October 19, 2025

You can find the order of worship and songs here.

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There are billions of people on this planet at this very moment. And God only knows how many untold number of people have come before us, and will follow after us. But there are basically two different ways of living. Every person that has ever lived, is now living, and will live will follow one of these two paths and will take on one of these two ways as their lifelong project. We either live for our own glory or for God's glory. The difference is as simple as it is stark. It is either all about me or all about God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23–32 Paul addresses Christians behaving in very unchristian ways. It involved, of all things, buying and eating meat. In Corinth around that time meat was usually purchased from pagan temples. Pagan priests would sacrifice animals to false gods, and the leftover would be for sale. Paul knew, of course, that "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullnesse thereof." That means every bite of food belongs to God regardless of how it ends up on our table. A believer in Christ then receives all things from the heavenly Father with thanksgiving, and all is well. Indeed, "all things are lawful" for the believer.

Still, Paul says "not all things are helpful" and "not all things build up." The problem was that these Christians who were so enlightened about food were in the dark about God's ways. They were too busy insisting on their rights that they stopped asking whether they were loving their neighbors. After all, not everyone was so theologically enlightened and had liberated conscience. Indeed, those uninstructed in the ways of the Lord were troubled why a believer would partake in ungodly commerce and eat that which, to them, had unclean provenance. What is a Christian to do?

Paul does not tell the believers to insist on their rights. For the rights that must always be insisted on to the hurt of our neighbors are not rights but idols. This is the mindset of the people who think "It's all about me." But is it? Paul shows us a better way. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." We are all living for glory. But is it our glory that we are seeking? Or is it God's glory we are seeking? So long as we think it is all about us, we will only lay at God's feet what we deem worthless, the things we will not miss to be parted. But if it is about God's glory, then we will surrender to him what is good and precious. Yes, that includes our treasures and rights. There does not seem to be any other way.

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Growth Resources

This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.

In October we are reading "The Bondage of the Will" by Martin Luther. We also encourage you to watch a helpful introduction to the book by Robert Godfrey and Stephen Nichols.

This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Qs. 45–48.

Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.

Upcoming Events and Notices

October 19 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 62 “Definite Atonement.”

October 22 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Survey of the Pentateuch continues with highlights from the book of Deuteronomy. Meeting ID: 884 9003 6844. Passcode: 5sUpUi.

October 26 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Reformation Day celebration and fellowship after the worship service 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).