December 6, John MacArthur. Welcome to the Lord s day worship service at Grace Church. Vol. 19 No. 49

Transcription

1 Vol. 19 No. 49 December 6, 2015 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 8:30 & 10:30* am A Carol Symphony, Mvt. 4 Trad./Hely-Hutchinson The Master s College Orchestra; Dr. Stephen R. Opfer, Conductor Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn/Forrest And the Glory of the Lord Handel For Unto Us a Child Is Born Handel The Master s College Collegiate Singers and Orchestra; Dr. Paul T. Plew, Conductor Adeste Fidelis Wade/Harris The Master s College Orchestra Welcome The Master s College Collegiate Singers & Orchestra The Master s College Collegiate Singers, under the direction of Dr. Paul T. Plew, is a non-auditioned, campus community choir of 150 members. The choir performs a wide variety of classical and contemporary sacred music, including an annual Christmas production ( Come, ChristmasSing ) and Easter concerts at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. TODAY Hallelujah Handel The Master s College Collegiate Singers and Orchestra Hymn 125 Joy to the World! Congregation MESSAGE: JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN GLORY John MacArthur John 17:1 5 Doxology Hymn Congregation How Great Our Joy Trad./Sturz Stephen Sturz, Organist The seventy-member Master s College Orchestra personnel come from a mixture of both talented college students and accomplished instrumentalists from the northern Los Angeles area, many of whom are professional musicians. Under the direction of Dr. Stephen R. Opfer, they perform concerts with musical literature ranging from classical and sacred to film scores and musicals. 6:00 pm Carols for Strings & Piano Trad. Instrumental Prelude Songs of Praise Congregation O Come, All Ye Faithful Wade/Forrest Ensemble Sine Nomine; Mark Rice & Margo Ewing, piano What Child Is This? Trad./Lohman Brittany Anderson, Michele Platt, Abby Wilson, Jaz Hoffman MESSAGE: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? Nathan Busenitz 1 Peter 2:21 25 Angels We Have Heard on High Trad./Sturz Organ Postlude Doxology Hymn Hymn 136 The First Noël Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heav nly Lord, That hath made heav n and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought. Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël, Born is the King of Israel. * 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. & 10:30 a.m. T66 (basement) On GraceWalk Fundamentals of the Faith Local Outreach On the Patio Juniors Winter Camp Missionary Calendar Spanish Ministries (by the Chapel) Bookstore The Bookstore is open after each service and during the week. It is located on the south side of the Worship Center. HIGHLIGHT GOD IN THE MANGER THE MIRACULOUS BIRTH OF CHRIST by John MacArthur Available today for 25% off retail price 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. Generations of Grace Children s Sunday School The following lesson was taught today in Sunday School (Preschool through Juniors) Grace to You RADIO gty.org/radio Getting in Step with the Christian Walk 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 TODAY MESSAGE PASSAGE PRINCIPLE HYMN OF THE MONTH ASK YOUR CHILD APPLY THIS WEEK NEXT WEEK God Reveals the Messiah Matthew 1:18 25; Luke 1:26 38 Jesus is Savior and Lord and deserves all our worship. O Little Town of Bethlehem What is important about the names Immanuel, Savior, and Son of the Most High? By obeying Jesus Christ as Lord and God. As a family, read Matthew 1:18 25; Luke 1:26 38 Luke 1:5 25, 57 67, Adapted from the Generations of Grace Family Devotional, available at the bookstore. TELEVISION gty.org/television The Most Startling Claim Ever Made, Part 2 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.

