The Celtic Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. The cross proper recalls the death of Christ for the sins of his people, while the circle is a historic symbol of God’s

eternal nature. Jesus’ name is at the center, depicted by the Greek letters “” and is surrounded by the vine and branches, representing our relationship to Him. At the bottom, CHRISTUS VICTOR, “Christ is Victorious,” testifies to his triumph over sin and death on the cross. This Celtic cross is used by permission of Saint Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Each of the five panels represents a significant event in Christ’s life.

Exalting Christ through Worship, Renewal, Community, and Partnership

CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and yearn for home; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come; this church offers a genuine welcome in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

HIS REIGN The wounded lamb as Christ reclining on the book of seven seals is a historic symbol of the reigning Christ. The three-rayed nimbus is an ancient symbol of deity. (Revelation 5:9-12)

HIS RESURRECTION Lilies traditionally represent the resurrection; the trumpet heralds Christ’s certain and triumphal return. (1 Corinthians

15:54; Matthew 24:31; Luke 12:27)

HIS ATONEMENT The crown of thorns and nails testify to Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:17; John 19:2; 20:27)

HIS BAPTISM The dove and tongues of fire symbolically portray the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3)

HIS INCARNATION The open Bible is the Word of God. The double lighted candlesticks represent the dual nature of Christ—his deity and his

humanity. (John 1:1-14)

WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE? The great good news is that God has taken it upon Himself to do something for us that we are powerless to do for ourselves. The Gospel is simply this: sinners are forgiven and accepted by God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Trust in Christ’s finished work is not just the beginning of the Christian life, but the means and end as well. The Gospel is what must be applied more and more deeply in order to live as a Christian. The power of the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness and improvement, but renewal and wholeness.

A GOSPEL-SHAPED MINISTRY

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We embrace the historic Christian faith — believing the timeless truths held in common by the church in all ages and places. We wholeheartedly affirm the classic doctrines defined by the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.

We also embrace the Reformed Christian faith — believing the biblical teachings that were restated during the Protestant Reformation. This great renewal of the church in the 16th century has given us a common heritage in the classic “solas”.

The Gospel changes people — Through the continual application of the Gospel we become more like Christ.

The Gospel produces joy — Grace frees us from both condemnation

and self-righteousness to enjoy God fully.

The Gospel defines community — In union with Christ, we become God’s sons and daughters—His new people.

The Gospel points outward — Grace disengages approval seeking,

engenders authenticity, and curbs pride.

The Gospel informs attitudes — As Christians, we desire the peace and well-being of our communities and cities.

The Gospel removes barriers — Reconciliation humbles us so that we

may become agents to reconcile others.

The Gospel renews culture — All of life matters to God and we are to pursue all vocations with excellence.

The Gospel builds momentum — Church planting is both the result of and

means to fulfilling the great commission.

The Trinity — There is only one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Incarnation — The person Jesus Christ is the only Son of

God who is both fully God and fully human.

The Atonement — Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead in order to redeem us from our sins.

Scripture Alone — The Bible is the one source of divine revelation and the only completely reliable guide for faith and life.

Christ Alone — Salvation is accomplished by the substitutionary

atonement of the historical and sinless Christ alone.

Grace Alone — We are rescued from God’s anger, freed from sin’s bondage and lifted to new life by His grace alone.

Faith Alone — Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us as the only

possible satisfaction of God’s justice by faith alone.

God Alone — The sole purpose of our creation and redemption is to enjoy God’s presence and live for His glory.

CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Empowered by the Gospel, we aim to experience God’s pleasure in fostering true knowledge, holy affection, and faithful obedience through historic worship, gospel

renewal, genuine community, and global partnership to the end that God’s people are gathered and Christ’s Kingdom is extended throughout Ventura County and beyond.

OFFICERS Teaching Elder Roy R. Bennett (ojairoyb@gmail.com)

Ruling Elder David Sveiven (dsevend@yahoo.com)

STAFF Chief Musician — Tilford Jackson Pastoral Assistant — Skip Chapin Financial Assistant — Tom Etchart

Educational Assistant — Michele Sveiven

CONTACT INFORMATION P.O. Box 25 Ojai, CA 93024 (805) 452-3354 www.christchurchventura.org

WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION (ages 2-8) — Sun. at 3:00pm (see Michele Sveiven) CCV MEN’S GROUP — Sunday at 3:00pm in TLC Library (see Skip Chapin) CCV WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY — Book of Judges — 2nd & 4th Wed. 6:30-8:30pm

Meets in the TLC Library (see Wendy Larner)

ADULT STUDY — Westminster Confession of Faith — 1st & 3rd Wed. 6:30-8:00pm Meets in the TLC Library (see Roy Bennett)

VENTURA COUNTY RESCUE MISSION — 1st & 3rd Tues. 6:45-7:45pm (see John Geb)

All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# 2200400

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Order for the Celebration & Worship of God

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany; February 8, 2015, 4:00pm * Congregation standing PRELUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 34:1-4 Minister: All our springs of joy are in you O Lord! People: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those

crushed in spirit. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Minister: The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

People: Come let us adore Him! * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 3) “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Larger Catechism Q.# 141-142 Minister: What are the duties required in the eighth commandment? Unison: The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others;

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IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE

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LIMITED RESOURCES FOR THE CHURCH’S MISSION

We must establish that the ministry of the Word is the priority for the local

church. The first thing that people need to hear when they come to church is

“believe in Jesus, not no justice.” Why? Because believing in Jesus meets a

more radical human need, and because if they don’t believe in Jesus, they

won’t have the gospel motivation to do justice in the world. So the first

priority of the local church under its elders is to make disciples, not to do

housing rehabilitation or feed the poor.

