The GraceWorks: Recent Episodes
thegraceworks
RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON GRACE Meeting every Sunday at 9 a.m. @ Main Campus - 7945 Steilacoom Road SE Lacey, WA 98503
A Pastor's HeartPastor Mark Miller
Galatians 4:8-20
July 26, 2026
- ICEBREAKER: Are you a “wear your heart on your sleeve" kind of person? If so, how has that played out for you in the past?
- What was Paul encouraging the Galatian Churches to avoid? How were they tempted to revert back to their former life?
- What have you been tempted to “add” to salvation in the past? Have there been works that have crept into your understanding of faith/salvation?
- What can we do to be prepared for any sort of infiltration of works/legalism into our Gospel?
- How can we help people who have allowed for legalism to creep back to their lives or their understanding of salvation by faith alone through Jesus Christ alone or have been deceived by smooth talkers?
- How was Paul’s heart for the Galatians expressed in this passage? Did it motivate you in any particular way?
Galatians 3:15-22
July 12, 2026
Sermons by Mark MillerOpener: What are some promises that we rely on from others? 1. What are some implications of the fact that God made the promise to both Abraham and Christ to save mankind and bless us?
2. Why is it important that the law does not contradict nor nullify the promise God made to Abraham?
3. Do passages like this cause you to desire to study the Old Testament more or less? Why?
4. Verse 18 declares that we have an inheritance because of the promise. What do you think that means? How can we start to live each day with a more eternal perspective?
5. What further thoughts did you have as we examined the deficiencies of the law in comparison with the promise of the Gospel? (The law can diagnose, but not cure. The law was temporary. The law was mediated by mortals.)
6. What further thoughts did you have as we discussed the benefits of the law? (Praise God it can only diagnose. Praise God it was temporary. Praise God for our Mediator, Jesus Christ.)
7. What further thoughts do you have on vers 22? How is sin a prison? What do you do to conquer sin in your life?
8. Why is a works-based salvation dangerous? Why is it hopeless? What examples have you seen of this being taught by other religions? What would you say to someone who seems to be depending on "being a good person" to save them?
Galatians 2:15-3:14
July 5, 2026
Sermon by Mark MillerOpener: In your family or friend group, who is most likely to be arrested during a traffic stop? 1. One of the repeated words which was very important to Paul is "justified." Anyone remember what that term means? What does it mean to you, personally, that you were justified through faith in Jesus Christ?
2. Paul draws clear lines between being justified by faith vs. justified by works of the law. What kinds of works to modern-day believers often rely on to save them? How would you explain salvation by faith to an unbeliever?
3. What does it mean that "I have been crucified with Christ"? How can a believer be more proactive about living every day with that attitude "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me?"
4. Why would it "nullify the grace of God" and "Christ would have died for no purpose" if "righteousness were through the law"? In what other ways do believers cheapen what Christ did on the cross?
5. What part does Holy Spirit play in our salvation? How can a believer learn to be more reliant on Holy Spirit?
6. Why do you think Paul quotes the law and the prophets so often in his argument? What Old Testament book has made a significant impact in your life?
7. How is the law a "curse"? How has legalism affected your Christian walk previously?
8. What else did you hope we would discuss today? What stuck out?
THE GOSPEL IS WORTH FIGHTING FORGalatians 2:1-14
June 28, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin PittsOpener: What are some silly things you've fought over previously? 1. The first thing Paul establishes is the unity of message with the other apostles. What are some other churches in the area that you believe have unity of message with TGW? What do you appreciate about that church? How do we avoid competition with other Gospel churches?
2. The apostles did not have to add anything to what Paul was preaching, but they did ask him to remember the poor. What are some ways we can "remember the poor" at TGW?
3. Paul calls the other apostles "those who seemed influential," but emphasized that God shows no partiality. How is this concept important? What should we do with modern churches that have "apostles", "priests", "popes", etc? How should we approach celebrity pastors, christian musicians, our own pastors, etc. in this regard?
4. Why do you think Paul characterizes the Judaizers as "spying out their freedom" and trying to "bring them into slavery"? How do we balance the desire to see good fruit/works with the necessity of preaching salvation through faith alone?
5. Paul's special ministry was to the Gentiles. What special mission field do you see yourself called to? What about TGW?
6. Paul had to publicly rebuke Peter for his hypocrisy. What do you see as an appropriate time for public rebuke vs. private rebuke? What did you think about the call to public apology when necessary?
7. What groups of Christians do you find it awkward to associate with (like Peter with the Gentiles)? How is God calling you to fight this?
8. What else did you glean from the passage? What convicted you?
MAN-PLEASER OR GOD-PLEASER?Galatians 1:10-24
June 21, 2026
Sermon by Kevin PittsOpener: What are some worldly definitions of manhood that you see? 1. A REAL MAN DOESN'T SEEK POPULARITY. What are some ways you are tempted by popularity? What are some specific things you've been tempted to compromise on so that you would be (or remain) "popular"?
2. A REAL MAN SUBMITS HIMSELF TO GOD: What is the hardest thing about submission for you?
3. A REAL MAN REFUSES TO COMPROMISE ON GOD'S WORD. What are some ways you have learned to refuse compromise yet do so lovingly and graciously?
4. A REAL MAN IS NOT SELF-PROMOTING. What are some ways people tend to promote themselves? In what ways do you know you seek positive attention, yet have felt convicted to stop doing so?
5. A REAL MAN BOWS TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND FIXATES ON THE GRACE OF GOD. How can we do this in our prayer life? In our worship?
6. A REAL MAN DEVOTES HIS LIFE TO GOD'S MISSION. Who are some people that God has uniquely called YOU to share Jesus with? (Add them to your CG prayer list this week.)
7. A REAL MAN'S MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP IS WITH GOD. In what ways do we sinfully elevate other human relationships above our relationship with God?
8. A REAL MAN SPENDS TIME WITH JESUS. How do you do this? In what ways do you want to grow?
9. A REAL MAN GIVES GOD GLORY. What are some practical ways we can bring attention to God rather than ourselves? Who is someone that exemplifies this to you and how?
10. What has God revealed to you about your own man-pleasing ways? How can we pray for you?
HONOR THE CHAIN OF COMMANDGalatians 1:1-10
June 14, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin PittsOpener: Where do you prefer to land in the typical "chain of command"?1. Paul was the church planter of the churches in Galatia, thus he had a lot of ownership in their success. What ministry do you feel a lot of ownership in for its success?
2. Paul is astonished that they are so quickly deserting him who called them in the grace of Christ. Talk about a time when you deserted your faith for a season and how you came back.
3. Why is grace plus works the opposite of "good news" (gospel)? In what ways do you sometimes slip into feeling that your works are part of your salvation?
4. These false teachers had infiltrated the Galatian churches. What examples of false teachers have you faced previously? How does a believer (or even a church) identify and battle false teachers?
5. Remember our fancy new word we learned? SOTERIOLOGY--the study of salvation. What are some crucial parts of the gospel--or how you can be saved--that we should know firmly and share with others? What are some confusions about soteriology that we need to be able to clear up?
6. How can Paul view himself both as an "apostle" (one sent with authority) in verse 1 and also a "servant" in verse 10? How does this apply to each of us?
7. What else had you hoped we would discuss? What stuck out or confused you?
Book of Judges
June 7, 2026
Various Speakers
Wrap-Up Week Application Questions
OPENER: What is your favorite thing to unwrap? (Be specific.)
Whose testimony this week really spoke to you? And how so?
Have you ever shared on a Wrap-Up Sunday? What was the experience like?
What was your favorite passage in Malachi? Why? (You might want to give people time to review. Also, you may want to tell them what the next question is going to be in advance.)
What was the most challenging passage for you in Malachi? How did God challenge you?
How will you describe Malachi in the future? (Imagine a friend asks what the book is about, what it is like, etc.)
What would you like the pastors to know about this book study that may help them in the future? (We preaching pastors would love if you passed on any feedback.)
This episode finishes the book of Judges by walking through its darkest chapters (19–21). It recounts the Levite and his concubine, the horrific violence in Gibeah, the ensuing civil war, and the devastating consequences when God's rule is rejected.
The sermon presses hard on the consequences of conformity to the world, the church's responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and the need for righteous, restorative discipline rather than vengeance. It ends with a reminder of hope in Christ and a call to live transformed lives that reflect God’s justice and mercy.
Judges 19-21
May 31, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin PittsOpener: The concubine's dad convinces the Levite to stay two extra days in Bethlehem. What is one place that you could easily be convinced to stay two extra days? 1. Hospitality is a big theme in this text--from the father of the concubine to the old man from Ephraim. How can we effectively practice hospitality today? Read the six key New Testament passages that pertain to hospitality: Romans 12:13a; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2a; 3 John 8; and 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10c. What observations and applications can you make from these texts?
2. The poor concubine is treated in a gruesome and ghastly way and then left to die. How can and should the church respond to these types of atrocities? In what way can we minister to the used and abused of our community?
3. Women were seen as property rather than people. In what ways are women devalued today? How should the church view women?
4. Israel exploited the vulnerable and considered them to be expendable (19:16–30). Who are the vulnerable in our society? How do you think God would evaluate our treatment of them? How can you speak and work against the cruelty and violence of our culture?
5. The Levite seeks revenge by calling the whole of Israel to war. What is a believer to do when they feel they must be avenged? How should a believer engage with another believer when he/she has been sinned against?
6. How does Satan use infighting to distract and destroy churches? What can we do to avoid this?
7. What specific things have you learned from the book of Judges? What key takeaways would God have you remember for the future? How would you sum up the message of the book of Judges in a few words?
8. What else had you hoped we would discuss? Are you willing to share a testimony this week for the Judges wrap-up?
Worship the Right God the Right WayJudges 17:1-18:31
May 24, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin PittsOpener: Second service in Lacey, we were able to witness Willow Reep's baptism. Share your baptism story. 1. Verse 6 is key to understanding why chapters 17-18 are recorded in the Bible. What are some of the evidences that our society struggles with the same thing Israel did back then? Why are humans bad at determining what is "right" as opposed to God?
2. The young Levite seems to pursue material comfort over serving God. In what ways does seeking material comfort disrupt your spiritual life? What is God asking you to do about it?
3. Micah seems to think God will have to bless him since he has a Levite priest. How do we use God as a "good luck charm" instead of our Lord and Savior? How are we guilty of trying to manipulate God?
4. The priest tells the Danites they will fare well without even asking God. We likened it to 2 Timothy 4:3. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5: How are some churches like this? What solution does Paul provide to Timothy for this issue? What should a believer do if they find themselves in this type of church?
5. The author lists the "carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image" four times. Why do you think he kept repeating the whole list?
6. What doctrines are you tempted to be embarrassed by? Why is it such a struggle for man to submit to what God calls sin?
7. What else did you hope to discuss? What was curious or stuck out?
Set Apart by God for GodJudges 13:1-16:31
May 17, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in LaceyOpener: What are some things you set apart for special purposes? 1. Interfaith marriage is not God's will for the believer. How do we help the next generation become convinced of this? If you are single, how can you guard your heart against falling for the wrong person?
2. Samson's eyes seem to be a source of much sin. What sins of the eyes do we struggle with today? How do we guard against each?
3. All grape products were off-limits for the Nazirite; however the main goal was to ensure that the Nazirite could not possibly become drunk. What are your convictions on alcohol? If you have freedom in Christ to consume, how do you ensure you aren't getting drunk?
4. Sexual purity was not a Canaanite priority in any way--in fact quite the opposite. We live in the same kind of sex-crazed society today. How do we stay "set apart" from the world as believers? What are some keys to winning our children's hearts to value purity?
5. Anger and rage are serious issues with Samson. How has anger impacted your life? How do you deal with yourself when you become angry? How can we avoid sinning when we experience anger?
6. In what area of your life do you need to bend your knee to God and submit to his lordship? What sin have you become desensitized to?
7. What else did you hope we would discuss?
Sermon: The Cure for Conformity is Lordship
Passage: Judges 10:6 - 12:7
Series: The Consequences of Conformity.
Book: Judges
Judges 9
April 26, 2026
Sermons by Brian Bruya and Mark MillerOpener (just for fun): If you could spend the next 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?1. Refresh yourselves by reading Judges 9 (take turns reading).
2. Together, retell the story by stating what happened. See if you can do this without looking at the text; until you need to ;)
3. What did you hear during Sunday's sermon, or today, that was new to you?
4. What curious questions came to your mind?
5. Describe a situation in which you personally observed or were impacted by wickedness around you.
1. What type of natural response did you have?
2. What would a Christ-like response look like?
3. In light of wickedness in our daily lives, read Psalm 37. What are our responsibilities and what can we be confident in God doing?
6. Describe a situation in which you personally observed God prevail over wickedness.
7. Read Psalm 139:23-24.
1. If anyone is brave enough to be vulnerable; what are you working to confess and repent from?
2. If it's a bit too personal to share during the large group, with who and when will you share, and ask for encouragement and accountability?
Judges 8:22-35
April 19, 2026
Sermons by Brian Bruya and Mark MillerOpener: Which is your favorite sport, or sporting event, to watch?1. Review the events of Gideon's life from chapters 6, 7, and 8; what aspects of Gideon's life are worth emulating? Which can we take as a cautionary example?
2. After God granted Gideon and his small army a victory over the Midianites, what could Gideon have done or said that would have pointed the Israelites in a better direction?
3. Think of a time you ‘missed the goal’ or didn't see your faith all the way through; share what that was like. Has a similar situation ever presented itself to you for an opportunity for redemption? How did that go?
4. When in your life have you experienced impressive success (8:22–23)? What was your thought-life like afterwards; did Satan, your own flesh, or the world tempt you to claim the glory/credit for yourself? What was that journey like? What did God teach you through that experience? How can you pass on what you’ve learned to others?
5. Finishing well is something we can train towards. What areas in your own life would you like to Finishing Well (see your faith all the way through, beyond words and into action)?
6. In regards to influences in your life, who would you say:
1. Influences you towards genuine worship of God?
2. Distracts you away from genuine worship of God?
7. If someone made an objective list of the things that you invest in, are consumed by, or fixated on; what would be on the list? With a biblical perspective in mind, what adjustments would they suggest that you make?
Judges 6:1-8:21
April 12, 2026
Sermons by Kevin Pitts and Mark MillerOpener: Who's got a dad joke for us?
*I would not recommend reading the whole text this week. :) 1. Why do you think God spoke through a prophet this time before raising up a judge to deliver Israel? How could the prophet's speech encourage you today?
2. In 6:13, Gideon's response was pretty lame. In the past, what have been some sinful responses to trials of which you have been guilty? What are some biblical ways to respond to difficult situations?
3. In what area of your life are you currently struggling to believe God’s Word (6:13–21)? Why is it so difficult to trust God’s promises in this particular area? How have you seen God fulfill His Word in your past experience? Why do you struggle to appropriate faith today?
4. Gideon tries to discern God's will by "laying out a fleece." When have you struggled to discern God’s will ? What methods did you use to make your decisions? Was your orientation biblical? Why or why not? In your decision making today, how would you do things differently? How would you respond to the common question: “How can you know God’s will?”
5. God gave a massive military victory to Gideon and Israel--a story that would be told for generations to come. What are some massive victories in your life that God is responsible for?
6. How can you be a greater man or woman of faith? What areas of your life need further growth? When do you tend to be weak in faith? Read Genesis 22:1–19 for a great example of faith. Who is an example of faith to you? How can you learn from this person?
7. We find out that fear became a family affair for Gideon's son. What are some other sins that we can unintentionally pass on to our children? Have you inherited any struggles from your parents? If so, what? Have you passed any down to your kids, if you have any? If so, what? How can we avoid this?
8. What else stood out? Convicted? Encouraged?
1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 51-58
April 5, 2026
Sermons by Kevin Pitts and Mark MillerOpener: The Corinthian church had some folks who were skeptical about the resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes we sort of have to be skeptical. What modern-day conspiracy theories do you think could be true? 1. The Corinthians needed to be reminded of the Gospel that Paul had preached. What person in your life tends to be the one to employ the "ministry of reminding" with you most? Who do you remind of the truths of God often?
2. If someone didn't "feel sinful" how would you explain to them their need for a Savior? Why did Christ have to die for our sins? Why is it important for us to be reminded of Christ's death for our sins?
3. Paul lists many appearances of Christ after the resurrection to many people. What do you imagine it was like for those people?
