Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
Imagine the ridicule that was directed at Noah. He didn’t live anywhere near the ocean and here he is building a boat the size of a modern-day battleship. You can imagine the work that went into building his ark. The time, the money, and the resources. Why would he do such a thing? He looked crazy to everyone. Until it started to rain.
As we continue through our study through the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, we come to Noah. In the life of Noah, we come to see the effects of faith. True faith is not something that remains in the mind or the heart, only. Faith produces works. For Noah faith meant he believed the word of God that there would be judgment and that there would be salvation. It took faith to believe that God would flood the world. It also took faith to believe that God would save Noah through an ark.
The way that we know that Noah had true faith in judgment for sin and salvation through the ark is that he built the ark. His faith produced works. What he believed affected his mind, heart, actions, and future. In the same way, true saving faith in Jesus Christ has effects. It changes how we think, feel, and act. As John Calvin once wrote,
“We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves never comes alone.”
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:13-18, Matthew 24:38-39, Romans 4:6, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 3:7-9, James 2:17, 2 Peter 2:5, and Westminster Confession of Faith 16.
As we gather this second Sunday of Advent, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” the Acclamation of Praise “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” and the Hymn of Response “From The Squalor.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith and love, to treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 11:7
Title: Faith’s Effects
Outline:
- Faith Believes God’s Promise
- Faith Fears God’s Promise
- Faith Acts on God’s Promise
- Faith Proclaims God’s Promise
- Faith Inherits God’s Promise
A Liturgical Note:
Last week began the season of Advent in which we celebrate the coming of Christ. We look back to the first coming of Christ with gratefulness and joy and we look forward to the second coming of Christ with hope and anticipation. Note in the worship service the several elements reflecting this celebration. Along with the purple paraments are evergreen arrangements that reflect the everlasting life that Christ brings to his people. On Christmas Eve night the paraments will change to white and the sanctuary will be fully decorated to welcome the Christ Child, Immanuel, God with Us.
Each week we will also include the lighting of the Advent wreath candles. This moment includes a Scripture reading and a prayer that reflects the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. On Christmas Eve night the final candle will be lit, the center white candle. This signals the birth of Christ, the light of the world.
We hope that each of you will take time to reflect upon the beauty of the season displayed in the floral arrangements, the paraments, the liturgy, and the special music. May our hearts long for Christ and the beauty of His coming.