Household Worship Guide – 10/13/13

This document can be downloaded as a PDF by logging into the CITY.

Prayer
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • God’s Immutability: “Now the word immutable, of course is the negative of mutable. And mutable is from the Latin, meaning ‘subject to change.’ Mutation is a word we often use to mean to ‘change in form, nature or substance.’ Immutability, then means ‘not subject to change’… Now there is in God no mutation possible. As it says in James, ‘with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning’ (1;17) – there is no variation due to change. And there is also that verse in Malachi: ‘I am the LORD [Jehovah], I change not’ (3:6)” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).
  • The Names of God: El Olam
    Meaning: The Eternal God, The Everlasting God
    Genesis 21:33; Psalm 90:1, 2 Isaiah 40:28, Romans 1:20

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside, Riverside CA –  Website

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Israel
    Population: 7,707,000
    Unreached People Groups: 41
    Religion: Jewish: 75{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Muslim: 17{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical: Less than 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
    HeartCry Missionary: Antony S., Leonid B., Samuil L.
  • Overview
    “The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Bordering the Arab-majority countries of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, Israel is the world’s only Jewish-majority nation, defining itself as both a Jewish and democratic state. The politics and history of this tiny nation form a complex web of international conflict, as arguably no other nation in the world has been plagued with as much controversy. After being a people without a country for almost 2,000 years, Israel began its journey toward statehood with the passing of the British Mandate for Palestine in July of 1922. This mandate was later superseded by the establishment of the State of Israel in May of 1948. Israel’s modern birth as a nation came not with decisive finality, but as the beginning to further regional conflicts and wars with its Arab neighbors. Though it presently has peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, it has yet to come to terms with Lebanon and Syria, and a resolution for the Palestinian conflict seems evasive, at best. Beyond its political problems, Israel is a highly developed country with one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Even with a small population, its economy is the world’s forty-third largest, and its standard of living is the highest in the Middle East and the third highest in all of Asia. Depending on who you ask, Israel’s capital and largest city is either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

    Though Israel was the birthplace of Jesus and the home of the first Christians, professing Christians comprise only 2 percent of the population, with evangelicals making up only 0.4 percent. The professing church is grossly fragmented and complicated by the unending barrage of religious noise and confusion produced by the convergence of every creed under Christendom. In spite of this, the church remains very hopeful in the power of the Gospel to subdue adverse spiritual forces and bring the State of Israel under the peace of the Messiah. Pray for the church in Israel; it must take advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel with Jews, Muslims, and professing Christians” (HeartCryMissionary.com).

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • Log into the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier

Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Hemet & San Jacinto Mayors – Robert Youssef, Mark Bartel
  • State: Attorney General – Kamala Harris
  • Nation: Vice President – Joe Biden

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).
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Worship through Song
Song of the Month

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. Lyrics are available for all the songs we sing in worship on Sundays. See Dave Anady or Mike Thezier for the song book.
  • “Before the Throne of God Above” by Shane and Shane can be purchased and downloaded here.

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Preparing for the Lord’s Day
Our Sermon Text for The Next Couple of Weeks Will Be: Galatians 3

  • O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. 15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

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Family Scripture Reading

The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 1 Kings 16, Col. 3
  • Monday – 1 Kings 17, Col. 4
  • Tuesday – 1 Kings 18
  • Wednesday – 1 Kings 19
  • Thursday – 1 Kings 20
  • Friday – 1 Kings 21
  • Saturday – 1 Kings 22

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Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard – Baptist Catechism #99 (Compare WSC #92)

  • Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper differ from the other ordinances of God?
  • A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper differ from the other ordinances of God in that they were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outward signs.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Matthew 26:26-29
  • Support Passages: I Corinthians 10:16, 11:24-25; Matthew 26:26-28; Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:4
  • Bible Story: Matthew 12:38-40, Jonah 1-4

Thoughts

  • Below is taken from chapter 28 of the The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters.
  • “1. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in His Church to the end of the world.1 [‘Positive’ here means that these ordinances are not merely implied in Scripture, but definitely, positively commanded. They are explicitly laid down by Christ.] 1 Matt 28.19-20; 1 Cor 11.26.
  • 2. These holy appointments are to be administered only by those who are qualified and called to administer them, according to the commission of Christ.2 2 Matt 28.19; 1 Cor 4.1.”
  • Below is taken from page 520 of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology.
  • “The sign of this covenant (the outward, physical symbol of inclusion in the covenant) varies between the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament the outward sign of beginning the covenant relationship was circumcision. The sign of continuing the covenant relationship was continuing to observe all the festivals and ceremonial laws that God gave the people at various times. In the new covenant, the sign of beginning a covenant relationship is baptism, while the sign of continuing in that relationship is participation in the Lord’s Supper. The reason this covenant is called a ‘covenant of grace’ is that it is entirely based on God’s ‘grace’ or unmerited favour toward those whom he redeems.”

Discussion Questions

  • What is the reason for Baptism and the Lord’s Supper being different than any other ordinances?
  • What does it mean that these two ordinances are “visible and outward signs” of the New Covenant?
  • Discuss the significance of having “visible and outward signs” of the New Covenant for the community of faith.
  • If these are signs of the New Covenant explain the severity and importance of regularly participating in them in a healthy manor.
  • Who should participate in these ordinances?

 


Household Worship Guide – 10/06/13

There is a new song available below for the month of October.

This document can be downloaded as a PDF by logging into the CITY.

Prayer
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • God’s Self-Existence: “…one thing God has declared to be true of Himself is, ‘I AM THAT I AM’ – I exist. Not ‘I will exist,’ or ‘I did exist,’ but ‘I do exist.’ The philosophy of existentialism begins with the proposition ‘I exist’ and ‘there is no God.’ But the Christian believes that God is the original existence, that He said ‘I AM.’ And because God is, everything else that is, is.” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).
  • The Names of God: Jehovah, Yhwh, Yah or Jah
    Meaning: “I AM,” The One Who Is, The Self-Existent One
    Exodus 3:14; 6:2-4; 15:2; 34:5-7; Psalm 46:1; 68:4; 102; Isaiah 26:4, Malachi 3:6,

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Olive Branch Ministries Church, San Jacinto – Website

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Egypt
    Population: 85,294,000
    Unreached People Groups: 22
    Religion: Muslim: 87{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Orthodox: 12{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical: Less than 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
    HeartCry Missionary: Samuel D. – click here to learn more about this missionary.

Overview

  • “Egypt has the oldest history of any modern state. Dating back to the tenth century BC, modern Egypt is built on the foundation of one of the world’s most significant ancient civilizations. This ancient culture is preserved in the ruins and artifacts of the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. Known as the Arab Republic of Egypt today, it is a transcontinental country in both the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia. Its territory is predominantly made up of sand from the Sahara Desert with a narrow strip of arable, life-giving farmland along the banks of the Nile River. Egypt is the fifteenth most populous country in the world, and its capital city Cairo is the largest city in Africa. Its economy is primarily fueled by agriculture along the Nile and tourism to its ancient sites. In spite of its rich cultural legacy, the vast majority of Egyptians are poor, citing government corruption as the primary cause of their failing economy.

    Almost 87 percent of Egypt’s 85.3 million people adhere to Islam, with the remaining 13 percent primarily Coptic Christians. Coptic Christianity dates back to the first century to the Apostle Mark, who carried the Gospel from Jerusalem to Alexandria. The Alexandrian Church went on to play a central role in preserving orthodoxy, as men like Athanasius championed the biblical view of the person of Christ. Today, however, the Egyptian church is weak in its knowledge of the Scriptures and the historic doctrines of the church. Generally speaking, the Copts have lost the Gospel and what remains are the ancient ruins of church tradition. The Egyptian Church has great potential, nonetheless, to impact the entire Middle East with the Gospel. It needs pastors and shepherds full of the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray for God’s work in this critical country.” (HeartCryMissionary.com).

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • Log into the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier

Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Hemet & San Jacinto City Managers – Wally Hill, Tim Hults
  • State: Lieutenant Governor – Gavin Newsom
  • Nation: President – Barack Obama

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

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Worship through Song
Song of the Month

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. Lyrics are available for all the songs we sing in worship on Sundays. See Dave Anady or Mike Thezier for the song book.
  • “Before the Throne of God Above” by Shane and Shane can be purchased and downloaded here.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Family Scripture Reading
The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 1 Kings 9, Eph. 6
  • Monday – 1 Kings 10, Phil. 1
  • Tuesday – 1 Kings 11, Phil. 2
  • Wednesday – 1 Kings 12, Phil. 3
  • Thursday – 1 Kings 13, Phil. 4
  • Friday – 1 Kings 14, Col. 1
  • Saturday – 1 Kings 15, Col. 2

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Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard – Baptist Catechism #98 (Compare WSC #91)

  • Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation?
    A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: I Peter 3:13-22
    Support Passages: Matthew 3:11-12; I Corinthians 3:1-9; I Corinthians 12:13
    Bible Story: Acts 8:9-25

Thoughts

  • Below is taken from page 953-955 of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology.
  • “2. Baptism. Since Jesus commanded his church to baptize (Matt. 28:19), we would expect that there would be a measure of blessing connected with baptism, because all obedience to God by Christians brings God’s favor with it. This obedience is specifically a public act of confessing Jesus as Savior, an act which in itself brings joy and blessing to a believer. Moreover, it is a sign of the believer’s death and resurrection with Christ (see Rom. 6:2–5; Col. 2:12), and it seems fitting that the Holy Spirit would work through such a sign to increase our faith, to increase our experiential realization of death to the power and love of sin in our lives, and to increase our experience of the power of new resurrection life in Christ that we have as believers. Since baptism is a physical symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ and our participation in them, it should also give additional assurance of union with Christ to all believers who are present. Finally, since water baptism is an outward symbol of inward spiritual baptism by the Holy Spirit, we may expect that the Holy Spirit will ordinarily work alongside the baptism, giving to believers an increasing realization of the benefits of the spiritual baptism to which it points.
  • When baptism very closely accompanies someone’s initial profession of faith and is in fact the outward form that profession of faith takes, there is certainly a connection between baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, for Peter says to his hearers at Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Moreover, Paul says, “You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:12). The statement that it is “through faith in the working of God” that this happens reminds us that there is no magical property in the act of baptism itself, which causes a spiritual result to come about, yet the verse also indicates that when faith accompanies baptism there is genuine spiritual work in the life of the person being baptized. As we would expect, sometimes great spiritual joy follows upon baptism—a great joy in the Lord and in the salvation that baptism so vividly pictures (see Acts 8:39; 16:34).
  • Although we must avoid the Roman Catholic teaching that grace is imparted even apart from the faith of the person being baptized, we must not react so strongly to this error that we say that there is no spiritual benefit at all that comes from baptism, that the Holy Spirit does not work through it and that it is merely symbolic. It is better to say that where there is genuine faith on the part of the person being baptized, and where the faith of the church that watches the baptism is stirred up and encouraged by this ceremony, then the Holy Spirit certainly does work through baptism, and it becomes a “means of grace” through which the Holy Spirit brings blessing to the person being baptized and to the church as well. (Baptism will be more fully discussed in the next chapter.)
  • 3. The Lord’s Supper. In addition to baptism, the other ordinance or ceremony that Jesus commanded the church to carry out is participation in the Lord’s Supper. Although this subject will be discussed more thoroughly in chapter 50, it is appropriate to note here that participation in the Lord’s Supper is also very clearly a means of grace which the Holy Spirit uses to bring blessing to the church. The Lord’s Supper is not simply an ordinary meal among human beings—it is a fellowship with Christ, in his presence and at his table.
  • Once again, we must avoid the idea that any automatic or magical benefit comes from sharing in the Lord’s Supper, whether a person participates in faith or not. But when a person participates in faith, renewing and strengthening his or her own trust in Christ for salvation, and believing that the Holy Spirit will bring spiritual blessing through such participation, then certainly additional blessing may be expected. We must be careful here, as with baptism, to avoid the mistake of overreacting to Roman Catholic teaching and maintaining that the Lord’s Supper is merely symbolic and not a means of grace. Paul says, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation (Gk. κοινωνία, G3126, “sharing,” “fellowship”) in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not aparticipation [κοινωνία] in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:16). Because there is such a sharing in the body and blood of Christ (apparently meaning a sharing in the benefits of Christ’s body and blood given for us), the unity of believers is beautifully exhibited at the time of the Lord’s Supper: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Cor.10:17). And since we are participants at “the table of the Lord” (1 Cor. 10:21), Paul warns the Corinthians that they cannot participate in the Lord’s table and also participate in idol worship: “You cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons” (1 Cor. 10:21). There is a spiritual union among believers and with the Lord that is strengthened and solidified at the Lord’s Supper, and it is not to be taken lightly.
  • This is why the Corinthians were experiencing judgment for their abuse of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:29–30: “For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died”). But if Paul says there will be judgment for wrong participation in the Lord’s Supper, then certainly we should expect blessing for right participation in the Lord’s Supper. When we obey Jesus’ command, “Take, eat” (Matt. 26:26), and go through the physical activity of eating and drinking at the Lord’s table, our physical action pictures a corresponding spiritual nourishment, a nourishment of our souls that will occur when we participate in obedience and faith. Jesus says, “For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:55–56; cf. vv. 52–54, 57–58; also vv. 27, 33–35, 48–51).
  • As with baptism, therefore, we should expect that the Lord would give spiritual blessing as we participate in the Lord’s Supper in faith and in obedience to the directions laid down in Scripture, and in this way it is a “means of grace” which the Holy Spirit uses to convey blessing to us.”

Discussion Questions

  • What does the catechism mean when it says that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are “means of salvation?”
  • How is baptism and the Lord’s Supper closely tied to salvation?
  • Does scripture or the catechism teach that these acts earn one salvation? Explain
  • Discuss the biblical sequence of salvation and participating in the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper).

Household Worship Guide – 09/28/13

This can be downloaded as a PDF by logging into the CITY.

Prayer
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • God’s Wisdom: “Because God is wise, He has to be all-wise. He couldn’t be a little bit wise. If I thought that God were only a little bit wise, or even ninety percent wise, I’d never get to sleep tonight. If I were to listen to the 10 o’clock news and hear what they’re doing in the Congo and in Laos, if I heard that enemy soldiers had broken through the lines – if I knew those things and believed that God were only partly right, I’d never be able to sleep. I’d worry myself into a state of shock. But I believe that God is infinitely wise, altogether discreet. ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens’ (Proverbs 3:19). We don’t have to worry about it, because God is wise – infinitely wise” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).
  • The Names of God: Jehovah-Rapha
  • Meaning: The Lord Who Heals
  • Exodus 15:25-27; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 147:3 (1 Peter 2:24)

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • The Promise, Hemet CA – Website

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Peru
  • Population: 29,850,000
  • Total People Groups: 103
  • Unreached People Groups: 9
  • Religion: Catholic: 82{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 12{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, 6{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9} Other
  • HeartCry Missionary: HeartCryMissionary.com has a list of 22 missionaries to pray for.
  • Overview – “The Republic of Peru is in western South America and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. The Peruvian climate is extremely diverse, ranging from the desert coasts, to the far-reaching Andes Mountains, to the deep jungles of the Amazon Basin. Before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century, Peruvian territory was home to the Inca Empire, which was the largest civilization in pre-Columbian America. Today, Peru is a developing country and a representative democratic republic. Since the early 2000’s, Peru has had one of the world’s fastest growing economies, but there is still considerable economic disparity, with over 50 percent of the population living in poverty.

    Throughout its history, Peru has been heavily influenced by Catholicism, which is officially recognized as the state church. Today, 83 percent of the population is Catholic, though only 5 percent attend mass regularly. Over the last fifty years, the evangelical church in Peru has grown dramatically, increasing from just 78,000 in 1960 to over 3.4 million today; but the need is still great. Among the Andes Mountains and the deep jungles of the Amazon, there are still countless faraway and often abandoned villages whose inhabitants have yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and can only be reached after many hours of travel by foot or boat” (HeartCryMissionary.com).

