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G R A C E C O M M U N I T Y Presbyterian Church, PCA

ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD November 10, 2019

10:30 AM Reflection:

“As the gap between the Church and the world grows, we become more like the church in Acts.” Kevin DeYoung

Prelude Welcome

——————WORSHIP IN PRAISE—————— Silent Preparation Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen.

Call to Worship....................................................the Epistle of 1 Timothy

Minister: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!

People: Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness,

Minister: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels,

People: Proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Prayer of Invocation

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Hymn of Invocation.................................We Believe (The Apostles’ Creed)

“Scripture is the norming norm, creeds are the normed norm.” Scripture is always our ultimate authority – but we can still say that creeds are a church’s normative doctrines and practices, because they were created from Scripture. In that sense, creeds have authority.” Carl Trueman

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Hymn of Preparation.......................O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (#247)

——————WORSHIP IN CONFESSION AND PARDON——————

Call to Confession...........................................................................1 John 2 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar,

and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Prayer of Confession Words of Comfort and Promise............................................from 1 John 2

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours

only but also for the sins of the whole world.

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Hymn of Response..................................Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

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Confession of Faith...................................................The Apostles’ Creed* Ruling Elder Doug Flowers

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church** the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

*Although not written by the apostles, the Apostles’ Creed is a concise summary of their teachings. It originated as a baptismal confession, probably in the 2nd century, and developed into its present form by the 6th-7th century. **"holy catholic church" = the whole Christian church

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——————WORSHIP AND THE MEANS OF GRACE——————

The First Reading of God’s Word......................................Psalm 115:1-11 p 510

The Second Reading of God’s Word....................................Acts 17:16-34

pp 926-927 Reader: This is the Word of God. People: Amen!

Prayer of Consecration We offer an optional Children’s Church for children 4 years old through 1st grade. If you choose to have your children participate, you may dismiss them for CC as we sing the hymn printed below. Please know we welcome and encourage your children to remain with you during the sermon. However, in CC they will be hearing from the same text that the sermon is based upon, so you may discuss the message as a family after church if you wish to do so.

Hymn of Preparation.....................................................Gloria Patri (#735)

Hearing from God’s Word...................................................Acts 17:16-34 Rev. Kyle Oliphint The Athens Sermon Q. 155. How is the word made effectual to salvation? Answer: The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto? A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.

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THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Please see instructions on the inside back cover of your bulletin

Use the quotes below to help focus your heart and mind on this celebration: “God the Father takes the pen, dips it in the blood of his Son, crosses off the sinner’s accounts, and blots them out of his debt-book. The sinner outside of Christ is bound over to the wrath of God; he is under an obligation in law to go to the prison of hell, and there to lie until he has paid the utmost farthing. But now, being united to Christ, God says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom!’ (Job 33:24). The sentence of condemnation is reversed, the believer is absolved, and set beyond the reach of the condemning law. His sins, which were set before the Lord (Psalm 90:8), so that they could not be hidden—God now takes and casts them all behind his back (Isaiah 38:17). Yes, he casts them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). What falls into a brook may be retrieved—but what is cast into the sea cannot be recovered. But there are some shallow places in the sea; true—but their sins are not cast in there—but into the depths of the sea; and the depths of the sea are devouring depths, from whence they shall never come forth again. But what if they do not sink? He will cast them in with force, so that they shall go to the bottom, and sink as lead in the mighty waters of the Redeemer’s blood.” Thomas Boston “I feel when I have sinned an immediate reluctance to go to Christ. I am ashamed to go. I feel as if it would not do to go, as if it were making Christ the minister of sin, to go straight from the swine-trough to the best robe, and a thousand other excuses. But I am persuaded they are all lies direct from hell. John argues the opposite way—‘If any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father;’ … The holy sensitiveness of the soul that shrinks from the touch of sin, the acute susceptibility of the conscience at the slightest shade of guilt, will of necessity draw the spiritual mind frequently to the blood of Jesus. And herein lies the secret of a heavenly walk. Acquaint yourself with it, my reader, as the most precious secret of your life. He who lives in the habit of a prompt and minute acknowledgement of sin, with his eye reposing calmly, believingly, upon the crucified Redeemer, soars in spirit where the eagle’s pinion [wings] range not.”

