October 20, 2024

You can find the order of worship and songs here.

= = =

“If baking powder is not available, you can substitute it with baking soda.” “Substitute vegetable oil with butter.” Instructions like these convey the idea that the substitute is a second-best option, or, at best, a choice that makes no real difference. But our salvation depends on the substitute being far better and superior.

Isaiah 53 lays out what is called the “substitutionary atonement.” Or, in the words of a well-known hymn, “Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood”. That is, Jesus bore the griefs and sorrows due to us for our sins. He was afflicted, pierced, and crushed “for our iniquities”. Jesus became the substitute, both to receive in our place the consequences of our law-breaking, and also to offer up to God in our place the obedience and the faithfulness we owed him. As our substitute Jesus did what we could not. Jesus was able to step into our place as a substitute because he was infinitely better and capable than we are. For only as the sinless man he could pay for others’ sins. The sacrifice he offered in our behalf was perfect.

“Lifted up was he to die, “It is finished!” was his cry”. Jesus was lifted up on the cross, and now lifted up to heaven in glory. And we lift up our hearts and voices to praise our dear Savior.

= = =

Growth Resources

This year: Please see the full list of 2024 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.

This month: We are reading "Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity" by Carl Trueman.

Upcoming Events and Notices

October 20 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformed Worship Sunday school. Also October 27.

October 23 (Wednesday 7 PM): Please joins us via Zoom for “Exploring the Pentateuch.” Also October 30, November 6, 13, 20, Dec 4, and 11.

October 27 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformed Worship Sunday school and Reformation Day celebration after the worship service at the Ligtenberg home.

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).