November 25, 2018

Before We Worship

Our reflection this week focuses on the Apostles’ Creed’s “I believe in Jesus Christ…The third day he rose again from the dead.” What is the gospel of Jesus Christ? Many people will say that the good news is that Jesus died for us. That is certainly true. Jesus died to pay the debt of our sin. In his death all our debt is cancelled. However, the death of Jesus Christ is only half of the gospel. The second half, his resurrection from the dead, makes the whole gospel. In other words, the good news is both that Jesus died and he rose.

This week’s two call to worship passages are integrally related. In Acts 2:29–32 the Apostle Peter quotes from Psalm 16:8–11. In Psalm 16 King David spoke as a prophet, Peter tells us, concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Psalm 16 David said that God would not “let your holy one see corruption.” And, indeed, Peter proclaims “nor did his flesh see corruption.” These two passages relate as promise and fulfillment. Jesus had to die to pay for our sins, all capital offenses. But death has no hold on a righteous man. God raised Jesus from the dead and declared publicly that death has no power over his holy and righteous Messiah.

So, then, it is both by Jesus’ death and resurrection that we are saved. In death he is overcome by God’s judgment. In resurrection he overcomes sin and death. And, just as Jesus died for us, he rose for us. For Jesus’ resurrection makes us also a people of resurrection. As long as sin and death reign over us, we will live for ourselves, only to find out too late that that was a sure way to eternal destruction. But if the resurrected Lord reigns over us, then we will begin to live for God, and will at last enter into glory.

In addition, we find great help for daily struggles in Christ’s resurrection. If our thoughts are only fixed on Jesus’ death, then every remembrance of our own sins will remind us how we daily fail Jesus. That is, of course, true enough. But we cannot live our lives only grieving. God does not intend us to do that. So we fix our thoughts also on Jesus’ resurrection. And so we are reminded. Struggle against sin is hard, and we often stumble. But Jesus overcame sin and death. We will also overcome. Jesus entered into rest and glory through much hardship. So we will also. Although life at present is full of grief, it will not always be so. One day our mourning will be over. We are in Jesus, and will one day be where Jesus is.

So, then, let us think often of Jesus’ glorious resurrection from the dead. It is our hope for tomorrow and strength for today.

Call to Worship

‡ Psalm 16:8–11 & Acts 2:29–32 (p. 454 & p. 910)

‡ Trinity Hymnal #274 “Thine Be the Glory”

‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Matthew 6:5–13 (p. 811)

The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) — Lord’s Day 46

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” (Psalm 86:5 ESV)

9 “Thy Will Be Done”

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

Luke 17:20–21 (p. 876)

The Beginnings of God’s Kingdom

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 #647 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” stanzas 1–3, and stanzas 4–6 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #520 “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The November 18, 2018 sermon, Luke 17:11–19. “Saved to Give Thanks” 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: Qs. 49–52.

Upcoming Events and Notices

Please note that the Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday. Don't forget to fall back 1 hour!"

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. December we will read Sinclair Ferguson’s “Child in the Manger.”

November 25 (Lord’s Day): The children’s catechism lesson (Qs. 137–140), and the Shorter Catechism lessons (Qs. 49–52) will follow after the worship service.

November 25 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we discuss Jared Wilson’s “The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together”.

Nursery Volunteers

(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)

November 25: Kelly Rogers

December 2: Liza Beede