Prelude: O Love of God, How Strong and True arr. Howard Helvey
Jenny Anne Flory, mezzo–soprano

Call to Worship

Invocation

Hymn 15: Stand Up and Bless the Lord Carlisle

Prayer of Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to your promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

The Gospel’s Assurance of Pardon: Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Doxology 732 Tallis' Canon

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

Prayer of Illumination

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1–11 (pew Bible p. 485)

Hymn 468: My Faith Has Found a Resting Place Landas

Confession of Faith: Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 91

Question: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
Answer: The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that does administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Offering Prayer

(Give online at tenth.org/give or mail checks to: 1701 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)

Offertory: Behold the Lamb of God Craig Courtney
Jenny Anne Flory, mezzo–soprano

New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 2:17–22 (pew Bible p. 1019)

Sermon: False Freedom  Rev. Josiah Vanderveen

Hymn 518: Christ, of All My Hopes the Ground Hendon

Benediction

Postlude: Fantasia Richard Purvis

Serving this evening:
Platform: Andrew Fletcher
Organist: Rev. Colin Howland

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper will be observed at the 6:30pm service next Sunday, March 17.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us of the importance of coming to the Lord's Table in a worthy manner:

It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves. (Shorter Catechism, Answer 97)

Suggested Bible passages for preparation: Psalm 23, John 6:22–40, 1 Corinthians 11:17–32