Intimations
Morning worship online has moved to start at 10am and JAM at 11:30am on the Zoom platform
You may want to use some of these resources for daily worship during this week
This link takes you to the Rooted Family series for JAM Kids. There is a video to watch and family discussion material for each week.
JAM young adults Ignite Live have a separate programme at 11:30am on the Zoom platform –parents of teenagers can get a link code by contacting Gary Torbet on garytorbet@btinternet.com
We will be continuing the Prayer Livestream at 7.00pm on Sunday 26 July 2020. This will be another significant time of national prayer for us. Please join in and, if you don’t already do so, would you let your fellowship know about this and put it on your social media. Click here to access.
Call to worship: Psalm 1; 1 – 3
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Our opening song of praise and worship is: “What a beautiful name it is”
We continue to worship the Lord in our second song of praise and worship: “I am who you say I am”
Opening prayer:
Loving heavenly Father,
As we gather for worship this morning, we can say, how beautiful is the name of Jesus, how wonderful is the name of Jesus, how powerful is the name of Jesus. We come in awe of you, your majesty which reaches up to the heavens, and your love which stooped so low to be born as a baby in a smelly manger.
Thank you for your love, thank you for your grace, which sets us free from the power of sin and death.
We come afresh confessing, how often we stray from how you want us to be in thought, word, deed or not even doing what we know you ask us to do. Please forgive us.
We pray today as we come we may indeed “delight in the law of the Lord”, may we delight in the opportunity to study your word and not just do this out of ritual – but seek to be touched by and changed by it.
We offer ourselves now in worship to you, come Holy Spirit, we invite you to have your way among us today, not what we would will but may your will be done in our lives and worship today.
For we pray in the powerful name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
All Age Talk: Gary Torbet
“Metamorphosis – From caterpillar to beautiful” Video
That was a beautiful video with such amazing imagery – the process of metamorphosis as a caterpillar miraculously is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Another piece of God’s amazing creation!
That is what we are reflecting on later in the service, and I am using the imagery of the butterfly to illustrate what can happen when we put our trust in Jesus. Just like in the video we can be rid of our old selves – our sin, by accepting the forgiveness of Jesus, then as we gaze on the glory of God shown in Jesus – He can transform us by His Holy Spirit into something so beautiful. Into the likeness of Jesus Christ – hands up, thumbs up, who would like to be more like Jesus this week. I would!!
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” 2 Corinthians 3; 18.
When we say Jesus – “I put my trust in you – I accept your forgiveness – I want to gaze, to reflect, to focus on your glory Jesus – Please give me the power of your Holy Spirit – to become more like Jesus”
If you, we say that, Jesus will come and each day turn you into a beautiful child of God reflecting his glory to others. We are going to sing about that now.
All Age Song:“Shine” with actions
This time tomorrow – Update from Project Footsteps Team including video (3mins);
Project Footsteps – Fundraising for Tearfund and Carpathian Aid
Project Footsteps is made up of members of Broughty Ferry Baptist’s Youth Group and aims to support a number of different charities as best we can. We fundraise for causes that we believe in and try to shed light on areas of the world that are less fortunate than we are. We are now planning to do some fundraising for Tearfund – more specifically their work to support people in Yemen – and Carpathian Aid – to send desperately needed support to Casa Harului. Both charities need our support at this time as coronavirus has understandably had a huge impact on people in both Yemen and Romania.
Yemen is currently trying to fight off cholera, famine, a war, and covid-19 all at the same time. This paired with their already struggling economic and healthcare systems has led to the country suffering from the worst humanitarian crisis of the last 100 years. Major news sites such as Sky News have predicted that coronavirus will “delete Yemen from maps all over the world”.
Quite simply, without help, the people of Yemen will not survive this. We decided we wanted to do something to offer any relief we can to Yemen, and we thought the best way to do this would be a sponsored walk. We have mapped the distance from Dundee to Al Hudayah in Yemen, and we hope that if enough people join in, we can walk the 4924 mile distance between the 1st of August and the 26th of September. If you can pledge to walk, run, swim or cycle even a short distance it would make such a difference to these people but if you are unable to do this, you can sponsor any of the people taking part or simply donate to our Just Giving page and help us smash our goal of £500.
