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

Bill Brandenstein / Minister of Music

September 12, 2021

Vol. 25 No. 37

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AY9:00 & 11:00* amOrchestral Suite No. 1: Movements V, II • Bach • Stephen Sturz, Organist

Hymn 404 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place • CongregationHymn 364 How Firm a Foundation

My Faith Looks Up to Thee • Mason/Maddux-Rice • Strings & Woodwinds Ensemble

Only Trust Him • Stockton/Sanborn-Rice • Worship Choir

Be Still • Evans/Rice • Kory Welch

Hymn 51 The Secret Place • Congregation

MESSAGE: A VOICE FROM HELL John MacArthur • Luke 16 Doxology HymnOrchestral Suite No. 1: Movement VIII • Bach • Organ Postlude

6:00 pmInstrumental PreludeSongs of Praise • Congregation

Grace Around the WorldMESSAGE: SUFFERING THAT’S WORTH IT Jay Lennington • 1 Peter 4:12–19

Postlude

* Interpreting in American Sign Language (ASL) is provided during the 11:00 am service. Arabic, Italian, Korean, and Russian livestream translations are available at gracechurch.org/live.

AnthemOnly 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.

Only trust Him, only trust Him, Only trust Him now;He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now.

Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way, That leads you into rest;Believe in Him without delay And you are fully blessed.

Only trust Him, only trust Him, Only trust Him now;He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now, He will save you now.

Words by John H. Stockton (1874); music by John H. Stockton (1869)

Doxology HymnHymn 177 In Christ AloneIn Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song;This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease;My Comforter, my All in All; Here in the love of Christ I stand.

No guilt in life, no fear in death; This is the power of Christ in me.From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny.No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand;’Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand!

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RADIO gty.org/radioThe Parables of the Kingdom • 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 • KABC 790 AM LOS ANGELES Sat 7:30 am

TELEVISION gty.org/television“A Nation Under God?” • 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

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 east side of the Upper Room, north of the Welcome Center.

Today's Membership Class 102 • 9:00 & 11:00 am • TMS Library (West)

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.

• Christmas in September• Local Outreach

• Adventure Club• Korean Outreach• Spanish Ministry (by the Chapel)

Campus Ministries GraceWalk The Bookstore is open after each service and during the week. It is located on the south side of the Worship Center.

Bookstore

On the Patio

Generations of Grace Children’s Sunday School

MESSAGE God Creates Man and Woman PASSAGE Genesis 1:26–29; 2:7–24 PRINCIPLE God created man to worship Him. FEATURED HYMN “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” (Hymns of Grace No. 26) ASK YOUR CHILD Why did God make man? APPLY By worshiping God because He made us. THIS WEEK As a family, read Genesis 1:26–29; 2:7, 18–24. NEXT WEEK Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24

Adapted from the Generations of Grace Family Devotional, available at the bookstore.

CHRIST’S CALL TO REFORM THE CHURCH by John MacArthur“As church history reveals to us, Satan has continued to wage a relentless, hell-bent assault on the church. The entire world system hates God, His word, and His true church.” – John MacArthur

Available today for 50% off retail. Receive a complimentary copy of A Love of Reading by J. Oswald Sanders upon purchase.

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No member at Grace Church is dispensable. God has given each one of us a unique gift and a vital role in His church, so much so that when a member—for whatever reason—is not serving, the whole body suffers (1 Peter 4:10). In order for believers to use their gifts and fulfill their role, God gave pastors and teachers to equip them (1 Peter 5:2). We want to ensure that each member of Grace Church is being shepherded and equipped, in regular community with our pastors and other believers, so that they can serve the church according to the gifts that God has given them.

Immediately following this morning’s 11:00 am worship service, we are hosting a Ministry Fair on the Chapel Plaza. This will give you a chance to get acquainted with the various ministries we have at Grace Church, meet representatives, and gather information so that you can find the best ministry to make your home.

