March 19, 2017

Preparing for the Lord’s Day Worship

Psalm 69 is quoted more than any other psalms in the New Testament (John 2:17; 15:25; 19:28; Acts 1:20; Romans 11:9; 15:3). The New Testament writers saw in Psalm 69 a vivid description of the Messiah and the the rejection that Christ faced. David’s experience recorded in Ps 69 became the vehicle to describe Christ’s anguish.

It is easy to see David’s anguish: e.g. 69:1 “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.” And 69:4 “More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?” Why was David so opposed? David answers in v.9. “For zeal for your house has consumed me”.

1 Chronicles 28–29 lie behind Psalm 69. David longed to build the Lord a temple. However, that honor would belong to David’s son, Solomon. However, David committed significant resources and enormous amount of money in preparation. And it appears David faced heavy criticism for his act of devotion. To those that did not love the Lord, it was all a senseless waste worthy of scorn: “and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” David was accused of stealing the fund: “What I did not steal must I now restore?” David paid back what he did not steal to appease his critics. But David’s humility occasioned more criticism:“When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.”

David’s devotion to God, so unnecessary and offensive in the eyes of those that do not love God, was once again seen in Jesus. They did not understand why Jesus drove out the money-changers from the temple. They took offense at Jesus because they were offended by Jesus’ devotion to God. But the disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:17)

Being devoted to God will invite ridicule and criticism from those that “reproach God.” The world can only praise what it knows and approves. It does not know or love God, and cannot approve any devotion to God. But you and I know better. It is good to praise God and, because of it, be criticized. Indeed, we are blessed if our love for God is beyond the world’s understanding.

Call to Worship

Psalm 69:1–18 (reading responsively from TH p. 809)

“The Lord Will Provide” (bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal 731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Hebrews 13:16 (p. 1009)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16)

"Thy Will Be Done" (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

Exodus 20:1–2 (p. 61)

The Obedience of Faith

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 #387 “Now May He Who from the Dead”

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 17 (Friday 7PM): The Session will meet.

March 19 (Lord’s Day): The Children’s Bible lesson (First Catechism Qs. 18–19). Adult Shorter Catechism lessons will resume on May 7.

March 19 (Lord’s 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 April 2, 23, 30.

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 19: Liza Beede

March 26: Michelle Kay