 21
And he took up his discourse and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this? 24 But ships shall come from Kittim and shall afflict Asshur and Eber; and he too shall come to utter destruction.” 23
Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.
25
Sermon A Worship Guide with sermon notes and recordings is posted each Sunday at wepc.org/sermons.
Preparation for the Lord’s Supper
Words of Institution I Corinthians 11:23-26
8 May 6, 2018
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Confession of Sin Lord Jesus, You offered us all Your blessings when You proclaimed: “Blessed are the poor in spirit”— but we have been rich in pride. “Blessed are those who mourn”— but we have not known much sorrow for our sin. “Blessed are the meek”— but we have been a stubborn people. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”— but we have been filled to the full with created things. “Blessed are the merciful”— but we have been harsh and impatient.
based on Matthew 5:1-12 Confession & Encouragement Often we find that our hearts are worshipping something other than God. In confessing our sins, the Holy Spirit probes our hearts and minds and graciously shows us what we mistakenly believe will give us life. Jesus is good to lead us from sorrow over our sin to the sweetness of His grace.
“Blessed are the pure in heart”— but our hearts have loved all the wrong things. “Blessed are the peacemakers”— but we have not sought reconciliation. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness”— but our lives have not challenged the world. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me”— but we have hardly made it known that we are Yours. Lord, have mercy upon us; Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us. Silent Confession
Words of Encouragement Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.
Romans 4:7-8
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The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper West End Presbyterian Church welcomes all baptized Christians who actively trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, who are willing to forsake their sin and heartidols, and who are members of congregations that proclaim the Gospel to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper with us. Wine is in the outer ring of the communion tray, grape juice is in the inner rings. All bread is gluten-free. Please come forward as you are ready to participate in the Lord's Supper individually, with a friend, or as a family. If you need special assistance and are not able to come forward for Communion, raise your hand and we will come to you at the conclusion of the Lord's Supper. Elders & Deacons are glad to pray for your children who have not yet become communing members. If your child is ready to make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ, please mark today’s tear-off or contact the WEPC office.
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G O D T H E H O LY S P I R I T T R A N S F O R M S U S B Y H I S G R A C E
Songs of Response to God’s Grace IN THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER In the Name of God the Father, In the Name of God the Son, In the Name of God the Spirit, One in Three, and Three in One;
Text: J. W. Hewett (1867) Tune: The Ironsides ©2011 The Ironsides Used by permission. CCLI #: 708363
In the Name which highest angels Speak not ‘ere they veil their face, Crying, Holy, Holy, Holy,” Come we to this sacred place.
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me… This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” – Luke 22:19-20
Lo, in wondrous condescension, Jesus seeks His altar-throne; Though in lowly symbols hidden, Faith and love His Presence own. When the Lord His temple visits, Let the listening earth be still; May the Spirit’s sweet indwelling Each believing heart fulfill.
Here, in Figure represented, See the Passion once again; Here behold the Lamb most Holy, As for our redemption slain; Here the Saviour’s Body broken, Here the Blood which Jesus shed, Now the offer of communion, Into lasting joy be led.
Here shall highest praise be offered, Here shall meekest prayer be poured, Here, with body, soul, and spirit, God Incarnate be adored. Holy Jesus, for Thy coming May Thy love our hearts prepare; Thine we pray would have them wholly, Enter, Lord, and tarry there.
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MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST MY SAVIOR “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
1. May the mind of Christ, my Savior, Live in me from day to day, By His love and power controlling All I do and say.
4. May the love of Jesus fill me, As the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self-abasing This is victory.
2. May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour, So that all may see I triumph Only through His power.
5. May His beauty rest upon me, As I seek the lost to win; And may they forget the channel, Seeing only Him.
3. May the peace of God, my Father, Rule my life in everything. That I may be calm to comfort Sick and sorrowing.
6. May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.
Text: Kate B. Wilkinson (1925) Tune: ST. LEONARDS (Barham-Gould, 1925)
FATHER, LONG BEFORE CREATION “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalm 90:2
1. Father, long before creation Thou hadst chosen us in love, And that love so deep, so moving, Draws us close to Christ above. Still it keeps us, still it keeps us. Firmly fixed in Christ alone.
3. God’s compassion is my story, Is my boasting all the day; Mercy free and never failing Moves my will, directs my way. God so loved us, God so loved us That His only Son He gave.
2. Though the world may change its fashion, Yet our God is e’er the same; His compassion and His covenant Through all ages will remain. God’s own children, God’s own children Must forever praise His name.
4. Loving Father now before Thee We will ever praise Thy love, And our songs will sound unceasing ‘Til we reach our home above, Giving glory, giving glory To our God and to the Lamb.
Text: Francis Johnson (1951) Tune: Andrew Osenga ©2005 The Velvet Eagle Sings Used by permission. CCLI #: 708363
12 May 6, 2018
Doxology
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“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6 Text: Thomas Ken (1709) Tune: OLD HUNDREDTH (Bourgeois, 1551) What does “doxology” mean? It’s a word derived from two Greek words meaning ”glory” and “word.” A doxology, then, is a spoken word or song that ascribes glory to God. Today’s doxology calls all of creation to praise God as the source of all blessing and acknowledges His Trinitarian (three-in-one) nature.
The Last Word God always has the last word in our worship. For those who are in Christ Jesus, these are always words of blessing.
After the service, the Elders are available at the front of the sanctuary to pray with you or for you, and to answer questions about the sermon or West End Presbyterian Church. Pastor Steve Shelby preached today’s sermon. WEPC Elder and Neighborhood Outreach Director Changjwok Deng led worship. Music was led by Worship Arts Directors Taylor Barnett and Tiffanie Chan, along with Robin Huff, Andrew Bogle, Emily Baish, Tom Krieger, Karl Kuder, and Craig Spoor. The tapestry at the front of the sanctuary is the traditional liturgical color of white for this 50-day season of Easter. The tapestry will return to its many colors during the season of Pentecost. The piece is entitled “Psalm 148,” and was created by a team of WEPC artists. wepc.org
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