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.
Call to Worship
Hebrews 3:1-4
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses--as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)
Let’s sing together about our Creator God. Let’s sing about Jesus.
New City Catechism
Please read aloud these two questions and answers
What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?
Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love.
Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them.
Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love.
Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your church. We praise you in that you loved sinners like us. Truly, we were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. We walked in sin, we followed the course of this world, we followed the very spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - among whom we all once lived - enslaved to the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind which were desires of rebellion against your law. We were, like the rest of mankind, dead in our trespasses.
And yet, you loved rebellious people like us. While we were still sinners, before we loved you, while we actively rejected and suppressed your law that even our conscious bore witness to... Christ died for us and you saved us who believe by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Father, for the adoption you have given. Thank you for opening the eyes of our hearts; thank you for making us alive. For our sake, you made him who knew no sin, to be as sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus Christ, you are the apostle and high priest of our confession. You are the founder and the perfecter of our faith. We know that we are to look to you and consider your suffering so that we might not grow weary and faint-hearted, so that we might struggle against sin even to the point of shedding blood.
But we have been like Peter who instead saw the storm. We have not kept our eyes fixed on you. We have caved to our still persisting sinful nature time and time again. We repent afresh and look once again to you. You have abolished death; you have brought life; and you have brought immortality to all who believe. We believe, help us in our unbelief.
Holy Spirit, You were poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ. In fact, we who believe in him were baptized with you. When we believed, we were sealed by you. You bore witness to us and through Jeremiah when you declared, “I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds… I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the promise of forgiven sin. Truly, it is our only hope: that because of the finished work of Jesus our sin has been removed from our account and his righteousness imputed to us.
Won’t you now, in your mercy, O God, grant wisdom to our church officials, to our local government officials, to our state officials, and to our federal officials. We are trusting that they have been instituted by you. We are trusting that they will be judged more harshly than most and that they are your subjects and their hearts can be turned by you.
We pray also for our world which is being transformed by the Corona virus and the corresponding reactions to the virus. Be with those infected, their loved ones, their care-givers, and the medical professionals who are working behind the scenes as well as on the front lines to serve their fellow image-bearers. Please make your name great in these days. Strengthen the faithful; rouse the careless, and restore the penitent.
We declare and ask all these things and so many more in your holy name and seeking ultimately your glory. 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 4:1-25, 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.