August 31, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Psalm 112 shows us a vibrant kind of godliness. Actually, the only kind of godliness that matters is the vibrant kind. "Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!" This is a portrait of a saint for whom godliness is a true pleasure rather than a dreaded responsibility. And when our godliness is vibrant, its inward riches flow outward to bless our family and neighbors. "His offspring will be mighty in the land … he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice … He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
The famous poet and hymn writer William Cowper summarized this well in his hymn "Love Constraining to Obedience." In it Cowper writes, "To see the law by Christ fulfilled, And hear his pardoning voice, Changes a slave into a child, And duty into choice." Indeed! Is this true of you? Is godliness the longing of your heart and a true delight, or an obligation you have taken up reluctantly? But what we take up reluctantly will soon seem like a needless burden and a hindrance to our flourishing. We may, for a time, keep up the apperance. But soon or later we will toss it aside like yesterday's newspaper.
Cowper was right. He was right, because he learned this truth from the Bible. The vitality of our godliness is very much about how clearly we see who Jesus is and what he has done. When Jesus' love fills and overwhelms our hearts, we will find that love for Jesus springs from our hearts. So, then, consider Jesus once again. Let your hearts be captured by his glorious love. And everything else will fall into place.
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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 September we are reading "You Will Be My Witnesses" by Brian DeVries.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. 35.
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 31 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" Ch. 57 "Predestination."
September 10 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Survey of the Pentateuch will resume with highlights from the book of Leviticus over Zoom. More information will be available shortly.
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).