Grace Church SC Teaching: Recent Episodes
Grace Church
What would your life look like if you weren’t ruled by fear? It would be marked by power, love, and self-discipline.
Following our hearts will leave us empty, Following Jesus is what leads to a rich and fulfilling life.
The myth that our lives get easier once we’re saved doesn’t take into account that pursuing God means that we’re going to be going against what the world says about how we should live. And that means we’re going to face challenges.
The Church is the body of Christ—his presence and ministry on earth. While we all have diverse gifts, we are united through and humbled by the greater mission God has given us. May our imaginations be captivated by this mission as we seek to be the kind of Church Jesus died to create.
How does the fear of failure hinder you from living the life God desires and what lies does it fuel in you?
The Bible positions the local church as the primary influencer for the gospel and good works in the community. As the local church, we are a rescued and redeemed group of unique people working together to serve God and serve others. In our family of local congregations, our aim is to equip each other to transform the culture with godly talk and action.
God calls us to be neighbors—to engage those around us with compassion. Hospitality is about more than welcoming others into our home; it is extending the grace we receive from God to others.
God calls us to be neighbors—to engage those around us with compassion. Hospitality is about more than welcoming others into our home; it is extending the grace we receive from God to others.
We have a responsibility to share our story with others because we have been rescued from our sin. Our lives should cause people to notice that we are distinct, and we should be ready to answer their questions with confidence and humility.
God reveals Himself to a world that doesn’t recognize Him, He redeems a world that is too bound by sin to hear what He is saying, and He extends hospitality to a people who are too broken to notice Him. How are you engaging others in the same way that God engages you?
God instructs the Israelites to build a tabernacle in the center of their community—the tabernacle that would establish His presence among His people. Through the Israelites’ obedience, God is creating a way to be in relationship with those who trust in Him.
Moses’ life is oriented around his dependence on God. Not only does he desire God’s presence over anything else, but he knows that His presence is what sets His people apart.
When we feel like God isn’t coming through for us on our terms, we tend to fall back to sin that feels comfortable to us. In the same way that the Israelites revert to creating something tangible to worship, we create our own gods in times when we feel disoriented. However, what would it look like if we stopped ourselves from reverting to our cyclical sin and instead reflected on God’s kindness to us? What if we reacted out of obedience rather than disregard? As we look at Exodus 32, let it serve as a reminder to walk in faithful obedience not out of duty but because of His kindness to us.
As we continue to walk through the book of Exodus, we continue to be reminded of the truth that we are broken in the same ways as the Israelites. While we may not be worshiping idols in the same shape or form, we choose our own functional gods and idols to fuel our own desires every day.
In Exodus 19:1-25, God shows fierce kindness in the way He delivers His people and draws them into a relationship with Him. Despite our brokenness, God wants to draw us to Him in the same way. Only when we recognize our need for Him can we fully recognize His great mercy in delivering us.
Christ’s return and final judgment are the ultimate solution to the problem of sin. Instead of judging humanity based on a set of rules, Jesus’ standard for judgment is how people respond to Him, and our behavior toward His people reveals our response to Him. Although judgment can often cause fear and frustration, the proper response to Christ’s return is confidence and anticipation of the Day that He reclaims His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 12 is written as both an encouragement and a rebuke to believers about spiritual gifts. Although we are quick to make spiritual gifts all about us, God reminds us that it is through these gifts in believers that He makes Himself known. We are given a spiritual gift to love and serve our church body in a way that glorifies God and reveals Him to those we are serving.
God wants to demonstrate His presence with us through the gifts of baptism and communion. Although these might have become “casual” traditions for us as believers, we are reminded that they are blessings given to us from God meant to help us to experience Him in tangible ways.
There is a war taking place among all believers: while our new nature of the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, our fleshly desires are constantly fighting against it. We must evaluate the “fruit” of our lives to know what has taken root in our hearts—what’s going on inside will match our outward actions. Producing godly fruit can only be done through the guidance and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
Suffering is integrated into the life of every person, both believers and nonbelievers, because of the broken world we live in. Instead of being surprised by suffering, we should root our perspective in the truth of the Bible–that this world is broken by the presence of sin and what we experience is unnatural to God’s creation. If we put our hope in the world rather than Christ, we will find that it is frustrating, unfulfilling, and futile.
The Holy Spirit is at work to convict the world of sin, reveal God’s righteousness, and remind us of the coming judgment. As Christians, we are ushered in to be a part of the work He is doing here—pointing the world to Christ.
Suffering is integrated into the life of every person, both believers and nonbelievers, because of the broken world we live in. Instead of being surprised by suffering, we should root our perspective in the truth of the Bible–that this world is broken by the presence of sin and what we experience is unnatural to God’s creation. If we put our hope in the world rather than Christ, we will find that it is frustrating, unfulfilling, and futile.
Studying the basics of Christianity begins with our relationship with God. All people are born completely sinful as rebellious enemies of God. The way to be right with God is not by comparison to others or good works but through faith in Jesus by the grace that He offers through His death and resurrection.
The writer of Hebrews continues to warn us not to drift. In order to persevere until the end, we need to have clear direction in our walk of faith, powerful affections toward Jesus, and a healthy combination of fear and hope. The kingdom God has promised us can never be shaken, which should prompt us to respond with gratitude and worship.
The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 encourage us to run our own race of faith, looking to Jesus as the reward for our perseverance. As we grow in faith, God disciplines us like a father to make us more and more like Him. Our reaction to His correction reveals the condition of our hearts and determines the life change we need.
The Christian life is marked by faithful endurance produced by confidence and trust in Jesus. We are able to love others and suffer well through the painful situations of our fragile world because we look forward to the hope and promise of our future reward in Heaven. Through pushing forward in serving others and motivating and encouraging those around us, we persevere and hold firmly to this hope we have in Jesus.
Last week, we were reminded of the access to God that we have through Jesus; our need for access is met in Jesus and no longer in the tabernacle. Although the forgiveness of sins used to come through the sacrifice of animals again and again, this access we now have is confirmed with the blood sacrifice of Jesus—once for all. We are released from the penalty of sin as Jesus has presented us to God as clean and holy.
The Hebrew people tend to find security and rest in the old ways of the old covenant, but the author attempts to introduce them to the new covenant where they can find hope once for all. Although we cannot identify with the familiarity of the old covenant, we are well versed in the desires to go back to “old ways” instead of trusting in the hope of Jesus. God desires for us to let go of the lesser things in this world and hang on to the better promises of His new covenant with us.
As we have continued to walk through the book of Hebrews, the big idea remains the same: Jesus is Greater. Although the Hebrew audience is still caught in the old ways of a Levitical priesthood to grant access to God, the solution the author gives to them is the same solution for us. The author challenges them with a different kind of priesthood: a mediator who is qualified and clothed in perfection—a mediator who stands in our place and whose intercession for us endures forever.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us a living hope and an inheritance that is imperishable. Because of His great mercy, we are invited into a personal relationship and new life with our Savior.
God’s faithfulness is on display throughout history. Although we can lack belief that God will truly fulfill His promises, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God will not back out and He will not change His mind; He will stay faithful to His people. As we place our hope in His faithfulness and wait for the fulfillment of His promises on earth or in Heaven, we can rest in the truth that we have a sure and steady anchor for our souls.
The author of Hebrews continues to warn us in Chapters five and six to check our souls to make sure we are not deceiving ourselves. We need to acknowledge that there is something at stake and that we always need to be progressing, growing, and moving towards the cross. If we are not responding to truth and moving forward, we are drifting away from God. The Christian life is about persevering and enduring through life’s battles and our war against our own flesh.
In Hebrews 4:14-5:10, the author is describing to us how Jesus is our “mega” high priest. Jesus was made high priest by God and He charted a path to God that was marked by His suffering, sacrifice, and obedience. Jesus is like us in all of our weaknesses, yet without sin. Since He is able to sympathize with our weakness and is our source of eternal salvation, we can hold on to our confession of faith and approach the throne of grace with boldness.
As believers, we can rest in the truth that we do not have to work to prove or earn our salvation. We need only to do the work of examining and exposing our souls. We are free from exhausting ourselves with good works, because our faithful God has made rest ready for us in eternity.
The author of Hebrews warns his audience to inspect their souls and be able to care for others. As believers, we are susceptible to hardening our own hearts and living in disobedience to God. It begins with drifting from our faith, and if we are not careful to examine our hearts and heed the warnings of other believers, we will become blinded and deceived by sin.
As believers, we have direct access to God’s messenger and our High Priest, Jesus. However, we often settle for “good” things when we have access to the Greatest. We focus on and place our hope in the things of this world rather than the One who created all of these things. We focus on the house, when our attention, praise, and worship should be directed to the builder. All the good things in our lives should only serve as a means to glorify Jesus in the end.
Jesus, both fully God and fully man, is the victorious and perfect atonement for our sins. Because Jesus became and remains fully man, He has the unique ability to join two worlds and to break the power of sin and death through the shedding of His own blood. As God, Jesus has access to the real Holy of Holies; as man, He is eligible to die to pay for our sins. He has come perfectly and gloriously to both comfort us through the experience of death and ease our fears because He has already experienced and defeated it.
In the opening verses of Hebrews 2, the author warns Christians of their ongoing responsibility to hold close the message of Jesus. He warns that if we do not continually process the hope of the gospel, we may drift away from the Truth. We must recognize the reality of our own sin to truly see the good news of Jesus.
The letter to the Hebrews should serve as a warning and a challenge for us to know the Word and to know Jesus. The author of Hebrews counted on the biblical knowledge of his audience in order to draw attention to the supremacy of Jesus—to once again captivate their eyes and hearts with Jesus, challenge them, and open the doors for them to experience His greatness. Despite all of the worldly things that may consume our hearts, Jesus is greater.
This past Sunday, Matt and Bill laid out We Choose, our two-year ministry plan based on our best understanding of how God is directing us. It is a strategic way to budget, allocate, raise, and spend resources in a manner that will help us accomplish the mission God has given us.
