This week we review the article, "Hack Your Worship Service" by Tim Challies and discuss how we might be able to get more out of our worship gatherings if we look for the intentional design and planning that goes into them. 

Article: https://www.challies.com/articles/hack-your-worship-service/ 

In Isaiah 40 the prophet comforted God’s people with promises of His redemption, presence, and glory. The message of Christmas comforts us with the assurance of promises fulfilled and hope of promises yet to come. How does the prophet’s message of comfort speak to us today? Consider three ways Isaiah 40 offers us comfort.

Joel 2:1-11 uses the imagery of the locust plague in chapter 1 to warn Judah of even greater judgment to come. God has demonstrated His willingness to intervene in the affairs of this world to exert His righteousness and judgment. We must be mindful of the fact that God’s previous expressions of judgment simply foreshadow the final judgment to come. What do we learn about God’s judgment? There are at least three important descriptions of God’s judgment…

2 Peter 3:1-13. Today marks the beginning of the Advent season, the purpose of which is not only to encourage us to reflect upon Christ’s first coming as the Suffering Servant to die for the sins of His people, but also to remind us that He will return in glory as the Conquering King and Righteous Judge to judge both the living and the dead.  From our passage this morning, we can extract three responsibilities required of believers as we await our Lord’s return:

1. We are to remember the promise of Christ’s return
2. We are to remain patient as we await Christ’s return
3. We are to live reverently in light of Christ’s return

In Psalm 103, David calls upon his own soul to speak words of blessing to God by rehearsing the blessings God bestows on His people. Though we often face dark and difficult days, we can utter words of gratitude and blessing because of God's goodness toward us. So how can we bless God even when life is a burden? Consider four ways to bless God and show our gratitude to Him.

In Joel 1:13-20, God called His people to actions consistent with repentance. Genuine repentance manifests itself in identifiable ways. How does God expect His people to show their repentance of sin is real? God expects 4 things.

How can we prepare for corporate worship practically? We explore 5 steps and strategies for getting the most out of Sunday morning.

"Take Heed How You Hear!" by John Piper: https://bit.ly/35CtXiP
"Lord, Tune My Heart for Worship" by Zac Hicks: https://bit.ly/3nnWcYy

Songs for Sunday
For the Beauty of the Earth: https://youtu.be/IUBMAi4jA1E
Give Thanks: https://youtu.be/KMTmZKotTYw
My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness: https://youtu.be/0uiIyE1ju8Q

How is the story of David and Goliath taught? How do many approach the story and try and apply it to life?

In Psalm 103, David calls upon his own soul to speak words of blessing to God by rehearsing the blessings God bestows on His people. Though we often face dark and difficult days, we can utter words of gratitude and blessing because of God's goodness toward us. So how can we bless God even when life is a burden? Consider four ways to bless God and show our gratitude to Him.