Westminster Confession Of Faith – Lord’s Day 3

Chapter 1 – Of The Holy Scriptures Cont. (Paragraphs 8 – 10)
VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all controversies of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto, and interest in, the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the language of every people unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.
IX. 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 may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.
X. 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.

Today our sermon from Psalm 80, Restoration To Fruitfulness, encourages us to seek the light of God’s saving grace, experiencing the reality of his salvation today, even as we wait for the fullness of salvation that is still to come.

For those unable to join us at MGPC, the service will be live-streamed.
The video is available at our website and youtube channel.

Song: What A Beautiful Name
Welcome:
Call to Worship
Song: Love Come Down
Prayer Of Confession
Song: Search Me, O God
Affirming our Faith
Song: Worship, Honour, Glory, Blessing
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11 – The fruit of justification described: peace with God, hope, love, and reconciliation. In verses 12- 21 Adam and Christ are contrasted.
Bible Memorisation: John 8:12
Song: Jesus Shall Reign
Bible Reading: Psalm 80
Sermon: Restoration To Fruitfulness
Announcements:
Pastoral Prayer:
Closing Blessing
Song: Jesus Strong And Kind

Accompanied family on a very long round trip to see a T20 domestic cricket game. The local team won. An unexpected bonus.

The spectators were all on the western side of the ground, making photos from our position give a somewhat deserted appearance as far as attendance goes.

This recording of Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings, and Punch Brothers is from a concert that featured in a concert inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film, ‘Inside Llewyn Davis‘.
Inside Llewyn Davis was a movie about disappointment. Not necessarily a disappointing movie, but intentionally bleak.
De-romanticising a romanticised setting in a way that perhaps romanticises it all the more.

Which is to say the wistful joy of Will The Circle Be Unbroken is something that speaks of a hope at odds with the movie that inspired this performance.