As believers, we view our resources differently than the world. The way we steward what we have reflects our faith—it reveals what we value. Jesus said, “Where your money is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34) As a church, we want to be a people who give courageously, storing up for ourselves treasure in heaven because we have faith in the One who provides and gives generously to us.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul instructs Corinth to mimic the generous hearts of the Macedonian church. Because their first action was giving themselves completely away to God, they considered it a privilege to worship with their money. In giving themselves away, they were able to give generously and eagerly because Christ had given generously to them. We should be able to view our money in the same light as the Macedonians viewed their resources—as a call to worship rather than a resource to be worshiped.
Jeremiah 17: 5-8 invites us to evaluate what we ultimately put our trust in and what we naturally rely on. In this passage, there are two kinds of trees: one that is struggling and one that is flourishing. The difference between the trees is not their circumstances, but instead where they have placed their roots. In the same way for us, it is not our circumstances that should dictate our joy and growth, but rather where we plant the roots of our heart.
Anxiety stems from the unknown and can consume our everyday thoughts and life. However, anxious thoughts can be fought and won with what we do know: God sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. Through God’s reassurance to Abraham in Genesis 15 and God’s truth in Scripture, we learn that the hope of the gospel conquers our anxiety and any uncertainty of our future. Although we may feel unsure of our immediate future, we do know our eternal future and have the ability to live in that hope on Earth.
David left a legacy behind him of both devotion to God and failure. As he leaves a legacy of corruption and generational disobedience for his sons in 1 Kings, he simultaneously praises the Lord and sacrifices all the resources and wealth he has left to the building of a permanent temple for God. Although the tension in David’s life is not always easy to accept, we have to see the honesty of Scripture as it is, acknowledge both his sins and his devotion to God, and recognize that we have the same story as David. His problem is not a “them” problem, it’s a “we” problem—we are no better than him. Where our core sins play out over time, God’s grace extends all the more.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
2 Samuel 24 brings tension between our understanding of judgment and God’s perfect union of justice and mercy. God encourages David to take a census of the people, and although David’s advisors try to convince him otherwise, David follows through and tallies the people. The census results in God’s judgment. As a result, a three-day plague kills 70,000 Israelites. However, God’s mercy overcomes His own justice in the specific place where David is instructed to build a permanent altar—drawing our eyes towards the fulfilled promise of the cross. Although we are easily stunned by God’s judgment, we can be as equally stunned at His great mercy.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In 2 Samuel 15, the consequences of David’s sin are being revealed in the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Through his own sin, David helped create the moment and opportunity of Absalom’s rebellion. Upon hearing of this rebellion, David flees Jerusalem but shows his trust in the Lord in the face of his consequences. God remains active in sanctifying and correcting David through the consequences of his sin and is faithful in shaping David’s heart towards his Creator.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
God sends Nathan to speak truth into David’s life and cast light on the darkness of David’s hidden sin. Nathan risks his life to confront King David’s sin, knowing that obeying the one true King is more important than his own fears or desires. Nathan’s boldness encourages us to humbly confront those in our community with their sin, while David’s confession and repentance shows us God’s mercy in dealing with our sin.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In 2 Samuel 11, we find David at the peak of his power. His army is going to battle, and instead of engaging in work and going with them, he stays behind in idleness. This decision, and the choices that follow, create space and vulnerability for David to engage in a sinful pattern of behavior. Because of our sin nature and the corrupt world in which we live, we have to allow community to be involved in our decision-making. Through this narrative, we are able to see the importance of biblical community and how our sinful decisions can lead us to a calloused heart.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Once David is made King of Israel, God reveals the sovereign movement and direction taking place over David’s life. As he recognizes the piece he is playing in God’s redemptive plan, David is driven to humility and worship. He is shocked by the weight of God’s mercy and the faithfulness He promises for David’s throne. David’s life is much bigger than a season of kingship; he is instead the beginning of a throne that will reign forever through Jesus Christ.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In 1 Samuel 25, we read a story of David, who acts in humility and weakness; Abigail, who acts in humility and strength; and Nabal, who acts in foolishness. Abigail, caught between a fool and a weak man, lives out her Ezer calling. She provides strength and protection for both the weak man and the fool, and supplies shade under which they find respite. And in the midst of a weak moment for David, Abigail offers him the opportunity to redirect and repent.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
While the encounter between David and Goliath is a demonstration of David’s faith, the encounter between David and Saul in the cave shows David’s deep desire to follow God’s plan. When Saul enters the very cave that David and his men are using to hide from Saul and his army, David is conflicted with the seemingly opportune moment to kill his enemy. We see that David’s heart is set on God when, instead of taking the “opportunity” to kill Saul, he instead cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe and withstands the test from God. Although David gives into his own desires in this small way, he is troubled about having given in at all. David chooses to trust in God’s plan and the fact that God had anointed Saul as king rather than accelerate his own kingdom by taking matters into his own hands. David puts God at the center of the situation, trusts Him with the ultimate justice and vengeance of Saul, and is able to forgive his enemy without repentance from him or reconciliation.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Jonathan is so committed to being a part of what God is doing that he willingly sacrifices his kingdom, his relationship with his father, and his relationship with his closest friend, David. Jonathan’s actions are motivated by his desire to align himself with God, even when it means humbling himself and giving up his path to the throne. God calls us to relationships based on this commitment to self-sacrifice and the elevation of His mission. We must choose daily to put aside our selfish desires and seek God’s plan above our own.
We will all face battles in our lives, but how we approach each battle reflects what we believe about God. Do we believe that God is sovereign and fully engaged in our circumstances, no matter what the outcome is? In 1 Samuel 17, David faces a seemingly impossible situation, but he approaches the battle with unwavering trust in the living, sovereign God to carry out His plans for His glory. David identifies what God is doing and comes underneath His plans instead pulling God into his own personal agenda. We are called to trust that God has prepared us for whatever battles we are up against, knowing that we have the living, sovereign God on our side.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
David’s life shows us that God uses the unexpected and the unlikely. Choosing broken people like David to participate in His plan makes His great power known. David’s life is one of tension as the Bible describes him with a heart of integrity and skillful hands, yet his life is also one of murder, adultery, and lies. The tension in David’s life is used by God to point us in the direction of His faithfulness; God does not choose a stereotypical future king, but instead chooses David, working in the field and the youngest of his brothers, to serve and lead. God is in the business of taking fragile people and using them for His glory. David’s story paints a picture of how God shapes people for His plan.
Today’s culture holds a different standard of rest and recreation than the Bible. If we don’t arm ourselves with the truth of rest in Scripture, we will chase after hopeless things and attempt to control what is not ours to start with. Rest is built into our lives to teach us to stop and trust that God is sovereign and in control. Recreation is diverting energy into something that is not work but expends energy , in a way that allows us to feel refreshed and invigorated. Rest and recreation are both contrary to the concept of escape. Jesus waits with open arms to take on our burdens and let us peacefully rest in Him.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Work has been corrupted by our fallen world.. As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for work. We are called to invest in and disciple them to prepare them for their future. This task pushes us to wrestle with the character issues of laziness and arrogance and keep them from invading our homes. Whether this means setting a better example of work ethic in our families, encouraging our child to work in a less affirming environment, or holding them accountable to reality and God’s calling for them, we have to be aware of the dangers of laziness and hold our families to God’s standard of work.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Work was created by God and is ultimately good, but it has been corrupted from God’s original design. This corruptions leads us to seek escape in one of two ways: escaping into work or from work, both motivated by proud unbelief and selfishness. Either direction leads to destruction as we seek significance or comfort instead of seeking God. We should use the energy that God has uniquely given to us to work in such a way to accomplish the responsibilities He has given us. We all have work to do in many areas of our lives, so we must focus on keeping the things in our “work bucket” equally glorifying to God and ultimately trust Him rather than ourselves.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In Genesis 3, we see that Adam and Eve’s sin leads to God’s curse on humanity and a broken relationship with God. This curse affects both men and women as it brings frustration to where God had meant for them to be most fruitful. This means that although our work will produce results and fruit, it will be a constant source of frustration for us. We also have to recognize the “futility of impermanence,” as very little of our work on Earth will matter in eternity. Although we are designed for work, our fallen world and the curse of humanity keeps us from reaping the benefits of work on Earth. Genesis 3 hints at what Romans 8 explains more fully— that God’s curse is in fact His mercy at work, and through His work there is hope in a future day of permanence and renewal.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Creation began with work. Therefore, it only makes sense that God would call His creation to work in many different ways to bring glory to His name. When most of us think of “work” we think of a job that we go to and leave each day. But, there are many areas outside of our jobs that we “work” in each day: marriage, parenting, relationships, serving, spiritual growth, etc. Finding balance in our different areas of work is important, as is remembering that all work is done for God and not for the approval of man.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
The disciples encountered first hand the resurrected Jesus. Our experience as Christians today is different than the experience the disciples had but just as powerful. We’ve been given the Holy Spirit who allows us to have a personal and different experience of our resurrected Lord. Through our personal relationship with Christ, access to the Holy Spirit, prayer, and obedience to the Scriptures we are able to build our faith, continue believing, and have life by the power of His name.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
“God raises up some people, and puts them in key roles where you may never know who they are. But, they play such a significant role in supporting, encouraging, and caring for other people.”-Matt Williams
Influence is the culminating result of building character in the first part of life and subsequently gaining credibility. Barnabas,an example of this progression, spent his life influencing in the background. As a testament to the character growth he had experienced in Christ early in his life, he sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles, he logged some serious time with a former persecutor of Christians and years following and suffering alongside Paul on his missional journey. Because of this, he developed credibility among the apostles. His opinion was trusted, and he was sought after for encouragement, guidance, and discernment. As he continued to encourage in the shadow of those in the spotlight, his influence on the first church and its impact deepened.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
For many of us, Martha has been given a bad rap. She is infamously known as the tattle-taling, busy-body of the two sisters. But, in the midst of grieving over the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha exemplifies the life of one who does not grieve without hope. While Mary is home thinking and mourning, Martha acknowledges her confusion and disappointment, and moves towards the one she confidently believes loves her. In doing so, she comes to know Jesus in a way she has not before and illustrates a faith that cannot be shaken by circumstances or earthly grief
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
As one of the twelve disciples, Judas was a chosen ambassador of hope. Yet, it was his own despair that led to his ultimate destruction. He had been given the authority to heal and cast out demons. He was trusted as the treasurer. He had witnessed the miracles and the teaching of Jesus. He was found around the proximity of glory, but he was not found in it. In his sorrow he turned not to the Father, but rather to his own failures. Therefore, his identity remains Judas the betrayer, the thief, the entitled, and the deceptor, rather than Judas the redeemed. While a glimpse into the life of Judas can serve as a warning, it can also be a source of comfort.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Paul’s life embodied one simple statement, to suffer for Christ is gain. At the hands of a fallen world, and for the sake of Christ, Paul suffered unfathomable losses. Yet, he called this suffering a privilege, marrying the idea that if you are going to follow Jesus, you are going to suffer for Him. We are first introduced to Paul, at the time, Saul, by Luke. He explains that Saul is watching on and approving of the stoning of Stephen. However, through Saul’s transformation to Paul, the Lord takes a persecutor of Christians, blinds him, heals him, redeems him, and then chooses him to take His message to the Gentiles, the kings, and the people of Israel. Through Paul’s journey, he is imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, starved, stoned, and eventually martyred. Yet, Paul’s embrace of his temporary suffering achieved eternal value. And, because of that, we can become a people who do not grieve as ones without hope. We can, like Paul, discard all else just to take hold of Christ. We can risk it all for the sake of the cross. And, we can know the joy set before Christ as he endured the cross, scorning its shame.
