1 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:42,500 Well, good morning and welcome to Grace Church. 2 00:01:42,500 --> 00:01:46,640 If you're visiting with us this morning, I want to extend the warmest of greetings to 3 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:47,640 you. 4 00:01:47,640 --> 00:01:52,700 Isn't it a delight to come to church with the sun shining and warm weather for a change? 5 00:01:52,700 --> 00:01:54,180 We don't need an extra coat. 6 00:01:54,180 --> 00:01:56,860 What a beautiful day to be here today. 7 00:01:56,860 --> 00:02:02,560 I want to take just a minute to express to you my gratitude for your energetic involvement 8 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:06,040 in worship in these past several weeks. 9 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:12,820 We have gone from doing traditional hymns that are so meaningful to doing contemporary 10 00:02:12,820 --> 00:02:14,500 praise singing. 11 00:02:14,500 --> 00:02:19,240 And I've come to understand real quickly there's a lot of diversity here in the congregation. 12 00:02:19,240 --> 00:02:21,000 I think that's great. 13 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:23,800 And within that diversity, I see great unity as well. 14 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:28,840 A lot of graciousness between each of you, understanding that there are many styles of 15 00:02:28,840 --> 00:02:32,280 which to praise God. 16 00:02:32,280 --> 00:02:37,140 We have sung hymns in a grand fashion, and we've sung contemporary choruses really the 17 00:02:37,140 --> 00:02:38,960 way they should be done as well. 18 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:43,640 We'll continue to use praise choruses in our services here, but I want you to know that 19 00:02:43,640 --> 00:02:46,640 we'll never forsake the use of hymns. 20 00:02:46,640 --> 00:02:47,640 Hymns are so meaningful. 21 00:02:47,640 --> 00:02:50,820 They're so important to our understanding of God. 22 00:02:50,820 --> 00:02:59,200 They teach us, they lead us to the Savior, and we'll always do hymns here at Grace Church. 23 00:02:59,200 --> 00:03:05,080 For the past four years, I have had the privilege of using a tool in worship that I feel has 24 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:13,960 been probably the number one tool for affecting dynamic worship within our services. 25 00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:16,680 That tool has been a hymnal. 26 00:03:16,680 --> 00:03:20,660 It's a hymnal called the hymnal for worship and celebration. 27 00:03:20,660 --> 00:03:24,180 It is the number one hymnal in America today. 28 00:03:24,180 --> 00:03:27,620 It's the number one selling hymnal for many reasons. 29 00:03:27,620 --> 00:03:35,020 One reason is that it uses the good, old-fashioned hymns, and it arranges them dynamically. 30 00:03:35,020 --> 00:03:41,440 It ties a few of them together in a service using two or three hymns tied in a medley, 31 00:03:41,440 --> 00:03:43,920 and there are interludes between the hymns. 32 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:47,200 It uses contemporary praise choruses as well. 33 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:50,080 It has wonderful readings. 34 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:54,520 It has tremendous instrumental accompaniment. 35 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:57,260 This is the hymnal here. 36 00:03:57,260 --> 00:04:02,280 I've used it for four years, and I feel it's the very best hymnal that is out for worship 37 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:03,620 today. 38 00:04:03,620 --> 00:04:10,040 If you agree with me that you want your worship to be dynamic, to have variety, and to have 39 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:15,280 all of the excitement that it should, I want to recommend this hymnal to us as a church 40 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:17,800 today, the hymnal for worship and celebration. 41 00:04:17,800 --> 00:04:20,480 I want to let you in on just a little secret. 42 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:27,400 If you go back three or four weeks when we sang Holy, Holy, Holy, or 04, A Thousand Tongues, 43 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:31,820 or some of the other hymns when the instruments were just raising the roof, I want to let 44 00:04:31,820 --> 00:04:37,960 you in on a secret that we were using this hymnal up here with the instruments and with 45 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:41,440 the choir. 46 00:04:41,440 --> 00:04:47,000 I found it to be just an exceptional tool to help us to worship the way we ought to 47 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:48,000 worship. 48 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:53,360 Now, we have an opportunity this morning to look at this hymnal as a hymnal for our church 49 00:04:53,360 --> 00:04:54,360 here. 50 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:57,800 I'm recommending it to you, and I hope that you get behind me on this. 51 00:04:57,800 --> 00:05:01,840 I feel that we should have this hymnal because it's the best. 52 00:05:01,840 --> 00:05:05,640 We pursue excellence in all that we do here at Grace Church, and the hymnal should be 53 00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:07,320 a part of that as well. 54 00:05:07,320 --> 00:05:10,920 If you look in your worship folders, you'll find a little envelope. 55 00:05:10,920 --> 00:05:12,920 It looks just like this. 56 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:15,360 If you have one, would you raise it for me? 57 00:05:15,360 --> 00:05:17,960 It says, hymnal fund. 58 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:24,800 Now, we have an opportunity this morning for each of us, every adult in the church ages 59 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:33,280 13 and up, if you would purchase one hymnal yourself for $8, then we'll fill our church 60 00:05:33,280 --> 00:05:36,680 with the hymns necessary for our services. 61 00:05:36,680 --> 00:05:43,400 $8 each adult, if you would take your $8 check and put it in its envelope this morning and 62 00:05:43,400 --> 00:05:45,320 drop it in the offering plate. 