The Lords Day Worship Service

August 28, 2011 ~ New City Church | Calgary

Welcome We are glad you have joined us today. Whether you are a Christian seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, or a skeptic looking for answers, or someone who is struggling to make sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here. Were glad you came. After the Service Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. havent met you before, please come say Hello. Id like to make that connection. Pastor John Ferguson If I

Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne, steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. ~ Psalm 89:14 Sin, in the final analysis, is rebellion against the sovereign Creator, Ruler, and Judge of the universe. It resists the rightful prerogative of a sovereign Ruler to command obedience from His subjects. It says to an absolutely holy and righteous God that His moral laws, which are a reflection of His own nature, are not worthy of our wholehearted obedience. ~ Jerry Bridges There are only two kinds of peoplethose who say, Thy will be done to God, or to whom God in the end says, Thy will be done.
~ CS Lewis

Should not a loving God be patient and keep luring the perpetrator into goodness? This is exactly what God doesbut how patient should God be? The day of reckoning must come, not because God is too eager to pull the trigger, but because every day of patience in a world of violence means more violence and every postponement of vindication means letting insult accompany injury.Gods patience is costly not simply for God, but for the innocent.
~ Miraslov Volf

For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ~ Jesus in John 3:16 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: ~ based on Isaiah 12:2-6

Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples Proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done great things. Let this be known I all the earth.

Leader: Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship You are Holy (Prince of Peace) You are holy (echo) / You are mighty (echo) You are worthy (echo) / Worthy of praise (echo) I will follow (echo) / I will listen (echo) I will love you (echo) / All of my days (echo) Men: I will sing to And worship The King who Is worthy I will love Him Adore Him I will bow down Before Him I will sing to And worship The King who Is worthy I will love Him Adore Him I will bow down Before Him Women: You are the Lord of lords You are the King of kings You are mighty God Lord of everything Youre Emmanuel Youre the great I Am Youre the Prince of peace Who is the Lam Youre the living God Youre my saving grace You will reign forever You are Ancient of Days You are Alpha Omega Beginning and End Youre my Saviour, Messiah Redeemer and Friend

Unison: Youre my Prince of Peace / And I will live my life for You

Holy, Holy, Holy Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy, There is none beside Thee, Perfect in powr in love & purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! How Great Is Our God The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, Let all the earth rejoice He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, and trembles at His voice
chorus

How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One: Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb
(repeat chorus)

Name above all names, worthy of all praise My heart will sing how great is our God
(repeat chorus)

 God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession Leader: ~ Jeremiah 17:9

The Lord has spoken through the prophet Jeremiah saying, The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.

Prayer of Confession Leader: Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Set us free from a past we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Leader: Unison: And grant us grace to grow more and more in Your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ based on 1 John 1:8-2:1

While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that God offers forgiveness to all who turn to the Lord Jesus Christ seeking His grace and pardon. He is the Righteous Oneour Advocate, who speaks in our defense. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and for the sins of the world. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God, I say to you, that in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven!

Song of Response Beautiful Scandalous Night Go on up to the mountain of mercy To the crimson perpetual tide Kneel down on the shore /Be thirsty no more Go under and be purified

Follow Christ to the Holy Mountain Sinner, sorry and wrecked by the fall Cleanse your heart and your soul In the fountain that flows For you and for me and for all chorus At the wonderful tragic mysterious tree On that beautiful scandalous night you and me Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white On that beautiful scandalous night On the hillside you will be delivered At the foot of the cross, justified And your spirit restored By the river that pours, From our blessed Saviour's side (repeat chorus)

Be Exalted I will give thanks to Thee O lord, among the peoples I will sing praises to Thee Among the nations For Thy steadfast love is great Is great to the heavens And Thy faithfulness Thy faithfulness to the clouds Be exalted, O God, above the heavens Let Thy glory be over all the earth
(repeat)

God Gives Us His Words of Eternal Life Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! Let your word dwell in us richly, that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do everything in Your name, giving thanks to the Father through You. ~ based on John 6:68, Colossians 3:16-17

Todays Scripture Lesson:

John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

Hell? Yes: Why We Need A God of Justice

PSALM 73:1-20, 27 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 11 And they say, How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? 12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 15 If I had said, I will speak thus, I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, You despise them as phantoms ---27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

 God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lords Supper The Lords Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant which Christ has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord and Saviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission as they eat the bread and drink the wine. Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour and who are connected to a church that proclaims his Gospel are invited to come to the Table. If you are not yet a Christian, or if for whatever reason you are not prepared to share in this meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of the prayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirstfor my Fathers will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:35, 40). We would ask that children who have not yet professed belief in the Lord Jesus also refrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to families about what it means to participate in the Lords Supper. The Words of Institution

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center isle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward we would be delighted to serve you at your seat. New City Church uses wine in serving the Lords Supper. We would encourage you to take of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice is also provided if you cannot drink wine due to health reasons or issues of conscience.

