G R A C E C O M M U N I T Y Presbyterian Church, PCA ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD July 9, :30 AM

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1 G R A C E C O M M U N I T Y Presbyterian Church, PCA ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD July 9, :30 AM Reflection: It is utterly crucial that in our darkness we affirm the wise, strong hand of God to hold us, even when we have no strength to hold him. John Piper 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 88 Minister: People: O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. Prayer of Invocation 1

2 Hymn of Preparation...Come, Ye Souls by Sin Afflicted WORSHIP IN CONFESSION AND PARDON Call to Confession Prayer of Confession Words of Comfort and Promise...from John 10 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 2

3 Hymn of Response...Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder The best proof that that He will never cease to love us lies in that he never began. What we are for Him and what He is for us belongs to the realm of eternal values. Without this we are nothing, in it we have all. (Rom. 8:28, 38-39). Geerhardus Vos 3

4 Commissioning Our Reynosa Mission Team Rev. Kyle Oliphint From July 15-21, our church will be sending a team to Reynosa, Mexico. They will be working alongside Isaiah 55, a mission ministering specifically to the deaf community in Reynosa. Our team will be engaged in various construction projects, school construction, neighborhood beautification, VBS, and encouraging the missionaries who are permanently stationed in Mexico. Please be praying for safe travels throughout the trip, for safety while in Mexico, that Isaiah 55 would prosper in spreading the gospel to the deaf and their families, that our team would be able to complete all work assigned to them, and that those leading the trip would be able to assist everyone in having a fun and safe experience. WORSHIP AND THE MEANS OF GRACE The First Reading of God s Word...Romans 8:18-39 pp The Second Reading of God s Word...Psalm 88:1-18 pp 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 1 st 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. 4

5 Hymn of Preparation...Teach Me, O Lord, Thy Holy Way (#532) Hearing from God s Word...Psalm 88 Rev. Davis W. Morgan Darkness at the End of the Tunnel Psalm 88 stands as a mark of realism for biblical faith. It has its pastoral use, because there are situations in which easy, cheap talk of resolution must be avoided. Here are words not to be used frequently, but for the limited experiences when words must be honest and not claim too much. Walter Brueggemann Although [Psalm 88] does not end with thanksgiving, but with mournful complaint, as if there remained no place for mercy, yet it is so much the more useful as a means of keeping us in the duty of prayer. It is true, that when the heart is in perplexity and doubt, or rather is tossed hither and thither, faith seems to be swallowed up. But experience teaches us, that faith, while it fluctuates amidst these agitations, continues to rise again from time to time, so as not to be overwhelmed; and if at any time it is at the point of being stifled, it is nevertheless sheltered and cherished, for though the tempests may become never so violent, it shields itself from them by reflecting that God continues faithful, and never disappoints or forsakes his own children. John Calvin 5

6 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: No one can travel so far that he does not make some progress each day. So let us never give up. Then we shall move forward daily in the Lord's way. And let us never despair because of our limited success. Even though it is so much less than we would like, our labor is not wasted when today is better than yesterday! John Calvin One of the greatest privileges and advancements believers are capable of in this world, or that which is to come is beholding the glory of Christ. It is that whereby they are first gradually conformed unto it, and then fixed in the eternal enjoyment of it. For here is this life, beholding His glory, they are transformed into His likeness (2 Cor. 3:18); and hereafter they shall be forever like Him, because they shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-2). This is the life and reward of our souls. John Owen There is something in Christ more excellent and attractive than the office of a Savior; the greatness of His person is more excellent than the salvation accomplished by His death. Stephen Charnock We feel pain as an outrage; Jesus did too, which is why he performed miracles of healing. In Gethsemane, he did not pray, Thank you for this opportunity to suffer, but rather pled desperately for an escape. And yet he was willing to undergo suffering in service of a higher goal. In the end he left the hard questions ( if there be any other way... ) to the will of the Father, and trusted that God could use even the outrage of his death for good. Philip Yancey At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendors we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumor that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in. C.S. Lewis 6