63 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:49,880 I would love it if we could get this hymnal just in a matter of a few weeks here. 64 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:50,880 I recommend it to you. 65 00:05:50,880 --> 00:05:53,240 If you have any questions about it, let me know. 66 00:05:53,240 --> 00:05:57,120 I'll be up front afterwards and I'll show you some of the nice things that you'll find 67 00:05:57,120 --> 00:05:58,380 in this hymnal. 68 00:05:58,380 --> 00:06:01,680 Some of you may be able to buy more than one. 69 00:06:01,680 --> 00:06:05,760 Some may have the opportunity to buy several as a memorial gift. 70 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:11,120 Whatever it may be, I encourage you to help me to get this hymnal in place here at the 71 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:14,080 church. 72 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:17,720 Now this morning's service will be in contrast to many of the others that we've had in the 73 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:19,160 past few weeks. 74 00:06:19,160 --> 00:06:23,640 This morning will be remembering the Lord's death. 75 00:06:23,640 --> 00:06:26,400 It'll be a memorial service. 76 00:06:26,400 --> 00:06:33,520 And I hope that within its context that your heart is prepared as ours is on the platform. 77 00:06:33,520 --> 00:06:43,280 Would you pray with me please as we begin? 78 00:06:43,280 --> 00:06:49,800 Lord you are the lamb who was slain before the foundations of the world. 79 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:55,880 You surrendered yourself and you gave of yourself freely so that we would be delivered from 80 00:06:55,880 --> 00:06:59,640 death. 81 00:06:59,640 --> 00:07:08,360 We bow before you this morning in adoration of your grandeur and your splendor. 82 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:17,000 And we pray that we would have your mind to lay ourselves aside as you did for you are 83 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:20,200 worthy of our praise. 84 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:22,960 In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 85 00:07:22,960 --> 00:07:26,880 Will you turn to number 72 please in your hymnal? 86 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:28,680 Thou art worthy. 87 00:07:28,680 --> 00:07:29,680 Number 72. 88 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:33,200 And we'll move from there to number 73. 89 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:36,200 Would you stand with me as we sing please? 90 00:07:36,200 --> 00:07:39,200 Thou art worthy. 91 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:42,200 Thou art worthy. 92 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:45,200 Thou art worthy. 93 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:48,200 Thou art worthy. 94 00:07:48,200 --> 00:07:51,200 Thou art worthy. 95 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:54,200 Thou art worthy. 96 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:57,200 Thou art worthy. 97 00:07:57,200 --> 00:08:06,760 Thou art worthy to receive glory, glory and honor. 98 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:14,760 Glory and honor and power. 99 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:24,000 For Thou hast created, hast all things created. 100 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Thou hast created all things, 101 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:41,000 and for thy pleasure they are created. 102 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:50,000 Thou art worthy, O Lord. 103 00:08:50,000 --> 00:09:07,000 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. 104 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:20,000 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive 105 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:37,000 power and riches and wisdom and strength, a heritable, we at last see. 106 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:55,000 Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb that was slain. 107 00:09:55,000 --> 00:10:05,000 Worthy is Thine. 108 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:08,000 You may be seated. 109 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:14,000 I invite you to kneel with me if you wish, and you're able to, right at the chair where you are. 110 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:21,000 Just slip out on your knees and let's bow before the Lamb. 111 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:25,000 We have sung that he is worthy, and indeed he is. 112 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:30,000 Would you say with me out loud those words, Thou art worthy, O Lord. 113 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:35,000 Let's say them together. Thou art worthy, O Lord. 114 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:39,000 Once again, Thou art worthy, O Lord. 115 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:50,000 Jesus Christ, you are worthy of our praise, for by your blood you have purchased us for God. 116 00:10:50,000 --> 00:11:00,000 And we bow and kneel before you, recognizing your worthiness as our Redeemer. 117 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:04,000 And we give you our hearts. 118 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:07,000 We give you our love. 119 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:10,000 We give you all that we are. 120 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:34,000 Amen. 121 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:38,000 Pilate said to them, Here is the man. 122 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:41,000 And the chief priests and the officers saw him. 123 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:46,000 They cried out, Crucify him! Crucify him! 124 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:55,000 Pilate said to them, Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him. 125 00:11:55,000 --> 00:12:00,000 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 126 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:12,000 They took Jesus, and he went out bearing his own cross to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. 