We’re not able to meet together as church family today and for the coming weeks. Although, by necessity, we have to stay apart physically, we’re standing together to love, support and encourage one another. So, in around 90 different homes, we’ll sing the same songs, pray the same prayers and look together at God’s word to us, as we look to Matthew 18:21-35. There are some activities for those aged 14 or under to do and a bible talk from Rich for us to listen to.
For each person in your home, you’ll need a copy of this service sheet, a bible, print outs of the children’s sheets (if needed) and your computer or tablet to click on the links below. Please note that the songs are being played from YouTube, if one of the annoying adverts pop up, click on the ‘skip ad’ button.
Today’s service sheet can be downloaded here
Today’s resources for E Kids can be found here
The thinking behind the song choices is explained in italics
WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER
Watch the video of Richard’s welcome and intro by clicking here
Our first song praises God for the great things he has done for us!
SONG – listen by clicking here
To God be the glory,
great things He has done.
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
who yielded His life an atonement for sin
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear His voice.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice.
Come to the Father through Jesus the Son
Give Him the glory; great things He has done.
Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
to every believer the promise of God.
The vilest offender who truly believes,
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He has taught us,
great things He has done,
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.
But purer and higher and greater will be
our wonder, our worship when Jesus we see.
BITESIZE 1
Click here to see what’s going on at Emmanuel this term.
BITESIZE 2
Click here to watch our Emmanuel family portrait as members of Emmanuel share their holiday pics.
BIBLE READING
Psalm 130
The great thing about our God is that with Him there is forgiveness. Take a minute to confess your sin to the Lord, and then speak Psalm 130 out loud.
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Our next song reminds us that no one is exempt from the need for forgiveness, but our God offers us the kindness of a saviour.
SONG – listen by clicking here
Everyone needs compassion love that’s never failing:
let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
the kindness of a Saviour,
the hope of nations.
Saviour, he can move the mountains.
My God is mighty to save, he is mighty to save.
Forever – author of salvation.
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as you find me, all my fears and failures:
fill my life again.
I give my life to follow everything I believe in;
now I surrender.
Shine your light and let the whole world see.
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King!
(repeat)
PRAYERS
Click here to watch Alex and Becci Bitsios-Esposito lead us in our prayers this morning.
Before we learn about God’s forgiveness and grace from the bible this week, our next song reminds us of this.
SONG – listen by clicking here
I don’t deserve to be your servant
and how much less to be your child.
Anger and wrath, sure condemnation,
should be my portion, my just reward.
Never have seen it, never will know it.
Your loving kindness enfolds my life.
All you have shown me is grace, love and mercy.
Now and forever, I am your child.
Freely you pour out your loving kindness.
Father of grace, you welcome me in.
All of the sin I have committed
was placed upon your righteous Son.
And now you see me through his perfection,
as if I’d never done any wrong.
Always forgiven, always accepted,
no fear of judgment before your throne.
Watch the bible talk video for the reading and bible talk from Rich by clicking here
BIBLE READING – Matthew 18:21-35
18:21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
BIBLE TALK
The glory of forgiveness
Talk outline:
Consider the greatness of your sin (v23-25)
Marvel at the greatness of God’s love (v26-27)
Forgive as God has forgiven you (v28-35)
Our closing song praises God for his grace.
SONG – listen by clicking here
Grace unmeasured vast and free
that knew me from eternity;
that called me out before my birth
to bring you glory on this earth.
Grace amazing, pure and deep
that saw me in my misery;
that took my curse and owned my blame
so I could bear your righteous name.
Grace (grace, grace)
paid for my sins and brought me to life.
Grace (grace, grace)
clothes me with power to do what is right.
Grace (grace, grace)
will lead me to heaven where I’ll see your face,
and never cease to thank You for your grace.
Grace abounding, strong and true
that makes me long to be like you;
that turns me from my selfish pride
to love the cross on which you died.
Grace unending all my days,
you’ll give me strength to run this race.
And when my years on earth are through,
the praise will all belong to you.
CLOSING PRAYER
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Amen.
That’s the end of our service but do link up now with others from Emmanuel!
Some material in this service is © Used by permission CCL Licence # 1102690. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.