Sunday Meditation, May 16

The Christ Who Comforts Troubled Hearts

Scripture for Meditation: John 14:1-3

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Prayer of Blessing

Responsive Reading: Revelation 21:1-5; 22:12, 13

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” . . . “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Prayer of Corporate Confession

Silence for Personal Confession

Assurance of Pardon: John 10:28

I give [you] eternal life, and [you] will never perish, and no one will snatch [you] out of my hand.

Response: Thanks be to God

Instrumental Meditation

Ministry of the Word

Transition to Singing

Feel free to leave at this time or stay for the singing.

Hymn of Reunion: For All the Saints

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Allelu!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Allelu! 

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Allelu!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Allelu!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From Psalm 100
Words: Attributed to William Kethe, c. 1530-1594
Music: © 1997 Christopher Miner Music. CCLI #2783020

Hymn of Hope: There Is a Hope

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for every passing day,
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
Yet drives all doubt away.
I stand in Christ with sins forgiven
And Christ in me the hope of heaven;
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit
I find the Saviour there.
Through present sufferings future's fear,
He whispers courage in my ear,
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face.
When sufferings cease and sorrows die
And every longing satisfied;
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul.
For I am truly home.

Mark Edwards & Stuart Townend. Copyright 2007 Thankyou Music
CCL #2783020

Hymn of Comfort: We Will Feast in the House of Zion

*All Scripture, English Standard Version. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission.