June 17, 2012 Worship Service
June 17, 2012 Worship Service
June 17, 2012 Worship Service
Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19
The gospel does not command us to do anything in order to obtain life, but bids us live by that which another has done; and the knowledge of its life-giving truth is not labour but restrest of soulrest which is the root of all true labour; for in receiving Christ we do not work in order to rest, but we rest in order to work. In believing, we cease to work for pardon, in order that we may work from it; and what incentive to work, as well as joy in working, can be greater than an ascertained and realized forgiveness? ~ Horatius Bonar, Scottish minister, 1808-1889 The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, Give me All. I dont want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I dont want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I dont want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent aw well as the ones you think wickedthe whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own shall become yours. ~ CS Lewis, Mere Christianity Spiritual growth is not about moving on from where we beganthe gospel. Its about growing deeper in the gospel. Or rather, getting the gospel deeper into us. ~ Brian Hedges, Christ Formed In You Contrary to what so many Christians seem to believe, true spiritual growth does not come from some special experience of the Holy Spirit. Instead, it comes from walking with the Spirit every day until, finally, keeping in step with him becomes a holy habit. ~ Philip G. Ryken, author & pastor
God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: based on Psalm 95
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. We have gathered to worship and enjoy our gracious God. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Blessed Be Your Name
Unison:
Hymns of Praise & Worship Blessed be Your name In the land that is plentiful Where Your streams of abundance flow Blessed be Your name Blessed be your name When Im found in the desert place Though I walk through the wilderness Blessed be Your name Every blessing You pour out Ill turn back to praise When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say chorus Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name Blessed be Your name When the suns shining down on me When the worlds all as it should be Blessed be Your name Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering Though theres pain in the offering Blessed be Your name Every blessing You pour out Ill turn back to praise When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say (repeat chorus) You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say Lord blessed be Your name
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Praise, my soul, the King of heaven To His feet your tribute bring Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven Who, like me, His praise should sing? Praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him Praise the everlasting King Praise Him for His grace and favor To our fathers in distress Praise Him, still the same forever Slow to chide and swift to bless Praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him Glorious in His faithfulness
Father-like, He tends and spares us Well our feeble frame He knows In His hands He gently bears us Rescues us from all our foes Praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him Widely as His mercy goes Frail as summers flower we flourish Blows the wind and it is gone But while mortals rise and perish God endures unchanging on
Praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him Praise the High Eternal One Angels, help us to adore Him You behold Him face to face Sun and moon, bow down before Him Dwellers all in time and space Praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him Praise with us the God of grace
How Great Is Our God The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, Let all the earth rejoice He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, and trembles at His voice chorus How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One: Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb
(repeat chorus)
Name above all names, worthy of all praise My heart will sing how great is our God
God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession Leader: Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. ~ Isaiah 1:18
Prayer of Confession Unison: Almighty and merciful God, We have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things that we ought not to have done. Silent Confession and Reflection Unison: O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are repentant, according to Your promises Declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And grant, O merciful God, for His sake, That we might live a holy, just, and humble life To the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
~ from Romans 8:1; 5:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Songs of Response I Come to the Cross I come to the Cross seeking mercy and grace I come to the Cross where You died in my place Out of my weakness and into Your strength Humbly I come to the cross Your arms are open You call me by name You welcome this child that was lost You paid the price for my guilt and my shame Jesus I come, Jesus I come Jesus I come to the Cross How Deep You were broken that I might be healed You were cast off that I might draw near You were thirsty that I might come drink Cried out in anguish that I might sing How deep is Your love How high and how wide is Your mercy How deep is Your grace Our hearts overflow with praise To You You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried Stripped of glory that I might be clothed Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own
How deep is Your love How high and how wide is Your mercy How deep is Your grace Our hearts overflow with praise To You
God Gives Us His Words of Eternal Life Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! Let your word dwell in us richly, that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do everything in Your name, giving thanks to the Father through You. ~ based on John 6:68, Colossians 3:16-17
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Main Idea: Since the fruit of the Spirit in my life is supernatural, organic, symmetrical, & relational, then I must keep in step with the Spirit by intentionally cultivating this spiritual growth.
(notes)
God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lords Supper The Lords Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant which Christ has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord and Saviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission as they eat the bread and drink the wine. Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour, who are connected to a church that proclaims His Gospel are invited to come to the Table. If you are not yet a Christian, or if for whatever reason you are not prepared to share in this meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of the prayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirstfor my Fathers will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:35, 40). We would ask that children who have not yet professed belief in the Lord Jesus also refrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to families about what it means to participate in the Lords Supper. The Words of Institution
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center aisle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward we would be delighted to serve you at your seat. New City Church uses wine in serving the Lords Supper. We would encourage you to take of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice is also provided if you cannot drink wine due to health reasons or issues of conscience.
