November 19, 2023
November 19 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22) was full of self-esteem but possessed little self-understanding. Jesus says, "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." Jesus' letter to the Church in Laodicea is painful to read.
Still, it is perhaps my favorite letter. Why? First, we see Jesus' love for the proud and foolish people. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." Our great Redeemer has love and grace even for such a foolish people!
Second, Jesus' words give hope to struggling sinners. "The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne." The general flow and context of the letter indicates that we conquer by repenting, and humbly receiving Jesus' instruction is our victory. A broken and contrite heart, our Savior will not despise!
Finally, there is the unbelievable promise: "I will grant him to sit with me on my throne." How can it be that foolish and puffed up sinners can look forward to such a glory? A lesser savior would have been so put off by our stubborn foolishness. The way we behave in our selfishness and pride would have exhausted the patience even of the most god-like person. But, thankfully, there is a world of difference between the god-like and one who is indeed God! Jesus does not withdraw out of exasperation. He draws near us. He gives us the hope of staggering glory that move us to faithfulness. How great is our Savior!
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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 November we are reading "Deeper: Real Changes for Real Sinners" by Dane Ortlund.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 214–217, Lord's Day 46, for personal or family devotions.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
November 19 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for the "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" for Sunday School lesson: Ch. 20 "Providence." Also December 3.
November 29 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 3:1–12. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244. Next meeting: December 6.
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).