Grace Baptist Church - Wilmington, NC: Recent Episodes
The sermon explores the profound truth of God's absolute sovereignty, contrasting human attempts to control their circumstances with the biblical reality that God is free to act according to His will. It outlines several aspects of this sovereignty, including God's right to deal with humanity as He chooses, His freedom to answer prayers differently than expected, and His refusal to explain Himself or live up to human expectations. The preacher argues that ignoring this truth leads to pride and rebellion, while embracing it results in true spiritual freedom and humility. Two primary responses to God's sovereignty are identified: rejection and anger, or submission and praise. Ultimately, the message calls believers to acknowledge that God is God and they are not, finding peace and joy through trusting His perfect character and plan.
The sermon challenges believers to stop taking God's love and faithfulness for granted by using the World Cup as an analogy for global appreciation. It highlights Psalm 117, urging all nations to enthusiastically extol the Lord for His enduring steadfast love. The preacher explains that God's love is unconditional, sacrificial, and unbreakable, remaining constant despite human sin or failure. Furthermore, it emphasizes God's reliability in providing strength during trials and keeping His promises even when answers are delayed. The message concludes with a call to meditate on these truths and respond with genuine worship and gratitude.
The sermon explores the spiritual growth process outlined in 2 Peter 1, describing faith as a chain of virtues that believers must actively strengthen. It emphasizes that while salvation is by grace, maturity requires strenuous effort empowered by the Holy Spirit to develop self-control, steadfastness, and godliness. The preacher warns against external moralism, urging an internal transformation where emotions and desires are directed toward God rather than suppressed. Ultimately, the message calls believers to examine their spiritual character and diligently pursue agape love for others as the ultimate evidence of genuine faith.
The sermon argues that spiritual maturity requires intentional effort rather than passive attendance at church services. Using the analogy of athlete Jerry Rice, the speaker emphasizes that godly character develops through diligent practice and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The message outlines a chain of virtues in 2 Peter 1, urging believers to supplement their faith with virtue, knowledge, and self-control. It warns against superficial moralism and legalism, advocating instead for a deep, transformative relationship with Christ grounded in grace. Ultimately, the text calls Christians to actively pursue holiness, trusting that God's power enables their growth.
The sermon centers on the vital sources of lasting confidence in the Christian life: God's divine power and His trustworthy promises. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3–4, it emphasizes that believers are empowered by God's might—exemplified in Christ's resurrection—to live both abundantly in this life and godly in a corrupt world, not through self-effort but through daily surrender, reliance on divine grace, and deepening personal knowledge of Christ. The message underscores that true confidence is not self-generated or based on appearances, but rooted in the unshakable reliability of God's character and His promises, which assure believers of ultimate transformation into Christ-likeness and deliverance from sin's corruption. Through reflection on Scripture, personal testimony, and the symbolic act of the Lord's Supper, the preacher calls the congregation to anchor their identity and hope in God alone, rejecting worldly philosophies and embracing a life of faith, growth, and dependence on divine strength.
The sermon centers on the vital importance of growing in the biblical knowledge of God and Jesus Christ as the foundation for experiencing multiplied grace and peace in the believer's life. Drawing from 2 Peter, it emphasizes that true knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, transformative, and rooted in Scripture rather than human reason or emotion. The preacher warns against the dangers of superficial faith, cultural relativism, and the erosion of orthodox Christian doctrine, urging believers to cultivate a deep, lifelong understanding of God that shapes their worldview and fuels faithful living. This knowledge must be actively applied to contemporary cultural challenges through biblical thinking, not simplistic slogans, so that the church can be an effective witness in a world increasingly hostile to divine truth. Ultimately, spiritual maturity is not achieved through self-reliance but through a committed, Christ-centered pursuit of knowing God, which results in a life marked by godliness, peace, and divine grace.
The sermon centers on the transformative power of God's grace and peace as essential resources for Christian living, drawing from 2 Peter 1:2 and other biblical passages to emphasize that believers are not left to navigate life's challenges in their own strength. It highlights three dimensions of grace—common, redeeming, and sanctifying—each vital for sustaining life, securing salvation, and enabling holy living, while also underscoring that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, Spirit-empowered assurance of salvation that transcends worldly turmoil. The message calls the church to be counter-cultural, reflecting Christ's compassion toward a broken world by embodying grace in both personal holiness and evangelistic outreach, especially in a culture that increasingly rejects absolute truth. Ultimately, it affirms that God's grace is not a license for sin but a divine empowerment for obedience, witness, and enduring hope, inviting both believers and seekers to embrace the life-changing reality of Christ's redemptive work.
