February 11, 2024
February 11 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Sometimes God does not answer our prayers. And it hurts. We wonder if we have done something wrong. Is God upset with us? Is that why he doesn't answer? However, unanswered prayer is at the heart of our faith. God denied Jesus' prayer. Jesus, the Father's beloved Son, the holiest man to have ever walked on this earth, prayed a most holy prayer. "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Jesus was facing the cross. But this prayer does not come from his reluctance to lay down his life for his sheep. Rather, it springs from his spotless holiness. Jesus loved more than anything his fellowship with his Father. Now on the eve of his crucifixion, he understood well the cost of taking up our sins upon him. Jesus would be defiled with our sin, and that defilement would separate him from the Father whose fellowship meant more than life itself. Thus Jesus prayed, "Let this cup pass from me…" We are all so glad that the Father denied his beloved Son's holy prayer. For it is only through Jesus being denied that we are accepted. It is only through Jesus' agony that we have found joy.
The grace of unanswered prayer is in full display in 2 Kings 2:1–12. Elijah was a man like us. Elijah faced the prophets of Baal, confident in God's power, being sure that God could do anything. Elijah was bold and full of faith. But Elijah was terrified when the wicked queen Jezebel vowed vengeance, and Elijah ran for his life. Elijah was so convinced that no one could help him, not even God. So Elijah prayed, "now, O LORD, take away my life" (1 Kings 19:4). But God denied Elijah's prayer. And in 2 Kings 2:1–12 we see what God can do. Elijah, who once prayed for death, became one of only 2 men in the Bible who actually never died!
There is grace in unanswered prayers. Yes, it hurts, maybe even for a long time, when our prayers go answered. But God is good in ways we cannot comprehend. Take heart, then, when days of waiting have turned into years of waiting. Remember his goodness. All that God does, he does well.
Next we turn to Mark 9:2–9, the scene of Jesus' transformation. There God declared of Jesus, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." Yes, we must listen to Jesus, and we must listen to everything he said. Jesus said "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15) And Jesus also said "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Believe him. Repent, for we have disobeyed. Come to Jesus, for he promises to give us rest. How comforting, indeed, are these words! "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
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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.
February 2024: We are reading "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- We encourage you to learn about The Feasts of Israel: Discovering Deuteronomy with W. Robert Godfrey from Dr. Godfrey.
- We encourage you to make use of 12 for 24 and read 12 books that will help us grow.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
February 11 (Lord's Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship lunch.
February 14 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 5:12–16. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244.
February 18 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" Ch. 26 "The Subordination of Christ." Also February 25.
March 24 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the annual congregational meeting for the purpose of adopting a new budget for the fiscal year 2024–25. All communicant members are requested to attend.
March 29 (Friday 6 PM): Please join us for Good Friday meditations at the Suchoski 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).