T-SHIRTS CAN BE PURCHASED THIS SUNDAY

We have a small stock of leftover Cross of Grace merch from the temporary webstore we opened up last year. We’ve got t-shirts in adult sizes Small-XXL that are $10 each. See Liz this Sunday if you’d like to get one. They’re great to wear on Sunday mornings, at church events, during neighborhood outreaches, or doing anything else you’ve got planned for the day.

If you’re interested in placing an order for a crewneck or hoodie, let Liz know so we can reopen the webstore once we can meet minimum order requirements.

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2

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, JANUARY 30: FRENCH PARK RUN CLUB

• 6:30am - French Park Grass Area

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH

• 9:45am - Ebell Parking Lot

  • Find out more info here.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB & POST-SERVICE FAMILY MEETING

• 10:00am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

• 12:15pm - Members required family meeting in the Theater

LEARNING FROM WISDOM INCARNATE

We’ve just completed a 13-week study in the book of James. A book that teaches us how to live in God’s world with God’s wisdom. A wisdom that we learned, time and time again, is ultimately personified and embodied in Jesus Christ. He is “the Lord of Glory,” and giver of God’s “perfect law” (James 2:1, 1:25). And he’s also the true wise man who acknowledged God in all his ways (Proverbs 3:5) and fulfilled the “royal law” (James 2:8). When we look to him, we see the highest expression of what it means to live in God’s world, God’s way.

All throughout his letter, James is looking to Christ as well. Echoing his teaching. Drawing from his example. Understanding that embarking upon the path to spiritual wholeness means following after Jesus. Below you’ll find every passage we studied in James with references drawn from the places he alludes to or echoes the words and work of Jesus. Read them, study them, meditate upon the Lord of Glory revealed in them, and be made more like him - from one degree to the next.

THE WORDS OF JESUS & THE WISDOM OF JAMES

James 1:1-4 - Encountering Trials of Various Kinds

• Matthew 10:24-25 - Trials and suffering will come for us because they came for Jesus. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.”

• John 16:33 - “In the world you WILL have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”

• Hebrews 5:8-9 - According to his human nature, Jesus was prefected “through what he suffered.”

James 1:5-11 - Asking of God

• Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, seek, & knock because our Father delights to give good gifts to his children

• Luke 11:11-13 - God is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him

• John 16:25-28 - You can ask of God as Father because he’s already set his love on you

James 1:12-18 - Temptation & Testing

• Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus responds to Satan’s temptations by clinging to the word of God and holding fast to what is true

• Matthew 5:1-12 - Blessed are those who endure trials, are poor, empty, mourning, meek, and persecuted

• Matthew 6:13 - We’re taught to pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”

• Hebrews 2:14-18 - Jesus was made like us in every respect so that he would be “able to help those who are being tempted”

• Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus can “sympathize with our weaknesses” because he “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin"

James 1:19-27 - Hearing & Doing God’s Word

• Matthew 5:17-48 - Jesus’ exposition of the true meaning of the law & what it means to be “a doer of the word”

• Matthew 7:24-27 - Hearing God’s word and doing it is the difference between building one’s house on the rock or the sand

• Matthew 22:34-40 - A summary of the “perfect law”

• Jesus lived a life of “true religion” serving the sick, needy, widow, oppressed, outcast, and poor (Mk 1:21-42, 5:21-43; Lk 7:11-17)

James 2:1-13 - Showing No Partiality & Loving our Neighbor, No Matter What

• Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule for treating others

• Matthew 18:13-15 - Welcome those who have nothing to offer

• Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus came to proclaim “the law of liberty”

• Luke 10:25-37 - What it means to “be” a neighbor

• Luke 14:12-14 - Do good to those who cannot repay you

• John 13:31-35 - John’s version of “the royal law”

James 2:14-26 - A Faith that Works

• Matthew 21:28-32 - Jesus is after humble hearers who demonstrate their faith in him

• Matthew 23 - Jesus speaks scathing words against a dead and “demonic” faith

• Mark 3:31-33 - “Whoever does the will of God,” truly belongs to God’s family (see also, Lk 8:21)

James 3:1-12 - Our Words

• Matthew 12:33-37 - We’ll be held accountable for every careless word

• Matthew 15:18-19 - Destructive words come out of an un-tamed heart

James 3:13-18 - Heavenly Wisdom vs. Earthly Un-wisdom

• Matthew 7:15-20 - You’ll know who’s truly wise by their fruits

• Matthew 12:33-35 - You’ll know goodness when you see it

• Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus is gentle and lowly and he offers true peace and rest

