The following are some worship notes for the December 2, 2007 service. These are the reading materials on which the sermon will be based, and some questions we hope to explore together during Sunday's sermon. Join us at 8:45am or 10:15am and explore with us!

Read: Matthew 24: 36-44

Christians live in a time in-between the First Coming of Christ and the Second Coming of Christ. Readers will discover the Son of Man described as a thief who comes by surprise in the night. "Matthew shocks us out of our illusion of control with words that reveal our ignorance and inability to govern God's future." (Baker, Hail the Heaven Born) The issue is readiness.

1. What would it take for you to be ready for the end of your life or the ultimate end of all time?
2. Why does Jesus call us to keep awake?
3. What does it mean to keep awake?

Read: Romans 13:11-14a

Paul's appeal to the Romans points to the urgency of the gospel. You know what time it is ... night is far gone, the day is near.

1. In what part of your life are you "sleepwalking?"
2. What will it take for you to wake up and be more alert to God and others in your life?
3. Paul calls us to put off works of darkness and put on works of light. How are you doing at keeping up the habits of the heart?

The challenge in both scriptures is not intended to generate fear or anxiety, but wakefulness and attentiveness.  Ask your small group or a friend to help you end a destructive behavior or begin a habit of the heart. John Wesley's covenant group had just such a function: "to watch over one another in love, that they might help each other work out their salvation."

Prayer: God, our Way and Truth, give us ears to hear the Gospel today. Prepare your way in our hearts. Turn our faces to the light of your love. Amen.