September 8, 2019
We’re back into the book of Exodus this week at Park Church! As a refresher, the book of Exodus is about God’s mission to redeem a people for His Kingdom in the world. Part One of the series happened January–June of this year (you can listen to those sermons here). We now begin Part Two of the series with the question, “Why the Law?”
Here’s how you can prepare for Sunday:
1. Read through our text, Exodus 19:1–6.
The people of Israel had lived for 400 years in bondage in the kingdom of Egypt. Their lives were being destroyed, and they could not free themselves. Then God, in His great mercy and by His incomparable power, set His people free. He brought them through the wilderness and to Mount Sinai, the Mountain of God. This is the setting for the rest of the book of Exodus. Here, God will meet with His people to give them the instructions for life as His people in His Kingdom. These instructions, traditionally called the “Law of Moses,” have at least two functions: First, they show what is required of Israel in their covenant relationship with God. If the people listen to God’s voice and obey His words, they will enjoy a long life in the land with their God, and they will be God’s representative on earth—displaying and spreading the blessing of His presence to the world (Exodus 19:1-6). If they refuse to listen to His voice and rebel against His words, they will be separated from His presence and experience destruction and death (Leviticus 26:14–39). This brings us to the second function of the Law: the Law serves to expose rebellion (Exodus 32; Romans 7; Galatians 3) and to point Israel—and ultimately the rest of the world—to our need for a Savior who can forgive us for our rebellion and transform our rebellious hearts.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 107:1–3, 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!
Praise To The Lord The Almighty (Joachim Neander, Catherine Winkworth addl. verse Joel Limpic, JD Raab)
Joy (Pat Barrett, Tony Brown arr. VaShawn Mitchell)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Worship Sourcebook
Almighty God, who sent the promised power of the Holy Spirit to fill disciples with willing faith: We confess that we resist the force of Your Spirit among us, that we are slow to serve You and reluctant to spread the good news of Your love.
God, have mercy on us. Forgive our divisions and by Your Spirit draw us together. Inflame us with a desire to do Your will and be Your faithful people for the sake of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Ezekiel 36:25–27
Fall Afresh (Jeremy Riddle)
GREETING, SERMON, RESPONSE, & COMMUNION
In Tenderness (Garvey, Gordon, Walton arr. Brian Eichelberger)
Living Hope (Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham)