Veil Ministries
presents
a
Worship Service
for
15th January 2012
Ichthus (ikh-thoos) or ichthys is the Greek word simply meaning "fish".
The Greek spelling for ichthus is -- These are the first letters of the Greek words
(Iota)Iesous,
(Chi)Christos,
(Theta)Theou,
(Upsilon)Uios,
(Sigma)Sotor.
The English translation is IXOYE. The five Greek words stand for the English words meaning, "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour" or "Jesus Christ God's Son Saviour".
This symbol was used primarily amongst Christians of the early church years (1st and 2nd century A.D.) It was introduced from Alexandria, Egypt; which at the time, was a very heavily populated seaport. It was the port in which many goods were brought over from the European continent. Because of this, it was first used by the peoples of the sea as a symbol of a familiar deity, in this case, Jesus Christ.
Here today we use it to remind each other of the richness of the fellowship among all Christians.
01 Intro What a friend(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Introduction: Our opening hymn today is a favourite of many Christians. The words were written by Joseph M. Scriven who wrote the hymn to comfort his mother, who was across the sea from him in Ireland. It was originally published anonymously, and Scriven did not receive full credit for almost 30 years.
Music:02 What a friend(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
PRAYER03 Prayer(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Gracious God, we are mindful of your omnipotence and our limitations. Much as we try to do your will we find ourselves disappointed when we fail you. So, dear God we come to be taught how to access the endless resources you are so willing to give us. Open our spiritual eyes, we pray, to see the opportunities and the ways those tasks can be accomplished. Then we ask for courage to put into practice the lessons you teach us.
We regret that the world continues to be marred by selfishness and greed. We are convinced that only by turning to you can the world be changed. We pray, therefore, for Christians everywhere to be empowered to witness effectively for you.
Again, we remember those who are unwell. We acknowledge only you, O God, can heal. We thank you for the incredible skill of surgeons and doctors and the care of nurses but we recognise even they are limited when we think of what we call ‘incurable’ diseases. We need miracles of healing please, dear God.
And where there are those who are grieving, we ask that they will come to know the comfort which you have promised.
These things we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: JESUS THOU JOY OF LOVING HEARTS
Introduction: 04 Intro Jesus thou joy(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
"Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts" comes from a portion of Bernard of Clairvaux’s poem, ‘Jesu dulcis memoria,’ roughly translated "Remembrance of Jesus’ Sweetness." The hymn "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" comes from the same work.
Bernard of Clairvaux was a nobleman by birth, but gave up his life of luxury to become a monk. Having tasted the "best bliss that earth imparts" he knew that he was "unfilled" and turned instead to Jesus.
This hymn is an inspiration to many. Dr. David Livingstone repeated parts of it on his African journeys. He said, "That hymn of St. Bernard, on the name of Christ, although in what might be termed dog-Latin, pleases me: it rings in my ears as I wander across the wide, wide wilderness."
Music:05 Jesus thou joy (To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts!
Thou Fount of life, thou Light of men!
From the best bliss that earth imparts
we turn unfilled to thee again.
2
Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
thou savest those that on thee call;
to them that seek thee thou art good;
to them that find thee All in all.
3
Our restless spirits yearn for thee,
where'er our changeful lot is cast;
glad, when thy gracious smile we see,
blest, when our faith can hold thee fast.
4
O Jesus, ever with us stay;
make all our moments calm and bright;
chase the dark night of sin away,
shed o'er the world thy holy light.
MUSICAL MOMENTS
Introduction: 06 Musical moments 1(To hear this audio file please right click
mouse, then left click to open new tab)
‘We all have favourite pieces of music but I hope
everyone will be able to enjoy the selection of music and
it will be a help in worshipping God today.
The first piece was written by Joy Webb who some may remember having created the Salvation Army’s rhythm
group, ‘The Joy Strings’. She has written a choral
composition much loved by choirs everywhere, ‘The candle of the Lord.’
Secondly we have ‘Motivation’ , a march by William Himes for Brass Bands
CHORAL: THE CANDLE OF THE LORD
07 The candle of the Lord(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
BRASS: March: MOTIVATION
08 Motivation(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS
09 God's tithes(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Showing appreciation is one of the gestures which make up a civilised society and certainly is the hallmark of a Christian church.
If we are grateful, we will naturally find ways to show our gratitude. We readily admit that God is our divine benefactor without whom we could simply not exist. Without his help we would be without the very essentials of life itself.
It’s good that we have a moment in our service to consider how we can use our finance to say thank you to God.
As he leads your thoughts to some church or ministry to support, may God bless you as you are obedient to him.
HYMN: JESUS SHALL TAKE THE HIGHEST HONOUR
Introduction:10 Intro Jesus shall have (To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
A modern song now which seems to appeal to all Christians-‘Jesus shall take the highest honour.’
