This was our sixth and final weekend walking through 1 John together in our "Love In Christ" series. Joe Hishmeh preached about assurance and confidence from 1 John, focusing on the rest and security we have because of what Christ has done. It was a powerful reminder of where we stand with God, and how that changes the way that we live. You can listen to or watch the entire message and service here. For our singing this week, we focused primarily on songs that emphasized our security and sure hope in Christ. We have nothing to fear, because what Christ has accomplished for us is enough.
Here's our service plan from this weekend:
"Sing to the King" (E) [Charles S. Horne, Billy Foote] Welcome/Greeting Time Call to Worship "He Has Done It All" (G) [Andy Cherry, Jason Ingram] "Forever Reign" (Ab) [Reuben Morgan, Jason Ingram] "A Mighty Fortress" (C) [Christy Nockels] Message - "Love In Christ: Assurance" [Joe Hishmeh] Communion "Your Great Name" (Bb) [Michael Neale] Offering/Announcements/Dismissal
"Sing to The King" - We opened our services with this song, which is a favorite for our congregation. Sarah led us on this one, and she always does a great job. I love the lyric and the power of this song, singing of the victory and hope we have in Christ. Jesus wins. End of story.
"He Has Done It All" - We continued teaching this song this week. It fit really well with the focus of the message, as well as the entire message of 1 John, which is why I wanted to introduce it at this time. I think our congregation is starting to get the hang of this one, and I think we'll be singing it together again in the near future.
"Forever Reign" - This remains a favorite for our church, and Sarah did an awesome job leading us on this one as well. I love how it points out many of the amazing characteristics of our great God. His character is the foundation for our hope in Him. It is because He is true and unchanging that we can trust His promises.
"A Mighty Fortress" - I love this song. Sarah led on this one as well. It is another great reminder of the perfect character of our God. He is faithful, constant, true, and unfailing. And we will be with Him forever. Amen.
"Your Great Name" - We responded to the message with this song during communion. This is a fairly simple song that just exalts the name of Jesus for who He is and what He has done. I love this song, and so does our congregation. It was a sweet moment during communion. Stacy Kreuger did a great job helping lead this song, as well.
This weekend was an acoustic weekend, and I love it when we are able to do this. We had a few technical or musical issues, but for the most part everything came together pretty well. For me, acoustic weekends always renew my focus and brings me back to my beginnings as a worshipper. The youth group where I became a believer and began leading worship eventually was only acoustic guitar(s) and singing, and it was always an intense time of engaging with the Lord. When we strip the music down to the bare bones, sometimes it helps us to focus on the main thing: Jesus.
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!