First Presbyterian Church of Villa Rica
Order for the Worship of God
SUNDAY, May 15th, 2022, 11 AM
At Church and Online
(Live Stream and Online Bulletin)
Nursery 10 AM to 12 PM
10 AM Bible Study for all ages
11 AM Worship Services
GATHERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE
“Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.” – Deuteronomy 4:10
PRELUDE TO WORSHIP
(As we prepare our hearts for worship let us quiet our hearts and our cell phones.)
Prelude Worship Song
Worship Live Stream Bulletin
Sermon: by Reverend Thomas Myers
“Always a Remnant Chosen and Kept by God!”
Acts 28:16-24; Romans 10:17; 20-11:7; Ephesians 1:3-6, 2:8-10; Romans 1:11-15
View Live Service: Bulletin/Order of Worship
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
INVOCATION
(All Scripture references are from the English Standard Version, ESV, unless otherwise noted.)
Worship through Hymn of Thanksgiving
“All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above“
Verse 1
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
The God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love,
The God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
And every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.
Verse 2
The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay,
Our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand,
God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.
Verse 3
Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud thy praises,
That earth may hear the grateful song
My voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
Both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.
Verse 4
Let all who name Christ’s holy name
Give God all praise and glory;
Let all who own his power proclaim
Aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne,
For Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.
Worship through Responsive Reading of
Pslam 8:1 – 9:7-11 (NIV)
(NIV) Psalm 8
For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.
1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 9: 7-11
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.
7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with justice.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.
RECOGNIZING GRADS AND NEW MEMBERS
Graduates: Grace Eckstein ( Berry Collage ) Austin Garner ( Breman Highschool)
New Members: Barbra DeLozier, Jeff and Jennifer Standridge, Sarah Standridge, J.T and Sarah Standridge
Grace Eckstein – Berry Collage
Grace graduated on May 7th with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has accepted a job with Peidmont Cartersville Medical Center as an ER nurse and will start working in mid-July.
Austin Garner- Breman Highschool
Austin is Graduating with honors, having completed honors and dual enrollment courses throughout high school. He cored (accelerated honors) in Foreign Language (Spanish) and Engineering. He has the Hope Scholarship. He competed on the cross country and varsity soccer team (goalkeeper) all four years. The team won region all 4 years, and advanced to final 4 in the state the last 2 years. His junior and senior year he was selected for di-varsity (the best goalkeeper in 2A in the state.) Austin is attending Kennesaw State University, majoring in Construction Management. He plans to transfer after completing his core to the University of North Florida, where he hopes to complete his internship under the guidance of his uncle.
Worship Through Songs of Praise:
“Arise, My Soul, Arise”
Verse 1
Arise my soul arise
Shake off your guilty fears
The bleeding sacrifice
On my behalf appears
Before the throne my surety stands
Before the throne my surety stands
My name is written on His hands
Chorus
Arise (arise), arise (arise)
Arise arise my soul arise
Arise (arise), arise (arise)
Arise arise my soul arise
Shake off your guilty fears and rise
Verse 2
He ever lives above
For me to intercede
His all-redeeming love
His precious blood to plead
His blood atoned for every race
His blood atoned for every race
And sprinkles now the throne of grace
(Chorus)
Verse 3
Five bleeding wounds He bears
Received on Calvary
They pour effectual prayers
They strongly plead for me
Forgive him O forgive they cry
Forgive him O forgive they cry
Don’t let that ransomed sinner die
(Chorus)
Verse 4
My God is reconciled
His pard’ning voice I hear
He owns me for His child
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh
With confidence I now draw nigh
And Father Abba Father cry
(Chorus 2x)
“As The Deer“
Verse 1
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
Verse 2
I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
(Chorus)
Verse 3
You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
(Chorus)
PASTORAL PRAYER
….Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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.
WORSHIP THROUGH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offertory Worship Music:
“Now I Belong To Jesus”
Verse 1
Jesus my Lord will love me forever
From Him no pow’r of evil can sever
He gave His life to ransom my soul
Now I belong to Him
Chorus
Now I belong to Jesus
Jesus belongs to me
Not for the years of time alone
But for eternity
Verse 2
Once I was lost in sin’s degradation
Jesus came down to bring me salvation
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame
Now I belong to Him
(Chorus)
Verse 3
Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood He gave to redeem
Now I belong to Him
(Chorus)
Children Released to Children’s Church
Exposition of God’s Word
Sermon: by Pastor Thomas Myers
“Always a Remnant Chosen and Kept by God!”