Will Plonk continues our summers series on the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke.
Scofield Foster continues our summer series on the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke.
Joey Altom continues our summer series on the the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke.
We are all Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. He was wealthy, well-known, and hated by society. Yet, he climbed a tree in hopes of catching a glimpse of Jesus. He saw the chasm that existed, one he had tried to fill with money; but, it is a chasm only a Savior can fill. While the Pharisees shook their heads at this disgrace, Jesus exchanged the life of the sinner for His sinless and perfect life. We, like Zacchaeus, are corrupted by the things of this world that promise to bring us salvation. We place our faith in money, skills, relationships, and our own deeds. But, salvation has come to our house. It has not come by us climbing our own righteous ladder to look down, but by receiving Jesus the way He comes to us. Jesus is still seeking and saving, transforming and building. We may be in the tree looking for something, but Jesus is passing by. And, He offers us the same salvation that He offered to Zacchaeus.
Jim Taylor continues our summer series with the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke.
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee leader, sought Jesus in the darkness of the night. There the rules and knowledge that Nicodemus had built his life upon were shattered. From his story we learn that nothing is more blinding than knowledge and that Jesus is not an add-on to the life we already have or desire to live. Rather, Jesus wants to remake and transform us to the core of who we are. This is what He does for Nicodemus. When we later meet him, he is wrapping the body of Jesus with spices in broad daylight with the understanding that Jesus is not looking to fix our problems, but rather deliver us from what we know and from the judgment we deserve.
We are at war with the spiritual powers in the unseen world, and we have to tap into something much greater in order to avoid the destruction of sin. This spiritual battle is one we can’t defeat on our own. We have to protect ourselves with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Without engaging with these things, we become vulnerable to temptation.
We are called to work and obey with a whole heart towards those in authority over us. When we obey and serve those in charge of us, we are serving the Lord, and the quality of our obedience and enthusiasm with which we work reveal the quality of our faith. It shows whether we believe that Jesus is the Lord and that we can entrust ourselves to Him, regardless of our circumstances.
In Ephesians chapter six, verses one through four, Paul directly commands children to obey their parents. Not only are Paul’s instructions valuable for us in parent/child relationships, but they serve as a discipleship model for us as believers. Authority is ordained by God; when we obey authority, we are obeying God. There is a tension that surrounds this issue of authority, because it can expose sin patterns in our lives.
Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 5:21-33 are often presented as a recipe for a good marriage, however, several parts of this passage can be easily misunderstood and/or misapplied. When this happens, many couples can find themselves disappointed and disillusioned with each other. A proper understanding of authority allows us to apply these verses to our relationships and live out married life the way God intended.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Children inherently look to their fathers as an example of how to live life. Similarly, as Christians we must look to our heavenly Father and imitate the example He provides through Jesus. God loves us so abundantly that He sent His only Son to live out life and sacrifice Himself for our sins. We are called to display this same sacrificing love to those around us. As believers, we must learn to not be deceived by the false glory of the world and recognize that Christ is the only true source of satisfaction and truth for us. All of our worldly idols will eventually disappoint us. It is an everyday task to recognize the seriousness of sin and know that God will hold us accountable for the sin we choose not to turn away from.
As Christians, we are part of one body: the Church. We are all gifted in unique ways and have something to contribute. As we learn and grow together there is going to be conflict because of our sinful nature. In verses 25-31 of Chapter 4, Paul outlines several obstacles we will face as believers interacting with one another, but He also challenges us with a call to repentance. Repentance means we do not simply stop doing one thing, but that we stop doing something in order to start doing another.
In Christ a new humanity is formed. Those who live in the new humanity do not live disoriented, futile lives but instead have hope in Christ. God has the power to bring us from darkness into the light; however, we must make a willful decision to choose the light and to avoid living separate from God. A transformation of the heart takes place when our lives are given to Christ; living outside of Christ can cause hearts to harden and become calloused. It is our responsibility as Christians to choose to find our hope and happiness in God or we will seek pleasure in empty places.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
We all identify with something, and often it is something that is insignificant. We have been given the unique opportunity to build the body of Christ, to be a part of something truly meaningful. The world experiences Christ through the spiritual gifts lived out through believers. Spiritual gifts are bestowed on us at the moment of salvation, however, many believers are either unaware of their gifts or are underserving in their area of giftedness. Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church, not for self-service.
The book of Ephesians can be divided into two parts, chapters one through three—the cause—followed by chapters four through six—the calling. The first part details all of the things that God has done for us and creates the basis of the Christian cause. Starting in Ephesians four, Paul explains that because Christ demonstrated eternal love by dying for our sins, we have a calling to share God’s love. We do this by being humble, gentle, and patient. We come from many different backgrounds and circumstances, but unity among believers is vital as we attempt to function together as one body. Paul explains that we must have humility and live in peace with others in order to live out God’s calling for our lives.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
The basis of Christianity centers on the Resurrection. The fact that Jesus was raised from the dead tells us about who God is and how powerful He is. If we have faith in Him and believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, it means we too will be raised from the dead. We will receive new heavenly bodies—bodies that will be strong and full of glory, unlike the mortal bodies we currently occupy that are weak and full of brokenness.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Whether you are the athlete, professor, artist, or engineer, if you are identified with Christ, you are now united as a family—brother and sister—in one body, the Church. Within this new family, your previous heritage is now gone—biological heritage, national citizenship, race, or caste. There are no dividing walls but rather you are now one in Christ. As Paul once said, “We have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
Belonging is rooting for something, while at the same time, excluding something else. This plays out in society today with an “us and them” attitude that even carries into our Christian lives; we believe we have the ability to decide who and what is included or excluded from our world. In Ephesians 2, Paul distinguishes Gentiles from Jews in that Gentiles must remember what they never had. Gentiles must recognize—much like we must recognize today— the separation, alienation, desperation, and desolation that lies in the past in order to understand the unlimited blessing there is in Jesus Christ. We must also note that, like the Jews, our self-righteousness serves as a barrier to experiencing God’s embrace. Thankfully, due to Jesus’ death on the cross, the “wall of hostility” has been destroyed and everyone in Christ—both Jew and Gentile—has complete access to God.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
For us to have access to Jesus, we have to declare that we are in a state of emergency. Things are worse than what we can handle and we don’t have the resources to handle it. We need help. While this is true, like Adam and Eve before us, we still try to fix what is wrong with us. Something deep within us wants to boast and take credit for our part in the solution. We must understand the full Gospel. Our works destroyed us. Jesus’ work saved us. We are now His workmanship to go do the good works He prepared for us in advance. So, in essence, salvation is about works…it’s just not my work.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Paul praises God for the faithfulness that marked Christ followers in the city of Ephesus. He prays that the church will gain deep insight into the Lord’s powerful working and rich gifts in Christ. The foundational request of Paul’s prayer is that God send His spirit to Christ followers to personally engage in life with them and guide them with spiritual wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Paul understands a need for our hearts to be flooded with a godly light, that our eyes are opened to the glorious hope, inheritance, and power of our heavenly Father.
God loved you, chose you, created you, adopted you, purchased you, redeemed you, forgave you, and sealed you. You are His. There is nothing you did to earn these spiritual blessings. They are solely rooted in His character, desire, and good pleasure. Therefore, the stability of your relationship with God is not dependent upon you or your performance. Amidst the truth of God’s immeasurable love for you, there is an even greater story at play. God displayed His plan by uniting Jews and Gentiles as one under Christ, and is in the process of bringing everything in the universe under His authority. Unlike humans who crave control, and when given it, come up short, God has the vision, the plan, and the power to unite “everything in heaven and on earth.”
One of the great questions of the Bible is how God will bring all things back under His authority and direction without destroying everyone and everything. In the book of Ephesians, Paul will bring some light to this great question in the writing of his letter to faithful followers of Christ Jesus. Paul’s letter starts off by making the point that God is the Father of Jesus Christ and that it is through Christ we are blessed by God. Paul then describes the profound blessing from God that He chose us before the world was ever created. God adopted us as His own children and redeemed us through the precious, priceless blood of Christ. God does this not for our glory but for His own; nothing man can do can ever outdo what God has already done for His creation.
The pervasiveness of narcissism has not only integrated our culture but also the church. The lie we are predominantly dealing with is that God exists for my glory – He is most concerned about my health, my fulfillment, my family and my work. In fact, one of the prevailing attitudes today is that God is in the business of making “me” happy. God opposes those who make such lies their truth. Jesus used His most forceful language against these types of religious leaders. It is imperative that our imaginations be captivated by something other than self.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Reading back in Genesis 3:17-19, work became cursed because of the fall — a price for man’s sin, meant to humble him. However, instead of letting it humble us and show us our great need for God, we place our very identity in our work, which leads to boasting or despair. In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon explains the “great tragedy” of how we spend our efforts to obtain that which cannot leave this earth with us. We either fill our days with busyness—arrogantly assuming our efforts can outdo God’s, or we become lazy—assuming our lives should be easier than they are. In effect, our work ethic becomes our idol and/or value and we lose sight of what our value already is in Christ. Instead, we ought hang our soul’s satisfaction on God, work industriously for His purposes, and enjoy the life He gives us. In doing so, we will follow Solomon’s conclusion that “there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work.”
