HARD SAYINGS OF THE BIBLE BY F.F. BRUCE

As a church, we gladly affirm that, “The Word of God is clear, and everything we need in order to know, love, and fellowship with God can be plainly understand through ordinary means” (SGC Statement of Faith 1.3). However, though the Word is clear, we also confess that “not all Scripture is equally plain,” - some parts are harder than others to understand and apply to our lives. Even the Apostle Peter thought so (2 Peter 3:16)! That’s why this month we’re recommending, Hard Sayings of the Bible by F.F. Bruce. A book to guide your grappling with the most difficult verses in the Bible. From answering, “What is the unforgivable sin?” to “Did the sun really stand still in Joshua 10?” This volume, which contains 46 specific entries for the Gospel of Mark alone, will benefit your study of Scripture for the remainder of our current sermon series and for years to come.

PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK HERE

SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11

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, SEPTEMBER 8: SAVOR SANTA ANA

• 6:00 pm - 4th Street in DTSA

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: FESTIVAL OF NATIONS

• 4:00 pm - Schlieder Backyard

LEARN ABOUT THE EMPOWERING MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT

This upcoming Monday, September 12th at 7pm, our sending church, Sovereign Grace Orange, is hosting an event you don’t want to miss!

Jeff Purswell, Director of Theology for Sovereign Grace Churches, will be teaching on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, drawing from our revised Statement of Faith. We’ll focus on our continuationist convictions and what they mean for us. This is a great opportunity to hear from a widely respected scholar (and a wonderful pastor) about a vital aspect of our faith. All are welcome. You can find all the details here.

SOVEREIGN GRACE MUSIC ESPAÑOL IS GROWING

As referenced in our post last week, Sovereign Grace Music recently released two new albums, one of which is their 5th Spanish album En Ti Esperamos (We Hope in You). The project contains 12 translated Sovereign Grace songs, some from our most recent albums, Unchanging God: Songs from the Book of Psalms, Vol. 1 & 2. Almost all the songs chosen focus on the theme of suffering. They remind us that in the midst of our darkest nights and deepest sorrows, those who trust in Christ will never be without hope.

To learn more about this album and to find out where to listen to it, click here.

HOW YOU RECEIVE JESUS DETERMINES WHAT YOU GET FROM JESUS

At the end of Mark 3, Jesus says some things that are, frankly, scary. He speaks of an unforgivable sin. He responds to an accusation of demon possession. He even claims that His blood relatives are not His truest family. Who are these scary words directed toward? Toward those who are outside. Outside of God’s kingdom. Outside of His family. And they’re outside because they’ve received Jesus the wrong way. But for those who find themselves on the inside - His blessings abound. Listen to last Sunday’s sermon to learn more.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

WE’RE SINGING A NEW SONG THIS SUNDAY

This summer, Sovereign Grace Music released two new albums full of songs inspired by the Psalms. This Sunday we’ll be singing one of them: My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62). It’s a song that anchors our hope in God as the One who’s worthy of all our trust. We’ll be singing it in both English & Spanish in the weeks to come. Take a few minutes to listen to My Soul Will Wait and read through the lyrics below so that you’re ready to sing along.

VERSE 1
When the enemy surrounds and my heart grows faint within
When the darkness overwhelms and my fears are pressing in
I will trust in You, O Lord, in the silence I will wait
I will stand upon Your Word

CHORUS
You’re my solid rock and my salvation
My steadfast hope that won’t be shaken
My soul will wait, my soul will wait for You

VERSE 2
You’re my stronghold and my shield, in the midst of every threat
Though the wicked never yield, they will vanish like a breath
Yes, I know the outcome’s sure, Satan’s evil plans will fail
In Your power I’m secure

CHORUS 2
You’re my solid rock and my salvation
My steadfast hope that won’t be shaken
My soul will wait, my soul will wait for You
You’re my comfort when I feel forsaken
My refuge and my sure foundation
My soul will wait, my soul will wait for You

VERSE 3
This is love I can’t explain, this is mercy unreserved
Through Your sacrifice so great, I have peace that’s undeserved
For the battle has been won, and I fear no shame or loss
Now the sting of death is gone

TAG
Pouring out our hearts before You
We will trust in You
Perfect Savior, strong defender
We will trust in You

MAKING AND MATURING DISCIPLES ON FRIDAY

This Friday, our small groups will be meeting for the first Friday in September. The Roenicke and Houlton small groups will be meeting at their regular locations at 7pm.

The Erkelens small group, however, will be taking the OC Rescue Mission Chili Van out into our city to share a meal - and the Gospel - with our homeless neighbors. They’re going into our city to speak to our city. If you’re not a member of the Erkelens small group, but would like to join the Chili Van outreach this month, let your small group leader and Pastor Jeff know.

And as we ask God to make disciples through this outreach, we’re asking him to mature disciples through our small group meetings. As you prepare for Friday, whichever activity you’re engaging in, please pray for God to work among us and through us for His glory.

A CELEBRATION OF OUR UNITY IN CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF OUR DIVERSITY

On Sunday, September 11th, we’ll be hosting our fourth annual “Festival of Nations”. Coinciding with Fiestas Patrias and Dia De La Independencia, we want to celebrate what God has built in our church through the Gospel - the gathering of people from all different nationalities and heritages into one new family in Christ.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE?

1. Bring a dish (entrée, dessert or side) representing your national heritage. Bring your best effort. The results will be judged and the “Best In The World” award will be given to the individual whose dish impressed the most. Multiple dishes per family are ok! 

2. Join us on Sunday, September 11th at 4pm in the Schlieder backyard in the heart of Santa Ana.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AT 6PM

Savor Santa Ana is back! It is such a fun event that takes place in the heart of the city, among local restaurant owners and artisans.

SAVOR SANTA ANA WILL REPLACE MENS MEETING THIS MONTH

We’re hoping that we can all gather together for the event.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Buy tickets online or stop by a ticket booth location to pick up your tickets and a map. Then you decide where to go, choosing among participating across downtown! Ticket booths open at 5 pm, event runs 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Ticket booths are cash only.

Savor Santa Ana is a walking event: your tastings will occur at restaurants that you walk to. Walk around or hop on the free London bus to get around downtown!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4

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:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: CHILI VAN OUTREACH OR SMALL GROUP

• 6:00 pm - OCRM Chili Van

• 7:00 pm - Houlton or Schlieder Home

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom