Veritas Gathered: Preparing for Sunday – November 3rd, 2013

Derek Nicol

SERMON

This weeks sermon will come from Romans 14:13-23. Paul is using very specific examples, pertinent to issues at the time of his writings, that can seem odd or trivial to us. The heart of the issue, however, is extremely relevant regardless of your specific circumstances. Paul is presenting us with an extremely convicting thought. How often do we deny our preferences for the sake of those around us? Humans have a tendency towards selfishness and this is exactly what Paul is addressing. Christ denied himself for the sake of his followers and we should do likewise.  Sometimes the choices we make, although they are not sinful or illegal, can cause our brothers or sisters to stumble and this is something we need to be aware of.  As Matthew Henry said, we should consider that “drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul”. Join us Sunday as we dive into this issue and respond to the teaching of Gods word with worship!

LITURGY

L: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
C: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
-Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV

This is such an amazingly reassuring and convicting piece of scripture! Not only has Jesus felt the same temptation that we do, in regards to sin, but he did so without turning his worship away from the Father. In all that we experience we can turn to Jesus knowing that he has conquered our sin. As we prepare to gather this week consider this passage and how the truth of it calls us to worship God the Father rather then ourselves our the world around us.

MUSIC

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

  • “Mighty Fortress” – An anthem of praise for our mighty and sovereign Lord!
  • “Thy Mercy, My God” – a beautiful hymn that celebrates the vast and often overwhelming mercy of our gracious and loving God.
  • “I Am Set Free” – a simple yet powerful song proclaiming our freedom from sin and redemption through the gospel.

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!