127 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:41,000 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 128 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:52,000 You died for me on the cross that fell on me. 129 00:12:52,000 --> 00:13:02,000 You died for me on the cross that I might see. 130 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:11,000 In bitter pain you take away my strife. 131 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:21,000 O Lord of all, I give to you my life. 132 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:32,000 You come to me in the final dawn of day. 133 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:39,000 You come to me that your spirit shall remain. 134 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:51,000 That I might see in bitter pain your precious blood is no more. 135 00:13:51,000 --> 00:14:00,000 O Lord of all, my faith is now restored. 136 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:10,000 O Savior Jesus, you died for me. 137 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:34,000 My cross you bear for me at Calvary. 138 00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:44,000 You give to me every day your saving grace. 139 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:53,000 You give to me your redeeming holy face. 140 00:14:53,000 --> 00:15:02,000 In bitter pain you die that I might live. 141 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:13,000 O Lord of all, my love to you I give. 142 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:23,000 You died for me on the cross at Calvary. 143 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:33,000 You died for me on the cross that I might see. 144 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:43,000 In bitter pain you take away my strife. 145 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:56,000 O Lord of all, I give to you my life. 146 00:15:56,000 --> 00:16:17,000 My life. 147 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:25,000 Number 218, number 218 in your hymnals. Blessed Redeemer, up Calvary's mountain he walked. 148 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:38,000 Would you stand as we sing all three verses please, number 218. 149 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:45,000 Up Calvary's mountain, one dreadful road, 150 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:52,000 Walk Christ my Savior, weary and poor, 151 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:58,000 Rising for sinners, death on the cross, 152 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:06,000 That he might save them from endless loss. 153 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:13,000 Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, 154 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:22,000 Seems now I see, on Calvary's tree, 155 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:29,000 Wounded and weeping, for sinners pleading, 156 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:39,000 Died and unheeding, dying for him. 157 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:45,000 Father forgive them, thus did he pray, 158 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:52,000 In while his lifeblood flowed fast away, 159 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:59,000 Praying for sinners while in such woe, 160 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:06,000 No one but Jesus ever loved so. 161 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:13,000 Blessed Redeemer, blessed Redeemer, 162 00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:21,000 Seems now I see, on Calvary's tree, 163 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:30,000 Wounded and weeping, for sinners pleading, 164 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:40,000 Died and unheeding, dying for him. 165 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:47,000 O how I love him, Savior and friend, 166 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:54,000 How can my praises ever find rest, 167 00:18:54,000 --> 00:19:01,000 Through years unknown, on heaven's shore, 168 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:09,000 My tongue shall praise him forevermore. 169 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:17,000 Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, 170 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:25,000 Seems now I see, on Calvary's tree, 171 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:34,000 Wounded and weeping, for sinners pleading, 172 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:47,000 Died and unheeding, dying for him. 173 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:26,000 When I survey the wondrous cross, 174 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:35,000 On which the Prince of Glory died, 175 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:43,000 My riches gain I count but loss, 176 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:53,000 And poor contempt on all my pride. 177 00:20:53,000 --> 00:21:04,000 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 178 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:13,000 Save in the death of Christ my God. 179 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:20,000 O bovine things that charm me most, 180 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:37,000 I sacrifice them to his blood. 181 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:46,000 See from his head, his hands, his feet, 182 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:54,000 Sorrow and love flow mingle down. 183 00:21:54,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Did ere such love and sorrow meet, 184 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:26,000 The heart's composure so rich a crown? 185 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:34,000 Were the whole realm of nature mine, 186 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:42,000 That were a present far too small? 