GBAPRIL 4–13, 2018
ENGLAND 1
GBMAY 26–JUNE 9, 2018
ENGLAND, LONDON 2
STM
NZLMAY 27–JUNE 10, 2018
NEW ZEALAND
STM
COLOMBIA
COSTM
JUNE 1–16, 2018
CMJUNE 2–13, 2018
CAMEROON
STM
CMJUNE 2–13, 2018
CAMEROON
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ARGENTINA
ARJULY 13–23, 2018
STM
UAUKRAINEJUNE 14–JULY 1, 2018
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PHPHILIPPINESJULY 11–25, 2018
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IRLJUNE 15–26, 2018
NORTHERN IRELAND
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ESPSPAINJUNE 21–JULY 6, 2018
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ESPSPAINJUNE 21–JULY 6, 2018
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MDJUNE 20–JULY 4, 2018
MADAGASCAR
STMMDJUNE 20–JULY 4, 2018
MADAGASCAR
STM
ALBANIA
ALJULY 1–14, 2018
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CHSWITZERLAND
JULY
6–2
0, 2
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STM MMMYANMAR
JULY
16–
27, 2
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STM GBJULY 17—28, 2018
ENGLAND, LONDON 1
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JPNJULY 20–AUGUST 7, 2018
JAPAN
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MWMALAWI BUILDING TRIP
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JULY 29—AUGUST 10, 2018
MEXJULY 29–AUGUST 5, 2018
MEXICO
STM
MWMALAWI
STM
AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 7, 2018
HKGSEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 5, 2018
HONG KONG
STM
SGDECEMBER 13–24, 2018
SINGAPORE
STM
Welcome to the Lord’s day worship service at Grace Church.
We are truly blessed to be here this morning as we open God’s Word together, sing His praises,
and enjoy a time of fellowship in His presence.
Be sure to take advantage of the many fellowship and ministry
opportunities available to our church family today and
throughout the week.
John MacArthurPASTOR-TEACHER
Clayton Erb / Minister of Music
Vol. 22 No. 17
April 29, 2018
Only Trust HimCome, every soul by sin oppressed; There’s mercy with the Lord, And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word.
Only trust Him, only trust Him, Only trust Him now; He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now.
For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; He offers now the crimson flood To wash us white as snow.
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay And you are fully blessed.
Words and music by John H. Stockton (1874, 1869); arranged by Jan Sanborn
Doxology Hymn
Hymn 377 May the Mind of Christ My SaviorMay the mind of Christ, my Savior, Live in me from day to day, By His love and pow’r controlling All I do and say.
May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.
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YAnthem8:30 & 10:30* am
Concerto I: Allegro • Handel • Stephen Sturz, Organist
Hymn 404 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place • Congregation
My Faith Looks Up to Thee • Mason/Maddux-Rice • String Orchestra, Woodwinds, Piano
I Am • Hill/Marsh • Children’s Choir; Kellie Cunningham, Director
Hymn 6 The God of Abraham Praise • Congregation
Only Trust Him • Stockton/Sanborn • Worship Choir
Hymn 407 It Is Well with My Soul • Congregation
MESSAGE: WALKING IN THE SPIRIT, PART 3 John MacArthur • Galatians 5:16–26
Doxology Hymn • Congregation
Now Thank We All Our God • Organ Postlude
6:00 pmGreat Is Thy Faithfulness • Chisholm/Runyan • Instrumental Prelude
Songs of Praise • Congregation
Short-Term Ministries Dedication
In the Valley • Kauflin/Martin • Lisa Martin
MESSAGE: LIVING LIFE WITH PASSION Alex Montoya • Selected Scriptures
Postlude
* Interpreting for the deaf is provided during the 10:30 a.m. service. Arabic and Korean translation for the 10:30 a.m. service is available at gracechurch.org/live. A limited number of headsets are available at the front desk for simultaneous translation.
To maintain a worshipful atmosphere in the services, please do not applaud after musical numbers.
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THE WELCOME CENTER hosts a reception for visitors following each Sunday-morning service. Enjoy refreshments and find helpful people with answers to any questions you have about our church. You’ll also receive one of Pastor MacArthur’s books as a thank you for being with us today.
THE MEMBER CENTER has information about membership and baptism. It is located on the north side of the Heritage Building, across from the Welcome Center.
Next Membership Class • May 6 101 • 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. • T375
THE PRAYER ROOM is staffed with counselors, ready to offer pastoral care. It is open after every service, and is adjacent to the Worship Center.
Generations of Grace Children’s Sunday SchoolThe following lesson was taught today in Sunday School (Preschool through Juniors)
MESSAGE Ananias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit PASSAGE Acts 4:32–5:11 PRINCIPLE Believers should fear being hypocrites. FEATURED HYMN “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” (Hymns of Grace No. 318) ASK YOUR CHILD Why did God take the lives of Ananias and Sapphira? APPLY By fearing God, who has power over life and death. THIS WEEK As a family, read Acts 4:32–5:11. NEXT WEEK Acts 6:1–7:60
Adapted from the Generations of Grace Family Devotional, available at the bookstore.