4 Making a Global Impact for the Gospel FEATURE One of the greatest joys of being a part of Grace Community Church is having the opportunity to participate in a ministry that reaches around the world. The Lord has seen fit to use our church, under the leadership of Pastor MacArthur, to extend the gospel of Christ worldwide. The global nature of this ministry is most visible in our beloved missionaries. This year Grace Church sent out seven new missionary families, for a total of eighty missionary families serving in twenty-eight countries, with more on the way. All of our missionaries are faithfully serving in local churches and working to spread the good news of the gospel in a myriad of ways. Take a moment to read the following account from Grace Church missionary Tom McConnell. The first two things I remember Sandro Farinha saying to me after he got saved in Rugby, England, were, I have to call my brother back in Portugal and tell him what has happened. And Tom, you have to help me win my people [the Portuguese]! I told him that I wasn t planning to learn Portuguese but I would teach him all I know about Christ and the Scriptures if he is faithful. It s been more than three years now since that time and Sandro has proven to be faithful! Only weeks after he was saved, he flew his younger, orphaned brother Claudio from Portugal to England so that he could care for him and, particularly, share the gospel with him. The Lord opened Claudio s heart to the gospel at our dining room table one evening. His prayer of repentance and his expressed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ brought tears to all of us men gathered around that table. As Sandro and Claudio stood hugging one another with tears of joy streaming down their faces, they began to speak to one another in Portuguese about the greatness of Christ and His gospel. Sandro kept saying, I told you, I told you! Sandro and Claudio ended up marrying two British sisters and they continue to make preparations to return to their home on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where they grew up. Their desire is to locate a solid church in Madeira that they can join or start a church with a Master s Seminary graduate who has a burden to win the Portuguese to Christ. This is just one example of the wonderful ways the Lord is working through our missionaries and our church. But His

5 work includes more than what the missionaries themselves are doing. Each family on the field is supported prayerfully and financially right here in Los Angeles by scores of individuals, as well as like-minded churches around the United NEW States who are MEMBERS also committed to the faithful preaching of God s Word. Your Faith Promise commitments are another important way the Grace Lord has Church provided welcomed for another our missionaries. group of new The members with the RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP. Each of these prayers individuals and sacrificial completed giving the of our membership church for class our in fulfillment of Grace Church s membership requirements. missionaries have far exceeded any expectation. The And following as another new year members of Faith received Promise the Right begins Hand of Fellowship in NOVEMBER. in January 2016, we look forward to how the Seth Lord Adams will continue to use our church Jenna to spread Friesen Salvador Morente José the good & Francesca news Alcivar of salvation here at Lou home & Evette and Gallo Andrew & Tiffany Morrow Al Anton Tomás & Fanny González Crescentia Muljawan around the world. John & Vera Baghdasarian Jonathan Graham Lindsay Mullin Leiana-Richelle Barreyro Alain Gueye & Helen Pham Clarissa Murphy Emily Your Brayne Faith Promise giving plays a Cheryl significant Inokon Alexander & Marlene Nufio Taylor role Brooks in sending new missionaries Ryan to Jackthe Jose Ortiz & Lourdes Cruz Hal field, Cardwell supporting affiliated training Jamie centers, Jackson Ana Osta Omar meeting Carrillo missionary budget shortfalls, Alli covering Jacobs Alfonso Pastrana Jim administrative & Joyce Cary costs, and funding Tony the & gospel Genevieve Lazar Chris Patureau Jeff ministry Chu efforts of these faithful servants Janet around Lee Jacquelyn Perez Marie the globe. CuddThroughout the month of Gilbert December, Lim Jessica Pollack Sean watch & Shelbi Grace Cullen Today for encouraging Naomi stories Louie Anastasia Prinzing Connor Draa Rafael Lubaton Jimmy Revelino from our missionaries about God s work all Roger & Sureydi Durán Daniel & Osiris Martínez Mayda Saltzman over the world as you prayerfully consider how Claire Ficca Alex Mastrolonardo Jose Saucedo Aaron your 2016 & Trishia Faith Filbrun Promise commitment DJ & can Judy truly Mattson Estrella Sburlati making a global impact for the gospel. The 2016 Missionary Calendar is available on the patio this morning. One per family, please. Keenan Schmidt Jeremiah Seidman Benjamin & Carmen Sosa Katie Stauffer Catherine Steveley Mingie Su Marvin Tan Yi-Hsuan Teng Denisse Torres Grace Trinh Maria Vargas Juan Virgen Araceli Vital Joseph White FEATURE

