May 14, 2023
May 14 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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This week we prepare our hearts for worship by reflecting on Isaiah 42:1–9. This is a well-known messianic prophecy. Of particular interest is how the LORD prepares his Son to be our redeemer, and what effect that preparation has upon Jesus. The LORD prepared his Son to be our redeemer by anointing with the Holy Spirit: "I have put my Spirit upon him" (Isa 42:1). That anointing of the Spirit shapes our redeemer's ministry in a particular way: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench" (42:3). This indicates Jesus' tenderhearted gentleness towards the weak and wounded believer. Jesus' heart wells up with compassion when he sees us hard pressed and weary. Truly, the Spirit is our Comforter.
Are you weary? Exhausted? Feeling like you are running on fumes? Jesus will meet with you love and compassion. Jesus will not chastise you for being weak. He will not rebuke you for losing hope. Instead, Jesus will be your strength. Come, then, to your gracious Savior. And he will give you peace.
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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 102–105, Lord's Day 20, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 15 (pages 96–101), "Family Worship."
Hymn of the Week: "Love Constraining to Obedience" by William Cowper. This is a lovely hymn put to a new tune. Cowper writes, "To see the Law by Christ fulfilled, To hear His pardoning voice, Changes a slave into a child and duty into choice." Cowper continues, "Then all my servile works were done, a righteousness to raise. Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways." This hymn expresses exactly right the believer's attitude towards obedience wrought by the gospel. YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify.
Last week's sermon is available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
May 17 (Wednesday 6:30–7:30 PM): Please join us for a Zoom Study on Hugh Martin’s “The Shadow of Calvary” chapter 9, “The Character of the Judge.” Reading the book is not required. Also meeting: May 24, 31, and June 7. Zoom Meeting ID: 826 5163 2741. Passcode: 156751.
May 21 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for May fellowship potluck lunch at the home of Rick and Linda Marcus.
May 28 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for the “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” for Sunday School lesson: Ch.8 “Interpreting the Bible.” Also June 4.
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).