February 9, 2020

Worship

Before We Worship

"Bless me, bless me!" Who hasn't prayed this once or twice? It is a familiar prayer. But why do we ask for a blessing? What would we do if we were indeed blessed?

Ps 67 is a model prayer for us. The psalmist asks for a blessing (v. 1). But he is not asking for himself. He is seeking a blessing so that God may be known and praised by the peoples (vss. 2, 3). But why? Simply, he understands that worship is not really worship unless we are gripped by God's worth and long for others to worship him as well. The whole notion that religion is a private matter between God and the worshipper is a false one. True worship has at its root a deep desire for the nations to join in worship. "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy…"

God ultimately answered this psalmist's prayer in Jesus Christ, the promised seed of Abraham, who brought the salvation of the Lord to the ends of the earth. Psalm 67 therefore propels us forward to Jesus, and teaches us that there is no greater blessing than possessing Jesus. However, Psalm 67 also teaches us that if we indeed possess Jesus as our treasure, then we will naturally want him to be known throughout the world, both near and far, “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” Indeed, to know Jesus is to want to make him known. For our worship of Jesus will never be complete until our worship of the Lord is shared by people from the ends of the earth.

By all means, then, let us indeed seek the Lord's blessing. But not that we might spend it on our pleasure. But that through answered prayers many will turn to the Lord and worship him. And if we pray according to God's will, we know he hears us. No surprise, then, the psalmist concludes "The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!" If we pray according to God’s will, he will answer.

Call to Worship

‡ Psalm 67 (p. 481)

‡ Bulletin Insert #17 “Thou Lovely Source of True Delight”

‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Matthew 5:27–30 (p. 810)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

Trinity Hymnal #551 “How Blest Is He Whose Trespass”

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.

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

1 Peter 3:1–7 (p. 1015)

The Gospel Comes Home

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 #387 “Now May He Who from the Dead”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Basics of the Christian Life

A wonderful 12-part video / audio lecture series by Sinclair Ferguson is available for free. Please take advantage of this free resource.

Family Devotion for the Week

The February 2, 2020 sermon, 1 Peter 2:21–25. "Jesus Is Everything" 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 8 (Saturday 10:30 AM): All men are invited to Men’s Brunch at the Ligtenberg home. Please come join us for a time of fellowship, food, and prayer.

February 9 (Lord's Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship meal 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.

Nursery Volunteers

February 9: Michelle Kay

February 16: Yoori Han