November 5, 2017

Before We Worship

The opening words of Psalm 111, “Praise the LORD!”, translates the well-known Hebrew command, “Hallelujah!” And the rest of Ps 111 is the answer to the command. Indeed, we learn a great deal about how to praise God from his psalm.

First, praise goes up to God in thanksgiving. “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart”. The psalmist goes on to list the various things for which he gives thanks. God’s works are great (v.2) and full of splendor and majesty (v.3). He provides food for those who fear him (v.5) and sent redemption to his people (v.9). These are, of course, a small sample of the things for which the psalmist gives thanks in Ps 111. Nevertheless, the point is clear. Our thanksgiving often stops with what God has done for us or for those close to us. The psalm’s thanksgiving is much broader in scope as God deserves thanks for all his works. In other words, thanksgiving isn’t just about how we have benefitted from what God has done. It is also about the very reality of God’s works bearing the testimony to his character. All his works display his righteousness (v.3), grace and mercy (v.4), faithfulness and justice (v.7), trustworthiness (v.7), and etc. We praise God in thanks for all that God has done.

Second, praise goes up to God “in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” In other words, we engage in corporate and public worship of God. For some this is an obvious point. For others, however, it may be a point of irritation. They may ask, “Isn’t it enough that I praise God in private? Why must I gather with other worshipers of God?” The simple answer is that God has ordained it so, and it is the litmus test of our own wisdom whether we agree with him or not. Ps 111 ends with “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” That is, we are wise when we do as the LORD commands. On the other hand, we are foolish if we think ourselves wiser than God.

Are you wise or are you a fool? How we participate in corporate and public worship of God is the answer to this important question. If we gather with the saints to gladly give thanks to God, then we are truly wise. Otherwise, he who is Wisdom himself says we are working against him. What will it be, then? Would you be wise? Come and give thanks to the LORD.

Call to Worship

Psalm 111 (reading responsively from TH p. 826)

14 “Hallelujah Praise Jehovah” (bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (p. 988)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”(Psalms 103:10 ESV)

Trinity Hymnal #654 “O Jesus, I Have Promised”

Confession of Faith — The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who, for us and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

Galatians 2:15–16 (p. 973)

Justification through Faith in Jesus Christ

Rev. Ken Han

The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper

We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.

The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.

The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.

During the distribution of the bread we will sing “Behold the Lamb” (bulletin p. 10) stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #520 “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The October 29, 2017 sermon is posted to our church website here. You can also subscribe to sermon podcast here.

The Shorter Catechism lesson of the week is posted here: Q. 26..

We have some new resources for you at the information table, including several new CCEF mini books, as well as other edifying books. Be sure to check them out!

Upcoming Events and Notices

Every Lord’s Day 10:15 AM: Please join us for Hymnsing, a time of preparing our hearts for worship in praise, and for learning new hymns for worship.

November 5: Please note that the Daylight Saving Time ends. We fall back one hour!

November 5: The Children’s Bible First Catechism lessons will meet (Qs. 64–65). The adult catechism class will resume following the conclusion of the “A Survey of Church History: 100–600” study series.

November 5 (Ligtenberg Home): We conclude our Sunday study series, “A Survey of Church History: 100–600.” Each study will consist in watching a short video lesson taught by W. Robert Godfrey, with a discussion to follow.

Nursery Volunteers

(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)

November 5: Yoori Han

November 12: Kelly Rogers