Psalm 95
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This is the first sermon in our series launching our theme for 2020 ‘Disciples: More Like Jesus'‘. This sermon is ‘Gather’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Psalm 95
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: In response to the Gospel, what can help you prioritise Jesus in 2020?
WARM-UP Question
- What was the first Sunday service that you ever attended? How about your first time at St Bart’s?
- What do you most love about gathering together as God’s people on a weekly basis?
READ Psalm 95:1-7
- As the Psalm functions as a ‘call/command to worship’ what does this mean? Who is involved?
- To whom is our praise directed? Why is this fitting to God and for us?
- What are the ways in which the Psalmist describes the greatness of God? What would you add?
- How does remembering and recalling who God is and what he’s done help give us a proper perspective of reality and our place in the world? What daily rhythms help you recall the greatness of God?
- How is worship more than simply singing songs? How does our gathering help us to have a greater clarity of who God is, of what he has done, and of what he has promised?
- If a friend who wasn’t yet a Christian asked you what Sunday services were all about, what would you say? How should our Sunday gatherings be reflective of “whole-of-life” of worship?
READ Psalm 95:8-11
- What event is the psalmist describing in the life of Israel? Why is the hardening of our hearts so dangerous? What helps you to have a soft heart towards God?
- How does gathering together each Sunday involve both our heads and our hearts? Is it relational?
- What are the dangers of neglecting to gather together every week (both for ourselves and to one another)? What do you find most challenging about prioritising our Sunday gathering?
READ Revelation 7:9-12
- Who are the great multitude mentioned in these verses? What do they say and what is significant about what they are doing? How should our Sunday gatherings anticipate our eternity with God?
- How our are Sunday gatherings together actually the ‘norm’ for eternity? Should that change how we prioritise the role of our weekly gathering together as God’s people?
APPLY: How can you best prepare to gather each Sunday together (starting this week)?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that you call us to gather to sing for joy to you! Let us shout for joy, recall your goodness and mercy, never forgetting all that you have done, and trusting in all that you have promised. Help us to not neglect meeting together, but faithfully gather to rejoice in. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: What weekly rhythms will help you grow as a disciple more like Jesus?
Listen:
Read:
- “Be Careful Not to Minimise Your Sunday”
- “Help! My Teen Doesn’t Want to Attend Church!”
- “China Sentences Pastor Wang Yi to Nine Years in Prison”
Other Helpful Resources (For Series):
