Veritas Gathered: Preparing for Sunday – September 29th, 2013

Derek Nicol

SERMON

This weeks sermon is being preached from Romans 12: 9-21. Paul lays out a laundry list of characteristics that should be present in someone who identifies themselves as a follower of Christ. Lets be honest- we read this description and greatly admire this “perfect christian.” The only problem is that there is no such thing as a perfect Christ follower.  What was meant by Paul to encourage and admonish has become the very thing that brings unwarranted judgement, frustration, and pain when interpreted incorrectly. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ and it brings life and hope. Join us Sunday as we look at how the gospel brings life and hope to this seemingly impossible list of characteristics that are supposed to define our lives.

LITURGY

 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
– James 5:13-16

This is the scripture text being used for our Confession portion of the liturgy this week.  We really want you to take time reflecting on this text from James.  As we pray for one another we are taking part in remembering and continually re-experiencing the Gospel. It is because Jesus Christ advocates on our behalf that we can receive pardon for our sins.  When we pray for others and as we seek prayer for our own lives we are reminding ourselves of the dependence we must have on God’s grace and mercy.  Take time this week to pray for those around you and even to go as far as requesting prayer from those who are in community with you.

MUSIC

Check out this list of some of the songs we will be singing together this week:

  • “All Glory Be Forever” – a reminder of the only person or thing worthy of our worship- Jesus Christ.
  • “Praise To The Lord”- this is a song which calls us to complete and utter worship of God regardless of our circumstances
  • “May Your Power Rest On Me”- an encouraging song reminding us that Christ is advocating on our behalf regardless of our performance. Christ is perfect and strong while we are weak and frail.

Here is a link to a Spotify playlist.

Even though our arrangements might be slightly different, listen through these songs and see the great truths that they speak about our God and then come prepared to sing them out loudly and joyfully as a gathered church.

See you Sunday!