For October 23, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

October 23, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:14-17

Sermon title: “The Word, Christian Baptism, and the Holy Spirit”

Music:

Opening – 3 Give to Our God Immortal Praise

Preparation – 437 O God, to Us Show Mercy

Response – 474 Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow!

Close – 498 Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Numbers 27:12-23, Deuteronomy 34:9-12

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Acts 8:14-17

Tuesday: 1 Kings 2:1-25

Wednesday: 1 Kings 2:26-46

Thursday: Numbers 27:12-23, Deuteronomy 34:9-12

Friday: Exodus 20:4-6

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

1 Kings 2

Lord, how is it that You work Your justice throughout the earth? One man rises and another falls. One man is given more life by Your mercy, yet the day comes when old transgressions catch up with him, and a taste of Your justice is felt at the day of his death. Bloodshed is all around us, and we cannot sort out all the misery and sin that we see across the years of our lives. There are those who will attempt to accomplish their own plans with intrigue and lies. They worm their way into the homes of the righteous and cause difficulties as they seek a weak ear and an unsuspecting ally. If you were not our help, how could we live? There is much trouble all around us. Please do not take away Your mercy from us. We hate our foolish past and we turn to You as those who know the hope that is securely ours in Your Son. We have heard the truth about the way of life that You have for Your children, and we acknowledge that it is good. Give us the strength to resist evil, lest we die in disgrace. You have fully established Your kingdom in the hands of Your Son. We thank You for the peace that we enjoy in His service.

Deuteronomy 34

Glorious God Almighty, the day of each man’s death approaches. Beyond this day is the coming of all of Your good decrees for life. Grant us a glimpse each day of the age to come. In light of that new vision, teach us to live in the sure hope of the coming age. Fill us with Your heavenly Spirit, and use us for Your good purposes even in the land where we now live. We thank You for Your holy Law that came through Moses. Even more than this, we thank You that grace and truth have come to us through Your Son Jesus Christ.

Acts 8

Sovereign Lord, You have promised that Your truth would not be stopped in Jerusalem, but that it would be heard in all Judea, Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth. As that Word moved forward through Your apostles, many believed, even among those who had formerly been committed to pagan practices. So many in every age are dedicated to the worship of money, or think that they can buy Your gifts. You will bring Your Word even to men such as this. You will open the minds of distant tribes and people groups through Your great power. The faith that comes to one man can eventually touch many more who were once securely bound in the slavery of idolatry. Grant to all Your people the joy of new life, as Your servants are baptized into a community of living hope.

For October 16, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

October 16, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:9-13

Sermon title: “The Astounding Power of God”

Music:

Opening – 53 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Preparation – 172 Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

Response – 169 My Heard Does Overflow

Closing – 699 Like a River Glorious

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism

OT Reading: Psalm 29

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Acts 8:9-13

Tuesday: 1 Kings 1:1-27

Wednesday: 1 Kings 1:28-53

Thursday: Psalm 29

Friday: Exodus 20:1-3

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

1 Kings 1

Glorious God, we live and die at Your command. You know us when we are young, and You know us when we are old. The day comes when we step aside from our duties of responsibility, and the next generation takes our place. We come and go, but Your Son is forever King over the church. Here below, an Adonijah may attempt to make himself something, and he may even seem to succeed for a time. Despite the proud plans of men, You make a man rise or fall. You promised that Solomon would be king instead of Adonijah. Your Word cannot be broken. As we live among ambitious and treacherous men, we feel the danger of ruthless arrogance all around us. Despite these fears, You surely reign, and You will accomplish Your great will. Grant to us faith in You every day. We put aside our needless anxiety, and trust in You. Comfort our hearts as You teach us to trust in Your Word. May we serve You without doubt and fear all the days of our lives. We have been found in Your Son. Why should we live as orphans when we have such a good heritage in Your Son Jesus Christ? His throne is great and His Name is glorious. Thank You for our secure relation to You in the life and death of Your Son. Though we die, yet we only sleep in Jesus Christ. He will call our bodies forth from the grave. We live now in this most excellent hope.

Psalm 29

Lord of Hosts, all worship of men and angels is due to You, for You alone are God. Your voice is fearful and wonderful, like glorious thunder from the heavens. Blessed be Your Name, O great King. We hear Your Word of peace, and are greatly blessed.

