What difference do your faith convictions make to your everyday living? Must they make an everyday difference? What if they don't?

Transcription

1 September 18, 2016

2 For Preparation "While our works are worth nothing as a ground of merit for our justification, they are all-important as evidences that we are indeed justified." R.L. Dabney In his commentary, Dr. Dan Doriani tells the following story: "When I was a young pastor, I spoke to a young lawyer who had visited my church several times. He was very interested in obtaining eternal life. He willingly admitted that he was a sinner and needed a savior. He believed Jesus was the Son of God and that He had endured crucifixion, then rose from death to win life for all who believe. Then, although we were not talking about money at all, he added: 'But there is one idea I can't stand--tithing. I don't make that much money now, so its not a big issue yet, but in a few years I'm going to be making a lot more money, and there's no way I'm going to give away 10 percent of it. I could never give away that much money!' Is this man a Christian? Will his brand of faith unite him to Christ, so that he gains eternal life?" Doriani, James. p. 80 Dr. Doriani doesn't attempt a definite answer to the question, but he is interested in pressing us to carefully consider whether our apparent faith convictions have pressed outward into our practical living and, if not, what this actually says about the supposed faith conviction itself. What difference do your faith convictions make to your everyday living? Must they make an everyday difference? What if they don't? James wrestles with these very questions in the passage before us this morning, in James 2. As we look at the word of truth, pray that the Holy Spirit might open your heart to hear it and do it! Pastor Chris 1

3 Worshiping the God Who Makes Us Alive Welcome and Announcements Prelude Marveling In Our Creator We joyfully bring praise and adoration to the Maker of all things Song of Preparation (v. 1) Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus Trinity Hymnal #481 *Call to Worship Ephesians 2:1 5 Leader: We were dead in the trespasses and sins in which we once walked. People: We were following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. Leader: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Christ. All: By grace we have been saved. 2

4 *Song of Adoration All I Have Is Christ Words and Music by Jordan Kauflin 3

5 *Prayer of Adoration Mourning the Rebellion We grieve sin and confess our need of God Call to Confession Isaiah 58:2 5 They seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it? Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Corporate Confession and Season of Silent Confession All: Father forgive us for the times we have not acknowledged you as real, living and present. Forgive us for the times we have cherished our own fame, status, and popularity over a godly and sincere life. Help us to act in faith before we call ourselves faithful, to leave the world before we enter the church, to set our affections on things above, to love those that are different from us, and to be a light in the world. 4

6 Celebrating Redemption We rejoice in our Savior and hear from his Word Assurance of Pardon Isaiah 58:9, You shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt and you shall raise up the foundations of many generations. Passing of the Peace Leader: People of God, believe this gospel and know that you are forgiven. People: Thanks be to the Lord! Leader: Now may the peace of Christ be with you all! People: And also with you! Sacrament of Covenant Baptism Aksel Cross Talbert Song of Baptism (vv. 1-2) Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing 5

7 Pastoral Prayer Tithes and Offerings (Children ages 4yr to 2nd grade may be excused for Children's Church in the PrK/K classroom.) Offertory Song (Ensemble) Jesus Loves Me Words: Public Domain. Music by Latifah Phillips. Arr. by Page CXVI Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong. (Chorus) Tis an ocean full of love, full of blessing from above O the deep deep love of Jesus Spread His song from shore to shore, sea to sea Jesus loves me! He who died, Heaven's gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in. 6

8 Sermon "Validated!" Part 5 of The Redeemed Neighborhood Series James 2:14-26 Rev. Chris Polski 7

9 The Hope of Restoration We look forward and exalt the King who makes all things new *Song of Hope Hear the Call of the Kingdom Words and Music by Keith Getty & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend *Benediction 8

10 Trinity Institute for Christian Growth Redeemed! Some think that James was at odds with Paul when he wrote, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:17). Was he? Were there two competing visions of salvation in the early church? Join Pastor Polski and Ken McAfee for the next several weeks as we explore the biblical doctrines of redemption: Justification, Union with Christ and Sanctification, and seek to demonstrate that James' and Paul's vision of redemption were deeply complementary. Children/Youth/College Sunday School Classes Infant Nursery Toddlers & PreSchool Pre K & K 1st & 2nd grade 3rd, 4th & 5th grade Jr. High Sr. High College/Young Adults Teachers Amy Mitchell, Katie Polski, Graham Behnke, Joan Kwong, Hallie Van Duren, Kelly Hoyt, Emily Boeckmann Denise & Larry Steinbrueck, Barry Behnke, Tara Thomason, Kori Schlitt, Hallie Van Duren Debbie Highmark, Laurel Elzinga, Melissa Jorgensen, Kathy O'Neal Neil & Susie Shah, Mimi Steele, Sue Freeman, Beth Kling Lenore Maglione, David & Mary Hickman, Sarah Maney Justin & Megan Talbert, Ryan & Danika Hawkins Justin & Megan Talbert, Ryan & Danika Hawkins Duncan Highmark, Dennis Hobbs NUT FREE POLICY Trinity Church is committed to actively pursuing a nut-free environment but cannot guarantee that the building is always 100% free from any nut products or from products that may have been crosscontaminated by nuts. For this reason we urge any families with children who have allergies and any friends of these families to exercise vigilance when consuming any food products in the church building. 9

