Be Different

Preparing for Worship

Psalm 103:8-10 (NKJV)

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.

Prayer

Gracious and merciful Father, we come to You with humble hearts. We thank You for Your great mercy and lovingkindness. We deserve to be punished for all our sins unto death. Yet, You gave us the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. You forgave us of all our unrighteousness and made us Your children. What great love You have shown us. We exalt You on high with thankful praise and adoration for You are good, abounding in love and mercy. Amen.

Worship Through Songs

R-48 LOVE ONE ANOTHER 彼此相愛

John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:31-5:2; 1 John 3:14-18; 4:7 (NKJV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Sermon

Song of Response

Worship Through Prayer

1. Help me to be thankful always for the gift of new life in Christ. He suffered and died so that I can live in your holy presence forever. Let me never despise nor disregard this truth. I am made new for You. Help me to live my life in godliness and righteousness for Your glory. May I never again bring shame to Your holy Name. But when I fail, please cleanse and restore me again so that I can persevere to love and honor You.

2. Lord, renew my mind with the truth of Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit be free to transform my life to make it acceptable and pleasing to You always. Help me not resist the work of the Spirit to make me holy and set apart for You. Give me a heart that loves You above all. Help me not love anything or anyone in this world that I forsake You. My sinful nature is strong. Yet, You who love me are stronger to keep me holy in Your love. I submit to You.

3. Father, let my life be a reflection of Your mercy and kindness. Help me love others with Your way of loving them. When my sinful heart is triggered and I want to hurt others, please hold me back with Your power and save me from sinning by not loving others the way You love me. Give me new strength to act in love towards the people I want to hate. Empower me with Your Spirit to give glory to You. Remind me of Your love and mercy that I may also show mercy and kindness to others. Thank You, Lord.

Worship Through Giving