Acts 8

Sovereign Lord, You have promised that Your truth would not be stopped in Jerusalem, but that it would be heard in all Judea, Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth. As that Word moved forward through Your apostles, many believed, even among those who had formerly been committed to pagan practices. So many in every age are dedicated to the worship of money, or think that they can buy Your gifts. You will bring Your Word even to men such as this. You will open the minds of distant tribes and people groups through Your great power. The faith that comes to one man can eventually touch many more who were once securely bound in the slavery of idolatry. Grant to all Your people the joy of new life, as Your servants are baptized into a community of living hope.

For October 9, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

October 9, 2011

Preaching: Intern Nathan Snyder

Sermon text: Psalm 100

Sermon title: “”

Music:

Opening – 1 All People That on Earth Do Dwell

Preparation – 163 At the Name of Jesus

Response – 170 Fairest Lord Jesus

Closing – 296 All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!

Confession of Faith: Nicene Creed

NT Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Psalm 100

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 24:1-14

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 24:15-25

Thursday: Philippians 4:4-9

Friday: Matthew 22:39

Saturday: Psalm 100

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

2 Samuel 24

Father God, we are so weak, and we would easily fail and fall at any test. Surely we need Your strength if we are to resist evil. We are so full of pride. We do what we do because of our own desires. Transform our hearts into something better and purer, that we might have holier desires. Your heart is perfect. Make us to love what You love, and to pursue these better desires with all the power and faith that comes from You. We would bring great trouble upon our lives and upon others all around us through our lust for power, fame, or pleasure. We need an atoning sacrifice for our wickedness. Your hand came against a Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the Lamb of God for us. Through His perfect desires and His astounding love, a plague of death has been taken away from us. Through His own life and death, He has accomplished what could never have come to us through the death of bulls or goats. Though we can pay nothing for our salvation, the cost to You has been measured out in the blood of Your Son. Thank You for Your mercy, for Your justice has been satisfied at a great cost, and we have been redeemed.

Psalm 100

Father, the duty of worship is not only for Israel. All Your people throughout the earth should love and serve You. We thank You for Your steadfast love, secured for us in the life and death of Your Son.

Philippians 4

Our God and King, take away from our hearts unproductive and vicious thoughts that are out of accord with godliness. Take away our foolish anxieties, and help us to rejoice in You always. Keep our minds on You and on Your great works of creation, providence, and redemption. Fill us with peace as we fill our minds with the glorious wonders of Your greatness and beauty. Thank You for those You have given to us as companions and partners in the way of faith and life. We have confidence in You, for You will not abandon us. You will supply our every need, according to the abundance of Your grace for all of Your children.

For October 2, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

October 2, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:5-8

Sermon title: “A Proclamation that Brings Much Joy to a City”

Music:

Opening – 97 We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer, Creator

Preparation – 164 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Response – 646 Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

Closing – 455 And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Psalm 48

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Acts 8

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 23:1-7

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 23:8-39

Thursday: Psalm 48

Friday: Matthew 22:37

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

2 Samuel 23

Glorious Lord, You have granted to us the Word of Your Anointed, the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given us good news and has filled us with Your Holy Spirit. He is our great Ruler and King. He is the Seed of the Woman, who has crushed the head of the serpent. In our Redeemer, we have been made as mighty men, for even the devil is to be crushed under our feet. You have granted to Your servants water from the well of eternal life. At the cost of Your Son’s blood, You have given us a spring of water that gushes up forever, a refreshing help for weary sinners. O Father, we long for the fulfillment of Your Son’s Kingdom. There remain enemies all around us, and we are weak and weary in our duties. Even when we read Your Word and worship You we feel the challenge of our flesh and our sin. Deliver us forever from this body of death, and bring us into a land of abiding strength.

Psalm 48

Lord of heaven and earth, we look to Your great sanctuary in glory and we are astonished. Your Word teaches us about the place of our citizenship in that heavenly Jerusalem. We are deeply impressed. Our expectation of the life to come is a matter of great joy for our souls. We will pass on this good news to the coming generation, and will speak of You throughout all the nations of men.