RADIO gty.org/radio• Why Is Preaching Worth Fighting For?• How to Study the Bible • KKLA 99.5 FM LOS ANGELES M–F 6:30 am & 7:30 pm • KDAR 98.3 FM OXNARD•VENTURA M–F 2:00 & 10:00 am; Sun 2:00 am
TELEVISION gty.org/television“No One Can Separate Us” • NRBTV CHANNEL 378 ON DIRECTV Sunday 6:30 pm
ONLINE gty.org • John MacArthur’s sermons: audio, video, and transcripts • Resource library: blog, devotionals, articles, Q&As, and more • Mobile apps: “The Study Bible” and “Grace to You Sermons”
Grace to You
Bookstore
The Bookstore is open after each service and during the week. It is located on the south side of the Worship Center.
GRACE BOOKS HIGHLIGHT
DEFINING DECEPTIONBY COSTI HINN & ANTHONY WOOD
“An evenhanded examination of the strange phenomena and distinctive doctrines currently emanating from the charismatic community. What Hinn and Wood have given us is an invaluable resource that could well prove to be one of the most important books of the decade.”—John MacArthur
Available today for 20% off retail
• Fundamentals of the Faith• Hands for Hope• Local Outreach
On the Patio
• Children’s Hunger Fund• Spanish Ministry (by the Chapel)
• Women’s Spring Event
Campus Ministries On GraceWalk
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It is wonderful to see families in our church minister to children in need through foster care. They are a constant, tangible example of the gospel of Christ as they practice “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). As our church recognizes National Adoption Awareness Month throughout May, it is our great pleasure to share this testimony from Sheldon and Alana Ko, who have served little ones in need through foster care since 2016.
We were already a family of six. Why did we become foster parents? Why would we decide to add two foster children to our family, along with all the challenges and responsibilities that come with them?
Simply put, the answer is because God has adopted us. We were once enemies of God, orphans, and estranged because of our sin, but God in His kindness saved us and adopted us as His own children (Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:4–5). God has a special love for orphans (James 1:27), and because of His grace in our lives we have this same heart. We decided to become foster parents so that we could provide a loving, Christ-centered home for the fatherless—to tell these little children about the gospel with the hope that they too might be adopted by God.
Now, it’s true that foster care and adoption are often two different things. While some children have an immediate need for an adoptive family, many foster children will eventually be reunited with their biological families. When a new child is placed with a foster family, it is impossible to know what the next day, month, or year hold. That little one may stay a week or a lifetime. So how can foster families deal with the pain of frequent loss and the lack of influence over court and county decisions?
First, foster parents must remember that God is in control. They can trust Him in all that He does because He will always accomplish His good pleasure (Isaiah 46:10) and He works all things for good in the lives of His people (Romans 8:28). So even when circumstances don’t make sense, God can be trusted.
Second, foster parents should create specific guidelines so that the whole family is clear on why they are fostering. Our family has adopted the following three principles.
1. Take care of the immediate needs of the child. We have no control over whether the child leaves our home, but we do have full control on how we love that child while they are in our home. These children need safety, stability, and self-sacrificing attachment from a family who has counted the cost.
2. Work toward reunification. We must remember that this child is not our child, and that they have parent(s) and family who are actively working to improve their own situation and reunify with their children. It is our job to do whatever we can to facilitate that reunion. This time is also a rich opportunity to evangelize the whole family.
3. If reunification is not possible, provide permanency through adoption. If the courts determine that the family is not fit to have their child returned to them, we can move toward adoption. Many foster cases turn into adoption cases, but we don’t fight for adoption unless reunification is not possible. We don’t want to compete with the family, because our loss is the other family’s gain.
If you want an opportunity to extend Christ’s love to needy children and their families in the same way that God has loved you through Christ, consider foster care and adoption. The need is great, and while the challenges are undeniable, the blessing is very rich.
For more information about foster care or adoption, please visit [email protected] or call 818-909-5721.
Foster Care Awareness
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Foster Care Informational LunchMay 6 • 12:30 p.m. • T273Join us to learn more about foster care and foster adoption. Families welcome (childcare available for children up to five years old). RSVP by May 1 to [email protected].
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As William Carey was about to embark upon his mission trip to India in 1793, he looked around at the small band of brothers with him and said, “I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” This year we are sending twenty-one Short-Term Ministry teams (more than 200 members of our church family) to partner with GMI missionaries in eighteen countries around the world, and we’re asking you to help hold the rope.
Your support is vital to the effectiveness, strength, and purpose of our STM trips—to glorify God by strengthening our missionaries and their ministries. In tonight’s evening service, we will commission and pray for our teams as they prepare to serve. We hope you will come rejoice with us and see how God is extending the ministry of Grace Church around the world.
Please pray with us…• That our teams would glorify God in their ministries
• That our team members would be given a passion for missions as they experience first-hand ministry in foreign countries
• That God would use these trips to encourage believers and bring salvation to unbelievers
• That our team members would adjust quickly to cultural differences, and be flexible with logistical changes
• For safe travel, health, energy, and strength
Thank you for helping make it possible to serve and bless our missionaries. Come hold the rope with us and be a part of STM 2018.
