Since the Triune God reveals himself to us in his written Word, we read the Word, preach the Word, pray the Word, sing the Word, and see the Word (in the sacraments).
What does this mean? Why did the minister say that? Why do they have such Roman Catholic things as Confession of Sin, Apostles’ Creed, and sacraments? These are natural questions when you come to our church’s worship service. This sermon series is a walk-through our worship service, and is designed to help you understand the biblical principles governing our worship service and the specific elements of what we do.
Our worship services are God-focused, Christ-centered and illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Since the Triune God reveals himself to us in the Scriptures alone, our worship services are regulated by the same written Word of God. We read the Word, preach the Word, pray the Word, sing the Word, and see the Word (in the sacraments). Here’s an outline of our worship service:
| Entering into God’s Presence Call to Worship Invocation God’s Greeting Opening Prayer Psalm of PraiseConfession of Sin Reading of the Law Congregational Confession of Sin Assurance of PardonResponse of Gratitude Responsive Reading of Creed (omitted on Communion Sundays) Psalm of Thanksgiving Offerings Congregational Prayer |
Service of the Word Scripture Lessons Gloria Patri Psalm of Preparation SermonService of the Lord’s Supper (monthly) The Preparation The Consecration Apostles’ Creed Sursum Corda Communion Thanksgiving PrayerLeaving to Serve Song of Consecration Doxology Last Word & Benediction Amen! |
NOTE: I included in this list some sermons that I preached previously that relate to this series.
Come, let us walk you through in detail why we do what we do in our worship!
| Date | Topic | Scripture Readings |
| 5-4-14 | Call to Worship: “Oh Come, Let Us Worship the LORD” | Exo 17:1-7; Psalm 95:1-11 (text); Heb 3:7-11 |
| 5-11-14 | Invocation and God’s Greeting: Promise and Greeting: “Grace, Mercy and Peace to You” | Psa 129:8; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; 1 Tim 1:2 (texts) |
| 5-18-14 | Opening Prayer & Song of Praise: Who is the LORD in the Holy Place? | Psalm 24:1-10 (text); Psa 100:1-5; 1 Tim 2:8; Eph 5:18-21 |
| 5-25-14 | Reading of the Law, Confession of Sin, Declaration of Pardon: “This Day is Holy to the LORD” | Nehemiah 8:1-12 (text); Gal 3:19-27 |
| 6-8-14 | Song of Thanksgiving: Our LORD’s Glad News | Psalm 40:1-17 (text); Heb 10:1-14 |
| 11-17-08 | Song of Thanksgiving: Praise God for His Great Works | Psalm 111:1-10 (text); Eph 5:15-21 |
| 6-1-14 | Reading of the Creed: “The Unity of the Church” | Psa 68:18; Ephesians 4:1-16 (text) |
| 4-24-12 | Offerings: Treasures, Tithes, Hearts | Lev 27:30, 32; Matthew 6:19-24 (text) |
| 2-10-13 | Congregational Prayer: “When You Pray…” | Matthew 6:5-15 (text); Jonah 3:1-10 |
| 7-7-13 | Song of Preparation: The Righteous and the Wicked | Psalm 1:1-6 (text); Rom 5:12-21 |
| 6-15-14 | Scripture Readings and Sermon: “Devote Yourself to the Apostles’ Teaching” | Exo 241:-8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Acts 2:42 (texts) |
| 6-22-14 | Song of Consecration: The People Make a Covenant with the LORD | 2 Kings 23:1-3 (text); Heb 10:12-18 |
| Article, 10-29-12 | Gloria Patri and Doxology: Why Do We Sing “Gloria Patri” and Other Doxologies? | Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 1:8 (texts) |
| 6-29-14 | Benediction and Amen!: The Triune God’s Three-Fold Blessing Upon His People | Numbers 6:22-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14 (texts) |