Robert Murray M’Cheyne “Getting the glory of Christ before your eyes and keeping it there — is the greatest work of the Spirit that I can imagine.” C. John Miller “You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to a father’s protection. Be not afraid to say, My Father, hear my cry.“ Charles Spurgeon

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Communion Hymns

O Savior, Precious Savior (#159) –Frances Havergal/William Lloyd 1. O Savior, precious Savior, Whom yet unseen we love! O Name of might and favor, All other names above! We worship you, we bless you, To you alone we sing; We praise you, and confess you Our holy Lord and King. 2. O Bringer of salvation, Who wondrously have wrought, Yourself the Revelation Of love beyond our thought; We worship you, we bless you, To you alone we sing; We praise you, and confess you Our gracious Lord and King.

3. In you all fullness dwelling, All grace and power outpours; The glory that excelling, O Son of God, is yours; We worship you, we bless you, To you alone we sing: We praise you, and confess you Our glorious Lord and King. 4. O grant the consummation Of this our song above, In endless adoration, And everlasting love! Then shall we praise and bless you Where perfect praises ring, And evermore confess you Our Savior and our King.

Speak, I Pray Thee, Gentle Jesus –William Williams/Kevin Twit 1. Speak, I pray Thee, gentle Jesus! O, how passing sweet Thy words, Breathing o’er my troubled spirit Peace which never earth affords. All the world’s distracting voices, All the tempting tones of ill, At Thy voice, so mild, melodious Are subdued, and all is still. 2. Tell me Thou art mine, O Savior, Speak a true assurance clear,

Banish all my dark misgivings, Still my doubting, calm my fear. In Thy righteousness I’ll triumph, In Thy wisdom I’ll be wise, In Thy robes I’m perfect beauty, In Thy power I’ll arise. I’ll arise, in Thy power, I’ll arise. I’ll arise, I’ll arise, in Thy power, I’ll arise. (2x)

On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand – Samuel Stennett/Christopher Miner

1. On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, And cast a wishful eye To Canaan’s fair and happy land, Where my possessions lie. 2. All o’er those wide extended plains, Shines one eternal day; There God the Son forever reigns, And scatters night away. Chorus: I am bound (I am bound) I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound for promised land. (2x) 3. No chilling winds nor poisonous breath Can reach that healthful shore; Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, Are felt and feared no more. Chorus 4. When shall I reach that happy place, And be forever blessed? When shall I see my Father’s face, And in His bosom rest. Chorus

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———————WORSHIP IN GRATITUDE—————— Offertory..............................................................This Is My Father’s World

This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!

Closing Hymn.................................Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending

Benediction

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For 2019, our church budget is $518,000. We will keep you updated with each monthly total here:

• 1Q: $148,661 • 2Q: $146,593 • 3Q: $115,670

• October: $42,539 • 11/3: $16,563

Each week we provide a basic Family Worship plan to help our families to more regularly worship together during the week.

Weekly Hymn: We Believe (The Apostles’ Creed)

Shorter Catechism for Young Children –

• Q149: What will God do for believers at the last day? Answer: He will give them a home with him in the new heaven and the new earth.

Shorter Catechism –

• Q39: What is the duty which God requires of man? Answer: The duty which God requires of man is obedience to his revealed will.

Bible Reading:

• Sun – 11/10 – Hosea 11-12 & Esther 1-2 • Mon – 11/11 – Hosea 13-14 & Esther 3-4 • Tue – 11/12 – Joel 1-3 & Esther 5-6 • Wed – 11/13 – Amos 1-2 & Esther 7-8 • Thurs – 11/14 – Amos 3-4 & Esther 9-10 • Fri – 11/15– Amos 5-6 & Proverbs 1-2 • Sat – 11/16 – Amos 7-9 & Proverbs 3-4

Next Week’s Passages:

• Preaching: Acts 18:1-17

Nursery Volunteers (please arrive by 10:15)

• Today: Tim and Sarah Farrar § Next week: Brandon and Jennifer Fickle

§ 11/24: Scott and Ann Geer

§ 12/1: John and Debbie Goelz

§ 12/8: Philip and Sherrie Hamby

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Daily Bible Reflections:

Part of our covenantal focus at Grace is providing multigenerational interaction and growth. We want to provide questions for you to study God’s Word with not only your family, but to invite other church family members to study it with you.

