Call to Worship: From Ezekiel 3:12
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of the Lord from its place!”
Prayer of Adoration:
Song: Abide With Me – CCLI# 43190
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile; And though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile
Thou hast not left me, though I oft left thee, On to the close, Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour; what but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.
I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory? I triumph still, abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life in death, abide with me.
The Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 28:5-9
Confession of Faith: The Apostle’s Creed. Trinity Hymnal p. 845.
The New Testament Lesson: Romans 7:4-6
Confession of Sin: From Psalm 119
Pastor: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
People: Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Pastor: Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
People: Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Pastor: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise;
People: Let your mercy come to me, that I may live.
Pastor: Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word!
People: Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.
Assurance of Pardon: John 8:11
“Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Prayer for the Church: Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder.
The Sermon: “The Call to Take Up Your Cross.” Mark 8:34. Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder.
Song: He Will Hold Me Fast – CCLI #7916161
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.
CHORUS: He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!
The Benediction: From Colossians 3:15
May the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.