WE’RE GLAD YOU’VE JOINED US TODAY.

WHO WE ARE.

• We are a community of city-centred, gospel-focused people striving to serve and renew Toronto through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHO WE WELCOME.

• We welcome people of all races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds and faiths – both religious and irreligious.

WHO WE BELIEVE IN.

• We believe Christ is relevant to every person in every situation, and we want to help you discover him.

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GOD CALLS

CALL TO WORSHIP

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—Psalm 66:1-2, 4, NRSV

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LEADER:

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of his name;

give to him glorious praise.

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ALL:

All the earth worships you;

they sing praises to you,

sing praises to your name.

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SONG - FOREVER

(© 2001 worshiptogether.com songs and sixsteps Music. CCLI # 3148428)

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Give thanks to the Lord

Our God and King

His love endures forever

For He is good He is above all things

His love endures forever

Sing praise sing praise

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With a mighty hand

And an outstretched arm

His love endures forever

For the life that's been reborn

His love endures forever

Sing praise sing praise

Sing praise sing praise

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Forever God is faithful

Forever God is strong

Forever God is with us

Forever forever

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From the rising to the setting sun

His love endures forever

And by the grace of God

We will carry on

His love endures forever

Sing praise sing praise

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SONG - HIS MERCY IS MORE

(© 2016 © Love Your Enemies Publishing. CCLI# 7065053.)

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What love could remember no wrongs we have done

Omniscient all knowing He counts not their sum

Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore

Our sins they are many His mercy is more

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What patience would wait as we constantly roam

What Father so tender is calling us home

He welcomes the weakest the vilest the poor

Our sins they are many His mercy is more

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What riches of kindness He lavished on us

His blood was the payment His life was the cost

We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford

Our sins they are many His mercy is more

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Praise the Lord His mercy is more

Stronger than darkness new every morn

Our sins they are many His mercy is more

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SONG - PROMISES

(© 2020 Bethel Worship Publishing; Maverick City Publishing; Capitol CMG Paragon; ForTheDreamers Publishing; JDW Legacy Publishing; Aaron Moses Chiriboga Music; Heaven Publishing. CCLI Song # 7149439)

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God of Abraham You're the God of covenant

Of faithful promises

Time and time again You have proven

You do just what You say

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Though the storms may come

And the winds may blow

I'll remain steadfast

And let my heart learn when You speak a word

It will come to pass

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Great is Your faithfulness to me

Great is Your faithfulness to me

From the rising sun to the setting same

I will praise Your name

Great is Your faithfulness to me

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God from age to age

Though the earth may pass away

Your word remains the same yeah

Your history can prove

There's nothing You can't do

You're faithful and true

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I put my faith in Jesus

My anchor to the ground

My hope and firm foundation

He'll never let me down

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GOD CLEANSES

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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LEADER:

Almighty and merciful God,

we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.

We have followed too much

the devices and desires of our own hearts.

We have offended against your holy laws.

We have left undone those things which we ought to have done;

and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.

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ALL:

O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Spare those who confess their faults.

Restore those who are penitent,

according to your promises declared to the world

in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

And grant, O merciful God, for his sake,

that we may live a holy, just, and humble life

to the glory of your holy name.

Amen.

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SILENT CONFESSION

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WORDS OF ASSURANCE

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—based on Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:17

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LEADER:

Hear the good news!

Who is in a position to condemn?

Only Christ,

and Christ died for us,

Christ rose for us,

Christ reigns in power for us,

Christ prays for us.

Anyone who is in Christ

is a new creation.

The old life has gone;

a new life has begun.

Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.

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ALL:

Thanks be to God

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SONG OF ASSURANCE - HOW DEEP THE FATHERS LOVE FOR US

(© 1995 Thankyou Music. CCLI # 1558110)

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How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

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Behold the Man upon a cross

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

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I will not boast in anything

No gifts no pow’r no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE CITY

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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DAD'S BREAKFAST

• Join us on July 18 from 10 AM - 12 PM for a time of food and fellowship as we reflect on God's calling to Fathers. Cost is $10 to attend. Register online at gracetoronto.ca/events.

LAI FAMILY NEWSLETTER

• Become a prayer partner for Mission Windsor and receive regular updates from Kingsley and the Lai family. Sign up here.

JESSICA CHU NEWSLETTER

• Stay in the loop with the work Jessica is doing in Japan and become a prayer partner today! Sign up here.

‍PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

• IMAGE OF GOD (Genesis 1:26-27) God created humanity in His image, male and female, reflecting His glory and design. Pray for wisdom, courage, and grace to proclaim the beauty of God’s design, especially in our world that can be confused about identity and purpose, in a way that honors Him and invites others into the truth of His love.

SUPPORT

• If you are in any form of need or if you are able to help others, please visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/help  or visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/prayer  to submit your prayers.

DIACONATE

• The Diaconate exists to contribute to the flourishing of gospel-centered community by meeting the practical needs of our church community, and extending help and compassion to those experiencing hardship or difficult circumstances. Click here for more information.

OFFERING

• To set up your online giving or to learn more about giving options, visit gracetoronto.ca/give.

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GOD COMMUNES

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SCRIPTURE READING

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Colossians 1:15-23

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

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SERMON

Kingsley Lai

Q&A

Text your questions to 416-830-0335

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SONG OF RESPONSE - CHRIST OUR HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH

(© 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Matthew Merker Music; Messenger Hymns. CCLI Song # 7147502)

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What is our hope in life and death

Christ alone Christ alone

What is our only confidence

That our souls to Him belong

Who holds our days within His hand

What comes apart from His command

And what will keep us to the end

The love of Christ in which we stand

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O sing hallelujah

Our hope springs eternal

O sing hallelujah

Now and ever we confess

Christ our hope in life and death

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What truth can calm the troubled soul

God is good God is good

Where is His grace and goodness known

In our great Redeemer's blood

Who holds our faith when fears arise

Who stands above the stormy trial

Who sends the waves that bring us nigh

Unto the shore the rock of Christ

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Unto the grave what will we sing

Christ He lives Christ He lives

And what reward will heaven bring

Everlasting life with Him

There we will rise to meet the Lord

Then sin and death will be destroyed

And we will feast in endless joy

When Christ is ours forevermore

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COMMUNION
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PRAYER FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR TRUTH

Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life.  Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open me to the reality of who you are.  Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing and that leads to the life you promise.  Amen.

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PRAYER OF BELIEF

Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope.  I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my Saviour and Lord.  Amen.

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GOD COMMISSIONS

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BENEDICTION

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—Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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PRAYER

Would you like prayer?  Send us an email at prayer@gracetoronto.ca.  We would love to intercede for you!

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