4. Paul refers to himself as a "stillborn baby" (one untimely born). What do you think he meant?
5. Why is the grace of God such an important concept for the believer? How would you explain grace to a pre-Christian?
6. Paul says that eventually all believers will "be changed." What do you imagine our new bodies will be like? What do you hope will be the same/different about you?
7. Where do you find yourself on the skeptic scale of the supernatural in the Bible and the Christian life? Is it easy or hard for you to believe?
8. Where do you find yourself currently on the fear of death scale currently? How do you think you can grow in that regard?
9. What does God want from you in relation to the final verse?
Judges 4-5
March 29, 2026
Sermon by Kevin PittsOpener: When do you experience "FOMO"(Fear of Missing Out)?1. The consequences of sin often linger for a long time. What consequences of sin have you had to deal with (or are currently still dealing with)? How can we force ourselves to consider the consequences BEFORE we make those stupid decisions?
2. We all wish God would just clearly tell us what to do in every situation like he did for Barak. But we also have some clear directions and clear promises in God's Word we fail to do. What clear direction from God is difficult for you to do? How can you grow in that way?
3. Barak says he will only obey if Deborah goes with him. What "spiritual security blankets" do Christians today struggle to let go of?
4. Barak was likely focused on his inadequacies and obstacles rather than on God's strength to use him. What inadequacies or obstacles hold you back? How can you give those over to the Lord?
5. What should a woman who is married to a spiritually passive man do? What should she not do? What should a man do if he realizes he is passive?
6. Hundreds of years after God told Judah to drive out the Canaanite chariot riders, it finally happens. What is a long-term prayer that you are still waiting for God to answer?
7. In chapter 5, the song blesses the Lord because the "leaders took the lead in Israel" that day. In what way is God convicting you to begin taking the lead as he's called you to?
8. What else did you hope we would discuss? What stood out or convicted you?
Judges 1:1 - 3:6
March 8, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in Lacey
Opener: Obedience is an all or nothing thing. What other things are "all or nothing"?
- The Israelites start off well by inquiring of the Lord who should go up first into Canaan. What are some future things you should probably be bringing before the Lord?
- Judah recruits Simeon to go with him to claim his land. Name someone you trust to go to spiritual battle alongside. What makes them someone you would choose?
- The first compromise Judah and Simeon are guilty of involves the pagan practice of cutting off toes and fingers on the enemy king and keeping him as a human trophy. What pagan practices have some Christians adopted and normalized?
- What is the tension between God's unconditional love and his fatherly discipline? How would you explain this to a new believer? (Read Hebrews 12:5-11)
- The first appearance of Jesus (the angel of the Lord) in the book of Judges is significant. What do you think is important about his message?
- The three things God told them not to do end up being the things Israel does over and over: lived amongst them, took them in marriage, and served their gods. What do these things translate to today?
- In what ways are you most tempted to compromise your Christian values?
- What would you tell the next generation about avoiding small compromises?
- What else did you hope we would discuss? What stuck out?
Judges 1:1-2; 2:10-19
March 1, 2026
Sermons by Mark Miller & Dave Shoffner in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in LaceyOpener: What's your favorite book in the Old Testament and why?1. What previous experience or preconceived notions do you have about the book of Judges?
2. What detail(s) about the "Old Testament Timeline" stuck out or surprised you?
3. Read 2:10-19. What do we learn about parenting? How do we ensure that the generations after us know the Lord and the work he has done for you and me?
4. We may not have Baals and Ashtaroth; but what idols does our society serve? How can we avoid conforming in this way?
5. God's discipline of the Israelites likely looks different than his discipline toward believers today. In what ways has God disciplined you in the past? How did you recognize it as discipline?
6. Verses 18-19 describe a pattern of only doing what is right when they had a strong human leader. In what ways do we still struggle with that today? How do we avoid our faith being intertwined with a strong human leader/pastor/author/etc?
7. Was there anything you learned that you thought was cool? Anything you hoped we would discuss? Anything you are looking forward to in this book?
Find Your Sufficiency and Satisfaction in Jesus - Lacey
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Mark 7:24-37
Find Your Sufficiency and Satisfaction in Jesus - Lacey
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Mark 7:24-37
Find Your Sufficiency and Satisfaction in Jesus - DuPont
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Mark 7:24-37