Gathering Preview | October 18

Call to Worship

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised! (Psalm 18:1-3a)

Song | This is Amazing Grace

Prayer of Confession

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts (1 John 1:8-10)

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God, I cried for help. From his temple, he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. (Psalm 18:6)

Song | Approach My Soul The Mercy Seat

Prayer of Assurance

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. (Psalm 18:30-32)

Song | Jesus We Love You

Scripture Reading | John 18:1-27

This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Sermon Notes

Jesus (was faithful) to God to his people.

1) Jesus was faithful with his (power) and with his (love).

• John 13:1, 18:4-9

2) Jesus’ faithfulness was exemplified by his (submission). 

• John 18:5, 11, 20-21; Matthew 26:53-54

• “[Jesus was] helping the police with their inquiries.” Lesslie Newbigin

3) Jesus exemplified (mercy) through faith at the end of his life.

• Luke 22:51, 23:34; John 18:5, 6, 8, 17, 25

Jesus (remains faithful) to God and to his people.

Communion

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said,“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11.23-26)

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

(For the bread) “This is the body of Christ, broken for you.”

(For the juice) “This is the blood of Christ, shed for you.”

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Song | What a Beautiful Name

Announcements and Giving

Song | He Is Lord

Benediction

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Peace be with you! And also with you!