October 14, 2018
Before We Worship
We continue to prepare for worship by reflecting on the articles of faith as expressed in the Apostles’ Creed. The first article confesses what we believe about God the Father, that he is “Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” The Apostles’ Creed then quickly moves on to God the Son, and the second article states, “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord”. This very quick movement to God the Son should not surprise us. Nor should it cause us to think the Apostles’ Creed is somehow neglecting or dishonoring the Father. As Hebrews 1:2–3 says, “in these last days he (the Father) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” In other words, when we behold the Son, we behold the Father through him. When we hear from the Son, we hear from the Father. Thus all that we learn about the Son is truly and really a revelation of the Father.
Now notice a few things about the Son in Hebrews 1:1–4. The Son is on the one hand identical with the Father, so that to see him is to see the Father. The Son, however, is at the same time distinct from the Father. The Son, “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”. One can only sit beside another person. For example, it makes no sense to say that I sit beside myself. Only two distinct individuals may sit beside another. So in this brief four verses, we have both the unity and diversity of God. The Son is so identified with the Father as to be his very own presence with his people. The Son is also a unique and distinct person.
But why is this reflection important? How is this relevant to our worship? This is important for the simple reason that a genuine Christian worship is a Trinitarian worship. Indeed, we do not worship God rightly except through Jesus Christ his son. Our worship therefore seeks to exalt the Father, in the proclamation of Jesus Christ who was crucified, died, and rose from the dead, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Father calls us to worship. We draw near the Father in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit presents our worship to God, speaks to us in his Word, works faith and love in our hearts, and nourishes us through the sacrament. Then we are dismissed in the name of the Triune God as the benediction (the words of blessing) is announced to us.
So think about the Trinity as you come to worship. Let us acknowledge and exalt Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and our Lord. That is what the Father is calling us to do. And that is what the Spirit will enable us to do.
Call to Worship
‡ Hebrews 1:1–4 (p. 1001)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #648 “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Exodus 20:13 (p. 61)
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) — Lord’s Day 40
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25 ESV)
1 “Before the Throne of God Above”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
Luke 16:1–13 (p. 875)
To Serve Only One Master
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 #460 “Amazing Grace” stanzas 1–3, and stanzas 4–6 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #642 “Be Thou My Vision”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The October 7, 2018 sermon, Luke 15:11–32. “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound!” is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.
The Shorter Catechism lesson of the week is posted here: Q. 39.
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.
Join us for “12 for 18” as we read 12 great books in the year 2018. For October we are reading Robert Godfrey’s “Learning to Love the Psalms.” For November we will read Jared Wilson’s “The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together.”
October 14 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for the monthly fellowship potluck meal.
October 21: The children’s catechism lesson (Qs. 122–125), and the Shorter Catechism lessons (Qs. 40–42) will follow after the worship service.
Nursery Volunteers
(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)
October 14: Michelle Kay
October 21: Yoori Han