Prayers for Those Not Communing A Prayer Searching for the Truth: Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by You. If what You claim is true, please guide me and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undaunted in following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of You that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the eternal life that You promise. Amen. A Prayer of Trust in the Lord Jesus: Jesus, I confess that I am more broken, flawed, and sinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet you tell me that I am more loved than I ever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to You in simple faith. I am doing that right now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on the Cross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now the eternal life that You promise to all who come to You. Amen. A Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin: Lord Jesus, You know the battle that rages within my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all my needs. Give me strength to turn from every false satisfaction to find my ultimate joy in You. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely to me, and fill me with your Spirit to run with perseverance the race You have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and champion of my faith. Amen. A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that you blessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have done for me. Amen. Communion Hymns The Power of the Cross Oh, to see the dawn Of the darkest day: Christ on the road to Calvary Tried by sinful men Torn and beaten, then Nailed to a cross of wood chorus This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us Took the blame, bore the wrath We stand forgiven at the cross Oh, to see the pain Written on Your face Bearing the awesome weight of sin Every bitter thought Every evil deed Crowning Your bloodstained brow (repeat chorus) Now the daylight flees Now the ground beneath Quakes as its Maker bows His head Curtain torn in two Dead are raised to life "Finished!" the vict'ry cry (repeat chorus) Oh, to see my name Written in the wounds For through Your suffering I am free Death is crushed to death Life is mine to live Won through Your selfless love chorus This, the power of the cross: Son of Godslain for us What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross
"Amazing Love (You Are My King)" I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, You were condemned I'm alive and well Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again chorus Amazing love, how can it be? That You, my King, would die for me Amazing love, I know it's true Its my joy to honor You In all I do Ill honor you In Christ Alone In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My comforter, my All in all Here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Til on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sins curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From lifes first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Til he returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ Ill stand I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, you were condemned I'm alive and well Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again (repeat chorus) You are my king You are my king Jesus, You are my king Jesus, You are my king
God Receives Our Offerings lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~
Jesus, in Matthew 6:20-21
Unison:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts As we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.
The Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings This collection of our tithes and offerings is for those who consider New City Church their church family and regularly benefit from her ministry and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship Sing to the King Sing to the King Who is coming to reign Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain Life and salvation His empire shall bring And joy to the nations when Jesus is King chorus: Come, let us sing a song A song declaring that we belong to Jesus He is all we need Lift up a heart of praise Sing now with voices raised to Jesus Sing to the King For His returning we watch and we pray We will be ready the dawn of that day We'll join in singing with all the redeemed 'Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King (repeat chorus)
Colossians 1:15-20
The language of debt/debtor is not to be understood primarily in a financial sense but in the moral/ theological sense of our indebtedness due to our sins against God and others, or the sins others may have committed against us.
Unison:
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.
God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: People: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Amen!
Community Life
Thanks for visiting New City Church! Were delighted to have had you with us today. If you are looking for a place to explore Christianity and its life-changing relevance, we hope that you will find New City Church a safe place to ask questions and to grow in your understanding of the person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about New City Church, Christianity, or the uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth, please dont hesitate to ask us. You can contact Pastor John at [email protected] or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with Pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact Mike at [email protected] or call 403.828.2241. Coming this Summer: New City Dinner Clubs Looking for a way to connect with others at New City Church? Wanting to deepen friendships? Then what better way than to participate in New City Dinner Clubs? Our monthly New City Dinner Clubs are groups of 8 adults who enjoy a meal & evening together. The host provides the main meal & the participants bring the sides. The dinner clubs change monthly, so no two dinner clubs are the same or are with the same people. The first dinner club will be on June 22, so sign-up online at NewCityChurch.ca community dinner
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clubs. Deadline to sign up is TODAY. Online Summer Book Club: Knowing God Join us this summer in reading J.I. Packers classic work, Knowing God. Traveling? No problem. Out of town? No problem. Well keep track of our reading on our New City Church blog where well post an outline of the chapter, key quotes, and some questions for reflection. Well also have a couple of dessert nights throughout the summer to discuss in person what we are learning. For details, go to NewCityChurch.ca & under the community tag and click on book club. There we have several options for obtaining books (including Kindle & audio options). Dont forget to sign-up to let us know you will be joining in. http://newcitychurchcalgary.blogspot.com Proclaim Evangelism Training: Continues Tonight! Do you sense the need to understand the Gospel better? Are you equipped to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ today? If someone were to ask you, "How do I become a Christian?" do you know what to say? Join us for the 7 week module that will help you grow in your understanding of the Gospel and the Great Commission. We'll help you identify your 'evangelism style' as well as help equip you to winsomely answer thoughtful questions and to ask thoughtful questions of others. Whether you are a seasoned Christian, need a brush up course, or have never been trained before, this module will be perfect for you. The training dates are June 17, 24, & July 8, 15, 22, 29; from 7-8:15pm @ the Confederation Park Activity Centre. Cost is $10 for the Proclaim Training Manual. For more info, contact Pastor John ([email protected]); visit our website & sign-up online. Downtown Study: Grace on the Bow Grace on the Bow is a weekly gathering every Thursday for those in the downtown area exploring key and relevant areas to life from a Christian perspective and in a non-threatening environment. New location: We meet at the Bank of Montreal Head office located at 350 - 7th Avenue SW. We meet in the lobby off of 3rd Street, in front of the information desk at 12:00 and end at 1:00 promptly. As always, all are welcome. For more info contact Mike Ivancic at 403.828.2241. SOS: From Matt McCabe We are getting ready to move across town to MacEwan NW, and we could use some extra hands. The move will take place on Saturday, June 23 and we would like to start loading the truck about 9am. If you are interested and able to help us out, please give me a shout! [email protected] / 403-6861365
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Giving Update
*Non-NCC are funds generously given by Christians outside the congregation of New City Church to aid in this church planting project.
All songs used by permission. CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications.
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