August 10, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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What kind of a person does God praise? What does it take to greatly please God, and serve him in such a way that God actually feels honored and glorified in our service? The answer seems obvious to many people. "Why, of course, great deeds greatly please God. The more we accomplish for God, the more he is glorified!" But this is actually the inner-workings of a legalistic mind.
In Genesis 15:1–6 we see just what kind of a man receives God's approval. Already many years ago God had promised Abram that he and his wife Sarai will have a child born to them, who will be their heir, and the one through whom "all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3) Abram believed the promise and waited for the son. But days turned to months. And months turned to years. But still there was no son, and both Abram and Sarai were well-beyond their child-bearing years. When Abrahm's future was as dark as the night sky, just then, the LORD spoke to Abram again. "And GOD brought Abram outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.""
Abrahm believed God's promise. Against hope and against human expectations, Abram believed. How? Abram was certain that if God makes a promise, he will keep his promise. If God speaks, then it will be done. So Abram believed. And on the basis of that trusting faith Abram was declared to be righteous before God.
But, please, do not miss the point. Do not say "Abram had a great faith and greatly pleased God." That is not the case at all. The point is that Abram's faith took hold of the great God. Then it was not the great things Abram had done for God, or for great deeds accomplished, but his trusting in God's promise that received God's approval and praise. This good news — that justification is by faith (that we are declared righteous by God by faith) — is confirmed and repeated in the New Testament. "For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." … The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe…" (Romans 4:3–11). And, again, "Indeed, I count everything as loss of the sake of Christ…For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith…" (Philippians 3:8–9).
The New Testament is very clear. What Abraham did is a pattern for us to follow. How God dealt with Abraham is how God will deal with us. That is, we will receive God's praise and approval, not because of the great things we do for God, but because we are declared righteous by faith in Christ. Do you desire God's praise? Do you seek his honor and approval? Then fix your eyes on Jesus and put your faith in him. It is the only way.
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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 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. 32.
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 10 (Lord's Day): Please join us for fellowship lunch after the worship service.
August 17 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 55 “Syncretism.”
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).