August 6, 2023

August 6 — 11 AM Worship

You can find the order of worship and songs here.

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Today the prevailing narrative of the Christian experience is that God should be user friendly. This doctrine (yes, it is a doctrine!) drives the songs we sing. Singing of the biblical psalms are out. Hymns and spiritual songs with lyric that demand focused mind are also out. Instead, many churches today rather opt for songs that appeal primarily to the emotions, all accompanied by an atmosphere that more closely resembles a concert or a club. This mindset also shapes the ministry of the Word. Preachers now take their cue more from stand up comics and self-help coaches, rather than modeling themselves after faithful heralds of God's word.

What is going on? Simply put, there is a profound lack of understanding about who God is, and what worship service is supposed to be. God is holy and exalted. This was the lesson of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1–7. Isaiah, probably one of the most spiritual people in all of Israel, one who knew God better than most, did not find God user friendly. When Isaiah met God and glimpsed the glory of the Lord, he felt himself undone and unworthy to be in his presence. It is important to note that this was not an isolated incident of a neurotic Old Testament prophet who knew nothing about God's grace. John, Jesus' beloved disciple and dearest friend, had the same experience. We read in Revelation 1:17 that when John saw the Lord Jesus in his glory, he "fell at his feet as though dead."

To know God is to know his holiness. When we come before him, we enter into his court where the King is seated upon his throne. And sinners that we are, we feel undone, unworthy, and unable to survive his searching gaze. Since this is the case, how can we approach God? The answer is that we cannot approach God as we are, and in our own person and merit. But God has provided a way. We come in the name and merit of Jesus Christ. And we thank God. For "Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea: a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me."

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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:

  1. Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 154–157, Lord's Day 32, for personal or family devotions.
  2. "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 27 (pages 166–170), "The Lord the Shepherd of His People."
  3. "Pain and Suffering: The Book of Job with Derek Thomas."
  4. 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).