Grace Community Church of Seal Beach

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Who’s the only person in the Bible to name God? Surprisingly, it’s not Abraham, Moses, or David—it’s Hagar. In Genesis 16, after being mistreated and cast out, Hagar encounters the Lord in the wilderness and calls Him “the God who sees me.” Her story is raw and honest, and it reveals something powerful about God's character: He sees. He hears. He shows up. This week at Grace, we’ll explore Hagar’s story and what it means for anyone who’s ever felt invisible, forgotten, or alone. Come discover the God who sees you too.

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Sarai and Hagar16 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children[a] by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.[b] 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her,

“Behold, you are pregnant
and shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,[c]
because the Lord has listened to your affliction.
12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man,
his hand against everyone
and everyone's hand against him,
and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”

13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,”[d] for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”[e] 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi;[f] it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

REFLECTION:

What better represents your assumptions about God and the posture of your heart: is it the attitude or Abram and Sarai, that you believe God cares but you don't think he actually sees the suffering you're going through or, if he does, he doesn't seem to do anything about it? Or is your attitude the attitude of Hagar, that he is El Roi, he is the God Who Sees, the God who looks after you? Regardless of your circumstance, where do you find your posture typically leaning?

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This week at Grace, we’re diving into Genesis 15—a powerful moment where God makes a promise and backs it up with an oath that changes everything. It’s a chapter about faith, covenant, and learning what it means to place our confidence not in ourselves but in God’s faithfulness. If you've ever wondered how to actually trust God in the middle of uncertainty, this is the week to lean in.

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REFLECT: It's deeply human to want reassurance. Abram asks God, "how can I know what you've promised me will come to be?" God answers Abram with his word and with something visible. He does the same for us through Scripture, the bread and the cup, baptism, and with the Holy Spirit. -Is your life surrounded by Scripture? -How does remembering your baptism aid in trusting God's faithfulness toward you? -How have you seen the Holy Spirit guide you to live on mission with Christ?

God's Covenant with Abram15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue[a] childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son[b] shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

7 And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give[c] this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”

REFLECTION

Abram resists the temptation of wealth by someone that violates his conscience. We could hear him saying "There's no way I'm going to get rich or be blessed by someone like you, King of Sodom!" In our own lives, we may encounter a similar situation--maybe we get a job offer or opportunity to receive gain but it comes at the cost of being in the company of great compromise. Do you take it? Or like Abram do you resist wealth in favor of trusting God for blessing and provision? How might who you are in relationship with be shaping your soul and cirumstance?

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What’s more valuable to you—God’s blessing or worldly reward? This week at Grace, we’re in Genesis 14. After rescuing Lot from enemy forces, Abram is met by two kings. One brings a blessing from God. The other offers riches tied to compromise. Abram’s response is a powerful picture of faith, loyalty, and spiritual priorities. We’ll look at what it means to trust God when something easier and shinier is right in front of us. Join us as we explore courage, conviction, and the kind of faith that knows where true treasure lies.

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Genesis 14: Abram Rescues Lot1 In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim 9 with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. 11 So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks[a] of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.

Abram Blessed by Melchizedek17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor[b] of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand[c] to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”

REFLECTION

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What can a land dispute from 4,000 years ago teach us today? This week at Grace, we’re looking at Genesis 13—a chapter that’s easy to skip over but surprisingly relevant. When a conflict arises between Abram and Lot, Abram chooses humility and relationship over personal advantage. Lot, on the other hand, chooses by sight instead of faith. Sound familiar? As we explore this passage, we’ll see timeless lessons on leadership, decision-making, and the faithfulness of God. Join us as we hear the gospel through the quiet wisdom of Abram’s choices.

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Genesis 13:1-18 | Abram and Lot Separate1 So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.

2 Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord. 5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.[a] 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

14 The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” 18 So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks[b] of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord

REFLECTION

Lot makes the decision of which land he will take and where he will settle based upon what will help him accrue the most wealth rather than what is best for his soul. Evaluate your own life and circumstances, where is your life or who is your life intertwined with that is shaping your soul? Ask yourself as you evaluate, what kind of person will I be in five years as a result of my involvement with this community or situation?

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What makes Abraham such a big deal in the Bible? This week at Grace, we’re kicking off the next section of Genesis and diving into the story of Abraham—well, Abram for now. His life covers 14 chapters and sets the foundation for God’s redemptive plan. From the first call in Genesis 12 to the promises that echo into the New Testament, Abraham's journey helps us understand what it means to follow God in faith. Come discover how his story begins and how it can encourage your own walk with God.

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The Call of Abram12 Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country[b] and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[c]

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak[d] of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

REFLECTION

In the midst of living in a tent, Abram builds an alter for worship. There is a permanence of worship even though his circumstances are temporary. Are you willing to begin with worship to God while you are waiting for the promised of God to come to fulfillment? What does a posture of permanent worship look like practically in the midst of waiting in your life?

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What would you do to make a name for yourself? This week at Grace, we’re digging into Genesis 11 and the story of the tower of Babel. While it might seem like a curious tale about the origin of different languages, it’s really a sharp look at human pride, rebellion, and the desire to build life apart from God. We see the same Babel temptations show up today—and how Jesus sets us free from the need to prove ourselves. Come hear how God interrupts our striving with grace.

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Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV)

11 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the Lorddispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused[a] the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Template for Prayer

Use Genesis 11:4 as a template for prayer, reversing this passage as a way to reach out to God.

Genesis 11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

Instead of “Let us build ourselves a city and a tower to the heavens” pray “God would you bring through your grace your spirit to me?” Where am I trying to make much of myself?
Instead of “Let us make a name for ourselves” pray “God, help me be content with the names you have given me” What are the names you need to reflect on? (Child, beloved, forgiven, etc.)
Instead of disobeying the work God has given, pray “God, you have given me good work to do in my life” What is that work?

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This Sunday at Grace, we’re looking at a moment like that in Genesis 9:18-28. Noah, the man once called righteous and blameless, stumbles into sin after the flood. And his family's story takes a dark turn as well. It’s a heavy reminder of how quickly we can go from walking with God to wandering off course. But even in this tough passage, there's real hope. Come join us as we unpack what it means to fall, to fail, and to still be pursued by a faithful God.

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Genesis 9:18-28 (ESV)

18 The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed.[a]

20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.[b] 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said,

“Cursed be Canaan;
a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”

26 He also said,

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem;
and let Canaan be his servant.
27 May God enlarge Japheth,[c]
and let him dwell in the tents of Shem,
and let Canaan be his servant.”

28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years.

Reflection Questions:

What does it mean for you that even your best efforts can’t erase your sin? (see Galatians 3:10-14 for help)
Our passage today reflects on the nature of sin being a problem for every generation. What patterns of sin have you seen in your family and how can God’s grace help you move towards repentance/forgiveness/reconciliation in these areas?

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What does a rainbow have to do with God's promises for us today?

This week at Grace, we are returning to Genesis and picking up the story of Noah after the flood. In Genesis 9, we hear God's voice giving Noah—and all of humanity—a vision for life in a new world. We'll look at how God defines what it means to be human, how we are to relate to one another, and how the rainbow is far more than just a symbol of beauty. It is a reminder of God's everlasting covenant. Come join us as we explore the hope and significance behind God's promises.

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9 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.

6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image.

7 And you,[a] be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.”

8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

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What do you do when hope feels out of reach? This Easter at Grace, we're stepping away from Genesis for a week to focus on the resurrection of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Paul lays out why the resurrection isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the foundation of real, lasting hope. Whether you're feeling weighed down by life, fear, or the brokenness of the world, this passage invites you to anchor your soul in something secure. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Easter and rediscover the kind of hope only Christ can offer.

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1 Corinthians 15:9-26

19 If in Christ we have hope[a] in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

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"Why doesn’t God do something about all the evil in the world?"

This week at Grace, we’re kicking off the next section in Genesis: Noah and the ark. These chapters show us a time when God did intervene, stepping in to deal with widespread sin, wickedness, and violence. But this story isn't just about judgment—it’s about rescue. It reveals God's heart to save and His commitment to justice and mercy.

Whether you remember Noah’s ark from Sunday school or you’re wrestling with the hard questions as an adult—like how to make sense of the flood or God’s promise never to do it again—this is a moment to listen deeply. Let’s explore this together and see what it shows us about God’s justice and grace.

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Noah and the Flood9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence.12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh,[a] for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.[b] Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. 15 This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits,[c] its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits.16 Make a roof[d] for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. 21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

7 Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. 2 Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals,[e] the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, 3 and seven pairs[f] of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing[g] that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” 5 And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.

6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth.7 And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, 9 two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.

11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. 12 And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On the very same day Noah and his sons, Shem and Ham and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them entered the ark,14 they and every beast, according to its kind, and all the livestock according to their kinds, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, according to its kind, and every bird, according to its kind, every winged creature. 15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in.

17 The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits[h] deep. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind.22 Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. 23 He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

The Flood Subsides8 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.2 The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, 3 and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, 4 and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made7 and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. 10 He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 11 And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12 Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.

13 In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. 17 Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark.

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Ever read a part of the Bible and thought, “Well… that was weird”?

Genesis 5 through 6:8 expresses a strange and yet powerful passage that traces the spread of sin across the earth. From violence and corruption to the mysterious Nephilim and “sons of God,” this section is full of questions. But at its core, it reveals something deeply important: God’s heart.

God sees the brokenness. He grieves. He judges. And still, He offers grace. Join us as we explore this honest and emotional glimpse into God's response to a world unraveling.

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Genesis 5:1-6:8

5 This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man[a] when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. 5 Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.

6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.

9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.

12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.

15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.

18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.

21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God[b] after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not,[c] for God took him.

25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.

28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief[d]from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

32 After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Increasing Corruption on Earth6 When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in[e]man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim[f] were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lordregretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother.[d] And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” 10 And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.[e] 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod,[f] east of Eden.

17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for striking me.
24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,
then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.”

25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed[g] for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.

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Have you ever looked at someone else’s sin and thought, 'I would never do that'? The story of Cain and Abel is a tragic example of how unchecked anger leads to destruction—but God’s warning to Cain is also a warning to us.

Genesis 4:7 tells us that 'sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.' This Sunday, we’ll look at Cain’s conversation with God and what his choices teach us about the power of sin and how to resist it.

Join us as we wrestle with this passage and its relevance for our own hearts today.

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Genesis 4:1-26

4 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten[a] a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to[c] you, but you must rule over it.”

23 Lamech said to his wives:

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Why does work sometimes feel so frustrating? From the beginning, work was part of God’s good design—Adam and Eve were given work to do even before sin entered the world.

This Sunday, we’re looking at Genesis 3:16-24 and how sin brought frustration and futility into our work, from labor in the fields to raising the next generation. But even in the struggle, this passage points us to Christ and the hope we have in Him.

Join us as we explore what this means for our work and our lives today.

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Genesis 3:16-24

16 To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be contrary to[a] your husband,
but he shall rule over you.”

17 And to Adam he said,

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.”

20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.[b] 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

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What does God think of you when you fail? Shame, fear, and anger are natural responses to our own mistakes, just as they were for Adam and Eve in the garden.

This Sunday, we’re continuing in Genesis 3, looking at how Adam and Eve responded to their sin—and how God responded to them. His reaction to human failure is far more powerful and life-changing than we often expect.

Join us as we explore this foundational passage and what it means for us today.

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Genesis 3:7-15

7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool[a] of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”[b] 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[c] and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.

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What does the story of Adam and Eve tell us about temptation today? Genesis 3:1-7 is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, yet its details—a talking snake, a forbidden tree, and sudden awareness of sin—can feel distant and strange. Instead of just asking, 'How can this be true?', we should also ask, 'What does this reveal about the nature of temptation in our own lives?' Join us this Sunday as we explore how temptation distorts God’s truth and how we can stand firmly against it.

