Call to Worship: Isaiah 12:6
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Prayer of Adoration:
Affirmation of Faith: From Psalm 119:57-64
Pastor: You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words.
People: I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Pastor: I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
People: I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
Pastor: Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
People: At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
Pastor: I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
People: The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.
Song: Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted – CCLI# 2263115
Come ye souls by sin afflicted, Bowed with fruitless sorrow down;
By the broken law convicted, through the cross, behold the crown;
Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus;
Mercy flows through Him alone.
Take His easy yoke and wear it; Love will make your obedience sweet
Christ will give you strength to bear it, while His grace shall guide your feet
Safe to glory, Safe to glory, Safe to glory,
Where His ransomed captives meet.
Blessed are the eyes that see Him, Blest the ears that hear His voice;
Blessed are the souls that trust Him, And in Him alone rejoice;
His commandments, His commandments, His commandments
Then become their happy choice.
Sweet as home to pilgrims weary, Light to newly, opened eyes,
Like full springs in deserts dreary, Is the rest the cross supplies;
All who taste it, All who taste it, All who taste it
Shall to rest immortal rise.
Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus;
Mercy flows through Him alone.
The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 44:6-8
Prayer of Confession:
Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:18-25
Prayer for the Church: Daron Drown, Ruling Elder.
The Sermon: “Evil, Suffering, and the Cross.” 1 Peter 4:12-13. Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder.
Song: How Deep, the Father’s Love For Us – CCLI #1558110
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 turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory
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
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 Benediction: From 2 John 1:3
May grace, mercy, and peace be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son. Amen!