Music:11 Jesus shall have(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Jesus shall take the highest honour
Jesus shall take the highest praise
Let all earth join heaven in exalting
The Name which is above all other names
Let's bow the knee in humble adoration
For at His name every knee must bow
Let every tongue confess He is Christ, God's only Son
Sovereign Lord, we give You glory now
For all honour and blessing and power
Belongs to You, belongs to You
All honour and blessing and power
Belongs to You, belongs to You
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God
FAVOURITE HYMN FEATURE
12 Fav hymn(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Our contributor today is JOAN WOODMAN who lives in
Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
‘A few months ago my world was shattered at the
news of the sudden death of my younger sister and
her husband - brutally knocked down and killed. The trauma was such as I had never experienced before - but the Lord promised sufficient grace in time of need. He certainly provided that in the form of cards, letters, phone calls flowers etc.
From my bedroom window I see lots of trees and in the morning there are always many birds flying around. I am always intriqued when I see the pigeons land on a very flimsy branch - it sways to and fro but it is safe and rests for a while no doubt regaining strength. So amid my ongoing sorrow - when I "feel bewildered and yes, afraid", - the Holy Spirit does hear my prayer and I am "daily made aware of His everlasting arms of love".
My father liked the following poem
"Clouds will turn to sunshine,
Night will turn to day,
if you will just remember
God is not far away."
May this be your experience.
Music: God’s provision
13 His provision(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
HIS PROVISION
1
At the moment of my weakness, when my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again, Then my Lord has made provision for the day of my despair,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer
Then my Lord has made provision for the day of my despair,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Chorus
Holy Spirit! Promised Presence, fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give your power to me, O Holy Spirit.
2
When the darkness falls around me, when bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer,
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
3
Nothing now can rob God's servant of the peace that he bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength his presence breathes.
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made aware,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer.
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made aware,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
BIBLE READING
Genesis 1:16-19
14 Bible reading(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
VOCAL: PICK ME UP, LORD
Introduction:15 Intro Pick me up (To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Here’s a typically American country and western style solo. It’s a foot tapping song and one which carries the simplest request- Pick me up, Lord.
Music: Pick me up, Lord.
16 Pick me up(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
HYMN: TRUST AND OBEY
Introduction: 17 Intro Trust and obey(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: John H. Sammis (1846-1919), gave up his life as a businessman and part-time YMCA worker to study for the ministry. In later life, he taught at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles.
Music: Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919) was music director for several well-known churches and schools, including the Moody Bible Institute.
In 1887, just following an evangelistic meeting held by Dwight L. Moody, a young man stood to share his story in an after-service testimony meeting. As he was speaking, it became clear to many that he knew little about the Bible or acceptable Christian doctrine. His closing lines, however, spoke volumes to seasoned and new believers alike: ‘I’m not quite sure. But I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.’ Daniel Towner was so struck by the power of those simple words that he quickly jotted them down, then delivered them to John Sammis, who developed the lyrics to Trust and Obey.
Music: Trust and obey
18 Trust and obey(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
When we walk with the Lord
In the light oh His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
Let us do His good will;
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2
Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
3
But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.
4
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
MUSICAL MOMENTS
Introduction:19 Musical moments 2 (To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
‘The Spacious firmament’ is a choral piece commissioned in 1979 in memory of the late Sir Edward and Lady Hamner of Bettisfield Park, Flint, Wales.
This is followed by the song, ‘He touched me’ and if ever there was a song, the title of which describes what we all need, this must be it.
CHORAL: The spacious firmament
20 The Spacious Firmament(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
SONG: He touched me
21 He touched me(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
SERMON
22 Sermon(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Today, I’d like to share with you a vision I have. But first of all, let me explain the reason what I’m presenting here.
Many of the people who access this web site or listen to the service on CD are Christians. I like Christians! That’s not to say I that dislike non Christians! It’s just
Dr. Malcolm WestwoodBut-and here’s what worries me a little and why I want to share a vision- I think we need to have a reminder of how miraculous is the God we serve. Now that’s going to need explaining, too!
As Christians, we are used to accepting that God made the heavens and the earth and everything in it-the ‘Spacious firmament’ as we’ve just heard in music. It’s a fact of life we accept. We read the Bible and accept the accounts of the miracles of Jesus. We sometimes read books which recount what God is doing in the lives of some people in far off lands. But largely, we are content to think that we are exercising our faith by simply believing that what God says in the Bible is true. We worship regularly, we give finance to fund God’s work, we are involved in church activities as our health and circumstances allow. And in fact, we feel quite satisfied with believing that God would not be disappointed with the caring, compassionate way we live our lives. We certainly try to make sure that we honour God’s commandments even if we can’t claim to be the kind of evangelists who regularly knock on doors to share the gospel.
But I wonder if God must think ‘I made this incredible world, I sustain the people, I died for them and rose to prove my intention is that they should have eternal life with me, yet they don’t seem to want anything more exciting than a quiet life!’