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Genesis 3:1-7

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[b] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

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Why was it 'not good' for Adam to be alone? In a world that was still untouched by sin, Genesis 2:18 introduces something surprising—Adam’s aloneness needed a solution. This Sunday, we’ll look at how God addressed this, first by showing Adam the limits of work, wealth, and creation, and ultimately by creating woman. While this passage beautifully points to marriage, it also reveals something even greater—the joy of our union with Christ. Join us as we explore God's design for marriage as a reflection of His love and purpose.

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Genesis 2:18-25

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for[a] him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed[b] every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam[c] there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made[d] into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”[e]

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

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What were you put on earth to do? It’s a question we all ask at some point, whether we’re choosing a career, building a life, or reflecting on the past. This Sunday, we’re looking at Genesis 2:4-17, where Adam hears directly from God about his purpose. Through this passage, we’ll see what it reveals about our own calling and what we were made to do.

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Genesis 2:14-17

4 These are the generations
of the heavens and the earth when they were created,
in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

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What does it truly mean to rest in God? In Genesis 2, we see that after six days of creation, God rested—not because He was tired, but because His work was complete and good. His rest is a gift for us.

Just like a child enjoys vacation without worrying about the details, God invites us into His rest, trusting that He has already taken care of everything we need.

Join us this Sunday as we unpack Genesis 2:1-3 and explore what it means to truly rest in Him.

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Genesis 2:1-3

2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

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What gives every person inherent worth? The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God, setting humanity apart from the rest of creation.

This Sunday, we’re looking at the final section of Genesis 1, where God creates humanity in His image. How does this truth shape the way we live and treat those around us?

Join us as we explore this foundational truth together.

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Genesis 1:24-31

24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

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What does creation tell us about God? The beauty, complexity, and balance of the world point to an incredible Creator.

This Sunday, we’re continuing in Genesis 1, exploring the middle days of creation and why the Bible’s description is both good and true. How does this ancient account speak to our modern world?

Join us as we reflect on God’s handiwork together.

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Genesis 1:6-23

6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse[a] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made[b] the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven.[c] And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth,[d] and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants[e] yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons,[f] and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds[g] fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

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How did we get here? This Sunday, we’re starting a year-long journey through the book of Genesis, exploring the origins of the universe, humanity, and God’s relationship with His people. We’ll begin with Genesis 1:1-5, reflecting on the creation of the universe and the greatness of God. Let this passage inspire awe, worship, and wonder in your heart. Join us as we go back to the beginning.

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Genesis 1:1-5

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

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How does Christ view the start of a new year? This Sunday, guest preacher Dr. Uche Anizor will take us through Revelation 1:4-20, offering insight into Christ’s perspective on beginning anew. If you’ve been feeling unmotivated in your spiritual life, this message is for you. Join us for an encouraging start to the year.

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Revelation 1:4-20

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[a] on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

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Why do we gather as a church community? This Sunday, we’re concluding our short series by exploring the work of Christ as our great high priest and how it shapes the purpose of our gatherings as believers.

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Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near

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Have you ever thought about why we sing in church so often?

This week at Grace, Pastor Chris will help us think through what happens when God's people lift their voices together. We will unpack how singing shapes our faith, how it impacts those around us, and why God calls us to express our worship through song.

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Colossians 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

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This week at Grace, we are finishing Romans!

The final verses of Romans are a doxology, a powerful expression of worship to God for all He has done. This doxology ties together many of the major themes of the book, giving us a chance to reflect on what we’ve learned and how it shapes our faith.

Join us as we look back on this incredible journey through Romans and consider how to take what we’ve learned into our daily walk with God. Let’s celebrate, reflect, and plan together for what’s next in our relationship with Him.

👉 Want to get more involved? Explore some of the ways you can connect with our community here: https://linktr.ee/gracesealbeach

Romans 16:21-27

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

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When you read the list of names in Romans 16:1-16—Phoebe, Prisca and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, Epaenetus, Ampliatus, Rufus—what do you take away from it? If your answer is "Not much," you’re not alone. But there is so much more here than meets the eye.

These names represent real people whose lives teach us about the heart of early Christianity and what it means to live faithfully today. This passage is not just a list. It is a treasure trove of examples and mentors in the faith.

Join us this week at Grace as we uncover the stories behind these names and discover how their lives can inspire us to live with purpose, faithfulness, and a heart for the gospel. These early Christians remind us that every believer, no matter their role, has a significant part to play in God’s story.

👉 Want to get more involved? Explore some of the ways you can connect with our community here: https://linktr.ee/gracesealbeach

Romans 16:1-16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

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If someone called you "needy," how would you feel? In our culture, “needy” is often used as an insult. But the truth is, we all have needs—physical, relational, and spiritual. Even the Apostle Paul, with all his boldness and faith, openly acknowledged his needs in Romans 15:22-33.

As Paul outlines his plans for the future, we see his deep commitment to the mission of Jesus, even in the face of personal risk. But we also see his reliance on others. Paul needed the Romans, just as we need one another.

This week at Grace, we will explore what Paul’s example teaches us about acknowledging our needs, supporting one another, and meeting the needs of others without feeling overwhelmed. Join us as we unpack this powerful passage and reflect on how our needs and the needs of others shape our lives in Christ.

👉 Want to get more involved? Explore some of the ways you can connect with our community here: https://linktr.ee/gracesealbeach

Romans 15:22-33

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,[a] I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[b] of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

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Is there someone in your life where you’ve posed the thought, “I can’t imagine where I’d be if it weren’t for you”? I sometimes think of impactful teachers, pastors, friends, and especially my wife when I think about how I would answer this question.

There’s something special about having someone so impactful in our lives that we can’t even begin to imagine what our life may look like today without their involvement.

This Sunday we’re continuing our slow wind-down of the final couple chapters in the book of Romans. In Romans 15, the Apostle Paul shares about the specific calling he has received in life that was tied to the grace that was shown him by Jesus. Because of the grace of God that brought Paul to faith in Christ, Paul found his calling to minister, evangelize, and share the good news to people from all over the world!

I can’t imagine what my life would have looked like if God hadn’t used loved ones and friends to not only share the gospel, but disciple me in my faith growing up as a young man (and even today)! My hope and prayer is that this Sunday, as we dive into Romans 15, that we are reminded of the salvation we have received from Christ and feel compelled to share this good news to others around us!

Looking forward to hearing about your Thanksgiving holiday and opening up the word with you all this weekend!

Blessings!

Pastor Jason

Romans 15:14-21

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers,[a] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”

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"What are you thankful for?"

You might get asked this question a few times in the next week or so. I imagine for many of us, the answers will be similar to last year - our family, friends, health, and (if we're feeling spiritual) God's love for us.

These are great answers! But they aren't the only ones. This week at Grace, we're going to spend some time reflecting on the dozens of reasons we have to be grateful to God.

To facilitate that, we've changed the order and elements of our worship service, so that you have ample time and prompts to help you fill up a long list of reasons to be thankful to God.

As part of this special Thanksgiving service, we'll continue in Romans 15:7-13 and reflect on some reasons to be thankful for the gospel.

I'm eager for you to experience this week's service and for you to overflow with gratitude to God.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Romans 15:7-13

7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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What does it mean to be a strong Christian?

"Strong" is one of Paul's favorite metaphors to talk about the Christian life. Romans begins (1:11) and ends (16:25) with the stated goal of the book - to strengthen us. He prays for strength for others (Col 1:11), exhorts people to 'be strong' (Eph 6:10), and describes himself as strong in Christ (Phil 4:13).

You've probably heard the metaphor of a "strong Christian" so often that you stopped noticing that it is a metaphor. But we all know that physical strength has nothing to do with what Paul is describing. So, what does it mean to be a strong Christian?

This week at Grace, we're in Romans 15:1-6, where Paul describes his expectations of the strong and their means for achieving them. In short, he tells us what spiritual strength is, what it's for, and how to cultivate it.

Let's take advantage of this opportunity to strengthened together this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Romans 15:1-6

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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This week at Grace, we're in the second half of Romans 14 and continuing the discussion of Christian freedom.

And honestly, it's in the second half of the chapter where things get challenging. Because this is the part of the passage where it's not enough to just "let it go" when we disagree. When the application is, "Don't quarrel about secondary matters of faith," most of us nod our heads agreeably. Who wants to fight over things that are of dubious importance?

But the second half of Romans 14 is tougher to nod along with amicably. Now Paul challenges us to sacrifice our preferences for the sake of one another, and let the weaker brother have their way as a gift of love. In the words of my kids (seemingly a dozen times a day), "Why does HE get to be first? Why can't I be first?" Or, "Why should SHE get HER way? Why can't we do it MY way?"

Good questions. And not ones that go away when we get older. So let's talk about them.

See you Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 14:13-23

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[a] 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

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This week at Grace, we're in Romans 14:1-12, where Paul describes the importance of Christian freedom in disputed matters.

For the Romans, the presenting issue was how the Old Testament food laws applied to Christians. For us today, issues of Christian freedom abound: politics, entertainment, alcohol... We could go on and on.

How do we live together in Christian community with people who disagree with us?

This week's Scripture is invaluable in showing us a path forward. I'm very grateful for our former senior pastor, Don Shoemaker, and all that he taught me about Christian freedom, and I'm looking forward to opening the discussion with you all this Sunday.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

PS. This Sunday is the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!

Romans 14:1-12

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

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In the movie adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ book, The Count of Monte Cristo, there’s this

scene where the main character, Edmond Dantes, has to fight to the death against another man

named Jacopo. Both of these men are prisoners and only one is supposed to survive.

During the epic battle, Dantes bests Jacopo, but instead of taking his life he shows mercy and

persuades the captain to spare both of them. The captain agrees and Jacopo, upon realizing

that he has been set free, offers his life to serve Edmond. In a beautiful exchange, Jacopo

whispers to Dantes, “I swear on my dead relatives – and even the ones who are not feeling to

good – I am your man forever!”

I love this line! Throughout the course of the movie, you see just how loyal and loving of a

friend Jacopo is to Edmond as he offers advice, adopts a role as caretaker, and even protects

Edmond’s family from danger!

Jacopo (a really fun name to pronounce) realized what he had been freed from, and even

though he was free to do whatever he wanted – he committed his life to serving Edmond…

This Sunday we will be looking at Romans 13:8-14 and we’ll be making the connection that you

and I are in a similar situation – we have been freed from the penalty of sin and death, and

Paul’s imperative from Romans is powerful… “Owe no one anything, except to love each other,

for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” – How do we go about doing this? Join us

this Sunday to dive deeper into this passage!

See you soon!

Pastor Jason

Romans 13:8-14

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

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For as long as I've been a Christian, I've been encouraged to love my enemies. Passages like Jesus' instruction to turn the other cheek or Jesus' forgiveness of his crucifiers are rightly tied to the very fabric of Christian ethics.

Being so familiar with the call to love our enemies might blind us to the obvious question: Why? Why would anyone love their enemies? Is it just a provocative and difficult thing to do? Or is there more to it than that?

This week at Grace, we'll be in Romans 12:14-21, looking at Paul's exhortation to bless and not curse those who persecute them. This paragraph represents the other side of the coin from the paragraph that came before. Last week, Chris taught on loving one another in the church. Now, Paul shifts to loving those who are against us. Yet the ethic of love remains the same.

Is there something in the big picture of the gospel in Romans that answers the question of why we should love our enemies?

Let's talk about it together this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

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Is there something in the big picture of the gospel in Romans that answers the question of why we should love our enemies?

Let's talk about it together this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 12:14-21

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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A while back, someone gave me a Bible that I just love. The cover is made of super soft leather, the pages are thin but strong, and the print is nice and sharp. Inside the cover, there's a little stamp that says "genuine leather."

