August 3, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
= = =
Now that we all have GPS on our phones, we are the first people in the history of human race to never get lost. In fact, the abundance of resources at our disposal means that one must try very hard to get lost. However, it is incredibly easy to get lost spiritually.
Psalm 107 is the prayer of the people who were once spiritually lost. The psalm was occasioned by Israel's return from their exile. They once had home and safety in Israel. But when they walked far away from God, they were taken far away from home by foreign nations who were only too happy to show them what life is like without God. And their way back to God and back to home seemed an impossible dream.
But God did something amazing and Psalm 107 reverberates with praise in remembrance of God's mercies. "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands…" When one fell on hard times in Israel, a close relative could act the part of a kinsman-redeemer and rescue the troubled relative from ruin and disaster. We are, of course, familiar with the story of Boaz, who acted as Naomi's and Ruth's kinsman-redeemer. And when Israel fell upon hard times, God became her redeemer and rescued her.
"Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in…" They were lost, with no way back to God and the home that can only be the gift of their God. But they did one thing right. "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in." They were lost. And they cried out to God. And God became their way. No surprise, then, that Jesus is our redeemer in the exact same way. Jesus says to the lost, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
It is so incredibly easy to get spiritually lost, and many are the paths that take us far from God. But Jesus says to the lost, "I am the way…" and to the weary he says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus is our redeemer, and we praise him.
= = =
Growth Resources
This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
In August we are reading “Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies” by David Koyzis..
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. 31.
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
August 3 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 54 “The Unforgivable Sin” — part 2: some further reflections.
August 10 (Lord's Day): Please join us for 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).