• Matthew 17:1-8 - Who is wise? Who should we listen to? God the Father says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

• Matthew 20:25-28 - The un-wisdom from the world exalts itself, the wisdom from above goes low

James 4:1-12 - Conflicts, Anger, & Forgiveness

• Matthew 5:21-26 - Don’t live out of reconciliation with each other

• Matthew 6:14-15 - The necessity of forgiveness

• Matthew 7:1-5 - Don’t judge with hypocritical judgment. Start by dealing with the log in your own eye

• Matthew 18:15-20 - Dealing with conflicts and offenses within the church

• Matthew 18:21-35 - Forgiving as we’ve been forgiven

• Luke 14:11 - “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”

James 4:13-5:6 - Pride, Presumption, & Laying Up Treasures on Earth

• Matthew 6:19-24 - Lay up treasures in heaven

• Matthew 6:33 - “Seek first the Kingdom of God,” and not your own mini-kingdom

• Matthew 26:36-44 - Jesus lived his entire life and even went unto death saying, “If the Lord wills it”

• Mark 10:17-31 - “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” But to all who give up, sacrifice, and become poor for Christ’s sake will gain in this life and in the life to come.

• Luke 12:13-21 - Life is more than your possessions

James 5:7-12 - Waiting on God’s help. Waiting for Christ’s Return.

• Matthew 5:33-37 - A warning against oaths

• Matthew 24:36-51 - Work hard to advance God’s Kingdom while we wait for Christ’s return

• Matthew 25:1-13 - Live today with a watchful eye to eternity

• Matthew 25:14-46 - Eternal rewards await those who trust in Christ, live God’s way, endure the suffering of this life with patience, and eagerly await the coming of the Lord

• Luke 12:35-48 - We need to be good stewards of all we’ve been given

James 5:13-20 - Prayer

• Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord’s Prayer

• Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus has compassion for sheep who are wandering without a shepherd. We should bring back one who is straying (James 5:18-20).

• Mark 1:35 - Jesus’ life is marked by regular prayer retreats

• Luke 15 - God is ready, willing, and rejoicing when the straying are brought back

• Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent in prayer

• John 9:1-3 - While some sickness and suffering is brought on by our sin, not all of it is

SEMINAR RECAP & RESOURCES

This Saturday, we had the incredible privilege of sitting under the teaching of Pastor & Biblical Counselor, Pete Payne. He came to us from our sister church in Westminster, Colorado in order to lay a foundation for what Biblical Counseling is, provide a model for how we can engage in it, and take all the questions we had to offer.

We came away convinced of God’s call to counsel. Persuaded that he desires to use us as instruments of grace to bless and build up his church. And we came away confident to go out and start engaging in the task. Believing that we’ve been given all we need to speak the truth in love to one another.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

We’ve got the audio and video for you. Take the time to listen, watch, and become equipped for the amazing privilege of helping your brothers and sisters become more like Christ.

• Listen:

  • Session 1: What is Biblical Counseling?

  • Session 2: A Model for Biblical Counseling: Love, Know, Speak, Do + Q&A

• Watch the entire seminar here.

You can find the session outlines, helpful handouts Pete referenced, and a list of recommended reading below:

• Session #1 Outline

• Session #2 Outline

• Trialogue

• Love, Know, Speak, Do Tree

• 3 Trees in the Desert

• X-Ray Questions to ask one another

• Further Reading on Biblical Counseling

  • Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul Tripp

  • Cross Talk: Where Life and Scripture Meet by Michael Emlet

  • And more!

BIBLICAL COUNSELING WITH PASTOR JAMES

This Sunday, we capped off our journey in James - a book filled to the brim with Spirit-inspired, God-breathed, timelessly-true wise counsel from Pastor James - by approaching the book from a counselor's point of view. Guest preacher, Pete Payne from our sister church in Westminster, CO not only taught us about counseling, but showed us how to counsel by applying the letter of James to real-life scenarios: Getting to the root of anger in a brother’s heart, helping a sister to see what’s really causing her conflicts, patiently encouraging the grumbler at the church potluck, coming alongside the suffering saint to remind them to “count it all joy” when they encounter trials - again and again and again.

All the while, impressing upon our hearts that in every situation we encounter - every trial, every conflict, every weeping brother, rejoicing sister, or grumbling friend - God is at work. He set the meeting. He planned the interaction. And in all these moments, he’s given us the amazing privilege of speaking his words to one another. Pointing out when there’s something that just shouldn’t be, and holding out the freedom that comes from living under “the law of liberty.” Our Wonderful Counselor himself, stands ready to inject his grace into every situation and make each intersection of his people a redemptive one.

