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 “Ιης” 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 3:10; 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, biblical learning, genuine community, and cultural outreach 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 (roy@ojaipca.org) Ruling Elder Robert Glass (rglass@raypak.com)

Ruling Elder Eric Halvorson (prof.halvorson@gmail.com)

STAFF Chief Musician — Tilford Jackson Office Manager — Debbie Glass

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 — Wed. at 6:30 AM “The Letters of John”

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf @ 4360 Main St. in Ventura — 644-6000

MISSION SPOTLIGHT — January 10th Dr. Samuel Ling “China” — February 7th Rev. Seima Aoyagi “Japan” — March 14th Rev. Joel Pelsue “Hollywood”

— April 24-25th Rev. Mike Malone “Africa” — May 30th Rev. Jim Bailey “Cloudhaven”

— August 14-15th Rev. Tom Patton “World Missions” — September 26th Cindy Hood “PCA in Chile” ”

All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# 2200400

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Order for the Celebration & Worship of God

Fifth Sunday of Easter: May 2, 2010, 4:00 P.M. PRELUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENT PREPARATION CHORAL INTROIT (Music on page 2) “Arise, Arise, my Soul”

© 1996 Kevin Twit Music CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 60:1-3 GLORIA “Glory to God”

Marty Haugen © 1984

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ARISE, ARISE, MY SOUL

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CONVERSATION OF CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL ABOUT SPIRITUAL DECLINE AND BACKSLIDING

CHRISTIAN: What was the reason for this man’s sudden backsliding?

HOPEFUL: Well, in my judgment there are four reasons for it: Though the consciences of such men are awakened, their minds are not

changed; therefore, when the guilt passes, they cease to be religious. They return to their old ways again.

Another reason is that they are slaves to certain fears that overpower them; particularly the fear of men. So although they seem eager for heaven as long as the flames of hell are about their ears, when that terror abates, they begin to have second thought and so they fall in with the world again.

The stigma that surrounds religion is also a stumbling block to them. They are high and mighty, and they consider religion low and common.

They do not even like to think about guilt and fear, or the possibility of future misery; if they did, perhaps the foresight might make them flee to where the righteous flee and are safe. But they gladly harden their hearts.

CHRISTIAN: You are near the truth, for at the bottom of it all is the need for change in mind and will. Let this man have his freedom, and he will still be a thief and a scoundrel, but if his mind were changed, he would be otherwise.

HOPEFUL: Yes, that is why they backslide, but how does it happens.

CHRISTIAN: So I will, willingly. As much as they can, they turn their thoughts away from any reminder of God, death, and judgment to come. Then, they gradually cease their private duties, such as devotional prayer, curbing their lusts, being vigilant, being repentant for sin, and the like. Then, they shun the company of lively and sincere Christians. After that, they grow indifferent to public duties such as hearing and reading the Word, gathering together for worship, and the like. Then, they begin to find fault with some of the godly, and the devilish purpose behind this is to find some alleged reason for turning away from religion. Then, they begin to associate with worldly, immoral, and sensual men. Then, they secretly indulge in worldly and lewd conversations; and they are happy if they can find any who are considered honest doing the same, so they may use their example as an excuse to indulge more boldly. After this, they begin to play with little sins openly. And then, being hardened, they show themselves as they really are. Launched again into the gulf of misery, they are lost forever in their own deception, unless a miracle of grace prevents it.

— John Bunyan — “Pilgrim’s Progress”

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

POSTLUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson * Congregation standing

* HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 4) “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed Unison: We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and on the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. * “universal” church or the blessed company of all faithful people in Christ.

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REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING

All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# 2200400 4

* PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Our gracious heavenly Father, we acknowledge the great mystery of this holy feast. Although we are unworthy to share this meal with you, you have invited us and dressed us in the righteousness of Christ so that we may boldly come into your holy presence. Instead of condemnation and anger, we have received your grace and pardon. In the place of fear, we have been given hope because of the merits of our faithful high Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us even now. Strengthen us by these sacred gifts and remind us of your promise to save sinners who trust you. Send us into the world in peace and by your Spirit may we live to your glory and rest in your grace. * BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 Minister: “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 and give you peace.” * DISMISSAL HYMN “O God, beyond All Praising”

POOR SINNER, DEJECTED WITH FEAR

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NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Hebrews 7:11-28 (ESV)

7:11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

18 On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” 22 This makes Jesus the guarantor if a better covenant.

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

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Minister: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God! * HYMN OF THANKS (Music on page 7) “In Christ Alone” PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

(The congregation is encouraged to participate both verbally and in silence.) Unison: Almighty God, to whose glory we celebrate the life of

this local church, we give you thanks for the fellowship of those who have come to worship in this place, and we pray that all who seek you here may find you, and be filled with your joy and peace. Attend to the prayers of your people for we ask in the name of your Son our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Minister: We pray for the Church of Jesus Christ, for all who fear God

and believe in Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as the Father and the Son.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. Minister: We pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, that you

might extend your grace, give them courage and hope in their troubles, and cause them to rejoice in your salvation.

People: Lord, hear our prayers.

Minister: We pray for our children and future generations which will be born to them and ask that through them the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth.

People: Lord, hear our prayers. Minister: We pray for those in positions of public trust that they may live

with integrity, serve justice, and promote dignity and freedom, so that we may live and proclaim the truth in peace.

People: Lord, hear our prayers.

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CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT Refrain: Christ, be our light! Shine in our heart. Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.

Verse 1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.

Refrain:

Verse 2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us your living voice.

Refrain:

Verse 3 Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst. Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed.

Refrain:

Verse 4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless. Longing for warmth, many are cold. Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone.

Refrain:

Verse 5 Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come.

Refrain: COMMUNION MUSIC (Music on page 16) “Poor Sinner, Dejected with Fear”

© 2001 MPJ Music/Velveteen Songs

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AGNUS DEI John 1:29

THE LORD'S SUPPER Minister: Christ our Passover, 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.)

COMMUNION SONG (Music on page 15) “Christ, Be Our Light”

Bernadette Farrell ©1993

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IN CHRIST ALONE

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Minister: We pray for the community of Ventura that you may be pleased to cause the gospel to spread rapidly, draw many to Christ, and send workers to build the church.

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 HOPE (Music on page 8) “Come Ye Sinners” * GOSPEL LESSON Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Minister: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! People: Thanks be to the Lord! * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

AFTERNOON SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett

“The Twin Sinners” PASTORAL PRAYER

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

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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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,

THE SANCTUS Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26

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COME YE SINNERS

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SERMON NOTES

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OFFERTORY DOXOLOGY

PRAYER OF DEDICATION CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: Father, we recognize that in our election and redemption, you showed no preference in regard to our gender, our ethnicity, or our social status. We were nothing when called, yet have been made sons and daughters solely by your grace. Yet we confess that we are still plagued by our bias, our prejudice, our partiality, and especially by our self-acclaim and pride. Grant us humility to see ourselves as we ought—sinners who have no right to boast. Teach us by your example to show no favoritism and give us great patience with each other.

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