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.
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.
* BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up the light of his countenance and give you peace. * DISMISSAL HYMN Shalom Shalom, my friends, shalom, my friends, shalom, shalom. May peace be with you, God s peace be with you, shalom, shalom. May blessings attend you, angels defend, shalom, shalom. God s mercies befriend you unto the end, shalom, shalom. POSTLUDE * Congregation Standing Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God! CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Pianist Tilford Jackson CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 25 Ojai, CA 93024 (805) 646-5101 / 452-3354 www.christchurchventura.org WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00 PM ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLYBIRD BIBLE READING Thurs. at 6:30 AM Gospel of John Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf @ 4360 Main St. in Ventura 644-6000 OJAI COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Mon. 7 8 PM Aaron and the Priesthood "Dust to Glory" A Teaching Series of R.C. Sproul led by Roger Phelps Golden Oaks Mobile Estates Clubhouse @ 1273 S. Rice Rd. in Ojai 340-6493 VENTURA COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Wed. 7 8:30 PM Galatians: Living in Line with the Truth of the Gospel" led by Eric Halvorson & Roy Bennett Hoot and Donna Bennett s Home @ 397 Palomares Ave. in Ventura 644-4668 THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE Wed. November 26, 7 PM with Trinity Lutheran 16 Order for the Celebration and Worship of God PRELUDE Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: November 9, 2008, 4:00 P.M. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENT PREPARATION Pianist Tilford Jackson CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 95:1-7 INVITIATORY Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Unison: Great is your power and goodness O God; The mercy of the Lord is everlasting! Come let us adore Him! * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 2) The God of Abraham Praise * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith V. 3-5, 7 Unison: God uses ordinary means to work out his providence day by day, yet is free to work without, beyond or contrary to these means, at his pleasure. God s providence reveals his almighty power, unsearchable wisdom and infinite goodness. His providence extends even to the fall and all other sins of angels and men. These sins are not simply allowed by God, but are bound, ordered, and governed by him in the fullness of his wisdom and power, so that they fulfill his own holy purposes. 1
THE GOD OF ABRAHAM PRAISE SHEPHERD ME, O GOD Refrain: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life. Verse 1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace. Refrain: Verse 2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name. Refrain: Verse 3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope. Refrain: Verse 4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my power to hold. Refrain: Verse 5 Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore. Refrain: COMMUNION HYMN (See Insert) It is Well with My Soul * PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Almighty God, you have guaranteed to us your rich mercy and immeasurable goodness in this sacred communion. Grant the gracious assistance of your Holy Spirit to enable us to live in Christ Jesus as we have received him. So inhabit our affections that our manner of life may adorn the gospel and that no man may take our joy, confidence, and hope. Send us with your salvation and joy into all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 15
However, the sinfulness still belongs to the creature and does not proceed from God, whose holy righteousness does not and cannot cause or approve sin. In the fullness of his wisdom, righteousness, and grace God often allows his own children to be tempted in various ways and for a time to pursue the corruption of their own hearts. God does this to chastise them for their previous sins, and to reveal to them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness in their hearts, so that they may be humbled. In addition to other just and holy results, believers are thereby raised to a closer and more constant dependence on God for their support and are also made more alert in detecting and resisting opportunities to sin. Just as the providence of God in general extends to every creature, so, in a very special way it takes care of his Church and orders all things for its good. THE PSALTER Psalm 115:1-18 (ESV) THE LORD'S SUPPER Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast! The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to the Lord! (People are encouraged to come forward to receive the sacrament and to repent and rejoice as the sacrament is observed. The wafer is to be dipped into the wine.) COMMUNION MUSIC (Lyrics on page 15) 14 Shepherd Me, O God Marty Haugen 1987 115 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 2 Why should the nations say, Where is their God? 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. 8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. 9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. 12 The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; 13 he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great. 14 May the LORD give you increase, you and your children! 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! 16 The heavens are the LORD s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. 17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD! 3
The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! THE AMEN * HYMN OF THANKS (Music on page 5) Faith of Our Fathers PRAYERS FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH The congregation is invited to pray words in italics. A time of intercession will follow. Lord Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant and Sacrificial Lamb who was bruised and crushed for our iniquities and by whose stripes we are healed, hear now the prayer of your people. As one who was persecuted and unjustly murdered, your heart is tender towards those who likewise suffer for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Even as you heard the blood of the first martyr, Abel, crying to you from the ground, so today we trust that you care for even the least of these your children who are persecuted in our day. As it pleases you, and in accordance with your holy will, bare your strong right arm on behalf of those who have no recourse. Rise up, 0 Sovereign Lord, against those who plan evil against the righteous. Thwart their plans; silence their scoffing; bring to naught their unjust ways. Show forth your power and glory, Lord, in ultimately turning the wrath of men into the praise of your name. Reclaim the persecutors, as you did Saul of Tarsus, into champions of your grace. Hear now our prayers for these who suffer for your name's sake. We pray for imprisoned Christians to be comforted in their loneliness and despair by the presence of the Holy Spirit, Lord, hear our prayers. We pray for believers who have lost all of this world's goods homes, farms, food, and income for Christ s sake that you, O God, would sustain them, Lord, hear our prayers. 4 AGNUS DEI John 1:29 13
WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 FAITH OF OUR FATHERS MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION PRAYER OF APPROACH Unison: We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy; grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink of his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. 12 5
We pray for more leaders to be raised up from among the persecuted church. Grant them courage, wisdom, and strength, Lord, hear our prayers. We pray for those who hate and oppress Christians, that they may experience conviction of sin, repentance and salvation, Lord, hear our prayers. We pray also for ourselves, that we may be enabled to willingly faithfully and gladly take up our crosses and follow you daily, Lord, hear our prayers. THE SANCTUS Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26 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 TRUST (Music on page 7) Great Is Thy Faithfulness * OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Samuel 6:1 7:1 (ESV) 6 The ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months. 2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place. 3 They said, If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you. 4 And they said, What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. 5 So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. 6 Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed? 7 Now then, 6 11
CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: O Father, We humbly ask you to look upon our infirmities with your compassion; and for the glory of your name, turn us from all those evils that we most justly deserve; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in your mercy, and evermore serve you with integrity and gladness to your honor and praise; through our only mediator and advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS ASSURANCE OF PARDON Psalm 103:8-12 The Lord is merciful and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness. He does not deal with us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you! And also with you! Lift up your hearts! We lift them up to the Lord! Let us give thanks to the Lord! It is good and right so to do. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, that we should always give you thanks, O Lord; therefore, with the angels, we exalt and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing, 10 7
take and prepare a new cart and two milk cows on which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them. 8 And take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off and let it go its way 9 and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence. 10 The men did so, and took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home. 11 And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. 12 And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Bethshemesh. 13 Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it. 14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD. 16 And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron. 17 These are the golden tumors that the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron, 18 and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both fortified cities and unwalled villages. The great stone beside which they set down the ark of the LORD is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh. 19 And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the LORD. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great blow. 20 Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us? 21 So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you. 7 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the ark of the LORD. 8 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AFTERNOON SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett God s Sovereign Freedom PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERTORY * DOXOLOGY * PRAYER OF DEDICATION 9