187 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:50,000 Love so amazing, so divine, 188 00:22:50,000 --> 00:23:02,000 Demands my soul, my life, my love. 189 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:43,000 And then he partook of the bread, 190 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:50,000 And said to them, This is my body, which is for you. 191 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:53,000 Then he partook of the cup, 192 00:23:53,000 --> 00:24:01,000 Saying to them, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. 193 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:07,000 After doing so, he began to share with them that he was going away, 194 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:11,000 And that where he was going, they could not come. 195 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:15,000 Later speaking for himself, but for all of them, 196 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:20,000 In his own way said, Lord, wherever you're going, I'm going to come, 197 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:26,000 Even if it means my death. 198 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:31,000 And Jesus said, Tonight you will deny me three times, 199 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:34,000 But I'm going away. 200 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,000 But I will not leave you as orphans, 201 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:41,000 I will come to you. 202 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:45,000 Soon you will see me no more, 203 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:49,000 But I will come to you. 204 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:56,000 And then he went on to express to them how important they were to him. 205 00:24:56,000 --> 00:25:00,000 And he said, Now let's get up and go. 206 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:05,000 And they left the upper room and walked across the brook Kidron to the east of Jerusalem. 207 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:11,000 And as they walked those pathways, undoubtedly they passed by some vineyards. 208 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:17,000 And Jesus said, I am the vine, and you are the branches. 209 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:22,000 Abide in me and you will bear much fruit. 210 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:27,000 And as he continued talking with them, he reminded them, 211 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:33,000 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. 212 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:36,000 They needed that assurance. 213 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:39,000 They needed that word of encouragement. 214 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:45,000 I have chosen you. 215 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:48,000 But he kept talking. 216 00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:52,000 And somber words came to his mouth when he said, 217 00:25:52,000 --> 00:26:01,000 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 218 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:04,000 Jesus said that in such a way that it meant, 219 00:26:04,000 --> 00:26:11,000 The world has hated me and it will continue to hate me. 220 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:18,000 He says, If you were of the world, the world would love its own. 221 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:25,000 But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, 222 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:30,000 Therefore the world hates you. 223 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:35,000 Remember the word that I said to you, a slave is not greater than his master. 224 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:42,000 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 225 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:51,000 These men were his chosen disciples, in a similar way that we are his chosen disciples today. 226 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:56,000 And he warned them and he warns us through their words, 227 00:26:56,000 --> 00:27:02,000 That because we are his and no longer a part of the world system, 228 00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:07,000 Therefore the world can be expected to hate us. 229 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:15,000 You see, the world hates everyone that does not conform to its paradigm. 230 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:23,000 The world hates anyone who will not accommodate themselves to its lifestyle. 231 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:29,000 Just as the world has a permanent and abiding attitude of hatred toward Jesus, 232 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:35,000 The world carries out that attitude toward his followers. 233 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:40,000 We are his chosen disciples. 234 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:50,000 We have been chosen by the Lord to suffer in this world for his name's sake. 235 00:27:50,000 --> 00:28:03,000 And let us reaffirm in our hearts today that he is worthy of all that he calls us to, including suffering. 236 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:06,000 He has called us to death. 237 00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:16,000 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a German pastor and theologian in Germany before World War II, 238 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:21,000 Was put to death eventually by the Nazis. 239 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:30,000 He said, when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. 240 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:36,000 We like to think of discipleship in some other terms than that, and there are other ways to describe it. 241 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:46,000 But let's never forget that the bottom line of discipleship is death. 242 00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:51,000 Jesus said, I have chosen you out of the world. 