Preparing for the Lord's Day
Is the world an open or a closed system? Is material existence the only reality or are there unseen spiritual forces at work in this world that have true effects on nature, history, and humanity? In the premodern world it was very difficult to conceive of a closed existence. Spiritual realities played a central role in everything from family life to medicine; physics to politics. There was a sense that spiritual realities effected the material world and a belief that man lived in the cross point between these two realities as both a physical and a spiritual being. Yet today the assumption is that we live in a closed world. A world that is only physical. Everything that happens has a natural cause. All concept of spiritual involvement in the world is bracketed out of the realm of possibility. All that exists is that which can be measured and quantified.
The book of Psalms, however, invites us to see the world not as closed but radically open to spiritual power and influences. In particular, Psalm 36 teaches us that there are spiritual forces of both good and evil that effect our lives. And it seeks to train us to pray as one who believes in such an open world. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Psalm 36, Psalm 139, Matthew 12:45, Mark 5:1-20, John 1:4-5; 3:19-21, Acts 9:1-19, Romans 3:18, and Westminster Confession of Faith 10.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “To God Be the Glory”, the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” and the Hymn of Response “Love Divine, All Love Excelling.” 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!
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online, through the Rivermont App, (available at the App Store or Google Play), or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.
Sermon Text: Psalm 36
Sermon Title: Prayer in an Open World
Sermon Outline
- We Are Open to the Enemy’s Attack
- We Are Open to God’s Salvation
- God’s Life is Open to Us