LISTEN TO THE SERMON HERE

ALL LADIES, HIGH-SCHOOL AGED AND OLDER ARE INVITED

It’s our first Women’s Meeting of the year! Each month, the ladies of CGSA meet together for a time of discussion where “women talk like women” about God, experience rich fellowship, and encourage one another. All to promote the growth of women in Christ as women in Christ.

This time around it will be a little different, as the ladies enjoy a Paint & Snack night! They’ll also hear from our own Keiren Wright, who will share on a topic that is close to her heart and important for all Christians - beauty and creativity. Keiren will connect the dots on how we, as imagers of the Creator, are called to be creative and to display the beauty of the Lord in our lives.

If you are able, please bring a snack to share. We hope to see you there!

JOIN IN TONIGHT AT 7PM AT THE CUNNINGHAM HOME

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS

In the church, we’re all called to counsel. To connect the truth of God’s word to the on-the-ground realities of one another’s lives. But are you confident to counsel? Do you wonder if you’re equipped for this? Do you know what distinguishes Biblical Counseling from other popular approaches to helping someone change? Do you know where you’d start to address the situations your brothers and sisters are facing and how to move those conversation onto the wisdom, remedies, and solutions that are found in Jesus Christ?

BECOME EQUIPPED TO BLESS THE CHURCH

However you answered the questions above, God desires to use you as an instrument of grace in the lives of those around you. To help you grow in confidence and eagerness for this vital ministry, we’re excited to bring in Pastor & Biblical Counselor, Pete Payne from our sister church in Westminster, Colorado the evening of January 25. He’ll lay a foundation for what Biblical Counseling is, provide a model for how we can engage in it, and take all the questions we have to offer. Here’s what you need to know:

• Date: Saturday, January 25

• Time: 6pm-9pm

• Location: The Lost Bean - 814 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92868

• Additional Details: No cost to register. Refreshments offered. Childcare not provided but youth 13 and up are welcome to attend

REGISTER HERE

JANUARY 20 - JANUARY 26

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, JANUARY 23: FRENCH PARK RUN CLUB

• 6:30am - French Park Grass Area

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23: WOMEN’S MEETING

• 7:00pm - Cunningham Home

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25: BIBLICAL COUNSELING SEMINAR

• 6:00pm - The Lost Bean - 814 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92868

  • Register here to help us get a headcount

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26: SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00am - Meeting Room: Ballroom

WE ARE ALL MADE IN HIS IMAGE

This past Sunday, our church observed Sanctity of Life Sunday. A day established by President Reagan in January of 1984 - corresponding to the date that Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973 - to memorialize and commemorate the countless unborn lives that have been lost to abortion in our nation - a number that, since 1973, exceeds 62 million. All these years later, even with Roe now overturned, this issue is far from resolved and there’s still much work to be done in the cause of protecting life.

But the reason we mark this date is not merely or mainly political, it’s theological. It’s because we believe that every human being is an image bearer of God. Possessing intrinsic dignity and value, deserving the equal protection of the laws of the land, and a neighbor we’ve been called to love. We don’t proclaim the sanctity of all human life because the president issued a proclamation in the 80’s, but because God has issued a proclamation in his holy word (see Gen 1:26-27, 5:1-2, 9:1-7; Ps 139:13-16). This is summed up in our Statement of Faith, section 4, paragraph 2, “Man’s Creation in God’s Image”:

God created man, male and female, in his own image as the crown of creation and the object of his special care. God directly created Adam from the dust of the earth, and Eve from Adam’s side, as the parents of the entire human race. They were created to know and glorify their Maker by trusting in his goodness and obeying his word. God gave them dominion over all creation, to fill, subdue, and steward the earth as his representatives. All human beings are likewise made in the image of God. Despite the effects of the fall on sinful humanity, all people remain God’s image bearers, capable of fellowship with him and possessing intrinsic dignity and value at every stage of life from conception to death. Redemption in Christ progressively restores fallen men and women to their true humanity as they are conformed to the image of Christ.

WE ARE CALLED TO PROCLAIM THE RIGHT TO LIFE FOR EVERY PERSON MADE IN HIS IMAGE

As image-bearers of God who have been remade in the image of Christ, we have a calling from God to promote and protect the sanctity of all human life. We encourage you to join us in the following ways:

• Praying that God would:

• Protect the unborn in our country by changing the hearts of men and women participating in abortions, changing unjust laws that promote abortion & passing legislation which protects the right to life

• Pour out his mercy and grace upon those who have participated in abortions and provide them with his forgiveness in Christ

• Provide his people with a zeal to proclaim the intrinsic dignity and value of every person at every stage of life

• Use us to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have been caught up in the awful realities of abortion

• Learning more about what the Bible has to say about the sanctity of life. Here’s a helpful resource to get you started.