7 What is there that you can desire should be in a Savior, that is not in Christ? What excellency is there wanting? What is there that is great or good; what is there that is venerable or winning; what is there that is adorable or endearing; or what can you think of that would be encouraging, which is not to be found in the person of Christ? And is not Christ a person honorable enough to be worthy that you should be dependent on him; is he not a person high enough to be appointed to so honorable a work as your salvation? Jonathan Edwards The Bible consistently changes the questions we bring to the problem of pain. It rarely, or ambiguously, answers the backward-looking question Why? Instead, it raises the very different, forward-looking question, To what end? We are not put on earth merely to satisfy our desires, to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. We are here to be changed, to be made more like God in order to prepare us for a lifetime with him. And that process may be served by the mysterious pattern of all creation: pleasure sometimes emerges against a background of pain, evil may be transformed into good, and suffering may produce something of value. Philip Yancey And these two things, the love of God and Christ's satisfaction, had to and could go hand in hand because we were simultaneously the object of his love as his creatures and the object of his wrath as sinners. Herman Bavinck Apart from Christ, we are hated by God, and he only begins to love us when we are united to the body of his beloved Son. It is an invaluable privilege of faith, that we know that Christ was loved by the Father on our account, that we might be made partakers of the same love, and might enjoy it forever. John Calvin The glory of the Gospel is that in it the righteousness of God is revealed which meets all the predicaments of our sin at the lowest depths of iniquity and misery. To be subjected to the wrath of God is the epitome of human misery; therefore to be subjected to the Gospel of God is the epitome of human comfort and joy. John Murray Suffering is unbearable if you aren t certain that God is for you and with you; you don t really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. Tim Keller 7

8 Communion Hymns 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. 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. 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. 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. All Must Be Well Mary Bowler Peters/Matthew Smith 1. Through the love of God our Savior, All will be well. Free and changeless is His favor, All is well. Precious is the blood that healed us. Perfect is the grace that sealed us. Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us, All must be well. 2. Though we pass through tribulation, All will be well. Ours is such a full salvation, All is well. Happy still in God confiding, fruitful if in Christ abiding, Steadfast through the Spirit's guiding, All must be well. 3. We expect a bright tomorrow; All will be well. Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All is well. On our Father's love relying, Jesus every need supplying, Yes in living or in dying, All must be well. Jesus, Keep Me near the Cross (#264) Fanny Crosby/William H. Doane 1. Jesus, keep me near the cross; There a precious fountain, Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain. Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever, Till my ransomed soul shall find Rest beyond the river. 2. Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me; There the bright and morning star Shed its beams around me. Refrain 3.Near the cross! O Lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me; Help me walk from day to day With its shadow o'er me. Refrain 4. Near the cross I'll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever, Till I reach the golden strand Just beyond the river. Refrain 8

9 WORSHIP IN GRATITUDE Offertory...Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul Dear refuge of my weary soul, On Thee, when sorrows rise, On Thee, when waves of trouble roll, My fainting hope relies. To Thee I tell each rising grief, For Thou alone canst heal. Thy Word can bring a sweet relief, For every pain I feel. Thy mercy seat is open still, Here let my soul retreat. With humble hope attend Thy will, And wait beneath Thy feet. Closing Hymn...Psalm 88 Benediction 9

