Welcome to Grace. God is good. He’s given us another week of life, another Sunday morning to gather and encourage one another with songs and hymns and spiritual songs, and a sermon from Hebrews 11. For the next few weeks we will be considering what it means to live by faith.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
HEBREWS 11:1
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope FULLY on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 PETER 1:13
Our problem is that we are so frequently inclined to rest some of our hope on all sorts of seen things like paychecks or health or relationships or circumstances. Or on diversions or entertainment or hobbies or achievements.
None of these things can be trusted to hold the full weight of our hope. None of these are guaranteed. None of these can fully deliver. The only sure place to rest the full weight of our hope is on our heavenly Father, who loves us and knows what we need and is able to do abundantly more than we ask of think. He has given us so many reasons to trust Him. Let’s stand and sing.
Song: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Song: How Great is Our God
Congregational Praise and Thanks
Invite congregation to lift up prayers of praise and thanks for these things we’ve been singing.
Greeting
Call to Confession
Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
HEBREWS 11:6
Prayer of Confession
To our FEAR and WORRY, you say:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
To our ANGER, you say:
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
To our TEMPTATION, you say:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We believe, help our unbelief.
To our PRAYERLESSNESS, you say:
With confidence draw near to the throne of grace, to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
We believe, help our unbelief.
To our PRIDE, you say:
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10)
We believe, help our unbelief.
To our SELFISHNESS, you say:
It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
We believe, help our unbelief.
And on it goes, Lord…. so many great and precious promises. And we believe that You are true and faithful, but we also struggle to believe this in our daily lives. Thank you, Jesus, for paying the price for our faithlessness. Thank you for dying for our unbelief. We draw near to your throne again this morning… confidently… and ask for your mercy and grace for another week of need.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Song: Come Ye, Sinners
Assurance
“None deserving, yet receiving” - One more promise to sinners poor & needy:
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.
ROMANS 4:4-5
Offering Meditation and Prayer
Offering Song: By Faith
Sermon: What Faith Sees and What Faith Does (Jerrel Haugen)
Closing Song: You Are Good
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