Acts 28:16-24; Romans 10:17; 20-11:7; Ephesians 1:3-6; 2:8-10; Romans 1:11-15
Scripture Text
Acts 28:16-24
16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Romans 10:17, 20-11:7
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
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.”
11 1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened,
Ephesians 1:3-6
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(for further study info: scroll down)
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Worship through Hymn of Commitment:
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
Verse 1
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Chorus
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
Verse 2
O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust his cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
(Chorus)
Verse 3
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
(Chorus)
Verse 4
I’m so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
(Chorus)
Benediction
Doxology: Hymn #731
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heav’ly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
THIS WEEK AND UPCOMING EVENTS
SMALL GROUPS TODAY:
Whittle/Dickinson Group: Not Meeting today.
Mitchell/Forlaw Group: Meeting Wednesday night at 6:00 pm at the Mitchell’s home.
Myers/Maserjian Group: Beginning April 24th, Meeting every other Sunday at 5:30 pm. This small group will meet tonight at The Maserjian home. 2587 Chipping Ct. Villa Rica
PRAYER CARDS
Please complete the prayer request form in the right margin of this page (bottom of page on your phone or tablet). There are also index cards next to the bulletins on the tables in the back. Pastor Tom would like to know how he can pray for you. You may enter your request in the form on this page, put them in the offering box, or hand them to Pastor Tom.
MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH
Please be in prayer for our missionary of the month.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
TIME with PASTOR TOM
Pastor Tom is in office on Tuesdays from 1-3pm at our church office at 303 Main Street, Villa Rica. Call for an appointment, or just drop in.
COMMUNION
We will be sharing in the Lord’s supper the first Sunday of each month..
SINGING TO OUR AT HOME MEMBERS :
Please join us as we sing to our at home members after church next week.
WIC
The ladies will start meeting the 4th Friday of every month for lunch and fellowship. Please contact Donna for details.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is happening this summer! July 11-15 from 6-8 pm. Please put these dates on your calendar and pray on how you can help. Contact Jeannie with any questions.
CHURCH FELLOWSHIP LUNCH:
Join us for lunch and fellowship following the morning service today. Please bring a dish to share!
SERVING SCHEDULE
Children’s Church
May- Jessica Davis
June- Josh and Kelsey Whittle
Nursery Helpers
May 1st – Holly Eckstein
May 15th – Beth Myers
June 5th – Cara Davis
June 19th – Ariel Whittle
BABY SHOWER
The WIC is hosting a baby shower luncheon for Lauren Daniels after church on Sunday May 22nd. Please join us after church in the fellowship building from 12:30-2. Lauren is registered on Amazon. All ladies are welcome to attend.
This Week in Our Church Life
HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS
Prayer Group now meets Wednesdays via Zoom at 7 PM.
Call the church office for info.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 10am, PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY
Debbie is leading a study on the gospel of John. The Gospel of John study will continue though May and will resume in the fall. There will be a 5 week summer study on Nehemiah. Please contact Debby if interested so books can be purchased. For more info call Debby or the church office. If childcare is needed contact Jeannie.
Other Resources
Kingdom Outreach: See our Missions and Outreach Page
What is Happening this Week, this Month? Visit our This Week page.
A YEAR IN TABLETALK
You are invited to join us in reading through Tabletalk devotions for the year of 2022. Monthly editions will be available by the offering box in the Sanctuary. You can purchase a subscription by calling 1-800-435-4343 or by visiting the Table Talk website. You can also begin a free subscription through the website.
Continue to pray and encourage one another.1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Philippians 2:3-4
(ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
The Elders and Deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Villa Rica.
Secondary Resources for Further Study
(The Bible itself being the only Living, Infallible, Sufficient, and Authoritative rule of faith and practice.)
Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 10 of effectual calling
Paragraph 1 All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.
Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 14 of saving faith
Paragraph 1 The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts ,and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.
Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 16 of good works
Paragraph 2 These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the Gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life.
