From all eternity the ever-existing, never-becoming, always-perfect God has known himself and loved what he knows. He has eternally seen his beauty and savored what he sees. His understanding of his own reality is flawless and his exuberance in enjoying it is infinite. He has no needs, for he has no imperfection. He has no inclinations to evil because he has no deficiencies that could tempt him to do wrong. He is therefore the holiest and happiest being that is or that be conceived...To share this experience - the experience of knowing and enjoying his glory - is the reason God created the world.
-John Piper
God does not NEED our worship. He does not have low self-esteem which we combat by singing a few tunes and raising our hands telling him how great he is - he is well aware of how great he is! As John Piper says: God created us to know and enjoy HIS glory. As Pastor Daryl Delhousaye taught us a few weeks ago: God's glory is what he wants us to know and think of first when we think of him: his goodness.
We experience God's goodness on a daily basis, and often are quick to dismiss it with barely a notice. In the corporate worship setting (church), we have the opportunity to experience God's goodness in a really special and unique way. Singing songs that remind us of who God is, and the mighty deeds he has done is one way. Praying together; uniting our hearts and minds in thanksgiving, petition, confession, repentance, commitment, and awe; is another way. Hearing the truth and power of God's Word proclaimed with authority is another. And yes, sharing a cup of coffee and a donut hole (or four) is one as well. We are the body of Christ, and caring for, and encouraging one another (even in conviction of sin) is a huge part of how we show and experience the goodness of God, which means it is one of the reasons we were created!
Let's put that into play this Sunday! Come prepared to minister to someone in the body, to sing with all your might, and to devour the perfect Word of God as we sit under its authority!
As we begin this week, we'll sing "I Have a Hope" to remind us of our security in the work of our Redeemer. Pastor Todd will come and lead us in prayer, and share some announcements for the myriad of upcoming events. We'll then sing a set of songs that rejoice in the glory of the gospel and of our salvation: "Marvelous Light" "Forever My Love" and "Stronger."
Pastor Todd will be teaching through the next passage in the sermon on the mount: Matthew 5:33-37. This passage talks about being truthful, and letting your "yes" be yes, and "no" be no.
We'll respond with songs that commit ourselves to be changed and used by God: "Take My Life" and "May The Words (Psalm 19)."
That's what's going on this week; happy preparation!
No comments:
Post a Comment