The Lord’s Day

October 31, 2010

 

As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is tried;

He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

(Psalm 18:30)

 

  Prelude

 

  Apostolic Greeting

 

*Call to Worship                                                Psalm 11:5–7

The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,

And the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Upon the wicked He will rain snares;

Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.

For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness;

The upright will behold His face.

 

*Gloria Patri                                                                 No. 734

 

*Prayer of Invocation

 

*Hymn         You Righteous, in the LORD Rejoice  No. 43

 

  Public Confession

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge You as the only true God, and we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. Have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in righteousness.

 

  Words of Assurance                                 Colossians 3:1–4

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

 

  Response         Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode        (facing page)

 

 

 

  Prayer for the Tithe and Offerings

 

  Collection of the Tithe and Offerings

 

*Doxology                                                                         No. 731

 

*Declaring Our Faith[†]       Fisher’s Catechism (Providence)

What is a miracle?

A miracle is such an astonishing and surprising effect, contrary to the ordinary course of nature, as surpasses the power of all created beings, and can be produced by divine omnipotence only.

What is common providence?

Common providence is that which is exercised toward all creatures in general.

What is special providence?

Special providence is that which is exercised toward rational creatures in particular.

 

  Pastoral Prayer

 

*Responsive Reading                                                   Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning.

Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray.

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;

In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;

No evil dwells with You.

The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;

You hate all who do iniquity.

You destroy those who speak falsehood;

The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

 

 

 

 

 

But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,

At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.

O Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes;

Make Your way straight before me.

There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself.

Their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall!

In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, for they are rebellious against You.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy;

And may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,

You surround him with favor as with a shield.

 

*Hymn                 O Jehovah, Hear My Prayer             No. 51

 

*Public Reading of the Word                                        Acts 1

 

*Prayer for the Ministry of the Word

 

  Sermon     The Foundation of the Temple Is Laid         Ezra 3:1013

 

Hymn                 O Bless the Lord, My Soul            No. 78

 

  Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper +

 

*Hymn                 O Lord, by Thee Delivered         (page 4)

 

*Benediction

 

 Musical Offering       A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

 

 

 

 

 

Congregation will please stand

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

 

 



[†] These questions and responses are based on Fisher’s Catechism, written by James Fisher in 1753.