Many of us struggle with a love-hate relationship with our bodies. Narcissism and how it relates to our bodies is gauged by how much we obsess over our body image - no matter where we fall on the spectrum from self-pity to boasting. Whether we are willing to admit to it or not, our bodies matter to us, and this is part of the brokenness we experience as human beings.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In today's culture, coming under authority is rejected, and suffering and adversity are seen as things to be avoided. But it is obstacles rather than privileges that are key to shaping character. As parents, it's important to model and teach our children what it means to live in light of God's authority.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Our culture today is consumed with self. Narcissism is defined as the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes. As a church, it is important that we realize the warning signs of being consumed with self. No matter where we may find ourselves on the spectrum between self-pity and boasting, we have taken our focus off of God and have put ourselves in direct opposition to Him. We are only free from the tyranny of self when we immerse ourselves in the presence of God. When we recognize His greatness and what He did for us, it diminishes our foolish sense of importance and changes our perspective to one of humility.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
We will not understand the world and its brokenness. However, we must choose to personally trust in the prophesied King, Jesus Christ. In Him lies the eternal hope of the world’s redemption and restoration.
Mary was put to the test when the angel Gabriel appeared to her to announce to her that she would be the mother of the Christ child. She asked Who Me? and then How Me? And, ultimately Yes Me.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In the finale of Esther’s story we see the Jewish nation preserved as their armies thwart and eliminate the enemy. To commemorate God’s reversal of fate, the feast of Purim is instituted to remind Israel that God alone grants the portion given to every man. Our worries and cares are in the hands of the same God whose hands were pierced when He sealed our ultimate fate through the blood of Calvary.
Despite Haman's death, Esther and Mordecai still have work to do, as Haman's decree that all Jews are to be annihilated from the land still remains. Esther's compassion for her people drives her to plead for them before the King and points us to Jesus's compassionate intercession on our behalf.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Sin entails sowing and reaping. We can control our actions, but not the consequences. God's work is independent of our faithfulness. When we face death, our only comfort is to be connected to the One who has defeated death.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
A prideful Haman, despite all of his prosperity, is overcome with rage because there is one in the kingdom that refuses to acknowledge his greatness: Mordecai. Just like Haman's pride becomes his demise, our own prideful behavior can destroy relationships and reveal something inside of us that is broken. As Christians, we are called to humble ourselves, and by doing so, He will exalt us in His time and in His way.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
As the new edict seems to spell out imminent death for the Jewish people, God appears to be starkly absent in Babylon. Yet, as Esther and Mordecai face the unraveling of their security and comfort, the gaping hole that remains illuminates God’s sovereignty and power. It is in the darkness that Esther and Mordecai begin to see that true safety and status cannot ever be found in earthly things.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
Esther and Mordecai, secretly Jews, are powerful and comfortable in the Persian empire until Haman is given a place above them. When Mordecai refuses homage to Haman and reveals himself as a Jew, an enraged Haman convinces King Xerxes to decree that all Jews throughout Persia be killed.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
We continue in our series on Esther by being introduced to Esther and how she was sovereignly enabled to ascend in the court of King Xerxes. And in it all we learn that God is at work.
Grace Church en Español se reúne los domingos a las 11am en el centro de estudiantes de la sede de Pelham Rd. Aquí encuentran las grabaciones de la enseñanza semanal. Para más información visite a gracechurchenespanol.org o envíe un correo a rrichard@gracechurchsc.org.
In the introduction to the book of Esther, Matt highlights the transcendence of God's sovereignty in the seeming randomness of human existence. When life seems to make no sense, we should seek to trust God and His divine plan.
God’s design for all marriages is that they would be a grand adventure, working toward a shared purpose worthy of the entire lives of each spouse. The challenge for spouses is to discover what this will look like for their own marriage. What is the adventure that God is calling us to go on?
As an essential aspect of oneness, marital intimacy tends to be emblematic of the health of a marriage overall. Sadly, this area is most often marked by brokenness and bitterness, instead of the power and enjoyment that God means it for. If we are to experience marital oneness, we must recover the Biblical vision of marital intimacy and work to restore it in our marriages.
To a similar degree as the truth about marriage, the truth about singleness has become tangled and twisted for Christians today. The Church has become alarmingly prone to borrowing its view of singleness from the surrounding world, and the distinctions between dating and marriage have become blurred, if not altogether lost. If we are to escape this confusion and live out God-honoring singleness, we must be directed by Biblical truth about marriage and the wisdom offered by those who have gone before us.
Marriage is the practice of oneness between two people,and that oneness is made even more profound by the uniqueness that sets each gender apart from the other – a controversial subject, but also an important one. In a time when the lines between genders are blurred, how are we to think about uniqueness in a way that is Biblical?
What is marriage? How are we meant to define it? The world around us offers many answers to these questions, making the truth about it less and less clear. The institution of marriage itself seems broken within our culture, leading some to reject it outright. Now, more than ever, we must recover a Biblical perspective of marriage as oneness, and more importantly, a practice of this oneness to match.
Under Jesus' Authority, following, obeying and yielding to Him--make disciples in order to produce sustainable life change form one generation to the next.
Since the beginning of our church 20 years ago, we have greatly benefited from God's faithfulness towards us and witnessed his grace change people's lives every year. Matt Williams reflects on the past two decades and the God who made them happen.
When commanded to worship the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, the Jews Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to sin against God, and were ultimately saved by His miracle on their behalf. For believers, miracles are possible but not guaranteed, and often the choice must be made between suffering as a disciple or prospering as a spiritual adulterer.
The story of Elisha miraculously prevailing against the Aramean army in 2 Kings 6 depicts him to be the lone powerful person involved in the event. In contrast to the foolish king of Aram, the irrelevant king of Israel, and the weak servant boy, Elisha has a living relationship with God marked by trust and obedience. This picture of a man and his God compels us to examine our own lives for this kind of relationship and the power that comes from it.
Along with the rights that God has given us as citizens of His Kingdom, we have also been entrusted with certain responsibilities: to establish a distinctive community united around the purposes of God in the world, and to endure suffering in hope, among others. As we work to be faithful in fulfilling these responsibilities, our response to a changing and sometimes hostile culture becomes clearer.
Many of our troubles in dealing with culture around us stem from being unclear on our concerns versus our responsibilities. As Christ's ambassadors to the world, we have been commissioned with His work in the world. So what exactly is included within our responsibilities?
As our culture swirls due to rampant injustice and controversial social change, the responses we offer reveal the nature of our hearts. By our responses, we are able to discover where we have placed our identities. Do our responses reflect we are citizens of heaven and not of this world?
Anything not worthy of our worship is false worship.. Sincere energy may be devoted to false worship, but it's worthless. Replacing false gods with the true God gives us a new perspective.
Daniel explains how the bronze serpent was a foreshadowing of repentance from sin toward faith in Christ which brings healing and salvation as we take our eyes off ourselves, look to Him and continue under His authority.
Are we willing to trust God for our provision? In Exodus 16, God provided Manna for the nation of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness. His provision then points towards His ultimate provision for us now: an intimate relationship with Him to be lived out each day of our lives.
The Miracle of the Passover story reveals many things to us about God. We learn that God's judgement is in accordance with His purposes and that God's sacrifice is our continual source of life and joy. Jesus absorbed our sin, He absorbed our debt, in His body, and in His sacrifice on the cross. He became our Passover Lamb. We are to surrender, embrace Him, and turn to Him.
Matt concludes our series with a discussion on how the different ideas presented in James are lived out in a community of believers. Specifically those needing prayer, healing, forgiveness and restoration.
Suffering is a universal reality for all people. No one has the means to rise above suffering in their lifetime; for some, it is the defining aspect of their lives. Job said that “man is born to trouble.” So what is man to do with all of this trouble that he finds in his life?
In this warning to the rich, James helps us to see that the very wealth we trust in as our source of comfort and security may ultimately be a source of great judgment and pain for us when we have to give an account for how we have leveraged the resources we were blessed with in this life. As believers, we can never get to a place where we are not evaluating the way we live and what that means for our soul.
James admonishes believers concerning criticism and judgment, reminding us that God alone is the Judge of the law, and that we are meant to obey it. Understanding our role helps to transform the way we relate with other people and gives us wisdom in handling our freedom.
Matt continues our series in James with a discussion on the dangers of a divided loyalty to God. The idolatry and envy of our pride are contrasted with the favor and grace God gives those who will humble themselves, resist temptation and draw close to Him.
Wisdom that comes from below is earthly, un-spiritual, demonic and is characterized by selfish ambition, pride and arrogance. Wisdom from God is demonstrated by a willingness to yield to others, peacefulness, humility and sincerity. It is characterized by good works.
Though it may be small, a person's tongue is an instrument of great power and importance. James illustrates the dangers of not keeping the tongue in check and encourages believers to use their words to build up and to give life instead.
In John 16, Jesus makes three claims regarding the lives of men. First, He offers the possibility of an unassailable peace to be found in Him. He then guarantees the certainty that all people face trouble in this world. Finally, Jesus encourages those who believe in Him to take heart, because He has overcome the world.
Matt discusses James' argument that true faith produces something. Faith is dead unless it is evidenced by visible, tangible works - acts of kindness and generosity which are complementary, not contradictory to our faith.
Scott continues our series on the book of James. Chapter 2 of James warns against the sin of partiality and showing favoritism to others based on external factors. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Matt Williams continues our series in the book of James. We are called not to be hearers of the word, but doers. Our faith in Christ necessitates actions and obedience.
Though God allows us to be tested, He is not the source of our temptations. Rather, as James says, "temptation comes from our own desires." Christians are warned of the seriousness of giving in to the temptations of the flesh.
Circumstance is volatile and unpredictable, giving people both poverty and prosperity in unequal measures. Can real satisfaction and security be found in something that is ever-changing? James calls Christians to consider instead their future hope in the Gospel, and to lay hold of it by faith in the midst of trials.
What is your first reaction when life presents you with new trials and hardship? As an inevitable and purposeful part of the Christian's life, James challenges us to consider trials to be an opportunity for worship and growth in godly endurance.
