June 30, 2019
Before We Worship
We read in Luke chapter 2 that Jesus was once left behind in Jerusalem, and that Joseph and Mary found him after three days of searching for him. They found Jesus in the temple, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” So far, this is not all that unusual, for many inquisitive and curious children ask questions about Scripture. It is what follows, however, that causes us to reflect. “And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” Jesus, at the tender age of twelve, already had a profound grasp of God’s Word. Already at this stage his understanding struck the expert temple teachers as very remarkable. And, of course, by the time Jesus begins his public ministry, his understanding of Scripture will have far surpassed all the teachers of Israel, so that everyone hearing him will marvel. This raises an important question. How did Jesus gain such a profound understanding of Scripture?
Psalm 119:94–104 answers that question for us. “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.” The study of Scripture is like and unlike the study of every other subject. They are similar in that no one may expect to grow in understanding Scripture without putting in the hard work, just like every other subject of study. They are, however, unlike, in that Scripture knowledge only deepens as the student gives himself not only to a diligent study, but also to a diligent obedience. Whereas every other subject of study in the world can be mastered at our desk, we can never hope to make progress in true knowledge of Scripture until and unless Scripture masters us. Thus the psalmist continues, “I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word…Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.”
That is, Jesus’ commanding grasp of Scripture was a result of his deep devotion to obey God’s word. The more he obeyed, the more he grew in wisdom. And as his obedience to God’s Word was flawless, he came to possess a flawless understanding of God’s Word. This is how Jesus, even as a tender youth, understood Scripture that impressed the teachers. This, in turn, also sets the direction for our lives.
Do you want to be wise? Do you feel that you are not growing in the knowledge of God’s Word? Do you sense no joy, rather than as the psalmist says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth”? The answer is one and the same. Commit yourself to study God’s word, and commit yourself to obey God’s word. Learn that you might obey, and obey what you have learned. That is how we will grow in knowledge, usefulness, joy, and confidence.
Call to Worship
‡ Psalm 119:97–104 (p. 514)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #168 “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Exodus 20:1–2 (p. 60)
The Shorter Catechism Qs. 43–44
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39 ESV)
1 “Before the Throne of God Above”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
Luke 24:44–53 (p. 885)
Worship the Risen and Ascended Lord
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 #170 “Fairest Lord Jesus” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #388 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The June 23, 2019 sermon, Luke 24:36–43. “Face to Face with the Risen Lord” 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. For June we will read “Honest Evangelism: How to Talk About Jesus Even When It’s Tough” by Rico Tice and Carl Laferton. For July we will read Philip Ryken’s “When Trouble Comes.”
Please note that the catechism lessons will resume in the fall.
June 30 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we discuss the book “Honest Evangelism: How to Talk About Jesus Even When It’s Tough.”
July 14 (Lord’s Day): In lieu of our regularly scheduled potluck lunch, you are all invited to the Han home for lunch and fellowship. Everyone is welcome!
July 28 (Lord’s Day): We look forward to welcoming the MTW missionary to Germany, the Rev. David Stoddard. He will preach for us, and following a potluck fellowship lunch after the service, will give us a report of his work in Germany. Please join us and help us welcome him.
Nursery Volunteers
June 30: Yoori Han
July 7: Kelly Rogers