September 1, 2019
Before We Worship
The heart is beyond understanding. Sometimes it makes people complain because God is too regular and unfailing in his faithfulness. So Israel complained of manna from heaven: “we loathe this worthless food.” (Num 21:5). Sometimes it is full of praise inside the prison nursing bruised bodies: “…Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them…” (Acts 16:25)
Sometimes we are convinced there can be no joy in our heart, that is, not until something dramatically changes about our life. That seems to have been what Israel was thinking in Numbers 21. But it was not what Paul and Silas were thinking in Acts 16. Why? Because they knew Jesus was with them. The presence of Jesus, and his promises, changed everything for Paul and Silas. The jail became a sanctuary. Their bodies were imprisoned, but their hearts were set free.
This is not to say we need to pretend that everything in life is just excellent, or to ignore that sometimes we stand precariously on life's sharp edges. But it does mean that even when life is hard, we have a Savior who has promised to carry our burdens. If he is with us, then not even chains and dungeons can change that we are his beloved, and he is ours. Would you bring all your cares to Jesus? Won't you exchange your sorrows with joy?
Call to Worship
‡ Psalm 100:1-5 (p. 500)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #87 “The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Exodus 20:15 (p. 61)
The Shorter Catechism Qs. 73–75
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Trinity Hymnal #306 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
Revelation 4:8 (p. 1030)
The Holy God
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 #37 “All That I Am I Owe to Thee”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The August 25, 2019 sermon, 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. “God’s Wisdom” 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 September we are reading Winston Smith’s “Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments”
Please note that the catechism lessons will resume in the fall.
September 8 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship meal.
September 14 (Saturday 10:30 AM): All men are invited to men’s brunch. Please join us for a time of encouragement and fellowship. Location and details forthcoming.
Nursery Volunteers
September 1: Kelly Rogers
September 8: TBA