Bitter, Better, Best

Preparing for Worship

Mark 8:34-38 (NKJV)

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Prayer

Almighty God, You are our everything. Nothing on earth and in heaven can compare to Your glory and honor. You alone are holy and worthy of praise. To You, we offer our whole life. May You be pleased with our willing sacrifices in accordance to Your Word. We worship and adore You. Be exalted in our praises, O Lord, our God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Worship Through Songs

R-41 SPIRITUAL WARFARE 屬靈爭戰

Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

Sermon

Song of Response

Worship Through Prayer

1. Lord, thank You for every good and perfect gift that is a blessing from You. May I always give thanks and acknowledge that You are my good and gracious Father. Help me to be careful not to be lured away from loving You because of material prosperity and worldly success. You alone are my true blessing. Help me to desire You above all the gifts and blessings.

2. Lord, help me check my life ambitions. Reveal my heart's true condition. Is there pride and conceit hidden in me? Let me not be deceived to think that what I'm doing is for Your glory if You are not honored by the way I try to achieve them. If I have been doing all of these for my own glory and honor, please forgive me. I repent of my sin and surrender all of my ambitions to You. Purify them for Your Name's sake.

3. My sovereign Lord, overrule any plans I have in my life that is not pleasing to You. Align them all to Your will and purpose. I desire to honor You with this one earthly life that You have blessed me. Take away everything that will hinder me from glorifying You. My life belongs to You. Help me live it for Your glory alone. By Your Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Worship Through Giving