May 18, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Isaiah chapter 40 is one of the most glorious passages in the entire Bible, and all the more so because of what lies behind it. In Isaiah 38–39 Hezekiah failed his God, his nation, and his family. The nation was left without hope, and Hezekiah's children without a future. But God speaks. Isaiah 40:1 "Comfort, comfort my people…"_ Where Hezekiah failed, God will not.
God's comfort for his hurting people continues throughout Isaiah 40. Isaiah 40:6 "A voice says…" Isaiah means, and we know it, God. So why not just say "God"? Isaiah's use of "voice" is surely meaningful. God's word is the focal point of this passage: v.8 "the word of our God will stand forever" and v.9 "herald of good news". Isaiah's use of "voice" ties the unfading word of v.8 and the good news of v.9 together, and identifies God as one whose words endure and speaks good news. The promises of ch.40 will not be fulfilled for some time for Isaiah's original audience. But God's word never fades. This character of the word to endure assures God's promise is reliable.
Thus, "A voice says, "Cry!" And Isaiah asks, "What shall I cry?" The voice answers: "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field." In our own minds we are like the 2000-year old giant and soaring California redwoods that have stood the test of innumerable drought, earthquake, and the relentless march of time. We think of our existence with unwarranted pride, and make much of our accomplishments. What a sad illusion! We are grass. And the best things about us are like "the flower of the field … The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass." God breathed into dust and made Adam a living being. So his breath/Spirit can return us to dust. Our being and accomplishment last but for a moment.
We are not the big deal we think we are. But Isaiah's aim is not to make us throw up our hands in despair and say, "What is the point?" Rather, while we quickly pass away, God endures: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." If a mere man comforted Jerusalem, how comforting can it really be? Even our best plans and intentions do not last. But God's word "will stand forever" and his promises never fail.
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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 May we are reading "Esther and Ruth (Reformed Expository Commentary)" by Iain Duguid..
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Qs. & As. 18–19.
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
May 18 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for fellowship lunch at the home of Rick and Linda Marcus. 3741 Pala Mesa Dr. Fallbrook CA 92028.
May 21 (Wednesday 7 PM): Join us as we study Exodus via Zoom. Meeting ID: 885 5287 2349 / Passcode: 711992. Also May 28, June 4, 11, and 18.
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).