The pastors spend time praying and seeking God when they develop the sermons they share. They take this responsibility as an anointing from God and spend much time in prayer related to this process. But, they are always open to what the Lord might be telling the congregation as well. You can see the planned sermon topics and Scriptures by going to the web page (www.mzumc.com) and tapping the worship button and then the future sermons button.
Rev. Ray has developed a couple of series coming up when he returns. The first will be a series on the character of a Godly person which will run from August 6 to September 10 including the revival August 13-16. Following that he will preach a series on getting in spiritual shape from September 17 to October 22.
Of course these are just plans and the pastors are open to the Holy Spirit's change of plans and other changes that may occur. For instance there may be a community wide worship service this fall with the United Methodist Churches of Lothian coming together which would move the sermon series back a week.
As you review the list, are there topics through your prayer life that you feel would be helpful to the body at MZ? We can't promise to respond to each request but we can be open to the ways that the Spirit works through us all.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Worship
What is worship to you? What are you looking for in worship?
New Testament worship was characterized by a joy and thanksgiving because of God's gracious redemption in Christ. This early Christian worship focused on God's saving work in Jesus Christ. True worship was that which occurred under the inspiration of God's Spirit (John 4:23-24; Phil 3:3).
Prayer apparently had a leading place in Christian worship. The letters of Paul regularly open with references to prayer for fellow-Christians who are instructed to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17). Praise, either by individuals or in hymns sung in common, reflects the frequent use of psalms in the synagogue. Also, possible fragments of Christian hymns appear scattered through the New Testament (Acts 4:24-30; Eph 5:14; 1 Tim 3:16; Rev 4:8,11; 5:9-10,12-13).
Lessons from the Bible to be read and studied were another part of the worship procedure of the New Testament church. Emphasis was probably given to the messianic prophecies which had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His teachings also received a primary place.
Prophecy, inspired preaching by one filled with the Holy Spirit, helped build up the church, the body of Christ (Eph. 12:6 ). Contributions were also collected on the first day of each week (1 Cor 16:2). Other details about the worship procedures of the early Christians in the New Testament times are spotty. But these elements must have been regularly included in the weekly worship service. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
So what are the elements of worship that make your experience before God meaningful? This could be revealing as we share our thoughts and hearts.
New Testament worship was characterized by a joy and thanksgiving because of God's gracious redemption in Christ. This early Christian worship focused on God's saving work in Jesus Christ. True worship was that which occurred under the inspiration of God's Spirit (John 4:23-24; Phil 3:3).
Prayer apparently had a leading place in Christian worship. The letters of Paul regularly open with references to prayer for fellow-Christians who are instructed to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17). Praise, either by individuals or in hymns sung in common, reflects the frequent use of psalms in the synagogue. Also, possible fragments of Christian hymns appear scattered through the New Testament (Acts 4:24-30; Eph 5:14; 1 Tim 3:16; Rev 4:8,11; 5:9-10,12-13).
Lessons from the Bible to be read and studied were another part of the worship procedure of the New Testament church. Emphasis was probably given to the messianic prophecies which had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His teachings also received a primary place.
Prophecy, inspired preaching by one filled with the Holy Spirit, helped build up the church, the body of Christ (Eph. 12:6 ). Contributions were also collected on the first day of each week (1 Cor 16:2). Other details about the worship procedures of the early Christians in the New Testament times are spotty. But these elements must have been regularly included in the weekly worship service. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
So what are the elements of worship that make your experience before God meaningful? This could be revealing as we share our thoughts and hearts.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Being Faithful
I'd love to read what helps to keep you faithful to your Lord, your morals and your values.
