Preparing To Rejoice In Him // January 21, 2018

PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR WORSHIP ON JANUARY 21, 2018

REFLECTION

“Jesus demands an extreme response from every one of us. He forces our hand at every turn. He is both the rest and the storm, both the victim and the wielder of the flaming sword, and you must accept him or reject him on the basis of both. Either you’ll have to kill him, or you’ll have to crown him. The one thing you can’t do is just say, ‘What an interesting guy.’ Please don’t try to keep Jesus on the periphery of your life. He cannot remain there. Give yourself to him – center your entire life on him – and let his power reproduce his character in you.” ~ Tim Keller

“For the Christian life is war. That’s not all that it is, but it’s always that.” ~ John Piper

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~ Jesus

WORSHIP IN SONG :: GOOD GOOD FATHER

I’ve heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Oh and I’ve seen many searching for
Answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
Because You know just what we need
Before we say a word

Because You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Oh this Love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me, deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love

GOD CALLS US TO WORSHIP :: HEBREWS 12:1-2

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (ESV)

CONFESSION OF FAITH :: HEIDELBERG CATECHISM, QUESTIONS 51 & 52

51. WHAT DOES THIS GLORY OF CHRIST, OUR HEAD, PROFIT US?

First, that by His Holy Spirit He pours out heavenly gifts upon us, His members; then, that by His power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.

52. WHAT COMFORT IS IT TO YOU THAT CHRIST “SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD?

That in all my sorrows and persecutions, I, with uplifted head, look for the very One, who offered Himself for me to the judgment of God, and removed all curse from me, to come as Judge from heaven, who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.

GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED :: PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30

[27] Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, [28] and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. [29] For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, [30] engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (ESV)