Scripture Memorization IMPACTS you greatly!

Anyone who knows me, knows that Scripture Memory is something I'm big on.

Here at Fellowship, we emphasize it very intentionally, and even quote our verses as part of our Worship Gathering each Sunday morning.

Several weeks back, we spent a few weeks memorizing Romans 5:1-11, and I know that for me, while it was certainly a significant task, it was very rewarding. I still don't have it down "rock solid" like I want to, but I'll get there.

We memorized that passage as an application of one of the messages that I preached in Romans. Currently, we're in Romans 7, but we'll be in Romans 8 in just a few short weeks. What a fantastic chapter this is and I just want to point you to something that can, I think, help you prepare your heart for our time in that wonderful chapter.

I came across this video several years ago and noticed right away that not only does John Piper have all of Romans 8 memorized, but it has obviously had a great impact on him. While I'm not suggesting that we all memorize the entire chapter, let's start even now to read and meditate on it (and who knows, maybe you'll plant some of it in your heart through memory along the way) so that when we get there - we're truly ready for what God wants to say to us through His Word.

May God use His Word, through the Spirit, to truly impact your heart!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob

Preparing for Worship - November 20, 2016

We all long for a great “worship experience.” And, to be fair, when we’re truly engaged in worship, our “experience” is certainly better. We leave thinking “that was a great worship service....” And that’s not a bad thing at all. All that being said, however - as you think toward our time together this coming Sunday, my encouragement to you would be this: 

Don’t come thinking “what can I get out of it” as the main goal (I certainly pray that you are blessed and that you learn and grow and experience His grace and mercy), but come with the mindset of “I want to turn my mind’s attention and heart’s affection toward the Lord Jesus Christ” (you’ve probably heard that phrase a couple of times). 

Alongside of that, think: “how can I edify others while I’m there?” Whether it’s singing for the edification of those around you, being intentional to encourage others throughout the morning, or following up with a prayer request or need someone you know had previously, when we come with the mindset to edify others, we’ll actually leave with a different kind of joy because of how we served others. And remember: how we engage in worship ourselves can be a huge encouragement to others. I remember a young man in my youth group many years ago whose singing was so off key it was a little bit painful. However, even when I stood next to him, the passion and raw loudness that he sang with was so encouraging to me. He sang to His Savior with reckless abandon and I actually enjoyed being next to him as we worshiped together. 

In an effort to help you prepare your heart for our time together in the worship gathering, so that we can all make the most of our time together, I’ve listed below the songs we’ll be singing this Sunday as well as some of the Scriptures we’ll be reading together and studying. I pray that God is honored by our time together as His people this Sunday. 

Thrive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M

The lyrics of this song remind us that one of the purposes of our salvation is sanctification - spiritual growht. Yes, we were made to Thrive spiritually. Our choir, including our children (always a treat, ritght?) will open our service with this great declaration. 

Jesus, Firm Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgLAk9S1gFA

You might not recognize it, but this classic hymn that celebrates the foundation of our faith has an all new melody. These lyrics are ones you know and love, while the tune is a brand new way to sing the song. I’m growing to like the new melody line more and more. 

Prayer

It’s always such a joy to pause and spend time praising God in prayer. 

Meditating on God’s Word

Whether quoting Scripture we’ve memorized or will be memorizing, or simply hearing someone read God’s Word to us, the true, living, active, transforming Word of God is something that is always of benefit to us. Remember, when Scripture speaks, God speaks. Right now - in real time!

Offering & Offertory

We need to remember that every good and perfect gift comes from God. We also have the joy and privilege of bringing a portion of what He has placed in our care and offering it to Him as a sacrifice. While we give to God and contemplate the many things He has blessed us with Matison Whitmore will be playing a beautiful piano solo. I love it when our young people share their gifts with us. 

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN1H3kWwU9g  –  (I don’t know anything about the “churchofgod” that made this video, but I always love to hear good congregational singing, so I definitely enjoyed listening to this version.)

As we continue to explore the them of “Slavery to Christ” - what better way to prepare than to sing about one of the sweetest titles Jesus has - REDEEMER! As theologian B.B. Warfield says, “this title is one of the sweetest titles for our Lord.” He has bought us back from slavery with His own blood!

Blessed Assurance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOFu4FKTeks

We can be absolutely sure that we are His. Romans 5:1-11 (have you memorized it yet? Keep working on it) reminds us that our salvation is 100% secure in Him! What a joy it is to sing of His salvation for us! Praising my Savior all the day long. 

Hallelujah for the Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dPb4sMp_X4

When we rehearse the story of the Gospel in song, we can’t do anything but praise Him that He has defeated sin and that Love has won!!