As most of you know, our church has had a very close relationship with both Carpathian Aid and Romania for many years. Every year, members of our church travel out to Casa Harului in Romania to help the people there and offer much needed support. This year a group was due to go out to Romania around this time, however due to the covid-19 pandemic, they could not travel out and the camps were cancelled.
This has left the camp with no income for most of 2020, as well as depriving many children of a much-needed couple of weeks of fun and biblical teaching. To raise money for Casa Harului, we are putting together a live online concert. Even though it deeply saddens us that we cannot meet together, we want to share our music with you and hopefully raise some money for a really important cause at the same time. Some of our church’s young musicians are all coming together over zoom for what is shaping up to be a wonderful night of music making. Confirmed details will follow shortly, we hope to see you there!
Thank you in advance for your support with these projects. If we all come together, we can help some of those who are really struggling to get through this pandemic.
Bible reading ; 2 Corinthians 3; 7 – 18
The Greater Glory of the New Covenant
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Prayers for others – Led by Alison O’Brien
Dear Lord
We thank you for the opportunity of meeting together today via Zoom and ask that you bless our time together as we remember others.
We pray for those at this time suffering from illness or frailty or from corona virus and ask that you would be with them and improve their health. We pray for all those involved in caring professions especially in hospitals and care homes and ask for your protection as they go about their day to day work.
We pray for the government and those in leadership positions as they continue to make decisions regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions especially as we await final decisions on the return of schools. We are thankful for the opportunities that we can enjoy since some of the restrictions have been lifted.
We give thanks that in the UK the numbers of those currently affected by Corona virus has reduced over the last few weeks. However we pray for those Countries which are still experiencing increases in numbers and do not have the health care services which we enjoy here. We remember the US, Brazil, India and South Africa and ask that you be with health professionals in these countries.
We remember Churches locally, nationally and abroad that they can continue their witness through these difficult times. We pray for our own church as the deacons make preparations for starting services and grant wisdom for the decisions that require to be made.
We pray for the churches in our Baptist Union including:
High Blantyre Baptist Church – as they continue to adjust to Zoom services and midweek Bible studies and for the non Christian contacts reached through the Church facebook page
Hillhead Baptist Church – give thanks to God for enabling to retain a sense of community during this time via Sunday services and midweek groups, and the blessing of being joined by family and friends on other continents as well as throughout the UK each week
Hillview & Kintore Community Church – ask us to pray for creativity, energy and wisdom as they seek to share Jesus’ light and love.
We remember those in our own fellowship who are grieving from losing loved ones recently and ask that you comfort them at this time. We pray for those awaiting hospital appointments and treatment and ask that you strengthen them over the coming weeks.
We pray for those in the fellowship on holiday or enjoying time off from the routine of work and ask that you refresh them. We pray for the teachers in our fellowship as they prepare for returning to a classroom situation. We remember all the children as they think about returning to the structure of nursery or school and for those preparing for university and the challenges which they currently face. We pray for those who are facing difficult work situations or financial worries and ask that you grant them peace.
Lord we thank you for the world that you have given us to look after. Help us to enjoy the many blessings which you give us each day.
We pray in Jesus name.
Amen
Before we come to listen to God’s Word let us sing: King of Kings – a fairly new song!
The Message; “Transformed into His Likeness”
When we are reflecting on the glory of the new covenant in Christ, I want us to remember the beautiful imagery of the caterpillar and it’s transformation into something much more beautiful – a butterfly. In the same way, by the power of the Holy Spirit how God can, and will if we let Him, can transform us into the beauty of the likeness of Christ.
V 7 -11 The comparison of the old and new covenants
Paul was recalling the old way, the stone tablets had written the Old Covenant, the Law and Ten Commandments. He identified the “Law” as a “ministry that condemns/brings death” (verse 7) as operating under the law can only condemn those who fail to meet its demands. However, under the new covenant of Grace, which Jesus has brought through his death on the cross, this is a ministry which brings “righteousness/right standing before God” (verse 9). You see under this provision, those, you, me who are certainly guilty of sin, are nevertheless accounted righteous by God – Hallelujah!!
The Law is nowhere near as glorious in what came by the new covenant – the new way of life in the HOLY SPIRIT – “will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious” (verse 8) The Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the world, as one of the agents in the origin of life itself. (Genesis 1; 2) The Holy Spirit is the power behind the rebirth of every Christian. The Holy Spirit is the power which enables us to live for Christ and as we shall see, be transformed.
