| “Of course we do not get a different or better Christ in the sacraments than we do in the Word. But we may get the same Christ better, with a firmer grasp of his grace through seeing, touching, feeling, and tasting as well as hearing” —Robert Bruce |
November 1, 2024 The primary element of our corporate worship is the Word of God — the word of God sung, the word of God prayed, the word of God preached, and the word of God seen in the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. As I have mentioned over the last couple years, Augustine referred to our sacraments as “visible words” by which we comprehend Christ and his benefits. I have to believe in the background of his mind the words of David from Psalm 34 were rattling around: taste and see that the LORD is good. When we see the waters of baptism, the bread and wine of communion, we taste and see God’s goodness towards us in Christ. As we consider the kind of people God is calling us to be I would encourage you to pray this week with respect to tasting and seeing that the LORD is good. A crucial element to the Christian life is that of gathered corporate worship. And a central part of our worship is tasting and seeing that the LORD is good through the preached Word and the visible Word.  Prayer Schedule For the week of November 3, please consider praying in and through the framework of “celebrating through (corporate) worship.” Here’s what that might look like: Individually in your own time of private or family worship, or in prayer and fellowship groups, spend time reflecting on the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments, that we might taste and see that the LORD is good. Pray for the use of the ordinary means of Grace (Word and sacrament) to proclaim the Kingdom of God through Mercy 1 Cor. 11:23–26, Gen. 17:7, Rom. 6:4 Pray that the Word and Sacraments would be effective in your heart and mind, as well as in the ministry of Mercy Church 1 Cor. 14:24–25, 1 Pet. 2:1–2 Pray that Christ would boldly proclaim his benefits through the Word, sacraments, and prayer Matt. 28:19–20, Acts 2:42 Pray that the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, would be made effectual for our salvation Neh. 8:8, Ps. 19:8 Pray that in worship Mercy Church would read God’s Word with high and reverent esteem, with a desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God Ps. 19:10, Deut. 17:19–20 Pray for the preaching of the Word at Mercy Church by all who enter the pulpit that their doctrine and lives would be sound Tit. 2:1, 8 That God would bring more and more to sit under the ministry of word and sacrament at Mercy Church That God would make his word go forth and accomplish his purpose in our lives and in Morgantown, and beyond That those sitting under the preached word would attend to it with diligence, preparation, and prayer Prov. 8:34, Luke 8:18, Eph. 6:18–19 That as a church we would know Christ better because of our participating with Word and Sacrament, because of our union with Christ by faith 1 Pet. 3:21, 1 Cor. 3:6–7 Pray that we would more deeply understand the sacraments and thereby be strengthened in our faith Rom. 2:28–29 Pray that your baptism might be improved (see Westminster Larger Catechism #167 Col. 2:11–12 Pray that we would continually be more and more worthy recipients of the Lord’s Supper as a church family 1 Cor. 11:28, 2 Cor. 13:5 Articles to consider getting (infant) baptism right Stepping Stones to Covenant Baptism What is the importance of the Word, sacraments, and prayer as means of grace? Sacramental Assistance Praising God for how he is already working in and through you as a body! In Christ, John D For those who like a bigger picture here are the remaining 8 weeks at a glance: November 10, 2024 — celebrating through private, personal worship November 17, 2024 — celebrating in and through public community November 24, 2024 — celebrating in and through personal/ small scale community December 1, 2024 — celebrating in and through public mission December 8, 2024 — celebrating in and through personal mission December 15, 2024 — celebrating and cultivating generosity December 22, 2024 — celebrating and cultivating sacrifice December 29, 2024 — giving up what we cannot keep to gain what we cannot lose |
Announcements
| —Practical Giving Framework As we continue mentioning we need to raise at minimum 60k by the end of the calendar year to move forward. I would implore you to prayerfully consider how much you might give (the best way to give right now would either be with a check, designated for the building fund, or if you prefer online you can give through the PCA Foundation and designate the gift for the building fund). But it’s even more about becoming the people who God would have us to be as his disciples. We will also provide pledge cards so that you can communicate your intention to give before you are able to actually give. These will be available on the info table on Sunday mornings. —Thanksgiving Luncheon After Worship 11/24/24 As announced last Sunday, we are intending on having a Thanksgiving luncheon immediately after worship on Sunday, November 24. Mercy will provide the meat, but there will be a sign up sheet for various sides that y’all can bring. —Songs for Sunday Here’s what we’re singing this Sunday if you’d like to familiarize yourself with tunes + lyrics! Psalm 1 (How Sweet And Awesome Is The Place Tune) Bless The Lord Jesus, I Come By Thy Mercy How Deep The Father’s Love |
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