MARCH 18, 2012 SERVICE

Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve

We invite you to sign the worship registry at the end of each row and pass it on to others in your pew, then pass the book back. 

Our Mission:  "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

WORDS OF WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS

ORGAN PRELUDE

+CALL TO WORSHIP

   Leader: Come, O God, as the wind, and drive away our

               doubts and insincerities.
People: Come as the light has come this morning and

               awaken our dreams.Leader: Come as the darkness comes tonight and cover

               our sins.
People: Come as the quietness after a storm and

               hush our spirits.Leader: Come, and stand among us, that our sham and

               pretenses will fall away.
People: Come and make us worthy of love. Amen

+OPENING HYMN              “Be Thou My Vision”           #451

A PRAYER OF SAINT PATRICK

Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ behind us,

Christ in us, Christ beneath us, Christ above us,

Christ on our right, Christ on our left,

Christ where we lie, Christ where we sit,

Christ where we arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of us,

Christ in every eye that sees us,

Christ in every ear that hears us.

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of the Christ,

May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us. Amen.

Time with Young Disciples

HYMN            “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”            #384

SCRIPTURES          Philippians 3:4b-14

MESSAGE

OFFERING

As forgiven and reconciled people, let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.  

+DOXOLOGY #95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

+ CLOSING HYMN  “God of Grace and God of Glory” #577

+ SENDING FORTH WITH BLESSING

+ POSTLUDE

(+) Those who are able are invited to stand.      

CRAZY LOVE CHAPTER 9 and Philippians 3:4b-14 QUESTIONS

1)      Who has God put in your life who serves as a good example of what it means to follow Jesus?  (You can also refer to some of the examples listed in chapter 9 of Crazy Love).   Why do you admire these people?  

2)      What character qualities, activities, and attitudes do these people possess that you would like to imitate in your own life?   What would it take to make that a reality?  

3)      What legacy do you want to leave behind?   What do you want to be known for?

4)      Do you have any fears about what it would mean if you truly followed God’s leading regardless of where God might take you?  If so, take a minute to articulate those fears.  

5)      What do you think God would say to those fears?  (If you can think of any Scripture that applies here, write them down.) 

6)      What did it cost Paul to shift the basis of his confidence before God from his performance and status to Christ’s grace?   What did he gain?  (see Phil 3)

7)      Describe one or two tangible steps that could help you overcome these fears.  

8)      What other people has God placed in your life who may be able to partner with you in this?  How might they be able to help?  If you can’t think of anybody, how can you find some people like this?

9)      Close this session in prayer.  Now that you’re so close to the end of this series, ask God to begin cementing your resolve and moving you down the path that you need to take.  Ask that God would continue to increase your love for Him.  Ask God to make your life overflow with that love.  Ask God to help you overcome all of the obstacles and excuses you will encounter.