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • A list of families to pray for can be had by logging into the CITY.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier

Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Hemet City Council – Shellie Milne, Bonnie Wright
  • State: Governor – Jerry Brown
  • Nation: California Senators – Dianne Feinstein, Barbra Boxer

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).
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Worship through Song
Song of the Month

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. This is also a great way to prepare for worship Sunday worship by learning the songs we sing.
  • “O Great God” by Sovereign Grace Music can be purchased and downloaded here.

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Preparing for the Lord’s Day
Our Sermon Text for This Week Is: Galatians 2

  • “Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

_______________________________________________

Family Scripture Reading

The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 1 Kings 1, Gal. 5
  • Monday – 1 Kings 2, Gal. 6
  • Tuesday – 1 Kings 3, Eph. 1
  • Wednesday – 1 Kings 4-5, Eph. 2
  • Thursday – 1 Kings 6, Eph. 3
  • Friday – 1 Kings 7, Eph. 4
  • Saturday – 1 Kings 8, Eph. 5

_______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard WSC #90

  • Q. How is the word to be read and heard in order to become effective for salvation?
  • A. For the word to become effective for salvation, we must pay careful attention to it, prepare ourselves, and pray for understanding. We must also receive it with faith and love, treasure it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Matthew 13:1-23
  • Support Passages: Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 119:11, 18-19; Proverbs 2:1, 8:34; Luke 8:18, 9:44; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Thessalonians 2:8-12; Hebrews 2:1,4:2; James 1:21, 25; I Peter 2:1-3
  • Bible Story: Acts 17:1-14

Thoughts

  • “Paul the Apostle once said: ‘Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel’ (1 Cor. 1:17). The preaching of the word of God, then, has a certain priority. It is more important than the sacraments. Thus the Bible constantly reminds us that God uses ‘the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe’ (1 Cor. 1:21), and that ‘the gospel… is the power of God unto salvation’ (Rom. 1:16) since ‘faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God’ (Rom. 10:17). The reason is obvious: the sacraments by themselves do not convey a clear message to the ignorant and uninstructed man. A man who had never known about Christ could witness the sacrament of baptism and still know nothing about Christ, if he did not also hear the word with the sacrament. The sacraments depend upon the word. But the word is intelligible in itself. When the word is faithfully preached, the explanation or meaning is self-evident! So God uses the word as the ordinary means of convincing and converting sinners. And let it be noted that it is especially the preaching of the word that God uses in this work.”[1]

Discussion Questions

  • Where should the Word of God be read and heard?
  • Explain in practical ways you can pay more careful attention to the reading and hearing of the word.
  • How do you or how can you prepare yourself for the reading and hearing of scripture?
  • Why should we pray for understanding when reading and listening to the Word of God?
  • How do you receive scripture with faith and love?
  • What does it mean to “treasure it in our hearts?”
  • Why is it important that we strive to practice what the Word teaches?

 


[1] Williamson, C.I. (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism – 2nd Edition. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


Household Worship Guide – 09/22/13

This can be downloaded as a PDF logging into the CITY.

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • God’s Love: “When it says, ‘God is Love,’ it means that love is an essential attribute of God’s being. It means that in God is the summation of all love, so that all love comes from God. And it means that God’s love, we might say, conditions all of His other attributes, so that God can do nothing except He does it in love” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).
  • The Names of God: Jehovah-Rohi .
  • Meaning: The Lord is My Shepherd
  • Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 53:6; John 10:14-18; Hebrews 13:20; Revelation 7:17

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Christ Reformed Baptist Church, Vista CA – Website

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Brazil
  • Population: 201,010,000
  • Religion: Catholic: 73{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 26{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9} Other
  • In 2012, Paul Washer traveled to Brazil to preach in a series of meeting with FIEL ministries. While there, he saw the great need that exists in this vast country and also met several men who are worthy laborers in the harvest. After several months of prayer and deliberation, HeartCry has decided to partner with the newly established Martin Bucer Seminary to provide sound theology and ministerial training to those who have been called into the gospel ministry.Martin Bucer Seminary. Seminário Martin Bucer (SMB) is located in São José dos Campos in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It is an extension of the Martin Bucer Seminary in Germany. Its mission is to train pastors and Christian leaders for the evangelical churches in Brazil (independent or denominational). SMB welcomes partnerships with local churches in Brazil, United States, England and Germany as well with evangelical Christian organizations.The faculty of SMB in Brazil is composed of pastors and teachers from Brazil, Germany and USA. They have to be academically qualified (master’s degree in theology), have ministerial experience, and be accessible to the student. All the teachers work as counselors and are available for assistance in the spiritual life, family relationships, and ministerial development of the student.The SMB curriculum is centered on the Bible and its exposition. The goal of the teaching activity is to lead the student into a deeper relationship with Christ and greater conformity to His image. During the three-year program, the student will seek to develop three main areas for the Christian ministry: holiness, doctrinal knowledge, and ministerial practice.*Information taken from HeartCryMissionary.com

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • Log into the CITY to see a list of families to pray for.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier

Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: San Jacinto City Council – Crystal Ruiz, Andrew Kotyuk, Scott Miller
  • State: State Assembly – Melissa Melandez
  • Nation: Congressman – Ken Calvert

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

_______________________________________________

Worship through Song

Song of the Month  

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. This is also a great way to prepare for worship Sunday worship by learning the songs we sing.
  • “O Great God” by Sovereign Grace Music can be purchased and downloaded here.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Week Is: Galatians 2

