GRACEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH | 061220

[1] Opening Reading | REVELATION 5:12-13

‘“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
    and honour and glory and praise!”
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honour and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

[2] Song ONE | ALL HEAVEN DECLARES

[3] Prayer | Gracious God, as we now read your word and listen to it preached, by your Spirit give us this eternal encouragement and good hope that we would remain true to Jesus with all our hearts. Please give us undivided hearts that rightly fear your name. For Jesus’ sake, amen.

[4] Reading | ACTS 27:1-28:16

[5] Sermon

[6] Confession

Our Father in Heaven, you asked for our hands, that we might use them for your purpose. We gave them for a moment but then bailed, because the work was hard. 
You asked for our mouths, that we might boldly proclaim the gospel. We gave you an occasional whisper, because we were timid and cowardly.
You asked for our eyes, to see the pain of the lost and the poor. We looked briefly but then looked away, because it challenged our consciences.
You asked for our lives, that you might work through us. We gave a small part but withheld our all, because we didn’t want to get too involved.
Father, forgive our calculated efforts to serve you – only when it’s convenient for us to do so, only in places where it’s safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so.
Father, forgive us, renew us, send us out as useful instruments, that we might take seriously the meaning of your cross and resurrection. 
For Jesus sake we pray, Amen.

[7] Reading | LAMENTATIONS 3:19-24

[8] Song TWO | IT IS WELL [with The Lord’s Supper]

[9] Prayer | As well as taking time to respond to God’s Word, pray for the work of The Gate Church, Birmingham [video on YouTube playlist].

[10] Song THREE | CHRIST THE SURE & STEADY ANCHOR

[11] Blessing | REVELATION 1:5b-6 | ‘To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.’