That word genuine stuck with me. It's not fake; it's the real deal.

This Week at Grace, we're continuing in Romans 12:9-13, where Paul talks about what genuine love looks like. Not just words or good intentions, but the kind of love that's real, honest, and shows up in how we live. The kind that makes a difference in how we treat each other, how we care for people, and how we reflect Jesus.

I'm excited to continue learning and growing as we offer ourselves to God together.

-Pastor Chris

Romans 12:9-13

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

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"Do you know your spiritual gifts?"

This question has been popular in evangelical Christianity throughout the past fifty years or so. And with good reason - the New Testament describes spiritual gifts as being one way that God provides for His people.

But how we talk about spiritual gifts in the church does not always match the beauty and fullness of what the New Testament describes. Too often they are reduced to an assessment inventory and a call to then join a ministry team ("Do you have the gift of mercy? Become a Children's Ministry volunteer! Actually, whatever gift you have, join Children's Ministry!")

There's nothing wrong with (most) spiritual gifts inventories or with matching our gifts to service, but there has to be something more spiritual about spiritual gifts, doesn't there?

This week at Grace, we're looking at Romans 12:3-8, one of the longest passages in the Bible about spiritual gifts. In this passage, Paul puts spiritual gifts in the context of what it means to be human - to have an accurate self-assessment of what is (and is not) possible for our lives, to need one another, and to offer something to each other.

When we look at spiritual gifts in a broad view of the message of Romans as a whole, I hope that we can find joy, peace, and delight in using our spiritual gifts for ministry.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 12:3-8

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

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Thank you to everyone who came out last Sunday for Grace at the Beach! We had close to 400 people come to the worship service, way more than we expected (which you probably noticed if you were one of the people standing in the back - sorry about that!).

This week we're back inside the building at Grace and we're covering Romans 12:2. (Yep, just one verse). Why such a short passage? Because it contains a myriad of corrections to our current moment and is so incredibly relevant to our lives 2,000 years after it was written.

Paul warns his readers that conforming to the world may be tempting, but it will never put us in line with the will of God. Interestingly, Paul from worldly conformity in the form of a metaphor - something pressing on us from the outside-in, a distortion of what we were truly made to be.

Conformity won't bring us in line with the will of God. Instead, Paul says that we need to experience the renewal of our minds. How does that transformation happen? Why is it described as a renewal? Why is the mind where this should happen?

Looking forward to talking about it this Sunday with you at Grace!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 12:2

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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This week at Grace... we're not at Grace!

This Sunday's only worship service will be at 10 am at Eisenhower Park in Seal Beach, the grassy area right next to the Pier and the beach on 8th and Ocean.

The reason we're having Grace at the Beach is to celebrate baptisms in the Pacific Ocean. Before we walk down to the coast, though, we will have a full worship service outside in our community, giving us a chance as a church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, song, and action.

As part of this open air worship service, we're continuing through Romans this Sunday with one of my favorite passages and one that is perfect for baptism - Romans 12:1-2. Paul exhorts his listeners to consider carefully how the mercy of God calls for a response, and that the only reasonable response is to offer our whole selves back to God as a living sacrifice.

That response is what baptism is all about. So whether you are being baptized or you have been a Christian for years, may this Sunday be a time of renewing your commitment to Jesus!

See you Sunday at Grace at the Beach!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

PS. The weather forecast is very promising - a high of 75 degrees and minimal waves in the ocean. Also, we've rented chairs for the worship service, so no need to bring your own this year.

Romans 12:1-2

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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If God told you everything you wanted to know about the future, what sort of person would you become?

This week at Grace, we're continuing in Romans 11 with a (very contested) passage that includes a peak behind the curtain of the future. Romans 11:26 provocatively claims that "All Israel will be saved."

We'll talk on Sunday about the various ways that Christians have understood Paul's claim here. (The only thing we need to figure out is what he means by "All," "Israel," and "Saved," not to mention when this "will be." Not exactly as easy as it sounds...)

But in addition to the debate, it's worth noticing what impact this theological insight has on Paul's soul - it moves him to humility (v. 33 - "How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!") and to worship (v. 36 - "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.")

Let's be the same sort of people - learning God's Word not to be conceited or proud, but in order to be full of humility and worship.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Romans 11:25-36

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

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I love to travel.

Wherever we go, I want to find out the history of the people who lived there and experience life from their eyes. I've been lucky enough to get to spend time in Italy, Japan, Sierra Leone, France, and elsewhere that has enlarged my perspective on the world.

But when my family went to Sweden a couple of years ago, it was different. It was the first time I went to the homeland of my grandparents. These weren't other people's stories, food, and land; these were our stories, food, and land.

Well, most of us in the family, anyways. Becca was enthusiastic, but she's only a Swede by marriage. She has no memory of her grandmother serving pepparkaka or dressing up as Santa Lucia.

But now, these stories become hers because she has been brought into a people. (And vice versa - I enjoy learning about her family's participation in the Revolutionary War and eating Stack Cake, too).

This week at Grace, we're covering Romans 11:11-24. In this passage Paul explains why Gentiles can participate in the blessings of Israel - why their stories can be our stories, too. Additionally, Paul describes the blessings and warnings that both Gentiles and Israelites can be for one another.

By studying this passage together, I hope that it will help us better understand how to live in community together, and to delight in the faithfulness of God.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusionmean!

13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Romans 11:11-24

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Have you ever felt like you were the only one?

Being a Christian can feel lonely sometimes. Maybe it's in your family, or in your workplace, or at school.

What do we do with such alienation?

This week at Grace, we're in Romans 11:1-10. Paul is continuing his response to the question, "If Jesus is really the Messiah of Israel, why didn't Israel embrace him more?" In this section, he's focused on the role of the remnant of Israel as a proof of God's faithfulness.

Paul's hope is that by re-focusing our attention away from who has rejected Christ and toward those who have responded to Him, we will grow in our faith and trust in the faithfulness of God.

Let's do that together this Sunday.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:1-6

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"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." - John 20:21.

In this brief yet profound statement, Jesus commissioned His followers to continue His mission, a call that is still relevant to us today.

This week at Grace, we are honored to have Pastor Steve Williams continue our study of Romans. He will walk us through Romans 10:14-17, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the crucial role of missions in spreading the Gospel.

As we prepare our hearts for worship, it's a great time to reflect on the missionaries we support as a church. These dedicated individuals and families have answered the call to go into the world, often in challenging and distant places, to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have yet to hear it.

Let's come together this Sunday with a renewed commitment to Christ's mission!

-Pastor Chris

“14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Romans 10:14-17

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Growing up I had a habit of tinkering with things. If our house phone wasn’t working, I’d grab a screwdriver and open it up. If a door or a piece of furniture seemed off, I might try to deconstruct it and figure out what was wrong.

This lead to many headaches for my parents growing up – and it wasn’t until I had tinkered around and messed something up for the umpteenth time that my aunt had affectionately and empathetically told me, “You have the Cardenas touch”. She was alluding to something that my family on my mom’s side had historically done… sought out to fix something and in return, we’d make it worse.

It reminds me of the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

This Sunday in Romans we’re going to be looking further into the way the Israelites tried to fix something that didn’t need help at all – our salvation in Christ! In our message we’ll spend time looking into how a works-based righteousness kept Paul’s listeners from seeing and savoring the beauty of the gospel message, namely that Christ is our RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Looking forward to being with you all this Sunday!

Jason

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:5-13

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Do you remember the ad campaign, "There's no wrong way to eat a Resse's peanut butter cup"?

(I'm sorry if I just made you crave candy. Small price to pay for a sermon illustration).

The basic premise behind the ad was that all ways to eat the candy were equally valid. And that may be true when it comes to candy, but it's not when it comes to relationships with people and it's especially not true of our relationship with God.

This week at Grace we're continuing in the book of Romans with 9:30-10:4. In this passage, Paul provides a second answer to the question, "Why didn't Israel respond to their Messiah?" But now he shifts from focusing on God's responsibility (9:1-29) to human responsibility (the theme of chapter 10).

And in that human responsibility he identifies three key distinctions that make all the difference in our spiritual life:

The Law without faith
Zeal without knowledge
Righteousness without Christ

These temptations were the stumbling block for many in Paul's day, and they could be for us today. I'm looking forward to talking about them with you this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 9:30 – 10:4

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"It's God's fault!"

When we are upset about something either happening or not happening, we tend to want to find someone to blame.

Should we ever blame God?

This week at Grace, we're in Romans 9:14-29, one of the most emotionally challenging paragraphs in the New Testament. It's not that it's tough to understand, but tough to accept.

The passage deals with objections Paul expects after describing the way that God calls people to salvation. Is it just that God does this? What does it say about how He will treat us in the future? How should we relate to Him?

Let's work through it together this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

Romans 9:14-21

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This week at Grace we're starting the next big section of our year-long series in Romans. Romans 9-11 raises some questions we might have, but be uncomfortable talking about, such as:

Why don't more people respond to the gospel?
Why doesn't God just save everyone?
Why did God invest so much into Israel throughout the whole Old Testament, only to have them reject the Messiah? What does that say about God?
What is our role in announcing the gospel to people who might not want to hear it?
What is the future for Israel?

I've got to be honest: these chapters don't match the soaring prose of Romans 8 or the direct personal application of Romans 12.

Perhaps because of that, they're often skipped over in sermon series or in personal Bible reading. Let's not do that! Everything in Scripture is useful for us, and while these questions might be uncomfortable, they are honest and important. I hope that as we wrestle with God's word together, it can shape our mind and hearts to love Jesus more.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Romans 9:1-13

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This week at Grace, we will conclude Romans 8 with some of the most comforting verses in the whole Bible. Paul assures everyone who is in Christ that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I've included three songs below that we sing here at Grace to prepare our hearts for this beautiful passage. Each song has a link if you'd like to listen, and I've included some relevant lyrics to meditate on.

Praying for you,

Pastor Chris

In Christ Alone | Verse 4

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

He Will Hold Me Fast | Verse 3

For my life He bled and died

Christ will hold me fast

Justice has been satisfied

He will hold me fast

Raised with Him to endless life

He will hold me fast

'Til our faith is turned to sight

When He comes at last!

All Sufficient Merit | Verse 4

All sufficient merit, firm in life and death

The joy of my salvation shall be my final breath

When I stand accepted before the throne of God

I'll gaze upon my Jesus, and thank Him for the cross

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b)

What a brilliant and memorable way to think about the Christian life!

(By the way, I feel like every week in Romans 8 I say some form of, "One of the most famous verses in the Bible." I don't know what to tell you - Romans 8 is an amazing chapter).

This week at Grace, we'll be continuing through Romans 8, looking at verses 31-34. It is a fitting crescendo on all that Paul has been describing about the gospel in the first eight chapters of Romans.

If God is for us (and everything we see in the gospel shows that He is), then our experiences of opposition, accusation and condemnation in this world are fleeting, at best.

This is, of course, very different from how we experience the world on a day to day basis. We may organize our lives around avoiding opposition or criticism, and act as if the opinions of people around us matter more than God's opinion.

Do you recognize a need for more gospel-confidence in your life? Are you letting the critical voices of people in this world crowd out the approval of God through Christ?

Let's talk about it Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8:31-34

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Romans 8:28 is one of the best loved verses in the Bible: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

It's been referred to as a pillow for the head of the Christian, something we can rest on when we are weary and hurting.

The challenge, of course, is one of faith: How can we know that this amazing verse is true? It sure seems like there is a lot of senseless suffering in the world; why should we trust that God would truly work all things together for good?

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the two verses that follow v. 28 that explain our reason for faith, and why we can rest our head on the pillow of verse 28. In verses 29-30 (what one Reformer called the "Golden Chain" of salvation), we find a sure and solid bedrock for our faith and assurance of God's work in our lives.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Romans 8:28-30

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were either asked or felt lead to pray for someone else and you couldn’t think of the right words to say?

Or maybe you felt lead to pray for something that’s been troubling you in your life and have been at a loss for words.

One of the topics that we’ll be jumping into this weekend will bring us to the realization that we have the Holy Spirit actively involved in empathizing and even praying with us!

My hope is that this knowledge that we have in God will bring us encouragement in our everyday lives. However, I also want to preface this… our passage this week can be tremendously encouraging as we look into one of the more popular verses of the Bible (Romans 8:28). But, one of the challenges that we’ll find is that trusting in God to work things together for good requires us to know a couple of things: (1) who God is and (2) what makes us apt to trust Him when things don’t seem to be working out for “good”?

I am looking forward to getting into this passage with you all this Sunday!

See you soon!
Jason

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:26-28

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What's the best trade you ever made?

Maybe it's not Jack and the Beanstalk level, but most of us can remember coming out on the better side of a trade at some point.

At the core of a good trade is the recognition that you are giving up something less than that which you're receiving.

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about Romans 8:18-25. It's a passage about a trade - giving up something less weighty for something more weighty.

To our surprise, though, the "less weighty" thing is our experiences of suffering in this life. What could possibly be a good trade for suffering? Let's talk about it this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:18-25

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This week at Grace, we're talking about what it means to be adopted by God. For the great Anglican theologian, J.I. Packer (who led the translation of the ESV Bible we use in worship most Sundays), the doctrine of adoption is a mirror to our understanding of the gospel of Jesus:

If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all... Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption.”

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul describes the way that the Spirit speaks to us of our adoption as heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ. It is a truly mind-boggling passage, and one worth reflecting on often.

Looking forward to listening to God's Word with you this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:12-17

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Have you ever heard someone ask this question: "What kind of Christian are you?"

Sometimes they mean what denomination or type of church you attend. Other times they want to know how significant your faith is to you, and whether you are observant or merely culturally a Christian.

The truth is, the Bible doesn't make this sort of distinction. This week at Grace, we'll be in Romans 8:5-11. It describes two ways to live - in the flesh or in the Spirit.

I hope that this passage will help you to understand how to live your life in a distinctively Christian way.

Looking forward to seeing you at Grace this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:5-11

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The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is memorable because of the reckless living of the younger son and the obstinate nature of the older son, but especially because of the lavish love of the father.

If there’s no condemnation for us because of Christ - like we heard from Romans 8 last week - what then is left for us?

Love.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Tim

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Luke 15:1-32

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This week at Grace, we're continuing through Romans 7, looking at one of the most personal sections Paul ever wrote: Why do I do the things I don't want to do and don't the things I do want to do? Why is it so hard to be consistent about doing what is good?

Why talk about this passage on Mother's Day? (Besides that it's "next" in our series). Mothers experience the truth of this passage in spades - they experience it when their children struggle to do the right thing, as well as their own growth in Christ.

There's no one who needs a more accurate, biblical, and robust theology of human nature than moms. Without it, we end up pretending, shaming, or living wracked with guilt.

I'm hopeful that this Mother's Day passage of Scripture will help us see ourselves and others from a gracious and biblical frame of mind, so that we can move toward Christ together.

See you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Romans 7:13-25

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Why is sin so hard to stop?

If we know the right thing to do, why is it so hard to do it? And if we know the wrong thing, and agree that it's wrong, why is it so hard to stop doing it?

If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you've probably struggled with this question. Didn't you think you'd be further along by now? I know I did.

Over the next two weeks at Grace, we're going to cover Romans 7, which addresses this question. This week, we'll look at Romans 7:1-12, which addresses the good and bad that come from the law itself.

I'm really looking forward to the way that this chapter of Scripture could give us a different paradigm to understand sin, growth, and our hope for the future.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.

4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Romans 7:1-12

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Baptism Sunday!

I hope you’re able to join us this Sunday. It’s a special day as we’ll be baptizing 13 people throughout our morning services. Baptism is a powerful and meaningful picture of what Jesus has done for us through faith. As we heard in Pastor Bob’s message last week:

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:4-5).

We can think of this Sunday as sort of a ‘Show and Tell’ of the gospel. Baptism shows what Jesus has done and the sermon tells what Jesus has done. Speaking of the sermon, keep reading.

Romans 6
This Sunday we’ll continue our series in Paul’s letter to the Romans as we work our way through Romans 6:15-23 (see below).

This passage uses some strong language to communicate our relationship to sin and death, but also our relationship with righteousness and God.

Sometime before Sunday, I’d encourage you to read and reflect on Paul’s words - what does he say about life before grace and life after grace?

The change is staggering. I hope this Sunday will encourage us to even more staggering-ness!

15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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Tell me about your baptism.

For many of us, our mind turns to the day we went under the water. After all, baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime memory of our Christian life. We might remember where we were, who was with us, or what we felt.

It's good to have such strong emotions tied to baptism. But do you think you could describe what happened in your baptism? Why did you go under the water? Why come back out? What does the action of baptism symbolize and what does it have to do with your life now?

That's the theme of Romans 6:1-14. It's the longest and most complete theological reflection on baptism in all of Paul's letters, and it's deeply relevant for our lives today.

Looking forward to opening it with you this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. If you are considering taking the step of being baptized in the worship services on April 28th, please come to the church library this Sunday at 9:30 AM to participate in the orientation class with Pastors Tim and Jason.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 6:1-14

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Why do I care what happens with my favorite sports teams?

Especially with the professional teams (Dodgers, Lakers, Sharks, and 49ers, if you're curious) - the players are mercenaries from around the world who are just putting on a uniform for a paycheck. It defies reason why I would feel proud when they win or grumpy when they lose.

But I do.

(Maybe too much, if I'm honest).

At the core of sports fandom (at least for me) is an identification with the teams we cheer for. We put on the hats, the shirts, and the jerseys, and label ourselves with the heroes on the field. This representation is artificial, contrived, and voluntary. And yet it holds tremendous meaning for many of us.

(And it's not just sports fans - why do you pull for the romantic leads to get together in a movie or the hero to save the day in a favorite show?)

It points to something deeply true about all of us: we are represented by another. Not just in sports or movies, but in spiritually significant ways.

This week at Grace, we're continuing through Romans 5, look at verses 12-21. This compact and profound passage is going to make the case that these representations have eternal significance for all of us, and we all have a decision to make about whose side we are on. By nature we are all represented by Adam. And, if we choose to follow him, we are represented by Christ.

Looking forward to talking about it with you this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:12-21

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This week I read about a painting from the Dutch Artist, Rembrandt entitled The Raising of the Cross. In reflection of Holy Week there was something beautiful, sad, and beautiful [again] about this image.

In the image you see Jesus being raised on the cross, and there’s no shortage of paintings like these as many artists have responded and painted powerful depictions of the Passion of the Christ. Rembrandt’s work was different in that he had painted himself into the work of art.

If you take a look at the image, the man at the feet of Jesus, with the blue beret is said to be Rembrandt himself participating in the crucifixion of Jesus.

The work of art in and of itself is beautiful.

The work of art is sad because it communicates a truth that, though this happened many years ago… still Jesus died for OUR sins (something Rembrandt seemed to have understood).

The work of art is beautiful in that, while we were still sinners… Christ died for us. He not only paid for the penalty of our sins… but he did so willingly (John 10:17-18).

O how He loves you and me!

This Sunday we are going to be taking a look at Romans 5:6-11 and swim around in this concept of God’s great love for us!

Hope to see you there!
Jason Ricafranca

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:6-11

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"He is Risen!"

"He is Risen Indeed!"

This call and response has marked Easter worship for as long as I can remember, and rightly so. It's a declaration of the wonder of the resurrection.

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the implications of that resurrection for us today. We're going to stay in our Romans series, looking at Romans 5:1-5. While it doesn't include the resurrection story explicitly, it does explain the resurrection's implications for us today - how faith in the resurrection of Jesus brings peace with God, establishes our standing before God, and causes us to reconsider the meaning of suffering.

Looking forward to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

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One of the rallying cries of the Reformation was, "Justification by Faith Alone!"

And for the past 500 years, those of us who trace our theological heritage to the Reformers have internalized the importance of those words.

But why does justification by faith alone matter so much? What problems does it solve?

This week at Grace, we're going to look at Romans 4:13-25, a passage that helps us think about what it means to be justified by grace through faith. That is, what sort of faith does God want from us? How is it demonstrated? And what should we do if we feel like our faith is lacking?

Let's talk about it Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

- Romans 4:13-25

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When I was in Bible College, a long time ago, a friend of mine recited a little ditty about the difference between works and faith. I’ve never forgotten it.

Here it is:

Work, work, the Law demands
But gives us neither feet nor hands
A sweeter sound the gospel brings
It bids us fly, and gives us wings

Read through Romans 4:1-12 before Sunday and come ready to hear the difference between what we can do and what God has done.

Blessings,
Tim

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Romans 4:1-12

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This week's passage from Romans 3 changed the world.

No, I'm not kidding.

Martin Luther called it the center of the book of Romans and the center of the whole of the Bible.

Leon Morris said it was quite possibly the most important paragraph ever written.

So, why is it such a big deal? Because it defines the benefits of the gospel for us, and shows how Christ's death on the cross frees us from needing to earn our way to God.

In the process, it turns many of our assumptions and insecurities on their heads, and leads us to a path of freedom and joy.

I can't wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Romans 3:21-31

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"What good is religion?"

That question sounds like it should come from some combative atheist, eager to prove faith worthless.

But it's actually the question on the lips of the apostle Paul. What good is the law? What good is being moral? What is the point of all of this?

This week at Grace, we're talking about Romans 3:1-20, where Paul makes the case that religion is not inherently valuable or worthless, but is meant to point us to something beyond itself. It's a culmination of the case that Paul has been making so far, that religious activity is not the thing that we need to solve our deepest problems. For that, we need the gospel of Jesus.

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,

“That you may be justified in your words,
and prevail when you are judged.”

But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:1-20

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What are some of the things that you're proud of?

Maybe it's an outfit you look good in, your nationality, a collection you have, your kids or grandkids, or a sports team you root for.

Have you ever met someone who took pride in the wrong things? Sometimes it can be embarrassing or silly (like a grown man with a My Little Pony collection), but other times it's more sinister or destructive (like the "White Pride" of the KKK).

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the hazards that come from taking pride in the wrong things spiritually. In Romans 2:12-29, Paul warns the Jewish Christians about the temptations of taking pride in the law, at the expense of the other nations of the world and their own need for the gospel.

This temptation is still there for us, especially for those of us who are more committed to our faith. Religious superiority and judgmentalism is a relentless source of pride, and can destroy our relationship with God and other people.

Let's talk about how to recognize it and choose a better path together this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:12-29

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Have you ever sat through a sermon and heard a really good point that made you think about a certain friend who could use that advice?

I remember growing up in the church and every once and a while the pastor would preach on a message that my parents REALLY wanted me to hear. Any time the messages spoke about: honoring your father and mother OR doing everything without complaining or arguing…

I could count on my mom or my dad nudging me in the pews… or my favorite reaction was my mom leaning in my periphery to lock eye contact with me to make sure I was listening!

It seems silly to think about it these days, but how awkward would it be if the message transitioned to a topic like the sinfulness of humanity and I nudged my parents back?

Well, I know my parents would not appreciate that… but this is what we’re going to be getting into this weekend. Romans 1 focuses on the Gentiles and their blatant ungodly and unrighteousness. It was easy for the Jews in the community, those who had been familiar with moral and religious traditions to look down on those whose sins were perhaps more glaring or obvious than their own.

And get this… whether blatantly flagrant or not… God’s wrath still falls on our sinfulness. This is heavy and difficult topic to process and I hope that you’re present this Sunday as we dive more into the text of Romans chapter 2:1-11!

Hope to see you there!
Jason Ricafranca

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.

Romans 2:1-11

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In the past few months, as I've mentioned to people in our church that we were teaching through Romans, one of the comments I've heard repeatedly is, "Wow, so what are you going to say about the end of chapter 1?"

Well, it's here.

Romans 1:26-27 is the longest and clearest statement about same-sex sexual behavior in the New Testament. It's hotly debated online, each word parsed and phrase disputed in light of the current cultural obsession with issues of sexual morality.

While I'm not eager to jump into the fray in the online debates, I do have a burden to help you navigate this as a Christian today. For many in our church, this is a deeply personal and emotional topic, tied to their own sexuality or that of someone they love. And for all of us in this culture, it is something that we are forced to reckon with and determine our own convictions.

Let's approach this Sunday with a high regard for God's Word, a deep humility about our own flawed motivations, and a commitment to Christian charity toward one another.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Romans 1:24-32

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There was a survey that came out this week from Pew Research that found that 28% of Americans describe themselves as "Nones" when it comes to religion. (This includes both Atheists/Agnostics and the larger sub-group, "Nothing in Particular").

This isn't news to you, I'm sure.

But is it true? Are there really people who have no faith at all? The Bible pushes back on this idea. While people might not identify with a certain group of people of faith, we are all worshiping creatures who make something ultimate in our lives. Romans 1:18-23 goes even further, saying that all people in all places have an innate sense of God's reality.

These are strong claims. And I'm sure that some of my agnostic friends would push back on the idea that they are suppressing anything. So I'm eager for you to examine this passage of Scripture closely for yourself, and carefully consider what it tells us about God, human nature, and our world today.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Romans 1:18-23

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It is a popular thing in our culture today to claim that we are "boldly unashamed." Whether about moral actions, political allegiances, body image, or many other categories, we have made being "unashamed" a virtue.

Behind this declaration of culture is a self-created independence - no one has the right to tell me what to do, who to support, what to look like, or any other category.

But the Biblical reason for being unashamed is so much deeper, broader, and more lasting. As we'll see this week in Romans 1:16, Paul was unashamed of the gospel, and we can join him in this confidence.

Looking forward to seeing you at Grace on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:8-17

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This week at Grace, we're starting our (almost) year-long study of the book of Romans.

It's hard to overstate the importance of this letter in Christian history - it's the book that Augustine credited with for his conversion, it's what sparked Luther toward the Reformation, and for many of us it's how we think about the gospel (think of the "Romans Road" with such salvation-descriptive verses as 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, and 10:9).

But don't mistake this importance and familiarity for simplicity. There's much in Romans that we all still need to learn and grow from.

I'm eager to start working through this epistle with you all this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:1-7

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Through the Parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is, in essence, asking an expert in the Jewish law what the Bee Gees have been asking since 1977 – “How deep is your love?”

To find out how he answers, as well as considering your own response, join us on Sunday.

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)See you soon,
Pastor Tim

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Rollover minutes. Aren’t they great? Whatever minutes on your cell phone plan you didn’t use last month, you get to carry into the next.

You know what’s not great to carry over from one month to the next? Or, considering when we are, one year to the next? Worry.

Who wants to rollover their worry? To keep accruing it, to bank it, to have it stick around so that you always have enough?

Answer: no one!

Then why do we do that? Why do we worry, and worry, and worry some more?

The truth is, there are good reasons to worry. But, more importantly, there are better reasons to not worry.

Come Sunday and hear Jesus (in Luke 12:22-34) tell us why this is so.

See you soon,
Pastor Tim

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

- Luke 12:22-34

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This week at Grace, we're finishing the Gospel of Mark after 57 weeks.

But Mark ends on an odd note - with a passage that is disputed about whether it was originally there or not. What we know as "Mark 16:9-20" seems to have been added sometime after the original book of Mark was written, with an unknown editor borrowing some verses from the other gospels to "improve" Mark's ending.

So, why listen to a sermon on something that isn't truly biblical? Because it gives us a chance to address some commonly misunderstood issues of the Bible: where it came from, how we got the Bible that is in our hands, and why we can have confidence in the Scriptures.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

[Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9–20.]

9 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]

- Mark 16:9-20

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This week at Grace, we're celebrating Christmas!

All year we've been in the gospel of Mark, the only one of the four gospels that does not begin with a passage about Jesus' pre-incarnate existence, conception, or birth. But that doesn't mean that there's nothing in Mark about Christmas.

Listen to what Jesus says about why he came:
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

So, why did Jesus come? Why does Christmas matter? What's the point of this festive holiday season? It's right there in Mark: to give his life as a ransom for many.

I hope you'll join us this Christmas Eve as we talk about why Christmas matters so much.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

- Mark 10:42-45

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As Andy Williams sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And it is, isn’t it? For many, myself included, the Christmas season is the best of all seasons. The lights. The sounds. The smells. It’s cold enough in California to have a fire, but not so cold that you need Long Johns (a.k.a. thermals). For these reasons, and more, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

But Easter is pretty darn hard to beat, right? I mean, the birth of Jesus is miraculous and awe-inspiring, but the death and resurrection of Jesus is the high point on the Christian calendar. In John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, we read: “Anyone can be sentimental about the Nativity; any fool can feel like a Christian at Christmas. But Easter is the main event; if you don’t believe in the resurrection, you’re not a believer.”

Easter…Christmas…Easter…Christmas. So difficult to choose between the two. They both are needed. And both have so much to commend themselves as the “most wonderful time of the year.” What are we to do?

How about an Easter message during the Christmas season? Done. Come this Sunday (the 3 rd Sunday of Advent) to hear about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

- Mark 16:1-8

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There is something about being in the room with someone when they die that sticks with you.

What would it have been like to see Jesus die in person? How would that experience have changed you?

Mark's gospel began with the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God (Mark 1:1), and comes full circle with the confession of the centurion, "Truly this man was the son of God."

This week at Grace, we're going to hear the story of Jesus' death and burial from the perspective of the centurion who was there, who saw Jesus' death and three days later would be a witness (directly or not, we don't know) of Jesus' resurrection.

In John's account of the death of Jesus, right after describing the soldier piercing Jesus' side, John includes an aside, "He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe." (John 19:35) It seems that this anonymous centurion came to faith in Christ as a result of seeing his death for us.

May we come to a similar faith ourselves.
Pastor Bob

33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

- Mark 15:33-47

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Do you enjoy watching reality tv shows?

Perhaps one of the reasons why I find myself fixated on clips from reality tv is that every once and a while you see an instance where someone’s having a meltdown, or things just go horribly wrong… and I can’t help but feel tremendous encouragement thinking to myself… “at least I don’t have it as bad as this person!”

There’s a temptation to read through the final days of Jesus’ life in the book of Mark and think to ourselves… “Judas… what a horrible guy!” or “Look at these Pharisees and Jewish leaders who are so objectively unfair to Jesus… what a bunch of bozos!”

Maybe the temptation is to read through passages like Mark 14 and 15 and think to ourselves, “I would never do that to Jesus.”

This weekend we are going to take a deeper look into the suffering of Christ and my prayer is that we can humbly approach such a weighty passage and consider: In what ways are our sins connected to Christ and this historical event of the crucifixion?

Furthermore, my hope is that we can look to Jesus as the silent and sacrificial lamb who goes willingly to death so that you and I can experience a gift of love that is emphatically unmatched by any experience we’ve ever had!

Looking forward to starting off this final month of 2023 with you all!

Blessings!
Jason

16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

- Mark 15:16-32

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On the morning of September 11th, 2001, Security Officer Rick Rescorla was on the 44th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When the North Tower was struck, Rick sprang into action, calmly guiding over 2,500 people to safety.

Rick's building was suddenly hit, but his determination held firm. Unwavering, he continued assisting others in the evacuation. When a colleague urged him to leave like everyone else, Rick responded with heroic resolve: "As soon as I make sure everyone else is out." Rick gave his life that dark day, sacrificing himself for the well-being of many others.

This week at Grace, we'll reflect on Mark 15:1-15, a passage that recounts the break of an even darker day in human history. It's a day when another hero substituted his life for a man named Barabbas, along with many others.

I'm eager to be reminded of the Gospel together.

Pastor Chris

And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Mark 15:1-15

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"But that's not FAIR!"

From our childhoods, there's something in each of us that demands and expects justice. When we suspect that we might be the victims of injustice, something wells up in us to object. Sometimes that's confined to childish complaints about siblings receiving dessert when we didn't. More importantly, it's also a common and understandable reaction to being denied human rights by others.

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about how Jesus responded when he was a victim of injustice. If you'd like to read the passage before you come, it's in Mark 14:53-65. Jesus' response is only amazing, it sets the terms for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and shows us what it means for us to follow him today.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Mark 14:53-65

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As we head into the cold/flu/COVID season, let me ask you something: what are you like when you get sick?

More than I'd like to admit when I get sick physically, it also involves me getting grumpy relationally. My wife can tell I'm sick not just from my physical symptoms (runny nose, hoarse voice, etc), but also from my social symptoms (complaining, whining, and general fussiness).

If this sort of minor physical discomfort impacts me so much relationally, what would I be like with God and people if I endured monumental suffering?

This week at Grace, we're continuing our march toward the cross in Mark 14 with Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Waiting for Judas' betrayal brings Jesus tremendous anguish, but instead of lashing out or turning inward, he moves toward God in prayer and his friends in community.

Let's talk this Sunday about what we can learn from Jesus' example and why we benefit from his suffering at all.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.

51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

- Mark 14:32-52

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"I would never do THAT."

"I can't believe she crossed THAT line."

"He didn't think he'd get away with THAT, did he?"

Have you ever said something like that?

I imagine you have. I have. And in some ways, it's a good thing to say - we all need to have red lines we won't cross and moral standards to live by.

But the truth is that we're all more capable of crossing those red lines than we'd like to admit.

Last week, Pastor Tim took us through the portion of Mark 14 where Judas' betrayal of Jesus comes to light. This week, we look at the sequel, where the rest of the disciples hear about how they will abandon Jesus, too.

This passage is so important for us to reflect on because it shows that abandonment was not a problem just for the few "Judas" out there, but for all of us.

For Peter, this mirror to his own fickleness is too much to handle. "Never!" he declares. Yet anyone who knows the gospel story knows that Peter is protesting something that will be all too true, all too soon.

What about you?

Do you ever claim a moral high ground compared to others, assuming you would never sink to their level? How does this passage of Scripture challenge that attitude, correct it, and point us to our Savior?

Let's talk about it together on Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

- Mark 14:26-31

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Do you remember that mid-90s family drama called Party of Five?

It was about 5 siblings (ranging in age from toddler to 20-something) who lost their parents tragically and were on their own. Their party of 7 became a party of 5. It’s not a super compelling connection but in our story (Mark 14:12-25) we have a party of 13 which, as the story unfolds, will become a party of 12, then a party of 11, then a party of 1. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read Mark chapters 14 and 15.

Though none go with him, still he will follow!

Let’s meet together this Sunday and, corporately, be in awe of the one who “loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

See you Sunday,
Tim

12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

- Mark 14:12-25

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When I was twelve years old, one of my best friends died from cancer. It was one of the defining moments of my childhood.

Eliott had leukemia for most of our sixth-grade year, cycling through the ups and downs that came with treatment. When he had the energy for visitors, I'd go over to his home to play video games.

At the time, I was too young and immature to fully grasp the gravity of his situation and too often came home wondering why he had the latest and greatest toys.

The answer, of course, was that he was battling a life-threatening disease, and those who are facing death often receive special care and comforts.

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the only special treatment Jesus received leading up to his death and the fools who missed the beauty of the moment.

