CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

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1 The Celtic Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. The cross proper recalls the death of Christ for the sins of his people, while the circle is a historic symbol of God s eternality. Jesus name is at the center, depicted by the Greek letters Ιης and is surrounded by the vine and branches, representing our relationship to Him. At the bottom, CHRISTUS VICTOR, Christ is Victorious, testifies to his triumph over sin and death on the cross. This Celtic cross is used by permission of Saint Paul s Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Each of the five panels represents a significant event in Christ s life. Exalting Christ through Worship, Learning, Community, and Outreach HIS REIGN The wounded lamb as Christ reclining on the book of seven seals is a historic symbol of the reigning Christ. The threerayed nimbus is an ancient symbol of deity. (Revelation 5:9-12) HIS RESURRECTION Lilies traditionally represent the resurrection; the trumpet heralds Christ s certain and triumphal return. (1 Corinthians 15:54; Matthew 24:31; Luke 12:27) HIS ATONEMENT The crown of thorns and nails testify to Christ s sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:17: John 19:2; 20:27) HIS BAPTISM The dove and tongues of fire symbolically portray the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:10; Acts 2:3) HIS INCARNATION The open Bible is the Word of God. The double lighted candlesticks represent the dual nature of Christ his deity and his humanity. (John 1:1-14) CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and yearn for home; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come; this church offers a genuine welcome in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

2 WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE? The great good news is that God has taken it upon Himself to do something for us that we are powerless to do for ourselves. The Gospel is simply this: sinners are forgiven and accepted by God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Trust in Christ s finished work is not just the beginning of the Christian life, but the means and end as well. The Gospel is what must be applied more and more deeply in order to live as a Christian. The power of the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness and improvement, but renewal and wholeness. A GOSPEL-SHAPED MINISTRY WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We embrace the historic Christian faith believing the timeless truths held in common by the church in all ages and places. We wholeheartedly affirm the classic doctrines defined by the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. The Trinity There is only one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Incarnation The person Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who is both fully God and fully human. The Gospel changes people Through the continual application of the Gospel we become more like Christ. The Atonement Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead in order to redeem us from our sins. The Gospel produces joy Grace frees us from both condemnation and self-righteousness to enjoy God fully. The Gospel defines community In union with Christ, we become God s sons and daughters His new people. The Gospel points outward The Gospel informs attitudes The Gospel removes barriers Grace disengages approval seeking, engenders authenticity, and curbs pride. As Christians, we desire the peace and well-being of our communities and cities. Reconciliation humbles us so that we may become agents to reconcile others. The Gospel renews culture All of life matters to God and we are to pursue all vocations with excellence. WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? The Gospel builds momentum Church planting is both the result of and means to fulfilling the great commission. We also embrace the Reformed Christian faith believing the biblical teachings that were restated during the Protestant Reformation. This great renewal of the church in the 16 th century has given us a common heritage in the classic solas. Scripture Alone The Bible is the one source of divine revelation and the only completely reliable guide for faith and life. Christ Alone Salvation is accomplished by the substitutionary atonement of the historical and sinless Christ alone. Grace Alone We are rescued from God s anger, freed from sin s bondage and lifted to new life by His grace alone. Faith Alone God Alone Christ s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God s justice by faith alone. The sole purpose of our creation and redemption is to enjoy God s presence and live for His glory.

3 CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Empowered by the Gospel, we aim to experience God s pleasure in fostering true knowledge, holy affection, and faithful obedience through historic worship, biblical learning, genuine community, and cultural outreach to the end that God s people are gathered and Christ s Kingdom is extended throughout Ventura County and beyond. OFFICERS Teaching Elder Roy R. Bennett (roy@ojaipca.org) Ruling Elder Robert Glass (rglass@raypak.com) Ruling Elder Eric Halvorson (erichalvorson9@@gmail.com) Ruling Elder Roger Phelps (ojai2eyes@aol.com) STAFF Chief Musician Tilford Jackson Office Manager Debbie Glass CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 25 Ojai, CA (805) / WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00 PM ANNOUNCEMENTS OJAI COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Mon. 7 8 PM Jesus Inaugural Address "Dust to Glory" A Teaching Series of R.C. Sproul led by Roger Phelps Golden Oaks Mobile Estates 1273 S. Rice Rd. in Ojai EARLYBIRD BIBLE READING Wed. at 6:30 AM The Letter to the Romans Coffee Bean and Tea 4360 Main St. in Ventura HEAVENLY MUSIC Wed. at 10:30 AM A nursing home ministry led by Roy Wilson Ventura Convalescence 4020 Loma Vista Rd in Ventura Order for the Celebration and Worship of God PRELUDE Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: July 26, 2009, 4:00 P.M. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENT PREPARATION Pianist Tilford Jackson CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 119:33-40 INVITIATORY Open our eyes, O Lord, that we may see marvelous things. The city of God stands on his holy mountain; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all dwelling places. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. The Most High himself will establish her. He registers his people as residents. O Lord, all my springs of joy are in you. Unison: Alleluia! Come let us adore Him! * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 2) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. SUMMER GABFEST Aug 4 th 7 8:30 PM The Throne, the Lamb, and the Dragon: A Guide to Reading the Book of Revelation" led by Roy Bennett Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura 16 1

