So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Beginning Sunday September 20 at Christ Church, I will be preaching from the book of Exodus. A bulletin insert providing a brief summary of Exodus will be in the bulletin for September 20. It will be helpful to review this summary for an overall review of this book and how it fits into the Redemptive -Historical flow of the Scriptures.
When God’s people are exposed to God’s Word, especially through its preaching, how we hear it will affect how it changes us. How can you best hear the preached Word?
Be Spiritually Prepared. To rightly “hear” we must be spiritually prepared. Like Cornelius who told Peter, “we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:33). Being present is not only something physical, but spiritual as we prepare to hear from God. Whether individually or as a family try to read the sermon text on Saturday and ask God to use His Word to transform you. Pray for the pastor as you do for yourself. Sing a hymn or song.
But there are practical ways we can spiritually prepare. As much as our own circumstances and demands allow, we should be well-rested when we come to worship on Sunday. Much preparation can be done Saturday evening to eliminate as many unforeseen challenges arising Sunday morning. Avoid staying up late. Play meditative Christian music on Sunday morning to set the atmosphere. Avoid thinking or talking about weighty “worldly” matters (e.g. Landscaping projects, work related pressures, etc.). In short, from Saturday through Sunday morning, find ways to fill your mind and heart with “things above” and not “things below.”
Next newsletter I’ll address how to sit and receive the sermon.
