Online Worship

ORDER OF WORSHIP

(This Online Worship will be updated each Sunday by the afternoon. This is offered for those who may be shut-ins or for those who are unable to physically attend an in-person worship or as a supplemental blessing... but is not a replacement for regularly attending congregational worship service.)

DECEMBER 14, 2025

CALL TO WORSHIP & INVOCATION

HYMN OF PRAISE Come Thou Almighty King - Keith & Kristyn Getty, Tommy Bailey

THE WISDOM KEEPING +         Sister Trinity Norwood

A time of sharing biblical wisdom with our children

THE RESPONSIVE READING * The Westminster Shorter Catechism  (33-36)

(A Summary of Biblical Teachings in a Question and Answer Format… scripture verses are provided for further study) 

Leader: What is justification?

People:   Justification is an act of God's free grace [a], wherein he pardoneth all our sins [b], and accepteth us as righteous in his sight [c], only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us [d], and received by faith alone [e]. 

[a] Rom. 3:24; [b] Rom. 4:6-8; IICor. 5:19; [c] IICor. 5:21; [d] Rom. 4:6, 11; 5:19; [e] Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9 

Leader:  What is adoption?

People:   Adoption is an act of God's free grace [a], whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God [b]. 

[a] I John 3:1; [b] John 1:12; Rom. 8:17 

Leader:  What is sanctification?

People:   Sanctification is the work of God's free grace [a], whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God [b], and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness [c]. 

[a] Ezk. 36:27; Phil. 2:13; II Thess. 2:13; [b] II Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:23-24; I Thess. 5:23; [c] Ezek. 36:25-27; Rom. 6:4, 6, 12-14; II Cor. 7:1; IPet. 2:24 

Leader:  What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? 

People:   The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love [a], peace of conscience [b], joy in the Holy Ghost [c], increase of grace [d], and perseverance therein to the end [e]. 

[a] Rom. 5:5; [b] Rom. 5:1; [c] Rom. 14:17; [d] II Pet. 3:18; [e] Phil. 1:6; I Pet. 1:5 

PRAYER - (Modified from “Jesus My Glory” at  https://banneroftruth.org/us/devotional/december-10/   used with permission

O LORD GOD, Thou hast commanded me to believe in Jesus; and I would flee to no other refuge, wash in no other fountain, build on no other foundation, receive from no other fullness, rest in no other relief. His water and blood were not severed in their flow at the cross, may they never be separated in my creed and experiences; May I be equally convinced of the guilt and pollution of sin, feel my need of a prince and saviour, implore of him repentance as well as forgiveness, love holiness, and be pure in heart, have the mind of Jesus, and tread in his steps. Let me not be at my own disposal, but rejoice that I am under the care of one who is too wise to err, too kind to injure, too tender to crush. May I scandalize none by my temper and conduct, but recommend and endear Christ to all around, bestow good on every one as circumstances permit, and decline no opportunity of usefulness. Grant that I may value my substance, not as the medium of pride and luxury, but as the means of my support and stewardship. Help me to guide my affections with discretion, to owe no man anything, to be able to give to him that needeth, to feel it my duty and pleasure to be merciful and forgiving, to show to the world the likeness of Jesus. Amen.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC   Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - - Norton Hall Band

THE SERMON  The Rev. Dr. J. R. Norwood,  “The Sign of the Season”

Sermon Focal Text -  Isaiah 7:10-14 (ESV)

A CALL TO REPENTANCE 

BLESSING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS 

CLOSING BLESSING (Hebrews 13:20-21) “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Psalm 34

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This Week's Devotional Scripture Readings

December’s Theme: “Singing for Joy”

Sunday: Isaiah 25:1–9

Monday: Isaiah 35:1–10

Tuesday: Isaiah 26:1–19

Wednesday: Ezekiel 36:1–15

Thursday: Ezekiel 36:16–38

Friday: Ezekiel 39:21–29

Saturday: Zephaniah 3:1–20

Next Sunday’s Children’s Bible Memory Verse

Nahum 1:7