1

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

ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD September 15, 2019

10:30 AM Reflection:

“Throughout church history the pendulum has swung between expansion and opposition, growth and shrinkage, advance and retreat, although with the assurance that even the powers of death and hell will never prevail against Christ's church, since it is built securely on the rock.” John Stott

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..............................................................................Psalm 34

Minister: I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

People: My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

ALL: Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!

Prayer of Invocation

2

Hymn of Invocation....................................Come, People of the Risen King

3

Hymn of Preparation.....................................My Jesus, I Love Thee (#648)

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

Call to Confession.......................................................................Matthew 5 Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to

you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of

the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;

anything more than this comes from evil. Prayer of Confession Words of Comfort and Promise...........................................from John 8 I AM the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.

4

Hymn of Response...............................................Blessed Assurance (#693)

“Nothing should keep our minds busier on earth than this great reality: the Holy One of God was declared unholy, so that unholy sinners might stand unblemished before a holy God. If our sins are forgiven, then nothing else really matters in this world. This is the blessing that distinguishes the Christian religion from all others. Sinners are freely forgiven by a merciful God through the sin-bearing death of Christ on the cross. Such is the greatest mercy we can receive from his hand, and every other mercy is judgment if it is not accompanied by such pardon.” Mark Jones

5

Confession of Faith..........................................The Heidelberg Catechism* Ruling Elder Dan Bent

Elder: Why is it added, "and sitteth at the right hand of God"? People: Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end,

that he might appear as head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.

Elder: What profit is this glory of Christ, our head, unto us? People: First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly graces upon us his members; and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies. Elder: What comfort is it to thee that "Christ shall come again to

judge the quick and the dead"? People: That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted

head I look for the very same person, who before offered himself for my sake, to the tribunal of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as judge from heaven: who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but shall translate me with all his chosen ones to himself, into heavenly joys and glory.

*The Heidelberg Catechism was written in Heidelberg, Germany at the request of Elector Frederick III, ruler of the most influential German province, the Palatinate, from 1559 to 1576. The Heidelberg Catechism has been translated into many languages and is one of the most influential and generally accepted of the several catechisms of Reformation times.

6

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

The First Reading of God’s Word........................................Psalm 80:1-19 p 491

The Second Reading of God’s Word......................................Acts 12:1-25

pp 920-921 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............................Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (#481)

Hearing from God’s Word......................................................Acts 12:1-25 Rev. Kyle Oliphint Genuine Prayer and Counterfeit Glory

7

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's grace is the most incredible and insurmountable truth ever to be revealed to the human heart, which is why God has given us His Holy Spirit to superintend the process of more fully revealing the majesty of the work done on our behalf by our Savior. He teaches us to first cling to, and then enables us to adore with the faith He so graciously supplies, the mercy of God. This mercy has its cause and effect in the work of Jesus on the cross.” John Bunyan “If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for He will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering. The softest pillow will be placed under your head though you must set your bare feet among thorns. Do not be afraid at suffering for Christ, for He has a sweet peace for a sufferer. God has called you to Christ's side, and if the wind is now in His face, you cannot expect to rest on the sheltered side of the hill. You cannot be above your Master who received many an innocent stroke. The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You cannot sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into His image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord do anything to perfect Your image in us and make us fit for glory! We need winnowing before we enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the weight of eternal glory. As we look back to our pains and suffering, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us. Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let Him bear all. He can, He does, and He will bear you. Whether God comes with a rod or a crown, He comes with Himself. "Have courage, I am your salvation!" Welcome, welcome Jesus!” Samuel Rutherford “A weak faith can lay hold on a strong Christ. Until sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” Thomas Watson

8

Communion Hymns

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (#520) – Nikolaus von Zinzendorf 1. Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; ’Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head. 2. Bold shall I stand in Thy great day; For who aught to my charge shall lay? Fully absolved through these I am From sin and fear, from guilt and shame. 3. When from the dust of death I rise To claim my mansion in the skies,

Ev’n then this shall be all my plea, Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me. 4. Jesus, the endless praise to Thee, Whose boundless mercy hath for me— For me a full atonement made, An everlasting ransom paid. 5. O let the dead now hear Thy voice; Now bid Thy banished ones rejoice; Their beauty this, their glorious dress, Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness.

Behold the Lamb – Stuart Townend/Keith and Kristyn Getty 1. Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, slain for us: and we remember: The promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross. So we share in this Bread of life, And we drink of His sacrifice, As a sign of our bonds of peace Around the table of the King. 2. The body of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Torn for you: eat and remember The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life, paid the price to make us one. So we share in this Bread of Life, And we drink of His sacrifice As a sign of our bonds of love Around the table of the King.

3. The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, shed for you: drink and remember He drained death's cup that all may enter in to receive the life of God. So we share in this Bread of Life, And we drink of His sacrifice, As a sign of our bonds of grace Around the table of the King. 4. And so with thankfulness and faith We rise to respond: and to remember Our call to follow in the steps of Christ As His body here on earth. As we share in His suffering, We proclaim: Christ will come again! And we'll join in the feast of heaven Around the table of the King.

