November 26, 2017


Sermon Message by Rev. Dr. Parrish Bridges

"Thanksgiving, Praise, and Contentment"

LISTEN to the SERMON MESSAGE HERE


Call to Worship:

Leader: Enter God's gates with gladness.

People: Enter God's courts with praise.

Leader: For we are God's people,

People: the sheep of God's pasture.

Leader: Serve God with joyful hearts.

People: Love God by showing justice and mercy.

Leader: Enter god's gates with gladness.

People: Enter god's courts with praise.


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Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 12   (NIV) New International Version

Songs of Praise

1) In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.

Although you were angry with me,

your anger has turned away

and you have comforted me.

2) Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lordhimself, is my strength and my defense;

he has become my salvation.”

3) With joy you will draw water

from the wells of salvation.

4) In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done,

and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5) Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

6) Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,

for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”


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New Testament Scripture: Philippians 4: 6-20   (NIV) New International Version

Final Exhortations

6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10) I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13) I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14) Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15) Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16) for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17) Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18) I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19) And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20) To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


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Prayer of Confession (unison)

God of glory, we do not always see Your glory in the world around us.  When we see a person in need, it is not easy to look him in the eye.  When we hear a cry for help, it is not easy to offer her quick assistance.  When we know of a lonely prisoner, it is not easy to make that visit.  Forgive us when we fail to see You in our everyday lives.  Forgive us when we are afraid to act, afraid to care.  Encourage us, God of glory.  Help us see others with the eyes of compassion, that we might be Your loving presence in the world. (Moment of personal silent prayer).  Amen.