December 1, 2024
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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We begin this year’s Advent Season remembering God’s promise in Jeremiah 33:14–16. “Behold, the days are coming…In those days at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land…And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” The “Branch” is one of Old Testament’s appellations for the promised Messiah, Jesus. The promise, then, is the righteousness reign of the Messiah. He will drive away every evil thing and all injustice. And the city and the people who are under his kingly reign will take on the unmistakable characteristic of the Lord’s righteousness.
But has Jesus actually accomplished this at his Advent? In important ways, yes, he has already accomplished it. Jesus’ incarnation, death, and resurrection have formed a people who are called by his name, who are even now being renewed in his image. Slowly (sometimes frustratingly so!) but surely God’s Spirit is conforming the believer’s character to Jesus’ character. And we are, by degrees, becoming a people who love justice and righteousness. The promise is, indeed, already fulfilled.
However, there is a real sense in which the promise is not-yet fully fulfilled. We have only begun to take baby steps in the way of the Lord. And it is clear that the world around us is full of injustice and unrighteousness. And it must be so since the world will be renewed perfectly only at Jesus’ Second Advent. So until Jesus comes back, we wait with longing and aching hearts for the renewal of all things. May that Day comes soon!
So as we begin the Advent Season we acknowledge with gratitude that God has begun to fulfill his promises in Jeremiah 33. And we earnestly call upon Jesus to come back soon and renew the face of the earth.
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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 “Orthodoxy” by G.K. Chesterton.
Upcoming Events and Notices
December 1 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 41 “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”
December 4 (Wednesday 7 PM): Please joins us via Zoom for “Exploring the Pentateuch.” Also Dec 11. Meeting ID: 844 1095 3266 / Passcode: 683573
December 15 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Christmas celebration and feast 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).