  • “Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

_______________________________________________

Family Scripture Reading
The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 2 Sam. 18, 2 Cor. 11
    Monday – 2 Sam. 19, 2 Cor. 12
    Tuesday – 2 Sam. 20, 2 Cor. 13
    Wednesday – 2 Sam. 21, Gal. 1
    Thursday – 2 Sam. 22, Gal. 2
    Friday – 2 Sam. 23, Gal. 3
    Saturday – 2 Sam. 24, Gal. 4

_______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard WSC #89

  • Q. What makes the word effective for salvation?
  • A. The Spirit of God causes the reading and especially the preaching of the word to convince and convert sinners and to build them up in holiness and comfort through faith to salvation.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Romans 10:13-21
  • Support Passages: Nehemiah 8:7-8; Psalm 19:7-10; Acts 20:32, 26:16-18; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 14:24-25; II Timothy 3:14-17
  • Bible Story: II Chronicles 17

Thoughts

  • “The doctrine of the gospel call is important, because if there were no gospel call we could not be saved. ‘How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?’(Rom. 10:14).
  • “The gospel call is important also because through it God addresses us in the fullness of our humanity. He does not save us ‘automatically’ without seeking for a response from us as a whole person. Rather, he addresses the gospel call to our intellects, our emotions, and our wills. He speaks to our intellects by explain the facts of salvation in his Word. He speaks to our wills by asking us to hear his invitation and respond willingly in repentance and faith – to decide to turn from our sins and receive Christ as Savior and rest our hearts in him for salvation” (Pg. 695). [1]
  • Romans 10:13–21 (ESV) “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ 19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.’ 20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.’ 21 But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.’

Discussion Questions

  • Why is scripture effective for salvation?
  • Read Romans 10 and discuss the significance scripture plays in salvation.
  • How does scripture convince people of their need for a savior?
  • Explain how scripture “converts sinners.”
  • Explain how scripture builds people up in “holiness and comfort through faith to salvation.”
  • Discuss how scripture has impacted your life in the previous ways.

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.


Household Worship Guide – 09/15/13

This can be downloaded as a PDF by logging into the CITY.

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • “Psalm 147:5, Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”  Hebrews 4:13, and no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. These texts say that God’s understanding is limitless, that His knowledge is perfect, and there isn’t a creature anywhere in the universe that isn’t plainly visible to His sight. Nothing is shut before the eyes of God. That is what is called divine omniscience, one of the attributes of God. An attribute, as I have said before, is something which God has declared to be true about himself ” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside, Riverside CA – Website

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Argentina
    Population: 40,655,000
    Religion: Catholic: 87{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 9{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, 4{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9} Other
    HeartCry Missionary:  Nicolas Serrano – click here to learn more about this missionary.Overview: “The Argentine Republic, commonly known as Argentina, is located in southeastern South America and is the second largest country on the continent. Its economy is aided by an abundance of natural resources, which, at the beginning of the 20th century, enabled it to become one of the most prosperous countries in South America. Over the past 100 years, Argentina has experienced severe economic instability and has gone from being one of the richest countries in the world to being entrenched in repeated recessions. While the government has sought to manipulate the public statistics in order to hide the extent of the economy’s problems, it is estimated privately that the actual annual inflation rate over the past decade is approximately 30 percent. Since the severe economic crash from 1999 to 2002, the nation’s income disparity has been reversed slightly, but there is still a considerable income inequality. This is demonstrated by the 500,000 people who are currently living in the slums of the capital city of Buenos Aires.

    Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Argentina and has had a powerful influence on the country’s affairs since its foundation. However, of the 87 percent who identify themselves with the Catholic Church, it is estimated that less than 20 percent actually practice their religion. The nation is largely influenced by postmodern and agnostic beliefs and is increasingly moving toward secular practice and ideology. Evangelicalism has seen an increase recently, and since 1980, the number of people who profess to be Evangelical has increased from just 1 million to over 3 million. The greatest needs among the Evangelicals in Argentina are sound biblical instruction and biblical training of men for the ministry.”

    *Information taken from HeartCryMissionary.com

 Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • See the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier


Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Hemet City Council  – Linda Krupa
  • State: Secretary of State  – Debra Bowen
  • Nation: Congressman  – Raul Ruiz

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

_______________________________________________
Worship through Song

Song of the Month  

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. This is also a great way to prepare for worship Sunday worship by learning the songs we sing.
  • “O Great God” by Sovereign Grace Music can be purchased and downloaded here.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text For This Week Is: Galatians 1:13-24

  • “ For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.”

________________________________________________

Family Scripture Reading
The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 2 Sam. 11, 2 Cor. 5
  • Monday – 2 Sam. 12, 2 Cor. 5
  • Tuesday – 2 Sam. 13, 2 Cor. 6
  • Wednesday – 2 Sam. 14, 2 Cor. 7
  • Thursday – 2 Sam. 15, 2 Cor. 8
  • Friday – 2 Sam. 16, 2 Cor. 9
  • Saturday – 2 Sam. 17, 2 Cor. 20

_______________________________________________
Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard – Baptist Catechism #95 (Compare WSC #88)

  • Q. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
    A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, ESV.)

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Proverbs 2
  • Support Passages: Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 5:15-20; Colossians 3:12-17
  • Bible Story: Acts 2:41-47

Thoughts

  • “Imagine a father who is away on a trip. He has been wanting to buy a horse for his son. While he is away, the father sees the perfect horse for his son. So he buys it for him. The father has paid the full price for the horse. Nothing more needs to be done to make the horse the boy’s horse. But because the boy is at home, in a different state, he cannot enjoy the benefits of having a horse. So the father hires a truck and a trailer as the way to bring the horse to the boy. Now the boy can enjoy all the benefits of having the horse that his father bought for him.The Lord Jesus paid fully to redeem His people when He died on the cross. Nothing more needs to be done to redeem them. But the benefits of being redeemed need to be brought to God’s people. The Lord Jesus has chosen ways to bring those benefits to us. This answer lists those ways. The Word of God, the (ordinances) (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and prayer are the ‘ordinary, external ways Christ has chosen to bring us the benefits of redemption.’ As we read and hear God’s Word, as we pray, and as we receive baptism and communion, we enjoy the benefits of the redemption Christ bought for us.

