Preparing For The Lord's Day

preparing

Preparing for the Lord's Day

As the father of five young children I have seen the following situation play-out in a variety of ways throughout the years. A young child has a birthday party. There is cake, ice cream, and decorations. There are fun activities and favors for all present. And, of course, there are gifts for the birthday boy or girl. Despite all of the fun, though, there is often one child who is upset that the attention has been given to someone besides him/her. Some “friend” that can’t stand to be overshadowed. Through their poor behavior they try to wrestle the attention and glory for themselves. They ruin the birthday song by singing the wrong lyrics. They butt-in to blow out the candles. They try to control what gifts are opened when. They sulk because they didn’t win the game. They cry because there are no gifts for them. They are jealous and want all of the attention for themselves. They just can’t accept the fact that it is not their party. In Psalm 2 we see that the rulers of the nations often act like such spoiled children. The rule and the power of this world ultimately belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ but they are not willing to submit to him. Rather they try and steal his glory. It is his party and they are trying to step into the spotlight. In the end, however, we see that no matter the temper tantrum the rulers of the world throw Christ will receive all the glory. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Psalm 2, Genesis 3:15, Psalm 72:8-11, Isaiah 40:15-23; 52:15, 2 Peter 1:17, Revelation 4:9-11; 6:15-17 and Westminster Confession of Faith 8.3,4

 As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All Creatures of Our God and King”, the Acclamation of Praise “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners” and the Hymn of Response “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” 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 (usually posted by Monday afternoon) or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device. 

A Liturgical Note:

As you may have noticed this past Sunday the paraments changed to purple, indicating the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is comprised of the forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time in which Christians may spiritually prepare themselves for the coming of the cross and the celebration of the resurrection. Historically, this time has been marked by personal sacrifice to emulate the Lord’s choice to suffer on behalf of his church. Through self-denial we do not earn credit from God, however, we do come to know the fellowship of Christ more intimately as we share in his path (Philippians 3:10).

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 2

 

Sermon Title: To Follow the King

 

Sermon Outline:

  1. His Reign is Opposed (verses 1-3)
  2. His Reign is Certain (verses 4-6)
  3. His Reign is Sovereign (verses 7-9)
  4. His Reign is Merciful (verses10-12)

 

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