April 20, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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This Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We turn to Psalm 22 to prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday.
Psalm 22 is one of the great Messianic psalms. Psalm 22 beings with “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words, of course, were Jesus’ dying words on the cross. As Jesus breathed his last breath, Psalm 22 was his prayer.
Indeed, the first half of Psalm 22 anticipate the sufferings of our Savior. And 22:22–31 shows us the joy that follows Jesus’ suffering. 22:21 is the transition. “You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!” The lament is replaced by praise. But, notice, how the joy and praise of the One become the joy and praise of the many. “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!” Such joy has only one fitting conclusion: a party! “The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!”
Psalm 22 thus beautifully expresses both Jesus’ sorrow and joy, as well as our present affliction and future feast. Jesus rose from the dead. That changes everything. Jesus conquered sin and death. And because of what Jesus has done, we are the people of righteousness and life. And, yes, our life here and now is difficult, sometimes unbelievably so! But we do not despair and we are not shaken. God has given us Jesus, and with him, hope. One day, the glory of our resurrected Lord will turn all our sorrows into joy, and we will feast in the Lord’s presence. So we press on with courage. Jesus rose from the dead. And that changes everything.
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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.
This month: April 2025: We are reading “Disciplines of a Godly Man” by Kent Hughes, or “Disciplines of a Godly Woman” by Barbara Hughes.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. & A. 13.
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
April 18 (Friday 7 PM): Please join us for Good Friday meditations at the home of Brian and Pam Suchoski.
April 23 (Wednesday 7 PM): Join us as we study Exodus via Zoom. Meeting ID: 885 5287 2349 / Passcode: 711992. Also April 23 and 30.
May 10 (Saturday 10 AM – 1 PM): We invite you to explore church membership as we consider how Jesus leads his church at the home of Rick and Shelby Lloyd. Lunch will be provided. If you are interested, please let pastor Ken know.
May 18 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for fellowship lunch at the home of Rick and Linda Marcus.
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).