November 24, 2019
Worship
Before We Worship
Psalm 84 is a song of an exile longing for his true home, the house of the Lord. The psalmist is on a pilgrimage to the house of the Lord, and longs to be like the sparrow and the swallow who have found a home in God’s house.
These words do more than strike us as sentimental once we understand who the “Sons of Korah” are. Korah was one of the priests who incited a rebellion against Moses in Numbers 16. Korah refused to acknowledge Moses as the leader of God’s people, and sought to transfer the leadership from Moses to one more deserving, well, himself! The LORD, however, was on Moses’ side, and warned, “Say to the congregation, Get away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” Moses also warned, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men…lest you be swept away with al their sins.” Some heeded the warning while others ignored. And those who remained in “the tents of these wicked men” perished when “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up” (Num 16:32).
But the LORD spared some of Korah’s sons, and they were entrusted with various ministries in the Temple. Ps 84, thus, marvels at God’s grace. Korah perished in his tent of wickedness (Num 16:32). But for Korah’s sons “a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Korah was not content with the honor of priesthood and rebelled. But Korah’s sons know God’s mercy that spared them. So they see the glory of being “a doorkeeper in the house of my God.” There is no menial task when done in the service of the great Lord.
Derek Kidner writes, "often it is the exile who appreciates home, while the stay-at-homes find fault with it.” We might add that it is those who understand the destructive ugliness of sin that appreciate the beauty of grace. Thus the sons of Korah were resolute in their pilgrimage, driven both by the longing for home, and remembrance of God’s mercy.
So it is. Grace is often hidden in the shadow of darkness. Our lives as exiles in this world, our remembrance of sin, are indeed sources of grief for us. And yet in God’s hands they work to nurture hope in our hearts. “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!”
Call to Worship
‡ Psalm 84 (p. 493)
‡ Bulletin Insert #14 “Hallelujah Praise Jehovah”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Matthew 6:5–15 (p. 811)
The Shorter Catechism Qs. 103–104
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Trinity Hymnal #520 “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
1 Peter 2:4–10 (p. 1014)
How Is This a Sacrifice?
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 TH #647 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” stanzas 1–3, and stanzas 4–6 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #585 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
Due to technical issues, the November 17 sermon was not recorded. The November 3, 2019 sermon, 1 Peter 1:17–21. "Fear, Faith, and Hope" is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.
Upcoming Events and Notices
Join us for “12 for 19” as we read 12 great books in the year 2019. In November we will read Jonty Rhodes, “Covenants Made Simple: Understanding God’s Unfolding Promises to His People”.
We are collecting new or gently used toys (infant–12 years) in partnership with Hope Clinic for Women (formerly Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center). Please help us support their work. You can bring toys to donate on November 24 and December 1. Please direct any questions you may have to Janny Ligtenberg.
November 24 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we continue our studies of the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation after the service. Lunch will be provided.
November 24 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we conclude our studies of the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation after the service. Lunch will be provided.
December 15 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord with food, music, and fellowship. More information will be forthcoming. Please note that there will be no fellowship lunch on December 8.
Nursery Volunteers
November 24: Yoori Han
December 1: Kelly Rogers