October 1, 2023
October 1 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Luke 2:41–52 give us a fascinating window into Jesus' home life when our Lord was twelve years old. As you well know, this is the only account of Jesus' upbringing in the New Testament. Why, then, has the Holy Spirit given us this (and only this) account of Jesus' upbringing?
This event serves not only as a snapshot of one specific moment in Jesus' life, but also as a representative summary of his entire upbringing. Jesus at this stage already possessed intimate familiarity and understanding of Scripture that amazed the teachers in the temple. This indicates that Jesus was devoted to God's word from his earliest years. No one attains growth in true knowledge of God apart from a disciplined study and application of God's word. That was true even for Jesus. And study, meditate, and obey, he did. Jesus' sinless intellect and pure heart were fertile grounds for God's word to take root, grow, and bear fruit.
And if Jesus was already capable of amazing the teachers of the law in the temple (the gathering place of the best minds and thinkers of the day) then it is reasonable to think that Jesus had long surpassed his non-scholarly parents in knowledge of Scripture, as well as wisdom, and moral purity. Yet, even so, we read that Jesus was "submissive to them."
Every child at some point believes he / she knows better than their parents. But in the case of Jesus and his earthly parents, it was actually true. Yet Jesus submitted to them. Why? It was precisely because Jesus was wise, holy, and mature that he did not set aside God's Law as stated in the fifth commandment — "Honor your father and your mother". Thus we have both a warning and good news. If Jesus, as perfect as he was, submitted to his imperfect parents because he feared God, then how can we justify our lack of love and respect for our earthly parents? We cannot justify it and we are without excuses. At the same time, we are comforted by the fact that what Jesus did, he did for us. Jesus honored his earthly parents. And that righteousness was imputed to us by faith. There is forgiveness for us as the violators of the fifth commandment. And grace, because Jesus prevailed where we have failed. Thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus! And may we grow in his likeness with gratitude and joy in our hearts.
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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 October we are reading "Faith Alone" by R.C. Sproul.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" pages 183–187, Lord's Day 39, for personal or family devotions.
- "Select Letters of John Newton," Letter 34 (pages 206–209), "Contrary Principles in the Believer."
- Andrew Peterson's hymn, "Is He Worthy?" YouTube / Apple Music / Spotify.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
October 1 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" for Sunday School lesson: Ch. 16 "The Holiness of God." Also October 15.
October 4 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 1:12–18. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244 — Passcode: 618675
October 8 (Lord's Day): Please join us for fellowship meal after the worship service.
October 29 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformation Day celebration. More information will be available soon.
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).