September 17, 2017

Before We Worship

What makes an ideal king? Does it take a large army? Great luxuries of his court? A large harem? These are all the things that godless pagan kings crave after.

In Psalm 101 we read David’s vision for the ideal king. “I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.” According to David (which is according to the Holy Spirit) the kingship is not for the increase of his own glory or pleasure, but for the increase of God’s glory and righteousness. “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”

Indeed, David’s vision for the king in Psalm 101 echo the words he will speak to his son Solomon. “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses…" (1 Kings 2:2–3). Unfortunately, Solomon would fail to live up to these holy words. In fact, David himself often failed to live up to this ideal. Psalm 101, therefore, reminds makes us wonder just who will live up to this vision of the ideal king.

That king is Jesus. For it is in Jesus the ideals of the kingship are fully fulfilled. “A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.” Jesus was pure in all his thoughts and ways. “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.” Can we be surprised? Jesus loved his neighbor as himself. Furthermore, he was most humble. As we continue to read Psalm 101, we read the words that describe our King, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 101 teaches us what kind of a King Jesus is. It therefore also teaches us about his kingdom, and his kingdom subject. As our king sings of “steadfast love and justice,” so will we. As our king hates those who practice deceit, so we purify our hearts and lips so that no lies will cling to us. In short, we long to be a people worthy of such a king.

Let us, then, purify ourselves as we approach worship. For those who delight in Christ must also rejoice in his kingship.

Call to Worship

Psalm 101 (reading responsively from TH p. 821)

Trinity Hymnal #441 “Jesus Shall Reign”

Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

James 5:16–18 (p. 1013)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 ESV)

Trinity Hymnal #507 “Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat”

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 14:25–33 (p. 874)

The Cost of Discipleship

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 #546 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #707 “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The September 10, 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.

September 17 (Lord’s Day): The Children’s Bible First Catechism lessons will meet (Qs. 53–56). The adult catechism class will resume following the conclusion of the “A Survey of Church History: 100–600” study series.

September 17 (Lord’s Day): 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, Nov. 5, and Nov. 19.

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)

September 17: Yoori Han

September 24: Kelly Rogers