1. Sunday-Monday: a. Read Ezekiel 36— How did God, through Ezekiel, show that He understood all

that had happened to Israel at the hands of their enemies in v1-5? What did God promise to do to Israel’s enemies in answer to their scorn in v6-7? What changes did Ezekiel predict in the land of Israel (v8-12)? What did God’s people do while they were dwelling in the land to defile it and reap God’s judgment (v16-19)? Whose sake did God act to restore Israel and punish her enemies for in v22-23? What did God intend to prove to the other nations who had witnessed Israel’s punishment in v23? Once God had gathered His people, what internal changes did He promise them (v24-28)? How would God’s people feel about their past rebellion after He restored them in v31? What message would the surrounding nations get from God’s restoration of Israel in v33-36?

2. Tuesday-Wednesday: a. Read Ezekiel 37 — What strange sight was Ezekiel shown in a vision in v1-2?

What question did the Lord ask of Ezekiel, and how did he answer in v3? What did God promise to do with the dry bones in v4-6? What happened as Ezekiel began to prophesy to the bones, as God had commanded in v7-8? How did the restored bodies begin to breathe again in v9-10? What saying of the people had given rise to the image of “dry bones” in v11? What did God explain to Ezekiel about the meaning of the vision of the valley of dry bones in v11-12? What would God’s people know and receive when God acted in their behalf in v13-14? What good news was contained in Ezekiel’s symbolic action with two sticks inv18-22? What sins would God cleanse in order to make Israel His people again in v23?

3. Thursday-Friday: a. Read Ezekiel 38 — Who was Ezekiel told to address his next prophecy to,

according to v1-3? What gathering of the enemies of Israel would be accomplished by God “pulling them together” in v4-6? What great invasion would be plotted by Gog in v7-9? What purpose would the various nations arrive at an evil scheme for in 10-12? Why was God going to allow a great assault on Israel in v14-16? What response would God be poised when Gog threatened Israel for in v18-23?

4. Saturday: a. Read Ezekiel 39 — What did God intend to do to the homeland of the

aggressors while they fell in battle on the mountains of Israel (v1-6)? What is God prepared to defend in the great battle of the nations in v7-8? What unusual provisions would Israel have for years to come, after God’s intervention in their behalf in v9-10? How does Ezekiel describe the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought against the forces of Gog (v11-16)? What gory “sacrifice” would the birds and wild beasts have set before them in v17-20? In this demonstration of His glory, what would the nations see and what would Israel understand in v21-22? What are the various ways in which God will show compassion on His people in the future in v25-29?

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Congregational Meeting Postponed:

• As announced last week, we will have a Congregational Meeting immediately after worship on December 8, for the purpose of electing church officers. After being nominated by the Congregation, the following men have been trained and instructed in the work of the office which he seeks. Each of the following men has also been examined according to the requirements of the Book of Church Order, and the Session has determined each to be eligible to stand for election for the office opposite his name (all communing members of GCPC who are in good standing are eligible to vote in person).

Jeff Edgar – Deacon

James McClure – Deacon

John Rohde – Deacon

Sean Henry - Ruling Elder

Brian Nelson - Ruling Elder

Christmas Choir:

• As the Christmas season approaches, Elizabeth is putting together a choir to sing for our Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 15 at 6:00 PM. Rehearsals will be Tues. Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Wed. Dec. 11 at 7:00 PM. If you'd like to be a part, email Elizabeth (hames.elizabeth@gmail.com) for more details. This is open to anyone who loves to sing, including middle school and high school students!

Annual Progressive Dinner:

• Mark your calendars now and reserve your babysitting for our annual progressive dinner on Saturday, December 14th, from 5-10 pm. We need host families for appetizers and dinner groups so please RSVP with Meagan Dennison for more information.

Student Ministries of Grace:

• Roots Discipleship Ministry: our covenant ministry to our students and their families will next meet this on 11/20 from 7-8:30, covering different theological and pastoral issues as young disciples in Christ. We will be covering chapter 5 of this semester’s readings.

Guys of Grace:

• Men’s prayer meeting: every Tuesday morning from 6:15-7 in the conference room. Coffee and fellowship provided.

• Men’s Bible study will next be meeting on 11/20, from 7-8:30in the church conference room. This fall we will be finishing our study of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Scripture passages that support it. For more information please contact Sean Henry at seanph10@yahoo.com or 678-438-5720.