Sermon: FRUIT - Romans 6:20-23

Read Romans 6:1-23 a couple of times before Sunday. After telling us what that we’re slaves to Christ, and how great that is, Paul goes on in this passage to tell us some of the benefits of being a Slave to Righteousness. I’m really looking forward to sharing God’s Word with you this Sunday.  

Jesus Paid it All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EVco7eba0

There was a great cost to be paid for our salvation. We would not, we could not even begin to contribute to that in any way - and how awesome is it that Jesus Paid it All. He totally overcame sin and made me holy!

Silent Contemplation

We’re going to end our service with a time of silent contemplation again this week, thinking about what God has taught us through His Word, singing, and praying together.

Prayer of Consecration

We’ll be dismissed us with a prayer of consecration, reminding us that we are to live lives that are consecrated to him in every detail!

As you spend time in prayer this week, pray for Rex and those who will be leading us in worship, as well as me as I prepare to preach another amazing passage in Romans. 

Can’t wait to see you all on Sunday!

Rob

Preparing Your Heart for Worship - November 13, 2016

We all long for a great “worship experience.” And, to be fair, when we’re truly engaged in worship, our “experience” is certainly better. We leave thinking “that was a great worship service....” And that’s not a bad thing at all. All that being said, however - as you think toward our time together this coming Sunday, my encouragement to you would be this: 

Don’t come thinking “what can I get out of it” as the main goal (I certainly pray that you are blessed and that you learn and grow and experience His grace and mercy), but come with the mindset of “I want to turn my mind’s attention and heart’s affection toward the Lord Jesus Christ” (you’ve probably heard that phrase a couple of times). 

Alongside of that, think: “how can I edify others while I’m there?” Whether it’s singing for the edification of those around you, being intentional to encourage others throughout the morning, or following up with a prayer request or need someone you know had previously, when we come with the mindset to edify others, we’ll actually leave with a different kind of joy because of how we served others. And remember: how we engage in worship ourselves can be a huge encouragement to others. I remember a young man in my youth group many years ago whose singing was so off key it was a little bit painful. However, even when I stood next to him, the passion and raw loudness that he sang with was so encouraging to me. He sang to His Savior with reckless abandon and I actually enjoyed being next to him as we worshiped together. 

In an effort to help you prepare your heart for our time together in the worship gathering, so that we can all make the most of our time together, I’ve listed below the songs we’ll be singing this Sunday as well as some of the Scriptures we’ll be reading together and studying. I pray that God is honored by our time together as His people this Sunday. 

This Is Amazing Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU

What a wonderful way to begin our singing together - reminding each other of the Amazing Grace of God that has broken the power of sin and darkness in our lives. 

Victory in Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJMEx5GPcKo

While it’s an old, old story - what a joy there is to sing of it again and again!

(P.S. - excuse the very bluegrass style and Spanish lyrics in the video, but I really like the “fun energy” of this version)

Impact Weekend - You’ll notice that things are a little different this week. Our junior high and high school students are participating in what is called “Impact Weekend” and not only have we asked some of our young men to lead us in worship today, but several of our students will be leading in various aspects of our time together this morning. Pray for our students this weekend as they spend the weekend together worshiping and learning from God’s Word. 

Meditating on God’s Word

Fighter Verse - John 15:5 (be memorizing this verse this week)

Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

The Giving of Tithes and Offerings

What a privilege it is to give back to the Lord, who has so abundantly blessed us in countless ways. One of our members, Tim Finch will be sharing a song with us titled “Come As You Are.” It’s a beautiful testimony to how God’s grace overcomes our sin, no matter what it might be. 

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG5ZhFN1DXk

My favorite line in the song “tune my heart to sing Thy praise.” Isn’t that what our time singing together is all about?  

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

I’m pretty sure that this is universally regarded as one of the greatest hymns ever. written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton in 1779, it remains such a beautiful expression of God’s grace in our lives. The additional verse “my chains are gone...” so wonderfully talks about our being set free from our slavery to sin, which is one of the main themes of the sermon this Sunday. 

Sermon: SLAVE - Romans 6:15-19

Read Romans 6:1-23 a couple of times before Sunday. The whole concept of what it means to be a slave to Christ is introduced here in this passage. We’ll be focusing on verses 15-19 this Sunday. 

You Are My King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA_cSFdUMqk

When it comes to “new” songs, this isn’t new, but it’s not an older hymn either. However, the declaration of “You are My King” as a result of the substitutionary atonement is a fantastic way to meditate on Romans 6. 

Silent Contemplation

We’re going to end our service with a time of silent contemplation again this week, thinking about what God has taught us through His Word, singing, and praying together.

Prayer of Consecration

We’ll be dismissed us with a prayer of consecration, reminding us that we are to live lives that are consecrated to him in every detail!

As you spend time in prayer this week, pray for Nathan White and Tim Finch, who will be leading us in worship, as well as me as I prepare to preach an incredible passage in Romans. 

