CLICK HERE to read about the recent graduating class from the Ethiopian Pastor’s College!
Sovereign Grace Churches
Our vision is to build a global denomination comprising biblically faithful, gospel-centered churches that are “self-supporting, self-governing, and self-extending,” who in an interdependent, defined partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches advance the gospel of Jesus Christ together for the glory of God alone.
CLICK HERE to read more about how we are partnering with churches around the world
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— MATTHEW 28:19
CLICK HERE to find out more!
Be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. - Titus 1:8
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Heb. 13:16
We live in an area surrounded by College Campuses: PCC, Providence, Art Center, APU, USC - to mention just a few! While we don’t have a specific, organized College Ministry, we can do a lot to minister to the young adults who attend area colleges just by including them in our lives and in our church.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and is a great opportunity to reach out and invite someone over for dinner with your family. Take the next couple weeks to look around to see who God might be putting in your path to invite to share in God’s goodness with you and your family.
Below is an article that has several ideas on how we can minister to the college students in our midst. Take a look and see how you might be able to bless someone!
Welcoming College Students at Church
Is there a college campus near your church or in your community? Your church can make a big difference in the life of a college student. Here are some fun and easy ways to welcome college students who visit your congregation. They’ll appreciate your efforts and your church will be enriched by their participation.
Make a point to meet and speak to college students when they come to church. Feeling welcomed is the #1 concern of students who attend a new church.
Invite students to sit with you during worship so they don’t sit alone.
Treat a student to lunch after worship. Whether it be at home or a local restaurant, students will appreciate an invitation to talk and eat a meal that was not prepared at the dining hall.
Bring extra food for after-church potlucks and invite the students to stay for lunch. Most students do not have kitchen facilities to prepare a potluck dish, but they want to participate in church activities.
Make a personal phone call to a student who attends your church on Sunday morning, and answer any questions they may have about your congregation.
Take a student for coffee during the week following their visit at church.
Offer to drive students to worship.
Send birthday cards, a bookmark, or words of encouragement throughout the year. Students love mail.
Include college students on your Church Newsletter mailing list.
Offer Sunday School classes on topics of interest to young adults.
Organize a fellowship activity for college students.
Present a plant to every new student who attends worship.
Include students in worship, inviting them to read scripture, usher, or serve as a communion steward.
Create “care packages” for students before finals week. Cookies, small toys, pens, sticky notes, stuffed animals, and even a Slinky would be great gifts for stressed out students. Enclose a note wishing them well on their exams.
Adopt a student for a year, inviting them to meals and calling to be sure they are all right.
Include students in your family’s holiday activities. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are hard times to be far away from home.
Design a flier describing your local church and post it in the Student Union on campus. Be sure to include worship times and a map to your church.
~from Building Faith: A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary
Joselo Mercado, Emerging Nations Representative to Latin America, and pastor at Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Gaithersburg with his family and friends on a recent trip to Costa Rica to meet with churches that are exploring partnership with Sovereign Grace.
Curious about what SGC does for missions?
Click below for a report on what we’re doing globally - in The Philippines, Croatia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica
Emerging Nations: Updates from Around the World
“No” on Prop 1 = “Yes” for Life
Abortion has been a hot topic in our nation for longer than any of us can remember and we are again facing an important and historical moment with this important issue. On Nov. 8 Prop 1 will be on the ballet for California voters to decide whether or not to change the State of California’s constitution. This change will expressly include the right to an abortion. This comes in response to a U.S. Supreme court decision this past summer to overturn the almost fifty-year-old “Roe v. Wade” decision which legalized abortion in our country. While abortion is currently legal in the State of California, there are certain restrictions (age of viability and health of the mother) but if Prop 1 passes, these will no longer be in effect and California will become a kind of abortion sanctuary not just for California citizens but for the entire nation.
