Preparing our Hearts to Worship
In an effort to help you prepare for the April 15, 2018, Sunday morning corporate worship gathering and to aid you in your own reflections on the God’s Story of Salvation through the Scriptures. I wanted to pose a few questions and provide a few resources to prayerfully consider over the coming days. Our sermon is entitled, “God is Faithful to His Word” The main Scriptures for the day are 1Kings 11-16. The other passages are either referenced in the message or provide additional insight for reflection.
(Pick and choose from the many resources and options, which I have tried to make available for your devotional life.)
From the Scriptures
Please read through Chapter 14 of The Story this week, this is a lightly edited selection of Scriptures from 1 Kings 11-16 that seeks to maintain the broad story line of the Scriptures.
You can read or listen to them here.
You can listen to Chapter 14 of The Story here. (29 minutes)
(If you choose to read all of 1Kings it will take roughly 120 minutes.)
From the Creeds and Confessions
Heidelberg Catechism Q101
Q.101 But may we swear an oath in God’s name if we do it reverently?
Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good.
Such oaths are grounded in God’s Word and were rightly used by the people of God in the Old and New Testaments.
Heidelberg Catechism Q112
Q112: What is the aim of the ninth commandment?
That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.
Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are the very devices the devil uses, and they would call down on me God’s intense wrath. I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.
And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.
Heidelberg Catechism Q122
Q122: What does the first petition mean?
“Hallowed be your name” means: Help us to truly know you, to honor, glorify, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth.
And it means, Help us to direct all our living— what we think, say, and do— so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.
Westminster Shorter Catechism Q4
Q4: What is God?
A: God is a Spirit,1 whose being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth are infinite, eternal, and unchangeable
From the songs, hymns and spiritual songs of the Church
Great is your Faithfulness (Chris Rice): Lyrics, Video
Faithfulness (Hillsong): Lyrics, Video
You say (Matt Osgood): Lyrics, Listen
For Thoughtful Reflection, Prayer, or further Study
What happens in a relationship when one person fails to keep their promises?
What are the promises that God has made?
Has he ever failed to keep promises?
How does this strengthen your trust in God?
The Sermon will be available online on April 15, 2018 at 12:30 pm.
Disclaimer: Reference to a particular article or website does not constitute endorsement or agreement with everything in that article or on that website.
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