GREEDY FOR JESUS OR MONEY?

The unnamed woman in Mark 14 who in other places is said to be Mary, the sister of Lazarus (Jn 12:3), prepares Jesus' body to be buried by anointing it with perfume. Her act of honoring Jesus through this costly sacrifice points forward to the worth of his coming sacrifice. While Mary's action shows that she has no greater treasure than Christ, this is not so with Judas. He looks "for worldly treasure, and forsakes the King of kings," as he conspires with Jesus' opponents to turn him over to them in exchange for money (and 30 pieces of silver at that! Not even half the price of the perfume). Mark intends for this to strike our hearts: what are you captivated by? Money and the things of this world? Or Jesus? Listen to Sunday’s sermon to learn more.

Listen to the sermon here

JOIN US FOR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

As you begin planning for summer, we invite you to join us as we gather for weekly activities over the next few months. From park days in our city, to beach days and movie nights, let’s experience and spread the joy of Jesus to to our neighbors.

We’ve created a calendar of all the summer events that can be downloaded here, or better yet, subscribe to our church calendar here for all events happening at our church.

For any questions, please reach out to our Church Administrator at office@crossofgracesa.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH AT 4:00PM

For a second year in a row, we’re bringing an afternoon of food, fun, and community to the French Park neighborhood. We’re throwing a party to show our neighbors how glad we are to be their neighbors. It’s our hope they’d catch a glimpse of the joy we have in Jesus and come to enter into that joy themselves.

There are many ways to get involved with this event: pre-party neighborhood outreach & promotion, event set-up & clean-up, serving food, facilitating games, bringing key supplies, and more! Contact Jerry Requena or our Church Administrator at office@crossofgracesa.org with questions or to take the initiative and to sign up to help. Otherwise, pray that the Lord uses this event for the salvation and the overall good of our Santa Ana neighbors.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7PM

This Friday, our small groups will be meeting to kick off June. The Houlton and Erkelens small groups will be meeting at their regular locations at 7pm. The Roenicke small group, however, will be meeting at the French Park grass area at 6pm to pray. Asking Jesus to save Santa Anans, meet our neighbors according to his grace, and open doors for sharing his gospel and spreading his joy.

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 in and through us for his glory.

MAY 29 - JUNE 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:

THURSDAY, JUNE 1: FRENCH PARK RUN CLUB

• 6:30 am - French Park Grass Area

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: PRAYER IN THE PARK AND SMALL GROUPS

• 6:00 pm - French Park Grass Area (Roenicke Small Group)

• 7:00 pm - Erkelens & Houlton Home

SUNDAY, JUNE 4: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH AT 4:00PM

For a second year in a row, we’re bringing an afternoon of food, fun, and community to the French Park neighborhood. We’re throwing a party so that our neighbors can catch a glimpse of the joy we have in Jesus. It’s just one way to “paint another blade of grass blue” or to “spend a dollar” of the precious time we have to spread the joy of Jesus.

Keep an eye out next week for a volunteer signup. There are many ways to get involved with this event: pre-party neighborhood outreach & promotion, event set-up & clean-up, serving food, facilitating games, bringing key supplies, and more! Contact Jerry Requena or our Church Administrator at office@crossofgracesa.org with questions or to take the initiative and to sign up to help. Otherwise, pray that the Lord uses this event for the salvation and the overall good of our Santa Ana neighbors.

WOMEN’S MEETING TONIGHT. DON’T MISS IT.

Our Women’s Ministry exists to spur women on in their pursuit of Christ through biblical discussion and building friendships. Each month the ladies of CGSA meet together for a time of discussion and prayer in order to grow in Christ. This month, they’ll gather for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion on true spirituality and gospel-shaped generosity.

Join us tonight at 7pm at the Schlieder Home

MAY 23 - MAY 28

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, MAY 25: FRENCH PARK RUN CLUB

• 6:30 am - French Park Grass Area

THURSDAY, MAY 25: WOMEN’S MEETING

• 7:00 pm - Schlieder Home

SUNDAY, MAY 28: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00 am - Meeting Room: Ballroom