September 7, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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In Deuteronomy 30:15–20 we hear just a snippet of the charge Moses gave to the people of Israel shortly before his death. Moses had led the people of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness. He knew the people of Israel well, that they were, as the well-knonw hymn puts it, "Prone to wander, Lord I fear it, prone to leave the God I love…" Moses had learned by experience that they were a people who were incapable of discerning between life and good, death and evil.
One wonders what thoughts went through Moses' mind as his death drew near. Was he worried for Israel? Certainly! Did he think Israel would soon blow it? Moses probably had an inkling. But Moses was faithful to the end. He pleaded with the people of Israel. "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offpsring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days…"
But have we listened to Moses? Well, it turns out that we are no better than the people of Israel. We need God's mercy no less than Israel did. And we are taught, not only from the abundant examples of Israel's history, but also from our own history, that if God's blessing is contingent upon our performance, then we could have no hope or expectation that things will turn out well for us. For Israel, her saving grace (yes, literally her saving grace) was that One did come and loved the LORD and kept his commandments, and merited for himself God's blessings. And true Israel is united to that One, Jesus, by faith, and in Jesus receive God's blessings.
Jesus is also our saving grace. Our sinfulness and disloyalty to God have utterly disqualified us from God's blessings. But we also put our trust in Jesus. And in Jesus God is reconciled and we are his beloved and blessed people and children. Praise the LORD!
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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. 36.
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
September 7 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" Ch. 58 "Predestination and Reprobation."
September 10 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Survey of the Pentateuch will resume with highlights from the book of Leviticus over Zoom. Meeting ID: 884 9003 6844.
September 14 (Lord's Day): Please join us for the monthly fellowship meal 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).