Order of Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Meditation Passage
1 Samuel 2:1, 4, 6
There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. . . The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. . . The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
* Apostolic Greeting
Reserved for Ministers
* God Calls His People to Worship
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
* Invocation
God Commands His People:
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
We Confess Our Faith
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 63. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Q. 64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and relations.
Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Confession of Sin
(Silent confession followed by corporate confession)
Eternal Father, you alone rightfully possess all power and authority. Yet we have often dishonored you by dishonoring those whom you have placed over us: our fathers and mothers, our teachers, those over us in the church by age or office, and those whom you have privileged with power in the kingdoms of this world. Moreover, we have not exercised fatherly or motherly love and tenderness toward those whom you have placed under our care. We are greatly sorry for these sins, for they are all against you. Forgive us for the sake of your Son. Cause us to honor those over us, not only with our lips, but also with our hearts and actions. Grant us freedom from envy or discontentment for those you have placed both over and under us. May we pray for, and do all within our power to see them prosper and flourish for the sake of your glory. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
* We Praise God in Song
Doxology (#567)
God Speaks Through His Word - Ephesians 2:11-22
Sermon: The Apostolic and Prophetic Foundation of the Church
Speaker: Elder James Schwacofer
Congregational Prayer (Followed by the Lord's Prayer)
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
Closing Doxology
Deuteronomy 32:3-4
For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."