The Lords Day Worship Service

August 21, 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. If we havent met you before, please come say Hello. Wed like to make that connection. Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic

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 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. ~ Psalm 37:1-2 My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjustOf course, I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed toofor the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happened to please my private fanciesConsequently, atheism turns out to be too simple ~ CS Lewis, Mere Christianity If the Christian presupposes that God is perfectly goodas the Scripture requires us to do then he is committed to evaluating everything within his experience in light of that presupposition. Accordingly, when the Christian observes evil events or things in the world, he can and should retain consistency with his presuppositions about Gods goodness by now inferring that God has a morally good reason for the evil that exists. ~ Greg Bahnsen, Always Ready The Bible is preoccupied with the problem of evil.The whole Bible addresses the problem of evil, for the story turns on the entrance of sin and evil into the world, and on Gods plan for dealing with it. ~ John Frame, Apologetics to the Glory of God 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: based on Psalm 95

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. We have gathered to worship and enjoy our gracious God. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Praise to the Lord, the Almighty The King of creation O my soul, praise Him For He is thy health and salvation All ye who hear Now to His temple draw near Join me in glad adoration Praise to the Lord who oer all things So wondrously reigneth Shelters thee under His wings Yes, so gently sustaineth Hast thou not seen How all thy longings have been Granted in what He ordaineth? Praise to the Lord who doth Prosper thy work and defend thee Surely His goodness and mercy Here daily attend thee Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with His love He befriend thee. Praise to the Lord O let all that is in me adore Him All that hath life and breath Come now with praises before Him Let the Amen sound from His people again Gladly for aye we adore Him

Shout to the North Men of faith rise up and sing Of the great and glorious King You are strong when you feel weak In your brokenness complete chorus: Shout to the North and the South Sing to the East and the West Jesus is Saviour to all Lord of heaven and earth Rise up women of the truth Stand and sing to broken hearts Who can know the healing power Of our awesome King of love (repeat chorus) We've been through fire We've been through rain We've been refined by the power of His name We've fallen deeper in love with you You've burned the truth on our lips (repeat chorus) Rise up church with broken wings Fill this place with songs again Of our God who reigns on high By His grace again we'll fly (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: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, And lead me in the path of everlasting life

~ Psalm 139:23-24

Song of Confession Lord, Have Mercy Jesus Ive forgotten the words that You have spoken Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom Forgive me for my unbelief renew the fire again chorus: Lord have mercy Christ have mercy Lord have mercy on me
(repeat)

I have built an altar where Ive worshipped things of man I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing Pardon my transgressions, help me love You again
(repeat chorus)

I have longed to know You and all Your tender mercies Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end So I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence Your grace forever shining like a beacon in the night
(repeat chorus)

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ based on 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24

Hear the Good News: This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, That we might be dead to sin and alive to all that is good. Hearing these comforting words, if you sincerely turn from your sins by turning in trust to the Lord Jesus Christ who came to save sinners, I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ that you are indeed forgiven!

Song of Response Only Jesus Father of grace, Youve sacrificed Your only Son for us, the crucified Jesus Enlarge our hearts to love Your Son O grant to us the grace to walk with Him always To make Him our great delight Bringing worship with our lives

chorus: Only Jesus! Only Jesus! Give us Jesus, we cry Only Jesus! Only Jesus! The Pearl of greatest price Spirit of grace, Youve shed Your light Upon our darkened eyes, unveiling Jesus Christ Come change our hearts, conform our ways To honor Jesus Name, His glory our refrain Let His love compel our own As we worship at His throne (repeat chorus) Jesus, our great Saviour Lord of heaven, Son of God (repeat chorus)

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:

The Difference An Eternal Perspective Gives John Ferguson, Lead Pastor PSALM 73:1-20

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. 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. Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

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

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, 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 Revelation Song Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's Mercy Seat

(repeat) chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You Clothed in rainbows of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You the Only Wise King (repeat chorus) Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of Your Name Jesus, Your Name is Power Breath, and Living Water Such a marvelous mystery (repeat chorus) Jesus Messiah He became sin who knew no sin That we might become His Righteousness He humbled himself and carried the cross Love so amazing, love so amazing chorus: Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel The rescue for sinners The ransom from Heaven Jesus Messiah, Lord of all His body the bread His blood the wine Broken and poured out all for love The whole earth trembled And the veil was torn Love so amazing, love so amazing

(repeat chorus) All our hope is in You All our hope is in You All the glory to You, God The light of the world (repeat chorus)

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 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 Be Thou My Vision Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

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.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one Riches I heed not, nor mans empty praise Thou my inheritance, now and always Thou and Thou only, first in my heart High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art High King of heaven, my victory won May I reach heavens joys, O bright heavns Sun Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my vision, O Ruler of all

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: Christians, in whom do you believe?

The Apostles Creed1

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And we believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell.2 the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. And we believe in the Holy Spirit The holy catholic church,3 the communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostles Creed is an ancient creed (that is, statement of faith) of the Church and historically has been widely used and cherished by believers. Although it was not written by the Apostles, we believe it to be a concise summary of their teachings. It may have originated as a baptismal formula around the 2nd century, and developed into its present form by the 6th or 7th century. 2 Jesus descent into hell consisted in His priestly act of offering Himself up as a sacrifice for sins, undergoing the judicial wrath of God on the Cross, and remaining under the power of death for three days before being vindicated in His resurrection. 3 The term catholic means universal and hence does not refer to any one particular church, but to Christs universal Church, wherever she may be found gathering in Christs name.

10

 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: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Amen!

Community Life
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. 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. 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 first Thursday of September. Contact Mike Ivancic (403.828.2241) 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

11