Welcome to West Park United Church of Christ

New Century Hymnal #8 Praise to the Living God

GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Psalm 1

1. I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain: Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

2. All my heart to him I give, ever to him I’ll cling, In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing; Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs; Faithful, loving service, too, to him belongs. Refrain

Refrain: Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

3. Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves, He will lift you by his love out of the angry waves; He’s the Master of the sea, billows his will obey; He your Savior wants to be, be saved today. Refrain

Refrain: Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

1 John 5:9-13

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, forever. Amen.

If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. I John 5: 9-12 – The Message

The author of 1 John sounds cranky, like an religious aunt who cannot resist making a comment to the family atheist during supper: “those who do not believe in God make him a liar…yes, thanks, I’ll have another piece of pie”

Can I have a witness?

Got a Testimony ? My Life before I met Christ.

Got a Testimony ? My Life before I met Christ. How I met Christ- who introduced me.

Got a Testimony ? My Life before I met Christ. How I met Christ- who introduced me. How my life has changed since I met Christ.

Got a Testimony ? My Life before I met Christ. How I met Christ- who introduced me. How my life has changed since I met Christ. What is Christ doing in my life today.

Don't use Christian jargon. Words such as born again, convicted, converted, do not communicate truth to the average non-Christian. Don't preach-- Do talk, share something of value. Don't tear down. Be positive! Don't let your testimony drag on. When you have finished, you can stop. Don't keep talking just to talk. Don't apologize. This gives the person or audience lack of confidence.

Don't use Christian jargon. Words such as born again, convicted, converted, do not communicate truth to the average non-Christian. Don't preach-- Do talk, share something of value. Don't tear down. Be positive! Don't let your testimony drag on. When you have finished, you can stop. Don't keep talking just to talk. Don't apologize. This gives the person or audience lack of confidence.

Don't mention church denominations, especially in a derogatory way. Don't speak critically or negatively about any other individual or group. You are here to talk about Christ and try to lead a person to a saving knowledge of Christ. Don't give the impression that the Christian life is a "bed of roses." Some people are told that when they give their life to Christ, that all of their problems will be solved and life will be a complete joy for the rest of their lives. If you have been a Christian for very long, you know that you will still have problems. Don't give a bragamony.

Don't mention church denominations, especially in a derogatory way. Don't speak critically or negatively about any other individual or group. You are here to talk about Christ and try to lead a person to a saving knowledge of Christ. Don't give the impression that the Christian life is a "bed of roses." Some people are told that when they give their life to Christ, that all of their problems will be solved and life will be a complete joy for the rest of their lives. If you have been a Christian for very long, you know that you will still have problems. Don't give a bragamony.

“Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people; Before you tell me how you love your God, show me how much you love all his children; Before you preach to me about your passion for your faith, teach it to me by showing your compassion for your neighbor. In the end, I’m not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as in how much you choose to live and give.” Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark NJ

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, Ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

New Century Hymnal #473 Blessed Assurance

Take the Light of Christ with you Go In Peace and Serve the Lord!