For more information about supporting this year’s STM teams, please visit gracechurch.org/stm or email [email protected].
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STM Pizza FundraiserImmediately following tonight’s service, Grace Grill will be selling artisan pizza. All proceeds will go to support Short-Term Ministries.
DAT E T I M E
Tonight! 7:30 p.m.
Departing for the FieldMichael Tsvirinko has been part of Grace Church since 2007. Raised in a pastor’s home in Russia, he discovered a love for aviation upon immigrating to California and began to serve Christ as a mechanic/pilot missionary. Michael completed his M.Div. at The Master’s Seminary in 2013, and has led the Russian Bible Study since then. He looks forward to serving the local churches of far east Russia, where he will fly to unreached villages to conduct evangelism, train men for ministry, and invest in the developing local aviation industry.
Sunday Evening Sermon Series“Echoes of Shepherds’ Conference”Don’t miss the final installment of this exciting series of messages drawn from this year’s conference seminars. Tonight’s speaker is Alex Montoya.
Faith PromiseNext week marks the beginning of the 2018–2019 Faith Promise giving cycle. Please prayerfully consider supporting our missionaries in this way.
Monthly Missions MeetingHosted by the Elders’ Council Handling Outreach (ECHO)Tuesday, May 1 • 7:00 p.m. • T260s
Come hear updates from our missionaries and local outreach ministries, pray for their needs, and learn how you can be involved.
Women’s Spring EventSeasons of GraceSaturday, May 19 • 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Family Center • Cost: $20
Register on the patio on Sunday mornings, or online at gracechurch.org/women.
Parenting for LifeA Biblical Guide for Shepherding the FamilyMay 27–August 26 (Sundays; no meetings in July) • 7:00 p.m. • H223–224Instructor: Rich Harasick
To register for class and childcare or for more information, visit gracechurch.org/childrens. Space is limited. Order curriculum at the bookstore.
Titus 2 TuesdayMay 8 • 7:00 p.m. • This month’s topic: Resting in God’s Promises
Studies meet in Encino, Glendale, Northridge, Shadow Hills, Simi Valley, and Valencia. Women of all ages are invited for a time of discussion and fellowship. For specific meeting locations and RSVP information, visit gracechurch.org/t2t.
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With the LordHelen Aguirre, Elisabeth Effinger, Joan Entingh, and Fred Rose recently went to be with the Lord. Please remember their families in your prayers.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. ––Psalm 116:15
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The Guild (Single adults)T361Pastor: Don Carr
Monday Morning Prayer GroupWelcome Center
8:30 a.m.Children’s Sunday SchoolVisit the Welcome Centerfor room locations. Pastor: Ace Davis
Cornerstone(All ages) T371Pastors: Nathan Busenitz, Mark Tatlock, Harry Walls
Doulos (Singles & young families) T361Pastor: Carl Hargrove
FaithBuilders (All ages) T261Pastor: Bill Shannon
GraceLife (All ages)Family CenterPastors: Phil Johnson,Mike Riccardi
Junior High (Grades 7–8)T73 (Basement)Pastor: Jay Lennington
Developmentally DisabledCC130EPastor: Rick McLean
Spanish Adult Sunday School H221-222 Teachers: Josiah Grauman, José Soria
Spanish Worship ServiceChapelPastors: Henry Tolopilo,Michael Mahoney
10:30 a.m.Children’s Sunday SchoolSpecial needs class availableVisit the Welcome Centerfor room locations. Pastor: Ace Davis
Crossroads(College & young adults)Family CenterPastor: Austin Duncan
High School (Grades 9–12)T73 (Basement)Pastor: Josh Petras
Joint Heirs (All ages) T261Pastors: Tom Patton, John Street
Mainstream (All ages) T361Pastors: Rich Gregory, Carlos Chung
Developmentally DisabledCC130EPastor: Rick McLean
Sojourners (All ages) T371Pastor: William Varner
Spanish Adult Sunday School H221–222Teachers: Rubén Pidal, David González
Spanish Worship ServiceChapelPastors: Henry Tolopilo,Michael Mahoney
5:00 p.m.Sunday Night Prayer GroupT385
6:00 p.m.Adventure ClubFamily Center (Grades 4–6)Chapel (Grades 1–3)T270s (Ages 3–5)
5:00 p.m.Neighborhood OutreachH223–224
Visit our website at
MINISTRY DIRECTORY
Administration818-909-5500
Children818-909-5631
Logos Institute818-909-5500
Membership818-909-5644
Men818-909-5537
Outreach818-909-5700
Pastoral Care & Counseling818-909-5537
Prayer818-909-5519
Spanish818-909-5722
Special Ministries818-909-5519
Student818-909-5593
Women818-909-5521
8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Mondays 9:00 a.m.
Building Abbreviation KeyT = Tower H = Heritage CC = Children’s Center
Grace Today is published weekly by Grace Community Church. ©2018 by Grace Community Church. Scripture, unless
otherwise noted, is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © The
Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995.
Used by permission.
13248 Roscoe Blvd.Sun Valley, CA 91352
Our mission is to glorify God and extend His kingdom by
living and proclaiming His truth in the world.