    The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, giving him instructions about prayer, worship, and preaching and teaching God’s Word. He told him that using these things would result in salvation for Timothy and for those whom he ministered. Read 1 Timothy 4:15-16.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What does redemption mean?
  • What are the means by which Christ communicates the benefits of redemption?
  • Why is it important for Christians to read the Word of God?
  • Why is it important that Christians be baptized and attend baptisms?
  • Why is it important for Christians to participate in the Lord’s Supper (communion)?
  • Why should Christians be in continual prayer?


[1] Meade, Starr (2000). Training Heart, Teaching Minds. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


Household Worship Guide – 09/08/13

Under “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”, we added a section to pray for the ministry of other churches.

This can be downloaded as a PDF by logging into the CITY.

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • God’s omnipotence. “Omni meaning ‘all’ and potent, meaning ‘able to do and to have power.’ And so omnipotent means ‘able to do all and to have all power.’ It means having all the potency there is. ” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God). “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
  • Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For Other Churches Doing the Will of Lord (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Olive Branch Ministries Church,  San Jacinto – Website

Pray For The Gospel To Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • COUNTRY: Cuba
    DESCRIPTION: In 2008, Fidel Castro turned leadership over to his brother, General Raul Castro, and the country is now run by General Castro and a team of Communist Party loyalists. Raul is slowly implementing economic reforms, and Cuba’s relationship with the United States appears to be improving. The Cuban government seeks to control most aspects of Cuban life through the Communist Party, government bureaucracy and state security. The Ministry of Interior is the principal organ of state security and control.Category: Restricted Nation
    Religion: Christian 56.5.{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Non-Religious 25.0{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
    Ideology: Communism
    Head of State: President General Raul Castro RuzThe constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but religious groups experience interference, harassment and discrimination, and their leaders are sometimes imprisoned. Cuba considers church growth a threat to regime stability. The Religious Affairs Office, an arm of the Cuban Communist Party, actively tries to control churches through surveillance, infiltration and harassment of church leaders. Pastors understand that their congregations are infiltrated and monitored by government agents. Cuban law prohibits the unauthorized assembly of more than 12 people. Many Christians meet in unregistered house churches even though they have been strictly regulated since 2005. VOM is involved in repairing house churches and supporting evangelistic teams.

    *Information taken from The Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution.com

Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • See the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier

Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: San Jacinto Mayor Pro Tem – Alonso Ledezma
  • State: Attorney General  – Kamala Harris
  • Nation: Secretary of State  – John Kerry

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

_______________________________________________

Worship through Song

Song of the Month  

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. This is also a great way to prepare for worship Sunday worship by learning the songs we sing.
  • “O Great God” by Sovereign Grace Music can be purchased and downloaded here.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text For This Week Is: Galatians 1:10-24

  • For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

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Family Scripture Reading
The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 2 Sam. 2, 1 Cor. 13
    Monday – 2 Sam. 3, 1 Cor. 14
    Tuesday – 2 Sam. 4-5, 1 Cor. 15
    Wednesday – 2 Sam. 6, 1 Cor. 16
    Thursday – 2 Sam. 7, 2 Cor. 1
    Friday – 2 Sam. 8-9, 2 Cor. 2
    Saturday – 2 Sam. 10, 2 Cor. 3

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Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard WSC #87

  • Q. What is repentance unto life?
  • A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, by which a sinner, being truly aware of his sinfulness, understands the mercy of God in Christ, grieves for and hates his sins, and turns from them to God, fully intending and striving for a new obedience.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:16-17, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: II Corinthians 7
  • Support Passages: Psalm 51:5-13, 80:3,7,19; Acts 2:37-38, 5:30-31, 11:18; II Timothy 2:25
  • Bible Story: Luke 15:11-24

Thoughts

  • Below is taken from chapter 15 of the The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters.
  • “15.1 Those of the elect who are converted in riper years [adult life], having lived some time in the state of nature [unsaved], and in this state served various lusts and pleasures, God gives repentance which leads to life, through an effectual call.1 1 Tit 3.2-5.
  • 15.2. Because there is not one person who does good and commits no sin,2 and because the best of men may fall into great sins and provo­cations [to God] through the power and deceitfulness of their own indwelling corruption and the prevalency [superior power] of temptation, God has mercifully provided in the covenant of grace that when believers sin and fall they shall be renewed [restored] through repentance to salvation.3 2 Ecc 7.20. 3 Luke 22.31-32.
  • 15.3. Saving repentance is an evangelical grace4 by which a person who is made to feel, by the Holy Spirit, the manifold evils of his sin, and being given faith in Christ, humbles himself over his sin with godly sorrow, detestation [hatred] of his sin and self-abhorrency [self-disgust or shame].5 In such repentance the person also prays for pardon and strength of grace, and has a purpose and endeavour [a striving aim and desire], by supplies of the Spirit’s power, to walk before God and to ­totally please Him in all things.6 4 Zech 12.10; Acts 11.18. 5 Ezek 36.31; 2 Cor 7.11. 6 Psa 119.6 & 128.
  • 15.4. As repentance is to be continued through the whole course of our lives, on account of the body of death [continuing corruption], and the motions of it, it is therefore every man’s duty to repent of his particular known sins particularly7 [ie: of individual sins known to him, naming them and repenting of them]. 7 Luke 19.8; 1 Tim 1.13-15.
  • 15.5. Such is the provision which God has made through Christ in the covenant of grace for the preservation of believers in the way of salvation, that although even the smallest sin deserves damnation,8 yet there is no sin great enough to bring damnation on those who ­repent.9 This makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary [essential]. 8 Rom 6.23. 9 Isa 1.16-18; 55.7” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to repent?
  • Why is repentance so important in a Christian’s life?
  • Explain how repentance and faith are connected?
  • Where does the ability to repent come from? Explain
  • Discuss the work of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) in bringing about repentance in a believers life.
  • If you are living an unrepentant life what does it reveal about your heart?
  • What steps should be taken to bring about heart transformation?


