We worship our one God whose essence establishes the unity of the church. “The Lord our God is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of Himself…In this divine being their three subsistences, the Father, the Word (Son), and the Holy Spirit, of one substance, power and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided.” The London Baptist Confession is stating the oneness of the Triune God. As He is one living God in three persons, His essence or being is not divided into parts. So, His unity in being is the…
Sunday Morning Calls to Worship
Call to Worship – December 15 2015
We worship our Triune God who set fast the foundation of our unity in gospel truth. No other unity exists for the Christian, but in the understanding of the biblical gospel. Paul sought to express the importance of unity and peace not in an abstract manner, but through the doctrine previously taught to the believers in Ephesus. Jews and Gentiles alike were brought into the covenant through the salvific work of the Triune God. It was necessary for them to come together in the unity of the gospel and live in peace with one another in the church. Furthermore, Paul…
Call To Worship November 8 2015
We worship our God who calls us to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. Cain and Abel were called to offer a sacrifice to God. God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice, but “he had no regard” for Cain’s sacrifice. The text is not explicit as to the reason for God’s displeasure. Yet, no matter the reason, God was displeased and Cain’s reaction tells the whole story. Cain was angry and his countenance fell. Cain probably knew the reason for God’s displeasure, but even if he did not, a true worshipper would have submitted to the correction of the…
Call To Worship November 1 2015
We worship our God who calls us to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. Cain and Abel were called to offer a sacrifice to God. God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice, but “he had no regard” for Cain’s sacrifice. The text is not explicit as to the reason for God’s displeasure. Yet, no matter the reason, God was displeased and Cain’s reaction tells the whole story. Cain was angry and his countenance fell. Cain probably knew the reason for God’s displeasure, but even if he did not a true worshipper would have submitted to the correction of the…
Call To Worship October 25 2015
We worship our God who revealed to us what to believe and how to live. God gave His church objective doctrine, which directs believers to the imperatives of the Christian life. Paul bridged the gap between doctrinal facts and faithful Christian living as he wrote the second half of his letter to the Ephesians. He established the necessity of right doctrine and practice. Neither precise doctrine nor proper practice are mutually exclusive, but both are necessary for the Christian. Paul previously focused his hearers on the one true God. In chapter four Paul turns the focus to his commands for…
Call To Worship – October 18 2015
We worship our God who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. Often the power of God is reduced to those works in the present that have benefitted us personally in some way. The scripture implores us to look back historically at the many works of God. His might is declared in the creation account and the flood of condemnation with its subsequent rehabitation of the earth through the line of Noah. Recognize God’s strength and protection of the covenant through Abraham and the times of Moses. Many trials occurred in their lives…
Call To Worship October 4 2015
We worship our God who names every family in heaven and on earth. He also judges all matters and peoples according to His righteousness. Paul prayed to God for the church, those of Israel and among the Gentiles, who were called to life in Christ Jesus alone. He prayed that believers would be strengthened in the Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in them according to the faith. Paul’s prayer brought hope to the believers in Ephesus. He founded their hope on the Trinity and the immensity of the gospel. As we worship today may our hope stem from the…
Call To Worship – September 27 2015
We worship our God who planned and accomplished the salvation of people from all different nations. He revealed His salvific plan even to the Gentiles. The totality of His plan was made through covenant before time existed. Yet, the fullness of the plan was accomplished through His Son by the Spirit in the fullness of time. God ordained the means to accomplish the plan and the means to communicate His plan which was realized for His glory. In a day when music is considered worship even if preaching is absent from the gathering, may we never forget the importance of…
Call to Worship – September 20 2015
We worship our God who is our stronghold and refuge. Paul wrote to the Ephesians from prison and asked the Ephesians not to lose heart at his troubles. He believed his tribulations occurred for the good of the Gentiles. He withstood his trials on their behalf. Paul knew the Father’s plan for him, as the apostle to the Gentiles, so he obediently endured prison. Paul’s obedience encourages us to trust in the Lord through our trials and tribulations. No matter the struggles of life, which befall us by God’s providence, God will be our stronghold and our refuge. We have…
Call To Worship September 13 2015
We worship our God who reigns over all creation for the good of the church. We must bow down before Him and worship Him in His word. Do not harden your hearts and ask whether or not the Lord is among His people. God promised protection and provision, and neither has He failed nor will He in the future. He promised redemption and provided through His Son the necessary work and sacrifice. His people in His church benefit from the work of the Son and the Spirit. They glory in creation and salvation in a way unknown to the unconverted….