July 6, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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David's son Solomon built a house for the Lord. Solomon spared no expenses. He imported expensive stone and timber and hired the best builders and artisans that money can buy. There was high quality gold everywhere and other expensive and intricate metal work. All the wares and implements for worship were likewise made out of costly materials in abundance. The Temple was years in the making, backed by the king's unwavering vision and his bottomless coffers. At last the Temple was complete and the day of its dedication was a great day of celebration. But Solomon, the wisest of all men, was struck by the awesomeness of God's presence: 1 Kings 8:27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!" Solomon knew that he could never impress God. Rather, he humbly asked for God's grace: 8:28 "Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God…" This is the mark of true faith and religion.
Isaiah 66:1–2 says, "Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD."" Why do we need to hear this now?
First, when the troubles of earth feel so big, it is healing to remember that God is supremely high above. The earth is nothing but his footstool! God is not impressed with the greatest accomplishments of man. He is the Creator of heavens and the earth. Heaven cannot contain him, much less the earth! Earth is the little pedestal placed before his cosmic throne. And we think we can impress him! And that God whom no man can impress is also the God who is never daunted by our biggest problems. Israel's problems were big. Our problems are different, but they also haunt and dominate our lives. But God is the Creator of heavens and the earth. Our biggest and worst problems do not impress him. They do not befuddle him or leave him speechless. Our problems are never so big when we put them before his throne.
Second, we cannot impress God with anything we do. So is there anything that catches his eyes? Yes! "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." We think God notices important people with impressive resume. But God sees the "humble". Likewise, those "contrite in spirit" catch his eyes. They know what sin has done to them, that they have no claim on God's blessing, but come to him with empty hands asking for grace. God lovingly looks upon the broken and the bowed down. And to those who are "humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word" God promises joy and blessing: 66:5 "Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word…" 66:10 "Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her…that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance." He promises them peace: 66:12 "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." We may wonder and doubt. How can the great Creator of heavens and earth know, much less care about, my troubles? He knows and cares because he is great. God sits upon the throne of grace.
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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 July we are reading “The Consequences of Ideas” by R.C. Sproul.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. 94 (see https://gracefallbrook.church/grace-notes/scq94) and Shorter Catechism Q. 95 (see https://gracefallbrook.church/grace-notes/scq95).
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
July 6 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson on the meaning of baptism.
July 13 (Lord’s Day): Please welcome Rev. Steven Cooper, who will be ministering God’s Word to us. Rev. Cooper will also give a presentation on how to minister to the LGBTQ folks during the lunch hour.
July 13 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for the fellowship lunch after the worship service.
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).