We love it when we get the chance to learn from one another; when we're discipled by our friends. This last Sunday, we had the opportunity to hear God's Word preached by Jeff Schleider. As he taught from Colossians 2:6-15, we were reminded that Christians need Jesus as we continue our walk just as much as we needed Him at the beginning of our walk. He alone gives us our best life no matter where - or when - we are.
As we continued our series in Colossians - a book concerning the new life of a small church in Colossae - we discovered this last week just how much the new life of this church was worth to Paul, the author of Colossians. In Colossians 1:24-2:5, we find that it was worth every bit of suffering that he had experienced. Listen to the message to find out not only why, but also how Paul is able to say "I rejoice in my sufferings ..."
YOU DON'T NEED SOMETHING NEW. YOU NEED SOMETHING TRUE.
This past Sunday, we continued our series in the book of Colossians with Col. 1:15-23 and learned what is the best safeguard against the problems of this life: an intelligent appreciation of the doctrine of Christ. In layman's terms? A deeper understanding of who Jesus is. Jesus is the Creator, Sustainer, Head and Reconciler of all things. The more well-acquainted we are with His reality, the more equipped we are to face the problems we'll encounter in our lives.
This last Sunday, we opened up a new preaching series in Colossians together and discovered, what, of all things he could say, were the Apostle Paul's first words to the church at Colossae. As was Paul's pattern, we learned that giving thanks to God for the evidence of His grace at work through the Gospel took priority of place. This pattern and priority helps us to know how we ought to address one another.
Jesus has promised His presence to be with us in the mission He's called us to. He's also given us other local churches with whom we have the privilege of partnering with. We're committed to them. They're committed to us. This is the kind of partnership you want your local church to be a part of. God will spread the joy of Jesus through Downtown Santa Ana through it. To learn more about the contours of our partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches,
God has given His Church a job description; it's what each church has been designed and called to be doing in the world. This job description is the mission of the church. That mission is to multiply and mature disciples. At Sovereign Grace Santa Ana, we pray that God would give us the courage, compassion and faithfulness to do just that among our Downtown Santa Ana neighbors.
This last Sunday, in our 5th message in the series describing the 7 Values we share with all Sovereign Grace Churches, guest preacher Dustin Smetona helped to answer the question, "who leads the local church?". Biblically, we believe that Christ leads the Church and has appointed pastors to lead in local churches until He returns. To learn more about Biblical eldership or even if you yourself wonder about a calling to leadership in the church, check out the following resources:
What Does Gospel-Centered Leadership Look Like?
When He ascended back into heaven, Jesus told His disciples that it would be to their advantage that He leave. Why? Because He would send the Holy Spirit. Who would indwell, empower and give gifts to each and every one of His followers. Around the globe. At all times. But the Holy Spirit is not a mere luxury for Sovereign Grace Santa Ana. We desperately need to pursue and experience His ministry. In all of its dimensions. Listen to this past Sunday's sermon out of John 14:16-18; our third message in our "7 Shared Values" series.
We are saved by the Gospel. We preach the Gospel. We sing the Gospel. We live out the effects of the Gospel.
The Gospel is at the heart of Sovereign Grace Santa Ana. Jesus is at the heart of the Gospel. Listen to this past Sunday's sermon out of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, the second message in our "7 Shared Values" series.
