Preparing for Sunday, 5/27/12

So I said it a while back, but to refresh, here are a few simple things you can do with these "Prep. for Sunday" posts to help you prepare for Sunday morning corporate worship:

1. Read the passage that Jordan will be preaching on, either by looking it up in your Bible or even by following the link given. Jordan preaches from the ESV version of the Bible, and the ESV has a GREAT website: esvbible.org. If you read the passage, and study it even just a little bit before Sunday morning, the sermon will give you a ton more insight into Scripture. Trust me.
2. Review the list of songs. The point of singing in church on Sunday morning is to SING TOGETHER AS A CHURCH. Go figure. :) So it's important that we all show up ready to do that, and that we view it the right way. Singing together creates unity in the Gospel, and brings the great truths of Scripture into our hearts and minds in a unique way. If a new song is coming up, take the opportunity to listen to that new song so it's not completely foreign when you show up on Sunday. The Church needs to sing with enthusiasm and great joy - we've been raised from the dead, after all.
3. Remind yourself of what Sunday morning church is for. A general purpose of all these posts is to provide a reminder, before we walk through the church doors on Sunday, that we are pilgrims in the world, who need to gather together for encouragement and teaching in the Gospel. The redeemed Church, the bride of Christ needs to be together to edify and encourage, to sing and praise our Savior, to remember who we are in Christ, and remember what our mission and purpose is in the world until our Savior comes back for His Church. We are so prone to forget, and go through the motions of weekly church gatherings. Let's try to be purposeful about our gatherings and make the most of the times we have with our church family.

Tomorrow, Jordan will preach from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, on the "foolish" message of the Gospel. Paul said that he determined to know nothing among the Corinthians except Christ, and Him crucified - all the proclaiming Paul wanted to do was of the crucified Savior, because that and that alone is the message that raises people from the dead and gives them new life in God.

Our songs will focus on both the power of our God, and the glory of the Gospel and the Savior who shed His blood for our sins. We also have 3 baptisms tomorrow, so it's appropriate that we sing some big anthem-type hymns together as we rejoice together. By the way, the baptisms are coming right after the first song, so get there on time to be a part of that part of the service!

Here are our songs:

1. O Worship The King
2. How Great Is Our God
3. Christ Is Risen
4. You Are My King