Preparing for the Lord's Day
Amos
We have all seen a movie in which the line “Prepare to meet your Maker” appears. It is used as a threat. For example, in the midst of a gun fight the villain might taunt the hero with these words. While Hollywood isn’t seeking to make a theological statement, it is revealing of a deep and abiding truth, that everyone will one day appear before God and have to give an account. The book of Hebrews explains,
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27 ESV)
In our passage for this Sunday the prophet Amos warns the people of Israel with these words,
“…prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (Amos 4:12 ESV)
But how exactly is one to prepare to meet their God? What is one supposed to do to ensure that they are ready to meet the Lord? For every single one of us will come to a point when we will stand before the Lord. How can you be assured that you are prepared for that day? What we will see in our passage is that the way we prepare to meet our God is through Christ centered worship – worship that is in holiness, in submission, and in truth. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Amos 4:1-13, Job 1:20, John 17:3, Hebrews 12:14, Westminster Confession of Faith 21.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O Worship the King,” the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and the Hymn of Response “Blessed Assurance” 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: Amos 4:4-13
Sermon Title: Be Prepared
Outline:
- We Must Worship the Lord in Holiness (vv.4-5)
- We Must Worship the Lord in Submission (vv. 6-11)
- We Must Worship the Lord in Truth (vv. 12-13)