Preparing our Hearts to Worship
In an effort to help you prepare for the October 21, 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, “The Unstoppable First Disciples.” The main Scriptures for the day are Acts 2:36-47.
(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 28 of The Storythis week, this is a lightly edited selection of Scriptures from Acts 1-10, 12 that seeks to maintain the broad story line of the Scriptures.
You can read or listen to them here: Acts 1-6, Acts 7-10, Acts 12.
You can listen to Chapter 28 of The Story here. (38 minutes)
From the Creeds and Confessions
Heidelberg Catechism Q 45
What does the resurrectionof Christ profit us?
First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might make us partakers of the righteousness which he has obtained for us by his death; second, we also are raised up by his power to a new life; and third, the resurrection of Christ is to us a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection.
Heidelberg Catechism Q 53
Q. What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?
First, that he is true and co-eternal God with the Father and the Son; second, that he is also given me, to make me by a true faith partaker of Christ and all his benefits, to comfort me, and to abide with me forever.
Heidelberg Catechism Q 116
Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us, and because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with hearty sighing unceasingly beg them of him and thank him for them.
Heidelberg Catechism Q 55
What do you understand by the communion of saints?
First, that believers, all and every one, as members of Christ, are partakers of him and of all his treasures and gifts; second, that every one must know himself bound to employ his gifts readily and cheerfully for the advantage and salvation of other members.
From the songs, hymns and spiritual songs of the Church
O for a thousand tongues to sing: Lyrics, Video
Come people of the risen king (Getty): Lyrics, Video
One Bread, One body: Lyrics, Video
For Thoughtful Reflection, Prayer, or further Study
Read and reflect on The Gospel Coalition’s Give up your weak definition of disciple.
Read and reflect on Grace to You’s Church as it was meant to be.
Read and reflect on the Characteristics of a Healthy Church.
The Sermon will be available online on October 21, 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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