February 23, 2020
Before We Worship
This coming Lord’s Day we will witness the covenant baptism of Christopher Eddie and Evelyn Oak'Ja Jones. It behooves us to consider some aspects of the administration of this sacrament.
We are the body of Christ. Thus what happens to one member of the church affects us all. And this is especially so with respect to the sacrament of baptism. For this Lord’s Day the covenant sign of baptism not only brings the Jones children under its instruction, but it brings us all under its instruction.
The Westminster Larger Catechism Q. 167 asks, “How is our Baptism to be improved by us?” How, indeed, can man improve anything that God has instituted? The very notion that we should find fault with anything that God has done, and then dare to change it, is very strange. However, in the 17th century “improve upon” did not mean make something better. It meant, rather, “to benefit from.” And that is an entirely appropriate and important question: “How is our Baptism to benefit us?”
The answer to Larger Catechism Q. 167 states, “The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body.”
Yes, it is a mouthful! But we would do well to read it over and slowly, and prayerfully prepare ourselves to worship and to witness the covenant baptism of Christopher and Evelyn. God instituted this sacrament for precisely this reason, that it would draw out of our hearts faith and repentance as long as we live, that it might spur us on to a life of worship and service.
Remember your baptism, Christians! And come and worship with a humbled and joyful hearts!
Order of Worship
Call to Worship
‡ Isaiah 66:1–2 (p. 625)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #38 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Matthew 5:33–37 (p. 810)
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15–17 ESV)
Trinity Hymnal #149 “Teach Me, O Lord, Your Way of Truth”
Confession of Faith — The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Covenant Baptism of Christopher Eddie and Evelyn Oak'Ja Jones
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
1 Peter 3:7 (p. 1015)
The Gospel Comes Home (Part 3)
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 #648 “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The February 16, 2020 sermon, 1 Peter 3:3–6. "The Gospel Comes Home (Part 2)" 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 20” as we read 12 great books in the year 2020. In February we are reading “God's Grace in Your Suffering” by David Powlison.
February 23 (Lord's Day): Children’s Catechism lesson will meet after the worship service.
February 23 (Lord's Day): Join us as we discuss David Powlison’s book “God’s Grace in Your Suffering” after the worship service.
February 23 (Lord's Day): The Session will meet after the worship service.
Nursery Volunteers
February 22: Kelly Rogers
March 1: Michelle Kay