Prelude

Call to Worship

Invocation

Hymn 263: Lift High the Cross Crucifer

Text: George Kitchin (1887), Michael Newbolt (1916)

Refrain
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
till all the world adore his sacred name.

Come, brethren, follow where our Savior trod,
our King victorious, Christ, the Son of God. (Refrain)

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
the hosts of God in conqu’ring ranks combine. (Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
as thou hast promised, draw men unto thee. (Refrain)

Thy kingdom come, that earth’s despair may cease
beneath the shadow of its healing peace. (Refrain)

For thy blest cross which doth for us atone,
creation’s praises rise before thy throne. (Refrain)

Prayer of Confession

Merciful Father, forgive us for not keeping our minds fixed on you. We are often controlled by the wisdom of our time, rather than wholly by your Word. Our thoughts are held captive by our sinful affections, and we are surrounded by temptations which aim to satisfy them. At times we act impulsively, not waiting for your timing. Other times we are stubborn and unwilling to do your bidding. May your Holy Spirit guide us into all truth, and lead us in the way of Christ. Amen.

The Gospel’s Assurance of Pardon: Colossians 1:13–14

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Doxology Tallis’ Canon

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.

Sacrament of Baptism

Joseph Keith Lymberopoulos, born November 30, 2020; son of Julie and Gavin Lymberopoulos.

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21–28

16 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Hymn 707: Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken Ellesdie

(Students in grades 1–6 may go to the Catacombs for Tenth Children’s Music.) Text: Henry Lyte (1824)

Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave, and follow thee;
destitute, despised, forsaken, thou from hence my all shalt be.
Perish ev’ry fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known;
yet how rich is my condition, God and heav’n are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior too;
human hearts and looks deceive me; thou art not, like man, untrue;
and, while thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might,
foes may hate and friends may shun me; show thy face, and all is bright.

Man may trouble and distress me, ‘twill but drive me to thy breast;
life with trials hard may press me, heav’n will bring me sweeter rest.
O ‘tis not in grief to harm me while thy love is left to me;
O ‘twere not in joy to charm me, were that joy unmixed with thee.

Take, my soul, thy full salvation, rise o’er sin and fear and care;
joy to find in ev’ry station something still to do or bear;
think what Spirit dwells within thee, what a Father’s smile is thine,
what a Savior died to win thee: child of heav’n, shouldst thou repine?

Hasten on from grace to glory, armed by faith, and winged by prayer;
heav’n’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission, swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
hope soon change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

Confession of Faith: Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 86

Question: What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Answer: Faith in Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Offering Prayer

(In person offerings may be made via the oak boxes. Give online at tenth.org/give or mail checks to: 1701 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)

Offertory: God, We Praise You arr. Jack Schrader

Chamber Choir

Sermon: The Things of God Rev. Gavin Lymberopoulos

Hymn: The Power of the Cross Getty/Townend

Benediction

Postlude

Serving this evening:
George McFarland, platform
Colin Howland, organist

Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible, copyright©2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Hymn lyrics used by permission: CCLI# 2486853

Sermon Notes