Welcome
As we come into God’s presence together this morning, we come as a people scattered - worshiping in our homes. Yet, those of us who have been adopted into the family of God are truly one people. We are united by our shared faith and by our mutual covenant.
As you work through this liturgy at home, we encourage you to take your time. Read through the texts slowly, sing the songs and spend time in prayer intentionally so that “the Word of Christ may dwell in us richly”. We hope and pray that this liturgy will help you as we endeavor to worship the one true God.
Instead of a single streaming video, today’s service is organized into sections that you can consume at your own pace as you and your family worship together this morning. As you scroll down the page, you will see some sections for you to read and reflect on, and other sections with videos you can play for moments of worship, as well as our message today from Michael Robb.
Call to Worship
Psalm 20:1-7
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from zion!
May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!
Selah
May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
He will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our Lord our God.
New City Catechism
What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?
First, that we know and trust God as the only true and living God.
Second, that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly.
Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence, honoring also his Word and works.
What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments?
Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath.
Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.
Prayer
Today’s prayer comes from Scotty Smith at the Gospel Coalition, based on Philippians 4:6-7. Please read this passage and pray along with us for our church and for our world.
6 - Tell God what you need,
Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming us in our anxious hearts and legitimate concerns. “Pray more and worry less,” isn’t a formula; it’s our freedom. You know our needs better than we do, but here’s a few current things.
By the power of your Spirit, we want to be more worshipful than worried; more settled by your sovereignty than vexed by this virus; more praise-full than paranoid about the next cough or sneeze.
We pray for health-care workers, research scientists, and those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. We pray churches will actually thrive during this social-distancing season; that the Gospel will become precious to those suddenly alive to their mortality; and for single moms, caring for kids and carrying the weight of financial burdens.
6b - and thank him for all he has done.
Thank you for what you’ve already done? That’s easy Father. You’ve given Jesus to us and for us. He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption—our active Advocate and ruling King… and a whole lot more.
7 - Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Supersize our experience of your peace, Father. We don’t have to understand everything. Your timing is better than Swiss, and your faithfulness is greater than we realize. As we savor our life in Christ Jesus, guard our fickle, wandering, impatient hearts.
Indeed, today, we set our mind, affections and gaze upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, our merciful Savior and mighty Lord, the fountain of grace and ground of all hope. So we pray, in his tender and triumphant name, Amen.
Tithes & Offerings
We are still taking offerings online. If you prefer to write a check you can mail it to our church address. While we are not meeting in person, we need your generosity in order to fulfill our financial obligations. Contributions to FBCC go towards our weekly needs, serving our neighbors, and supporting SBC missionaries across the world.
Additionally, we know this is a time of economic hardship for many. David Bracewell chairs our Benevolence committee, which exists to help members of the church and our community who are in need. If you are in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to email him or the church office at admin@fbccatl.com
Scripture Reading
Today’s passage is Romans 3:21-31, please read before continuing to today’s sermon.
Children’s Program
While school is out, please say a prayer for our families with kids who are all of a sudden trapped up at home 24/7.
Parents - Have your kid draw a card or picture during service today and take a picture to share with everyone.
Everyone - Take a quick photo of what worship at home looks like for you this morning, pajamas won’t offend us!
Post the pictures of Facebook and tag the church, or email them to admin@fbccatl.com so we can share some community during a time when we need it the most.
Sermon
Closing Song
Benediction
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above the Heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
Resources
During this time when we are apart, one of the things that we miss out on is singing together. While we will have songs built into our "church at home" service each week, I wanted to share a couple of other ways that you can listen to/sing along with the songs we are accustomed to singing throughout the week.
I have created YouTube and Spotify playlists with each of our songs. May God bless you as you continue to sing throughout the week
It is our hope that, while we are apart, you will continue to invest in your walk with God. Each week, we will provide some ideas for some passages of scripture to study along with a devotional. This week, you can visit https://www.desiringgod.org/solid-joys each day to read a short devotional that will hopefully nourish your soul.