The sermon centers on the urgent call for believers to steward the truth of God's Word with renewed commitment, drawing from 2 Peter 1:1–2 to emphasize that every Christian, regardless of background or status, stands on equal ground through faith in Jesus Christ, who imputes His righteousness to all who believe. It highlights the alarming spiritual illiteracy in modern society—exemplified by Princeton University's students forgetting the Ten Commandments—while warning that the church must not grow complacent, but instead remain vigilant in knowing, teaching, and living out Scripture. The message underscores that true identity is not found in emotions or cultural narratives, but in the divine reality of being loved, valued, and declared righteous by God through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon challenges listeners to reject the enemy's lies about being unlovable, worthless, or helpless by anchoring their self-worth in God's unchanging Word and His eternal purpose, ultimately calling the church to be bold, faithful guardians of truth in an increasingly secular world.
The sermon centers on the biblical call to humble servanthood, exemplified by Peter's self-identification as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true Christian greatness lies not in status or power but in surrender to Christ's lordship. It underscores the tension between the self-centered culture of today and the biblical imperative to live as consecrated, other-focused servants who steward their gifts—whether in talent, truth, or leadership—with humility and joy. Drawing from 2 Peter, the message highlights that authentic Christian identity is defined not by self-perception but by belonging to God, with all authority derived from and accountable to Christ. The sermon challenges believers to reject the pursuit of bigger platforms or greater influence driven by pride, instead embracing faithful service in whatever place God has positioned them, recognizing that God uses humble, surrendered individuals—regardless of size or visibility—to advance His redemptive purposes. Ultimately, it calls for a daily, Spirit-enabled surrender to Christ, where joy, contentment, and true significance are found not in self-achievement but in faithful obedience to God's will.
The sermon centers on the transformative impact of maternal love, faith, and teaching through the life of Moses, highlighting how both his biological mother and Pharaoh's daughter, despite vastly different backgrounds, shaped his destiny by choosing life, love, and leadership. Their collective decisions—hiding Moses, adopting him, and nurturing him—demonstrate how God uses faithful individuals to fulfill His purposes, even in the midst of oppression and death. The message emphasizes that every believer, regardless of parental status, bears responsibility in raising the next generation by instilling a deep, heartfelt knowledge of God, not merely surface-level religious practices. It calls the church to prioritize spiritual depth over superficial success, to invest in children and young people with intentionality, and to recognize that God places people in our lives to love, teach, and disciple. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that God sovereignly orchestrates all events to accomplish His will, and faithful stewardship of the next generation begins with love, truth, and a commitment to Christ.
The sermon centers on the theological truth that God sovereignly ordains every aspect of a believer's life—birthplace, family, gifts, and circumstances—not as random or accidental, but as part of a divine plan for service and sanctification. Drawing from the life of Peter, the preacher emphasizes that effective spiritual stewardship is not rooted in exceptionalism or perfection, but in ordinary humanity surrendered to God's purpose. Peter's journey—from a common fisherman and flawed man who denied Christ to a bold apostle and eyewitness—demonstrates that God uses imperfect people who are willing to follow Him, regardless of their weaknesses. The message calls believers to recognize their God-given gifts and circumstances as divinely appointed tools for ministry, urging humility, obedience, and faithful stewardship rather than self-reliance or cultural conformity. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that true significance lies not in personal achievement, but in being a faithful vessel in God's redemptive story.
The sermon centers on the biblical principle of stewardship, emphasizing that New Testament giving is characterized by purposeful, regular, proportionate, sacrificial, voluntary, compassionate, and cheerful generosity rooted in love and faith. Drawing from Scripture—particularly Psalm 86, 1 Corinthians 16, and 2 Corinthians 8—preachers highlight that true generosity flows from a heart transformed by God's grace, not obligation, and is exemplified by believers who give even in hardship. The story of Pahan in Tolstoy's 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?' serves as a sobering contrast, illustrating how greed and discontentment lead to spiritual death, while faithful stewardship reflects trust in God's provision. The message calls believers to evaluate their hearts, cultivate consistent and joyful giving habits, and recognize that giving is not merely a financial act but a spiritual discipline that deepens dependence on God and advances His kingdom, ultimately bringing joy and honoring His generosity.