However, the church must disciple and support its members so they love

their neighbor, integrate their faith into their work, and seek a more just and

wholesome society and culture. Therefore, within the church we must

experience a great deal of teaching, preaching, and emphasizing how to be

Christians in the public sphere and how to be loving servants in our

neighborhood. And of course we should have a strong diaconal ministry to

meet the economic and material needs of members. So we hold that the

institutional church should give priority to Word ministry, but we also teach

that Christians must do both word and deed ministry in the world—and the

church should equip them to do so.

What about limited resources? Most of the money that members give for

mercy ministries come through designated giving to a Diaconal Fund. This

works very well. The special offerings are generally new monies above and

beyond the regular giving. The existence of dynamic and compassionate

ministry to the needy elicits generosity that would not come if we failed to

give people an opportunity to give as their hearts direct. In fact, when

people see a church caring about its community in tangible ways, a lot of

good-will results, which makes people more willing to give to the regular

offerings as well. So Word ministry and acts of service are not a zero-sum

game in terms of the availability of resources.

— Timothy Keller — Center Church (p. 324-325)

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JERUSALEM

Minister: Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. People: Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson

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moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality; avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and suretyship, or other like engagements; and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own. Minister: What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment? Unison: The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, theft, robbery, man stealing, and receiving anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing, false weights and measures, removing land marks, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; oppression, extortion, usury, bribery, vexatious lawsuits, unjust enclosures and depopulations; engrossing commodities to enhance the price; unlawful callings, and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor: What belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness; inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of others; as likewise idleness, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God has given us. NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Timothy 6:6-19 (ESV) 6:6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.

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Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in

unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be

honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Minister: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God! PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

(Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate by praying the words in italics and then by directing their own personal prayers toward each of the petitions.)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (The congregation is encouraged to participate both verbally and in silence.)

Unison: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and mercy to us. We praise you for our creation, preservation, and the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in redeeming us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us, granting us in this world knowledge of your truth and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.

Minister: We pray for the Church of Jesus Christ that we may be diligent in prayer and worship, active in forgiveness and mercy, and faithful to commend the faith that is in us.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. 4

* PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Almighty God, you have guaranteed to us your rich mercy and immeasurable goodness in this sacred communion. Grant the gracious assistance of your Holy Spirit to enable us to live in Christ Jesus as we have received him. So inhabit our affections that our manner of life may adorn the gospel and that no man may take our joy, confidence, and hope. Send us with your salvation and joy into all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. * BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV) The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up the light of His countenance upon you And give you peace. * DISMISSAL HYMN (Music on page 18) “Jerusalem”

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HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS

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Minister: We pray for those who teach our children that their minds may be clear, their hearts full, and their wills engaged to serve you and those you love.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. Minister: We pray for those who mourn for lost loved ones, that in

casting their grief upon you, they may know the comfort of your love and have strength to meet the days ahead.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. Minister: We pray for the members of this congregation who serve in

their various vocations throughout the county that they may faithfully advance the Gospel in humble community service.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. Minister: We pray for this local church that it may become a strong and

fruitful congregation and in years to come may be further used by God to extend Christ’s kingdom throughout the world.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. THE LORD'S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13

“Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

* HYMN OF GRACE (Music on page 6) ”Jesus Paid it All”

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JESUS PAID IT ALL

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TASTE AND SEE —continued—

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TASTE AND SEE

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THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 6:1-4; 19-34 (ESV)

6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Minister: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! People: Thanks be to the Lord!

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* PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett

“Money and Mastery”

PASTORAL PRAYER

OFFERTORY

* DOXOLOGY

* PRAYER OF DEDICATION

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AGNUS DEI

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PRAYER OF APPROACH Unison: We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy; grant us therefore, gracious Lord, that we may so partake of this bread and wine that our sinful bodies may be made clean by Christ’s body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

AGNUS DEI (Music on page 13) John 1:29

David Haas ©1990

THE LORD'S SUPPER Minister: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People: Therefore, let us keep the feast! Minister: The gifts of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to the Lord!

(People are encouraged to come forward to receive the sacrament and to repent and rejoice as the sacrament is observed. The wafer is to be dipped into the wine.)

(Please leave room at the right hand rail for our musicians to receive the Lord’s Supper first, before they return to lead our congregational communion songs.) COMMUNION HYMN (Music on page 14 & 15) “Taste and See”

James E. Moore ©1983

COMMUNION HYMN (Music on page 16) “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”

John Newton ©1779

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SERMON NOTES 9

WORD OF EXHORTATION James 2:15-17 (ESV) Minister: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: O Lord God, you create life and wisely oversee all affairs. We come to you in the all prevailing name of Jesus with no worthiness, merit, or works of our own to plead, but with the cry of the tax collector, ‘Be merciful to me, a sinner’. We have strayed often from your ways, opposing your authority, and abusing your goodness. Remove our guilt, renew our hearts, restore our joy. Subdue in us the love of sin and give us grace that we may not be careless with your favor and glory. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON James 1:9-12 (ESV) Minister: “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Minister: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Minister: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord! Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord! People: It is good and right so to do. Minister: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, that we should always

give you thanks, O Lord; therefore, with the angels, we exalt and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing,

SANCTUS (Music on page 11 Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26

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SANCTUS

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

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