4 PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY * PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: O God of all the nations of the earth; Remember the multitudes who have been created in your image but have not known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy church, they may be brought to know and worship you as you have been revealed in your Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen. * DISMISSAL HYMN The Trees of the Field Stuart Dauermann and Steffi Geiser Rubins 1975 You shall go out with joy and be let forth with peace, And the mountains and the hills will break forth before you. There'll be shouts of joy and all the trees of the fields Will clap, will clap their hands. And all the trees of the fields will clap their hands The trees of the fields will clap their hands The trees of the fields will clap their hands, while you go out with joy POSTLUDE Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God! Pianist Tilford Jackson * Congregation standing 2 15

5 REDEEMED, HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles' Creed Unison: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, dead, and was buried. He descended into *hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall 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. * refers to the experience of forsakenness, rather than the geography of hell ** universal church or the blessed company of all faithful people in Christ. OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 29:13-24 (ESV) 13 And the Lord said: Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, 14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden. 15 Ah, you who hide deep from the LORD your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, Who sees us? Who knows us? 16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, He did not make me ; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, He has no understanding? 17 Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest? 18 In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. 19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, 21 who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. 22 Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall 3

6 his face grow pale. 23 For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. 24 And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction. MARVELOUS GRACE OF OUR LOVING GOD The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! * HYMN OF THANKS (Music on page 5) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (The congregation is encouraged to participate both verbally and in silence.) Unison: O God, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you. Command whatever pleases you, but give us what you desire that we may run in the way of your statutes and delight in the glory of your name. Hear now the prayers of your people and may the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in your sight for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for the church of Jesus Christ that you may keep us one in faith and service, thanking you and sharing for all things freely, and advancing the gospel throughout Ventura County and beyond. Hear our prayer, 0 Lord. We pray for those who make, administer, and change our laws, for all those in authority among us. Grant them humility, courage, and wisdom that they promote justice, goodwill and righteousness. Hear our prayer, 0 Lord. We pray for those who suffer and sorrow that you would look with compassion on their troubles and comfort them by your presence and love. We pray especially for the sick, the bereaved, the lonely, the unemployed, and the troubled. Hear our prayer, 0 Lord. 4 13

7 DEAR REFUGE FOR MY WEARY SOUL 12 WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS 5

8 We pray for the ministry of reconciliation throughout the world that you may restore relations destroyed by greed, pride, or anger, and bring peace where there is jealousy, fear, envy, or resentment. Speed the day when wars will end. Hear our prayer, 0 Lord. We pray for all who have gathered to worship you this day that you would prepare our ears to hear your promises, our hearts to rest in the work of Christ, our eyes to see the needs of others, and our hands and feet to bear the gospel always. Hear our prayer, 0 Lord. THE LORD'S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. * HYMN OF GRACE (Music on page 7) Jesus Shall Reign * THE NEW TESTAMENT READING I Corinthians 1:18-2:5 (ESV) 1 :18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the 6 MAN A NOTHING O LORD, I am a shell full of dust, but animated with an invisible rational soul and made anew by an unseen power of grace; Yet I am no rare object of valuable price, but one that has nothing and is nothing, although chosen of thee from eternity, given to Christ and born again; I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state, of the vanity of creatures, but also of the sufficiency of Christ. When thou wouldst guide me I control myself, When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself. When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself. When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself, When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will, When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself; I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself, Instead of thee I look to man s approbation, and am by nature an idolater. Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee. Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy, nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me. Help me to see that grace does this by providential affliction, for when my credit is god thou dost cast me lower, when riches are my idol thou dost wing them away, when pleasure is my all thou dost turn it into bitterness. Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy appetite, lustful heart; Show me that none of these things can heal a wounded conscience, or support a tottering frame, or uphold a departing spirit. Then take me to the cross and leave me there. Arthur Bennett The Valley of Vision 11

9 * DOXOLOGY JESUS SHALL REIGN * PRAYER OF DEDICATION PRAYER FOR REFLECTION (Words on page 11) Man A Nothing Read by Elder Robert Glass HYMNS FOR REFLECTION (Music on pages 12 14) Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul Marvelous Grace of Our Loving God Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It 10 7

10 weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. 2 :1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. SERMON NOTES The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AFTERNOON SERMON Mr. Eric Halvorson, Ruling Elder Worthless Wisdom; Fruitful Foolishness PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERTORY 8 9