The sermon centers on the biblical principle of purposeful financial stewardship, emphasizing that giving is not merely an act of generosity but a vital means of supporting the proclamation of the gospel. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5, it establishes that those who labor in preaching and teaching Scripture—elders, pastors, and missionaries—deserve both honor and financial support, as they are entrusted with a sacred stewardship. The passage highlights that this support is not for personal enrichment but to ensure the gospel remains faithfully preached, free from distraction or hindrance. The sermon underscores that true contentment is not found in material abundance, but in aligning one's life with God's purposes, where giving becomes an act of worship and partnership in the work of the Kingdom. Ultimately, the church's generosity is a response to God's grace, enabling the ongoing mission of truth-telling in a culture that values more but finds no lasting satisfaction.
The sermon centers on the biblical call to sacrificial generosity, rooted in the understanding that all possessions ultimately belong to God and are entrusted to believers as stewards. Drawing from 1 Chronicles 29, it emphasizes that true giving is not coerced but arises from a heart that consecrates itself to God, as exemplified by David's voluntary offering and the joyful, willing contributions of the people. The message underscores that generosity is not merely financial but a spiritual discipline that reorients the heart toward God, fosters dependence on His provision, meets the needs of the poor, sustains gospel ministry, and reflects humble obedience. The preacher contrasts cultural notions of wealth with biblical principles, rejecting the idea of a mandatory tithe in the New Testament while affirming that sacrificial giving remains a vital expression of faith, calling believers to give not from abundance but from a posture of surrender, recognizing that their lives and resources are not their own but belong to the Lord.
This sermon presents a holistic vision of stewardship rooted in the biblical principle that all resources—time, treasure, talent, and truth—belong to God and are entrusted to believers for faithful management. Centered on 1 Chronicles 29, it emphasizes that true stewardship begins with recognizing God as the ultimate owner, which shapes how individuals wisely plan spending, avoid reckless debt, save for emergencies, invest for the future, and resist common financial traps like impulse buying, brand loyalty, and subscription overuse. The preacher calls the congregation to examine their financial habits not out of guilt, but out of a desire to honor God with integrity, using practical wisdom from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Pauline teachings to cultivate responsible, joyful, and sustainable practices. The tone is pastoral and instructive, balancing conviction with grace, urging believers to seek counsel when needed and to steward all they have as a response to God's provision and trustworthiness.
The sermon centers on the biblical principle of stewardship, emphasizing that all resources—time, treasure, talent, and truth—ultimately belong to God, who entrusts them to humanity for faithful management. It confronts the pervasive cultural illusion of financial security, illustrated by a high-income couple who, despite their means, live paycheck to paycheck due to untracked spending and a lack of financial discipline, highlighting that poverty of stewardship is not always about income but about mismanagement and covetousness. Drawing from David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29, the message affirms that true contentment comes not from accumulating wealth or satisfying desires, but from recognizing God as the source of all provision and choosing to trust His wise and fatherly disposition in every circumstance. The sermon warns against the destructive nature of covetousness—rooted in idolatry, which leads to discontent, envy, and destructive behaviors such as gambling—especially as it is exploited by modern sports betting industries that prey on human longing for instant gratification. Ultimately, it calls believers to reject the pursuit of worldly satisfaction, embrace contentment in Christ alone, and live as trustworthy stewards who honor God with their resources, knowing that eternal treasure is found only in Him.
This sermon, rooted in Ephesians 4:28 and expanded through Proverbs and Pauline theology, presents a comprehensive biblical vision of work as a sacred vocation, not merely a means of livelihood. It emphasizes that work is inherently good, a divine gift, and a calling to diligent, honest labor that honors God and serves others, countering both laziness and idolatry of career. The preacher underscores that while work is strenuous and often monotonous, it is to be approached with excellence, consistency, and selfless generosity, reflecting Christ's own service. Central to the message is the distinction between earthly labor and the finished work of Christ on the cross—salvation is not earned by works but received by faith, making the Lord's Supper a profound reminder of grace. The sermon calls believers to steward their time, talents, and treasure with purpose, seeking God's glory above personal gain, and to live out their faith in every vocation as an act of worship.
The sermon centers on the biblical call to steward time wisely, drawing from Ephesians 5:15–17 to challenge believers to live with intentional purpose in a culture marked by distraction, busyness, and complacency. It reframes time not as something to be managed, but as a sacred gift to be redeemed—invested in ways that honor God, reflect Christ's love, and advance His kingdom. The three marks of faithful stewardship are identified as walking wisely by living in obedience and light, redeeming each day by seizing God-given opportunities, and discerning God's will through Scripture rather than seeking mystical guidance, thereby aligning life with His clear, redemptive purposes. The message calls for self-examination, urging believers to evaluate how time is spent, reject distractions, and redirect energy toward eternal priorities, all while trusting in God's faithful provision and guidance.
