Dear friends,
One of our Scripture readings this week is taken from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans 7: 15-25, “the law and sin.” In this challenging passage, the Apostle Paul is writing about the inner spiritual battle that all believers face against the flesh and the spirit. This battle is found within ourselves – a war between the new life granted to us by the Holy Spirit and our sin nature, which will remain until our glorification. “The godly, love the law of God and its commands, but at the same time they are grieved by the degree of sinfulness that they perceive in everything they actually do.” writes the Italian Reformer, Peter Martyr Vermigli in his Commentary on Romans. Yet despite this spiritual inward struggle and our imperfections, our Good Shepherd loves us and invites us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30)
Order of Service
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 352: “And can it be that I should gain?”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn: “Come thou fount of every blessing” (sung to tune #248)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 45: 11-17
Gloria Patri
Genesis 24: Selected verses (en français – English on the screen)
Romans 7: 15-25
Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30
Sermon: “A study in contrasts”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 671: “I heard the voice of Jesus say” (vs 2 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 652: “Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go” (sung to tune #103)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude