November 23, John MacArthur. Welcome to the Lord s day worship service at Grace Church. Vol. 18 No. 47

Transcription

1 Vol. 18 No. 47 November 23, 2014 John MacArthur PASTOR-TEACHER Clayton Erb / Minister of Music Welcome to the Lord s day worship service at Grace Church. We are truly blessed to be here this morning as we open God s Word together, sing His praises, and enjoy a time of fellowship in His presence. Be sure to take advantage of the many fellowship and ministry opportunities available to our church family today and throughout the week.

2 TODAY 8:30 & 10:30* am Now Thank We All Our God Bach Stephen Sturz, Organist Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation Congregation Hymn 277 The Church s One Foundation Come, Thou Almighty King Giardini/Maddux-Rice String Orchestra, Woodwinds, Piano Know My Heart Harlan/Rice Worship Choir Hymn 3 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Congregation Cross of Love Nelson-Farrell-Hamilton/Huff John & Lisa Martin JOHN MACARTHUR PREACHING Doxology Hymn Congregation Postlude in G Handel Organ Postlude 6:00 pm Thanksgiving Communion Service Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Beethoven/Simeone Organ Prelude Hymn 559 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come Congregation Hymn 560 For the Beauty of the Earth Hymn 561 We Gather Together O, Death, Where Is Thy Sting? Handel Carmella Jones, Philip Webb But Thanks Be to God Worship Choir And Can It Be Forrest Worship Choir There Is a Fountain Trad./Forrest Worship Choir Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed? Trad./Rice Philip Webb Hymn 185 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Congregation JOHN MACARTHUR PREACHING Communion To God Be the Glory Doane/Sturz Organ Postlude Anthem Know My Heart Lord, You have searched me, You know everything I do. When I rise, when I lie down, You are with me. Before I speak, You hear me, Your presence follows day by day. O know my heart, O God. Lord, You have searched me, You know everything I do. When I rise, when I lie down, You are with me. Before I speak, You hear me, Your presence follows day by day. O know my heart, O God. If I ascend into heaven, You are there On the wings of the morning Or in my deepest despair. His hand shall lead me, His right hand will guide me Though darkness should cover me, light shall surround me. And I will praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord, I will praise Him with my whole heart! Lord, You have searched me, You know everything I do. When I rise, when I lie down, You are with me. Before I speak, You hear me, Your presence follows day by day. O know my heart, O God GlorySound (a Div. Of Shawnee Press, Inc.). UBP. CCLI Lic Words and Music by Benjamin Harlan (adapted from Psalm 139) Doxology Hymn Hymn 88 Fairest Lord Jesus Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O Thou of God and man the Son: Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou my soul s glory, joy, and crown. * Interpreting for the deaf is provided during the 10:30 a.m. service. Arabic translation for the 10:30 a.m. service is available at gracechurch.org/live.

3 Campus Ministries THE WELCOME CENTER hosts a reception for visitors following each Sunday-morning service. Enjoy refreshments and find helpful people with answers to any questions you have about our church. You ll also receive one of Pastor MacArthur s books as a thank you for being with us today. THE MEMBER CENTER has information about membership and baptism. It is located on the north side of the Heritage Building, across from the Welcome Center. Next Membership Class January :30 a.m. T66 (basement) THE PRAYER ROOM is staffed with counselors, ready to offer pastoral care. It is open after every service, and is adjacent to the Worship Center. On GraceWalk Fundamentals of the Faith Grace Books Express Local Outreach On the Patio Generations of Grace Children s Sunday School Christmas Concert Tickets Spanish Ministries (by the Chapel) The following lesson was taught today in Sunday School (Preschool through Juniors) MESSAGE God Promises to Send the Messiah, Part 1 PASSAGE Genesis 3:15; 12:1 3; 49:10 PRINCIPLE God fulfills His promises. HYMN OF THE MONTH My Hope Is in the Lord ASK YOUR CHILD Why are these promises important? APPLY By obeying the Great King over all the earth. THIS WEEK As a family, read Genesis 3:15; 12:1 3; 49:10 NEXT WEEK Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18 25, 2:1 12; Micah 5:2 Bookstore The Bookstore is open after each service and during the week. It is located on the south side of the Worship Center. HIGHLIGHT SCRIPTURE & COUNSELING: GOD S WORD FOR LIFE IN A BROKEN WORLD by Bob Kelleman, Heath Lambert, Steve Viars, Kevin DeYoung, and more Sound theology and rooted in the life of the church. Dr. Albert Mohler Available today for 30% off retail price EXPRESS CHECK-OUT on GraceWalk Grace to You RADIO gty.org/radio Joy Rules Special Thanksgiving Messages KKLA 99.5 FM LOS ANGELES M F 6:30 am & 7:30 pm KDAR 98.3 FM OXNARD VENTURA M F 2:00 & 10:00 am; Sun 2:00 am SiriusXM CHANNEL 131 M F 2:00 am & 8:00 pm TELEVISION gty.org/television How Christmas Solves the Prophetic Puzzle NRB Network CHANNEL 378 ON DIRECTV Sunday 6:30 pm ONLINE gty.org Sunday sermons Audio archive: John MacArthur s pulpit ministry Resource library: books, study guides, videos, Q&As All audio is available for free listening or downloading. TODAY