As we talk about this memorable passage from Mark 14, I hope that we all will see the goodness of honoring Jesus in the face of his death for us. And as we do that, we will take our eyes off ourselves and see the gift that he offers us today.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:1-11

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This week at Grace we're wrapping up our series-within-a-series from Mark 13. In these four weeks, we've reflected on why Jesus uses prophecy (both of the destruction of the temple and of his return) to help the disciples (then and now) stand strong in their faith.

In this final week, we'll spend most of the time focused on how this might play out in your life, and wrestle with the questions, doubts, and temptations that come from waiting for Jesus.

Looking forward to seeing you at Grace this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

- Mark 13:28-37

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What do you think would happen to you if you spent a lot of time and effort reflecting on the return of Jesus?

For some of us, the answer to that question might not be very flattering. We can think of people in our life who spend a lot of time on prophecy charts, prediction websites, and social media posts, but the result is not becoming more like Jesus at all. Instead, they're cold to the suffering of others, numb to the problems of the world, and judgmental of other Christians who don't share their views.

So, if you've been around American Christianity for the past few decades, the topic of Jesus' return might elicit some feelings in you, and some of you might not be so keen on talking about it.

But throughout the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to reflect on Jesus' return and encourage one another with it. So let's do that together this Sunday at Grace.

This week at Grace we're continuing through Mark 13. For the first two weeks in this series, we've been looking at Jesus' prophecy that the temple would be destroyed within one generation (which it was).

But in v. 24 Jesus' time horizon changes. He goes from speaking about the destruction of the temple to his (still future) return in power. As we look at this short passage in v. 24-27, we're going to reflect on what it means to live with faith in Christ now and forever.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27

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You probably remember, at some point in your education, the mention of The 5 Ws. Or, perhaps, the 5Ws + 1 H. When seeking to better understand something whether a story or an event (or a biblical passage) it’s helpful to ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

Using these questions, read Mark 13:14-23 (and what comes before and after in chapter 13, as needed) and see what sort of progress you can make before we do more of the same, together, on Sunday.

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

Until then,
Pastor Tim

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

- Mark 13:14-23

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This week at Grace, we're starting four weeks in Mark 13, one of the most debated and controversial chapters in the gospels. In it (and the parallel versions in Matthew 24 and Luke 21), Jesus warns the disciples about the coming destruction of the temple and their need to persevere in their faith even in difficult times.

So, what's so controversial about that?

While the chapter begins talking about the temple, by the end Jesus is describing his return in victory. The debate is over when he switches from talking about what would occur in our past (their future) to what has yet to come for all of us.

Confused yet?

I get that anything that sounds like eschatology raises concerns for some Christians. They remember (either fondly or not) a previous era of American Christianity when eschatology was a primary discussion point in sermons and Bible studies.

But I hope that as we look at Jesus' words together over these next few weeks we'll see his heart, his wisdom, and his goodness to all of us.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

- Mark 13:1-13

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We're going to the beach!

This week at Grace, we're having one worship service at 10 am at Eisenhower Park, the bluff overlooking the ocean in Seal Beach. It's a block from our church building, so you can just walk down 8th street and find us set up out there. We'll have a chair for you, so just bring yourself and your Bible, and you'll be ready to go.

The outdoor worship service will be a full Sunday liturgy, including singing, praying, and a sermon. We're continuing our Mark series this week with the "Greatest Commandment" (Mark 12:28-34), where Jesus defines our relationship with God's law. I'm grateful it lined up for us to do this during a baptism Sunday, because this passage beautifully describes the good life Jesus saves his followers into.

See you Sunday at the beach!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:28-34

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Peacocking
noun

/ˈpiː.kɒk.ɪŋ/ behavior by men that shows they are very proud of their appearance, for example wearing clothes that make people notice them: Peacocking is something men do to highlight their strong points and stand out from their competition.

When you consider the focus on outward appearance and attention-grabbing in the above definition (The Cambridge Dictionary), it seems to fit our passage pretty well.

The Scribes were all about the show:

“Look at me”
“Laud me”
“Note my status”

Do you who’s not impressed? Jesus!

He directs his disciples’ attention away from the self-righteous and onto the truly righteous.

To hear more, join us this Sunday!
- Pastor Tim

38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

- Mark 12:38-44

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Have you ever had someone mock your faith?

There are a number of ways mockery can happen, but one of the ones I find most condescending is the "know-it-all" who smugly says, "Haven't you ever thought about THIS problem?" (as if they're the first person to ever notice dinosaurs aren't in the Bible, or that the Old Testament is very different from the New Testament, or whatever).

This week at Grace, we're going to see how Jesus responded to mockers in his day. This passage in Mark 12:18-27 has everything: discussion of heaven, marriage, and understanding what the Bible says to us today.

Looking forward to opening it up with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”

Mark 12:18-27

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What do you owe to the government? What is your patriotic duty? And does it change based on what country you live in, the quality of the government, or whether you are a Christian or not?

These questions are all behind our passage this week from Mark 12:13-17, when Jesus tells his listeners to "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

This week at Grace, we'll look at the cultural background behind Jesus' provocative words, the context in which he spoke them, and how to apply them to our lives today.

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.

- Mark 12:13-17

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We live in a generation that is obsessed with authenticity and self-actualization. Phrases like "Be yourself," "Live out loud," and "Live my truth," are ubiquitous in advertising, social media, and popular culture.

As a Christian, I often shrug my shoulders at such banal phrases. After all, there's nothing inherently wrong with "being myself" (depending on what the bumper sticker has in mind). But it is worth wondering what these phrases have in common, and what they are trying to avoid. Usually, what these phrases are deeply concerned about is the idea that we might be suppressing desires, dreams, or goals we have in favor of what others might expect of us.

What does the Bible say about that idea?

This week at Grace, we're going to talk about Mark 12:1-12, the parable of the wicked tenants. In this passage, Jesus confronts the timeless tendency of people to act as if they are in charge of the world instead of God. Rather than suppressing their desire for autonomy and profit, the characters in Jesus' parable attempt to suppress the reality of the landowner's justice.

I hope that as we talk about the choices we each make around where we put our passion, action, and priorities in life, we will benefit and learn from Jesus' words this week.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
11 this was the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

Mark 12:1-12

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Do you remember these bumper stickers? When I’d pull up behind someone and see this, I’d start asking questions. Questions like…

Who’s authority?
All authority?
Just bad authority?
The authority of people over 30?
Whose authority, exactly, are we talking about?

“Be more specific with your bumper stickers!” I’d yell in my head and maybe out loud.

Authority is a tricky thing because it’s power, it’s influence, and that can be used for good or for harm. In the gospels we see examples of both.

Thankfully, the one who wields the most authority is Jesus. And he uses it to heal, not to harm.

Hope to see you Sunday when we’ll continue our study of Mark (11:27-33).

Pastor Tim

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Mark 11:27-33

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One of the biggest objections I hear from people in our culture to church is the hypocrisy of religious leaders. The abuse crises of the last twenty years have shaken the faith of many to their core.

Where is Jesus in the midst of such terrible abuses of power?

This week at Grace, we continue our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Jesus' attack on hypocrisy. Mark 11:12-25 is the account of Jesus' rejection of outward piety that lacks any sort of fruitfulness at the core. It includes a living parable, where Jesus curses the fig tree, as well as cleansing of the temple courts.

I hope that seeing Jesus' anger at the abuse of power, hypocrisy, and fruitlessness of the leaders of his day is helpful for people in our community. But I also hope that it raises some self-reflective questions for all of us, such as why hypocrisy so quickly takes root in our hearts, what Jesus' anger tells us about what should or could be, and the hope that Christ himself offers.

Looking forward to talking about the goodness of Jesus together this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. Also, this Sunday at Grace we'll have one of our ministry partners who serves in a sensitive country joining us for an update in the worship services. If you're watching online, you might see the live-feed look a little weird during this part of the service. It's designed to help protect their anonymity for safety reasons.

12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:12-25

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This week at Grace, we get to talk through Jesus's encounter with a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. It's an account I've come to love over the years, and I hope you will too.

Ghost Ship's song "Son of David" recounts this gospel account from Bartimaeus's perspective. It's a song that has been important to me for a decade. Take a listen here to prepare your heart for Sunday's message. The lyrics are also below if you prefer to read them.

"Son of David" Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes
A King is coming
To His city and crowds around are following
If I could see, I would follow, too

[Verse 2]
He heals the sick with His hands
As He walks by, they reach for Him
If I could see, I would reach out, too

[Pre-Chorus]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes

[Chorus]
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, I want to see
Son of David, have mercy

[Verse 3]
I cannot leave this gate
Since I cannot see my way
But I can stand and call His name
No, I could never leave this gate
But I will stand and shout His name
And I will count on His grace

[Bridge]
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me

See you Sunday!

-Pastor Chris

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Mark 10:46-52

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When the Apostle Paul and his team arrived at Thessalonica the complaint was made against them, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also" (Acts 17:6).

In reality, the Gospel message Paul taught didn't turn the world upside down. It turned the world right-side up! Jesus' message is powerful indeed.

As we'll see this Sunday from Mark 10:32-45, Jesus presented a view about leadership contrary to the model often seen in the world. You don't get ahead by lording it over others, by climbing over others to get to the top, by getting people to depend on you as their "benefactor." No, to get ahead in God's kingdom you become a servant to others. Just like Jesus did.

I'm looking forward to teaching on Mark 10:32-45 and I hope you will read it in advance and look forward to learning what Jesus taught and demonstrated about true leadership. Together we can be more Christ-like by seeking to serve others rather than seeking to be served.

Pastor Don

32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a] 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:32-45

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Do you think you're wealthy?

While I've always had a roof over my head and food on the table, I've never seen myself as "rich." Living in southern California, especially, consistently exposes me to people who have more than I do (sometimes a lot more than I do). I imagine you have the same experience, too.

When we have the frame that the rich are "those people" (whoever has more than we do), it breeds a whole host of vices: jealousy, ridicule, and abdicating our responsibilities.

This week at Grace, we're in Mark 10:17-31, the passage of the rich young ruler. This man begins by asking a good question about salvation, but balks at Jesus' answer: give up your great wealth and follow him.

Do you see the tension of this passage for your life? What would you do if you were him? What do you do about it now?

Let's talk about it this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. We're also going to hear from one of our Compassion Partners, World Relief - Southern California. Feel free to poke around their website before Sunday and get a feel for their ministry.

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Mark 10:17-31

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For the last five days, our church campus has been happily overrun by 80+ kids who are singing, playing, and (most importantly) learning about Jesus.

Yep, it's VBS week!

This Sunday, our Gospel of Mark series brings us to Jesus' exhortation to the disciples to let the children come to him (Mark 10:13-16). The providential timing certainly is an encouragement to the seventy volunteers who poured out their energy this week to help kids learn about Jesus.

But there's more to this passage than just, "Be nice to kids and tell them about Jesus." Jesus's words are a challenge to all of us about who we include and exclude, as well as our own posture before Him.

Looking forward to opening God's Word with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

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Last week, I had a conversation via text with an old friend from a previous ministry. Surprisingly, we discovered that we would both preach sermons this coming Sunday. When I told him I was preaching on divorce, he replied, "Why on earth would you do that?!?"

"The hazards of preaching sequentially through a book of the Bible," I quipped.

I'll admit that divorce can be an uncomfortable and painful topic to address. But preaching on the words of our Lord isn't hazardous at all. Jesus's words are life-giving and infinitely wise. They're of inestimable worth and should be considered and cherished by all who follow Him. So, I'm glad to think it through together with you!

With that said, I believe that Mark 10:1-12 is primarily about marriage, and Jesus takes us back to God's original design when He created marriage. Will we deal with divorce and other issues surrounding marriage in a fallen world? Yes. But, I hope we will come away from Sunday agreeing with Hebrews 13:4 that "marriage should be honored by all."

Looking forward to sharing with you this week at Grace,

-Pastor Chris

P.S. Since this week deals with more sensitive topics, we encourage you to use your discernment in bringing your children to this service.