Adult Fellowship GroupsAnchoredCommissionedCornerstoneGrace en EspañolGraceLifeJoint HeirsSojournersSteadfast

Children’s MinistryAdventure ClubJuniors NurserySunday School

Equipping MinistriesFundamentals of the FaithGrace EquipMen of the WordWomen’s Ministries

Outreach MinistriesGrace EvangelismGrace Ministries International (GMI)Local OutreachThe Master’s Academy International (TMAI)

Student Ministries180 (High School)Crossroads (College & Young Adults)XChange (Junior High)

Alzheimer’s-Dementia Ministry American Sign Language (ASL) Hospitality Ministry Music MinistrySpecial Ministries

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see first-hand all that Grace Church has to offer.

TODAY ON THE CHAPEL PLAZA!

FEATURE

FAR FROM HOME, CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS

In the moments before Jesus ascended into heaven, He charged His disciples, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

As the spiritual descendants of those believers, the Great Commission now rests upon our shoulders. We fulfill this kingdom responsibility in many ways—by evangelizing our own communities, supporting missionaries overseas, and, in some cases, going ourselves to another country as missionaries. For those who choose to leave their home country to proclaim the gospel, the support of believers back home is invaluable. For these missionary brothers and sisters, departing from our church makes the body of Christ and the prayers of the saints an even richer blessing.

One of the most challenging times for our missionaries comes during the holidays. Although the benefits of digital communication and modern transportation ease some of these difficulties, it is hard to be far from home and family during the Christmas season. For this reason, we join together every September to bless our missionaries in two different ways.

First, you can encourage our missionaries by writing them personal notes for Christmas. Every Sunday in September, there will be cards provided at the patio table in front of GraceWalk. Take a moment to write a note of encouragement and thanks to a few of our missionaries for the work they are doing for the Lord.

Secondly, you can give a financial gift so that our missionaries will be able to purchase Christmas presents for their family. Providing for them in this way avoids expensive shipping and customs fees and also ensures that they will receive the gift intended for them.

It’s easy to become distracted during the holiday season, so please consider joining us now—this September—in blessing and supporting our missionaries. This is a wonderful reminder of our love for these faithful servants who are so far from home, and a great opportunity to support the work of the Great Commission.

Visit the patio table on GraceWalk or gracechurch.org/cis to learn more about Christmas in September or to give a gift online.

Russian Outreach Bible StudyToday • 1:00–2:30 pm • CC230sIf you speak or understand Russian, know someone who does, or have a heart to see Russian-speaking people saved, please visit one of our Sunday afternoon meetings. Join us as we pray about how to reach the Russian community in Los Angeles with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Walk for Life Supporting the Open Arms Pregnancy CenterSaturday, October 9 • 8:30 am–12:30 pm • First Baptist Church, Canoga ParkTo register and begin a sponsor pledge form, visit WithOpenArms.org/events.

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Grace Around the WorldThe Simwaka FamilyKwacha & Amanda, Shirley, Charlotte, Magnolia, Violet

Serving in South Africa since 2019

Prayer / Praise• Pray for our long-term visa application process.

For more information, visit gracechurch.org/simwaka.

Faith PromiseLast week you generously gave $7,976. Thank you for your ongoing support of our missionaries and their ministries around the world.

Tonight, we begin a new year of Adventure Club and launch the newly completed Year 3 curriculum, focused on the doctrine of the Trinity. If you haven’t already registered your child, please visit our patio table after morning service or the Children’s Center before evening service to register and receive a free t-shirt.

All children who are registered for Adventure Club will receive a free t-shirt tonight!

A New Year Begins

Grace Equip Theology 101September 13–October 18 (Mondays) • 6:30–8:30 pmThis course is offered in person at Grace Church and online via Zoom. For information or to register, visit gracechurch.org/equip.

Joint Heirs Ladies TEA Teaching, Edification, ApplicationMonday, September 13 • 6:45-9:00 pm • CC130s • Speaker: Janie StreetAll women are welcome.

Job OpportunitiesIllustrator • Nursery Supervisor • Security Patrol • Sunday Audio/Visual CoordinatorFor more information, contact Human Resources at HR@gracechurch.org or 818-909-5672. For a complete list of job openings, visit gracechurch.org/opportunitysheet.