4 Are You Thankful? FEATURE k In many respects, thankfulness has become a lost virtue in today s society. Too often our focus is on what we don t have things like rights, material possessions, and perceived blessings. And when thankfulness is expressed, particularly at this time of year, it is rare for any object of thanksgiving to be identified. The psalmist David had a completely different perspective, and his psalms are replete with expressions of thankfulness specifically to God. Two psalms in particular have been recognized throughout church history as being dedicated to thanksgiving. The first, Psalm 107, is often called the Pilgrims Psalm because it was particularly cherished by our Puritan forefathers. They related to it as a moving description of the persecution, imprisonment, perils at sea, and sickness they endured as they left England and traveled to the New World, combined with a steadfast commitment to consider the lovingkindness of God. The other well-known psalm of thanksgiving is Psalm 100, the only one specifically identified in its title as A Psalm for Thanksgiving. In 1565, William Kethe paraphrased Psalm 100 into a hymn, All People That on Earth Do Dwell. Also commonly known and loved as the Old Hundredth, the hymn is a song of thanksgiving we enjoy here at Grace Church. So what do these two psalms have to teach us about the virtue of thankfulness? First, David directed his thanksgiving specifically to God. Second, the psalmist s thankfulness was driven by his understanding of the attributes of God, manifested even in the midst of times of great hardship and suffering (Psalm 100:5; 107:1). Third, David s thankfulness is detailed, covering many different facets of life deliverance from danger, physical sustenance, prosperity in work, and most importantly, being called God s people (Psalm 100:3; 107:6, 9, 28, 35 38, 41). Finally and most importantly, David s heart of thankfulness results in action. Considering

5 s s All People That on Earth Do Dwell Psalm 100 k God s works, singing to Him individually and corporately, blessing His name, and serving Him are the natural responses of a thankful heart (Psalm 107:22, 32; 100:2 4). For Americans, Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity to pause and remember the thankfulness of the Pilgrims to God for bringing them safely to the New World. David reminds us that as Christians, we are the recipients of God s blessings every day and in every circumstance, and we are to respond continually with hearts of thanksgiving and praise. All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell; Come ye before Him and rejoice. The Lord, ye know, is God indeed; Without our aid He did us make; We are His folk, He doth us feed, And for His sheep He doth us take. O enter then His gates with praise; Approach with joy His courts unto; Praise, laud, and bless His Name always, For it is seemly so to do. For why? the Lord our God is good; His mercy is for ever sure; His truth at all times firmly stood, And shall from age to age endure. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost, The God Whom Heav n and earth adore, From men and from the angel host Be praise and glory evermore. A Psalm for Thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. FEATURE

6 HIGHLIGHTS Gutierrez Farewell On December 1 our family of five moves to Prescott, Arizona, where I will serve as pastor of Canyon Bible Church of Prescott. Michelle and I cannot express to you, the congregation of Grace Church, the overwhelming love we have in our hearts for you. As young believers we came to this church and were forever changed. You have been stewards of the manifold grace of God toward us. To Pastor John, the elders, and members of Grace Church, we thank you for pointing us to Jesus Christ for these past 15 years. To Him be the glory both now and forevermore. Andrew & Michelle O give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Psalm 105:1 Grace Around the World The Kinzel Family Brian & Heidi, Alisa, Gabriel Serving in Ukraine Since 1993 Prayer / Praise We will be living in Ashkelon, Israel, for the next few months and be involved in the Russian-speaking fellowship there. Pray that we will adjust to the new culture and language in a way that will give God glory. I will be teaching a subject I have not taught before, the doctrine of Christ. Pray that my preparation would be thorough and my lectures in Russian would be clear. Faith Promise Last week you generously gave $13,554. Thank you for your ongoing support of our missionary families. Fundamentals of the Faith Designed to equip you with a solid foundation in God s Word, Fundamentals of the Faith is a week course that teaches the basic doctrines of the Bible. Learn about the attributes of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and many other foundational biblical truths. Classes are available during both Sunday morning services, as well as on select weekday evenings. To sign up, visit the table on GraceWalk on Sunday mornings. Local Outreach Spotlight Visitor Outreach Every Sunday, our church is honored to welcome first-time visitors. During the following week, our visitor outreach team connects with each visitor who submitted a registration card. They thank our guests for visiting, attempt to answer any questions they may have, and offer to help them get plugged into Grace Church. These calls can be a great opportunity to proclaim the gospel. Team members also invite the visitors back to church, offering to host them during the services, with the goal of building discipleship relationships with them. For more information call