[1] Masters, Peter (1982). The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters. Ashland, Ohio, USA; BookMasters, Inc.


Encouragement from Calvin to Live Holy

Below is a quote from Calvin that I came across this morning while reading in the Institutes of the Christian Religion, book 3, chapter 6 entitled, The Life of the Christian Man.

Here, Calvin is first of all confronting those who confess Jesus as Lord but live in a way contrary to the gospel. His exhortation is strong. But afterwards he provides comfort to those who, although they may be truly striving after Christ, are frustrated with the slow progress when it comes to their growth in holiness.

If you take the time to read Calvin you will soon discover that he has the heart of a pastor. He understands that within the church there will always be some who need exhortation, and others who need comfort – he is careful to provide both.

“Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life; is not apprehended by the intellect and memory merely, like other branches of learning; but is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds its seat and habitation in the inmost recesses of the heart. Let them, therefore, either cease to insult God, by boasting that they are what they are not, or let them show themselves not unworthy disciples of their divine Master. To doctrine in which our religion is contained we have given the first place, since by it our salvation commences; but it must be transfused into the breast, and pass into the conduct, and so transform us into itself, as not to prove unfruitful. If philosophers are justly offended, and banish from their company with disgrace those who, while professing an art which ought to be the mistress of their conduct, convert it into mere loquacious sophistry, with how much better reason shall we detest those flimsy sophists who are contented to let the Gospel play upon their lips, when, from its efficacy, it ought to penetrate the inmost affections of the heart, fix its seat in the soul, and pervade the whole man a hundred times more than the frigid discourses of philosophers?

I insist not that the life of the Christian shall breathe nothing but the perfect Gospel, though this is to be desired, and ought to be attempted. I insist not so strictly on evangelical perfection, as to refuse to acknowledge as a Christian any man who has not attained it. In this way all would be excluded from the Church, since there is no man who is not far removed from this perfection, while many, who have made but little progress, would be undeservedly rejected. What then? Let us set this before our eye as the end at which we ought constantly to aim. Let it be regarded as the goal towards which we are to run. For you cannot divide the matter with God, undertaking part of what his word enjoins, and omitting part at pleasure. For, in the first place, God uniformly recommends integrity as the principal part of his worship, meaning by integrity real singleness of mind, devoid of gloss and fiction, and to this is opposed a double mind; as if it had been said, that the spiritual commencement of a good life is when the internal affections are sincerely devoted to God, in the cultivation of holiness and justice. But seeing that, in this earthly prison of the body, no man is supplied with strength sufficient to hasten in his course with due alacrity, while the greater number are so oppressed with weakness, that hesitating, and halting, and even crawling on the ground, they make little progress, let every one of us go as far as his humble ability enables him, and prosecute the journey once begun. No one will travel so badly as not daily to make some degree of progress. This, therefore, let us never cease to do, that we may daily advance in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair because of the slender measure of success. How little soever the success may correspond with our wish, our labour is not lost when to-day is better than yesterday, provided with true singleness of mind we keep our aim, and aspire to the goal, not speaking flattering things to ourselves, nor indulging our vices, but making it our constant endeavour to become better, until we attain to goodness itself. If during the whole course of our life we seek and follow, we shall at length attain it, when relieved from the infirmity of flesh we are admitted to full fellowship with God.” (Calvin, 447)

 


Household Worship Guide – 09/01/13

I added another component that has already been available to you in our Passages scripture reading guide. Under “Family Scripture Reading” I placed the scriptures to read each day as a family.

For a PDF version log into the CITY.

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • “Faithfulness is that in God which guarantees that He will never be or act inconsistent with Himself. You can put that down as an axiom. It is good for you now and good for you when you’re dying. It will be good to remember as you rise from the dead and good for all the eons and millenniums to come. God will never cease to be what He is and who He is. Everything God says or does must be in accord with his faithfulness. He will always be true to Himself, to His works and to His creation” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).

    “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

  • Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For The Gospel To Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • COUNTRY: Syria
    DESCRIPTION: Syria is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawites, Shiites and Sunnis. It is a secular state, but Islam is recognized as the religion of the majority, and Shariah is the source of all legislation. The constitution requires that the president be a Muslim. Since civil war erupted in March 2011, an estimated 9,000 people have been killed.Category: Restricted Nation
    Religion: Muslim 90.0{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Christian 6.3{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
    Ideology: Islam
    Head of State: President Bashar al-Asad

    In 2012, militants engaged in Syria’s civil war displaced whole Christian neighborhoods in some regions, taking over homes and confiscating personal property. Prior to the war, traditional Christian minority groups had relative freedom within the larger Islamic society, but discrimination is rising, and our partners report that acts of violence during the war have specifically targeted Christians and Christian communities. Christian evangelism is not welcome, and missionaries are not allowed in the country. The government closely monitors all activities deemed a threat to communal harmony, and most churches in Syria are hesitant to evangelize Muslims. Believers who meet for fellowship outside designated places of worship risk having their apartments appropriated by the government. Occasionally, traditional churches that feel threatened by evangelism work with Muslims to carry out persecution against those who evangelize. VOM works with partners to bring Bibles into the country.

    *Information taken from The Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution.com

Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray For Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • See the CITY for families to pray for

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier


Pray For Kings And Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Mayor Pro Tem – Larry Smith:
  • State: Senator  – Bill Emmerson
  • Nation: Speaker of the House of Representatives – John Boehner

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

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Worship through Song

Song of the Month  

  • I encourage you to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time. This is also a great way to prepare for worship Sunday worship by learning the songs we sing.
  • “O Great God” by Sovereign Grace Music can be purchased and downloaded here.

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Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text For This Week Is: Galatians 1:6-9

  • 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

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Family Scripture Reading
The scriptures follow the reading plan for families outlined in Emmaus’ Passages booklet.

  • Sunday – 1 Sam. 25, 1 Cor. 6
    Monday – 1 Sam. 26, 1 Cor. 7
    Tuesday – 1 Sam. 27, 1 Cor. 8
    Wednesday – 1 Sam. 28, 1 Cor. 9
    Thursday – 1 Sam. 29-30, 1 Cor. 10
    Friday – 1 Sam. 31, 1 Cor. 11

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Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard WSC #86

  • Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
  • A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, by which we receive and rest on Him alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the gospel.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Hebrews 11
  • Support Passages: Isaiah 43:1-3; Matthew 10:34-39; Romans 8:18-39; Revelation 2:1-3:22
  • Bible Story: II Corinthians 11:23-28

Thoughts

  • “The Protestant Reformers recognized that biblical faith has three essential aspects: notitia,assensus, and fiducia.
    Notitia. Notitia refers to the content of faith, or those things that we believe. We place our faith in something, or more appropriately, someone. In order to believe, we must know something about that someone, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Assensus. Assensus is our conviction that the content of our faith is true. You can know about the Christian faith and yet believe that it is not true. Genuine faith says that the content — the notitiataught by Holy Scripture — is true.
    Fiducia. Fiducia refers to personal trust and reliance. Knowing and believing the content of the Christian faith is not enough, for even demons can do that (James 2:19). Faith is only effectual if, knowing about and assenting to the claims of Jesus, one personally trusts in Him alone for salvation.” [1]
  • Below is taken from chapter 14 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters.
  • “14.1. The grace of faith by which the elect are enabled to believe, so that their souls are saved, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,1 and is ordinarily [normally] brought into being by the ministry of the Word.2 It is also increased and strengthened by the work of the Spirit through the ministry of the Word, and also by the administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God.3 1 2 Cor 4.13; Eph 2.8. 2 Rom 10.14-17. 3 Luke 17.5; 1 Pet 2.2; Acts 20.32.
  • 14.2. By this faith a Christian believes to be true whatever is revealed in the Word because this Word has the authority of God Himself.4 [Saving faith causes a person to believe all the Bible to be the Word of God – instinctively and completely.] Also, by this saving faith, a Christian apprehends [sees] an excellency in the Word which is higher than in all other writings and everything else in the world,5 because the Word shows forth the glory of God, revealing His attributes, showing the excellency of Christ’s nature and offices, and also the power and fulness of the Holy Spirit in His workings and operations.
  • – So the Christian is enabled to cast his soul upon [fully trust] the Truth he has believed,6 and to see and respond to the different kinds of teaching which different passages of Scripture contain. Saving faith equips him to perceive and obey the commands,7 hear the threatenings with fear and respect,8 and to embrace the promises of God for this life and the life to come.9
  • – But the first and most important acts of saving faith are those ­directly to do with Christ, when the soul accepts, receives, and rests upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life, by ­virtue of the covenant of grace.10 4 Acts 24.14. 5 Psa 19.7-10; 119.72. 6 2 Tim 1.12. 7 John 15.14. 8 Isa 66.2. 9 Heb 11.13. 10 John 1.12; Acts 16.31; Gal 2.20; Acts 15.11.
  • 14.3. This faith, although it differs in degree, and may be weak or strong,11 even at its very weakest is in an entirely different class and has a different nature (like other aspects of saving grace) from the kind of faith and common grace which is possessed by temporary believers.12 Therefore, though it may be frequently assailed [attacked] and weakened, it gets the victory,13 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,14 Who is both the ­author and finisher of our faith.15 11 Heb 5.13-14; Matt 6.30; Rom 4.19-20. 12 2 Pet 1.1. 13 Eph 6.16; 1 John 5.4-5.” 14 Heb 6.11-12; Col 2.2. 15 Heb 12.2.” [2]

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ?
  • What does it mean to receive him for salvation?
  • What does it mean to rest on him alone for salvation?
  • Why is it important that our faith, rest, and salvation is according to what was “offered to us in the gospel?”
  • Have you placed your faith and rest alone in Christ for your salvation?
  • What evidence in your life might be a testimony to this?


[1] From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved. Website: www.ligonier.org | Phone: 1-800-435-4343

[2] Masters, Peter (1982). The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters. Ashland, Ohio, USA; BookMasters, Inc.



"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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