March 29, 2020 - Sunday Service Worship Guide
TOday's Announcements
Good morning Mercy Hill! Before you get started with this Sunday’s message, please check out the announcements brought to you courtesy of Christine Liu.
Here are a few bullet points to help you follow up on what she mentions:
- Subscribe to our Newsletter: Simply email us at to let us know you'd like to be added.
- Follow the Mercy Hill Facebook Page: Stay in the know!
- Join the Mercy Hill Facebook Group: Stay connected!
- COVID-19 SOS Form: If you or anyone you know needs help during this challenging time, we'd love to do what we can!
- Neighborhood Care Cards: You can read more about these in the last section of this post. Let's reach out to our neighbors and see what doors God might open for the gospel!
- Home Groups: All groups have now moved to a virtual format. Find one to join here. You are not alone!
- The Prayer Room: Open M-W-F from 12:00-12:45pm. Read more about this here and please do plan to join us!
- Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: This kicks off today! Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!
Today's Sermon
Title: Do Not Be Afraid . . . His Mercy Is More!
Text: Luke 5:1-11
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.
Pause Points
Pause Point #1:
- In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic shaken up your sense of normalcy? What's been different? What's been good about the change? What's been hard? How have you seen sin surfacing in your heart in response to it?
Pause Point #2:
- Have you ever felt like Peter does in our text here? Have you ever felt as though your sin has put you outside the bounds of Christ's kingdom and care? Has the realization that God sees you ever been more frightening than comforting? Tell the story.
- Take a moment to read the quote below taken from the opening chapter of John Calvin's Institutes. What do you think he means? How have you experienced this to be true?
It is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem to ourselves righteous and upright and wise and holy—this pride is innate in all of us—unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our own unrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure—so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself. . . . As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods. Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power—the straightedge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God. (I.1.ii.)
Pause Point #3:
- In the sermon Nick said: "You'll know you really get the gospel when aren't falling off on either side of the cliff. You are simultaneously humbled to the dirt ('I am a sinner') and lifted to the sky ('I am welcomed')." What did he mean by this? Which side of the cliff are you more prone to fall off on? Are you prone to think either too much of your sin or too little of it? How does the cross of Christ provide a way through the middle?
- Read Micah 7:18-19 again. In Christ, God really has "cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." Let that sink in. How does this reality hit you? How might truly believing such a thing affect you?
Pause Point #4:
- Why is the primary prerequisite to being a missionary for Jesus that we actually understand and receive His grace ourselves? Why is it so important that we first be touched and transformed by the gospel before we ever try to take it to others? How has God used even your struggles with sin as a means of enhancing your personal testimony and ministry? (Note: We are not saying here that we should sin so that grace will abound (cf. Rom 6:1-2), only that God is able to make surprising good from the evil of our sin.)
- "Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." How might you tell other beggars about the Bread of Life (John 6:35) this week? What would it look like, sinner though you be, to tell other sinners about the glory of His grace? What opportunities lay before you? How can you minister to your spouse, your kids, your neighbors, etc.?
Call to Response
Sing:
Pray:
If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group; or (2) email us at
We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!
Give:
If you’d like to give an offering this morning, please check out our Give page to find the best option for you!
Mercy Hill Kids
While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids. We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help! Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home. This information has also been included on our blog here. Beyond this, each Sunday, we are also looking to host an online worship gathering for our kids. You can check here for more details. We'd love to have you join us!
If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at
Have a Wonderful Week!
Don't forget to check out our Prayer Room for midweek connection!