September 16, 2018
This is week two of Ephesians at Park Church. 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.
Here’s how you can prepare for this Sunday:
1. Read through our text, Ephesians 1:3–14.
What does it mean to be blessed? Is it merely good circumstances? Material provision? Paul begins his letter with a beautiful poetic expression of praise to God for all that God has done to bless those who are “in Christ” He outlines these blessings in one of the most powerful and elaborate sentences ever written. In love, God predestined people from all nations to be adopted into His family as sons and daughters through the work of Jesus. Jesus has redeemed us from slavery to sin, forgiven us by His blood, and lavished His grace upon us to unite us to Himself as sons and daughters of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. He did all of this in order that the whole world might know and treasure His glorious grace.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 103:1–5, 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!
10,000 Reasons (Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman)
Doxology (Amen) (Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken, Phil Wickham)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, to You all hearts are open, all desires known, and from You no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord I Need You (Carson, Maher, Nockels, Reeves, Stanfill)
Come Thou Fount (Above All Else) (Shane Barnard, Robert Robinson, John Wyeth)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: John 1:12–13
GREETING, SERMON, & COMMUNION
RESPONSE: Song & Prayer
Ever Be (Strand, Greely, Wilson, Heiligenthal)
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Benjamin Hastings, Marty Sampson, Dean Ussher)