I wonder if any of us, are trying to prove ourselves to God, trying to earn God’s approval, are tied to works in our own strength. Even in us coming to church or Broughty Baptist Live! as it is just now, coming to church in a religious even ritualistic way, operating under the law – for where the law reigns, there is no freedom, there is bondage. Rather than operating under the grace of Jesus, by faith, in that he alone can save us by his blood shed at the cross. It can be so tiresome trying to make yourself acceptable to God – and Jesus says, just come, come as you are, “I love you, have died for you – receive my salvation, my forgiveness, and receive the freedom only I can bring you!”
V 12 – 16 The veil is taken away which leads to freedom in Christ.
Paul also highlights the veil. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the Ten Commandments his face glowed from being in the presence of God (Exodus 34; 29 – 35). Moses had to put a veil on to stop the people from being terrified about the brightness of his face. Then in verse 16 – 17 it says “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This brings eternal life and freedom from bondage, and when this happens that person can then become like a mirror reflecting God’s glory – no need for a veil, no chance of it fading.
Those who were trying to be saved by keeping the Old Testament Law were soon tied up in rules and ceremonies BUT now through the Holy Spirit, God provides freedom from sin & condemnation In Romans 8; 1 it says “Therefore, there is NOW no condemnation for those who are (where?) – in Christ Jesus.” Amen. Is that your experience, day by day – have you fully put your trust in Christ for your salvation. In Christ do you have freedom, have you fully surrendered your life to Him?
When we fully trust Christ to save us, he removes our heavy burden of trying to please him to earn salvation, and our guilt of having failed to do so. By trusting Christ we are:
“Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3; 17)
There is no remembrance of sin (Romans 4; 6 -8)
There is no condemnation for sin (Romans 8; 1)
We are children of God (John 1; 12)
So for us to reflect on – do we live in this freedom and also do we release others into this freedom as well – do we treat people with the same grace shown to us by Jesus – or in fact by the Law??
And that is not all;
In verse 18 it says
“And we, who have unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson, told her husband that a local newspaper had likened him to some of the apostles, this is how he responded;
“I do not want to be like Paul, or any apostle, or any mere man. I want to be like CHRIST! I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Holy Spirit and place my feet in His footsteps. OH TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST!”
So what is Paul saying here, 3 things –
So as I conclude today, let us reflect on our Church vision;
Looking to Christ – falling in love with Jesus, encountering Jesus in individual devotion and corporate worship
Growing in Christ – becoming a passionate follower, disciple of Jesus.
Sharing Christ – developing a growing desire and confidence to share the good news of Jesus with others.
As we come to Jesus today, what areas do we want to ask Him to help us with – so – as we refresh our knowledge and experience today of the new covenant, as we behold and see the glory of Christ. What areas do we need help in transformation this week – remember it is to be continuous and progressive!
We shall sing a song in a moment in way of response to what God has been saying to you today in this time of worship, and would encourage you to reflect on these questions – what is God saying to you today?
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.”
I will now finish with a prayer that I have become familiar with through the 24/7 Prayer Movement devotional series “Lectio 365” Prayer;
Let us pray;
“Father – help me to live this week to the full, being true to you in every way.
Jesus – help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit – help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do or say.
Amen.”
Our song by way of response and as we come to communion is: ‘Behold our God’
The Lord’s Supper
Jesus invites all Christian who have committed their lives to follow Him to participate in this act of worship. The apostle Paul wrote these words of Scripture in I Corinthians 11:23-26 to guide our observance of Communion.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 25 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Prayer: Choose your own words of prayer to give thanks for the bread and wine that represent the costly gift of His body and blood for us.
Take the bread: Jesus said: ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
Take the wine: Jesus said: This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’
Our closing song is: Yet not I but through Christ in me
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank you for the opportunity to come to you in worship, thank you for the freedom in which we do this.
Help us by your Holy Spirit to gaze afresh on your glory, to be transformed day by day and seek this coming week to reflect you to others.
May you continue to guide us, strengthen us, give us wisdom in all that we encounter this week and most of all your love to touch others that we meet.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Benediction: The Grace
May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore, Amen
Remember tonight the national online prayer service at 7pm in Scotland
At this link: https://www.facebook.com/scottishbaptist/live/