'Twas raining. Though about 10 minutes late, we had the short empty pew on the balcony directly above the furthest entrance stairs for the first time. I could certainly pay more attention and it was definitely more comforting.
Dr. Keller reminded me of the sole requirement to be with God - The Good News. Full commitment to Christ my Lord. Especially in mind.
Reflection:
Polly's heart jumped in her body when she heard it. She felt sure that it was a call, and that anyone who heart that call would want to obey it and (what's more) would be able to obey it, however many worlds and ages lay between. ~ C. S. Lewis, The Magician's Nephew
Prelude - The Very Thought of You - Ray Noble
Preparation - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Song of Praise: For the Beauty of the Earth, words by Folliott Pierpoint, 1864, Music by Conrad Kocher, 1838
Walk with Me, by spiritual/alt. Jeff White
Seriously - this song is seriously erroneous in doctrine - "won't you walk with me...I want Jesus to walk me"....I should be the one wanting to walk with Jesus, not the other way around.
God, All Nature sings Thy Glory, words by David Clowney, 1960, music by Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824
I take it the Jazz service is more songs.
Prayer of Adoration (Concluded by the Lord's Prayer)
Scripture Reading - Psalm 73:1-3,23-28
Prayer of Confession, Private Confession, Confessional Response: Give Me Jesus, by African-American spiritual
Words of Encouragement - Galatians 5:1
Testimony: Some lady went visit an African orphanage.
Song of Praise: Beauty for Ashes, words: Matthew 11, Isaiah 61, music by Tom Jennings
Scripture Reading - Mark 1:14-34, Sermon - Called to the Kingdom - Dr. Timothy Keller
Third sermon in series: Light in the Darkness: The Glory of Jesus in Mark
Notes: Jesus' Amen Amen (Verily, verily), is what inspired some churches' (particularly the charismatics) love for announcing Amen frequently. But when Jesus said it, according to Keller, it was to establish authority - Amen, I am right, you must listen to me! Following Jesus demands one to take Jesus higher than family "...they left their father Zebedee in the boat...followed him".
Offertory - O Love That Will Not Let Me Go - A. Peace/Arr. J. Cowherd
Lyrics were printed, music were played, but nobody's singing...I wonder.
Final Song: All for Jesus, words by Mary James, 1889, music by John Stainer, 1887
Benediction, Postlude - El Gaucho - Wayne Shorter