This was our fifth weekend walking through 1 John together in our “Love In Christ” series. Brian Tryhus preached about forgiveness from 1 John, focusing on the futility of wallowing in shame and guilt when we sin. Our forgiveness has been promised and secured by the sacrifice of Christ. It was a powerful reminder and challenge to walk in forgiveness with confidence, faith, and hope. You can listen to or watch the entire message and service here.
For our singing this week, we focused primarily on songs that emphasized what Christ has accomplished for us, and the standing we have with God because of it. We been declared righteous (justified) in Jesus Christ. When the Father sees us, He sees us through Christ.
Here’s our service plan from this weekend:
(pre-service) “In The Light” (E) [Charlie Peacock, as performed by DC Talk]
“All Because of Jesus” (Bb) [Steve Fee]
Welcome/Greeting Time
Call to Worship – thoughts from Isaiah 53
“Jesus Messiah” (G) [Daniel Carson, Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash]
“He Has Done It All” (G) [Andy Cherry, Jason Ingram]
“Son of God” (G) [Tim Neufeld, Jon Neufeld, Ed Cash, Gordon Cochran]
Message – “Love In Christ: Forgiveness” [Brian Tryhus]
Video – “Forget What You Know (Caedmon’s Call)”
“Nothing But The Blood” (G) [Robert Lowry]
Offering/Announcements/Dismissal
“In the Light” – (Yes, it is the one performed by DC Talk in the 90’s). We sang this one for our pre-service countdown because it is a great fit with the book of 1 John, as it focuses on walking in the light as He is in the light. It is a ton of fun to play, and I could see people in our congregation who remembered it singing along. I think it was a great way for our congregation to enter into the worship center this weekend.
“All Because of Jesus” – We opened our services with this song, which is a staple for our congregation. It set the tone for the entire service, as declaring with joy and confidence that we are alive in Jesus.
“Jesus Messiah” – After reciting a few verses from Isaiah 53, we sang this song together. I love the lyric of this song, and I think one of the most powerful moments of it is the bridge, where we sing, “All our hope is in You/ All our hope is in You/ All the glory to You, God/ The Light of the World.” We need to put all of our hope in Christ alone. He is the only way for us to be saved. He is the only way for us to be redeemed. He is our life. This is one of the most significant reasons that He is worthy of all glory and honor and praise.
“He Has Done It All” – We began teaching this song a few weeks ago, and this was the second time we have sung it together. I absolutely love this song. I think it reminds us of the truth of the gospel, and inspires our confidence in what Christ has declared: “It is finished.”
“Son of God” – This is one of our church’s favorite songs, and it was a great way to finish our main set of songs. It is a simple and beautiful expression of worship to our risen King, Jesus. The chorus and bridge sing: “Jesus, O Holy One/ I sing to You, forgiven/ Savior, I’m overcome/ With Your great love for me/ You are worthy/ You are worthy/ You are worthy of all my praise/ You are beautiful/ You are beautiful/ I will lift up my hands and sing.” I love this song, and our congregation sings it so well!
“Nothing But The Blood” – We responded to the message with this great hymn, which is one of my all-time favorites. I cannot think of a song that more clearly declares the truth of the gospel, and the fact that salvation comes through no other but Jesus. He is the only way of salvation, and He has accomplished it through His blood, which He shed for us at the cross when He died in our place. His sacrifice equals our rescue. My favorite verses are the third and fourth: “Nothing can for sin atone/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus/ Naught of good that I have done/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus” and “This is all my hope and peace/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus/ This is all my righteousness/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Amen!
This weekend was an intense weekend of worship. There is nothing I love more than focusing on the cross of Jesus Christ and remembering what He accomplished for us. It always moves me and overwhelms me to think of His grace and love for me. Our team did a great job, and I think we all will walk away from this weekend reminded of the forgiveness and redemption we have in Jesus Christ. When the Father looks at us, He sees us through Christ– as forgiven, justified, and righteous. Praise the Lord for what He has done for us!
I hope you had a great weekend of worship wherever you were!
In the Son,
Bill
p.s. don’t forget to check out The Worship Community!