Canons or Dort of divine predestination
Article 1
Since all people have sinned in Adam and have come under the sentence of the curse and eternal death, God
would have done no one an injustice if it had been his will to leave the entire human race in sin and under the
curse, and to condemn them on account of their sin. As the apostle says: “The whole world is liable to the
condemnation of God” (Rom. 3:19)“All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God”(Rom 3:23) and “The
wadges of sin is death” (Rom.6:23)
Article 7
Election [or choosing] is God’s unchangeable purpose by which he did the following:
Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace, according to the free good pleasure of his will, he chose in
Christ to salvation a definite number of particular people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by its
own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin. Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving
than the others, but lay with them in the common misery. He did this in Christ, whom he also appointed from
eternity to be the mediator, the head of all those chosen, and the foundation of their salvation.
And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be saved, and to call and draw them effectively into
Christ’s fellowship through his Word and Spirit. In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in Christ, to
justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to
glorify them.
God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the praise of the riches of his glorious grace. As Scripture
says, “God chose us in Christ, before the foundation of the world, so that we should be holy and blameless
before him with love; he predestined us whom he adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, by which he freely made us
pleasing to himself in his beloved” (Eph. 1:4–6) And elsewhere, “Those whom he predestined, he also called;
and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified” (Rom. 8:30)
W.C.F
Chapter 10 of effectual calling. Paragraph 1
1. At the right time, appointed by him, God effectually calls all those and only those whom he has predestined to life. He
calls them by his word and Spirit out of their natural state of sin and death into grace and salvation through Jesus Christ.1
He enlightens their minds spiritually with a saving understanding of the things of God.2 He takes away their heart of stone
and gives them a heart of flesh.3 He renews their wills and by his almighty power leads them to what is good.4 And so he
effectually draws them to Jesus Christ.5 But they come to Jesus voluntarily, having been made willing by God’s grace.6
1. Rom 8.28,30, 11.7, Eph 1.5,10-11, 2 Thes 2.13-14, 2 Cor 3.3,6, Rom 8.2, 2 Tm 1.9-10, Jn 15.16, Acts 13.48, 1 Thes
5.9, Jas 1.18, 1 Cor 2.12, Eph 2.1-10. 2. Acts 26.18, 1 Cor 2.10,12, Eph 1.17-18, 2 Cor 4.6. 3. Ez 36.26. 4. Ez 11.19, Phil
2.13, Dt 30.6, Ez 36.27, Phil 4.13, Jn 3.5, Gal 6.15, Ti 3.5, 1 Pt 1.23. 5. Eph 1.19, Jn 6.44-45. 6. Sg 1.4, Ps 110.3, Jn 6.37,
Rom 6.16-18, Mt 11.28, Rv 22.17; see under figure 5 above.
W.C.F
Chapter 14 of saving faith. Paragraph 2
2. By this faith a Christian believes whatever is revealed in the word to be the true, authentic, authoritative statement of
God himself.4 By this faith the believer also acts according to what particular passages in the word say. By faith the
believer humbly submits to and obeys God’s various commands.5 He trembles at God’s awesome threats,6 and eagerly
embraces his promises about this life and the life to come.7 But the chief actions of saving faith are accepting, receiving,
and resting on Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, in the power of the covenant of grace.8
4. Jn 4.42, 1 Thes 2.13, 1 Jn 5.10, Acts 24.14. 5. Rom 16.26, Mt 22.37-40. 6. Is 66.2. 7. Heb 11.13, 1 Tm 4.8. 8. Jn 1.12,
Acts 16.31, Gal 2.20, Acts 15.11.
W.C.F Chapter 11 of Justification
2. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the only means of justification. In the person justified, however, it is always accompanied by all the other saving graces and is not a dead faith, but works by love.
W.C.F Chapter 16 of Good Works
2. These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruit and evidence of a true and living faith. By them believers show their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance of salvation, edify their brothers in the Lord, and become ornaments of all those who profess the gospel. Good works in believers silence the criticism of the enemies of the gospel. They also glorify God by showing that believers are the workmanship and creation of Jesus Christ, because their aim is that holiness of living which leads to eternal life
W.C.F Chapter 18 of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
2. This certainty is not based on the fallible hope of guesswork or probabilities. Rather, it is the infallible assurance of faith, established on the divine truth of the promises of salvation. There is also the inner evidence of spiritual insight, given to us by God, to which these promises are directed. And there is the testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God. This Spirit is the pledge of our inheritance. By him we are sealed until the day of redemption.
