March 5, 2017
Preparing for the Lord's Day Worship
"Bless me, bless me!" Who hasn't prayed this once or twice? It is a familiar prayer. But why do we ask for a blessing? What would we do if we were indeed blessed?
Ps 67 is a model prayer for us. The psalmist asks for a blessing (v.1). But he is not asking for himself. He is seeking a blessing so that God may be known and praised by the peoples (vv.2,3). But why? Simply, he understands that worship is not really worship unless we are gripped by God's worth and long for others to worship him as well. The whole notion that religion is a private matter between God and the worshipper is a false one. True worship has at its root a deep desire for the nations to join in worship. "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy…"
God ultimately answered this psalmist's prayer in Jesus Christ, the promised seed of Abraham, who brought the salvation of the Lord to the ends of the earth. Psalm 67 therefore propels us forward to Jesus, and teaches us that there is no greater blessing than possessing Jesus. However, Psalm 67 also teaches us that if we indeed possess Jesus as our treasure, then we will naturally want him to be known throughout the world, both near and far, “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” Indeed, to know Jesus is to want to make him known. For our worship of Jesus will never be complete until our worship of the Lord is shared by people from the ends of the earth.
By all means, then, let us indeed seek the Lord's blessing. But not that we might spend it on our pleasure. But that through answered prayers many will turn to the Lord and worship him. And if we pray according to God's will, we know he hears us. No surprise, then, the psalmist concludes "The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!" If we pray according to God’s will, he will answer.
Call to Worship
Psalm 67 (reading responsively from TH p. 808)
“Thou Lovely Source of True Delight” (bulletin p. 4)
Trinity Hymnal 731 "Doxology"
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Hebrews 13:9 (p. 1009)
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
"Greater Than Our Hearts" (Bulletin p. 10)
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
Jonah 4:1–4 (p. 775)
The God Who Is Worthy of Praise
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 Trinity Hymnal #507 "Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat" stanzas 1-3, and stanzas 4-6 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #521 "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Book Notice
Have you ever struggled with sanctification? Actually, a better and more realistic question would be, "Who hasn't struggled with sanctification?" We all know how hard it is to grow in holiness. We all need help! A new book by Sinclair Ferguson, Devoted to God: Blueprints of Sanctification is just that help that we all need. We encourage you to read Pastor Ken's comments here.
Family Devotion for the Week
Sunday sermons are posted online here. We encourage you to make use of it.
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.
March 5 (Lord’ Day): The Children’s Bible lesson (First Catechism Qs. 16–17). Adult Shorter Catechism lessons will resume on May 7.
March 5 (Lord’ Day): Membership class will meet after the worship service. Please join us if you are interested in becoming a member, or interested in learning biblical ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church). Everyone is welcome! Also March 19, April 2, 23, 30.
March 10 (Friday 7PM): The Session will meet.
March 12 (Lord’s Day): Please note that the Daylight Saving Time begins. We spring one hour forward.
March 12 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship potluck lunch.
March 26 (Lord’s Day): Our annual congregational meeting will be held after the worship service. All communicant members are requested to attend.
Nursery Volunteers
March 5: Yoori Han
March 12: Kelly Rogers