Sunday Meditation, July 25

Declaring the Mystery of Christ

Scripture for Meditation: Colossians 4:2-4

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Call to Worship Hymn: Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery

Offertory Hymn of Freedom: And Can It Be

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love Divine!
’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Prayer of Blessing

Responsive Reading: Ephesians 3:7-12

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Hymn of Confession: The Look

I saw one hanging on a tree in agony and blood,
Who fixed His loving eyes on me as near His cross I stood,
And never till my dying breath will I forget that look.
It seemed to charge me with His death, though not a word He spoke.

Refrain:
Forever etched upon my mind is the look of Him who died,
The Lamb I crucified. And now my life will sing the praise
Of pure atoning grace that looked on me and gladly took my place.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt and plunged me in despair.
I saw my sins His blood had spilt and helped to nail Him there,
But with a second look he said, “I freely all forgive.
This blood is for your ransom paid; I died that you might live.”

Thus while His death my sin displays for all the world to view,
Such is the mystery of grace it seals my pardon too.
With pleasing grief and mournful joy my spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy, yet live by Him I killed.

“The Look”, original lyrics by John Newton, new and alternate lyrics by Bob Kauflin, music by Bob Kauflin.
© 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). CCL #2783020

Prayer of Corporate Confession

Silence for Personal Confession

Assurance of Pardon: Romans 5:2

Through [Jesus] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Hymn of Invitation: How Sweet and Awful Is the Place*

How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores!

While all our hearts and all our songs 
Join to admire the feast 
Each of us cry with thankful tongues 
“Lord, why was I a guest?” 

“Why was I made to hear Thy voice 
And enter while there’s room 
When thousands make a wretched choice 
And rather starve than come?” 

’Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perished in our sin.

We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May with one voice, and heart, and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

*Children may leave during this song.

Ministry of the Word

Hymn of Thanks: Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend,
The agonies of Calvary.
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son,
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me.

Chorus:
Your blood has washed away my sin;
Jesus, thank You.
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied;
Jesus, thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table;
Jesus, thank You.

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near;
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend.
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace,
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end.

Bridge:
Lover of my soul;
I want to live for You.

© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).
Used by permission. CCLI #2783020

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