W.C.F Chapter 3 of God’s eternal decree: Paragraph 3-7
- In order to manifest his glory God has ordered that some men and angels should be predestined to everlasting life and that others should be foreordained to everlasting death.
- This predestination and foreordination of angels and men are precise and unchangeable. The number and identity of angels and men in each group are certain, definite, and unalterable
- Before the creation of the world, according to his eternal, unchangeable plan and the hidden purpose and good pleasure of his will, God has chosen in Christ those of mankind who are predestined to life and to everlasting glory. He has done this solely out of his own mercy and love and completely to the praise of his wonderful grace. This choice was completely independent of his foreknowledge of how his created beings would be or act. Neither their faith nor good works nor perseverance had any part in influencing his selection
- Just as God has determined that the elect shall be glorified, so, too, in the eternal and completely free purpose of his will he has foreordained all the means by which that election is accomplished. And so, those who are chosen, having fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ. They are effectually called to faith in Christ by his Spirit working in them at the right time, and they are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation. Only the elect, and no others, are redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved.
- According to the hidden purpose of his own will, by which he offers or withholds mercy at his pleasure, and for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, it pleased God not to call the rest of mankind and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin to the praise of his glorious justice.
W.C.F Chapter 1, Of the Holy Scripture, Paragraph 1, 4 -7, 9-10
1.Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased. 4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God. 5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work. of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts 6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. 9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. 10. The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
Canons Of Dort
The first main point of doctrine, divine election and reprobation
Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People
Since all people have sinned in Adam and have come under the sentence of the curse and eternal death, God would have done no one an injustice if it had been his will to leave the entire human race in sin and under the curse, and to condemn them on account of their sin. As the apostle says: “The whole world is liable to the condemnation of God” (Rom. 3:19), “All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).
Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love
But this is how God showed his love: he sent his only begotten Son into the world, so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (1 John 4:9; John 3:16).
Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel
In order that people may be brought to faith, God mercifully sends messengers of this very joyful message to the people and at the time he wills. By this ministry people are called to repentance and faith in Christ crucified. For “how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching? And how shall they preach unless they have been sent?” (Rom. 10:14-15).
Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel
God’s wrath remains on those who do not believe this gospel. But those who do accept it and embrace Jesus the Savior with a true and living faith are delivered through him from God’s wrath and from destruction, and receive the gift of eternal life.
Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 10 of Effectual calling
1.All those whom God has predestined to life, and only those, he is pleased to effectually call at his appointed and accepted time, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to come to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. In this call, he enlightens their minds spiritually, in a way effective to salvation, so that they understand the things of God. He takes away their heart of stone and gives to them a heart of flesh; he renews their wills; and by his almighty power he makes them determined to do what is good. This effectually draws them to Jesus Christ, yet in such a way that they come completely freely, being made willing by his grace.
2. This effectual call comes entirely from God’s free and special grace, not from anything at all foreseen in the person, who is completely passive in it until, being made alive and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is enabled by it to answer the call and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it.
Shorter Catechism Q&A 31
Q. 31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
Sunday Schedule:
Nursery Provided 1000-1200 AM
1000-1045 Bible Study for all Ages
1045-1100 Break
1100-1200 Worship (Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall), , plus online live-stream.
We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to us and for His hand of protection. Thank you for your support, encouragement and love for each other during these challenging times.
May we continue to labor together in love for the sake of the gospel and God’s kingdom,
The Session
10:00-10:45 Adult Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall, other ages in various classrooms. (Nursery Provided)
10:45-11:00 Break
11:00-12:00 Worship (Sanctuary, plus live-stream). Fellowship Hall live stream available for overflow and physical distancing.
Children’s Church (Large Classroom)
Nursery Provided 1000 to 1200 AM
If you or your child have flu-like symptoms or a fever, please stay home and enjoy the Online Bulletin and Live-Stream.
We thank you for your prayers, for the willingness you have shown to be diligent in worship, and for your support of FPCVR.
Prayerfully, The Session
