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, Learning, Community, and Outreach

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 Robert Glass (rglass@raypak.com)

Ruling Elder Eric Halvorson (prof.halvorson@gmail.com) Ruling Elder Roger Phelps (ojai2eyes@aol.com) Deacon David Sveiven (dsevend@yahoo.com)

STAFF

Chief Musician — Tilford Jackson Office Assistant — Michele Sveiven

CONTACT INFORMATION

PO Box 25 Ojai, CA 93024 (805) 646-5101 / 452-3354 www.christchurchventura.org

WORSHIP LOCATION

Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00 PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLYBIRD BIBLE READING — Genesis — Wednesday at 6:30 AM Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf @ 4360 Main St. in Ventura — 644-6000

All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# 2200400

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Order for the Celebration & Worship of God

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: February 12, 2012, 4:00 P.M. PRELUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 8:1-9

INVITIATORY

Minister: Lord, open our lips. People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

* HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 2) “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” 1

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

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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

* Congregation standing

All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# 2200400

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* PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And, O Lord, grant us this other benefit: that you will never allow us to forget these things; but having them imprinted on our hearts, may we grow and increase daily in the faith which is at work in every good deed. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

* BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 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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* PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: O God, you are the strength of all who put their trust in you. Mercifully accept our prayers because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you. Give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession VIII.2-4 Unison: The Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, is truly the eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father. In the fullness of time He took on Himself the nature of man, with all the essential qualities and ordinary frailties of man—except that He was sinless. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary out of her substance. These two complete, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and manhood, were inseparably joined together in the one person of Jesus without being altered, disunited, or jumbled. The person of Jesus is truly God and truly man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man. His human nature being united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit beyond all measure. He had in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and in him it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell. God’s purpose was that Jesus, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, should be completely equipped to execute the office of mediator and guarantor. Jesus did not take this office on himself but was called to it by his Father, who gave and commanded him to use all power and judgment. The Lord Jesus willingly undertook this office. In order to discharge it, he was made under the law and perfectly fulfilled it. He endured severe torment in his soul and extreme suffering in His body. He was crucified and died. He was buried and remained under the power of death, yet his body did not decay. On the third day he arose from the dead with the same body in which he suffered and with which also he ascended into heaven. There he sits at the right hand of His Father, interceding for believers. He will return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.

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THE PSALTER Psalm 45:1-17 (ESV)

45:1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verse to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon

your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness

and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies;

the peoples fall under you.

6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;

7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8 Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 Daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;

at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people

and your father’s house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty.

Since he is your lord, bow to him. 12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. 13 Glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.

14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions

following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.

17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;

therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

Minister: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God! * HYMN OF FAITH (Music on page 5) “Fairest Lord Jesus”

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ON EAGLE’S WINGS

Verse 1: You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in his shadow for life,

Say to the Lord: “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!” Refrain:

And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of his hand.

Verse 2: The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear:

Under his wings of refuge, his faithfulness your shield. Refrain:

Verse 3:

You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day; Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come.

Refrain: Verse 4:

For to his angels he’s given a command To guard you in all of your ways;

Upon their hands they will bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Refrain:

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BREAD OF LIFE FROM HEAVEN

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FAIREST LORD JESUS

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Based on the Lord’s Prayer) (Be encouraged to pray the words in italics and offer your individual prayers.)

Unison: Almighty and Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being: we, your beloved children, offer you our humble thanks for having preserved us from the beginning of our lives to this day. We especially praise you for having delivered us from the dangers and uncertainties of this past week. We now ask you to accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lay down in the grave and rose again for us.

Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray:

People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Minister: Acknowledging Lord, that your name is majestic in all the

earth, we pray that you would, by your grace:

People: Enable us to know you, worship you, and glorify you; and with our lips offer you the praise due your name; and with our lives offer you the obedience worthy of your name.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray: People: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in

heaven. Minister: Acknowledging that we live in a fallen world, we pray that you would, by your grace: People: Destroy the kingdom of Satan; wash our society of all

that dishonors you; and build your beloved Church in obedience to your will.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray:

People: Give us this day our daily bread. Minister: Acknowledging that all we have is a gift from you, beginning with

our salvation, and that you have promised fatherly provision for

your true children, we pray that you would, by your grace: People: Grant to us from this earth’s goods what is necessary

for life and godliness, with contentment, and hear our prayers for the needs of our family and friends.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

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 16) “Bread of Life from Heaven”

Susan R. Breihl ©2001

COMMUNION SONG (Music on page 17) “On Eagle’s Wings” Michael Joncas © 2004

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AGNUS DEI John 1:29 Marty Haugen © 1987

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Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray: People: And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Minister: Acknowledging that we are all by nature guilty sinners, and

that we could never repay the debt, we pray that you would, by your grace:

People: Pardon all our trespasses and sins, grant us assurance of your love and forgiveness, and enable us to fully forgive others from our heart.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray:

People: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Minister: Acknowledging that the world, our flesh, and the devil are

ready to draw us from you and that in our weakness we are susceptible to every temptation, we pray that you would, by your grace:

People: Help us watch and pray that we do not enter temptation, quicken our hearts that we may seek your righteousness, and restore to us the joy of our salvation.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

Minister: O Lord, hear us as we pray:

People: For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Minister: Acknowledging that you alone are eternally sovereign,

powerful, and glorious, we pray that you would, by your grace:

People: Receive our requests, as we offer them with thanksgiving, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

(Offer your silent and verbal, individual prayers.)

Minister: And all of us agree together by saying . . . Unison: Amen.

* HYMN OF JOY (Music on page 8) “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

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HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

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MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION Marty Haugen © 1987

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

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SANCTUS Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

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* NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Hebrews 1:4-9 (ESV)

1:4 Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”?

Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter

of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you with

the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” Minister: The Word of the Lord!

People: Thanks be to God! * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

AFTERNOON SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett

“Jesus: Better than the Angels”

PASTORAL PRAYER

OFFERTORY

DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 9

SERMON NOTES

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CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: Merciful God, you have called us to glorify your name through our love for you and one another. We confess that our praise is more on our lips than in our lives. Have mercy upon us, tender God, and cleanse and forgive our selfish ways. May Jesus Christ, who came long ago, come once more into our lives. Grant us your peace and help us to be at peace with one another and ourselves as members of your kingdom, which is now at hand through Jesus Christ our Rock and Redeemer. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Minister: “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation, everything old has passed away. Behold, everything has become new. All this is from God, who

reconciled us through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in

him we might become the righteousness of God.” 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,

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