Veritas Gathered: Preparing for Sunday – August 25th, 2013

Derek Nicol

SERMON

This weeks sermon text comes from Romans 11: 1-6. If we are honest with ourselves then I think we would all admit that this text is a little bit scary.  It points out the beautiful difference between grace and works, which Paul has spoken greatly about throughout Romans. How often do we consider the ways that we nullify grace by our works? Also, how often do we cheapen God’s grace by not doing anything at all and having an entitled mindset? Those are just two things that we can consider when we think about grace. Join us on sunday as we dive into this subject.

Also, we are having baptisms this sunday, which is something you definitely want to be around for!

LITURGY

L: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
– Colossians 1:15-22

How often do we think about the nature of Jesus Christ? Doesn’t it seem as though we would do nothing but worship Jesus in light of his character? We encourage you to spend time reading and praying through this passage from Colossians as it describes so beautifuly the divine nature of the man Jesus Christ. When we gather as a body on Sunday we have a chance to sing praises and proclaim the glories of God by worshiping Jesus- who after all is the dullness of God in human form.

MUSIC

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

  • “Come Thou Fount” – a very popular hymn that is saturated with gospel truths
  • “Shine Into Our Night”- a beautiful song of confession and assurance based solely on the work of Christ
  • “I Am Set Free”- a simple yet powerful song proclaiming our freedom from sin and redemption through the gospel.
  • “There Is A Fountain”- another older hymn reminding us that it is Jesus (Emmanuel- “God with us”) who has done the work on our behalf for salvation.

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!