243 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:55,000 Therefore the world hates you. 244 00:28:55,000 --> 00:29:05,000 It is not a compliment when we are broadly and consistently loved by the world. 245 00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:16,000 In Luke chapter 14, Jesus makes some rather strong statements regarding discipleship that tie in with this. 246 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:23,000 Because of his miracles and his teaching, many were following him, 247 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:30,000 Many more than he was comfortable with because he knew they were not genuine disciples. 248 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:35,000 So in verse 25 of Luke 14, it says, great multitudes were going along with him, 249 00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:43,000 And he turned and said to them, If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother 250 00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:56,000 And wife and children and brothers and sisters, and yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 251 00:29:56,000 --> 00:30:05,000 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 252 00:30:05,000 --> 00:30:08,000 Strong words. 253 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:15,000 Jesus is not saying that we must literally hate our loved ones and ourselves. 254 00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:22,000 This is an Eastern expression from that time, one of comparison. 255 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:26,000 Another way of saying this that would come across better in the English is, 256 00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:34,000 We must love him above all of our loved ones and yes, even ourselves. 257 00:30:34,000 --> 00:30:38,000 That's the point. 258 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:45,000 And he says that we must be willing to carry our cross. 259 00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:53,000 To carry the cross is a way of intensifying what he has just said. 260 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:59,000 He is saying you cannot be my disciple unless you are committed to me. 261 00:30:59,000 --> 00:31:10,000 Above everyone and everything else, it means, dear people, carrying your own cross. 262 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:17,000 Carrying a Roman cross was not unfamiliar in that day. 263 00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:25,000 It signified in the one hand that this person, by carrying his own cross, 264 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:31,000 Was acknowledging that Rome's sentence of death was a just one. 265 00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:34,000 Rome enforced that. 266 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:39,000 The sentence was handed down and the person was told, Take up your cross now, 267 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:49,000 Symbolizing that your sentence is just and carry it to the place of crucifixion. 268 00:31:49,000 --> 00:31:55,000 So when Jesus says, Take up your cross, he is saying to us that when we do so, 269 00:31:55,000 --> 00:32:00,000 We acknowledge that his call of total commitment is just. 270 00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:02,000 It is right. 271 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:07,000 And therefore we carry our cross, symbolizing that. 272 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:13,000 Carrying the cross meant that one surrendered his life to another. 273 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:20,000 Carrying the cross means that we surrender to Jesus Christ our life's plans, 274 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:24,000 Our ambitions, our desires. 275 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:27,000 We give them all to him willingly. 276 00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:35,000 And that we say to him, Lord, I will serve you as you direct me, whatever that means. 277 00:32:35,000 --> 00:32:40,000 I surrender my life to you. 278 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:46,000 Carrying the cross meant certain death. 279 00:32:46,000 --> 00:32:50,000 One did not come back from the place of his own execution. 280 00:32:50,000 --> 00:32:55,000 It was a one-way trip. 281 00:32:55,000 --> 00:33:02,000 Jesus says to us, Take up your cross and follow me. 282 00:33:02,000 --> 00:33:08,000 It means that when we have taken up the cross, there is no turning back. 283 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:12,000 It is a commitment that is one way. 284 00:33:12,000 --> 00:33:24,000 And we say to him, I carry my cross to the place of death for you, Lord Jesus. 285 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:29,000 Sometimes we like to think, don't we, that we can have it both ways. 286 00:33:29,000 --> 00:33:37,000 That on the one hand we can be identified as Christians and as disciples of Jesus Christ. 287 00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:41,000 And on the other hand we can have our own way with our lives. 288 00:33:41,000 --> 00:33:43,000 Live our lives as we please. 289 00:33:43,000 --> 00:33:51,000 Fulfill our own desires and our own ambitions and ask the Lord's blessing upon that. 290 00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:55,000 But that is contrary to what our Lord says. 291 00:33:55,000 --> 00:34:03,000 He says if we are going to follow him and be genuine disciples, it means total commitment. 292 00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:14,000 It means picking up the cross and dying to ourselves to follow him and him alone. 293 00:34:14,000 --> 00:34:20,000 He has said that when Julius Caesar landed on the shores of Britain with his Roman legions, 294 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:27,000 he took a bold step to ensure that all of his soldiers would fight well. 295 00:34:27,000 --> 00:34:34,000 He ordered his men to go to the edge of the cliffs of Dover and to look over those cliffs. 296 00:34:34,000 --> 00:34:42,000 And when they did, looking down at the sea, they saw the boats on which they had arrived in flames. 