The sermon centers on the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that believers are engaged in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil, the world's sinful influences, and the persistent pull of their own flesh. Drawing from Scripture, it calls for discernment in all areas of life, warning that victory over sin requires holistic surrender and radical action, such as removing sources of temptation, rather than mere rule-keeping. The primary weapon in this battle is the Word of God, which must be internalized through memorization and meditation, as the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to convict, guide, and strengthen believers. The message underscores the necessity of community, urging Christians to encourage one another in love and good works, especially as Christ's return draws near, while also highlighting God's faithfulness through everyday miracles that build faith when noticed and remembered.
The sermon, rooted in Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Luke 8, emphasizes that the effectiveness of the Gospel is not determined by the message itself but by the condition of the heart to which it is delivered. It distinguishes between four types of spiritual soil—hardened, shallow, distracted, and receptive—highlighting that true faith is marked not by emotional experiences or superficial commitments, but by enduring fruit produced in an honest and good heart. The preacher calls the church to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God without compromise, rejecting cultural trends that dilute truth, while urging individuals to examine their own hearts for areas of hardness, distraction, or unrepentant sin that hinder spiritual growth. Ultimately, the message affirms the security of salvation through Christ's sustaining grace, while challenging believers to cultivate a life of persistent faith, obedience, and fruitfulness in response to God's Word.
Jesus presents a challenging parable in Luke 16 about a dishonest manager whose shrewdness, though morally wrong, highlights a critical spiritual truth: believers must be equally strategic, creative, and intentional in investing their time, talent, and treasure into God's eternal kingdom. The passage confronts the church with the sobering reality that the world often outworks Christians in pursuing temporal goals, not because of greater morality, but due to greater commitment and resourcefulness. Far from endorsing dishonesty, Jesus uses the manager's cunning to contrast the spiritual lethargy of believers with the relentless pursuit of ungodly ends, calling followers to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted—recognizing that true wealth is measured not by accumulation, but by eternal impact. The sermon emphasizes that stewardship is not about the amount given, but the heart behind it, urging believers to prioritize kingdom advancement with the same diligence the world applies to its own ambitions, ultimately pointing to the Lord's Supper as a sacred reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the believer's eternal responsibility.
The sermon centers on the radical, unconditional nature of Christian forgiveness, rooted in the believer's experience of God's infinite grace. Drawing from Matthew 18's parable of the unforgiving servant, it illustrates how the immense debt of sin forgiven by God—incalculable and unpayable—demands a corresponding response of mercy toward others, regardless of the offense. The preacher emphasizes that unforgiveness is not merely a moral failing but a spiritual indicator of whether one has truly experienced salvation, as genuine faith produces a heart that mirrors God's mercy. The message is both convicting and pastoral, challenging listeners to examine their hearts for bitterness and to recognize that refusing to forgive reveals a heart that has not fully grasped the depth of divine forgiveness. Ultimately, forgiveness is not optional but essential to the Christian life, and it is through this act that true freedom and healing are found.
The sermon centers on the transformative power of sacrificial obedience, using Abraham's test on Mount Moriah as a profound illustration of true friendship with God. Through a reflective journey through Abraham's life—marked by decades of waiting, loss, conflict, and settlement—the preacher emphasizes that God's ultimate test was not merely about obedience, but about cultivating a heart that mirrors His own, willing to surrender what is most precious for a greater divine purpose. The narrative reveals that being a friend of God is not a one-sided relationship of receiving, but a reciprocal commitment to understand and share God's heart, even in profound suffering. The message is further reinforced by contemporary examples of aging ministers who persevere in faith despite physical limitations, calling the congregation to recommit to faithful service regardless of personal cost. Ultimately, the sermon challenges believers to proclaim their faith not through words alone, but through lives of sacrificial surrender, running the race of ministry with endurance, passion, and unwavering commitment to Christ's calling.
