THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
04 . 26 . 15
The fullness of the resurrection requires more than a day to unpack. The Easter season is a fifty-day celebration that ends on Pentecost Sunday (Pentekost = Fiftieth). The Easter season is a time to let the implications of the resurrection sink in deeper, inviting us to realign our worldview and conform our living to the reality that we have been raised with Christ to new life. Easter is full of joy and the laughter of love - the grave is empty, love has won, Christ is risen!
WELCOME! The following prayer may be used as you prepare for worship:
Holy and merciful God, as we enter into worship this day, we pause to confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. Have mercy on us, Lord. Forgive our sins, and help us to worship you aright, live in your light, and walk in your ways, remembering that Jesus has conquered sin and death. Amen.
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we rejoice that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead put the exclamation point on all that was accomplished at the cross. Thine is the Glory - Risen, Conquering King!
Sanctuary Services THE CHURCH IN CORPORATE WORSHIP REFLECTION
APRIL 26, 2015
The Gospel is news of what God has done to reach us, not advice about what we must do to reach God. - Timothy Keller We are not Christians because of our goodness, or even our capacity for arriving at correct beliefs. We are Christians because we are a mess, and God is gracious. - Jared Ayers
If we have never sought, we seek thee now; Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars; We must have sight of thorn-marks on thy brow, We must have thee, O Jesus of the scars.
The heavens frighten us; they are too calm; In all the universe we have no place. Our wounds are hurting us; where is thy balm? Lord Jesus, by thy scars we know thy grace.
If, when the doors are shut, thou drawest near, Only reveal those hands, that side of thine; We know today what wounds are, have no fear; Show us thy scars, we know the countersign. 361 Egypt Road Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.856.3222 Equipping people to pursue Jesus Christ passionately as they impact the culture. eastcooperbaptist.com
The other gods were strong; but thou was weak; They rode, but thou didst stumble to a throne; But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak, And not a god has wounds, but thou alone. — Edward Shillito, Jesus of the Scars, written in the aftermath of WWI.
Morning Welcome THINE IS THE GLORY
Prelude • Great Things He Has Done • ECBC Orchestra
“Conquering Son” is not a name used often for Jesus, but it is a fitting military title for the One whose resurrection Christians celebrate each Sunday, and not just on Easter day.
THINE IS THE GLORY Maccabaeus
Stanza 3 asks that this conquering hero will also help us fight. Fight our greatest enemy—death. Death is here compared to the Jordan River, which the ancient Israelites in their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, had to cross before they could finally settle in the Promised Land. The Apostle Paul promises that victory over this final enemy is assured for those who belong to Christ: The last enemy to be destroyed is death—death has been swallowed up! Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Corinthians 15) But, the same power that will enable us to conquer death in the future is available to help us conquer another enemy: Sin.
Thine is the victory, risen conquering Son. Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won.
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One (Jesus) who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
THE CROSS AND THE RESURRECTION In I Corinthians 15, Paul points directly to the events of the cross and resurrection of Christ. He is not concerned with just any gospel, but with the only gospel that saves. Paul’s statement of priority is a vital corrective for our confused times. Without hesitation, Paul writes with urgency about the truths that are “as of first importance.” All revealed truth is vital, invaluable, lifechanging truth to which every disciple of Christ is fully accountable. But certain truths are of highest importance, and that is the language Paul uses without qualification.
Morning Prayer of Praise The Affirmation of Faith • Philippians 2:6-11
LEADER: Whom do we worship as our Lord and King?
CONGREGATION: We worship Jesus as our Lord and King, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
AT THE CROSS (Love Ran Red) CHRIS TOMLIN
There’s a place where mercy reigns and never dies, There’s a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide. Where all the love I’ve ever found, Comes like a flood, Comes flowing down.
And what is of first importance? “That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,” and “that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
At the cross At the cross I surrender my life. I’m in awe of You I’m in awe of You Where Your love ran red and my sin washed white. I owe all to You I owe all to You Jesus.
The cross and the empty tomb stand at the center of the Christian faith. Without these, there is no good news — no salvation.
There’s a place where sin and shame are powerless. Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness. Where all the love I’ve ever found. Comes like a flood, Comes flowing down.
Following his example, we can do no less.
These twin truths remain “as of first importance.” As Paul reminded the Corinthians — and now instructs us — the gospel is at the center of our faith, and the cross and the empty tomb are at the center of the gospel.
May the power of the cross and the victory of the empty tomb fill every pulpit, every pew, and every Christian heart — and may the Good News of the gospel be received with joy by sinners in need of a Savior. -- Al Mohler
Here my hope is found Here on holy ground Here I bow down Here arms open wide Here You save my life Here I bow down Here I bow down
Congregational Prayer Time
Prayer Response HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US STUART TOWNEND
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FUR US Song Story
How deep the Father’s love for us How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory
Written in 1995, “How Deep the Father’s Love” is comprised of three simple verses, but they teach the basics of our faith. They discuss not only the death and resurrection of Jesus, but also the love of God and sin of man.
Behold the man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished
On his own website, Townend states that he had been considering the cross, “in particular what it cost the Father to give up his beloved Son to a torturous death on a cross.” Then he thought about his own part in that event; thus the line, “It was my sin that nailed Him there.”
I will not boast in anything No gifts no power no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom
The last lines of the hymn are some of the finest words ever penned, as we sing, “But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.” Those words bring the worshiper’s mind back to the fact of his/her own sin, but also the glorious salvation brought about by Jesus Christ.
