Welcome to our service of worship today. 

Here is something upon which to meditate [adapted from Tim Keller: Centre church].

What is the gospel? It is good news announcing what has been done by Jesus Christ to put right our relationship with God. It is this good news we must believe to be saved. Although the gospel is not about something we do but about what has been done for us yet the gospel results in obedience and in a whole new way of life.

However, traditional religion teaches that if we …obey, God will love and accept me. But the gospel is the reverse of this: If I know in my heart that God has accepted me and loves me freely by his grace, then I can [and want to] begin to obey, out of inner joy and gratitude. Religion is outside in, but the gospel is inside out. We are

justified by grace alone, not by works; we are beautiful and righteous in God’s sight by the work of Christ.

In the light of this,

Psalm 117:1: Praise the LORD, all nations! Praise him, all peoples!

Psalm 117:2: His love for us is strong, and his faithfulness is eternal. Praise the LORD! [GNB].