June 30, 2024

*Call to Worship | Matthew 5:17 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

^{God invites and calls us into his presence to worship him.}

Jesus said, “17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

‍

‍

*Song of Adoration | Jesus, Lover of My Soul

^{We begin by responding with praise to God for who he is and for what he does.} 

Jesus, lover of my soul, 

Let me to Thy bosom fly, 

While the nearer waters roll, 

While the tempest still is high. 

Hide me, O my Savior, hide, 

’Til life’s storm is past; 

Safe into the haven guide; 

Receive my soul at last. 

‍

Other refuge have I none, 

I helpless, hang on Thee;

Leave, oh leave me not alone, 

Support and comfort me. 

All my trust on Thee is stayed, 

All help from Thee I bring; 

Cover my defenseless head 

In the shadow of Thy wing. 

‍

Thou, O Christ, are all I want, 

Here more than all I find; 

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, 

Heal the sick, and lead the blind. 

Just and holy is Thy Name, 

I am all unrighteousness; 

False and full of sin I am; 

Thou art full of truth and grace. 

‍

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, 

Grace to cover all my sin; 

Let the healing streams abound; 

Make and keep me pure within. 

Thou of life the fountain art, 

Let me take of Thee; 

Spring Thou up within my heart; 

For all eternity.

_{Music and Lyrics: Charles Wesley}

‍

‍

*Confession of Faith | Psalm 103:1, 2

^{With the church in history we confess a basic statement of what Christians believe.}

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

‍

‍

*Song of Confession | I Asked The Lord

^{Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs are simply prayers that are sung. We respond in repentance and praise for God’s redemptive work in Christ.}

I asked the Lord that I might grow

In faith and love and every grace

Might more of His salvation know

And seek more earnestly His face

‍

Twas He who taught me thus to pray

And He I trust has answered prayer

But it has been in such a way

As almost drove me to despair

‍

I hoped that in some favored hour

At once He'd answer my request

And by His love's constraining power

Subdue my sins and give me rest

‍

Instead of this He made me feel

The hidden evils of my heart

And let the angry powers of Hell

Assault my soul in every part 

‍

Yea more with His own hand He seemed

Intent to aggravate my woe

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Cast out my feelings, laid me low 

‍

Lord why is this, I trembling cried

Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?

"Tis in this way" The Lord replied

"I answer prayer for grace and faith"

‍

“These inward trials I employ

From self and pride to set thee free

And break thy schemes of earthly joy

/That thou mayest seek thy all in me”/

_{Music and Lyrics: John Newton, Laura Taylor}

‍

‍

Confession of Sin | 1 John 1:6, 8, 10

^{We fight the temptation to hide our sin and instead acknowledge it openly to God, but we do so in light of the grace offered in Jesus.}

6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth… 8  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us… 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

‍

‍

Assurance of Pardon | 1 John 1:7, 9 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

^{The good news of the gospel is that we are forgiven in Jesus Christ. This assurance is based on God’s words of promise and it is therefore certain.}

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin... 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

‍

‍

*Song of Response | How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

^{We respond in repentance and praise for God’s redemptive work in Christ.}

How deep the Father’s love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give his only son

And make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross 

My sin upon His shoulder

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

‍

I will not boast in anything 

No gifts no power no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I from His reward 

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

_{Music and Lyrics: Stuart Townend}

‍

‍

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

^{We offer our gratitude to God in prayer in response to his gifts and blessings to his people and ask that he make us faithful managers of these gifts.}

‍

‍

Song of Thanks | Amazing Grace

^{As we offer our prayers so we also offer up our thanks in song.}

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me,

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

‍

T'was Grace that taught, my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

‍

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come.

Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far

And Grace will lead us home.

‍

When we've been there ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we've first begun.

_{Music and Lyrics: John Newton}

‍

‍

Sacrament of Baptism

Sacraments are visible signs of the invisible grace of God - what Christ does by his Holy Spirit within us. Baptism, as the administration of the element of water, symbolizes a flood. Baptism is a sign of death and judgment. That sign signifies that you experience death and judgment not by yourself but with Christ, and in being united to him in judgment he takes the curse we deserve for us and we come out of judgment to resurrection and eternal life. That sign signifies more than just the future judgment that is to come. The outward sign signifies the inner reality that sinners already experienced judgment by God in the Spirit with Jesus. The function of baptism is to be a ratifying seal to those who profess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior as their entrance into the covenant community as belonging to our Lord and his family. Therefore, as believing parents submit themselves to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is appropriate and expected that they bring their children who are under their parental authority under the authority of the Lord and that those children receive the sign of baptism as belonging to the covenant community.

‍

‍

Prayer for Christ’s Church

^{We lift up our requests to God knowing that he hears us when we pray.}

‍

‍

*Reading of Scripture | 1 Kings 18:17-40 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

^{God reveals himself and his work and speaks to us his people through his Word.}

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

‍

20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.

‍

30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” 32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.

