April 23, 2017

Preparing for the Lord’s Day Worship

Psalm 72 opens with the words “Of Solomon.” When Solomon succeeded David as king, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” Solomon did not ask for riches or power, but instead asked “Give your servant…an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:5, 9). Solomon at his best was a great king who desired wisdom more than all things in order that he may rule his people well. Psalm 72 is a poetic expression of that praiseworthy desire. “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!…May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!” (72:1–4)

Psalm 72, however, casts a greater vision than Solomon’s reign in Israel. For under the reign of the righteous king, nothing short of a cosmic renewal is envisioned. “Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!” No longer will the ground yield thorns and thistles for man’s labor, but rich harvest for the people. “May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!” The king will have a universal reign beyond the borders of Israel. “May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!” The king will be loved by people from every nation.

We can thus sense the forward thrust of this psalm. Solomon’s intentions were praiseworthy. However, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Solomon may not have ended up in hell, but we know that his good intentions did not last. His reign also, while extraordinary compared to Israel’s kings who came before and after him, also was not a cosmic reign. The nations did not bless him or love him.

Psalm 72 points us to Jesus, the true son of David, whose reign renews the cosmos. Jesus “comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” Jesus defends “the cause of the poor of the people” and gives “deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!” As we meditate on Psalm 72, let us look to Jesus with confidence. For Jesus is the glorious king of Psalm 72, and the joy of all nations. He is our glorious king, and the joy of our hearts.

Call to Worship

Psalm 72:1–19 (reading responsively from TH p. 810)

“Psalm 103” (Bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal 731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

James 1:13–16 (p. 1011)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3–5 ESV)

“Thy Will Be Done” (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 (Part 2)

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 306 “Jesus, My Great High Priest” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #355 “We Are God’s People”

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 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 23: Michelle Kay

April 30: Yoori Han