OFFERTORY PRAYER • Joseph Wrenn, Deacon of the Day OFFERTORY • When I Survey the Wondrous Cross • ECBC Choir and Orchestra CONGREGATIONAL GREETINGS MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS THE MORNING SERMON
In terms of modern hymns, there may not be a song that better expresses the basics of the Christian faith, while at the same time being highly introspective.
Oh, Why should I gain from His reward I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom.
THE BENEDICTION • Based on Hebrews 13:20-21
LEADER: May the God of peace, who raised to life the great shepherd of the sheep, make us ready to do his will in every good thing, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever. Let us go forth in the name of Christ. CONGREGATION: Thanks be to God! Amen!
THE POSTLUDE
MORNING MESSAGE
Justification and the Righteousness of God
Babies & Toddlers
In order to maintain a worshipful atmosphere and for the comfort of our little ones, we ask that parents exit the service with their crying babies and talkative toddlers. We would encourage parents to use our excellent nursery and trained staff to care for your children.
The Spoken Word
CD’s of today’s sermon ($3 each) may be special ordered through the church office during the week. The messages may also be heard online at the church website.
Rick Mosteller Romans 3:21-26: 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
“The Acropolis of the Bible” – Lloyd Jones. “This may be the most important single paragraph ever written” – Morris God’s righteousness revealed in Christ’s cross has secured our eternal justification. I. The Need for Justification “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (v. 23) ”The vast majority (of emerging adults) are moral intuitionists that is, they believe that they know what is right and wrong by attending to the subjective feelings or intuitions that they sense within themselves.” Souls in Transition, Dr. Christian Smith
Responding to the Word
“The human heart is an idol making factory. It takes good things like a successful career, love, material possessions, even family, and turns them into ultimate things. Our hearts deify them as the center of our lives, because, we think, they can give us significance and security, safety and fulfillment, if we attain them.” Counterfeit Gods, Tim Keller II. The Meaning of Justification Justification by faith is God’s declaring believers to be righteous not on the basis of their own works but on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. God declares that he has accepted the sacrifice of Christ as the payment of our debt to the divine justice (forgiveness of sins) and in place of the sin he imputes (credits to our account) Christ’s righteousness to us. The Foundations of the Christian Faith, J. Boice a. A legal act of God the Father in which we are passive. b. It includes full forgiveness of sins, past present and future. • “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) • “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) c. God declares us righteous based on the imputation (crediting to our account) of the Righteousness of Christ - an alien righteousness – Martin Luther • “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) d. It is a free gift of sovereign grace – (v. 24)
As we sit under the reading and teaching of Scripture, it calls for a response as we ask ourselves “what will we do with the truth presented today?” The Christian life is marked by the offering of one’s self to God to be shaped, empowered, directed and changed by God and His Word. In worship, God presents us with the costly self-offering of Jesus Christ. We are calmed by Christ and set free. In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ we offer our lives, our gifts, our time, our abilities and our material goods for God’s service, His glory, and our ultimate good.
III. The Ground of Justification a. The redemption which is in Christ Jesus. (v. 24) Redemption – to buy back, deliverance by payment of a price, ransom. • “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) 1. Draws attention to the Plight from which we were redeemed – Moral bondage, slaves to sin. • “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” (Romans 6:17) 2. “The Price of our redemption – the precious blood of Christ. • “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
3. The Person, the Son of God, my Redeemer – Acts 20:28, Heb 9:12, “Christ entered once for all… securing eternal redemption”. b. The sacrifice of Atonement. (v. 25) Propitiation – Literally to cover, to appease the wrath of God by removing sin Lloyd Jones defines the wrath of God as: “His settled opposition to all that is evil, arising out of His very nature. By nature God abhors evil, He hates evil. His holiness of necessity leads to that.” 1. God’s holiness is offended by sin – the entire OT sacrificial system was designed to deal with this problem. 2. It is God Himself who provides the sacrifice of atonement to propitiate His wrath and satisfy His justice. “God does not love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us because God loved us. If it is God’s wrath which needed to be propitiated, it is God’s love which did the propitiating.” The Cross of Christ, John Stott c. The Demonstration of God’s Righteousness (vv. 25-26) “that God may be just and the Justifier…”
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IV. The Instrument of Justification – Faith Saving faith includes knowledge, assent, and trust. It is a personal commitment. The key component to saving faith is its object – Jesus Christ. “Faith is not strictly a cognitive affair; if anything, it is a totally self-involving act, because that is what God requires of us. It is deeply associated with the term trust, and it is thoroughly relational” – Daniel Castelo
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Application: 1. The gospel must be understood properly, proclaimed widely, contended for bravely, and accepted personally. Martin Luther 2. We are not only saved by faith but we live by faith. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”(Colossians 2:6) 3. Preach the gospel to yourself everyday We habitually and instinctively look to other things besides God and His grace as our justification, hope, significance, and security. We believe the gospel at one level, but at deeper levels we do not- Tim Keller “Remember who we are as a child of God, rest in his power and provision, and then act in reliance upon him. There is a difference between merely reminding ourselves of truth, and preaching to ourselves the truth of the gospel. The latter is self-consciously and intentionally reminding ourselves of the person and presence and provisions of our Redeemer.” - Paul Tripp 4. We have the joy of sins forgiven (Psalm 32) and Peace with God (Romans 5:1) 5. We are not our own, we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
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