10 FINANCIAL UPDATE: Even though the financial condition of the church is sound, the officers of GCPC are concerned about the years-long downward trend in giving ( ), especially when coupled with the growth in our membership. We believe that our generosity should be informed by our understanding of the gospel. Please watch this space. We are very encouraged and grateful for your generosity through the first 5 months of If you have any questions, please speak with our Treasurer or any of our Church Officers. January giving: $35,892 February giving: $41,141 March giving: $42,263 April giving: $58,334 May giving: $38,482 June giving: $37,440 Projected 2017 (receipts based on giving to date): $507, Budget: $475,118 annual / $39,593 monthly For 2017, we are providing a basic Family Worship plan to help our families to more regularly worship together during the week. In each weekly bulletin, we will provide a Daily Bible Reading plan, questions from the Catechisms, a hymn for you to learn together, and prayers for you to use as a family. Weekly Hymn: Psalm 88 Shorter Catechism for Young Children Q25 "In the covenant of life, what did God require Adam to do? / Answer: "To obey God perfectly." Shorter Catechism Q25 "How does Christ execute the office of a priest? / Answer: "Christ, executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us. Bible Reading: Mon 7/10 Joshua & Psalm 145 Tue 7/11 Joshua & Psalm Wed 7/12 Joshua & Psalm 148 Thur 7/13 Joshua & Psalm Fri 7/14 Joshua & Acts 1 Sat 7/15 Joshua 22 & Acts 2 Sun 7/16 Joshua 23 & Acts 3 Next Week s Preaching Passage: Psalm 90 10

11 Morning Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father: we thank You for how You have safely brought us to the beginning of this day. You are the Giver of every blessing we enjoy. Teach us to see every moment of this day as an opportunity to live for You and not ourselves. Help us to see trials and afflictions as opportunities for growth and deliverance from our greatest enemy our sinful flesh. Grow us in our delight and obedience of You as we seek to glorify You in all that we do. Purge from us selfishness, the fear of man, and the pride that seeks to keep us from trusting in You. May the cross of Jesus be our joy and boast as we begin this day, amen. Midday Prayer: Our wonderful and merciful Lord: as we stop to enjoy Your gracious provision of our daily bread, we commend our hearts and minds to You, asking that You would set them on what is truly honorable, virtuous, pure, lovely, and excellent. Let whatever anxieties and fears that may have surfaced this morning be answered by Your Spirit of comfort and truth who assures us that though the mountains sway and the valleys tremble, the rivers of sorrow will not overwhelm, for You are with us. Teach us the comfort of Your rod and staff as we are guided by Your loving Son, our Good Shepherd. In His name, we pray, amen. Evening Prayer: Our holy Father: we are thankful for everything You have provided this day. We are overwhelmed at the thought of Your goodness and kindness toward us. We humbly ask that whatever sinful thoughts, ungracious words or deeds, we have committed, You would grant us forgiveness for the sake of Your Son. Let our hearts be filled with the joy that comes from knowing You, the true God. You are our treasure and delight. Keep us as we close our eyes to rest, in Your holy name we pray, amen. 11

12 Nursery Volunteers (please arrive by 10:15) Today: Rhett and Brit Bentson Next week: Duane and Bethany Brooks 7/23: Elijah and Camilla Brown 7/30: Roy and Lana Bunch 8/6: Robert and Rose Cardona Upcoming events: Vacation Bible School: VBS is July for ages 4 through 5 th grade. Students entering 6 th grade and above will be helpers. The theme is Paul and the Underground Church. We need all the volunteers we can get! Please see Meagan Dennison or Tiffany Morgan for more details or to sign up. Register today! Reynosa Mission Trip: The 2017 mission trip will be from July GCPC will be sending a team down to Reynosa, MX to do construction on the I55 school and assist with community projects. For information please contact Justin Campbell. Ladies of Grace: Summer Prayer Groups: Our next meeting times Tuesday, July 11, from 10-11:30 am (babysitting available) ; and Wednesday, July 12, from 7-8:30 pm (no childcare). Both options are here at GCPC and we will be focusing on Psalm 6. Questions? gcpcfwlog@gmail.com SAVE THE DATE! GCPC Ladies Fall Retreat: Sept , 2017, at MD Resorts in Rhome, TX. Things to Know: Interested in membership? officegcpcfw@gmail.com Ladies of Grace: o Anne Nelson: anneok@cox.net o Joanna McMahan: janamcmahanp48@gmail.com Guys of Grace: o Sean Henry: seanph10@yahoo.com Would like to meet with one of our pastors? o Pastor Kyle: koliphint@gmail.com o Pastor Davis: daviswmorgan@gmail.com 12