06/22/25 - Authenticity, Receptivity

As Christians, we go to “worship” each Sunday. But do we really know and understand why we do what we do in church? Why do certain things come first, then other things after? What about the preacher? What about how we receive the Word? As we worship today, let us look at and learn about each step of our liturgy.

Acts 10:23b-33 NIV
23-The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24-The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25-As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26-But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 27-While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28-He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29-So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30-Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31-and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32-Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33-So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

“O Worship The King” (Lyons), Words: Robert Grant - © Public Domain, Music: Johann M. Haydn - © Public Domain, CCLI Song #1486, Copyright License #750696, Streaming Plus License #20536359

“Praise The One That Breaks The Darkness” (Nettleton), Words: Rusty Edwards - © 1987 Hope Publishing Company; Music: John Wyeth - © Public Domain; CCLI Song #1828792, Copyright License #750696, Streaming License #20536359

“O Word of God Incarnate” (Munich), Words: William W. How – © Public Domain, Music: Felix Mendelssohn – © Public Domain, CCLI Song#121971, Copyright License #750696, Streaming Plus License #20536359

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology); Words: Thomas Ken – © Public Domain; Music: Louis Bourgeois - © Public Domain, CCLI Song #56204, Copyright License #750696, Streaming Plus License #20536359

“Open My Eyes That I May See” (Open My Eyes), Words and Music: Clara H. Scott - © Public Domain, CCLI Song #68003, Copyright License #750696, Streaming Plus License #20536359