We have hope because ultimately life swallows up death for those who believe in Christ and are judged according to His deed on the cross. We in response must live our lives in light of the future.
It’s difficult to grieve and mourn the deaths of loved ones in the midst of a culture that tells us the goal is to “move on” or “get over it.” Thankfully we see in the Scriptures that there is a distinct, hope-filled form of grieving that Christians can enter into because of what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we engage in living a lifestyle of grieving as we anticipate the day death’s sting is finally vanquished when Christ returns.
There is an embracing of physical brokenness in suffering and aging that shapes your soul and shifts your hope away from yourself and toward the Lord.
Staring down the sobering possibility of the approach of his own death in a prison in Rome, the apostle Paul declares that for him, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Widely known and recited, this statement presents Christians with great comfort but confronts them first with a hard challenge. Death is only gain for those who love Christ and spend their lives for Him.
In order to begin to view and understand death with a biblical lens, we must first cut through what our culture says about it. Matt Williams traces death back to its root cause, the Fall, and contrasts our culture's aversion to this subject with a biblical understanding of it as both groaning and glory.
Jim Taylor preaches a sermon on the well known story of Jesus's engagement with the woman at the well in John 4. Religion will not get you to God. But repentance and faith in Jesus, who is the living water, will save you.
How does one lean across the finish line of life? In Genesis 24, Abraham, despite his old age, continues to work and seek after God's purposes for his own life and the life of his son; by his example, we are shown what it means to finish well.
Just as God tests Abraham, we know that God tests us in the things that matter most to us. Rather than worshiping the Creator of the good things, we turn inward and worship the good things themselves. In Genesis 22, we see that God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to reveal where his loyalty truly lies.
The focal point of any story is God, not the individual person. God's mercy is always available to those who cry out to Him.
Daniel Moore discusses Abraham's role in the story of Sodom & Gomorrah as intercessor. While the wicked are judged by God, we see His mercy demonstrated in the rescue of the godly; in this case, righteous Lot.
The story of Abraham paints a picture for us of a God who is big and grand, but surprisingly personal as well. It is easy to fear our own exposure when He comes near to us, but the way that He relates with Abraham and Sarah shows us that He comes with grace.
What does it mean to be set apart? In Genesis 17, God sets Abraham and his descendants apart to Himself, putting His mark upon them in the process. For all of us, a relationship with God results in His mark upon our lives -- in what ways does your life show that you are distinctly His?
Scripture often gives an unflinching portrayal of the human condition, and the book of Genesis invites us to find ourselves in the story of Abraham. Where do we find ourselves in this story? Are we the scheming Sarah, the passive Abraham, or the wounded Hagar? Whoever you identify with in this story, hope can be found in a God who takes notice of us despite our condition.
Matt describes Abram as a courageous man during a dark period of time who had faith in a God whose promises of blessing include significant amounts of tension, suffering and whose goal is not so much our happiness but that we would follow and trust Him.
Abraham’s story is our story. Like this great man of faith, we have been called to embark on a great spiritual journey. Wherever God led, Abraham followed; whenever God promised, he believed. When tested, Abraham trusted, and as he was blessed, he shared that blessing with others. At times he succumbed to weakness and let his flaws lead him astray, yet ultimately God rewarded his faith and called him “my friend.”
What is said of Abraham can be said of us, too, if we choose to be like him — “fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” The life of Abraham shows us what it means to hope in places that seem hopeless, to plunge into the promises of God and live by faith, ready and assured that God will surely do what he says he will do.
Abram shows generous deference to his nephew Lot when they agree to part ways, but God honors Abram's faith by promising him all the land of Canaan for his descendants.
Abraham’s story is our story. Like this great man of faith, we have been called to embark on a great spiritual journey. Wherever God led, Abraham followed; whenever God promised, he believed. When tested, Abraham trusted, and as he was blessed, he shared that blessing with others. At times he succumbed to weakness and let his flaws lead him astray, yet ultimately God rewarded his faith and called him “my friend.”
What is said of Abraham can be said of us, too, if we choose to be like him — “fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” The life of Abraham shows us what it means to hope in places that seem hopeless, to plunge into the promises of God and live by faith, ready and assured that God will surely do what he says he will do.
Abraham was called by faith to follow God and likewise, we are to follow God in faith through the Gospel.
Bill White finishes chapter 4 in our Luke series by teaching that Jesus is not just someone who can sympathize with us, but one who has absolute authority and power over all things - the seen and the spiritual unseen.
Matt and Scott explain OneFund, our ministry plan for the next two years. This includes a detailed analysis of how we will be budgeting, allocating, and investing the resources God has blessed us with.
If you were to judge the love you have for God by the nature of your material generosity what would it say about you? Give in such a way that requires dependence on God.
Matt identifies three areas of suburban/postmodern life that keep us from being engaged and contrasts them with the witness, worldview and personal responsibility assumed by Andrew when he began following Jesus.
We talk a lot about discipleship at Grace, but it’s because we take Christ’s commission to make disciples seriously. Making disciples is more than telling people about the gospel—it also involves helping people live lives that reflect the transformational truth they’ve come to believe. We call this discipleship, and the discipleship process is so foundational to who we are as a church that it makes up our entire mission statement. Grace Church exists to make mature followers of Jesus Christ by equipping believers for a life of spiritual passion that impacts their home, their community, and the world for Jesus Christ.
Core Values is a series that takes a direct and pointed look at this foundation. As a church we want to dig down to the roots of who we are and examine the six core values we’ve established to equip us—as a church and as believers—to become spiritually mature followers of Christ. Each week’s teaching will be on one of the values listed below, in which we’ll explore how these values are entrenched and emulated in Scripture and how we can echo these examples in our own lives.
Matt continues the series with a discussion on what it takes to be Relationally Connected in today's culture through the story of a deep but challenging friendship between David and Jonathan and the threat posed by their king and Jonathan's father, Saul.
Matt kicks off our Core Values series with a discussion of what it means as a church and as individuals to be Biblically Oriented. God's people are defined by those who obey his commandments. Matt challenges us to think practically about how to engage with the Word daily.
Our hope is based in God's sovereignty. God is our constant source of strength and life.
God is faithful even when times are hard. We have to trust to His sovereignty and rest assured in His love.
Matt discusses the collective redemptive story in the Michael Bleecker song "But God" and explains how the amount of work and grace it took for God to save each and every believer was enormous.
Our declaration of faith is our allegiance to and confidence in God. We find our shelter in Jesus because He has defeated death and claimed victory.
Bill discusses the theological implications for worship in each verse of Robert Robinson's classic hymn.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
God in your life brings peace, redemption, and hope. Jesus Christ in you will not leave you like you were without Him.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
Daniel Moore teaches through Exodus 15 on several attributes of God. Because God is Yahweh, our Conquering King, and our Mighty Warrior, we know that He is trustworthy and able to handle all things.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
In Western culture today, it may seem strange for people to gather in a room every week in order to sing songs together. To Christians, worship services are a completely normal occurrence, but how often do we stop and think about why we worship corporately and more specifically—why we are singing the songs we sing?
This summer we want to further explore these ideas with you through the sermon series Songs And Why We Sing Them. In this series, we will study the rich theology behind nine of our corporate worship songs and highlight the intentionality of our corporate worship services. Our hope is that by examining and meditating on the Scripture resonated in each song, you will personally connect with its meaning and significance in your own life.
Daniel discusses the song "Look and See" where we are encouraged to lift our heads in confident praise because Jesus has secured our victory through redemption.
Scott Mozingo begins our Songs series by teaching through the lyrics of I Will Look Up. Though we are often dominated by our worries and fears, the presence of God grants perfect peace if we trust in Him.
Jesus enthroned means our sin is taken away and God's wrath is satisfied. Are you on mission and clothed with power from on high? Are you worshipping Jesus with joy and boldness?
Matt discusses Jesus' next appearance to His disciples along with the importance of His bodily resurrection as proof the power of sin has been broken as well as the necessity of repentance that leads to forgiveness.
Jim Taylor teaches on Luke 24:13-34 as Jesus has risen from the dead and appears to some of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. Through this story, Jim shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of our best hopes, but not necessarily our misplaced ones.
Matt continues teaching on the death of Jesus and how his sacrifice allows us to enter into rest.
Matt discusses the key people Luke mentions at the trial and crucifixion and contrasts what they said and did to an innocent Jesus with His response and exchange for them.
Matt teaches from Luke 19 as Jesus enters Jerusalem in preparation for his death. Jesus goes into the temple, exposes the corruption, and begins to teach, taking ownership as King and Messiah. Are we willing to let Jesus come in, expose our sin, and take ownership of our lives?
Matt discusses Peter's denial during Jesus' trial, his restoration after the resurrection and the dramatic change brought about by the indwelling Spirit after pentecost.
Matt Williams teaches from Luke 18:9-14 emphasizing Jesus' message that good people cannot go to heaven. Once again it is those who recognize their sin and need for Jesus who will be exalted, and those who have confidence in their own righteousness will be humbled.
Bill White teaches from Luke 16:19-31 on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Through Jesus' words, Bill reiterates the rise and fall theme, explaining that suffering on this earth does not mean God is not with us, and that our decisions here on earth echo into eternity.
Matt challenges us with Jesus' story on the great feast. Some of us may think we are invited, only to discover we are not because we have rejected Jesus to be filled with lesser things.
Bill White teaches from Luke 13:31-35 on the severity and mercy of Jesus. Through the text, Bill shows that Jesus is determined to fulfill his Father's mission through his sacrifice in Jerusalem. He longs for us to be in relationship with him, but the question lies in our willingness to come on his terms.
Mike Chibbaro teaches through Luke 13:22-30 as Jesus continues to urge those listening that salvation is found only through faith in him. Many who think they are saved will not be let into the kingdom because of their rejection of Jesus as savior.
Does our hearing truth result in hardness of heart or a response of repentance? Matt explores this idea with Jesus' teaching from Luke 11 on Jonah, Sheba and Solomon and the parable of the lamp stands.
