SMASHING IDOLS

Theme: In the Old and New testaments idols were an all pervasive and normal aspect of society. They were everywhere. It is easy to see how they could be a spiritual distraction. We need to be just as much on guard against the idols of this age. We should keep guard against that which has the capacity to take our eyes off of God and fixate on things that can potentially become an idol such as personal achievements, a job, a home, a car, a hobby, or a sport. When a person place or thing becomes our primary focus, more important than God, it is idolatry. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches September 22, 2024 The flame which shines bright from our altar candle serves as a constant reminder to us of God’s abiding presence in our lives and our worship today. Chiming of the Hour Eddie Bucklen We Open Our Hearts to God’s Presence Please observe a time of silence during the prelude in preparation for worship. Let all worshipers ask God’s blessings on the service, themselves, and on all who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth. Prelude My Jesus, I Love Thee D. Hustad We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: Let us give thanks to God with our whole hearts. P: Before God, let us sing praises. L: In God's sanctuary let us proclaim God's love and faithfulness. P: Let us tell of all God's wonderful deeds. L: Let us exalt God's holy name. All: Come, let us worship the Lord! Hymn of Praise God of Creation, All Powerful No. 48 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration Sanctuary Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You. (Repeat) Text Reading: Exodus 32:1-8; 15-20 (p. 129-130 , pew Bible) L: May God bless the reading of His word. Elizabeth Downing All: Thanks be to God. We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn Give Me Jesus No. 551 Offertory Prayer Elizabeth Downing Offertory O God, Thou Faithful God J. S. Bach Doxology No. 809 (Children dismissed for Children’s Church) We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Anthem I’d Rather Have Jesus arr. M. McDonald Sermon SMASHING IDOLS Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Invitation Hymn God Is My Great Desire No. 336 Benediction Dr. Jim Hewitt As we depart the house of the Lord, may we walk with a new vision, a new insight and renewed faith that enables us to see more clearly God’s presence and direction for our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Choral Benediction Go Now in Peace Postlude Abide in Me R. Helvey Next Week: Matthew 5:13-16 Let Your Light Shine Fellowship Dinner/Bible Study - Wednesday September 25th at 5:30pm. The Diaconate will provide chicken and they ask for everyone to bring a potluck dish of your choice! Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated in memory of Dr. Eugene Austin. Baptism Sunday, September 29th for Grant and Tessa Barker! This Week at BT: Tuesday, September 24th Sowing Circle 1:30pm Quilting Room Executive Board Mtg. 6:00pm Parlor Scout Troop 31 7:00pm Scout Room Wednesday, September 25th Fellowship Dinner/Bible Study 5:30pm Fellowship Hall Thursday, September 26th Handbell Rehearsal 6:00pm Leurant Room Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Choir Room Friday, September 27th Crossroads Men’s Shelter 4:30pm Leon Sullivan Saturday, September 28th ABW Spiritual Growth Retreat All-Day Parchment Valley Sunday, September 29th Covenant Class 9:45am Chapel Sojourners Class 9:45am Austin Room