August 27, 2017

Before We Worship

English poetry often utilizes rhymes and meters. Thus the repetition of sounds and the cadence of words play important roles. Hebrew poetry (i.e. Psalms), on the other hand, do not utilize rhymes and meters. Instead, one of the most prominent features of the Hebrew poetry is parallelism, where the same idea is expressed in the adjoining lines using different words. These parallel lines together convey one message and complement an idea that cannot be expressed within a single line. For example, Psalm 98:2 states, “The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.” Here “has made known” is paralleled in the next line as “revealed.” Likewise,“his salvation” is paralleled in the next line as “his righteousness.” For the psalmist God’s “salvation” and his “righteousness” are overlapping concepts that explain one another.

Indeed, the Bible closely correlates salvation with righteousness. The reason is obvious. We need salvation because we have failed the standards of God’s righteousness. Thus for salvation to be real, God’s righteousness must be satisfied. But who does the satisfying? Who meets the conditions of salvation and supply the righteousness that is lacking? Many say that man contributes righteousness towards his salvation through his works. But notice who receives the praise. “Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” Psalm 98 gives glory to God for meeting the condition of our salvation. God supplied the righteousness that saves us. God has done this ultimately in Jesus. Thus the New Testament teaches us that we are “Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before his throne.”

What should be our response to this? First, we give entire glory for our salvation to God. God took the first and the last steps of our salvation, and every step in between. Our salvation owes nothing to man, but everything to God. Second, we “sing to the LORD a new song.” We are tempted to favor the old and familiar songs. But God commands us to find new ways to express what he has done. There is nothing inherently great about a song just because it is new. A new song may be just as bad as bad old songs. The point is that we cannot fully ascribe to God the glory he deserves with a few old songs, and that the generations of the past have not utterly exhausted stating and rejoicing in the glorious things God has done. So every generation happily takes up that task to give to God the glory he deserves anew, and sing new songs.

Call to Worship

Psalm 98 (reading responsively from TH p. 820)

“4 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 5:10–11 (p. 1013)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:17–18 ESV)

“Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted” (Bulletin p. 4)

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 14:7–11 (p. 873)

Humility is the Way

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 #635 “How Good It Is to Thank the Lord” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #521 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The August 20, 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: Q. 20..

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.

August 27: Shorter Catechism (Qs. 23–24) lesson will meet after the worship service. The Children’s Bible First Catechism lessons will resume (Qs. 49–50).

September 17 (Lord’s Day, 1:30 PM): We are beginning a new Sunday study, “A Survey of Church History: 100–600.” Each study will consist in watching a short video lesson taught by W. Robert Godfrey, with a discussion to follow. If you would like to host a meeting (need TV and DVD player), please let pastor Ken know. We will meet for a light potluck lunch before the study. Also: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5.

October 29 (Lord’s Day dinner): This year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation. Join us as we celebrate with a lesson, food, and fellowship. Please let pastor Ken know if you can host.

Nursery Volunteers

(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)

August 27: Kelly & Rebecca Rogers

September 3: Liza Beede