Worship Notes for Sunday, November 18, 2012
Historically, some churches adhere to what is known as the “centrality of the Word” which usually means that the proclamation of the Word of God and the preaching of that Word is of paramount importance in the service of worship. These traditions understand the sermon to be the focal point. We too believe in the faithful exposition of the Word and the fact that God Himself speaks to us in His Word and through the opening of the text through the preachment—this is one of the reasons that the sermon falls distinctly in the middle, or central, part of our service as opposed to the last half.However, in addition, we also extend our understanding of the importance of the Word to include all of the service elements that spring forth from the core preaching. For Cornerstone, the centrality of the Word means that all of the service is centered on the Word and that the hymns, prayers, and readings flow from the central truth of the Scripture passage that is being preached. We hold God’s Word with reverence and thus seek to understand and apply it in an ever increasing manner.
Our service this morning focuses on the good gifts that came from the Father’s hand and for which we are thankful. One of those gifts is His decrees shown in the works of creation. So we start by singing Praise to the Lord who is the “King of Creation.” The Call to Worship from Psalm 111 reminds us to give thanks with our whole heart for the works of the Lord are great and are to be studied. We continue by singing For the Beauty of the Earth and Glory Be to God the Father.
The New Testament Reading from Colossians 3 calls us to be thankful, to teach and admonish one another in thankfulness, and in all we do to give thanks. Much like the children of Israel who complained and grumbled in the wilderness despite the wondrous display of God’s power, protection and leading, we too fall into the sinful trap of not honoring and giving thanks to God. Thus we confess our sins with the words of Romans 1.
We conclude the service by singing Come Ye Thankful People Come with the reminder that God’s providence in supplying grain for the earth is echoed in His growing and raising up a people for Himself who will one day be gathered in at the final harvest.
