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
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
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
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)
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
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
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