September 9, 2018
This week at Park Church, we begin 13 weeks in the book of Ephesians. As our society continues its trend toward self-centered and superficial worldviews, many have adopted a watered-down view of God that that leads us away from the glory we were made to enjoy. Ephesians shatters this diluted view of God by putting the weight of His glory in our faces in a way that is overwhelming and life-transforming.
1. Read through our text, Ephesians 1:1–2.
In Ephesians, we come face to face with the God whose glory is unsearchable, whose power is absolute, whose plan is indestructible, whose love is unconditional, whose mercy is expansive, and whose church is a breathtaking trophy of His grace. Paul’s letter is no stale exposition of abstract ideas. It is a passionate plea for his friends to see the reality of who God is, and to allow God’s Spirit to reshape every aspect of their lives in the light of His glory.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Ephesians 1:3–6, Welcome (From Immanuel Nashville):
To all who are weary and need rest,
To all who mourn and long for comfort,
To all who feel worthless and wonder if God cares,
To all who fail and desire strength,
To all who sin and need a Savior,
This church opens wide her doors
with a welcome from Jesus Christ,
the Ally of His enemies, the Defender of the guilty,
the Justifier of the inexcusable, the Friend of sinners.
Welcome!
Doxology (Amen) (Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken, Phil Wickham)
Grace Alone (Dustin Kensrue)
CONFESSION OF SIN:
Father of all blessing, forgive us for being so quick to forget the spiritual blessings that are forever ours in Christ. Though You chose us, we are prone to choose lesser things we think will satisfy us more. Though You adopted us, we often live like orphans who have no Father.
Son of God, give us fresh attentive eyes that see You for who You really are and the beauty of all You’ve done for us. May the work of redemption and forgiveness lavished on us never become cold or seemingly distant truths.
Holy Spirit, break through the shallow stony ground of our hearts and remind us of who God is and who we are. May our roots plunge deeper into the soil of Your love and ground us there throughout this coming week.
Come Thou Fount (Above All Else) (Shane Barnard, Robert Robinson, John Wyeth)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Ephesians 1:7–8
In Tenderness (Garvey, Gordon, Walton arr. Brian Eichelberger)
GREETING, SERMON, & COMMUNION
RESPONSE: Song & Prayer
Jesus What A Savior (Kirby Kaple)
One Thing Remains (Christa Black, Brian Johnson, Jeremy Riddle)