Preparing for Sunday - Worship (Part 2)

September 25, 2014 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

1 Corinthians 14. What is repeated in this chapter as the most important value to pursue as a gathered congregation?
Read Acts 2:42-47. What did the early church focus on in their gatherings?
Read Ephesians 5:19. What is the relationship of this verse's content to 5:18? What is the result of the filling of the Holy Spirit according to these two verses? What does that say we should expect if the Spirit is not controlling us?
What does Ephesians 5:19 suggest is the purpose of singing together as a congregation?
Read Colossians 3:16 (a parallel passage to Ephesians 5:18, 19). What is similar and different in this passage than Ephesians 5:19? What does it add to the purpose and approach to corporate singing?
To whom are we to sing according to these passages?
What is the role of the Bible in our singing according to these passages?

What are your expectations for a regular Sunday church gathering? Write them down. How do they correspond to the emphases of 1 Corinthians 14, Acts 2:42-47?
What are your expectations from the music we sing as a church? Write them down. How do those expectations relate to what Ephesians 5:19 suggests?
In light of what you read in Ephesians 5:19, what would be good, legitimate reasons for a Christian not to sing in the corporate gathering? When would it be sin for a Christian not to sing in the gathering?
What makes music worshipful in a purely biblical sense?

What expectations and approaches need to change in you regarding our meeting together as a church?
What expectations should you have as you prepare to gathering with the church on Sunday? How will you cultivate these expectations in anticipation of our gathering?
How could you best prepare to sing with and to the church this Sunday?
How could you assist others in developing a biblical approach to singing with the church?
Pray for those who will be leading our gathering to edify the body well: Dawson Bryant, music; Todd Arnold Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs and think through the lyrics. Prepare yourself to be focused on God alone as we sing together this Lord's Day.

To God Be the Glory
We Will Glorify (Video)
I Asked the Lord (Video)
I Have a Shelter (Video)
Use our Evening Gathering bulletin to prepare your heart and direct your prayers throughout the week.