Teaching through Luke 11, Scott Mozingo reminds us how necessary and important prayer is in growing our relationship with God. Scott encourages us to pray boldly and persistently, recognizing that we are on mission with a Father who gives willingly.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Bill teaches from 1 Corinthians 6, calling us to understand the seriousness of our sexual sin and to embrace the righteousness that Jesus offers us.
Guest preacher Peter Hubbard from North Hills Community Church and author of the book "Love into Light: The Gospel, The Homosexual and The Church" provides a biblical framework for understanding and responding to homosexuality.
Matt discusses five common parenting mistakes to avoid when training our children in the area of sex and sexuality.
Teaching from several different passages, Matt Williams gives four guidelines for singles when it comes to stewarding sexuality and intimacy through dating. Though there is no specific formula, dating should be an intentional management of intimacy and a pure and honorable process that leads to marriage.
Bill explains how both the man and woman, being made in the image of God, were built for sexual intimacy: a unique connection of oneness given them in the context of marriage to delight in one another---despite the conflicts and problems which arose after the fall.
Matt continues our series by explaining sexual integrity is part of the Christian's spiritual life.
Matt Williams begins our Theology of Sex series in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 by providing a context for sex and sexuality in the church. In regards to issues involving sex and sexuality, Matt explains the need for us to have a clear and power voice that is rooted in the truth of Scripture and ultimately calls us to question if we have given God true authority over our bodies.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Matt contrasts the idolatry of the heart which seeks glory from the world against suffering for Christ for the glory of heaven.
Matt discusses Jesus sending out the disciples to preach the arrival of the kingdom, giving them authority to perform miracles. Jesus later debriefs them and performs a great miracle feeding a multitude of five thousand.
In Luke 8, Jesus calms a raging storm in front of his terrified disciples. From this passage, Scott Mozingo teaches us that what we fear is tied to where we place our trust, and often our fears reveal a lack of faith in a God who always has our best in mind.
Matt Williams teaches from Luke 8:1-21 and discusses the parables of the sower and the lamp, which depict the hearer's response to the truth presented by Jesus. Matt emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the truth but also pursuing an understanding of it and responding to it with obedience.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Matt discusses the different forms of persecution Jesus said His followers would suffer, how they are rewarded and how a lack of suffering can indicate a lack of relationship with Him.
Bill continues our series by explaining that Jesus defined His ministry in terms of people's needs and His followers were characterized by weakness. But Jesus came to meet their deepest deficit---which was even greater than their most pressing need.
After Jesus miraculously provides bountiful fish for Peter and several other fisherman, Peter responds by confessing his sin. Jesus then calls Peter to follow him, a call that Jesus presents to us all as believers and disciples.
As an elder-led church, elders are very important in the life and body of our church. Matt discusses the role, authority, qualifications and responsibility of this shared office just as Stephen Jones is ceremonially ordained as the church's newest elder.
As Jesus announced his role as Messiah, the people of his his town were both amazed and opposed. Matt explains that Jesus' coming exposed the hardness of their heart in their own expectations and rebellion toward God and His plan.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Luke is anything but a boring story. In the New Testament the gospel account, written by who most scholars agree was Paul’s physician, is among the most elegant, multi-layered, and well-constructed narratives in all of Biblical literature. The series subtitle, Rise & Fall, comes from a major theme running throughout the book. As we discover the true Kingly and Messianic identity of Jesus and the role God will have him play in his mission, we repeatedly stumble on a paradox: those who think they are ‘rising up’ when they reject Jesus are actually being ‘brought down’; yet those who think they are being ‘brought down’ when they follow Jesus, are in fact ‘rising up’ with him.
We invite you to read, study, listen, sing, and think through this story with us. Re-experience the story and find your place in it. In the middle of the story you may find Jesus turning to you to ask, “What part do you play in God’s mission?” As a community of people following Jesus, we want to help you consider what your answer to that question might be.
Matt Williams teaches from Luke 2 on the humble way Jesus entered the world. In the passage, angel warriors appear to lowly shepherds to declare peace and announce the coming of a true King, one who will use death itself to destroy sin.
Luke presents Jesus as the one who will solve our biggest problem - sin, whereas Israel was looking for a messiah to save them from Rome. Matt explores both of these ideas in this passage on Zechariah's prophecy.
Bill opens our series on Luke with a reminder that the human authors of ancient scripture were concerned about the accuracy and historicity of what they were reporting. We also learn that Christ's coming was something that would exalt the lowly but bring down the high and lofty.
Matt Williams exhorts us not to take over the earth through our own strength but to wait, in meekness, for the Lord to exalt us.
Bill discusses the true peace that comes through reconciliation with God that Christ brought to us by delivering us from rebellion, destroying hostilities and promising a new oneness among believers.
Bill explores the virtue patience through enduring love and suffering with others. We have Christ as our example along with the witnesses of faith who endured to the end for the promise of redemption and future glory.
If you had nine words to describe what Jesus was like, what would you say? This nine-week study explores the character and attributes of Jesus’ Spirit. Each week is an investigation into how the church can fit the mold of these attributes and reflect our Savior to a world in need of Him.
Dan discusses what it means to live out faithfulness; how our faith expresses love both to God and others.
If you had nine words to describe what Jesus was like, what would you say? This nine-week study explores the character and attributes of Jesus’ Spirit. Each week is an investigation into how the church can fit the mold of these attributes and reflect our Savior to a world in need of Him.
Mike Chibbaro discusses the importance of fathers communicating love and support to their children and the perfection of our Heavenly Father in areas where our earthly fathers fall short.
If you had nine words to describe what Jesus was like, what would you say? This nine-week study explores the character and attributes of Jesus’ Spirit. Each week is an investigation into how the church can fit the mold of these attributes and reflect our Savior to a world in need of Him.
If you had nine words to describe what Jesus was like, what would you say? This nine-week study explores the character and attributes of Jesus’ Spirit. Each week is an investigation into how the church can fit the mold of these attributes and reflect our Savior to a world in need of Him.
Bill White concludes our series with some practical advice and a framework for disciplining older children in ways that will help equip them with the maturity they need to engage the world on their own.
Matt continues our series with a challenge to pursue a genuine humility in our children by creating opportunities which are nearly impossible that help lead them to an authentic confidence in their ability.
Relationships between husbands and wives, children and their parents, are bursting with hot-button issues. Family has all the marks of a cultural crisis. Within that fog of questions and confusion regarding family, light can indeed cut through. Far from the picture of a distantly removed god, scripture presents a loving Creator who speaks directly into the nooks and crannies of our every-day life. This May’s series Parenting by Design will peer into how God personally and strategically designs parenting to further his glory. His plan also lays down a blueprint, which invites us to nurture and launch the next generation for his fame and our flourishing.
Relationships between husbands and wives, children and their parents, are bursting with hot-button issues. Family has all the marks of a cultural crisis. Within that fog of questions and confusion regarding family, light can indeed cut through. Far from the picture of a distantly removed god, scripture presents a loving Creator who speaks directly into the nooks and crannies of our every-day life. This May’s series Parenting by Design will peer into how God personally and strategically designs parenting to further his glory. His plan also lays down a blueprint, which invites us to nurture and launch the next generation for his fame and our flourishing.
This 10-week series will look at the origins of our sin and reveal a fresh perspective on how sin fractures our relationships, displaces our identity, and makes us feel profoundly alien even in a world designed for our life. Through the story of Israel, we will follow a refugee-people who become displaced from their land and ravaged by their enemies, but nevertheless find reason to hope in a God of healing. When exile represents the death of Israel, God promises nothing less than resurrection. For the church whose Savior has carried our grief and sorrow, like prodigal sons, we find a welcome home in the fullest sense.
Matt explains Israel's communal confession of sin upon their return to the land and stresses the importance of worship and confession among the believing community of the church.
Israel's return from exile soon slides into selfishness and materialism as their hearts remain exiled from God. Daniel Moore explains how their repentance included reverence and rebuilding in order to make room for God's presence.
Can grief and hope coexist? Matt explores the poetry of a prophet in exile who genuinely grieved and suffered yet still recognized the mercy of God.
Matt Williams tells us why God has chosen such stark and harsh language to describe the effects of sin on His people and our relationship with Him.
Do we compromise out of preference to separate from culture or in principle to survive in culture? When is compromise a sin and how does saying "No" allow us to say "Yes"? Scott uses the story of Daniel and his friends to discuss these questions and the need for distinction and devotion while exiled in a hostile culture.
While we are in exile we are to be on mission for God and the gospel wherever He has put us.
Matt discusses the selection of Ezekiel to prophecy against Israel leading up to the Babylonian Captivity. Israel was stubborn and rebellious--but God was even more determined in His pursuit of them.
Bill introduces us to the beginnings of our exile; the fall of humanity through sin and forced exodus from Eden as judgment.
Why are personal disputes such a big deal? How do we end up in relational messes? Do we trust God enough to turn the other cheek and allow opportunities for healing? Mike explores these and other questions in this last segment of the series.
Bill continues our series Living the Dream. He discusses American greed and how it manifests itself as an idol in all of our lives. He teaches us that ultimately putting your trust in something other than God is a form of greed.
Matt challenges us not to let our ambitions take the place of God in what we worship with our time, energy, and affections.
Has pursuing "the ideal" for your family left you with unmet expectations or ended in despair? Bill explores what Jesus requires if we are to be worthy of God's family.
The story of Mary and Martha. You need to make space in your life for a relationship with Christ.
Matt discusses the irony of the American ideal of freedom which is so closely tied to control. The question is: are we trusting in our ability to control the situation or the one who is sovereign over all things?
Matt finished up our series in 1 Timothy with verses 17-21 in chapter 6. Just as we trust our lives in Jesus, we're to entrust God with our finances as we are only the managers of the money He has given us.
Matt asks if we are creating momentum in our spiritual lives even as Paul exhorted Timothy to not merely flee evil but persevere, pursue godliness and live in light of Christ's imminent return.
Timothy is warned about false teachers who are divisive and motivated by greed. Paul stresses sound teaching, godliness and the true meaning of contentment when faced with a culture chasing after riches.
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of approaching, asking and appealing to God as Father.
Matt taught from I Timothy 6:1-2 regarding the ultimate good God can bring with suffering and endurance and the present day application in the workplace.
Paul gives Timothy a very stern exhortation regarding elders, sin and church discipline. Matt explains how following this advice has benefited our elders and church body in numerous ways.