Beautiful Savior – Stuart Townend 1. All my days I will sing this song of gladness, Give my praise to the Fountain of delights; For in my helplessness You heard my cry, And waves of mercy poured down on my life. Chorus: Beautiful Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Clothed in majesty, Lord of history, You're the Way, the Truth, the Life. Star of the Morning, glorious in holiness, You're the Risen One, heaven's Champion And You reign, You reign over all.

2. I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer, I will sing of the blood that never fails; Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleansed, Of death defeated and life without end. Chorus 3. I long to be where the praise is never-ending, Yearn to dwell where the glory never fades; Where countless worshippers will share one song, And cries of 'worthy' will honor the Lamb! Chorus

9

———————WORSHIP IN GRATITUDE—————— Offertory............................................................................................Petition

Father whate’er of earthly bliss Thy sovereign hand denies

Accepted at thy throne of grace Let this petition rise

Let the sweet hope that thou art mine

My life and death attend

Thy presence through my journey shine And crown my journey’s end

Give me a calm, a thankful heart

From every murmur free The blessings of thy grace impart

And make me live to thee

Closing Hymn..................................O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (#535)

Benediction

10

For 2019, we are providing a basic Family Worship plan to help our families to more regularly worship together during the week.

Weekly Hymn: O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Shorter Catechism for Young Children –

• Q141: Did Christ remain in the grave after his crucifixion? Answer: No. He rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death.

Shorter Catechism –

• Q31: What is effectual calling? Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Bible Reading: • Sun – 9/15 – Psalm 49-50 & 1 Samuel 23-24 • Mon – 9/16 – Psalm 51-52 & 1 Samuel 25-26 • Tue – 9/17 – Psalm 53-54 & 1 Samuel 27-28 • Wed – 9/18 – Psalm 55-56 & 1 Samuel 29-31 • Thurs – 9/19 – Psalm 57-58 & 2 Samuel 1-2 • Fri – 9/20– Psalm 59-60 & 2 Samuel 3-4 • Sat – 9/21– Psalm 61-62 & 2 Samuel 5-6

Next Week’s Passages:

• Preaching: Acts 13:1-12

Nursery Volunteers (please arrive by 10:15)

• Today: Tina and Alyssa Cardona • Next week: Tim and Tracy Carter

§ 9/29: Broc and Kelly Chambers

§ 10/6: Jeff and Pam Deal

§ 10/13: Dave and Meagan Dennison

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.

11

1. Sunday: a. Read Jeremiah 42— What request did Johanan and the people that

were with him make of the prophet Jeremiah (v1-3)? What promises did Jeremiah and the people make to one another (v4-6)? What positive commands and reassuring words did Jeremiah bring from God (v7-12)? What warning did God have for the people in anticipation of their intended disobedience in v13-18? What fatal mistake did Jeremiah accuse the remnant of Judah of in v19-22?

2. Monday: a. Read Jeremiah 43— How did Johanan and the other leaders

rationalize their disobedience, according to v1-3? Who were the people who entered Egypt, some of them against their will in v4-7? When he was at Tahpanhes with the others, what symbolic action did God tell Jeremiah to take, and what was the meaning in v8-13?

3. Tuesday: a. Read Jeremiah 44— What sin did God; through Jeremiah remind

the people that He had punished Judah and Jerusalem for in v1-6? Why was Jeremiah amazed that the remnant had not learned a lesson from all that had happened before in v7-10? What did God say He would do to all those determined to go to Egypt for protection, according to v11-14? What superstitious belief did the people cite as they defied Jeremiah openly in v15-19? How did Jeremiah proceed to correct their thinking about the real cause of their misfortune in v20-23? What did God promise to do to the pharaoh of Egypt, whom the Israelites considered an ally against Babylon (v29-30)?

4. Wednesday: a. Read Jeremiah 45— Why was the scribe, Baruch, feeling sorry for

himself? How did God respond to Baruch’s self-pity in verses 1-5? 5. Thursday:

a. Read Jeremiah 46— Why did Jeremiah say that the mighty warriors of Egypt would cower before Nebuchadnezzar in this chapter? What did God promise them eventually, despite the judgment coming on Egypt, according to 25-26? What promises did God make to Israel with honesty, justice, and hope in verses 27-28?

6. Friday: a. Read Jeremiah 47—What terrifying natural disaster did God

compare the Egyptian conquest of Philistia to in v2-5? According to the judgment of Moab, what did Ashkelon say in v6-8?

12

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Student Ministries of Grace:

• Roots Discipleship Ministry: our covenant ministry to our students and their families has started on every other Wednesday night, 7-8:30, covering different theological and pastoral issues as young disciples in Christ. Our next meeting will be 9/25 covering chapter 2 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 be meeting on 9/25 at 7pm in 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.

Ladies of Grace:

• Our fall Bible study of the book of Philippians will start on Wednesday, September 25th, from 7-8:30 pm and continue for 8 consecutive weeks. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Debbie Goelz (dkgoelz@gmail.com)

• Fall Retreat: our ladies of grace retreat will be at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose, on September 20-21st. The cost is $65 per person. You may register TODAY in the foyer! Tracy Carter and Becca Ellison have more information.

Missions of Grace:

• Save the Date - GCPC Missions Fair; Oct.6th; 6:00-7:30 PM. Details coming soon. We know you won't want to miss it!