A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
October 20, 2024 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “Holy, Holy, Holy” -Hymn #538
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Children’s Sermon Rose Admiraal
Choral Introit “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” -Hymn #516
*Opening Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” -Hymn #427
*Call to Worship –from Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
*Opening Praise Songs
“My Life Is In You Lord” CCLI #17315
“Breathe” CCLI #1874117
Call to Confession -Galatians 3:10-13
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, By the power of the Spirit, your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living – Galatians 3:-14
Choral Anthem “By Faith” -Townend/Getty Arr. by: Cliff Duren © 2009 Thank you Music
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts “O God, You Are My God”
*Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Romans 3:9-31 (Pew Bible Pages 1603-1604)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Sola Fide: By Faith Alone”
Our Response to God
Prayer of Application
*Profession of Faith The Belgic Confession (1561) – Article 22
The Righteousness of Faith
We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes Him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him.
For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation
is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then those who have Christ by faith have his
salvation entirely.
Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as
well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that
Jesus Christ is only half a Savior.
And therefore, we justly say with Paul that we are justified “by faith alone” or “by
faith apart from works.” (Romans 3:28)
However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies
us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our
righteousness.
But Jesus Christ is our righteousness in making available to us all his merits and all
the holy works he has done for us and in our place.
And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all
his benefits.
When those benefits are made ours,
they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.
*Hymn of Application “If You But Trust in God to Guide You” -Hymn #407
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the people
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
*Closing Song “I Give You My Heart” -CCLI #1866132
*Benediction
*Postlude “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” -Hymn #441
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs