
Preparing for the Lord's Day
Rooted Worship
As we approach the end of the year, many of us are making plans for the year ahead. We imagine how things are going to be different: This is the year I will finally start saving for retirement. This is the year I will read through the Bible. This is the year I will get in shape and run the 10 Miler. Some people shy away from or even disdain the idea of New Year’s resolutions, but the truth is that we all have goals and desires for the future. We all have ways we would like to grow or change. Yet, for most of us, real and lasting change often feels out of reach.
It’s easy to grow jaded and believe that people never truly change. However, the hope of the gospel assures us that those who have faith in Christ have been and will be transformed. The promise of the New Covenant is that the Lord will give us new hearts so that we will walk in His ways. But how does this happen? How does the Lord change His people? And as we look to the New Year, what hope do we have that it will be different from the last?
I can’t tell you how to save better or work out more consistently, but I can tell you that there is power for spiritual transformation. There is power to become more like Christ, and it comes through worship rooted in the Word of God. If you are seeking spiritual growth this year, I encourage you to join us this Sunday and discover how God changes His people through faithful worship.
To prepare for Sunday's sermon, I encourage you to spend time this week reading and meditating upon 2 Corinthians 3:1-18, Exodus 34:29-35, Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:19-20, and this article on worship.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Once In Royal David’s City,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” and the Hymn of Response “Thou Who Wast Rich beyond All Splendor.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Title: Rooted Worship
Outline:
- Rooted Worship is Trinitarian (vv. 1-6)
- Rooted Worship is Glorious (vv. 7-17)
- Rooted Worship is Transformative (v. 18)