March 17, 2018 - Preparing for the Lord's Day
March 16, 2019Preparing for the Lord's Day
EXILES IN A FOREIGN LAND
1 Peter Sermon Series
In our passage for this Sunday, the Apostle Peter calls all Christians to be like “newborn infants.” This command is similar to one the Lord Jesus gave when He said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). However, in other places we are called not to continue in the ignorance of childhood. As Christians, we are to grow up and mature in our knowledge of the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:12). In what ways then are we to be like infants and in what ways are we called to be mature adults? Are we to long for the pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2) or are we to move on from the milk to the meat (Hebrew 5:12)? What we will see in our passage for this week is that we need not choose between these two commands. While it might seem paradoxical to us, the path to maturity in Christ is not independence but rather greater levels of dependence upon the Lord for all things. That is to say, the more we become like infants in our dependence upon the Lord, the more we become mature in our faith. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Peter 2:1-3, Psalm 34, Psalm 42:1-2, Matthew 18:3-4, and Westminster Confession of Faith 16.2-3.
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 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts.” 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!
MISSIONS LUNCH WITH TESSA SYDNOR
Join us this Sunday at 12:30 pm for a missions lunch at Milano’s Restaurant with Tessa Sydnor. Be sure to email Pastor Brett by tomorrow to RSVP.
MISSION FIRST SERVICE
Join us Sunday evening at 6:00 as Tessa Sydnor presents on her mission work in Germany and Dr. Jarrett Dodd presents on his family’s recent mission trip to Guatemala.
FLOWER WORKSHOP
On Sunday, March 31 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, professional floral designers Amy Thornburg and Meg Laughon will conduct a flower workshop in the John Knox Room to teach Dutch Master techniques and the basics of color, form, and texture. The registration deadline is next Sunday, March 24 so be sure to visit our website for further details and to find the registration form.