Can’t wait to see you all on Sunday!

Rob

Preparing Your Heart - Sunday, Nov. 6

Preparing Your Heart for Worship - November 6, 2016

What are you doing TODAY to prepare your heart for our time together as believers this coming Sunday. What a joy and privilege it is to worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ here at Fellowship every Sunday. 

One thing to think about - the more we’re fostering relationships with each other and intentionally intertwining our lives together outside of Sunday morning, the better our time together will be each Sunday morning. 

Other than making focused effort to get to know and encourage others in our church throughout the week, one of the things you can do that will lead to a more Christ-exalting worship gathering this Sunday is to familiarize yourself with not only the passage we’ll be focusing on, but also the songs we’ll be singing together. 

Most of the songs we’re singing this Sunday you’ll be familiar with, but those that you might not know as well, listen to them a few times so that you can better engage in worshiping God as we sing together. 

I know that one of the most encouraging things that happens for me personally each Sunday is hearing the gathered congregation singing together to our God. When I hear everyone singing, it increases my joy as I worship God alongside my brothers and sisters. It puts a smile on my face and in my heart!

Take a few minutes to read through the Scriptures and listen to the songs. 

One of the things I do on Wednesdays, when we’ve finalized the list of songs we’ll be singing, is to put together a playlist in my computer of the songs. I let that be the background music for the rest of the week - it really creates in my heart a joyful looking forward to our time together. If you’re able, I’d encourage you to do the same. 

Call to Worship - Psalm 136

Forever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Rb6cQh-sk

This reminder and call to Sing Praise flows beautifully out of Psalm 136. 

Give thanks to the Lord - His love endures forever!!

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vT6HQ1QaU4

This song was written around 500 years ago by Martin Luther. The original song has TWELVE verses!!! Don’t worry - we won’t be singing all 12 verses. The version in the video is a little different - but really cool. 

And before you ask: a “bulwark” (mentioned in the second line of the song) is a reference to something that acts as a defense. God is our defense against literally anything and everything that would come against us. As a result we actually have nothing  to fear in life or death as His children. What a joy and comfort just that one line is. The rest of the song just gets better...

Prayer - Chris Terry will be leading our Prayer of Adoration 

Choir Anthem - Jesus is the Living Stone 

Our foundation is in Christ. It is HIs sacrifice on the cross that we build our lives upon.

Meditating on God’s Word

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:3-14

Fighter Verse - Proverbs 19:11

Keep working on memorizing Romans 5:1-11. 

What a rich passage to have always at the ready for meditation!

We won’t be quoting it together in our gatherings for a while, but it’s still a passage that will encourage you greatly to have memorized. 

The Giving of Tithes and Offerings

What a privilege it is to give back to the Lord, who has so abundantly blessed us in countless ways. 

The Solid Rock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL9S5EnUDWI

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness

Just that line alone is something we could meditate on for quite a while. How amazing is it that we are not under law, but under grace. The law doesn’t save - Jesus saves. It’s our trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ that gives us hope in this life and the next. 

Jesus, Firm Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgLAk9S1gFA

While the song has an entirely new “feel,” these amazing lyrics, from the old hymn “Firm Foundation” will never get old. The song opens with a reminder of the excellence of God’s Word and just gets better and better from there.... 

Jesus Paid it All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EVco7eba0

Continuing the idea of placing our hope in Jesus, we’ll sing about what Jesus did. We need to be reminded often that Jesus not only did what I could not and would not do, but when He went to the cross, He did it ALL. There’s nothing left to do. That is seriously good news!!

Sermon: Under Grace - Romans 6:12-14

Read Romans 6:1-14 several times this week. As we conclude this fantastic section, we’ll be reminded again of what Paul wants us to understand: the multi-faceted beauty of God’s grace for us. I don’t think we can ever exhaust all the things that could be said about His love for us!

Grace Greater than Our Sin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgXYRV2B7Tk

I really could sing this song every single Sunday for the next couple of years and never grow tired of singing it. 

Silent Contemplation

We’re going to end our service with a time of silent contemplation again this week. After singing together in response to His Word, we’ll sit back down for a few moments of silent contemplation to let all that we have heard and sung about “settle in” before we’re dismissed. I would encourage you to linger a few minutes and talk to others about what God taught you this morning before heading out. 

Prayer of Consecration

We’ll be dismissed us with a prayer of consecration, reminding us that we are to live lives that are consecrated to him in every detail!

As you spend time in prayer this week, please remember to keep all of those who are planning, preparing for, and leading in this week’s Worship Gathering. We all truly covet your prayers. 

Know also that I’m praying for you as you prepare your heart for our time as the assembled congregation this Sunday. I can’t hardly wait.....

Rob