• Stewarding your involvement in the democratic process toward justice for all neighbors.

• Getting involved with our local crisis pregnancy center, Living Well Pregnancy Centers. At the table this past Sunday, Angie shared 2 immediate ways we could get involved:

  • Volunteer at Living Well Pregnancy Centers. There is 1 more volunteer training day coming up. Click here for more details.

  • Walk for Life Fundraiser: Join/form a team and raise money as you walk for life on Saturday, February 22, 2025. You can find all the details here.

PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY OF CHURCHES

From Mark Prater, Executive Director of Sovereign Grace Churches:

Epaphras, the man who planted churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Heirapolis, is described in Scripture this way, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers…” (Colossians 4:12). Robert Carver in his article entitled, “Portrait of a Prayer Wrestler” says this, “This phrase, ‘struggling on your behalf in his prayers’ has been variously translated as ‘laboring earnestly,’ or ‘wrestling.’ It pictures serious effort and energy.” The early church prayed for one another with a compelling earnestness, and fervency.

Struggling in prayer for one another certainly marked the partnership shared by the early church, and it must mark the partnership we share in Sovereign Grace today for “apart from Him, we can do nothing.” (John 15:5) To aid us in struggling on behalf of the churches, and our shared mission in Sovereign Grace, below you’ll find the Sovereign Grace Churches First Quarter 2025 Prayer Requests.

Here’s how you can be praying for our fellow laborers and gospel partners as the new year gets underway:

• Pray that God would give the members and pastors of Sovereign Grace churches a renewed desire, and opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers in our communities and workplaces.

• Pray for Sovereign Grace Church in Pasadena, CA. Because of the recent fires several members of the church needed to evacuate, and a few of the members lost their homes. Pray for God’s comfort, wisdom for decisions, and His provision for the families impacted by the fires.

  • Keep up to date & learn more about how you can help relief efforts here.

• Please pray for Brian Kiama (Lead Pastor) and Jonathan Leslie (Associate Pastor), as they plant Sovereign Grace Church in Nairobi, Kenya. Please pray that God would draw unbelievers to their Sunday services that begin in January, and that God would provide all they need to start the first Sovereign Grace church in Kenya.

• Please pray for Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, as he travels to Lord’s Grace Church in Seoul, South Korea, January 10-20, 2025. He’ll be jumping into teaching the day after he arrives, serving at a seminar designed to teach couples about the work of the Spirit in the family home. Please pray for clear weather and no flight delays, as well as strength and stamina amidst a full schedule. Pray that the Spirit of God touches the lives of the folk that attend. Please also pray for his time with our very own Songhwan Kang, Pastor of Lord’s Grace Church, as he seeks to encourage and bless him and his wife, Miran. Songhwan has been reaching out to a group of pastors in his area who have shown interest in learning about our Sovereign Grace values, and so please pray for Marty as he teaches them.

• Please pray for Ed O’Mara (Lead Pastor of Chiesa Grazia Sovrana di Torino, Italy and SGC Area Leader for Europe), as well as Rocco Dalia (Co-planter in Italy) asking God to give them wisdom and safe travels to Catania, Italy for 4 days at the end of January to meet with the leaders and congregation of Chiesa Grazia di Verità, pastored by Giuseppe Fortuna, as they explore adoption into Sovereign Grace. The goal of this time is to help them take the next steps and continue to build toward interdependence in the broader European area. Please pray for clarity and wisdom for all involved such that Christ would be glorified, local churches would be well served, and the gospel would advance across Italy. 

• Pray for the Sovereign Grace Leadership Team as they lead a retreat, February 3-7, 2025, that will include our U.S. Regional Leaders asking God to envision, strengthen, and equip our leaders to serve our churches in the States.

• Pray for Juan Jose Salano, Lead Pastor of Iglesia La Gracia in San Jose, Costa Rica, who recently completed the Sovereign Grace ordination process, and will be officially ordained on March 27, 2025, becoming the first ordained Sovereign Grace elder in Costa Rica. Pray that God would bless this ordination service, and use it to strengthen Iglesia La Gracia’s mission to advance the gospel in San Jose and beyond.

• Pray that God would continue to provide financially for Sovereign Grace Churches so that we can fund the gospel opportunities He is giving us throughout the world.