Realizing that each life was created by God in His own image (Gen. 1:27), and that each life holds distinct value and ought to be protected (Gen. 9:6), this becomes an important opportunity for Christians to express this value both to honor God and for the good or our society. The scriptures often speak specifically about life prior to birth, strengthening the case for protecting the unborn. See Job 31:15 Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? Ps. 139:13 you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Isa. 44:2 Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you. And remember Elizabeth when Mary came to visit. Luke 1:43 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
We are dealing with lives that are precious in God’s eyes and we ought to make the most of our right and opportunity to see this expressed in this upcoming election. There is much more that can and ought to be done to protect and save the lives at any age, but certainly not less than simply voting to stop this harmful law from passing. Sitting by while the supposed majority in California simply takes this ground without putting forth the effort to stop this proposition would be a sad testimony for the Christians of California.
As pastors, we recognize that not everyone agrees with this position and that there are many factors that might be helpful to discuss in more depth; something we would welcome if you find yourself either disagreeing or at least wrestling with challenging questions. Please feel free to contact us.
We also recognize that given the long-standing acceptance and practice of abortion, it is possible that some reading this have had an abortion. While we take a stand against abortion, our highest calling and our greatest desire is to see people know the grace of God and know His forgiveness. What Christ did on our behalf is powerful enough for all our sins. We all need the grace of God and our hope would be for you experience this grace and for your soul to be free and healed.
My hope is to encourage all of you to vote in this midterm election and to vote “No” on proposition 1.
If you would like more information about this proposition, here is a website to get you started.
https://www.californiafamily.org/prop-1/
If you would like to get more involved in this important issue, consider subscribing, giving, or volunteer for the following organizations.
3. www.ijm.org
Here’s a Spotify playlist for your drive up to the mountains of Idyllwild where we will gather to meet together for our California Celebration.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6b9MrelPO7FglKyKSBcxTc?si=2195e7fc22674603
Use this as a way to prepare your hearts to worship God together as 3 Churches for 2 Days with 1 Mission.
If you weren’t able to attend the seminar, The Empowering Ministry of the Holy Spirit, taught by Jeff Purswell, you can watch the video and read the handout by clicking the link below:
Ron will be in Newport for the next three days, Sept 20-22 attending the Senior Pastor’s Retreat. This is a time for pastors to gather to pray for their churches and to plan for future ministry in our region.
Please be in prayer for Ron and the other pastors - for the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom, discernment, and direction as they meet to pray and plan.
Community Groups are starting up again in September…which one do you belong to?
Our community groups are designed for “one another” ministry. We meet regularly to love one another, speak truth to one another, pray for one another and counsel one another.
Each group is unique. We invite you to visit as many groups as you need in order to find the one that fits you best.
Click HERE to find out more about our small groups and when and where they meet.
Join us for an evening seminar - at the OC church - with Jeff Purswell, Director of Theology for Sovereign Grace Churches. We will cover the work of the Holy Spirit, drawing from our revised Statement of Faith. Attention will be given to our continuationist convictions, which have been a distinctive part of Sovereign Grace’s history and ongoing theological emphases. CLICK HERE for more information on the seminar! CLICK HERE to find out more about our Statement of Faith.
As we go through our Summer Series on the Psalms of Confidence, here’s a song to accompany us on our journey toward a greater confidence in Jesus. We’ll be singing this tomorrow. Watch video below:
Lyrics:
Verse 1
Jesus, Your mercy is all my plea
I have no defense, my guilt runs too deep
The best of my works pierced Your hands and Your feet
Jesus, Your mercy is all my plea
Verse 2
Jesus, Your mercy is all my boast
The goodness I claim, the grounds of my hope
Whatever I lack it’s still what I need most
Jesus, Your mercy is all my boast
Chorus
Praise the King who bore my sin
Took my place when I stood condemned
Oh how good You’ve always been to me
I will sing of Your mercy
Verse 3
Jesus, Your mercy is all my rest
When fears weigh me down and enemies press
A comfort I cling to in life and in death
Jesus Your mercy is all my rest
Verse 4
Jesus, your mercy is all my joy
Forever I’ll lift my heart and my voice
To sing of a treasure no pow’r can destroy
Jesus, your mercy is all my joy
This fall, we will be joining forces with another gospel-centered church in our area - The Chapel - to build some momentum and provide an opportunity for our youth to build friendships with other Christians their age, receive the benefit of multiple voices encouraging them to grow in Christ, and strengthen our ties with other like-minded churches.
