April 9, 2017
Preparing for the Lord’s Day Worship
For this week’s Call to Worship we turn to Psalm 24. In many ways this psalm shatters our categories. The ancient Jews thought of God as a Jewish God. They in turn thought that since they were born in the land Israel, they were thereby right with God. But this psalm tells us that God is not a Jewish God. “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” In other words, the LORD is God over the whole world, even the whole cosmos.
However, that the LORD is God over the whole world does not mean that everyone in the world can assume to be in right relationship with him, or presume to call him “Father.” For the psalm asks, “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?” The answer follows. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” Only those whose external holiness (clean hands) matches their internal holiness (pure heart) may call on the LORD as their God and receive a blessing from him.
Interestingly, the tone of the psalm suddenly changes with David crying, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” When David wrote this psalm the Temple in Jerusalem was not yet built. David is thinking of the gates of the ancient city Jerusalem. He is looking forward to the coming of the King of power who will bring the reality of holiness without which we may never see God.
David’s longing was realized when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. According to Jewish liturgy Psalm 24 was being read on Palm Sunday. As the Temple singers were singing “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in” the crowd was welcoming Jesus, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus is the King of glory. He is the one with clean hands and a pure heart, who has ascended to the holy place. From there he reigns with grace and mercy. Therefore, through Jesus we also enter into God’s presence.
Call to Worship
Psalm 24 (reading responsively from TH p. 791)
“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 1:9–11 (p. 1011)
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11 ESV)
Trinity Hymnal #79 “My God, My God, O Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
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
Luke 19:28–40 (p. 878)
The Blessed King
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 #463 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone” during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #465 “Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord”
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.
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 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 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 9: Kelly Rogers
April 16: Liza Beede