April 30, 2023
April 30 — 12 PM Worship
Please note that the worship service will begin at 12 PM.
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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This week we prepare our hearts for worship by reflecting the risen Lord Jesus' ascension into heaven and what it means for us. In Isaiah 66:1–2 THe LORD says, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool". Jesus' ascension into heaven, as the New Testament makes clear, is not merely a change of his location, but receiving authority to rule. Jesus is our King and Lord! But Jesus is the most unique king. Jesus did not receive his kingship because he was born into privilege. Rather, he was born into lowliness, lived a life of humble service, and made himself poor in order to make us rich. Jesus surrendered his life and took on our death, that we may become the heirs of life and glory. That is, the King who reigns over us is the Lord of grace and love.
In Matthew 28:18–20 the risen King gave commands as he ascended into heaven. Jesus commanded us "to observe all that I have commanded you." Some people attempt to live the Christian life by learning and doing the minimum they can. But Jesus commands "observe all that I have commanded you". That means the Christian life should not be lived in view of the minimum, but maximum. That is, the aspiration of every believer should be whole obedience, not partial obedience; complete devotion, not half-hearted devotion; zealous love, not lukewarm affections. So, how are we doing?
It is so clear. We are not yet the Christians we ought to be. But we strive towards growth with hope and peace. We have all stumbled. But the risen and ascended Lord is also our advocate. 1 John 2:1 says "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Behold with what love the Father loves us. The Father has placed upon his throne his Son who daily intercedes for us and advocates for us. Truly his throne is the "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16)!
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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 May we are reading "Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution" by Carl R. Truman.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 94–97, Lord's Day 18, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 13 (pages 83–89), "Divine Guidance."
Hymn of the Week: Trinity Hymnal #168 "I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art." This hymn is often attributed to John Calvin. While there is no way to know for sure who wrote it, the hymn conveys the grace and hope of Jesus Christ that were the mainstays of John Calvin's ministry and writings. The fourth stanza is particularly beautiful: "Thou has the true and perfect gentleness, no harshness hast thou and no bitterness: make us to taste the sweet grace found in thee and ever stay in thy sweet unity." | YouTube.
Last week's sermon is available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
April 30 (Lord's Day): Please note the worship service will begin at 12 PM.
May 3 (Wednesday 6:30–7:30 PM): Please join us for a Zoom Study on Hugh Martin's "The Shadow of Calvary." Reading the book is not required. Also meeting: May 10, 17, 24, 31, and June 7. Zoom Meeting ID: 826 5163 2741.
May 7 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" for Sunday School lesson: Ch.7 "The Canon of Scripture." Also May 28.
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).