Growing theology; a deepening knowledge, understanding and personal belief in the Gospel will produce a life of fruitful doxology, a growth in praise, obedience and faith.
“Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart,” Jesus’ disciples today treasure, ponder and praise today.
Indescribable is a new song for the morning congregation at mgpc, and we’ll start to become familiar with it tomorrow as we prepare for worship. A portion of Psalm 72, O God Bestow Your Judgements, sung to the tune Christians Awake, Salute The Happy Morn will also help us remember the faithfulness of God as we gather for our first Sunday worship in 2013. Continuing the theme, My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness is our opening song.
Our prayer of invocation and confession will recall the wonders of God’s saving purpose and how we let those truths slip from our minds. When I Survey The Wondrous Cross will be our combined testimony of the blessings that come from fixing our gaze on the author and perfecter of our faith. As the first Sunday of the year it is appropriate to affirm our faith with The Apostles’ Creed and Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.
Our continuing reading, from Jeremiah 10:1-25 contrasts the living God with lifeless idols. Be Strong And Courageous is a song of encouragement about God’s faithfulness in every season.
After reading from Matthew 2:1-12 our sermon text will be Luke 2:19. How vital is the conscious exercise of Christians in storing the knowledge of the Gospel in our minds; of making that truth the great love of our hearts; and thinking and meditating on the Gospel in a constant and devoted fashion. Our worship and devotion will grow stale and fruitless if we do not focus ourselves on that which produces growth in love. Some contend that doctrine is the death of devotion, but, actually we will not worship if we cease to ponder.
Our prayer of thanksgiving and for the needs of others will include two families who have had loved ones die during the past week, as well as pray for growing faith among us.
After our tithes and offerings we’ll conclude worship singing Lord, Be My Vision.
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