July 14, 2024
July 14 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Question: "How do you know you will go to heaven?" Answer: "Well, I'm a good person and I've done my best."
I have had many conversations that went something like this. You probably have, also. But the above answer to this important question about eternal life is deeply problematic. See, for example, what Psalm 24 has to say about the standard that must be met in order to enter into God's presence and receive a welcome. Question: Psalm 24:3 "Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?" Answer: Psalm 24:4 "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully." In other words, God requires spiritual and moral perfection for those who approach him. That is why "I've done my best" — an entirely self-referential outlook — is utterly inadequate.
But, thanks be to God, that Scripture never raises a question without also answering it. As God shows us our spiritual disqualification, he also shows us how we may be qualified to enter his presence. Psalm 24:7 "Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." We can knock all we want on the heaven's doors, but the doors will not open. But there is One for whom the gates open. He is the King of glory who leads his people in by the virtue of his victory and right.
Who is this King of glory? Ephesians 1:3–12 is one place where we find the answer. It is Jesus. In Jesus all our spiritual poverty are replaced with every spiritual blessing. In Christ we are qualified to enter into God's presence with joy. How do we know we will be in heaven? Not because of our so-called "best," but because of Jesus' spiritual and moral perfections imputed to us and counted as our own. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the reason. Jesus is our glory.
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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 “Reformed Theology” by Jonathan Master.
Upcoming Events and Notices
July 14 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for fellowship meal after the worship service.
July 21 (Lord’s Day): Please welcome Rev. Jeremiah Rivera. Rev. Rivera is a graduate of Westminster Seminary California (2015). He is ordained in the PCA and has served churches in South Carolina, California, and Canada. Jeremiah and his wife Melissa have four boys, Ethan (14), Grant (13), Luke (9), Landon (7). They currently reside in Coronado where Jeremiah owns and operate a catering business Golden State Dogs.
July 28 (Lord’s Day): We will be sending gifts towards the Stoddards’ MTW work in Germany, to Chris Sandoval’s work with The Servant Church in San Diego, and to Geneva Relief Fund. If you would like to add your gift to these funds, please designate your gifts with appropriate notation by July 28.
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).