Prayers for Those Not Communing A Prayer Searching for the Truth: Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by You. If what You claim is true, please guide me and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undaunted in following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of You that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the eternal life that You promise. Amen. A Prayer of Trust in the Lord Jesus: Jesus, I confess that I am more broken, flawed, and sinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet You tell me that I am more loved than I ever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to you in simple faith. I am doing that right now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on the Cross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now the eternal life that You promise to all who come to You. Amen. A Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin: Lord Jesus, You know the battle that rages within my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all my needs. Give me strength to turn from every false satisfaction to find my ultimate joy in You. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely to me, and fill me with Your Spirit to run with perseverance the race You have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and champion of my faith. Amen. A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that You blessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have done for me. Amen. Communion Hymns O The Wonderful Cross When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down Did ever such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown
chorus

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless Your name Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all
(repeat chorus)

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed chorus My chains are gone I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures (repeat chorus) The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God, Who called me here below Will be forever mine / will be forever mine You are forever mine

God Receives Our Offerings lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
~ Jesus, in Matthew 6:20-21

The Prayers of the People Leader: Unison: Let us pray

(The leader prays for specific requests as the assembly prays along with him).

Our Father 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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.

The language of debt/debtor is not to be understood primarily in a financial sense but in the moral/ theological sense of our indebtedness due to our sins against God and others, or the sins others may have committed against us.

The Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings This collection of our tithes and offerings is for those who consider New City Church their church family and regularly benefit from her ministry and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship I Will Glory In My Redeemer I will glory in my Redeemer Whose priceless blood has ransomed me Mine was the sing that drove the bitter nails And hung Him on that judgment tree I will glory in my Redeemer Who crushed the power of sin and death My only Saviour before the Holy Judge The Lamb who is my Righteousness The Lamb who is my Righteousness I will glory in my Redeemer My life He bought, my love He owns I have no longings for another Im satisfied in Him alone I will glory in my Redeemer His faithfulness my standing place Though foes are mighty and rush upon me My feet are firm held by His grace My feet are firm held by His grace I will glory in my Redeemer Who carries me on eagles wings He crowns my life with loving kindness His triumph song Ill ever sing I will glory in my Redeemer Who waits for me at gates of gold And when He calls me it will be paradise His face forever to behold His face forever to behold

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

Let us together profess our faith by saying This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

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that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: People: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13) . Amen.

Community Life
Upcoming Series In September, well dive into the New Testament book of Galatians written by the Apostle Paul to early Christians who were in danger of losing the true Gospel through false teaching which would lead them directly into legalism and away from Christ. Paul tells them (and us), It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Kids Club Calling all kids ages 3-11 to join us for our first New City Church Kids Club on Sept 17 from 4:00-6:00p.m. at the Confederation Park Activity Center. This is an opportunity to get to know Jesus through worship songs, puppet stories, sharing, memory verses, crafts and games. This will be a monthly event so invite your friends to share in the fun. For any adults or youth interested in planning or helping, please contact Lori or Lana ASAP. Mens Discipleship: BASIC TRAINING The mens ministry will be kicking off with an orientation / information meeting on Thursday, September 8 from 7-9pm in Classroom #1 here at the Confederation Park Activity Centre. Well meet every other Thursday for teaching, encouragement, and discussions about assigned readings. This is a great opportunity to invest in your spiritual growth as a man. For more information, pick up a brochure at the back table. "The Excellent Wife" Book Study We will be continuing our study covering the second half of the book starting Saturday, September 17 at Catherine Gordon's home ( would you insert her address here). We will be meeting every second Saturday from 1-2: 30 for a total of seven Saturdays finishing December 10. This book is directed to women who want information about God's plan, pattern and purpose for marriage and is open to women of all ages regardless of marital

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status. Contact Joan Schmitt (403.935.4188/ gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) more information. Downtown Study Group: Grace on the Bow The Downtown Study Group will be on a break during the month of August. Plans are to resume the second Thursday of September on the 8th. Contact Mike Ivancic (403.828.2241 / mike@newcitychuch.ca) for more info. All songs used by permission CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications. Weekly Servants

Giving Report

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