Pastors from both our churches, along with their volunteer youth minister, Brian Anderson, have been incredibly encouraging. Brian enjoyed participating in the JAM Bible Camp this summer with our church, and was excited to hear that there may be more ways for our two churches to serve the Lord together. Brian and I put together a rough draft of a plan to hold joint youth events this Fall (Sept - Nov), and the leadership team / elders from each church have now approved the plan.
One of the benefits of working together with The Chapel is that we will be able to use their facility for meetings. Scheduling is a bit of a challenge trying to fit youth meetings into two church calendars, not to mention fitting these meetings into your busy schedules! In the end, we decided to meet weekly on Wednesday nights at The Chapel. These meetings will alternate between Praise & Worship nights kinda like a mini church service geared specifically toward youth, and “discipleship” nights where youth will split into smaller groups based on age.
Mark your calendars and join us for our first meeting on September 14! This will be a kick-off party / BBQ in the courtyard at The Chapel. More details to come shortly.
Living in Godʼs Loving Protection (part 2)
By Karen Coulter, MA
A couple months back, I described three aspects of Godʼs love and protection as a strong tower, being covered under His wings and as a secret place in Him. Below are three more ways that God expresses His loving care toward us and provides a refuge we can find in Him alone.
My Rock!
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; The Lord lives; blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted (Ps 18:2a, 46). Often I tell counselees that they need to have their lives and identity firmly planted on the Rock. A rock is solid, stable, and unwavering. Life changes; people come and go; circumstances change; sometimes it is stormy and sometimes it is calm. But the rock doesnʼt move; it remains the same.
In this life of uncertainty Iʼm glad I have the Lord Who does not change. I can depend on Him to be there for me. “When I need a shelter, when I need a friend I go to The Rock.” My mom recently went to be with the Lord, which was sad but also a blessing since she is in Heaven and not suffering anymore. During this time I was holding on to my Rock. I remember driving down the road and singing “And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to The Rock I cling.”
Psalm 61:2 says, From the end of the earth, I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Some people hang on to money or other people or things that waver like the sand of the sea. But Psalm 62:6,7 tells a different story where it describes God as my only rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory, the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God. Another great word picture - He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (Ps 40:2). We sing, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground IS sinking sand.” Are you standing on solid ground?
My Shield!
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him (Ps 18:30). A shield is a defensive barrier between you and the enemy, a protective screen that guards you from danger. No matter what Satan or the world throws at you, God is a shield of defense and protection. This doesnʼt mean that you will not have problems. The fact that you need a shield says that you are going to experience trouble. However, God will be with you in your trials. What seems impossible and overwhelming, discouraging and without an answer is suddenly an opportunity to trust God and see what He is going to do! Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield (Ps 33:20). Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him (Pro 30:5).
In counseling we talk about the pieces of armor in Ephesians 6. Without the shield of faith, we are bombarded by Satanʼs darts, lies or tricks and can only duck! Of course we must fight back with Godʼs Word. Psalm 28:7 says that the Lord is our strength and shield and when we trust Him we rejoice and sing praise to Him. We sing, Thou, oh Lord, are a shield about me, Youʼre my glory and the lifter of my head (Ps 3:3) and You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word (Ps 119:114). So when the darts are being thrown at us, our head does not have to hang low. We can sing knowing that He is our shield and hiding place. Do you respond to the enemy with your Shield in place?
My Good Shepherd!
We were like sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1Pet 2:25). Like sheep, we wander from God our Shepherd and go our own way without protection, heading to our death. Yet He loves us so much He sacrificed His life for us so that we could have eternal life. I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (Jn 10:11). He has redeemed us and brought us back to Himself.
A shepherd guards, defends, protects, leads and cares for His sheep. In Psalms 23, we see God providing for our needs, giving us rest, guiding and directing our path. He promises to be with us even in the threat of death. He corrects us for our own good. He guards and defends us from danger. Isaiah 40:11 says, He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; He will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are young. What a tender picture of how God cares for us! He loves us and gently leads us and even carries us when we canʼt go on.
He understands us and knows us individually. I am the good shepherd, and I know my own and my own know me (Jn 10:14). He knows our weaknesses and strengths, and our personality. God made us and knows what is best for us. Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He Who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Ps 100:3). Often we think we should be in control and should be able do our own thing. Like sheep we have a mind of our own and go off wandering our own way and do not realize the danger we are in. Our Shepherd gently warns us that we need to change our direction. Do you listen to your Shepherd, or do you continue on your own path?
