January 14, 2024
January 14 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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This week we reflect upon 1 Samuel 3:1–10 as we prepare our hearts for worship. Here we see a transition. The old priest Eli has sinned against the Lord. For any man to sin against God is serious enough. But Eli's sins were particularly egregious. Eli was the priest and he knew the word of the Lord, but did not listen. He winked at the horrifying sins of his sons as they blasphemed the name of the Lord. With such a leader as Eli, Israel has only judgment in her future. But God! God is gracious and merciful, and he provided for himself a new leader. Samuel is yet a young boy, but he learns to answer the Lord's call, saying, "Speak, for your servant hears." Samuel is the leader God appointed over his people, to lead Israel into grace and peace. Indeed, Samuel was a type of Christ, who will with joy abide in God's word, and lead his people into grace and peace.
1 Corinthians 6:12–20 then teaches us to live as God's people. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." And we answer with Samuel, "Speak, for your servant hears." May we heed the Lord's word and return to him grateful obedience.
Finally, Psalm 139:23–24 give us assurance and peace before God. The Psalms operate at two levels. First, it is the prayer of God's people through all seasons of life, both pleasant and bitter, both when faithfulness is easy and when it is difficult. God has given us the Psalter that we may pray in all seasons of life. But the Psalms also operate as pointers to Christ. The Psalms bear witness to Christ, and the words of the 150 Psalms show us the glory of our Savior. That is, Psalm 139:23–24 isn't merely our prayers to God, but a portrayal of Jesus. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Jesus' entire life was one of humble obedience: "Speak, for your servant hears." Jesus' whole life was offering up to God his body in service. Truly God could search Jesus' heart and find no evil, no "grievous way," but only perfect righteousness. And we have peace with God because that Jesus is ours!
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Growth Resources
12 for 24: Please see the full list of 2024 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
January 2024: We are reading "A Little Book on the Christian Life" by John Calvin.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
- "The Means of Persevering Grace" by W. Robert Godfrey.
Upcoming Events and Notices
January 14 (Lord's Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship meal.
January 17 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 4:11–12. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244.
January 21 (Lord's Day): We will resume Sunday School lessons. "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" Ch. 23 "Covenant."
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).