Sunday, April 26, 2009

Take Heed How You Hear!

Years ago I read this list of 'practical preparations' for hearing God's Word on Sunday mornings by John Piper. Each individual who enters a sanctuary, in order to receive God's Word, should seriously consider this list below.

Just the other day Denny Burk posted this list on his site and it reminded me that NLC needs to consider this list as you prepare to listen to God's Word on Sunday mornings. You can read the brief commentary for each point here.

1. Pray that God would give you a good and honest heart.

2. Meditate on the Word of God.

3. Purify your mind by turning away from worldly entertainment.

4. Trust in the truth that you already have.

5. Rest long enough Saturday night to be alert and hopeful Sunday morning.

6. Forebear one another Sunday morning without grumbling and criticism.

7. Be meek and teachable when you come.

8. Be still as you enter the room and focus your mind’s attention and heart’s affection on God.

9. Think earnestly about what is sung and prayed and preached.

10. Desire the Truth of God’s Word more than you desire riches or food.

As you read through these I am hoping that you take them seriously enough to apply them. At least start with 2-3 of them this Sunday. Make it known to your family, if need be, that you are attempting to implement something 'new' in your Sunday morning worship preparation. Challenge one another to remain steadfast in your pursuit of God by making yourself ready for the reading of the scriptures, the singing of the scriptures, the preaching of the scriptures and most importantly the application of the scriptures.

Let us earnestly seek Christ together on Sunday mornings in this way. You may even have a couple of your own practices that you would like to share with us, please do so by leaving us a comment.

For this is the Lord's Day, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

(HT: Denny Burk)

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