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Premarital/Marriage SeminarA prerequisite for engaged couples desiring to get married at Grace Church, this seminar is also helpful for those who are purposefully dating, as well as married couples interested in God’s plan for a successful marriage.Part 1 Friday, September 24, 7:00–9:00 pm, T370 • Saturday, September 25, 9:00 am–noon, T360Part 2 Friday, October 15, 7:00–9:00 pm, T370 • Saturday, October 16, 9:00 am–noon, T360$35 for church members or TMS/TMU students; $65 for non-membersFor more information or to register, visit gracechurch.org/premarital or call 818-909-5537.

Titus 2 TuesdayTuesday, September 14 • 7:00 pmWe are excited to start a new year in Titus Two as we explore the sovereignty of God through the life of Jonah. This month’s topic is “The Sovereignty of God and a Commission.” All women are welcome to join us at homes in Encino, Glendale, Northridge, Pasadena, Sun Valley, Simi Valley, Stevenson Ranch, and Torrance. For specific meeting locations and RSVP information, visit gracechurch.org/t2t or email gcctitus2@icloud.com.

Elders MeetingThursday, September 16 • 7:00 pm • CC230sOpen to our church family.

CommunionSeptember 19 • 9:00 & 11:00 amFor as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. —1 Corinthians 11:26

NEW DATE: Saturday, October 30 • The Master’s UniversityIncludes general and technical sessions. Register at masters.edu/theotech.

Anchored (All ages) T360s Pastors: Carl Hargrove, Bill Shannon

Children’s Ministry Visit the Welcome Center for room locations. Pastor: Jay Lennington

Cornerstone (All ages) T370s Pastors: Nathan Busenitz, Hohn Cho, Mark Tatlock, Harry Walls

Developmentally Disabled CC130s Pastor: Rick McLean

GraceLife (All ages) Family Center Pastors: Phil Johnson, Mike Riccardi

Jr. High (Grades 7–8) T70s (Basement) Pastor: Jay Lennington

Spanish Adult Sunday School GraceWalk Pastor: Josiah Grauman

Spanish Worship Service Chapel Pastors: Henry Tolopilo, Josiah Grauman

Steadfast (All ages) T260s Pastor: Brian Biedebach

Children’s Ministry Visit the Welcome Center for room locations. Pastor: Jay Lennington

Commissioned (All ages) T360s Pastors: Rodney Andersen, Brad Klassen

Crossroads (College & young adults) Family Center Pastor: Austin Duncan

Developmentally Disabled CC130s Pastor: Rick McLean

High School (Grades 9–12) T70s (Basement) Pastor: Josh Petras

Joint Heirs (All ages) T260s Pastors: Tom Patton, John Street

Sojourners (All ages) T370s Pastors: Abner Chou, Joe Zhakevich

Spanish Adult Sunday School GraceWalk Pastor: Josiah Grauman

Spanish Worship Service Chapel Pastors: Henry Tolopilo, Josiah Grauman

MINISTRY DIRECTORYAdministration 818-909-5500Children 818-909-5631Grace Equip 818-909-5674Membership 818-909-5644

Men 818-909-5537Outreach 818-909-5700Pastoral Care & Counseling 818-909-5537Prayer 818-909-5519

Spanish 818-909-5722Special Ministries 818-909-5519Student 818-909-5593Women 818-909-5521SU

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Mondays 9:00 amMonday Morning Prayer Group Welcome Center

1:00 pmNeighborhood Outreach H223–224

5:00 pmSunday Evening Prayer Meeting Upper Room

6:00 pmAdventure Club Family Center (Grades 4–6) Chapel (Grades 1–3) CC130s (Ages 3–5)

9:00 am 11:00 am

For more information about Sunday fellowships scan the QR code or visit gracechurch.org/about/sunday-fellowships.

Building Abbreviation Key T = Tower H = Heritage CC = Children’s Center

Visit our website at

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.Grace Today is published weekly by Grace Community Church. ©2021 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.

Fridays 7:00 pmFoundation (Young professionals) Family Center Pastor: Mark Zhakevich