Call to Worship – God calls us into his presence to worship him. We gather together to hear him speak to us through his word.
Sing: How Great You Are (Intro) [YouTube] [Spotify]
Confession – We confess our sin, our need for a savior, and our faith in Christ.
Merciful Father, From the depths of my sin I cry to you, O LORD.
In your graciousness, incline your ear to my pleas for mercy. Father, before your justice no one can stand, on our own merit we are all condemned and without hope. But with you, there is forgiveness!
Knowing that I cannot bring about my own redemption, I wait for you, my soul waits for you for my rescue, and in your word I find my hope.
Sovereign LORD, our hope is in you, for with you there is steadfast love and plentiful redemption. You will redeem your church from all our iniquities. Amen. -Based on Psalm 130
Sing: How Great You Are [YouTube] [Spotify]
Assurance of Forgiveness – God reminds us of his gracious mercy in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. -Titus 3:4-6
Sing: O Great God [YouTube] [Spotify]
Response – We respond in thankful praise for the salvation found in Christ.
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. -Psalm 119:129-131
Sing: We Will Feast in the House of Zion [YouTube] [Spotify]
Children dismissed
Sing: We Will Feast in the House of Zion (Reprise) [YouTube] [Spotify]
Reading of the Word – God speaks to us through his living word.
Colossians 4:2-4
Preaching of the Word
Pastor Greg McDaniel, Prayer – The Foundation for Evangelism
Response to the Word
Sing: Before the Throne [YouTube] [Spotify]
The Lord’s Supper
Sing (while passing the meal): Lead us Back [YouTube] [Spotify]
Benediction – God sends us into the world, sanctified by his word.
Announcements
Ladies Bible Study – Monday, May 7, 2018
- The next ladies bible study will begin on May 7 and last 11 weeks (off for Memorial Day).
- Exodus, Part 1 by Jen Wilkin
- Held Mondays either at 9-11am or 7-9pm.
- $5 for materials, please bring a 3-ring binder.
- Please sign up on Realm, in Lobby. Speak with Kim Wegman if you have any questions.
Prayer Meeting – Tuesday, May 15, 7pm – 8pm
- Will be held every other Tuesday beginning May 15.
- A time for corporate prayer and guidance on corporate prayer.
Membership Class – Sunday, June 3, 2018, 12:30-2pm
- Open to anyone seeking to know more about Grace Covenant Church and membership.
- Meeting in the lower level, lunch will be provided.
- Please register at http://www.gracecincinnati.com/connect/events.
Why do we have a Confession of Sin?
If we have been redeemed by God through the sacrifice of Christ, we know that all our past, present, and future sins have been atoned and forgiven.
The purpose of confessing our sin corporately is not to despairingly dwell on our sin, but to humble ourselves before the Lord and each other and increase our awareness of our constant need of a savior.
By confessing our sin, we declare the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man and thereby magnify our worship of the one and only God who can, and does, take away our sins. We are also immediately reminded and assured of the grace and mercy of God and the forgiveness of sin found only in Christ.
