For December 4, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

December 4, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Psalm 46:1-3

Sermon title: “In God We Trust” Part 1 of 3

Music:

Opening – 195 Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come

Preparation – 193 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Response – 221 Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Closing – 598 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism

New Testament Passage: Luke 1:26-38

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Psalm 46

Tuesday: 1 Kings 7:1-22

Wednesday: 1 Kings 7:23-51

Thursday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Friday: Exodus 20:15

Saturday: Psalm 46

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 7

Great God, where do You dwell? Where is Your house? No one can contain You, yet You inhabit the praise of Your people. We long for heaven, for You are there, yet You are everywhere. We cannot see You, and we easily forget You. Forgive us. Fill us with wisdom and understanding. Grant to us spiritual skill for the beauty of Your Kingdom. Thank You for the gifts that You have given to Your people. There is much beauty, order, and goodness throughout the earth. What must heaven be like, since it is surely superior to what we know and understand? Yet, there is some great purpose to the current creation, and we marvel at the magnificence and order of what we are permitted to observe. We long for You. We seek the complete removal of all sin. We wait for a permanent end to all disappointment and misery. Grant us joy as we see the beauty of the earth, the skies, and the seas. Give to us a great appreciation for the achievements that You have brought through the work and wisdom of men. Above all of Your creatures, blessed be Your Name, O Lord.

Luke 1

Glorious God, we thank You for the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You are a God of order, and You have set out for us the story of Your Son in a way that is clear and wonderful. At just the right time You sent angels and prophets, raised up nations and brought about events, that we might be prepared for the coming of our Redeemer. You sent John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth. The word of his coming was given through the angel Gabriel. John’s father saw a vision, and he was unable to speak until the coming of this forerunner. Even more than the miracle of John’s birth, this same angel informed Mary of an event more magnificent than the coming of John. She conceived a Son who would be Your own Son. This Jesus would reign forever and ever, and would be born to a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the blessing of the gift of Your Son. Nothing is impossible with You, O Lord. We are Your servants. Let it be to us according to Your holy Word. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak wonderful words of truth throughout our days on earth. We believe Your Word, which shall be fulfilled in due season. Look upon our humble estate and do great things for us according to Your strength and Your promise. You bring the high low, and the low You make high by Your grace. You have fulfilled the promise to Abraham in the gift of Jesus Christ. As John was given that the people might be prepared for a yet more glorious gift, the coming of Your Son means grace upon grace for us and a gift beyond all other gifts. We hear the Word that You have spoken and we wonder about all the marvelous things You have for us. We will be saved from our enemies through Your covenant mercies granted to Your children. May we serve Your Son in holiness and righteousness all our days. Forgive our sins moment by moment, and grant us light, that we might walk in the way of peace.

Psalm 46

Strong Deliverer, You are the Help of Your people every day and through every time of trouble. There is a great river of Your Spirit coming to us out of Your heavenly sanctuary. You have made us glad. You have defended us in times of trouble. You will glorify Your Name in us, for You are the mighty fortress of Your church, and we are Your people.

For November 27, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

November 27, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:26-40

Sermon title: “The Good News About Jesus”

Music:

Opening – 80 Lord, with Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee

Preparation – 165 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

Response – 521 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Closing – 455 And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Acts 8:26-40

Tuesday: 1 Kings 6:1-13

Wednesday: 1 Kings 6:14-38

Thursday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Friday: Exodus 20:14

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 6

Lord God, the work of building Your house requires much vision, wisdom, and obedience. Your resurrected and ascended Son is leading us in this important mission. Help us to keep His statutes, that we might be effective in worship and service for You. We now have access to the Most Holy Place in heaven through the blood of Christ. Your dwelling place with men is more precious than gold. What a creation is man, made in Your image! How much more wonderful is Your work of redemption, for we are now new creatures in Christ! Thank You for Your holy angels, created to be servants to the heirs of salvation. We long to see the gates of heaven. We know that Christ is the foundation of Your great house. We hear His holy voice through the witness of apostles and prophets.

Isaiah 53

O Lord, so many have ignored the truth of Your grace. So many were offended by the lowliness of our holy King. How is it that men would dare to despise Jesus, who was wounded for our transgressions? Thank You for this great truth: that the Shepherd died for the sheep. The One who was oppressed and afflicted in silence, now lives forever in the strength of resurrection power. When He is seen again, every knee shall bow before Him who was an offering for sin. He has justified many by His knowledge. He has carried our guilt. Through the strength of His death, and through His intercession for us, we have been saved.

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 November 20, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

November 20, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:26-40

Sermon title: “The Good News About Jesus”

Music:

Opening – 9 All You That Fear Jehovah's Name

Preparation – 162 Of the Father's Love Begotten

Response – 420 At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing

Closing – Psalm 46 - 2^nd Version

Confession of Faith: Apostles Creed

OT Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Acts 8:26-40

Tuesday: 1 Kings 5:1-7

Wednesday: 1 Kings 5:8-18

Thursday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Friday: Exodus 20:13

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 5

Almighty Father, You are building Your great temple through Jesus Christ. You have made us living stones in Your house. He is the great Cornerstone, rejected by men, but precious in Your sight. With the greatest patience and wisdom He is building us up to be a dwelling place for Your Spirit. Grant us enthusiasm and faithfulness as we do our part in this great work, that Your Kingdom may be established according to Your glorious plan.

