April 2, 2017

Preparing for the Lord’s Day Worship

Psalm 70 is almost identical to Ps 40:13–17. This shows David had a consistent way to respond to the trials of his life, and his pattern is worthy of our emulation.

First, in verses 1–3 David makes an urgent plea for God to rescue him. He prays for shame and confusion to come upon those who sought to bring him dishonor and hurt. Trials can have one of two results. They can either drive us away from God, as we either accuse God of wrong doing or act stubbornly to work out the problem in our own strength. A better response would be to draw closer to God in prayer and ask for his help. David’s trials were not wasted on him because he prayed to God.

Second, in verses 4–5 David prays, not for changed circumstances only (as he did in verses 1–3), but that he may “rejoice and be glad” in his current circumstances. To “love your salvation” means both desiring God’s deliverance from our pressing circumstances, as well as desiring his deliverance of our downcast spirit. If our joy is inseparably bound to pleasant circumstances, we could never say “God is great!” when trouble is near. But David teaches us that praising God with gladness amidst trouble is actually the soul coming into a mature faith.

Indeed, David’s self-characterization as “poor and needy” takes him past merely seeing himself as a victim of his circumstances and enemies. Instead, David sees himself in need or an urgent change.

It is not easy to rejoice and be glad in God amidst trials. We have convinced ourselves that such things are impossible as long as the circumstances remain the same. Let God change my reality first, and then I will praise him! But we are encouraged rather to understand that God is worthy of praise in every circumstance, and that our soul’s happiness is not rooted in the changing realities of life, but in the fact that we know him, and he knows us.

How will you, then, worship God this Lord’s Day? Know that we need deliverance every day, and worship is the means by which he delivers our hearts from despair into joy.

Call to Worship

Psalm 70 (reading responsively from TH p. 810)

“My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” (bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal 731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

James 1:2–4 (p. 1011)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4 ESV)

“Thou Lovely Source of True Delight” (Bulletin p. 10)

Confession of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

Exodus 20:4–6 (p. 61)

The Second Commandment: Free to Worship

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 #647 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” stanzas 1-3, and stanzas 4-6 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #562 “All to Jesus I Surrender”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Christian Education

Dr. J.V. Fesko, professor of Westminster Seminary California, has written a helpful article about the importance of catechesis and Why Pastors Should Catechize Their Congregations. It is a great little resource.

Pastor Ken reviewed the the threefold use of the Law during the Exodus 20:1–2 sermon. There is a brief article on The Threefold Use of the Law at Ligonier that is very helpful for your review.

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.

April 2 (Lord’s Day): The Children’s Bible lesson (First Catechism Qs. 20–21). Adult Shorter Catechism lessons will resume on May 7.

April 2 (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 23 and 30.

April 9 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship potluck lunch.

April 14 (Friday 7 PM): Please join us for Good Friday meditations.

Nursery Volunteers

April 2: Yoori Han

April 9: Kelly Rogers