God is my firm Rock on which I stand, my Shield of defense against the enemy of my soul, and my Good Shepherd Who watches over me until Iʼm Home safe. Do you know my God and have you found your refuge in HIM alone? He is waiting for you with open arms!
Biblical Counseling Center
Biblical Counseling Center publishes eCounselorʼs Weekly guide, to encourage counselors and all believers in discipleship and daily growth
Main Office • 3233 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 302 Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Schererville Office • 833 W Lincoln Hwy, Suite 115W Schererville, Indiana 46375
Fox Lake Office • Fox Lake Community Church, 25 W Big Hollow Road Fox Lake, Illinois 60020
Email info@biblicalcounselingcenter.org • Telephone (847) 398-7193
Copyright Biblical Counseling Center © 2011
Permission is granted to reproduce and distribute, in PDF format or paper copies for a group, in its original form.
This summer, we are going through a series titled Psalms of Confidence. Last week, Tim taught from Psalm 23 and yesterday, Ron spoke on Psalm 27. You can listen to the sermons HERE. Over the next few days, we want to share with you a resource that can be used as further study with both sermons to help you walk out these confidence-boosting truths in your daily lives.
Living in Godʼs Loving Protection
By Karen Coulter, MA
“All of YOU is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need, YOU satisfy me with Your love and all I have in YOU is more than enough!” (by Chris Tomlin)
Does this describe your relationship with God? Many come to saving faith and look forward to being with God in Heaven. However, many fail to recognize their opportunity for an intimate relationship with God on earth, to see God as a place of safety in their deepest need and to draw on His wisdom and power for daily problems. God wants us to run to Him and this is illustrated in three ways below.
A Strong Tower
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe (Pro 18:10). Many years ago, strong high towers were places where people could run for safety, stronger and higher than all the other buildings in a city. An example is Judges 9:51, a place of refuge and defense, safety and security. God is our strong tower where we can run for defense and safety in times of trouble. He is our strong tower against the enemy (Ps 61:3) and He is a refuge for those who put their trust in Him (Ps 91:2).
“Our God is greater, our God is stronger; God, You are higher than any other...”
Where is your refuge? Is it the television? A friend? Do you see God as stronger than your problem? Do you open your Bible and look for answers from His Word? Do you trust that no matter what the circumstance that God has your back and has a sovereign plan for you?
Covered by His Wings
Another metaphor the psalmist used likens God to a bird that covers and protects her babies. Birds instinctively protect their young even if they are in danger themselves. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge (Ps 91:4). My soul trusts in you and in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge, until these disasters or storms of destruction have passed (Ps 57:1). This illustrates Godʼs gentle and loving protection for his children, a place of rest. Remember this old hymn? “Under His wings, under His wings, who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.” Where do you hide when you are struggling? In a bar, in a book? Do you receive your comfort from ice cream, drugs, illicit sex? Or do you trust that God will go with you and cover you through your trial?
His Secret Place
For in the time of trouble, He will hide me in His dwelling (home); in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me (Ps 27:5). You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence (Ps 31:20). This is a very private and intimate place with God, abiding with the Most High, being at home with Him in a hidden, sacred place. With whom do you share your secrets? Where is your place of intimacy? God wants to abide with you and be involved in all your secret thoughts. He wants to hear your prayers and wants you to cast your burdens on Him
(1Pe 5:7). God is ever present; He is the friend that we can reach out to any place, any time.
Many seek refuge or escape from trouble in things like food, alcohol, drugs, sex, television, the Internet, gambling and a hundred other places. People and things will not satisfy and many are not safe. It may feel good for the moment but will not last! I challenge you to find your safety and security in God alone - in His tower, under His wings and in His secret place.
QUESTiONS FOR APPLICATION
When you are afraid or in danger, where do you run for safety?
(To others for help? to solitude, recoiling in fear? to negative thinking and emotions?) What/who is your strong tower? (Escape through amusements, pride of self-confidence? OR the Lord?)
