July 9, 2017

Before We Worship

There are strong ties between Psalm 90, A Prayer of Moses, and Psalm 91. Psalm 90 begins with “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 91 begins with “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Dwelling in God is the common theme of the two psalms, and it behooves us to dwell on them for a while.

In Psalm 90 Moses expresses his longing to make the Lord his dwelling place. Moses spent the last 80 years of his life in the wilderness, first as a fugitive from Egypt, the only home he had ever known, and then leading Israel through the wilderness longing for a new home. Moses could not count on his life to give him permanency or stability. Instead, he found them in the Lord. For when the Lord is his dwelling place, then he has a “permanent address” even while he is a sojourner all the days of his life.

In Psalm 91 (perhaps also written by Moses) we see the benefits of dwelling in the Lord. First, he who dwells in the Lord can count on protection (vss. 3–10). “Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” Second, he who dwells in the Lord can count on timely help and enabling from the Lord (vss. 11–13). “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.” Finally, the psalm ends with the Lord’s promise. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”

These are wonderful promises. But we must take caution. For Satan used the words of this psalm to tempt Jesus (Mt 4:5–7). Jesus’ answer indicates that God’s promises can be twisted to serve sinful desires. We also remember how Jesus called to God on the cross, but God did not answer. Instead, God abandoned Jesus in his trouble and did not rescue or honor him.

All of God’s promises are true. But they are not always fulfilled to our convenience. We may thus be tempted to seek another dwelling place and search for comfort and peace elsewhere than in God. But, remember. Every rough step that leads us home is a blessed step.

Call to Worship

Psalm 91 (reading responsively from TH p. 817)

“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” (Bulletin p. 4)

Trinity Hymnal 731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

James 4:5–7 (p. 1012)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11–12)

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” (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

Luke 13:1–5 (p. 872)

Unless You Repent

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 #708 “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #692 “To You, O Lord, I Fly”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The July 2, 2017 sermon is posted to our church website here. You can also subscribe to sermon podcast here.

The Shorter Catechism lesson of the week is posted here: Qs. 14–15..

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.

July 9: Please join us at the home of Mark and Liza Beede for our monthly potluck fellowship lunch after the worship service. Please bring lawn chairs to sit on if you have any.

July 16: Shorter Catechism (Qs. 16–17) lesson will meet after the worship service. The Children’s Bible First Catechism lessons will resume on August 20.

Nursery Volunteers

(Nursery meets in the Conference Room) July 9: Liza Beede

July 16: Michelle Kay