MPC Service Broadcast (ACP) #6
This is an abbreviated service broadcasted from the pulpit amid the coronavirus pandemic (ACP) of 2020.
Included below are relevant items from the bulletin:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Come, let us bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Who, according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
INVOCATION
CONFESSION OF FAITH:
Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter V: Paragraphs 1 & 6
1. The light of nature shows that there is a God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and does good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.
6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the Gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: but God is to be worshipped everywhere, in spirit and truth; as, in private families, daily, and in secret, each one by himself; so, more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by His Word or providence, calls thereunto.
CONFESSION OF SIN:
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord.
PRIVATE CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON:
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Psalm 2
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts;
as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not in temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory, forever.
Amen
SERMON PASSAGE: Acts 13:14b-52
SERMON TITLE: “The Victorious Word”
SERMON NOTES:
Fallen Condition Focus: More than defense is expected of the Lord’s disciples.
I. The Word of the Lord is divisive.
II. The Word of the Lord is exclusive.
III. The Word of the Lord is inclusive.
Proposition: Because the Word of the Lord is victorious, disciples of Christ must be bold in our witness.
BENEDICTION