This sermon centers on the profound truth that, as believers, we are called to reflect the heart of Christ—both in our personal relationship with God and in our communal responsibility to one another. Drawing from Matthew 18, it emphasizes that God's love for the lost, even among His own children, is relentless and sacrificial, illustrated through the parable of the lost sheep, where the good shepherd pursues the wandering believer with joy and urgency. The passage then outlines a biblically grounded process for restoring broken relationships within the church: private confrontation, mediation with witnesses, and, if necessary, public accountability—all rooted in love, humility, and a commitment to holiness. The sermon underscores that this discipline is not about condemnation but about reconciliation, mirroring Christ's own sacrifice, which reconciled sinners to God while they were still enemies. Ultimately, the Lord's Supper becomes a powerful reminder of that divine reconciliation—Christ's blood shed not only for forgiveness but for restored fellowship, calling believers to live in humility, pursue one another with grace, and embody the love that defines the kingdom of heaven.
The sermon centers on the profound truth that, as believers, we are called to embody the loving pursuit of Christ—our Good Shepherd—toward one another, especially when a fellow believer strays from faithfulness. Drawing from Matthew 18's parable of the lost sheep and its practical application in church discipline, it emphasizes that God's heart is not for the loss of any, but for the restoration of the wandering, and that the church is entrusted with the sacred responsibility to confront sin with humility, love, and biblical fidelity. The passage underscores that true reconciliation, modeled by Christ's sacrifice, goes beyond mere forgiveness to restore broken relationships, reflecting the very nature of God's grace demonstrated at Calvary. The Lord's Supper is thus not merely a ritual, but a powerful reminder of Christ's redemptive work and our ongoing call to pursue one another in grace, even when it is difficult. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to live out its identity as a community shaped by divine love, accountability, and the hope of restoration.
The sermon, drawn from Ephesians 4:11–16, emphasizes that the church is a living body in which every member, not just leaders, has a vital role and spiritual gifts to equip and build up the body toward mature Christ-likeness. It calls believers to reject spiritual immaturity marked by being tossed by every wind of doctrine—such as false prophetic claims, cultural obsessions, political ideologies, and distorted views on sexuality—and instead to embrace the biblical mandate to 'speak the truth in love.' This involves courageous, truthful, and biblically grounded communication, motivated by genuine care, not pride or conflict, and rooted in the gospel as the ultimate hope for individuals and society. The message challenges the congregation to identify their unique role, use their gifts faithfully, and engage the culture with both truth and love, recognizing that the church's mission is not political or cultural but evangelistic and transformative.
This sermon, rooted in Psalm 127, presents a compelling call to anchor life's most significant endeavors—family, work, and security—in God's sovereign provision rather than human effort or cultural trends. It contrasts the declining cultural value of marriage and children, particularly among Gen Z, with the biblical truth that children are a divine heritage and a reward, likened to arrows in a warrior's quiver, essential for both present protection and future legacy. The preacher underscores that without God's blessing, all human labor, whether in building homes, cities, or families, is ultimately in vain, and warns against the modern mindset that views children as burdens or financial risks, instead affirming their intrinsic worth as image-bearers of God. Through a powerful juxtaposition of cultural data and timeless Scripture, the message challenges believers to reject worldly definitions of success and instead pursue a life of faith, sacrifice, and stewardship, trusting God to fulfill His promises in His time and way.
The sermon centers on the urgent need to reclaim God's glory as the ultimate purpose of life, confronting the pervasive idolatry of self and cultural worldviews that exalt human autonomy over divine authority. Drawing from Psalm 115, it emphasizes that true worship is not about human achievement or cultural narratives, but about recognizing God's sovereign power, faithfulness, and exclusive worth, as He alone does all that He pleases in heaven. The message warns that modern idols—such as fame, pleasure, money, and control—deceive by promising freedom while enslaving the soul, transforming worshippers into lifeless, spiritually hardened images of themselves. In contrast, the Christian life is defined by a biblical worldview that finds meaning in God's objective truth, grace, and the transformative work of Christ, calling believers to live in humble obedience, gentle courtesy, and selfless remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. As the congregation prepares to observe the Lord's Supper, the call is clear: to glorify God supremely, regardless of circumstance, and to reject all false gods that steal the soul's true allegiance.
Psalm 100 calls believers to a life of joyful, heartfelt worship rooted in the foundational truth that God is sovereign Creator, Shepherd, and King, demanding not just intellectual acknowledgment but a transformative recognition of His authority and goodness. The psalm unfolds as a divine invitation to respond with exuberant praise, service marked by gladness, and heartfelt thanksgiving, all flowing from the unshakable reality that God is good, His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness spans all generations. Far from being a passive or ritualistic act, worship is portrayed as an active, communal, and emotionally engaged response—shouting triumphantly, serving with joy, singing with purpose, and entering God's presence with gratitude—rejecting both hollow performance and spiritual apathy. The sermon emphasizes that authentic worship arises not from human effort or entertainment-driven experiences, but from a heart transformed by the reality of God's character, where gratitude displaces bitterness, anxiety, and pride, leading to a life of purpose, contentment, and continual praise. Ultimately, the psalm challenges every believer to examine their heart: do they truly believe God is good, faithful, and worthy of supreme love, and are they living in a way that reflects that conviction?
