Sunday, October 9
Reformation Season
Welcome to our Order of Service page and Reformation Season!
As we look back on the monumental period in church history known as the Reformation, it is helpful to define the key beliefs that continue to describe reformational churches today. As a Baptist church, Grace Baptist does not align with all the Reformed denominations in areas of baptism, church structure, and eschatology, but we do stand with them in the foundational doctrines that continue to unite all those Christ-followers who stand in the grand tradition of the Reformation.
This tradition is concisely represented in the five Solas of the Reformation. Sola is Latin for only, or alone, and is used to distinguish the biblical doctrines of Scripture, Grace, Faith, Christ, and Glory to God from the beliefs, definitions, and components added to them by the Medieval church. Simply put, the Solas scrape away the human compromises which the church had attached to these essential doctrines in order to present biblical truth as it was meant to be understood. We remember the Reformation Season, not as a memorial to Martin Luther or any other man, but as a celebration of God’s grace in bringing the glorious light of the Gospel back to the church. For this reason, a new latin motto was born during the Reformation era: Post Tenebras Lux —After Darkness Light.
On each Sunday in October, we are going to highlight and celebrate one of the Solas leading up to the final Sunday of the month, Reformation Sunday.
Hard copy booklets like “A Reformation Season Companion” are available on our resource wall in the Worship Center Lobby and at the Engage Center on Sunday Mornings.
Order of Service
WELCOME & CALL TO CORPORATE WORSHIP
Video: Solus Christus
The Reason
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 148
ADORATION
All Creatures of Our God and King
CONFESSION
Pastoral Prayer
ASSURANCE OF PARDON & COMMITMENT
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery
In Christ Alone
THANKSGIVING
Pastoral Prayer
OFFERTORY
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
PROCLAMATION
Not Condemned, But Alive in Christ | Pastor David Hegg
Romans 8:1-11
RESPONSE
His Mercy is More
COMMISSION
Announcements & Benediction
What is a Benediction?
Every Sunday morning, we conclude our gatherings with a benediction. The practice of benediction has its roots in the Old Testament – it is a pronouncement of God's blessing on His people. It became more prominent in the Protestant church after the Reformation.
More than just a way to end a church service, it serves as a declaration of God's nature, character, and blessing over us as we are then commissioned to live as ambassadors for Christ throughout the following week. It also serves as a helpful reminder of our identity and unity in Christ as we scatter to our places of work, school, and neighborhoods.
The benedictions we use come directly from Scripture (e.g. Num. 6:24-26) or are based on Scripture, and the final words, "Grace to you," dismiss our church family into lingering fellowship. So, when we recite in unison those three words, "grace to you," they mean something because we mean something in saying it. Specifically, God's grace has come to us through the person and work of Jesus Christ. God's grace has been extended through the Sovereign Spirit, enacting our faith in Him. God's grace will continue to sustain us as followers of Jesus Christ and preserve His church.
Grace to you!