7 High School Winter Retreat January 2 4 Forest Home For details, visit gracechurch.org/oneighty. Junior High Winter Retreat January 2 4 Thousand Pines Christian Camp For details, visit gracechurch.org/xchange. Christmas Concert December Thursday & Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:00 & 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Worship Choir Symphonic Orchestra Vocal Solos & Ensembles Handbell Choir Children s Choir Call or go to gracechurch.org/concert for more information. Tickets are available at the patio table on Sunday mornings and from the church receptionist during the week. Child care is available for children five years old and younger. Primary Christmas Party Saturday, December 6 9:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. CC130 All first third-grade children (and friends of the same age) are invited to celebrate the Savior s birth. Bring a small sack lunch (drinks and dessert will be provided) and canned goods for needy families. Game-appropriate attire, please (no dresses). Call for more information. Russian Bible Study Fellowship Today 12:30 p.m. H Come join us for fellowship and to discuss Fundamentals of the Faith. Lunch will be provided. Sunday School Volunteers Children s Ministry has an immediate need for two couples/four adults to serve in Sunday School (8:30 and 10:30 a.m.). For more information, call Come ChristmasSing Concert Series December 4 6 The Master s College For tickets, visit masters.edu/music or call Hands for Hope For information about adoption and orphan care, visit the Hands for Hope page at gracechurch.org/handsforhope. ANNOUNCEMENTS

8 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:30 10:30 a.m. a.m. 5:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Fridays 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY FELLOWSHIPS Children s Sunday School Visit the Welcome Center for room locations. Pastor: Matt White Cornerstone (All ages) T371 Pastors: Nathan Busenitz, Justin Harris, Tom Patton, Mark Tatlock Doulos (20s & 30s) T361 Pastor: Carl Hargrove FaithBuilders (All ages) T261 Pastor: Bill Shannon GraceLife (All ages) Family Center Pastors: Phil Johnson, Mike Riccardi Junior High (Grades 7 8) T73 (Basement) Pastor: Andrew Curry Mentally Disabled CC130 (east) Pastor: Rick McLean Spanish Adult Sunday School H Teachers: Josiah Grauman, Heber Torres Spanish Worship Service Chapel Pastors: Henry Tolopilo, Michael Mahoney Children s Sunday School Visit the Welcome Center for room locations. Pastor: Matt White Crossroads (College & young adults) Family Center Pastor: Austin Duncan High School (Grades 9 12) T73 (Basement) Pastor: Andrew Gutierrez Joint Heirs (All ages) T261 Pastor: John Street Mainstream (All ages) T361 Pastor: Rich Gregory Mentally Disabled CC130 (east) Pastor: Rick McLean Sojourners (All ages) T371 Pastor: William Varner Spanish Adult Sunday School H Teachers: Josiah Grauman, Ruben Pidal, Heber Torres Spanish Worship Service Chapel Pastors: Henry Tolopilo, Michael Mahoney Neighborhood Outreach T273 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Sunday Night Prayer Group Grace Grill (next to the Children s Center) 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Discovery (Grades 1 6) Family Center Discovery Kids (Ages 3 5) CC Visit our website at Administration Children Equipping Membership The Guild (Single adults) T361 Pastor: Don Carr MINISTRY DIRECTORY Men Outreach Pastoral Care & Counseling Prayer Mondays 9:00 a.m. Monday Morning Prayer Group Welcome Center Building Abbreviation Key T = Tower H = Heritage CC = Children s Center Spanish Special Ministries Student Women Roscoe Blvd. Sun Valley, CA Our mission is to glorify God and extend His kingdom by living and proclaiming His truth in the world. Grace Today is published weekly by Grace Community Church by Grace Community Church. Scripture, unless otherwise noted, is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, Used by permission.