Psalm 69 reveals a profound depth of human suffering, expressed through vivid metaphors of drowning, exhaustion, and betrayal, as David cries out in desperation yet remains steadfast in his trust in God. The psalm functions on multiple levels: it reflects David's personal anguish, particularly his false accusations and rejection by family and society, while also pointing forward to the Messiah's suffering, as seen in Jesus' rejection by His own family and the mockery He endured. The text underscores that suffering, whether from injustice or personal failure, inevitably produces distress, yet it also affirms that persistent prayer, even in the midst of despair, is rooted in faith in God's sovereign timing and faithful love. Ultimately, the psalm moves from lament to praise, culminating in a call to thanksgiving and worship, reminding believers that even in the deepest trials, God's salvation and presence offer hope and purpose. This journey from anguish to adoration mirrors the redemptive arc of Christ's sacrifice, inviting all who suffer to fix their eyes on Jesus and respond with gratitude, especially in the context of the Lord's Supper.
When human corroboration is fueled by sinful desires and motives, very dangerous results happen. In this sermon we look at this text in two sections, the unified effort and the problem. This was a prideful pursuit of sinful ambition to define God on their terms.
How are you at working with people? One of the interesting dynamics of our age is the church. It is incredible to see so many people from different backgrounds come together to minister. So what is your role in the ministry of the church? Have you invested personally in the institution that God has chosen to help spread the Gospel?
As Noah steps out of the ark questions about what is out there, what is left, , questions of what's next seem to linger. By God's grace the flood didn't eliminate all the hope from the world. God had a plan and instructions for Noah as he started fresh.
What does it mean to remember? In the Ark account remember means that God is acting on a promise that he had made with man. As we read through this account we learn about God and we learn about ourselves. The Ark account teaches us that God always remembers.
If you could only choose one Christmas decoration what would it be? One that stands out in particular is the lights. The lights are not merely not meant to illuminate a tree they are meant to teach us that Jesus is the light of the world.
The account of Christmas is filled with layers of people and each one teaches us something. Even the most mysterious group we find in the account might be the group we call the Magi teaches us something immensely important.
With the 2024 election just a few days away we pause to remind ourselves of 5 important truths from God's word about how Christians are to respond to the culture around us.
Genealogies are an often overlooked part of the Bible, and yet they still there for a purpose. As we look at the genealogy of Enoch we are invited to pull back the curtain and see how God uses specific people at specific times for his specific purposes.
Is religion really bad for society? Genesis Chapter 4 shows us what a society looks like a part from God.
We are all worshipers, we are created to worship something, so the question is what are we going to worship? In this sermon Pastor Jay walks us through the familiar account of the first murder. A sin that came as result of wrong worship.
As we come to Genesis chapter 4 we are get a glimpse of parenthood for the first time. We can picture Adam and Eve holding their child for the first time with no Idea how it worked, the joy and the magnificence of it, but because we know how that first baby turned out we can often over look the importance of this moment in human history.
Because of the sin in the garden our world is left in a state of brokenness. The consequences were both immediate and perpetual. In this sermon Pastor Jay looks at 3 of those perpetual consequences.
Why is it our culture is so desperate to disprove that there is a God. It is simply that they do not want to obey God and live by God's created order. --Join us as Pastor Jay walks us through creation day 6, the day that God created his most personal creation, humanity bearing the His image.
Why is it our culture is so desperate to disprove that there is a God. It is simply that they do not want to obey God and live by God's created order. --Join us as Pastor Jay walks us through creation day 6, the day that God created his most personal creation, humanity bearing the His image.
Marriage is not merely a social construct to be tampered with. It is a divine institution that was made before any society.
We all ask the question -why--- and the older we get they become more legitimate. We start asking questions like- -Why am I here---, -Where did I come from---, -Where am I going---. We even ask questions like, -Why does evil exist--'. In this message Pastor Jay walks us through the reason why evil exists.
In all of creation the only thing that God deems as -not good- is that Adam was alone. Foundational to God's design is that humanity was created as social beings, as modeled by God in his Triunity.