The joys of investing in the lives of others. For more resources visit www.GraceChurchSC.org.
Matt discusses how the church's credibility on the gospel is tied to its responsibility of fulfilling the needs of the truly vulnerable.
A message to a pastor...but with application to you. Be true to your teaching and live a life of love, faith, and purity.
We are willing to be disciplined and rigorous for lesser things. Why not do the same for greater things which bear fruit in this life and the next life, too?
Matt discusses how both liberality and legalism result in bondage and stem from the kind of heresy Paul warned would come when those who forsake the faith spread their false teaching.
The Church is entrusted with taking the gospel to the world. We must be careful to avoid the dangers of misconduct and taking sides on non-moral issues which could alienate us from those we hope to reach.
Bill takes us through the second part of 1 Timothy chapter 3 explaining that a deacon isn't a position to hold in order to make decisions, but it's a position that we all hold as servants of Christ.
In the first part of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, Matt explains the qualifications of an elder and what that looks like for us at Grace Church.
Matt guides us through a discussion on the distinctive contributions of women in the Church as pertaining to their beauty and roles in ministry.
Scott takes us through the first part of chapter 2 where Paul encourages Timothy to pray for all people.
This week, Matt finishes up chapter 1 of 1 Timothy explaining what motivates us as believers... God's mercy and his discipline.
Israel demands a king to rule them, so God has Samuel anoint Saul and then David. Generations later, Jesus is born King over Israel and is rejected but now reigns supreme over creation. Ultimately, there are two spiritual kingdoms. The question is, who is your king and whose glory do you seek?
Page after page, the New Testament weaves together a tapestry of themes, allusions, symbols, and stories that echo the ancient voice of Yahweh, a voice whose melody has been heard throughout the Law, the Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets. As we listen to the young rabbi, we discover that the Ancient Voice has found resonance in the mouth of this restless prophet. And to our surprise the Bible is not primarily about us, and what we should do. It’s a story about the God of Israel and what he has done in and through Jesus. His symbolic actions and riddled stories all have their roots in Old Testament soil. So, our new series takes a journey backward into the Jewish narrative of priests, prophets, kings, Temple, law, and covenant to see that “every story whispers his name.”
Jesus is the one who reconciles us to God through the fulfillment of the blood covenant God made with Abraham.
Scott Mozingo taught at our Downtown Campus from Psalm 23, pointing out how Jesus is our shepherd.
God revealed in Jesus as the First of all Creation; the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Re-Creator in whom all things are made new.
Adam's role in the fall of humanity as the 'First Man' of earth is contrasted with Jesus's role in the redemption of humanity as the 'Final Man' of heaven.
Daniel Moore teaches on the history of the sacrificial lamb in the Jewish passover as seen in Exodus 12. Jesus is the ultimate Lamb that fulfills all sacrificial requirements for our sin.
Series: Jesus in the OT - A Holy God's provision for judgement demonstrated by His love: Christ lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness so that we would look to him for salvation and be 'born again' into God's Kingdom.
The 3 M's. Message - what is it? Ministry - how does it minister to you and me? Mission - purpose and what should I take from this?
Matt Williams kicked off our summer series by walking us through what it means to have Jesus as our king and our priest as well as what qualified him to be our ultimate sacrifice.
Matt Williams finishes our study on the book of Ruth with the end of chapter 4. It seems the story is not about Ruth, not about Naomi, not about Boaz, not about the child, but about God as our redeemer.
Matt teaches from the first part of Ruth 4, talking about respecting authority and how it's not oppressive, but actually gives us freedom.
Matt teaches from Ruth 3 addressing passivity and responsibility for men while giving practical application for women and singles.
The circumstances revealed at the opening of the book of Ruth could easily begin a story of God’s unfaithfulness. Yet as the narrative unfolds, we are in fact shown a glimpse of His unending faithfulness. Beginning with Naomi’s devastating loss of her husband and sons, to Ruth’s beautiful and humble response to God, to Boaz’s forfeiture of his personal freedom for Ruth’s familial redemption, we are given a foretaste of the ultimate redemption offered through the person of Jesus Christ. Just as God sent a family redeemer to Naomi in Israel, He also sent Jesus as the ultimate redeemer of all nations. The book of Ruth shows us that our God loves to save even the most broken outsiders and bring them right into the middle of His story.
The circumstances revealed at the opening of the book of Ruth could easily begin a story of God’s unfaithfulness. Yet as the narrative unfolds, we are in fact shown a glimpse of His unending faithfulness. Beginning with Naomi’s devastating loss of her husband and sons, to Ruth’s beautiful and humble response to God, to Boaz’s forfeiture of his personal freedom for Ruth’s familial redemption, we are given a foretaste of the ultimate redemption offered through the person of Jesus Christ. Just as God sent a family redeemer to Naomi in Israel, He also sent Jesus as the ultimate redeemer of all nations. The book of Ruth shows us that our God loves to save even the most broken outsiders and bring them right into the middle of His story.
The Church is challenged to make a financial commitment over a two year period for the One Fund campaign.
Our relationship and connection with the church is shaped by our definition of the church. In this series, we are looking at how connecting physically and financially to the church is a discipleship issue. Giving plays an important role, and can even be a test of our devotion to God and what He is doing in the world. If God has worked in your life, He also desires to work through you to bless others. Generosity that is rooted in worship, intentionality, and devotion should be the mark that we are striving for as a church.
Matt reviews the key ideas in the OneFund booklet and ends with discussion the giving passages in Malachi.
Our relationship and connection with the church is shaped by our definition of the church. In this series, we are looking at how connecting physically and financially to the church is a discipleship issue. Giving plays an important role, and can even be a test of our devotion to God and what He is doing in the world. If God has worked in your life, He also desires to work through you to bless others. Generosity that is rooted in worship, intentionality, and devotion should be the mark that we are striving for as a church.
Matt finishes our Forever series by talking about where our hope lies and how our cravings in this world reflect those hopes.
Matt Williams gives a glimpse of what "forever" will be like based on images in chapters 20-22 of Revelation. In those chapters, we see three big ideas about the "New Heavens and New Earth" or the final eternal destination for Christians.
Bill White continues our "Forever" series talking about Heaven and what Paradise will be like.
Matt Williams continues the teaching of the Forever series by discussing the light and dark side of eternity. Matt gives several ideas regarding our perception of the world now and the reality of the world that is coming.
It does not take one long in this life to discover that the world is full of disappointments, trials, suffering, and pain. Though we perpetually work and hunger for more and we chase our dreams at a dead run to a point of exhaustion, there is always something else for which we long and hope. The Forever series will walk us through what it looks like to have an eternal perspective while we are here on earth.
Sometimes it's easier to think of Jesus as Divine rather than human. Wrapping up our series on "The Arrival", Bill shares how Jesus had to be 100% God and 100% man in order to identify with us and suffer for us.
At His birth, Jesus is the rightful king and is therefore a threat to king Herod. Continuing in "The Arrival" series, Matt shares how we can be threatened by Jesus' legitimate kingship over us.
If God is sovereign, why is life often frustrating and difficult? Bill White addresses this idea in his teaching in The Arrival series on Joseph.
As we begin this four part series during advent, Ryan Donell, our pastor to high school students, talks about Anna who had been waiting for the arrival of the Messiah her entire life. In this sermon, we find out who Anna is, why she was waiting, and if the wait was worth it.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
Matt teaches from 1 Kings chapter 18 on the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Bill talks through 1 Kings 16-17. We can see our need for a deep and personal relationship with God through a man by the name of Elijah and how God used him in His plans for Isreal.
This week, Matt talked about our choices to follow God and how those choices affect not just us but generations to come. He also addressed God's judgement on those choices and how it's impossible to have His love without His judgement.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
Solomon's reign didn't last because his heart fell away from God. Matt talks about why Solomon's choices led to the consequences they did. Solomon had control over his choices and actions, but he did not have control over their consequences.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
The book of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation in decline. It tells the story of the nation of Israel over the span of several hundred years. The book picks up just before the high-water mark in Israel’s history. Solomon is crowned king and proceeds to expand the empire and build a temple for the worship of Yahweh, the One true God. Despite the glory of Solomon and the stunning achievement of the construction of the temple, we see cracks in the foundation of the great nation of Israel that will ultimately lead to destruction. Over the course of 1 Kings, we will see Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s relentless faithfulness and love for his people. The Hebrew kings provide us with a sobering look at the consequences of rejecting God’s rule.
1 Kings is a story of decline that relates to us in many ways. We see this nation go from abundance to barrenness. In the midst of this we learn a lot about God, how he works, and how he communicates with his people. We also learn a lot about ourselves through the lives of the people in 1 Kings because we are not really different from them.
We saw last week that although David was strong in some areas he was also weak and broken in others. Now David is dead and his son Solomon is reigning. Just like in David’s life we will see some great things about Solomon but also some areas of weakness. The main point of this lesson is that Solomon wasn’t perfect (we see his sin) but he did ultimately show dependence on God. As he depended upon God, God did great things through him.
1 Kings is written about events that happened about 1000 BC. Life was very different then which makes some of what we read in 1 Kings hard to understand and relate to. Even so, there is much that we can learn from this historical book of the Bible. In it we see the story of decline of a nation. They go from a being a wealthy favored nation to losing it all and becoming slaves.
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Proverbs offers wise counsel for the young and old on all matters of everyday life situations and relationships. This wisdom covers a vast array of topics and is founded upon “a fear (reverence) of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:1)
Ryan continues our summer series on the book of Proverbs by teaching from Proverbs 4. He speaks about Fatherly wisdom by using the wisdom that King Solomon's father gave him. Ultimately, what we need to remember is that no matter how wonderful the wisdom our earthly fathers give us, they will still fail us. God will never fail us.
Matt Williams began our summer series in the book of Proverbs talking about anger. He uses personal reflections on his past struggles with anger and a sense of justice. From Matt's reflection on this verse from Proverbs, you will see how unrestrained passions make us weak and vulnerable.
In this sermon Bill White challenges us to the importance of us finding our identity in Christ and being willing to testify about what he has done in our lives.
Our story of faith is very personal. Because our faith is so personal we need to share it with others because it is part of who we are. This sermon attempts to point out eight different theological aspects of salvation which are all true of every believer.
