Have you ever promised to do something only to fall short, or rejected a good path before having a change of heart? In this message, "Second Thoughts," we take a fresh look at Jesus' parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28–32. When we look honestly into the mirror of God's Word, we realize that we often embody the worst traits of both sons: we openly resist God’s will or offer quick verbal promises that our actions fail to back up. But the good news of the Gospel is that God doesn't leave us stranded in our shortcomings or expect us to earn our way into His favor.
Instead, God directs our eyes to the "Third Son"—Jesus Christ. Where we falter, Jesus said a complete "yes" to the Father's will, living a life of perfect obedience and willingly laying down His life on the cross to pay for our sins. The Father's ultimate desire for your life isn't that you exhaust yourself trying to earn salvation through work, but that you rest in the finished work of His Son. Join us as we celebrate the freedom of forgiveness, receive Christ's righteousness, and discover what it means to joyfully live and serve together in God's grace.
Service times:
- Live on YouTube
- In person worship
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 25:1–10
- Old Testament reading is from Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
- New Testament reading is from Philippians 2:1–4, 14–18
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 21:28–32
Songs and Hymns:
- Christ Is Mine Forevermore
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Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, © 2016 CityAlight Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Chief of Sinners Though I Be
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Text: William McComb, 1793–1873, alt.;
Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901;
Text and tune: Public domain. - How Great Is The Greatness Of God
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Bryan Christopher Fowler, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa
© Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; LivingHymns
© Love Your Enemies Publishing; Messenger Hymns
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
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Text (Hymn 854): Charles Wesley, 1707–88, alt.
Tune (Hymn 461): attr. John C. Hatton, d. 1793
Public domain - Behold The Lamb
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Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend;
© 2007 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing);
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740. - Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
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Text: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1700–60; tr. John B. Wesley, 1703–91, alt.
Tune: George J. Elvey, 1816–93
Text and tune: Public domain - Here I Am, Lord
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Text: Based on Isaiah 6; Dan Schutte, b.1947
Text and music: © 1981, Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music
Published by OCP Publications
Used with permission: One License #728607-A
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Announcements:
- Sunday, Sep 27:
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- Worship Service (Rev. Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstaris.
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- St. James Church Picnic: 11:45 AM
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Join us for Fun, Food and Fellowship!
- Wednesday, Sep 30:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Thursday, Oct 1:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Oct 3:
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- LWML – Circle of Friends: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Are Some Sins Worse Than Others? (Ep153)
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Everyone agrees that some sins are worse than others, but the Bible also teaches that every human being is guilty before God. How can nice, seemingly innocent people be equally as sinful as violent, hardened criminals? Chuck and Aaron try to answer this question on this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.
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