Now. Let me say immediately, that I love my quiet life! I really do. Nothing gives me greater pleasure that sitting reading a Dickens book and listening to some classical music or sitting at the piano for a while playing some Chopin nocturne and breaking off to watch Liverpool win at soccer. Or watching my wife pottering in the garden (before I escape to the study to avoid hearing the grass needs mowing and the flower beds need weeding!) I’d like to say playing a game of squash comes high up my list of enjoyable pastimes but my wife keeps telling me that I am no longer 21! But you get the idea-so many enjoyable and relaxing things are available to us and we get to enjoy our church activities too. It’s a nice kind of life, isn’t it!
But the Bible says that ‘by the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.’ It doesn’t say he rested evermore! I’ve come to the conclusion that we under-use and underestimate God!
We accept that what he has done was amazing, and we are impressed by his ongoing maintenance of his world, and we are content to trust his promises for the future. But we rarely, if ever, give him the opportunity of doing something for us we cannot do for ourselves. And the reason that thought comes to me is when I read from that first chapter in Genesis, there was a part of a verse which almost jumped out at me. It’s in verse 16. It says that God made two great lights, referring, of course to the sun and the moon. But almost as an after thought it adds –‘He also made the stars’. We can’t even reach them. If Voyager, the USA space ship, was sent to the nearest star, it would take 73,000 years to get there because it’s 5.8 million million miles away. (And if some astro physicist disputes the odd million or two, it’s still a long long way away!)
Just when we are marvelling at the fact of God providing us with the sun and the moon, the Bible casually throws in…’O, and he also made the stars’ as though that was an extra! Astronomers estimate there are about 100 thousand million stars in the Milky Way alone. Outside that, there are millions upon millions of other galaxie! And the Bible says ‘he also made the stars.’ Wow!
Immediately I read that phrase this week I became convinced that we meander along in our quiet undemanding way, and the awesome might and majesty and power of God run in a kind of parallel world. Creation is viewed as miraculous and God is seen as being in his heaven ruling the universe. But we’ve just celebrated God coming in human form to be identified with us here on earth. He demonstrated that he was not some remote unfeeling uncaring God who, having created a world then retired to watch what kind of a mess we made of it! He came to us to convince us of his love for us and his willingness to walk alongside us and in one of the most staggering promises he said, ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’ (Matthew 7:7)
And in fact in John 16:24, Jesus reprimands his disciples for not asking.
‘I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.’
Two important facts are there. The power of God is limitless. Anything is possible however unlikely it may seem in human terms. Secondly, the request made ‘in my name’ will be honoured. So it is within the power of God to provide us with luxury beyond our wildest dreams. It may not be within his will to do it! Ask and you will receive is not to conjure up some kind of benevolent genie who will give us whatever we ask for on demand. Firstly we have to seek the mind of God---to ensure that what we are asking is in line with his thinking-those things which reflect him to the world, those things which will help his kingdom grow, and those things which by granting them to us will ensure we are full of joy. And that’s different from making us feel satisfied for a day or so,
So my desire to share a vision with you is simply this.
Because God’s power is almighty and because we call on him so seldom to release it in our living, would you agree with me to ask God to do what we can’t do for ourselves. We’ll have to go out on a limb to do this but I’m sure it will be exciting.
Can you think of something which you could ask God to do through you which will enrich his kingdom and make your discipleship more fulfilled, possibly in a miraculous way?
And would you dare to share what it is with me here at Veil Ministries.
Let’s ask God for some miracles!
I’ll gladly start us off…this web site is accessed by up to 30 countries in the world. My request of God is that he will lay on the hearts of all who access the site, to invite 10, 20, 30 more people to log in regularly. Now that is something I can’t do on my own. Only God can do that. We’re proclaiming God’s Word every week, we seek to encourage and inspire and enrich Christians. What a difference more people being encouraged would make to God’s kingdom. There’ll be hundreds and hundreds more people sharing God’s word with us. What a difference that will make in God’s kingdom. So that’s vision number one.
Are you somewhere where a house group could be formed or what about starting a church? Let’s take the ‘im’ out of impossible!
And what about the CD of this service being made available to commercial travellers and truck drivers? Is there a way of doing that. God has the answer to that logistical problem.
Another vision is that there will be a breakthrough in finding a cure for cancer. Let’s ask God for that as well ……Let’s ask the God who ‘made the stars as well.’
Can I encourage you to be outrageously bold in what you ask God. He won’t be daunted by your request. In the time it takes us to ask, he made a million stars! Let’s get to know him for the God he is and not for the God we have made him!
He did not die on a cross to gain our sympathy. He died to show his power over death!
He was not resurrected to leave us to our own devices. He was resurrected to prove that he will never leave us. His heaven is not inaccessible. It is open to every praying believer. The resources of heaven are not reserved for when we die. They are available to enable us to live!
Nothing is impossible to God. What will you ask him?
CHORAL: Step into the water
07 Step into the water(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
BENEDICTION: 23 Benediction(To hear this audio file please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
May the blessing of God enrich you, the sacrifice of Jesus reassure you and the presence of the Holy Spirit empower you. Amen