Introduction

This Lord’s Day we continue our series: “Not by Chance: A Study of Divine Providence.” We will lay a third foundation stone on which to build our understanding of this essential doctrine: God is unchanging.

The elements of the service will focus on the immutability of God (that is, his unchangeable nature) and its implications for the believer’s life.

Preparation for Worship

Prelude

The Lord’s My Shepherd (Jan Buhr)

Call to Worship

Psalm 102:25-27

Invocation

Pastor Hamilton

Proclamation

Hymn (Insert)        Praise the Lord with Exaltation

Note: Charles Spurgeon penned the lyrics to this hymn as a paraphrase of Psalm 111. It highlights the certainty and permanence of God’s character and promises. The fourth verse proclaims God’s enduring, changeless faithfulness:

For his grace stands fast forever,
His decrees the saints secure;
from his oath he turneth never,
every promise standeth sure.

Worship through Giving

Hymn 22:       Great is Thy Faithfulness

Note: This hymn declares that God is unchangeably dependable and good. This is foundational to our understanding of God’s Providence.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

Scripture Reading

Psalm 111:1-10

Note: The unchanging nature of God is immensely practical doctrine. It guarantees his continuing goodness, secures his promises, and makes him worthy of unflinching trust. This is the subject of this Psalm.

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 49       O God Our Help in Ages Past

Note: We serve the true and living God who oversees history, helps, and protects his people in every generation. This hymn is a meditation on Psalm 90 and its contrast between human transience and God’s permanence.

“Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.”

Message

The Foundations of Providence: God Is Unchanging
Text: Psalm 102:25-27, et al.
Pastor Steven Thomas

Response

Hymn 640     Abide with Me

Note: Unfortunately, many think of this hymn as a funeral song. Appropriate as that may be, it is a song that passionately expresses our need for God’s presence in life—not just in death. And so we sing:

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

Prayer Response

David Snoeberger

Benediction

John Miles