FURTHER RESOURCES ON THE RETURN OF CHRIST

This past Sunday we considered what Jesus had to say about his second coming. We dove into the doctrine of eschatology (the study of the last things) and were reminded that amidst our curiosity, speculation, and the potential to be distracted when it comes to considering these matters, eschatology is about the exaltation of Jesus. Below, you’ll find some recommended resources to help you think well about the end and exalt Christ TODAY as you await the LAST DAY.

• Our Statement of Faith: Section 13 - The Last Things

• The Last Days According to Jesus: R.C. Sproul’s short and accessible lecture series or excellent book on the subject of Christ’s return

• 10 Things You Should Know About the Second Coming of Christ: An article based on Revelation 19:11-21 by Sam Storms

• Go to Work, Go to Church - Christ is Coming Back!: Practical encouragement from John Piper to live Christ-exalting lives of ordinary faithfulness as we await his return

WE NEED A VIEW OF THE LAST DAY THAT SPURS US ON TODAY

After besting his opponents in the temple and proving himself to be the true authority over that house, Jesus turns right around and prophesies its impending destruction. In response to his disciples' marveling over this structure, he tells them of a coming day in which "There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down" (13:2). For it to be done away with, signaled the end of the world as they knew it to the first century Jew. Naturally, the disciples ask, "When will this be?” And in response to this ONE crucial question, Jesus once again provides TWO answers. Jesus’ answers were intended to fill His followers with confidence because the same Christ who journeyed toward a cross will return for us and bring us into eternal joy before his throne.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

THE WIDOW’S MITE - AN EXAMPLE TO CELEBRATE AND EMULATE

In Mark 12:38-44, the religious pretense of the scribes is contrasted with the humble faith of the widow. The former fails to render themselves wholly to God and lapses in their love of neighbor - devouring widow's houses. The latter is exemplary for her total devotion to God, her offering demonstrates that she loves God and counts him as her greatest treasure. Her sacrifice points us forward to Christ's own sacrifice. "For though he was rich, yet for [our] sake he became poor, so that [we] by his poverty might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). Jesus “gave everything he had” for us - so that we could “live on” eternally with God. Listen to Sunday’s sermon to learn more.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

WHETHER NEAR OR FAR, ONLY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST GETS YOU IN

Jesus has beaten the Pharisees & Herodians and the Sadducees at their own games, and next comes an encounter with a scribe. Jesus is asked ONE question concerning his interpretation of the Scriptures, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” (12:28). He responds to that ONE question with TWO answers. Surprisingly, the scribe commends and agrees with Jesus’ answer and Jesus replies to him, saying, “you are not far from the kingdom of God”. The scribe had judged Jesus answer, but Jesus, the Lawgiver and the Sovereign Son of God, judged the worthiness of the scribe to enter God’s kingdom. He was near. But … he was not yet in. Why? Listen to Sunday’s sermon to learn more.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

BUT JESUS’ RESCUE PRECEDES OUR RENDERING

This week, we resumed our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark. We're back in the Temple with Jesus during Holy Week & the Sanhedrin have sent a new group of challengers to trap him. The Pharisees and the Herodians come to him with a question about taxes - "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" (12:14). Jesus’ ingenious reply states, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (12:17). Caesar minted coins, so give those back to him. But God has made us in his image, so give yourselves wholly to him. But what Jesus knows about every person in His audience, including us, is that nobody has perfectly rendered their lives to God - we’re all in debt. He knows He’ll render His life for us. The cross looms large over this passage and any attempt on our part to render to God what belongs to God.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

“MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE TIME” - SPEND $1/ WEEK ON MISSION

The final week of our evangelism mini-series. In week two, we were reminded that the Risen Jesus continues his work in the world through us. On Sunday, we asked: practically, what does this mission look like in our church? How will we share the gospel with our neighbors, be on mission in our city, and spread the joy of Jesus in Santa Ana? Col 4:2-6 provides us with answers to these questions and provides us with 4 key aspects of ordinary evangelism: prayer, gospel partnership, speaking the language of grace, and loving our neighbors on purpose.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

This past Sunday, pastor Ricky Alcantar shared 5 helpful steps to practically live out the mission God has called us to.

1. Identify your mission field

Your mission field is where you live and do life with those who don’t know Jesus. So the question is not “am I called to a mission field” but “how do I engage the mission field God has already given me?” Below are some examples of mission fields in our lives:

• Your workplace

• Your neighborhood,

• Kid’s activity groups

• The gym, and many more

2. Be known as a Christian  

We want to relate who we are to why we are. There are plenty of nice people in our world, but we want to connect the way we love and care for people to the love of Jesus. Below are some examples of how we can be known as Christians: 

• When asked about your week or weekend tell people about church or community group, befriending the friendless, not participating in gossip, speaking well of others behind their backs, comforting others in distress

3. Form friendships with people who don’t know Jesus

Pray and ask God to reveal these people to you. What are some ways we can do this? 

• Get to know people, remember details about their lives and bring them up in future conversations, invite people to lunch and outings, and have longer conversations that are beyond news, weather, sports.

4. Be equipped for the mission 

Notice this is not at the beginning of the list! Many times Christians delay in telling others about Jesus, but if we form relationships with people we can learn how to care and love them better. Below are ways this might play out:

• Study the Bible: you never know how what you’ve read in your quiet time can impact someone. We need to know how to apply God’s word to others' need for the gospel.

• Listen and learn to ask questions! This will help shape your care, prayers, and love towards others in a meaningful way. 

5. Apply biblical truth to people’s needs

As you form relationships, sin, and crisis will create a need in people’s lives that as a Christian friend you will be able to help them see their need for the gospel. People will turn to those who have shown an interest in them as a person. We want to be those Christians people turn to. You may see this in times of sickness, relationships/marriage/parenting, or personal crisis. 

There are opportunities all around you every day to be a witness to the gospel. Let’s lean into what Jesus is doing in our city and join him on his mission to bring our neighbors from death to life through the message of the gospel.

HE CONTINUES HIS WORK THROUGH OUR CHURCH

Two Sundays ago, we laid out the theological principles for mission and evangelism. Filling ourselves with the God of the gospel so that his gospel would overflow from us. This past Sunday, guest preacher, Ricky Alcantar from our sister church, Cross of Grace El Paso, turned our attention to the Book of Acts to look at the progress of the gospel in God's history of redemption. The story of the gospel going forth: from Jesus himself, to that early church, and onto us today. Let’s see our church in this great story God is writing and lean into what Jesus is continuing to do in and through his people. 

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

IS GOD’S POWER TO SAVE

On Sunday, we started a 3 week mini-series on evangelism and mission. We began by laying out the foundational principle for all our evangelistic activity: Why should we be eager to share the gospel with our neighbors? Because the gospel and the gospel alone is God’s power for salvation. This is why Paul was so eager to share it in Rom 1:15. But being honest, why aren’t we as eager as him? There are many reasons we could suggest, but the heart of the matter is that we don’t share the gospel because we don’t see the God of the gospel as we should. Before passing “Go” to practical strategies, we need to examine our personal communion with him. Listen to Sunday’s sermon on Rom 1:15-17 in order to drink deeply of the goodness, glory, and generous grace of God so that his gospel will be overflowing from you.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

THE MATTER OF FIRST IMPORTANCE

On Easter Sunday we celebrated the same gospel we celebrate every Sunday. That gospel of which the resurrection is a central fact. That gospel which is the message this church is built on. That gospel which is the greatest news we could ever hear: that God has done all it took to accomplish our salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the gospel we receive, rest in, and rejoice in each and every week.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE