CALL TO WORSHIP

(Tune: Come Thou Fount – p. 17)

(Words written by Pastor Jim Byrd)

In this house, O great Jehovah,

God of everlasting days;

Humbly now we all assemble,

To close out the year with praise.

How we thank Thee for Thy mercies,

Which to us are new each day!

And with grateful hearts we bless Thee,

Thou hast led us all the way.

Jesus only Lord and Savior,

Thou didst full salvation bring;

We would praise Thee without ceasing,

And by faith to Thee we cling.

With the promise of Thy presence,

We will face another year;

May Thy hand still lead and guide us,

Keep our hearts from doubt and fear.

Holy Spirit, Intercessor,

How we thank Thee for Thy grace;

Keep us looking to the Savior,

Till we finish life’s short race.

Then receive us into heaven,

In His righteousness we stand;

Evermore to worship Jesus,

In that fair and happy land.

TODAY’S SERVICES – Messages by Pastor Bill Parker

BIBLE CLASS – 10:00 a.m. –

The Unconditional Love of God – Romans 5:6-11

MORNING WORSHIP – 11:00 a.m –

• OPENING – Psalm 29

• CALL TO WORSHIP (above)

• HYMN – I Will Arise and Go to Jesus (Handout)

• READING – Hebrews 12:14-29

• MESSAGE – Peace and Holiness – Hebrews 12:14

• CLOSING HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – p. 70

Birthdays: Carolyn Hayes – Jan. 9^th | Jim Byrd – Jan. 11^th
Amy Hiers – Jan. 12^th

We will serve the Lord’s Supper following the message this morning. This is an ordinance for us to be reminded of our Savior’s redemptive work for us on the cross to secure us unto salvation and final glory. It is commanded by our Lord for all His people – all who have been brought to faith in Christ for salvation and repentance of dead works and idolatry. Following our worship services, we will serve lunch in our fellowship hall. All are invited to stay and eat with us.

Many things happened this past year that we did not expect, anticipate, or desire. Many things happened that we did not expect, anticipate, but which we did desire. It will be same for this coming year. But if we could only look at all matters of providence through the eyes of our sovereign God, we would have no fear, dread, or anxiety over that which comes our way each day of each year. One may ask, “How can poor sinful human beings view these things through God’s eyes?” The answer is found in God’s Word. It is true that we do not know the future, but looking through God’s eyes is simply BELIEVING WHAT HE HAS TOLD US IN HIS REVEALED WORD. Though He has not told us the details and specifics of what will happen this coming year, He has told us:

(1) That we who are in Christ Jesus (washed in His blood and clothed in His righteousness imputed) are safe and secure from all that would harm us spiritually and eternally. Sin can and may destroy our physical bodies, but it cannot touch our souls. God does not charge us with sin. He charges us with the righteousness of His Son, and nothing can separate us from HIM (Rom. 8:33-39).

(2) That He is so involved with governing all things in this world and in eternity (past, present, and future) that He is in total control, and He is working all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:3-11; Isa. 46:9-13). He has also told us that He works ALL THINGS (things good and bad, things we desire and things we do not desire) for His glory and our eternal good (Rom. 8:28). This is the promise of God to all His people, all whom believe and rest in Christ for all salvation.

—Pastor Bill Parker

COME YE SINNER, POOR AND NEEDY

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

Weak and wounded, sick and sore!

Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity, love and power.

Let not conscience let you linger,

Nor of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness he requireth

Is to see your need of Him.

CHORUS: I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me with His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

O, there are ten thousand charms.

Come ye weary, heavy laden,

Bruised and mangled by the fall;

If you tarry till you're better,

You will never come at all.

Agonizing in the garden,

Lo! your Maker prostrate lies!

On the bloody tree behold Him:

Hear Him cry, before He dies:

(CHORUS)

Lo! The incarnate God ascending,

Plead the merit of His blood;

Venture on Him, venture freely;

Let no other trust intrude.

In Christ’s righteousness now standing,

Safe and sheltered from all harm;

He, our Rock of sure salvation,

Without fear, without alarm.