October 26, 2018 - Preparing for the Lord's Day
October 27, 2018Preparing for the Lord's Day
- THE ORDER OF SALVATION •
Election, Predestination, Effectual Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverance, Glorification
Five-hundred years ago, a German monk nailed ninety-five points for debate upon on a church door. While Martin Luther only expected a lively discussion, the Lord used this act to ignite the fires of revival through the Protestant Reformation. At the heart of this revival was the recovery of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. We are not saved by faith plus works, as the Roman Church was teaching. Rather, salvation comes only by the grace of God through faith alone in Christ alone.
This Sunday we return to our sermon series on the ordo salutis (order of salvation). As we have seen, the Lord’s work of salvation began before the creation of the world in His electing and predestinating love for His people. Next, by the preaching of the Word, God causes His elect to be reborn unto eternal life. His people then turn to Him in faith and repentance. This week we will see that the next step in the order of salvation is justification, which is God’s declaration of our pardon and acceptance of us as righteous in His sight. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Philippians 3:2-11, Romans 3:21-26 and 8:29-30, Galatians 2:16, Westminster Confession of Faith 11, and Westminster Shorter Catechism # 33.
As we gather to bring glory to God alone on this Reformation Sunday, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Processional Hymn “Reformation Hymn,” the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” and the Hymn of Response “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Announcements
OPENING OF NURSERY DOORS – This Sunday
The new nursery doors are now open! Nursery families are invited to use this entrance beginning this Sunday.
*Please remember that, for security purposes, this entrance is for the use of nursery families only.
ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE – Tuesday, November 13
The blood drive will run from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up to donate using this link. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Alisha Meador by phone (434-426-0787) or by email (alisha.meador@gmail.com).