Acts 8

Sovereign Lord, You have promised that Your truth would not be stopped in Jerusalem, but that it would be heard in all Judea, Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth. As that Word moved forward through Your apostles, many believed, even among those who had formerly been committed to pagan practices. So many in every age are dedicated to the worship of money, or think that they can buy Your gifts. You will bring Your Word even to men such as this. You will open the minds of distant tribes and people groups through Your great power. The faith that comes to one man can eventually touch many more who were once securely bound in the slavery of idolatry. Grant to all Your people the joy of new life, as Your servants are baptized into a community of living hope.

For September 25, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

September 25, 2011

Preaching: Nathan Snyder

Sermon text: Romans 8:18-39

Sermon title: “Trusting God in Our Suffering”

Music:

Opening – 38 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Preparation – 44 How Great Thou Art

Response – 691 It Is Well with My Soul

Closing – 295 Crown Him With Many Crowns

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism

OT Reading: Psalm 44

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Romans 8

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 22:1-31

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 22:32-51

Thursday: Psalm 44

Friday: Luke 9:23-26

Saturday: Romans 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

2 Samuel 22

O Lord our Rock, You have delivered us from all our enemies. We take refuge in You. You have saved us from the hands of the violent. The waves of death would have been too much for us. When we called to You, Your help was near. You are able to answer Your children in the day of trouble. There is no God but You. You who rule the elements will help Your children who cry out to You night and day. You can push back any enemy from on high, no matter how strong they may seem. Thank You for the perfect righteousness of Your Son. He has kept Your ways blamelessly. You have rewarded us according to His obedience, for You are merciful to the humble. We turn away from all known sin. Be a shield to us, for You are a strong refuge to those who fear You. Grant us energy for the tasks ahead. May we worship You forever, for You have already destroyed our greatest enemies. Give us Your strength for the remaining battle that we face day by day. You are the God of Your people. Your Son is our Head and King. We serve Him with gladness. You have loved us with an everlasting love. Our future is secure. We will sing praises to Your Name forever in the congregation of the redeemed.

Psalm 44

Lord God, so many of Your great deeds are recorded for us in Your Word. You have won the victory for Your people through centuries of trouble and deliverance. We do not trust in ourselves. We boast in You. But where are You today, Father? We do not understand our current situation. While we do not doubt Your power and Your love, we are ashamed of our present condition. Your Son is still the King and Head of the church and our perfect Substitute. Yet we are in great need. Our affliction and oppression are obvious. We need You. Help us today, in accord with Your steadfast love.

Romans 8

Lord God, what a great and solid hope is ours through Christ! Help us by Your Spirit to live by that same Spirit rather than by the flesh. We have Your Spirit in us, and we belong to You. Even if our body should die because of sin, we shall be alive because of Jesus. Thanks be to You, O God, for this blessed assurance! You have given us hope for even the weakest saint. You will give life again to our mortal bodies. Teach us how to live. Teach us how to put to death the deeds of the flesh that we might live for You now in the way that we should. Thank You that You have granted to us the Spirit of Adoption, by which we cry out to You, our merciful Heavenly Father. Your Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are Your children. Make us willing to suffer for You today, knowing the truth of the age of glory that is surely coming. We are longing for that day. We long for the redemption of our bodies. This is our hope. Help us now by Your Spirit, that we might know how to seek You in prayer. We know that You are for us. You loved us so long ago, and You have planned everything that is necessary for our joyful participation in the age of resurrection. Even now You will help us. One day we will see that You have given us all things. Father, may Your Son take our prayers and intercede for us in ways that are right and good. Please do not let anyone or anything separate us from Your love for us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

For September 18, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

September 18, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:1-4

Sermon title: “The Trial and Triumph of Faith”

Music:

Opening – 17 Praise the Lord: Ye Heavens Adore Him

Preparation – 330 Holy Ghost, Dispel Our Sadness

Response – 108 Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right

Closing – 630 Eternal Father Strong to Save

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Psalm 8

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Acts 8

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 21:15-22

Thursday: Psalm 8

Friday: Exodus 20:17

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

2 Samuel 21

Eternal God, when men have long forgotten about the bloodguilt of their fathers, You still remember. Is there some curse upon us because of the wickedness and lies of those who have gone before us? Father, we have no way to make things right. First, we must understand our offense. Even then, what can we do, since we are already Your possession through the death of Your Son? We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. We plead the blood of Christ, seeking Your mercy and forgiveness, for many men have been unfaithful. Unless You make a way for the restoration of our fortunes, we will surely fall. Give us aid from above, lest our lamps be quenched in a battle that is too difficult for us.