Genesis chapter 1 gives us the events of creation, so why do we have Genesis chapter 2 that seems to say the same thing-- In this sermon Pastor Jay helps us understand that Genesis 2 gives us a fuller understanding of Genesis 1 and see that in Genesis chapter 2 we get a theological perspective of man.
Day 7 of creation stands apart from the other days because it is the only day to receive God's blessing and consecration. In this sermon Pastor Jay walks us through God's design for rest in the creation account and how we can use it as the blue print for rest in our own lives.
Why is it our culture is so desperate to disprove that there is a God. It is simply that they do not want to obey God and live by God's created order. --Join us as Pastor Jay walks us through creation day 6, the day that God created his most personal creation, humanity bearing the His image.
When we look at the account of creation the first three days are about God creating the world and the last three days are all about God filling the world he made.
Creation was done in a fantastically ordered way with a divine purpose. The created order not only proves God's existence, but it also allows us the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of His creation.
Making distinctions becomes more important as we move through the text of God bring order out of Chaos.
Our Youth Pastor Dan Snyder shares some of the highlights from the Student Ministry Trip to Ecuador and shares the heart and prayer for this trip.
The opening verses of Genesis is important because our existence either comes from a creator or it comes from chance.
How we understand the first 3 chapters of Genesis impacts our view of the world. It is important to remember that no matter your worldview you have to answer the question of origins.
In this sermon we look at the verse of the Bible that begins the story line of God, who He is, what he has done, and what He is doing.
It is interesting that the first account that we get after Jesus' sermon on authentic followers is about a Roman Centurion. If you know anything about the relationship between the Jews and Roman empire you would know what makes this account interesting is that the Romans and Jews were not friendly to one another, and yet Jesus marks this Roman Centurion as an authentic follower because of his faith - compassion.
As we continue to ask -Why is the resurrection so important--, Pastor Jay lays out three life changing results of Jesus' resurrection.
What was the central truth that had to be proclaimed by the church in its infancy-- What was the central truth on the day the church began-- What was so important that had to be preached boldly and with out apology--
How was it possible for the cries of praise to turn to cries of crucifixion in very short-- For Jesus to be crucified it took a very real and horrific act of betrayal. Acts of betrayal destroy trust, they wound the soul, and they destroy relationships. In this message Pastor Jay takes a look a the life of Judas the Betrayer to see how he was able to commit one of the most egregious acts of betrayal in human history.
From the beginning of the church age a believer was never meant to live in isolation. It is God's plan that we have meaningful relationships with in the body of Christ, we are not mean live our Christian lives by ourselves.
Our freedom in Christ is not for the purpose of self autonomy instead it is to be used to love others. We are free to live in a way that serves others. Specifically we serve them by participating in the restoration of a fellow believer that is over taken in sin.
What does it mean to be free in Christ-- What do we do with that freedom-- The Apostle Paul in the book of Galatians will address the fact that as human beings we tend to go to extremes with our freedom.
As we assemble together and build the body of Christ we must foster relationships that are close enough to teach and correct one another in a loving and God honoring way.
As we continue to learn and grow with one another in the Church, Pastor Jay teaches on the importance of forgiveness and forbearance in the body of Christ.
To love is a simple command, but for many loving one another does not come natural. In this sermon Pastor Jay walks us through what are and what we are not to do when it comes to loving one another.
We live in a highly opinionated and mean spirited culture, so how does a body of believers made up of people that are very different come together and get along-- --We invite you to join us as we go through the Apostle Paul's instruction to the church of Rome on how they take their differences and work together, and apply it to our context today.
In Matthew 7 we are given 2 options for our foundation, the rock and the sand. Those that build on the rock are people that hear and obey the Word of God. Those that build on the shifting sand are putting their faith in something other than God.
There are people sincerely, passionately, and wholeheartedly convinced that they will go to heaven but sadly they are wrong. For these people there is one thing that is missing from their good work, and that thing is Jesus.
The Church is God's chose means through which He is reaching the world with the Gospel. --By God's grace, we will be a place of encouragement, support, and meaning in 2024.
We must discern which leaders we follow and who we allow to infuse their messages into their hearts.
As we reflect on the 70 years at Grace we are reminded of God's faithfulness and sustainment through all these years.
When it comes to sports craving spectators to some degree is a natural thing. However in our Christian service this craving for spectators is a very dangerous proposition.
On one hand the Sermon on the Mount is very encouraging but looking at vs 48 it can feel discouraging. Jesus is not setting up an unattainable goal in this passage.