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.

2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Mark 10:1-12

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This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on Mark 9 with a sobering passage: it is better to lose your hand, foot or eye than to have your whole person cast into hell.

Not exactly my first choice of a passage for Father's Day.

Thinking about sin and judgement isn't something we find immediately comforting. But wrestling with the truth of our sin and God's wrath forces us to recognize what is sacred, the significance of our choices, and ultimately our need for a savior.

The alternative to passages like this is to live in triviality - fooling about with petty grievances and distracting ourselves with escapist activities.

I hope this year on Father's Day we'll have a chance to celebrate men in our lives who have given us the gift of a life set apart for God, zealous for Him, and committed to loving their neighbors well.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

- Mark 9:42-50

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What are some of the ways the people around you define a great life?

Is it professional success?
Financial independence to do what you want, when you want?
People speaking well of you?
Commanding the attention of people through your beauty, wit, or insights?

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in Mark 9, looking at Jesus' definition of a great life. Not surprisingly, it's very different from the world's definitions above.

Let's talk about it together this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

Mark 9:30-41

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Who needs Jesus' help?

This week's message is going to look at a passage from Mark 9 where Jesus is confronted by a desperate father whose son is in obvious need of saving from a demon. It's a tragic and frightening picture of the oppression that can occur from demons. We'll talk about some of the questions this raises for us today, and how we can understand this passage in light of the cross.

But it turns out the son isn’t the only one who needs help.

As events unfold, it turns out the father's faith needs strengthening ("I believe. Help my unbelief!" is his famous prayer). The crowd's fickleness needs correction. And the disciples' self-reliance requires reorientation.

Let's reflect on this passage together and think about some of the many, beautiful ways that Jesus saves us.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Mark 9:14-29

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[Disclaimer: I’m pretty sure the following story is true. I Googled it and, as you know, the internet is rarely misleading]

For the 2000 BIOLA commencement speech Christian author, Josh McDowell got up, said one sentence 3 times, and then sat down.

In the spirit of short communications: “Read Mark 9: Shine, Jesus, Shine.”

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Mark 9:2-13

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Theologian, pastor, and writer Dr. Timothy Keller went to be with the Lord today after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

While I only met him once in person, there are few people I've spent more time with when I add up all the hours I've spent reading his books and articles as well as listening to his sermons and interviews. My early sermons at Grace were de facto impressions of Keller, and I can still feel myself slip in expressions and figures of speech that come from him when I'm speaking.

Like most pastors, Keller used some expressions often to remind us of what is most important. One of his go-to ones was, "If the resurrection is true, then everything’s going to be alright." On the day of Keller's earthly death, reflecting on our shared hope of resurrection brings me joy.

This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 8:22-30, the pivot point in the book of Mark. The whole book up to this point has been asking the question, "Who is Jesus?" Characters in Mark see parts of who he is, defer to him in some ways, but no one has fully "seen" Jesus yet.

So, when this passage starts with Jesus restoring sight to a blind man in two parts, a parable about seeing but not seeing, we're meant to understand that this miracle is about more than just one man's physical sight. It's about whether anyone will accurately see who Jesus is. That's why the next paragraph is so important: Peter's great confession of faith, "You are the Christ." Yet even that confession is followed by Peter's failure to accept Jesus' path to the cross.

Without the resurrection, the idea of a suffering servant wouldn't make yet. But if Jesus could really rise from the dead, then everything would be alright.

This is our hope.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. I've written a brief article here with links to some of Keller's materials that you might find helpful.

22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.

Mark 8:22-30

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"Bobby, did you put on your sunscreen?"

(Yes, I was Bobby to my family growing up. It's still what my sisters call me.)

As a pale, redheaded kid growing up in California, I heard that sentence from my mother a thousand times growing up. And I needed the reminding, too, since I almost never had put it on before my mom asked.

I'm sure my mom didn't love needing to remind me over and over to put on my sunscreen (or put away the dishes, or do my homework, or...) One of the many reasons to celebrate moms this Mother's Day is their dogged persistence in so many ways: teaching us over and over to choose the good, to recognize beauty, and to be mindful of hazards.

This week at Grace, we're going to look at a story of a mother's persistence toward Jesus for the sake of her daughter. This mom shows us what faith looks like in action, and how Jesus responds to faith from an unlikely place.

Looking forward to growing in persistent faith with you all!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. While Mother's Day is not a distinctively Christian holiday, we will be spending a couple of minutes in the worship service watching a video the Grace Kids have put together in honor of their moms and we'll have some gifts available on the patio from the Women's Ministry. I know that Mother's Day worship services can bring out a range of emotions based on the different lived experiences we have. My hope is that Sunday's worship service will be a help for you in following Jesus regardless of what joys, regrets, longings, or losses we carry with us.

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Fear of Missing Out, commonly known as FOMO, is a feeling we've all experienced at some point in our lives. Have you ever declined an invitation to a party or event, only to later see photos of your friends having an amazing time without you? I have, and I'll admit it's tough. But what about missing out on something much more significant?

This Sunday, I hope we can develop a healthy fear of missing out - the fear of missing out on Jesus Himself. As I've reflected on our passage (Mark 8:1-21), I can't help but wonder: where am I blind to His work in my life and in the world? Where am I not hearing Him as clearly as I could be? Join me as we seek to hear and see Christ more clearly together.

I can't wait to see you this week at Grace!

-Pastor Chris

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

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"He should be ashamed of himself!"

"It's a shame it's come to this."

"I have nothing to be ashamed of!"

"Shame on you!"

This week at Grace we're going to look at Jesus' view of shame. In Mark 7, Jesus challenges and transforms what his contemporary saw as the reasons for shame.

This passage includes some cultural differences from our generation but I'm sure that you'll see the issues behind it are timeless. In a generation where we really wrestle with how to respond coherently to shame, I pray that Jesus' words are heard for the tremendous good news that they are.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Mark 7:1-23

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This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 6:45-56, a passage that includes Jesus walking on water. Like the feeding of the 5,000 from last week, this is one of those miracles that both amazes and raises our eyebrows. "Walking on water? Really? Everyone knows you can't do that." Which, of course, is entirely the point of the miracle in the first place.

What's interesting to me, though, is why Jesus walks on water. According to Mark 6, he does so because the disciples are straining at the oars of their boat, miles out to sea, making no progress. And do you know why they're out at sea? Because Jesus sent them out there.

So, what gives? Jesus saves them from something he sent them to? Why? And what does that have to do with us?

If you're getting the sense that there might be more going on in the story of the walking on water than we learned as kids in Sunday School, I think you're right. Let's dive into it together this Sunday (terrible pun, but I had to).

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Mark 6:45-56

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Thank you to everyone who brought a friend or family member to visit Grace on Easter Sunday. I loved seeing the risks so many of you took to bring someone with you.

This week at Grace, we're going to continue our series in the Gospel of Mark by going back to chapter 6 to see Jesus' provision for his disciples and the crowds at the same time. The feeding of the 5,000 miracle is recorded in all four gospels (a rarity for any event in Jesus' life, except the resurrection), and holds a special place in many of our hearts going back to childhood.

But don't mistake familiarity with the story for mastery over the passage. There is much here to challenge us, especially in how we see the needs of others, what expectations and limits we place on Jesus, and where we turn for rest.

Looking forward to exploring the riches of God's Word with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Mark 6:30-44

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It's Easter Sunday!

This week at Grace, we'll be celebrating Jesus' resurrection by jumping a little forward in the Gospel of Mark series to Jesus' prediction of his death and resurrection in Mark 8:31-38. In this passage, Jesus not only shows the disciples what is going to happen, but he also links his death and resurrection with their own personal decision to pick up their cross daily and follow him.

As we prepare to come to worship this Easter Sunday, a few gentle pastoral reminders:

There may be people in your life who will come to church with you this Sunday if you ask them to. You've built a bridge of relationship with these people all year; now is the time to cross that bridge and respectfully invite them to come with you.
There will be people visiting Grace this Sunday for the first time. If you're a member of Grace, you're on the greeting and welcoming team this Sunday! Help people find where to go and seek to make them feel at home.
Pray for people to respond to the gospel in a life-changing way. The message this Sunday is a direct challenge from Jesus to us; will we choose the path of selfishness or the cross? This choice has eternal consequences for everyone, and we want to ask God to bring people to Jesus' saving grace this Sunday.
Delight in Jesus this Sunday. My eight-year-old son told me last night, "I don't like when people forget what the point of Easter is. It's about Jesus!" I agree, bud. Me too.

Let's worship the risen Jesus together this Sunday.

Pastor Bob

31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Mark 8:31-38

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Sometimes when I’m reading the Old Testament I can’t really relate to what I’m reading and I find myself thinking, “this seems really odd” or “what in the world?” Whether it’s Abraham’s polygamy (one spouse is plenty…can I get an amen?) or Abraham’s nephew, Lot, who offered up his virgin daughters to a lusty mob, why? Because ancient people had different standards of hospitality? I read these stories and think, “what the…” Maybe you have a similar response.

When reading the Old Testament I expect some discontinuity between their day and ours. But when reading the New Testament, even if there are some hard-to-understand parts, I sort of get it. I could imagine the things I’m reading happening today. Mostly. [insert dramatic pause]. Well, not so much when it comes to Mark 6 and the beheading of John the Baptist. Not only was he beheaded. It was followed by his bloody head being passed around on a platter. And at a birthday party! I’ve been to some weird and awkward birthday parties, but as far as I recall there have been no “hot potato” with human heads as party games.

I don’t mean to make light of John’s gruesome end. In uncomfortable situations, I lean on humor and I hope that if I can bring some levity in this email there will be less to share on Sunday. Now I did title the sermon “When losing your head is worth it” and I wasn’t intending to be funny. If you find it funny, just be careful to not laugh your head off. Apologies. I’m trying to get it out of my system before Sunday.

If you read Mark 6 and find yourself asking, “what the…” come this Sunday and we’ll try to help make some sense of it all.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
- Mark 6:14-29

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Where do you look for meaning in your life? If you're a Christian, I would hope that Jesus would factor into that answer quickly and centrally. But even as a Christian, it might be tough to articulate exactly how your faith brings meaning to your life.

This week at Grace we're studying Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus sent out the twelve on a mission to replicate his ministry in the lives of others.

Part of what makes this passage so compelling to me is what Jesus offers his disciples. By sending them out, he is inviting them into a life of meaning and purpose.

In this passage, we see a picture of what is possible in our lives as well.

Looking forward to discussing it with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Mark 6:7-13

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This week at Grace, we'll be in Mark 6:1-6. It's a passage about Jesus going back to his hometown of Nazareth, only to have the people there respond to him with disdain and offense at him.

When we read this passage we might see ourselves as Jesus, the misunderstood and overlooked hero of the story, disdained by those most familiar with him. Such a reading might make us feel better, and even be fitting in certain cases, but it ignores the fact that we also have a lot in common with the people of Nazareth.

The passage raises some important questions for all of us about what we would have done if we were in the place of the townspeople. Do we assume that we already know what God is going to do or are we open to being surprised by God? How would you and I have responded to the real, historic Jesus?

Let's reflect on this challenge to our faith together this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

Mark 6:1-6

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You’ve undoubtedly seen those Before and After pictures where a person’s transformation is awe-inspiring. Someone loses 200 pounds and they’re shown holding up pants that are 10 sizes too big for them. Or, going the other direction, a 98-pound weakling becomes a competition-level body-builder. You see them Before and After and you can hardly believe it’s the same person.

Well, when we consider the Before and After of the demoniac in Mark 5, it’s hard to believe it’s the same person. The screaming, self-mutilating, naked, out-of-his-mind demon-man is pictured sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind. It’s incredible that this is the same person. And it wasn’t a long, arduous diet and exercise regimen or countless hours pumping iron at the gym that led to this change. It took just one encounter with Jesus for the awe to reach the level of inspiring.

