August 18, 2024
August 18 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Psalm 111 begins "Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation." In a compact and beautiful way this psalm summarizes some of the essential aspects of worship. First, note how the psalmist praises the LORD by giving thanks. The psalmist gives thanks for God's works — "Great are the works of the LORD". The psalmist also gives thanks for God's character — "the LORD is gracious and merciful". In giving thanks we recognize the worth of God's character and works, and declare that our souls find great delight in God's character and works. This, of course, has a very sanctifying effect upon our souls. People who habitually acknowledge the praiseworthiness of God's character and deeds will increasingly find freedom from living for vain things. After all, what is idolatry if not delighting in useless things?
Second, note the psalmist's understanding of worship as a corporate blessing, not an expression of individual spirituality. The psalmist gives thanks "in the company of the upright, in the congregation." It is a wonderful blessing to give thanks with the saints. As we delight in God's character and deed, we also grow to love the fellowship of like-minded people. But, of course, it's far more than that. The saints are the very proof of God's gracious character and works. We see around us precious souls that God has loved and rescued. So in that way our thanksgiving becomes concrete and tangible. And, with it, God's presence is felt in concrete and tangible way.
Life's many troubles often darken our souls. We feel drained and thanksgiving disappears. This is why we need to be "in the company of the upright, in the congregation." God gives us his people for our encouragement. God draws near us through them. Indeed, may we be for one another the soul-reviving presence of God's gracious character and works.
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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 “The Case for Life: Equipping Christian to Engage the Culture” by Scott Klusendorf.
Upcoming Events and Notices
August 18 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 35 “The Threefold Office of Christ.”
August 25 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 36 “The Titles of Jesus.”
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).