‍

36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.

‍

Pastor: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

‍

‍

The Preaching of the Word | Rev. Blake Arnoult

‍

“Elijah, Prophet of Fall and Fullness of Israel”

Christ in the Old Testament: 1 Kings

‍

‍

Pastoral Prayer

‍

‍

Sacrament of Communion

Sacraments are visible signs of the invisible grace of God - what Christ does by his Holy Spirit within us. Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist), as the distribution of the elements of bread and wine, symbolizes a meal. Communion is a sign of fellowship. That sign signifies more than just the future heavenly fellowship that is to come. The outward sign signifies the inner reality that sinners already experience fellowship with God in the Spirit because of Jesus. Communion is not a meal for good people. It functions as a renewing seal to desperate sinners of that fellowship we have with our holy and gracious God.

‍

You will be invited to come forward. If you are not a Christian we encourage you to spend this time in reflection on what you’ve seen and heard in the worship. Children who have not received their first communion are welcome and encouraged to come forward with their families to witness their partaking. We invite children who are ready to make a public profession of faith in Christ to arrange a meeting with the elders, and thus become “communicants” at the Lord’s Table. 

‍

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts!

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Words of Institution

‍

Pastor: Let us proclaim the mystery of the faith: 

People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Hallelujah! 

Pastor: Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed for us. Hallelujah! 

People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. 

Pastor: The gifts of God for the people of God.

‍

Please let an usher know if it is difficult for you to come forward. We would be happy to serve you at your seat. All communion bread is gluten-free. All communion wine is made from  grape juice.

‍

A communion prayer for those searching for the truth:

Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth and the life. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me the ability to follow you no matter what it might cost me. Give me an understanding for you that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

‍

‍

Communion Song | Your Will Be Done

^{We celebrate our communion in faith and song.}

Your will be done my God and Father

As in heaven so on earth

My heart is drawn to self-exalting

Help me seek Your kingdom first

As Jesus walked so shall I walk

Held by Your same unchanging love

Be still my soul O lift your voice and pray

Father not my will but Yours be done

‍

How in that garden he persisted

I may never fully know

The fearful weight of true obedience

It was held by him alone

What wondrous faith to bear that cross

To bear my sin what wondrous love

My hope was sure when there my Saviour prayed

Father not my will but Yours be done

‍

When I am lost when I am broken

In the night of fear and doubt

Still I will trust in my good Father

Yes to one great King I bow

As Jesus rose so I shall rise

In ransomed glory at the throne

My heart restored with all Your saints I sing

Father not my will but Yours be done

‍

As we go forth our God and Father

Lead us daily in the fight

That all the world might see Your glory

And Your Name be lifted high

And in this Name we overcome

For You shall see us safely home

Now as Your church we lift our voice and pray

Father not my will but Yours be done

‍

And in this Name we overcome

For You shall see us safely home

Now as Your church we lift our voice and pray

\\ Father not my will but Yours be done \\

_{Music and Lyrics: Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson}

‍

‍

Departing Song | On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand

^{We begin to end in faith and song.}

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,

And cast a wishful eye,

To Canaan’s fair and happy land,

Where my possessions lie.

‍

I am bound (I am bound),

I am bound (I am bound),

I am bound for the promised land.

‍

All o’er those wide extended plains,

Shines one eternal day;

There God the Son forever reigns,

And scatters night away.

‍

Chorus

‍

No chilling winds nor poisonous breath

Can reach that healthful shore;

Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,

Are felt and feared no more.

‍

Chorus

‍

When shall I reach that happy place,

And be forever blessed?

When shall I see my Father’s face,

And in His bosom rest?

‍

//Chorus//

_{Music and Lyrics: Christopher Miner, Samuel Stennett}

‍

‍

*Benediction | Romans 12:2 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

^{God sends us out with his blessing. A benediction is not a prayer. We don’t bow our heads. We lift them up and even lift up our hands to receive his blessing as we are sent out as participants in his mission to the city of man.}

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

‍

‍

‍

‍

ANNOUNCEMENTS

‍

Bible Studies

Women’s Evening Study: Thursday, July 11

Our women’s evening study will meet on Thursday, July 11 for our last lesson in our Eschatology series! Join us at the home of Susan Arnoult at 7pm on July 11. 

‍

Men’s Morning Study: Friday, July 12

Our men’s study will meet on Friday, July 12 at 7am at Bean and Bottle for our last lesson in our Eschatology series! 9655 Katy Freeway Suite 100.

‍

Kids and Youth Pool Party

Saturday, July 20, 1:30-3:30pm

All Cornerstone kids, youth, and parents are invited to join us at the West University Colonial Park Pool on July 20 for some fun and fellowship! 4130 Byron, Houston, TX 77005

‍

Adult Teaching Series

Wednesday, July 24, 7pm

Adults are invited to join us Wednesday, July 24 at the home of Neal and Marion Wade for the third lesson in our 3-part adult teaching series this summer!

‍