297 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:49,000 Caesar wanted them to know that all possibility of retreat had been cut off. 298 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:53,000 And now they must fight or die. 299 00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:57,000 There was no turning back. 300 00:34:57,000 --> 00:35:04,000 The commitment that Jesus Christ calls us to is just that definite and that clear. 301 00:35:04,000 --> 00:35:11,000 He says I have chosen you out of the world. 302 00:35:11,000 --> 00:35:17,000 Take up your cross and follow me. 303 00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:26,000 Jesus can only promise to us what he himself has received. 304 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:29,000 He has received the cross. 305 00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:37,000 And that is your promise in mind, that in this world we will bear his cross. 306 00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:44,000 Chosen disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ are guaranteed a life of permanent value. 307 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:58,000 But we are not guaranteed a life immune from hatred and suffering in a world of unbelievers. 308 00:35:58,000 --> 00:36:11,000 As we gather at the Lord's table this morning and we remember his cross and his death for our sake, we rejoice. 309 00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:20,000 But we must also be sobered realizing that as we partake of this bread and this cup, 310 00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:25,000 we are drinking and eating to our own death as well. 311 00:36:25,000 --> 00:36:34,000 Because in partaking we are saying I am a follower of Jesus Christ. 312 00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:47,000 And I pick up my cross, my own cross, that I might follow him alone. 313 00:36:47,000 --> 00:36:53,000 Let's bow together. 314 00:36:53,000 --> 00:36:58,000 As the Holy Spirit searches our hearts before we come to the table, 315 00:36:58,000 --> 00:37:06,000 I wonder what you need to say to the Lord who says, if any man will come after me, 316 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:16,000 let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 317 00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:28,000 Think of that quietly as we prepare our hearts to partake of this table. 318 00:37:46,000 --> 00:38:06,000 Our Lord, we come to the table that you opened for us with deep gratitude for the price that you paid for our sins. 319 00:38:06,000 --> 00:38:12,000 We can add nothing to your suffering in that regard. 320 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:17,000 Your suffering was complete, it was finished for our sake. 321 00:38:17,000 --> 00:38:19,000 How we thank you. 322 00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:25,000 Worthy are you of our praise. 323 00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:36,000 But as we come to this table this morning, we are also mindful that we come as called and chosen disciples. 324 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:44,000 Those who have been counted worthy to suffer shame for your name. 325 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:49,000 Forgive us when we have shirked our calling. 326 00:38:49,000 --> 00:39:00,000 When we have lived beneath it and not risen to the grace to which you've called us. 327 00:39:00,000 --> 00:39:19,000 Cleanse us now and renew within our hearts the commitment of the cross and our call to discipleship. 328 00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:26,000 In Jesus' name, Amen. 329 00:39:26,000 --> 00:39:37,000 As we come to the Lord's table today, I'd like to remind you of some words of John White in his book entitled The Fight. 330 00:39:37,000 --> 00:39:43,000 He says, The Father does not welcome you because you have been trying hard, 331 00:39:43,000 --> 00:39:47,000 because you have made a thorough going confession, 332 00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:52,000 or because you have been making spiritual strides recently. 333 00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:57,000 He does not welcome you because you have something you can be proud about. 334 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:03,000 He welcomes you because his son died for you. 335 00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:08,000 Therefore, when you find the gray cloud descending, 336 00:40:08,000 --> 00:40:14,000 whether it be as you pray or as you work, as you testify or whatever, 337 00:40:14,000 --> 00:40:21,000 when you find the ring of assurance going from your words because of a vague sense of guilt, 338 00:40:21,000 --> 00:40:29,000 look up to God and say, Thank you, my Father, for the blood of your Son. 339 00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:38,000 Thank you even now that you accept me gladly, lovingly, in spite of all I am and have done. 340 00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:45,000 Because of his death, Father and God, I come. 341 00:40:45,000 --> 00:40:51,000 Let's rejoice in his sharing, his sacrifice of his body. 342 00:41:15,000 --> 00:41:31,000 Let's sing together at the cross. 343 00:41:31,000 --> 00:41:43,000 Alas, and did my Savior bleed, 344 00:41:43,000 --> 00:41:51,000 and did my Sovereign die? 345 00:41:51,000 --> 00:42:01,000 Would He devote that sacred hand 346 00:42:01,000 --> 00:42:16,000 for such a, such as I? 347 00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:32,000 Where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. 348 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:45,000 It was there by faith I received my Son, 349 00:42:45,000 --> 00:42:58,000 and now I am happy all the day. 350 00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:09,000 But drops of grief, can there repay 351 00:43:09,000 --> 00:43:18,000 the depth of love I owe? 352 00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:28,000 Dear Lord, I give myself away. 353 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:38,000 It is all that I can do. 354 00:43:38,000 --> 00:43:50,000 At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, 355 00:43:50,000 --> 00:44:00,000 and the burden of my heart rolled away. 356 00:44:00,000 --> 00:44:13,000 It was there by faith I received my Son, 357 00:44:13,000 --> 00:44:23,000 and now I am happy all the day. 358 00:44:23,000 --> 00:44:27,000 Just the chorus, at the cross. 