For December 9, 2007

Exeter Presbyterian Church

Guide for the Preparation for Worship on 12/9/07

Sermon text: Matthew 17:24-27

Sermon outline: “You Will Find a Shekel”

I. Introduction – The Legacy of a Tax-Collecting Empire

II. The Half-Shekel Tax (24a)

III. An uncomfortable encounter with a tax collector (24-25a)

IV. The sons are free (25-26)

V. Not to give offense (27)

Music: Opening – “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” (#193)

Preparation – “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (#221)

Response – Psalm 92

Closing – “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” (#500)

Confession of Faith: Nicene Creed

Suggested Preparations

Sunday (12/2): review morning sermon (evening service @ 5:00 p.m.)

Monday (12/3): Read & discuss Matt. 17:24-27; read sermon outline Supplementary Bible reading: Exodus 30:11-16

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss WSC 90

Tuesday (12/4): Read & sing “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”

Supplementary Bible reading: Romans 13:1-7

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss WCF 27.1

Wednesday (12/5): Read & sing “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

Supplementary Bible reading: Matthew 3:13-15

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss WCF 27.2

Thursday (12/6): Read & sing Psalm 92

Supplementary Bible reading: John 10:22-42

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss WCF 27.3

Friday (12/7): Read & sing “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”

Supplementary Bible reading: Matthew 22:15-22

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss WCF 27.4

Saturday (12/8): Read & discuss Matt. 17:24-27; rev. sermon outline

Supplementary Bible reading: Luke 23:1-5

Catechism & Confession: Read and discuss the Nicene Creed

Note: This guide has been prepared to aid individuals and families in the preparation for weekly worship. Supplementary Bible readings are passages related to the upcoming sermon text. Following the catechism and confession selections will lead a family through the entire Westminster Confession of Faith and Shorter Catechism during the course of the sermon series on Matthew’s Gospel.