October 8, 2023
October 8 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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We begin our worship this week with our Lord's letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1–7. The church in Ephesus was doing some things really well. Jesus commends the believers for their doctrinal discernment and sound theology. Theology mattered to Jesus (it still does!) and when he saw his people's faithfulness to sound doctrine, Jesus expressed his approval and pleasure.
But the church in Ephesus did not do some things very well. Jesus says, "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." (Rev 2:5) Theology matters. But it is not the only thing that matters. Somehow, the Ephesian church had a burning zeal for right theology, but their love did not keep in step with their knowledge. They knew much. They did not love much.
Doctrine and love are both important. As one grows, so the other must also grow in like measure. It is also in this connection we ought to consider the Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder." Murderous action and thought both spring from our lack of love for our neighbors. Indeed, God instructs us through his word that we may love him and love our neighbors.
This, then, is how we ought to prepare our hearts for worship. Let us pray that the Lord grant us the grace to learn his truth. And let us pray that the truth that grips our mind set our hearts free to love God and our neighbors.
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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 183–187, Lord's Day 39, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 34 (pages 206–209), "Contrary Principles in the Believer."
- Andrew Peterson's hymn, "Is He Worthy?" YouTube / Apple Music / Spotify.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
October 8 (Lord's Day): Please join us for fellowship meal after the worship service.
October 11 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 1:19–27. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244 — Passcode: 618675
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 29 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformation Day celebration. More information will be available soon.
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).