359 00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:38,000 At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, 360 00:44:38,000 --> 00:44:49,000 and the burden of my heart rolled away. 361 00:44:49,000 --> 00:45:03,000 It was there by faith I received my Son, 362 00:45:03,000 --> 00:45:19,000 and now I am happy all the day. 363 00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:41,000 Jesus said, This is my body which is for you. 364 00:45:41,000 --> 00:45:45,000 Eat this in remembrance of me. 365 00:45:45,000 --> 00:46:00,000 Lord, we remember. 366 00:46:00,000 --> 00:46:09,000 Two centuries ago, there was an English pastor and preacher by the name of Robert Robinson, 367 00:46:09,000 --> 00:46:14,000 who was also a poet and a hymn writer. 368 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:19,000 Later in his spiritual life, he began to drift from the Lord. 369 00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:30,000 So much so that Mr. Robinson began to wonder if he even was a Christian at all. 370 00:46:30,000 --> 00:46:41,000 One evening he was riding in the carriage in the city of Paris with a lady, a friend of his. 371 00:46:41,000 --> 00:46:46,000 And she began to read to him from a book of poetry. 372 00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:51,000 And she said, Robert, what do you think of this poem? 373 00:46:51,000 --> 00:46:58,000 Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise. 374 00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:06,000 Streams of mercy never failing call for hymns of loudest praise. 375 00:47:06,000 --> 00:47:12,000 She looked over at him, and tears were streaming down his face. 376 00:47:12,000 --> 00:47:15,000 And he said, What do I think of it? 377 00:47:15,000 --> 00:47:22,000 I wrote it. 378 00:47:22,000 --> 00:47:26,000 And she said, Robert, she was a new believer. 379 00:47:26,000 --> 00:47:34,000 She said, Robert, in Paris tonight, the streams of mercy are still flowing. 380 00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:42,000 And from a broken and repentant heart, that evening, he called on the Lord again 381 00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:46,000 and renewed his walk with Jesus Christ. 382 00:47:46,000 --> 00:47:51,000 I am so glad as we come to the cup representing the blood of Jesus Christ, 383 00:47:51,000 --> 00:47:56,000 that it continually cleanses us from all sin. 384 00:47:56,000 --> 00:48:07,000 And that the streams of mercy are still flowing today for all of us because of Jesus. 385 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:12,000 Thank you. 386 00:48:37,000 --> 00:48:46,000 On a hill far away, 387 00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:55,000 Spurred in old rugged huts, 388 00:48:55,000 --> 00:49:08,000 On a hill far away, Spurred in old rugged huts, 389 00:49:08,000 --> 00:49:19,000 On the emblem of suffering and shame. 390 00:49:19,000 --> 00:49:25,000 And I love that old cross, 391 00:49:25,000 --> 00:49:30,000 The dearest and best, 392 00:49:30,000 --> 00:49:42,000 For the world of lost sinners was sinned. 393 00:49:42,000 --> 00:49:52,000 Lest the old rugged cross, 394 00:49:52,000 --> 00:50:03,000 Till my trophies at last I lay bare, 395 00:50:03,000 --> 00:50:15,000 I will claim to the old rugged cross, 396 00:50:15,000 --> 00:50:28,000 And exchange it someday for a cup. 397 00:50:28,000 --> 00:50:34,000 O that old rugged cross, 398 00:50:34,000 --> 00:50:44,000 Of time, 399 00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:51,000 Attraction for me, 400 00:50:51,000 --> 00:51:02,000 For the dear Lamb of God, North is glory alone, 401 00:51:02,000 --> 00:51:13,000 To bear it to dark Alvary. 402 00:51:13,000 --> 00:51:24,000 So I'll cherish the old rugged cross. 403 00:51:24,000 --> 00:51:35,000 O that old rugged cross, 404 00:51:35,000 --> 00:51:50,000 I will claim to the old rugged cross, 405 00:51:50,000 --> 00:52:05,000 And exchange it someday for a cup. 406 00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:30,000 O that old rugged cross, 407 00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:35,000 Of time, 408 00:52:35,000 --> 00:52:50,000 Attraction for me, 409 00:52:50,000 --> 00:53:05,000 For the dear Lamb of God, 410 00:53:05,000 --> 00:53:20,000 North is glory alone, 411 00:53:20,000 --> 00:53:32,000 For the dear Lamb of God, 412 00:53:32,000 --> 00:53:35,000 Worthy art thou to take the Book, 413 00:53:35,000 --> 00:53:38,000 To break its seals. 414 00:53:38,000 --> 00:53:42,000 For thou wast slain and didst purchase for God, 415 00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:46,000 With thy blood, men from every tribe, 416 00:53:46,000 --> 00:53:55,000 And tongue, and people, and nation. 417 00:53:55,000 --> 00:53:59,000 I'm glad you've come today to share with us in this service. 418 00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:05,000 We invite you to use those containers to put your cups in there if you wish. 419 00:54:05,000 --> 00:54:09,000 We have a wonderful Savior and we welcome you in His name, 420 00:54:09,000 --> 00:54:13,000 and particularly those of you who may be our guests in the service 421 00:54:13,000 --> 00:54:15,000 who are visiting with us for the first time. 422 00:54:15,000 --> 00:54:18,000 The ushers have a rose we'd like to give to you. 423 00:54:18,000 --> 00:54:23,000 Would you be kind enough, wherever you're seated, if you are a first-time visitor, 424 00:54:23,000 --> 00:54:25,000 to indicate to the ushers your presence, 425 00:54:25,000 --> 00:54:29,000 and take one of the roses from them and wear that on your lapel or on your blouse 426 00:54:29,000 --> 00:54:32,000 to indicate to the rest of us your presence today as a guest. 427 00:54:32,000 --> 00:54:36,000 Just lift your hand where you're seated so the ushers can see you. 428 00:54:36,000 --> 00:54:39,000 Thank you for doing that. 429 00:54:39,000 --> 00:54:42,000 And may I remind all of you to complete the registration form, 430 00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:47,000 at least one to a family, so that we can know that you have been here 431 00:54:47,000 --> 00:54:55,000 and worshipping with us in this service. 