July 30, 2023
July 30 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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There is a widespread misconception about God. For it is often said that the God of the Old Testament is full of wrath, and the God of the New Testament is full of love. But this error is easily disproved. The God of the Old Testament is full of mercy. His Throne, in fact, was called "The Mercy Seat." And Jesus spoke frequently about God's wrath and judgment. In view of these things, it is critical that we view God's holiness and love not as opposites, but complementary and equally true.
This week's first passage, Malachi 1:6–1, shows us a holy God who rejects polluted worship that lacks reverence and esteem for God. God rejects the priests who allow the people to bring unacceptable worship. The ancient Israelites, like many people today, thought that God would be happy to receive anything and everything from their hands, as long as they call it "worship." Not so! False worship is the product of false faith. Thus the Lord rebukes them: "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name." Thus the last book of the Old Testament ends on ominous note with the Lord rejecting the priesthood of Israel. Why? Because God is holy, and those who draw near him must honor his holiness!
But while the Old Testament priesthood and people failed God, God did not fail them. He sent Jesus. Jesus is the High Priest who offers unto God acceptable worship. Jesus first offered his body and life as spotless and precious sacrifice. And Jesus offers us as living sacrifices, who offer our lives and worship in holiness.
The God of love is still the God of holiness. God rejects those who do not draw near him according to his will. Thus John writes, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life … Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
This week's catechism questions cover the often-neglected and maligned topic of church discipline. The contemporary mantra that the God of the New Testament is full of love is actually a campaign against the demands of God's holiness. It is a serious and devastating error. But there is safety and grace in the provisions of our Good Shepherd. Church discipline, in its various steps and application, preserve for us both the love and the holiness of God.
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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 August and September we are reading "Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?" By Timothy Keller.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 150–153, Lord's Day 31, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 26 (pages 161–165), "The Greatness of God."
- "Life in the Kingdom: Sermon on the Mount with Sinclair Ferguson."
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
August 6 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" for Sunday School lesson: Ch. Ch. 12 "The Self-Existence of God." Also August 20.
August 13 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for fellowship meal after the worship service.
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).