November 24, 2024

*Call to Worship | John 10:11 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

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

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

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*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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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}

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*Confession of Faith | Psalm 23

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

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

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4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

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5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

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*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

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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

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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

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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 

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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 

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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"

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“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}

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Confession of Sin | Agnus Dei

^{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.}

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us your peace.

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Assurance of Pardon | John 1:29 | 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.}

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

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*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

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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}

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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.}

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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.

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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.

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Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come.

Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far

And Grace will lead us home.

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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}

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Prayer for Christ’s Church

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

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*Reading of Scripture | 1 Peter 5:1-14 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

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

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

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6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. 

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

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Pastor: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

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The Preaching of the Word | Rev. Blake Arnoult

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“The Chief Shepherd Sheperding”

1 Peter: Homesick and Hopeful

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Pastoral Prayer

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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}

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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.

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I am bound (I am bound),

I am bound (I am bound),

I am bound for the promised land.

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All o’er those wide extended plains,

Shines one eternal day;

There God the Son forever reigns,

And scatters night away.

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Chorus

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No chilling winds nor poisonous breath

Can reach that healthful shore;

Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,

Are felt and feared no more.

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Chorus

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When shall I reach that happy place,

And be forever blessed?

When shall I see my Father’s face,

And in His bosom rest?

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//Chorus//

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

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*Benediction | Hebrews 13:20-21 | 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.}

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Kids Sunday School and Youth Bible Study

Kids Sunday school and Youth Bible study have concluded for the fall season. We will resume both ministries in the spring!

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Bible Studies

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Women’s Morning Study

Our women’s morning Bible study has concluded for the fall season but will resume in the spring!

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Women’s Evening Study: Thursday, December 5

Our women’s evening study on Prayer will meet on Thursday, December 5! Join us at the home of Susan Arnoult at 7pm.

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Men’s Morning Study: Friday, December 6

Our men’s study on Prayer will meet on Friday, December 6 at 7am at Bean and Bottle! 9655 Katy Freeway Suite 100.

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Christmas at Cornerstone

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Adult Christmas Party

Adults are invited to join us at the Erwin home on Friday, December 6, 7pm for our annual Christmas party! Valet parking will be available, but we also encourage ridesharing or carpooling if possible. 

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Kids and Youth Christmas Party

Kids, youth, and parents are invited to join us at the Donovan home  on Sunday, December 8, directly after the worship service for lunch, fun, and fellowship!

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Christmas Eve Service 

Join us on Tuesday, December 24, at 1:30pm for Christmas Eve fellowship followed by a 2pm candlelight service at A.D. Players!

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