432 00:54:55,000 --> 00:54:59,000 We invite you to be back this evening as we conclude the day 433 00:54:59,000 --> 00:55:03,000 in a time of Bible study going to the book of Romans. 434 00:55:03,000 --> 00:55:07,000 They're looking at chapters 3, 4, and 5, 435 00:55:07,000 --> 00:55:12,000 as we seek to understand the book and the relationship of God to the believer. 436 00:55:12,000 --> 00:55:16,000 I hope you'll join us tonight at 6. 437 00:55:16,000 --> 00:55:18,000 And now let's bow together in prayers. 438 00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:24,000 We ask God's blessing upon our offering and our giving on this Lord's Day, 439 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:29,000 this Communion Sunday. 440 00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:36,000 Father, we give thanks to you for that which you have done for us 441 00:55:36,000 --> 00:55:45,000 in purchasing us out of the world to belong to yourself at, oh, what a price. 442 00:55:45,000 --> 00:55:50,000 How free it is to us, but how costly to you. 443 00:55:50,000 --> 00:55:56,000 We thank you for this price that we have remembered this morning. 444 00:55:56,000 --> 00:56:02,000 Because of the great gift you have given to us, we bring our gifts. 445 00:56:02,000 --> 00:56:06,000 Bless the tithes and the offerings that we bring this morning, 446 00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:12,000 and use them, we pray, for your work, your ministry. 447 00:56:12,000 --> 00:56:17,000 We pray that the Gospel may be preached locally and abroad 448 00:56:17,000 --> 00:56:22,000 without any limitation because of our faithfulness together 449 00:56:22,000 --> 00:56:25,000 as a congregation in our giving. 450 00:56:25,000 --> 00:56:29,000 We remember this morning Harriet and Charlotte Payne. 451 00:56:29,000 --> 00:56:33,000 We give thanks to you for the many years of faithful service to you in Africa 452 00:56:33,000 --> 00:56:37,000 by this dear team of sisters. 453 00:56:37,000 --> 00:56:39,000 And we pray for them in their retirement years, 454 00:56:39,000 --> 00:56:46,000 especially in their ministry, visiting, encouraging, 455 00:56:46,000 --> 00:56:50,000 and sharing the Gospel with people near their home. 456 00:56:50,000 --> 00:56:55,000 Use them, we pray, and encourage them in their work. 457 00:56:55,000 --> 00:57:01,000 We also pray today for the Vest family and the loss of Jeff's father. 458 00:57:01,000 --> 00:57:08,000 We pray for the Weens, the impending death of Claudia's father. 459 00:57:08,000 --> 00:57:14,000 And for everyone in our church who has suffered loss and grief. 460 00:57:14,000 --> 00:57:18,000 Lord, we thank you that you understand and feel with us 461 00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:24,000 the depths of our sorrows, and that truly you care. 462 00:57:24,000 --> 00:57:30,000 And may each one suffering today and grieving over loss of any kind 463 00:57:30,000 --> 00:57:35,000 find your hand of comfort to be sufficient. 464 00:57:35,000 --> 00:57:39,000 We also pray for the ill in our church, especially Al Schutt, 465 00:57:39,000 --> 00:57:41,000 as he continues in the hospital. 466 00:57:41,000 --> 00:57:44,000 Strengthen and encourage each one of these. 467 00:57:44,000 --> 00:57:53,000 We pray for their health physically and their strength spiritually too. 468 00:57:53,000 --> 00:57:58,000 As we meditate and remember what you've done for us, 469 00:57:58,000 --> 00:58:04,000 we give you ourselves as well as our gifts. 470 00:58:04,000 --> 00:58:07,000 Amen. 471 00:59:34,000 --> 00:59:36,000 In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 472 01:00:05,000 --> 01:00:08,000 Amen. 473 01:00:08,000 --> 01:00:37,000 I'd like for us to close the service by singing hymn 447. 474 01:00:37,000 --> 01:00:40,000 And all four verses of it, a hymn of commitment. 475 01:00:40,000 --> 01:00:43,000 But I don't want us to drag the tempo. 476 01:00:43,000 --> 01:00:49,000 It says, Jesus, I, my cross have taken all to leave and follow thee. 477 01:00:49,000 --> 01:00:54,000 And with joy and yet commitment in our hearts, let's sing together. 478 01:00:54,000 --> 01:00:57,000 447, you servers can go down if you wish while we sing. 479 01:00:57,000 --> 01:00:59,000 Thanks for your ministry this morning and help. 480 01:00:59,000 --> 01:01:12,000 Let's stand together, please. 481 01:01:12,000 --> 01:01:22,000 Jesus, I, my cross have taken all to leave and follow thee. 482 01:01:22,000 --> 01:01:32,000 Destitute, despised, forsaken, thou from hence my world shalt be. 483 01:01:32,000 --> 01:01:43,000 Perish every fond ambition, all I sought and hoped and owned. 484 01:01:43,000 --> 01:01:56,000 Yet how rich is my conviction, God and heaven are still my own. 485 01:01:56,000 --> 01:02:07,000 Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior true. 486 01:02:07,000 --> 01:02:18,000 Human hearts and looks deceive me, thou art not like man untrue. 487 01:02:18,000 --> 01:02:29,000 And while thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, 488 01:02:29,000 --> 01:02:42,000 Foes may hate and friends may shun me, show thy face and all is bright. 489 01:02:42,000 --> 01:02:53,000 Man may trouble, man distress me, thou yoke but drive me to thy breast. 490 01:02:53,000 --> 01:03:05,000 Life with trials hard, God may press me, heaven will bring me sweet arrest. 491 01:03:05,000 --> 01:03:23,000 Woe, tis not in grief to harm me, love thy losses left to me, woe, were not in joy to harm me, 492 01:03:23,000 --> 01:03:36,000 Worth that joy unhixed with me. Hasing one from grace to glory, 493 01:03:36,000 --> 01:03:53,000 Armed by faith and winged by prayer, Heaven's eternal days before me, God's own land shall guide me there. 494 01:03:53,000 --> 01:04:10,000 Soon shall close my earthly mission, swift shall pass my pilgrim days, hope shall change to glad fruition, 495 01:04:10,000 --> 01:04:19,000 Faith to sight and prayer to grace. 496 01:04:19,000 --> 01:04:25,000 And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of his own. Amen. 497 01:04:49,000 --> 01:05:07,000 Amen.