6 HIGHLIGHT 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. Child care is available for children five years old and younger. Grace Around the World Rome Church Plant The Stanisci Family Lucio & Cristina, Rebecca, Davide, Mattia Serving in Italy Since 2009 Prayer / Praise Praise God for His provision of an apartment in the north area of Rome where we have targeted the church plant. Even though we are still unpacking and feel tired after the long transition, we are rejoicing and look forward to the ministry that the Lord has prepared for us beforehand. Pray for financial provision. Faith Promise Last week you generously gave $8,829. Thank you for your ongoing support of our missionaries and their ministries around the world. Local Outreach Spotlight Romans Bible Study in Korean First and Third Sundays 12:30 p.m. T276 The Korean Outreach Ministry is offering a Bible study on the book of Romans taught in Korean. If you or someone you know is a Korean speaker who would benefit from biblical fellowship, please join us! Lunch and childcare are provided. For more information, call Ken Chung at

7 Communion December 13 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 Marrow Donor Registry Drive Today 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Steeple House For patients with blood cancers and other blood diseases like sickle cell anemia, a bone marrow transplant is often necessary for a cure. It only takes a few minutes to register as a potential donor just a quick cheek swab and a simple form and no appointment is necessary. For more information visit BeTheMatch.org. Logos Institute Discipleship Counseling, Level 1 January 11 April 11 6:30 8:30 p.m. Discipleship Counseling: Level 2 January 13 April 13 6:30 8:30 p.m. Instructors: Bill Shannon, George Sanders T370s Cost: $75 per class. For more information or to register, visit gracechurch.org/logos. One with Christ Monday, December 7 9:30 a.m. CC130 Bible study primarily for women who have lost their husbands through death or divorce. With the Lord Robert Rankin recently went to be with the Lord. Please remember his family in your prayers. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116:15 Junior High Winter Camp January 1 3 Thousand Pines Christian Camp For details or to register, visit xchangeministry.com. Juniors Winter Camp January 8 10 Forest Home To register or for more information, visit the patio table on Sunday mornings or gracechurch.org/childrens. High School Winter Camp January Forest Home For details or to register, visit gracechurch.org/oneighty. Joyful Givers 2015 Tax Information All contributions for calendar year 2015 must be received by the church no later than our December 27 offering or postmarked no later than December 31, The church campus will be closed for the holidays December 24 25, 2015, and December 28, 2015 January 1, Contributions received after Sunday, December 27, 2015, or postmarked after December 31, 2015, will be recorded in The elders, pastors, and church staff thank each of you for faithfully and sacrificially giving to the Lord. Job Opportunity Web Programmer. Grace to You has an immediate opening for a Web programmer knowledgeable in ASP.NET C#, MSSQL, Javascript, and related technologies. This individual must give close attention to details, communicate effectively, and work well independently and within a small team. For an application, please contact Gabriel Powell at , or gpowell@gty.org. 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: Mike Johnston Cornerstone (All ages) T371 Pastors: Nathan Busenitz, Justin Harris, Mark Tatlock Doulos (Young families & singles) 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: Jay Lennington Mentally Disabled CC130 (east) Pastor: Rick McLean Spanish Adult Sunday School H Teachers: Josiah Grauman, Angel Cardoza Spanish Worship Service Chapel Pastors: Henry Tolopilo, Michael Mahoney Children s Sunday School Visit the Welcome Center for room locations. Pastor: Mike Johnston Crossroads (College & young adults) Family Center Pastor: Austin Duncan High School (Grades 9 12) T73 (Basement) Pastor: Josh Petras Joint Heirs (All ages) T261 Pastors: Tom Patton, 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: Ruben Pidal, Isaías Godoy 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 Logos Institute 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.