October 14, 2018
It’s Ephesians week six at Park: 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 Sunday:
1. Read through our text, Ephesians 3:1–13.
After his message of grace in chapter 2, Paul adds a personal note, marveling at the particular role that God gave him—to preach this Gospel of grace to the nations (including the Ephesians). Even though Paul is writing this letter from prison because of his faithfulness to the Gospel, he doesn’t see his suffering as a reason for anyone to be discouraged. Rather, he sees his role in God’s eternal plan as a gracious gift from God. God’s grace has so captivated Paul that he feels free to personally sacrifice his own comfort and life if it will mean that more people will hear about and experience the unsearchable riches of Christ.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: 1 Peter 1:3–4, 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!
Before The Throne (Charitie Lees Bancroft, arr. The Modern Post)
One Thing Remains (Christa Black, Brian Johnson, Jeremy Riddle)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Valley of Vision:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, and of neglect to seek You in my daily life. My sins and shortcomings present me with a list of accusations, but I thank You that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Deliver me from every evil habit, every interest of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of Your grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in you. Amen.
Jesus What A Savior (Kirby Kaple)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Ephesians 2:19–22
I Will Exalt (Amanda Cook)
GREETING, SERMON, & COMMUNION
RESPONSE: Song & Prayer
Mystery (Charlie Hall)
In Christ Alone (Keith Getty, Stuart Townend)