11 This Week at Trinity September 18, 2016 These are just announcement highlights. If you d like to know more about Trinity, connect with us in one of the following ways - By phone: 314/ On the web: - Facebook: Trinity Church Kirkwood Worship and General Church Information Join us tonight at 5:45 for an hour-long worship service, including the Lord's Supper. Sunday school classes for all ages meet today. We share in the Lord's Supper during our morning service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Jr. High Youth meets Sun. at 5:45pm. Sr. High meets Wed. at 7:30pm. Trinity Choir Rehearsal today at 4:30 in the Fireplace Room. Vivaldi rehearsal at 3:00 at Twin Oaks. Men's Study this Friday at 6:30am. Coffee provided. Seminary Wives Group- If you are a wife of an MDiv student in seminary, we'd love to have you join us once a month for a time of discussion, fellowship, encouragement and prayer. We meet at the Taylor's home. More details will be available soon!questions: contact Katie at polskikatie@gmail.com or Erin at elovetaylor@gmail.com. This year the Women's Bible Study will be discussing the Book of Deuteronomy. Studies begin this Tues. evening at 6:30 and Wed. morning at 9am. Study guides ($15 for the whole year) are available in the hallway. Volunteers next week: Nursery: Pettys, B. Schlitt, L. Elzinga, M. Wilhoit. Back Up: Hendricks. Ushers: Schlitt, Kwong, Schmidt, Glass. More Snack Volunteers Needed. Friendship Sunday, September 25th. Who will you invite? Youth Group Important Dates: Jr. High Crazy Night: Next Sun., Sept. 9th. Combined Event: Paintball on Oct. 8th. RSVP by Sept. 30th. Ladies Connect: THIS Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 7:30pm at the home of Mickie Schmidt. Drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring a favorite beverage or snack to share. Online Directory Update. If you are a member or a regular attender, we would love to include you in our pictoral directory. Please pass along any changes and additions to your contact info or updated pictures to Amy in the church office. We hope to have a few printed copies available soon. The Des Peres/Kirkwood Life Chain will occur on Sun., Oct. 2 from 2-3pm at the intersection of Manchester and Ballas Roads. 10

12 Ministry Organization and Shepherding at Trinity Trinity s ministries are organized around the core values in our purpose statement which reads: Trinity Church exists to exalt God s name, establish God s people, equip God s church and engage God s world, in the power of the Holy Spirit and for the sake of the Risen King, Jesus Christ. Our Ministry Leadership Teams (MLT s) have been organized around these three values (Exalt, Equip, Engage) plus an administrative value of Enable. Below are the key people to be in contact with in regards to ministry questions. Contact information is available through the online directory. The EXALT MLT oversees Worship and Adult Christian Education. Oversight Elder: Gary Peterson Staff: Chris Polski (Pulpit), Danika Hawkins (Interim Worship), Mimi Steele (Choirs) The EQUIP MLT oversees our ministries to Women, Men, Small Groups and discipleship ministries. Oversight Elder: Bill Kling Staff: Nate Taylor (Small Groups), Chris Polski (Men) The ENGAGE MLT oversees World Missions, US and Local Missions and all of Trinity s ministries of outreach and evangelism. Oversight Elder: Jim Talent Staff: Nate Taylor (Local Missions), Andrew Kwong (World Missions) The ENABLE MLT oversees the Diaconate, Finance Team, Personnel Team and any Special Workgroups like Strategic Planning and Building Campaigns. Oversight Elder: Duncan Highmark Staff: Dan Bailey (Diaconal Chair), Sally Hunter (Bookkeeper), Amy Mitchell (Administrative Assistant), Ron Bay (Ushers) The ESTABLISH MLT oversees our ministries to Nursery, Children, Youth, Young Adults and Adult Sunday school. Oversight Elder: Chris Freeman Staff: Denise Steinbrueck and Hallie Van Duren (nursery), Beth Kling (Children), Hawkins and Talberts (Youth), Chris Polski and Ken McAfee (Adult Sunday school). Pastors: Rev. Christopher Polski and Rev. Nathan Taylor Trinity Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America ccli# Music for use solely with the Songselect Terms of use. All rights reserved.