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
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
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
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
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
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
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