* Study Psalm 27; memorize Psalm 56:3,4.
Where do you hide that you believe protects you? (Defensiveness, blame-shifting, denial, escape?) What/who brings you comfort and guidance? (Culture, pop-psychology OR the Word?)
* Study Psalm 1; memorize Psalm 119:9-11.
What do you do in secret? (Whine and complain? Sulk in anger and plan vengeance? Worry?) Where is your ultimate safe dwelling place? (Self-help? OR in Prayer?)
* Study Psalm 138-139; memorize Psalm 139:23-24.
Biblical Counseling Center
Biblical Counseling Center publishes eCounselorʼs Weekly guide, to encourage counselors and all believers in discipleship and daily growth
Main Office • 3233 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 302 Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Schererville Office • 833 W Lincoln Hwy, Suite 115W Schererville, Indiana 46375
Fox Lake Office • Fox Lake Community Church, 25 W Big Hollow Road Fox Lake, Illinois 60020
Email info@biblicalcounselingcenter.org • Telephone (847) 398-7193
Copyright Biblical Counseling Center © 2011
Permission is granted to reproduce and distribute, in PDF format or paper copies for a group, in its original form.
Tim, Ron and Bill
The elders are having their annual Evaluation and Planning Time this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, August 2 and 3, Ron, Bill and Tim will be meeting together to pray, evaluate the past ministry year and plan out the next 12 months of all the areas of ministry in the church. Please be in prayer for our leaders as they spend time seeking the Lord’s direction, guidance and wisdom for leading the church.
Would you be willing to pray for our pastors? Here’s an article from Kevin DeYoung that lists out 12 Pastoral Commitments from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - you can use this as a list for prayer - not just for this week- but for ongoing prayer.
“No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.” - Charles Spurgeon
DATE & TIME
JAM Bible Camp - July 25-29, 2022 9AM - NOON
This will be a fun-filled week with stories, crafts, games and great discussion about who Jesus is and how we relate to him. Snacks will be served each day!
LOCATION
Victory Park - 2575 Paloma St. Pasadena, CA 91107
We will be on the south-west corner of the park closest to Altadena Drive.
REGISTRATION
This is for children ages 5-12
Cost: Free
You can register online (see form below) or onsite.
We are excited to announce the launch of Sovereign Grace’s new digital presence! Our main website is focused on reaching the Pasadena community and the central hub will help to facilitate the life of the church. We are hopeful that this initiative positions us well to reach the surrounding area, and serve our members and visitors effectively. Here's an introduction.
Outreach Website: sgcpasadena.org
Our new website has been built from the ground up with a singular goal: outreach. It's streamlined and tailored to people who are searching - either for a church home or for answers to life's biggest questions. The website provides an introduction to Sovereign Grace Church Pasadena and encourages new folks, no matter their background or story, to visit on a Sunday morning and hear the life changing message of the gospel.
So what can you find on the new website?
Our beliefs, values, mission, and partnerships
What a new visitor can expect on Sunday morning + directions
A place where people can get to know the leadership team
The ministries we offer and ways to plug in and serve
Featured sermons that give an introduction to the preaching
In addition, this site gives you a tool to reach your friends, family, and co-workers. Because it was built with new folks in mind, you can share the site via social media, text message, email, etc. and those folks can easily get to know our church family.
We're excited about it and we hope it's a great resource for you!
New Church Hub: hub.sgcpasadena.org
The new Central Hub was built with members and new visitors in view. We realize that in the past it could be difficult at times to find the information you need. The Hub is intended to be your single resource for any information pertaining to the day to day life of the church. That includes things like:
What time does fill in the blank event start (Calendar)
I'm new. What steps should I take to get connected? (I'm New)
How do I sign-up for a ministry team or for an event? (Resources)
Where can I listen to a past sermon? (Sermons)
How do I find a Community Group? (Ministries)
Consider bookmarking the Hub for easy access as we'll be referencing this site often. We believe this new platform will help to facilitate all that is happening here at the church and can grow with us over time.
We hope these new websites achieve two goals: reach more people in our area for Christ and serve you, our members, so that technology aids church life and doesn't get in the way.
We're grateful for you, Sovereign Grace Pasadena!!
-- SGCP Leadership Team