Isaiah 53

O Lord, so many have ignored the truth of Your grace. So many were offended by the lowliness of our holy King. How is it that men would dare to despise Jesus, who was wounded for our transgressions? Thank You for this great truth: that the Shepherd died for the sheep. The One who was oppressed and afflicted in silence, now lives forever in the strength of resurrection power. When He is seen again, every knee shall bow before Him who was an offering for sin. He has justified many by His knowledge. He has carried our guilt. Through the strength of His death, and through His intercession for us, we have been saved.

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 November 13, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

November 13, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:25

Sermon title: “Preaching the Gospel to Many Villages”

Music:

Opening – 117 The Spacious Firmament on High

Preparation – Psalm 126

Response – 520 Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness

Closing – White 3 Heaven's Gift

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism

OT Reading: Isaiah 54:1-3

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Acts 8:25

Tuesday: 1 Kings 4:1-19

Wednesday: 1 Kings 4:20-34

Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-3

Friday: Exodus 20:8-11

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 4

Lord God, You have provided a system of order for Your Kingdom. We are thankful for the kind provision of leaders who pursue the orderly and blessed functioning of Your church. Please make the men who serve in this way wise and courageous. May they be honest men who understand the times. Help them to shine as lights in a dark world. Provide everything that they need for the job that You have given to Your church. We are to make disciples of all nations, and to train up Your church in holiness and love. Please provide all the resources necessary in order that these good goals will be accomplished. Thank you for all the excellent knowledge, skill, beauty, and wisdom that comes to Your servants through Your Son.

Isaiah 54

Lord of the Harvest, You are bringing forth children for the desolate woman. We are the descendants that You have made for the glory of Your Holy Servant, Jesus. He is the Lord of Hosts and our Husband. Your people were cast off in their sin, but now they are being brought back home in Your divine compassion. Your steadfast promise is fulfilled in the One who is both just and justifier. Therefore we rejoice in You and in the covenant of peace with which You have made us glad. We are precious stones now in Your holy temple. The day without fear will soon come in all perfection, and we will be changed from glory to glory. Even today, no weapon fashioned against us will prosper.

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 November 6, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

November 6, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:25

Sermon title: “Preaching the Gospel to Many Villages”

Music:

Opening – 117 The Spacious Firmament on High

Preparation – Psalm 126

Response – 520 Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness

Closing – White 3 Heaven's Gift

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism

OT Reading: Isaiah 54:1-3

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Acts 8:25

Tuesday: 1 Kings 4:1-19

Wednesday: 1 Kings 4:20-34

Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-3

Friday: Exodus 20:8-11

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 4

Lord God, You have provided a system of order for Your Kingdom. We are thankful for the kind provision of leaders who pursue the orderly and blessed functioning of Your church. Please make the men who serve in this way wise and courageous. May they be honest men who understand the times. Help them to shine as lights in a dark world. Provide everything that they need for the job that You have given to Your church. We are to make disciples of all nations, and to train up Your church in holiness and love. Please provide all the resources necessary in order that these good goals will be accomplished. Thank you for all the excellent knowledge, skill, beauty, and wisdom that comes to Your servants through Your Son.

Isaiah 54

Lord of the Harvest, You are bringing forth children for the desolate woman. We are the descendants that You have made for the glory of Your Holy Servant, Jesus. He is the Lord of Hosts and our Husband. Your people were cast off in their sin, but now they are being brought back home in Your divine compassion. Your steadfast promise is fulfilled in the One who is both just and justifier. Therefore we rejoice in You and in the covenant of peace with which You have made us glad. We are precious stones now in Your holy temple. The day without fear will soon come in all perfection, and we will be changed from glory to glory. Even today, no weapon fashioned against us will prosper.

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 30, 2011

Worship Next Sunday

October 30, 2011

Preaching: Pastor Magee

Sermon text: Acts 8:18-24

Sermon title: “Pray for me to the Lord ...”

Music:

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

Preparation – Psalm 122

Response – White 7 Come to the Waters

Closing – 706 Jesus Lives, and So Shall I

Confession of Faith: Nicene Creed

OT Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Preparation Guide

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

Monday: Acts 8:18-24

Tuesday: 1 Kings 3:1-15

Wednesday: 1 Kings 3:16-28

Thursday: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Friday: Exodus 20:7

Saturday: Acts 8

Suggested Bible Study and Prayers

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

1 Kings 3

Great God, You have granted to us so many blessings. Your Son is the husband of Your church. What more can we possibly ask of You? He is full of righteousness and wisdom, and He will be our King forever. Grant us the privilege of being like Him. We would desire to have the blessing of an understanding mind, that we might serve You well. We thank You for the measure of riches and honor that You have chosen to give to us, but Your gift of wisdom would be far better than these other kind provisions. Surely You will help us in the daily struggles that come before us. You will give us insight so that we will make wise choices. Make our hearts yearn for Your blessing upon the weak who come to us for help in a day of desperate need.

Jeremiah 31

Sovereign Lord, Your plan shall surely be accomplished. Your church shall be perfectly adorned with the righteousness of Christ. You bring forth shouts of joy from the voices of Your people. You will bring us to the place of Your presence. You will gather Your flock and give to Your people a New Covenant. Built on the Rock, which is Christ, Your church will be blessed according to Your promise. Restore us again, O God. Let us not be put to shame. We will return to You from the land of unbelief. We will follow our great Redeemer. The answer for us has come in the child of a woman. He watches over us for our good. Build and plant, O Lord, for Your ways are marvelous. We have broken Your Law, but Your Son has obeyed every commandment. We look with joyful expectation to the coming day when we shall no longer disobey Your commandments. Your love for us is both strong and sure. Your Kingdom will be built up, and Your Son shall reign forever.

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 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.