YOUR ROCK SOLID CONFIDENCE OF HIS GOODNESS

In this treasure of a text, the song we've been singing all along in Habakkuk reaches its crescendo. How can we be confident beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is good and always working good? Because of Romans chapter 8. Reasoning from the gospel, Paul tells believers that if God saved you ("he did not spare his Son") then God will surely sustain you ("how will he not freely with him give us all things?") through anything and everything. If the cross, then the grace to live for God's glory and our joy in and through every situation, circumstance, and EVEN suffering of life as we press on toward glory. 

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

A SONG OF REJOICING IN THE LORD

This Sunday, as we gather to “take joy in the God of our salvation” (Hab 3:18), we’ll be singing a new song. “Good and Gracious King” by Cityalight will put the praise of the prophet Habakkuk freshly on our lips. Helping us to rejoice in God because whatever we lack, we have him. And he’s with us, for us, and powerfully and lovingly reigning over everything in our lives. Even “though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,” (Hab 3:17), we have “the promise of acceptance, from a good and gracious King.”

Listen to the song here and read through the lyrics below.

VERSE 1

I approach the throne of glory
Nothing in my hands I bring
But the promise of acceptance
From a good and gracious King

I will give to You my burden
As You give to me Your strength
Come and fill me with Your Spirit
As I sing to You this praise

CHORUS

You deserve the greater glory
Overcome, I lift my voice
To the King in need of nothing
Empty handed I rejoice

You deserve the greater glory
Overcome with joy I sing
By Your love I am accepted
You’re a good and gracious King

VERSE 2

O what grace that You would see me
As Your child and as Your friend
Safe, secure in You forever
I pour out my praise again

BRIDGE

Holy, holy, Lord Almighty
Good and gracious
Good and gracious
Holy, holy, Lord Almighty
Good and gracious King

CAN’T WAIT TO SING TOGETHER

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE BIG QUESTIONS OF LIFE

The Bridge Course is a 6-week opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a fun and relaxed way. Each week begins with a meal followed by a talk that addresses common questions about life and God. Afterward there is a small-group conversation where you can ask any questions you have or sit back and listen. It’s a safe space to share your perspective - whatever it is. There is no pressure and no one will force you to believe anything.

Who is it for?

• Anyone seeking answers

• Anyone with doubts about Christianity

• Anyone wanting to investigate the Christian Faith

• New Christians

• Newcomers to the church

• Anyone who wants to “brush up” on the basics

When and where does it take place?

• Dates: 2nd & 4th Mondays from September 11, 2023 - November 27, 2023

• Time: 7pm-9pm

• Location: Hopper & Burr, 202 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

REGISTER FOR THE CLASS HERE

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

Next Sunday we’ll be starting a sermon series in Ephesians. After Sunday service, make sure to grab a free copy of September’s Book of the Month book, which is the ESV Journalling bible of Ephesians, and start reading this book to prepare for the sermon series. Don’t forget to bring the Bible with you every week during our sermon series beginning September 24th.

EVERY 1ST & 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH @ 7pm

Outside of Sunday mornings, small groups are the most important moment in the life of our church. Make it a priority to attend small group this Friday at 7pm in order to encourage one another and be encouraged. To care for others and to be cared for. To point your brothers and sisters to Christ and apply his gospel to their lives, and experience the same.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SMALL GROUPS, CLICK HERE

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH WITH ROTATING SMALL GROUPS

Prayer is central to our mission and, in 2023, our small groups have been taking to French Park on the the first Friday of the month to pray for the good of our neighborhood. Asking Jesus to save Santa Anans, meet our neighbors according to his grace, and open doors for sharing his gospel and spreading his joy.

THE Houlton SMALL GROUP WILL BE MEETING AT FRENCH PARK AT 6PM

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3

Every Tuesday we publish a blog post to lay out in one place what’s going in the life of the church for the upcoming week. See below for a snapshot of what’s on the calendar this week:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31: FRENCH PARK RUN CLUB

• 6:30 am - French Park Grass Area

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: PRAYER IN THE PARK OR SMALL GROUP

• 7:00 pm - French Park Grass Area (Houlton Small Group)

• 7:00 pm - Schlieder & Erkelens Home

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

THE SAFETY OF OUR MEMBERS, GUESTS, AND CHILDREN IS OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY

As a church, we’re committed to extending God’s welcome to all of our neighbors while ensuring the safety of all who gather with us. Recent occurrences have led us to re-examine and expand our Sunday morning security policies to help us better achieve that goal. The pastoral team wants you to know we’re working hard to develop additional measures to serve us as we gather for worship each week. More details to come, but here’s what we’re doing to position ourselves to respond well if and when any future situations arise:

• Consulting best practices from sister churches and ministry partners to learn from others who are doing this well

• Collaborating with our friends at the Ebell Club to formulate safety measures that benefit our partnership

• Implementing a Security Team of trained volunteers who will be equipped to observe and respond to any potential disruptions or safety concerns on a Sunday morning

WE CAN REJOICE BECAUSE GOD DELIVERS ON HIS PROMISES

As the book of Habakkuk comes to a close, complaining gives way to rejoicing. Lament is transformed into praise as the prophet who once saw only bad, perceives his good God by faith. He looks backward so that he can move forward. In the midst of his present trouble, he recounts God's mighty works of old, and resolves to wait upon the Lord to bring justice and salvation once again. Like Habakukk, when we look out on our lives and all seems lost, we're faced with lack, and things aren't as they should be, we need behold the God who saves. 

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

A CLASS BY OUR CHURCH FOR OUR NEIGHBORS

This year, our church’s Fall Class is primarily focused on those who aren’t yet a part of our church. Our goal is to create a context where we can invite our neighbors who are skeptical, seeking, or are brand new to the Christian faith to come and have honest conversations about the most important questions in life. To accomplish this, we’re offering The Bridge Course.

WHAT’S BRIDGE?

The Bridge Course is a 6-week opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a fun and relaxed way. Each week begins with a meal followed by a talk that addresses common questions about life and God. Afterward there is a small-group conversation where participants can ask questions or sit back and listen. There is no pressure and no one will be forced to believe anything.

Who is it for?

• Anyone seeking answers

• Anyone with doubts about Christianity

• Anyone wanting to investigate the Christian Faith

• New Christians

• Newcomers to the church

• Anyone who wants to “brush up” on the basics

When and where does it take place?

• Dates: 2nd & 4th Mondays from September 11, 2023 - November 27, 2023

• Time: 7pm-9pm

• Location: Hopper & Burr, 202 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

How can I participate?

• Take the class yourself

• Invite someone to Bridge (and attend the course with them!)

• Volunteer to serve with the class

REGISTER FOR THE CLASS HERE

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE