October 15, 2023
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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We begin this week's worship by reflecting on Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11). Outwardly speaking, one may never have guessed how precious this church was to Jesus. The church in Smyrna was persecuted and poor. It was slandered. It was a church that faced much suffering. Some of her members would soon die. The church in Smyrna had nothing (outwardly speaking) going for it to indicate that God was present and that Jesus deeply loved her.
Yet Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna is unique in that Jesus finds no fault with her, unlike, for example, the way that Jesus did with the church in Ephesus. Instead, Jesus comforts and encourages. "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." In the book of Revelation the span and passage of time are both symbolic and comparative. The ten days of tribulation compare against the thousand years of Jesus' reign and the eternity to follow. Suffering is only for a little while. Joy and glory are for ever.
It is startling to realize what this all means. We measure God's blessing and presence in terms of ease and comfort. That is sometimes true. But this letter surely challenges our "common sense." God is present, and his blessing is upon us, when we patiently endure trials for the love we have for him. What, then, does this mean? It means courage in our struggle against the world. And it means hope even when it seems as though all is lost. All is not lost. Far from it! Jesus lives and he loves his church.
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Growth Resources
This Year: Please see the full list of 2023 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/12-for-23
This Month: For October we are reading "Faith Alone" by R.C. Sproul.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 192–197, Lord's Day 41, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 36 (pages 213–217), "Blessed are they that Mourn."
- "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah" YouTube / Apple Music / Spotify.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
October 15 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" for Sunday School lesson: Ch. 17 "The Goodness of God." Also October 22.
October 18 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 1:26–27. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244 — Passcode: 618675
October 29 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformation Day celebration at the Suchoski home. Bring a German-themed dish to share and stay for a lesson about the Protestant Reformation.
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).