April 8, 2018
Before We Worship
Psalm 124 begins with the title “A Song of Ascents. Of David.” Indeed, the descriptions of the dangers described in this psalm fit well David’s life on the run, the many wars he fought before and after his enthronement, and the many court intrigues he faced. David faced many foes, both on and away from the battlefields. Yet the Lord delivered him from all his foes: “if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us…then they would have swallowed us up alive”.
David spent much time in the wilderness, mountains, and valleys. He faced the unpredictable dangers of flash flood: “the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters.”
David also had to contend with wild animals, but the LORD delivered him here also: “Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!”
Some commentators take these descriptions of “flood” and “teeth” as David’s metaphors for the various dangers he faced. They may be. But if they are metaphors, then surely David knows they are the appropriate ones to describe his situations, and of the LORD’s help, because he has experienced the dangers of actual floods and wild animals, where he experienced the LORD’s help. Of course, metaphors are only useful to the extent they mirror reality. David experienced many challenges in life. They were all unpredictable, never coming when he could expect or anticipate them. But David knows that the LORD who delivered David from the unpredictable dangers of foes, floods, and wild animals will surely deliver him. In fact, while the troubles David faced were unpredictable, the LORD’s help was certain, and even, predictable and anticipated.
Such is the life of faith. We may not wander in the wilderness in the manner of David. We may not have to hurriedly reach for the higher grounds to escape the torrents of water in the wilderness, or stare down the sharp teeth of wild animals. But our trials and challenges are just as unpredictable. Yet amidst the seeming chaos and randomness of life, we have a sure hope. And we confess, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
Call to Worship
‡ Psalm 124 (Trinity Hymnal p. 831)
‡ 14 “Hallelujah Praise Jehovah”Name”
Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
1 Timothy 6:1–2 (p. 993)
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:12–13 ESV)
1 “Before the Throne of God Above”
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) — Lord’s Day 14
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
Galatians 5:16–21 (p. 975)
The Christian’s Inward Being
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 #534 “O for a Closer Walk with God”, and Trinity Hymnal #480 “Come, for the Feast Is Spread” during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #387 “Now May He Who from the Dead”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The April 1, 2018 sermon is posted to our church website here. You can subscribe to sermon podcast here.
The Shorter Catechism lesson of the week is posted here: Q. 35.
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.
Join us for “12 for 18” as we read 12 great books in the year 2018. For April we are reading “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. And for May, “Martin Luther: A Spiritual Biography” by Herman Selderhuis. Please let Janny Ligtenberg know if you would like to order a copy of the book.
April 8 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship lunch.
April 15 (Lord’s Day): The children’s catechism lesson (Qs. 86–87) and the Shorter Catechism lesson (Q. 36) will meet after the worship service.
April 22: Please join us as we discuss the March “12 for 18” book, Tish Harrison Warren’s “Liturgy of the Ordinary” after the worship service.
April 29: Please join us as we discuss the April “12 for 18” book, C. S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity” after the worship service.
Nursery Volunteers
(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)
April 8: Kelly Rogers
April 15: Liza Beede