Our Spring Culturally Engaged series is designed to address the issues that most often prevent us from sharing our personal faith. As we examine the purposes of God and the example of Jesus, we will see what the ultimate act of engagement looks like. As we address the core motivational issue of love, then we can be more specific in how we apply this love to the religious and the irreligious. Our hope throughout the series is that honest reflection will guide us to be more winsome, bold, articulate, and humble in the sharing of our faith.
Our Spring series, Culturally Engaged, is designed to address the issues that most often prevent us from sharing our personal faith. As we examine the purposes of God and the example of Jesus, we will see what the ultimate act of engagement looks like. As we address the core motivational issue of love, then we can be more specific in how we apply this love to the religious and the irreligious. Our hope throughout the series is that honest reflection will guide us to be more winsome, bold, articulate, and humble in the sharing of our faith.
Our Spring Culturally Engaged series is designed to address the issues that most often prevent us from sharing our personal faith. As we examine the purposes of God and the example of Jesus, we will see what the ultimate act of engagement looks like. As we address the core motivational issue of love, then we can be more specific in how we apply this love to the religious and the irreligious. Our hope throughout the series is that honest reflection will guide us to be more winsome, bold, articulate, and humble in the sharing of our faith.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
It’s tough living in tension. On one hand believers have the promise of redemption, and on the other lies the reality of indwelling sin.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul charges the church at Corinth to remember that though God has shown grace in their lives, their brokenness and continual need for redemption is real and ever-present. Many of the issues the Corinthian church faced are issues that our church must address as well: lack of unity within the church, elevation of personal agendas, and the failure to remember our common identity in Christ. This series seeks to address some of the main obstacles we face as a church as we try to move toward maturity both individually and corporately.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
Who is Jesus? Some may claim he was a great moral teacher; others, that he was a good man who taught the world to love and accept everyone. But who did Jesus himself claim to be?
When we read Jesus’ own words, it doesn’t take long to discover some controversial and unsettling things – things that aren’t typically underlined in our Bibles. In our 2010 summer series, we will trade in our preconceived notions for a portrait of the real Jesus – not just the sweet, inclusive, popular parts of Him. This series will tackle the more difficult things he taught and show that Jesus calls us to respond to hard teachings in faith, acknowledging our great need for him.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
For Christians, the Old Testament and its law can seem unimportant, inaccessible, or even irrelevant. After all, many wonder, why does the law matter as long as we have faith in Christ? Yet Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (“the second giving of the law”) more than any other book in the Old Testament, and this should cause us to consider its importance in our lives today.
In this 14-week series, we will seek to lay the foundation for our thinking on how the law relates to the gospel. We will see that the law was ultimately given to reveal to us the nature of our hearts and our need for a savior. This series will examine the motivations of our hearts and show how the law is more vital to the gospel than we ever imagined because it points us to our need for Jesus. Join us as we uncover the gospel in Deuteronomy.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
This series is designed to help us bridge the gap between what God thinks and what we think about money. You will see that all financial decisions are actually spiritual decisions and our view on money can lead us either to live our lives in fear and bondage or to experience freedom.
Since the time of Jesus’ death nearly two thousands years ago, His followers have taken part in baptism and the Lord’s Supper to remember and meditate on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. These sacraments give believers the chance to respond to the real, internal heart changes they’ve experienced by taking part in these outward, visible symbols. In this two-part miniseries, we will address the importance of these sacraments for the believer and examine their meaning.
Since the time of Jesus’ death nearly two thousands years ago, His followers have taken part in baptism and the Lord’s Supper to remember and meditate on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. These sacraments give believers the chance to respond to the real, internal heart changes they’ve experienced by taking part in these outward, visible symbols. In this two-part miniseries, we will address the importance of these sacraments for the believer and examine their meaning.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
It’s easy to trust and love God when things are going well, but where do you turn when the going gets tough – really tough? As the life of Joseph shows us, suffering is a certainty in the life of believers. In this series, we will see how God uses our story – the good and the bad – as a part of the greater story of redemption and the sovereignty of God. The faithfulness of Joseph in light of his challenging and difficult life ought to compel us to place our faith in Jesus during the moments we find most difficult. Join us as we discover that God oversees our suffering to break our independence, shows us our need for Him, and ultimately draw us to Himself.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Psalms is the inspired book of prayers and praises to God that came forth from the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Yet how is it that, though they were written thousands of years ago, these writings resonate so deeply with us even now in the 21st century?
We are able to draw encouragement and consolation from the Psalms because we identify with the struggles and experiences of God’s people as they walk through life pursuing holiness and a personal relationship with Him. This series on the Psalms will address areas of all the Christian life, including the importance of worship, community, spiritual growth, and rest in God.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows us that the heart of humankind is bent to wrap our hearts around and invest ourselves in things – which is idolatry. Over and over, we pursue the things of this world, and without fail we wind up with broken and empty hearts. By diving into the writings of Solomon in this series, we will see the vanity of pursuing the things of this world and seek to uncover a hunger within us for something greater than what we pursue on our own.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
This is a 22-week series on the book of 1 Peter. The basic theme of this series is that we are living as foreigners in this land because Heaven is our true home. If this is true, then we must answer the question, “How do we live daily in light of this fact?” Topics addressed in 1 Peter include: Marriage roles, Holy living, Influencing the culture, and much more.
At Grace Church, one of our six core values is being biblically oriented. To be biblically oriented means to be continually conforming our lives to biblical truth. In this series, we will get reacquainted with the Scriptures and rediscover their value as we walk through its overarching story and its foundational history, while seeking to answer common questions about the Bible.
At Grace Church, one of our six core values is being biblically oriented. To be biblically oriented means to be continually conforming our lives to biblical truth. In this series, we will get reacquainted with the Scriptures and rediscover their value as we walk through its overarching story and its foundational history, while seeking to answer common questions about the Bible.
At Grace Church, one of our six core values is being biblically oriented. To be biblically oriented means to be continually conforming our lives to biblical truth. In this series, we will get reacquainted with the Scriptures and rediscover their value as we walk through its overarching story and its foundational history, while seeking to answer common questions about the Bible.
At Grace Church, one of our six core values is being biblically oriented. To be biblically oriented means to be continually conforming our lives to biblical truth. In this series, we will get reacquainted with the Scriptures and rediscover their value as we walk through its overarching story and its foundational history, while seeking to answer common questions about the Bible.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
Is there any one person who truly worships God? Each of us was created to worship God with our lives: to put our hope and trust in Him and to walk with Him in loving relationship. But if we are really honest, we would admit that often our hope is not in God, but in the comfort and quality of the life we get as a result of being labeled “His.” Somewhere in our thinking, we have morphed what God designed to be a relationship into a contractual agreement: “I serve God, then God serves me.” This series through the book of Job raises questions about the authenticity of our faith and helps us to see where our trust would be if we were stripped down with nothing left.
The second chapter of the Book of Acts gives us insight into the simple beginnings of the greatest institution in all of human history: God’s church. In those first days after Jesus’ ascension, the Bible tells of his followers coming together as a body to live, learn, and worship together as they worked toward the mission of building God’s kingdom on earth. This series unpacks four simple ideas that we believe constitute the role of the local church and shows us the importance of being corporately devoted to living those ideas out.
The second chapter of the Book of Acts gives us insight into the simple beginnings of the greatest institution in all of human history: God’s church. In those first days after Jesus’ ascension, the Bible tells of his followers coming together as a body to live, learn, and worship together as they worked toward the mission of building God’s kingdom on earth. This series unpacks four simple ideas that we believe constitute the role of the local church and shows us the importance of being corporately devoted to living those ideas out.
The second chapter of the Book of Acts gives us insight into the simple beginnings of the greatest institution in all of human history: God’s church. In those first days after Jesus’ ascension, the Bible tells of his followers coming together as a body to live, learn, and worship together as they worked toward the mission of building God’s kingdom on earth. This series unpacks four simple ideas that we believe constitute the role of the local church and shows us the importance of being corporately devoted to living those ideas out.
The second chapter of the Book of Acts gives us insight into the simple beginnings of the greatest institution in all of human history: God’s church. In those first days after Jesus’ ascension, the Bible tells of his followers coming together as a body to live, learn, and worship together as they worked toward the mission of building God’s kingdom on earth. This series unpacks four simple ideas that we believe constitute the role of the local church and shows us the importance of being corporately devoted to living those ideas out.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world, gaining renown and eliciting responses across every continent. There are many views and opinions about his life, but most would agree that Jesus was history’s greatest religious figure.
But what if Jesus wasn’t so concerned about “religion” after all?
The Gospel of Mark gives us a hard-hitting, action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this series, we are confronted with the reality of a Jesus who calls us to put down religion in favor of a relationship with him.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
We all have big questions. Who is Jesus? If God is real, why is there pain in the world? How are the Scriptures supposed to inform our lives? This 2007 summer series will challenge us to be able to think through the core doctrines of the church, life, and who God is, while giving them room to think, grow, and ask important questions.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
In this series, we face the tension of our present reality head-on, which Jesus described as being in this world, but not of it. The Colossian church was made up of believers who were under the rule of a Roman kingdom, but with the coming of the gospel their eyes were opened to the existence of a much greater Kingdom: the Kingdom of God. This series seeks to show how the transfer of our citizenship from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly one directly impacts our status, identity, and values as we live in light of being rescued into God’s family.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
This series picks back up on our journey through the Acts of the Apostles at a major turning point of the book of Acts. In this challenging, eye-opening series we will be forced to reckon with seeing what happens when we take the gospel with us and go wherever God leads. The gospel is powerful enough to go anywhere and reach anybody, but do we live like we believe that? Join us as we tackle the challenging truth that after the gospel does a work in you, it should be doing a work through you.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.
What happened to the times when everything was simple? This is the question we seek to address, as we get to swim upstream through the muddy waters of the church in hopes of finding clarity. By walking through the first 8 chapters of the book of Acts, we will see that there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the early church as they lived on mission immediately after Jesus’ departure. In the early Acts of the Apostles we will encounter the lives of those in the early church and the principles they held onto. This will cause us to see that, though it may be simple, their way of living in light of the cross was profound and exemplary of what the life of the church should look like.