April 16, 2017

Preparing for the Lord’s Day Worship

As we look forward to celebrating our Lord’s resurrection this Easter Sunday, we focus our meditations on two passages: Luke 24:1–12 and Romans 6:1–11.

In Luke 24:1–12 we have a report of the Lord’s resurrection. Jesus was crucified and buried. Then, three days later, “on the first day of the week” some women came to tend to Jesus’ body. They came with a sharp grief breaking their hearts, for they neither understood what Jesus said about his resurrection, nor believed what he said. But on that day everything changed for the women, and, indeed, for us. The resurrection of the Lord was such a pivotal event for God’s people, that ever since then all believers have met “on the first day of the week” (the day after Jewish Sabbath, that is, our Sunday) to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Thus we remember every Sunday is truly the Lord’s Day, the day in which we gather to remember Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

In Romans 6:1–11 Paul unpacks some of the implications of Jesus’ resurrection. Paul draws out the significance of the believer’s union with Christ, and writes, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” To believe in Jesus means to be so united with Jesus that we died with him when he died on the cross, and we rose with him to live a new life when Jesus rose from the dead (see also Galatians 2:20). Just as Jesus’ resurrection marks a definitive separation from everything that has to do with sin and death, so our resurrection with, and in, Christ puts us forever at odds with everything that has to do with sin and death. Just as Christ rose to a new resurrected life, we rose with Christ to live a new life to glorify God.

In other words, Jesus’ resurrection gives us a new birth, and is therefore the most definitive and defining aspect of our being. So, then, we ask. Who am I? What do I celebrate? What informs my life’s direction and passion? It is the resurrection of our Lord. He rose from the dead, and it changes everything.

Call to Worship

Luke 24:1–12 (p. 884)

“Hallelujah Praise Jehovah” (Bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal 731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Romans 6:1–11 (p. 942)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 ESV)

Trinity Hymnal #308 “Jesus Paid It All”

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

Romans 4:25 (p. 942)

Christ Rose for Us

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 #247 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,” and Trinity Hymnal #345 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #277 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Christian Education

J. I. Packer, the noted theologian, author, and minister, writes on One of the Most Urgent Needs in the Church Today.

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. You can also subscribe to sermon podcast here.

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 14 (Friday 7 PM): Please join us for Good Friday meditations at the Ligtenberg home.

April 23: The Children’s Bible lesson (First Catechism Qs. 25–26). Adult Shorter Catechism lessons will resume on May 7.

April 23: 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 30.

Nursery Volunteers

April 16: Liza Beede

April 23: Michelle Kay