Over the course of the Sermon on the mount Jesus has said a lot of things, and many of those things can be uncomfortable. When we are uncomfortable our Theology can slip as we try to wiggle out of what aspects don't apply to us.
If you got everything you deserved where would you be-- Many people feel like they deserve more positive consequences, but how about the negative consequences-- By God's grace we do not get everything we deserve, and we should not wish for our enemies to always get what they deserve. We are called to love our enemies, and this means not actively rooting against them.
How do you handle people that are our enemies. Jesus is once again correcting misrepresentation of what Scripture actually taught and said. Jesus specifically correcting the idea that diminishes the idea of loving your neighbor as yourself.
What sins do we tolerate in our own lives-- We don't have the same reaction to -respectable- sins as we do to -explicit- sins. In this passage we see Jesus address the sin of selfishness. A sin we would see as -respectable-. For us selfishness comes naturally, a selfless love for others is an act of God. It's supernatural.
How do you respond when someone disrespects you-- Although we say -we don't get mad, we get even- that is not entirely true. It is more that we -we get mad, and we escalate. In this passage Jesus challenges what we see as -normal- retaliation to disrespect.
God says marriage is a faithful covenant between one man and one woman for one lifetime. There is no other definition of marriage. Marriage is being undermined on multiple levels even in the Christian home. Our only hope is to follow in obedience what scripture says about the institution of marriage.
Love God supremely, and loving our neighbor sacrificially gives us the clear foundation for the subsequent command to not commit adultery.
There is a real issue of anger that we must deal with, and we must deal with it in the way that Jesus instructs us to.
How do we live in a world where everyday is filled with problems-- As believers we are to be active in the culture to push back the onslaught of evil in our culture.
What will happen to those that live in a way that honors God-- When we speak truth and stand for right, what we should expect is opposition.
Standing in the presence of God is the ultimate purpose of all religions. Christianity is different in the fact that its based on the work of Jesus Christ not in our religious works. Jesus is the only way for us to stand in the presence of God one day.
The kind of satisfaction that Jesus promises to those who relentlessly pursue righteousness, is soul satisfying 100- satisfaction.
We experience God's blessing when we mourn in a way that leads us to the repentance of our sin.
What do you value-- Is it results, performance, personality, or character-- The beatitudes tells us what God's values, and it defines for us what character God is, in our words, proud of.
-Conflict, warfare in this world is what comes naturally, it's what sinners do. We fight, we argue, and we kill-. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his followers to more. He calls them to be people of Peace.
The righteousness that Jesus talks about is an inward standard of righteousness not an external ritualistic adherence to man made rules and rituals.
During the fallout with his son Absolom, David pauses to write Psalm 3 to pour out his heart to God. What is incredible about this passage is that it is so general that it can fit any circumstance in our life.
As we continue to see the fallout of David's sin we come to 2nd Samuel 13. This chapter deals with a very serious issue that our culture still struggles with today.
Initiative, Discernment, and Self Control are characteristics that need to be a part of our life as we are leading ourselves and leading others. David was a positive example for taking initiative and discernment, but when it comes to showing self-control, especially as it pertains to marriage relationships, David serves more as an example of what not to do.
While it should never be for entertainment or out of control, Celebratory worship is honoring to God. In the second part of this passage, David's act of worship endeared him to the Israelite people, but his wife, Michel, took issue with his humble act of worship.
Character and preparation are important, but prayer is essential to achieving success in life and ministry
The object of worship reveals the true direction and intention of our hearts, and we become what we worship. So the question we must ask is, -the thing that I give the most glory to is-----------------.
We tend veiw worship through our lense of comfort, as a result we -can limit what God views as acceptable worship.
We are all worshippers, and you can tell a lot about someone by what they give their glory to. When we give glory to things in this world it holds are attention for a moment. Unfortunately as a culture we are so quick to give our glory away to something other than God.
David is promised with the throne, but years after taking the throne in Judah he is still facing conflict, and he must wait on God's timing.
As we seek to understand our purpose as a church we are reminded that through our Adoration Worship, Expositional Instruction, Relational Evangelism, and Sacrificial Serve we seek to glorify God.
The life of the Christian should be steeped in the word of God. Because of Scriptures inspired power the Christian needs to have scripture as a daily part of their life.
The life of the Christian should be steeped in the word of God. Because of Scriptures inspired power the Christian needs to have scripture as a daily part of their life.
King Solomon was arguably the richest man who ever lived. He had unlimited resources and could obtain whatever he wanted.
Jesus spends a little time with a religious leader who thinks he is certainly good enough to make it into the Pearly Gates