The Lord’s Day

May 18, 2008

Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.

(Psalm 66:16, 17)

  Prelude

  Apostolic Greeting

*Call to Worship                                                     Psalm 54:4-7

Behold, God is my helper;

The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

He will recompense the evil to my foes;

Destroy them in Your faithfulness.

Willingly I will sacrifice to You;

I will give thanks to Your name, O Lord, for it is good.

For He has delivered me from all trouble,

And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.

*Gloria Patri                                                                      No. 734

*Prayer of Invocation

*Hymn             Sing to the Lord, Sing His Praises        No. 62

  Public Confession

For what we have received from You, O God, we are most grateful. Even when we sin, You remain faithful and true. We are eager, therefore, to honor You by making this confession of our transgressions.

Forgive our bitterness, harsh words, angry declarations, and thoughtless conclusions. Forgive our selfishness, deception, boasting, and complacency. By Your Spirit, create in us thankful and generous hearts; fill us with compassion, humility, and zeal for the truth.

  Words of Assurance                                                John 14:1-3

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

  Response           Praise Jehovah, All Ye Nations (inside front)

  Prayer for the Tithe and Offerings

  Collection of the Tithe and Offerings

*Doxology                                                                          No. 731

*Declaring Our Faith           The Larger Catechism (174, 175)

What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?

It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper that, with all holy reverence and attention, they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, discern the Lord’s body, and affectionately meditate on His death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces.

What is the duty of Christians after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?

After receiving the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, it is the duty of Christians seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein. If they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfill their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance.

  Pastoral Prayer

*Responsive Reading Proverbs 25:1-14

These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Take away the dross from the silver, and there comes out a vessel for the smith; take away the wicked before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

Do not go out hastily to argue your case; otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you?

Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another, or he who hears it will reproach you, and the evil report about you will not pass away.

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

*Hymn              Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder       No. 172

*Public Reading of the Word                                  Colossians 4

*Prayer for the Ministry of the Word

  Sermon                                             Matthew 18:1-14 (part 2)

  Hymn                       God, Be Merciful to Me                No. 486

  Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper⁺

  Collection for the Ministry of the Deacons

*Hymn                          How Marvelous, How Wise           (inside back cover)

*Benediction

*Threefold Amen                                                               No. 740

* Congregation will please stand

⁺ Visitors: please see the note on the back of this bulletin