Psalm 8

Creator God, we see all Your marvelous works and extol You. You have a special place for man in Your holy plan. We bow before You and Your Son Jesus Christ. All things are Yours, and everything everywhere should rightly give You praise.

Acts 8

Sovereign Lord, You have promised that Your truth would not be stopped in Jerusalem, but that it would be heard in all Judea, Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth. As that Word moved forward through Your apostles, many believed, even among those who had formerly been committed to pagan practices. So many in every age are dedicated to the worship of money, or think that they can buy Your gifts. You will bring Your Word even to men such as this. You will open the minds of distant tribes and people groups through Your great power. The faith that comes to one man can eventually touch many more who were once securely bound in the slavery of idolatry. Grant to all Your people the joy of new life, as Your servants are baptized into a community of living hope.

For September 11, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

September 11, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 7:51-60

Sermon title: “The Horrible Moment”

Music:

Opening – 6 O Come, My Soul, Bless Thou the Lord

Preparation – 181 We Come, O Christ, to You

Response – 157 None Other Lamb, None Other Name

Closing – 345 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Psalm 31:5 and Psalm 32

Preparation Guide

Sunday: Review morning sermon (evening service @ 5pm)

Monday: Acts 7

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 20:1-13

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 20:14-26

Thursday: Psalm 31:5 and Psalm 32

Friday: Exodus 20:16

Saturday: Acts 7

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

(Passages that we will refer to in next Sunday's worship)

2 Samuel 20

Lord Almighty, as we seek the growth and holiness of Your kingdom, worthless men would work for disruption and trouble in Your house. Protect us from evil and self-seeking enemies. Give us holiness and love that are in Christ. Keep us from the deeds of men of intrigue who would kill and destroy in order to get revenge or eliminate dissent. Should such things be allowed to stand in Your church? Use all of Your men and women, high and low, to bring true peace and faithfulness to Your people. Help us to turn away from leaders who would only be haters of Christ. We return to You, O God, for You will build Your kingdom. Thank you for the opportunities that You grant to us for humble service as Your disciples.

Psalm 31 and Psalm 32

God of Providence, You are the only hope of the righteous. Be our Rock and our Fortress. We trust our souls and bodies to You. You know the depth of the affliction of Your servants. You see our tears, and You hear our sighs. Though our neighbors may hate or forget us, our times are in Your powerful hand. Save us in Your steadfast love. Your justice will come against Your enemies in the day of Your glory. When all hope seems lost, You remain the sure hope of Your people.

Father, You have counted the righteousness of Christ as our righteousness. His death was ours, and His life above is also for us. Our sin has been forgiven, for You have delivered our lives from Your wrath. You make us messengers of faith in Your Son. We will trust in Him forever, together with all who have been counted as upright in heart by Your grace.

Acts 7

Our Father, grant that we would rightly appreciate the privilege of suffering for the name of Jesus Christ. Without this true assessment of our trials, we will always shrink away from a forthright statement of Your Word in situations of danger. You have sent one Man who would truly keep Your perfect Law. Through His death and resurrection He became the cornerstone of a new spiritual temple, Your church throughout the world. All of the patriarchs and heroes of the faith in earlier days longed for this day of the Messiah. Now He has actually visited us. This Jesus did all things well. He has poured out Your Holy Spirit upon Your church. We love the Law of Christ. We rejoice in the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We long for the fulfillment of Your promise in the age to come, in the land of Resurrection. We love the Word of the Prophets which has now come in person in the great beauty of our Messiah. He is the perfect Son of David, and He has built a new house for His people in His own world-wide body. We will not resist the Holy Spirit. We will love and serve the Righteous One. Teach us the truth about our sin, that we might more fully and earnestly repent of it and be forgiven. Though men might work together to kill us, Your truth can never be stopped. Grant us such a beauty of holiness and love that we would be willing to forgive those who seek our destruction.