To hear more about this man and his incredible testimony, join us on Sunday.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.

14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Mark 5:1-20

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This week at Grace, we're going to talk about Mark 5:21-43, a passage with two intertwined healing stories. The two women (one young, one older) are both in desperate need of Jesus' healing touch. Yet the situation makes it seem like he will need to choose one or the other.

In this powerful account, Jesus challenges the expectations of his time (and ours) that the goodness of God is limited to either me or you, the powerful or the outcast, even the living or the dead.

I'm eager to talk with you about this passage that I love and marvel together at Jesus' goodness, power, and love.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.

- Mark 4:25-36

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“There’s more than meets the eye.”

This is so often true in our experience and is also true when it comes to Jesus and his fellow-travelers on the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:35-41.

Imagine you’re in a boat that is following theirs. You see a storm descend on their part of the sea. It’s not uncommon but it seems especially vicious. You’re too far away to hear what’s happening, but you can see the disciples scrambling on deck. You’re worried for them, but unable to help.

Then, suddenly, Jesus appears. Not long after, the storm calms as quickly as it raged. The disciples sit down and embrace each other. They’re just glad to be alive.

When you arrive at your destination, you make your way to their boat and ask, “what happened out there?” Andrew points to Jesus and says, “he happened.”

Join us Sunday to hear more of the story as we focus our attention on the one “who even the wind and the sea obey.”

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Mark 4:35-41

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You might have heard this week about the Asbury University revival.

"Revival" in the best sense of the term refers to a period of time when God's people are especially aware of God's presence, their sinfulness, and Christ's redemption. It is an intensification of the ordinary habits of the Christian life (worship, prayer, confession, etc).

Even though I've read in the past about the history of revivals in a way that was deeply compelling for me personally, I'm embarrassed to say that my initial response to hearing about this a few days ago was skepticism. "Was this really God's work?" I made a common mistake in our current culture, mistaking cynicism for wisdom.

Behind this skepticism are the questions, "If God really came, how would we know? What would it be like? What would happen next?"

This week at Grace, we'll be looking at three parables about the Kingdom of God from Mark 4 that address these questions. All three describe the coming of the Kingdom in an inevitable, surprising, and beautiful way, beyond the control and manipulation of people.

I hope that as we gather for worship on Sunday we'll have a deeply revived heart to hear from God and worship Him.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Mark 4:21-34

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At several points in my life, my sweet Annie has made different recommendations to me. She’s said things like, “you’ve got to try sushi, it’s delicious” or “maybe you should take a day off or two, you’ve been working really hard.” I have this uncanny ability to somehow shut off ‘hearing’ and put aside what she says – and typically, it’s only a matter of time until a close friend reiterates Annie’s advice in some form or manner… when the message registers in my mind:

“I should try sushi!”

or...

“Maybe I need to take some time off… I AM exhausted!”

On a more serious note – I wonder how many of us who have grown up in a church setting have ever wondered to ourselves… “I’ve heard this message before” or “I get it, the message of the story is Jesus loves me” – how many of us hear a message from the Bible or worship songs and have just tuned out and walked out of church on a Sunday without a thought towards what we’ve just received.

This week we’ll be continuing our series in Mark talking about the parable of the soils and how each of us at different times in our faith will find ourselves challenged with the notion of not only hearing the word, but accepting and responding to it in light of many different challenges and distractions that come our way.

Looking forward to breaking open the Word with y’all this Sunday!!

Blessings!
Jason

2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, 12 so that

“‘they may indeed see but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand,
lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Mark 4:2-20

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This week at Grace, we're coming to Mark 3:20-35 where Jesus describes the breadth and limits of forgiveness. This passage sometimes referred to as "the unforgivable sin," tends to make people quite uncomfortable. And I get why. It's a lot more fun to talk about the wonders of God's grace than it is to talk about the obstinacy of the human spirit that splits ourselves off from it.

I hope that by studying this passage together on Sunday, we'll have the freedom and joy that comes from hearing Jesus' heart and love for you!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Mark 3:20-35

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This week at Grace, we're going to take a short break from our series in Mark to hear from the new executive director of Encompass, our denomination's mission organization, as he preaches from 2 Corinthians on our partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Mike Yoder has served as a missionary and a pastor and is now taking the baton of leading Encompass. He's a bright guy and a good leader, and I really wanted you all to hear from him about our network of churches' commitment to bring the gospel to the least-reached people in the world.

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NIV)

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If you could be famous, would you? If someone gave you the opportunity to be a famous actor, commentator, comedian, or celebrity who was just famous for being famous, would you take it?

For many people in our culture, to be famous seems like a marker of success and vindication. Yet for Jesus, fame wasn't his goal or even a help in his mission.

This week at Grace, we're continuing through the gospel of Mark, looking at the contrasting picture of the crowds and the apostles. Mark 3 says that people came from 100 miles away to push in on Jesus, seeking to get something out of him.

For his part, Jesus withdrew. His desire was not to be pushed around by crowds but to create his own ministry legacy through his disciples.

We'll look at these two competing pictures of a successful life and posture toward Jesus this Sunday at Grace. I hope you'll be there.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. 9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Mark 3:7-19

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Sabbath E-Book Sabbath FAQs About 15 years ago, I became obsessed with coffee. Whenever a new 3rd wave coffee shop would open in San Francisco or Santa Cruz, Emily and I would make a day of it.

My coffee passion eventually grew to where I was roasting coffee in the backyard (destroying Emily’s childhood popcorn maker) and serving cappuccinos to her (complete with latte art) every morning.

Our house turned into a college ministry coffee shop once a week, where I would spend most of the night behind my espresso machine making drinks. Having a coffee bar at our house was a blessing to our friends and us for quite a long time.

But I can remember when things started to shift. The time it took for the espresso machine to warm up felt like it grew longer and longer. Not because of our poor upkeep but because of our own impatience!

Then there was the cost of coffee, milk, and espresso machine upkeep. We added kids to the mix, and cafe Howard moved from the blessing category to the burden category.

In the same way, Sabbath had moved from blessing to burden for the Pharisees in Mark 2:23-3:1-6. I hope we can take Jesus's words to heart this week at Grace and see Sabbath as a blessing, not a burden.

-Pastor Chris

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Where do you feel like you really fit in? Where do you belong?

Maybe it's with your family, or at your job, or with people who share a similar background.

Maybe it's at church. Or maybe church is a place you definitely don't feel like you belong.

There may be some people for whom belonging comes naturally in every instance, but most of us have some discomfort about whether we're really welcomed at least some of the time.

This week at Grace, we're going to look at Mark 2:13-22, where Jesus invites Levi to follow him. This surprises many around him because Levi was a tax collector, someone who seemed not to belong around religious people.

Jesus responds with this beautiful challenge: "It is not the healthy but the sick who need a doctor."

We belong with Jesus.

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”

Mark 2:13-22

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This week at Grace, we're coming to Mark 2:1-12, where Jesus forgives and then heals a paralyzed man after his friends bring him to Jesus through the roof. It's a passage full of action, emotion, and humor.

This combination of factors lends itself well to an expository sermon style known as a first-person sermon. This is when the pastor speaks from the perspective of a person in the story (using words like "I" and "Me"), instead of the more customary third-person (using words like "he," "she," or "they"). In this case, I'll be delivering the sermon as if I'm the man who was healed.

These sermons can be more entertaining than traditional sermons, but that's not the main reason to do them. This format can most accurately convey the emotion of a passage and help us hear God's Word more clearly in the Scriptures.

I hope that you'll join me on Sunday to consider how Jesus meets our deepest needs, too.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-12

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It's Christmas week! This Saturday and Sunday at Grace, we'll be welcoming dozens of guests to our worship services to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, many for the first time. Please pray for them to have ears to hear, and for me to explain the gospel clearly and well.

I'm going to be preaching from Mark 1:35-39, a short passage where Jesus tells his new disciples why he came. I thought it would be a fitting passage for Christmas, to remind us why this holiday matters on a core level. As special as nostalgia, traditions and family time are, they pale in comparison to the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Mark 1, Jesus is met with the expectations of others to continue to do what they want, where they want, when they want. Instead, Jesus points them to what is better for them: for them and others to hear the message of the gospel.

At a time of year when we are often met with the expectations of others on our lives, Jesus' example and gift to us are what we all need the most.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. The four services (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) will be the same order of service and sermon, so feel free to choose whichever one works best for your schedule.

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Mark 1:35-39

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“What’s the catch?”

I’m sure you’ve used this phrase before.

You’re buying a car and the salesperson tells you about their zero interest, no payments for a year, best deal anywhere in town program and you ask, “what’s the catch?”

Or a beautiful, intelligent, wonderful, accomplished woman agrees to marry you and your close friends look you up and down and then ask, “what’s the catch?” ☺

Or…you get the point.

This question assumes that there must be something hidden that’s not being disclosed. Another way to say it is, “what are you not telling me?”

Imagine you’re on the shores of Galilee and you see Jesus talking to some fishermen. You watch as they drop their nets, say their goodbyes, and head off with Jesus away from the Sea. You intersect them on their journey and, wondering what’s happening, you ask, “what’s the catch?”

The fishermen, in unison, reply: “people.”

To hear more of the story, join us this Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 AM as we continue our study of the Gospel of Mark. If I could lure you to read ahead, it’s Mark 1:16-20.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Mark 1:16-20

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The last time I was at Disneyland with my kids, I noticed a popular t-shirt among other parents: it read, "Today is a Core Memory Day."

What a comforting thought for a parent: I can control the core memories for my kids, and today's (exceptionally expensive) day at Disneyland will be one of them.

Now, I'm skeptical that we have such control of what memories our kids internalize (not that I told any Disneyland stressed-out, t-shirt-wearing parents that), but I do agree that we all have experiences that play a major role in our lives going forward.

This week at Grace, we're looking at two foundational events of Jesus' identity - his baptism and temptation in the wilderness. Both were necessary, but they couldn't have been on further ends of the emotional spectrum. In the first instance, Jesus hears the voice of God declaring His love and approval over him. In the second, it is the voice of Satan who attempts to persuade Jesus of God's neglect toward him.

Both of these events were essential in establishing Jesus' ministry, and both give us a profound reason to trust Jesus' goodness in our lives today.

Looking forward to talking with you about it this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:9-15

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Mark 1:1 - "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

This week at Grace, we begin a new, year-long study in the Gospel of Mark.

Why Mark? Because we all need to be continually reminded about what Jesus is like, or else we will start to imagine a warped form of him, remade to fit our biases, fears, and preferences, rather than the One who is.

Mark is the shortest and almost certainly the oldest of the four gospels. Written by John Mark probably about 30 years after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, it represents the teaching and memories of Peter. The book begins with the thesis statement about Jesus' identity: he is the Christ, the Son of God, and then unfolds the proof of that for the next 16 chapters, culminating with a Roman soldier professing the same truth at the foot of the cross: "Truly this man was the son of God!" (Mark 15:39)

Throughout the next year, I pray that you and I would be continually struck with awe over the same realization: Jesus is God with us.

Looking forward to going on this journey through Mark with you!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Mark 1:1-10

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This week we conclude our Garden Tour titled, “A Tale of Three Gardens.”

Our first stop was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3) where we witnessed God’s great power and creativity in all that He made. This, unfortunately, was followed by our horrible fall.

Our second stop was in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) where we heard our Savior cry out to God in anguish as he contemplated having to drink “the cup” of God’s wrath. Because he did, we don’t have to. Because of Jesus, we can make our way to the third and final garden.

The Garden City of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22) is unlike any place we’ve ever seen. It’s almost too good to be true. Almost.

You won’t want to miss this Sunday as we’ll be spending time reflecting on where we’ve been and anticipating – with great joy – our final destination.

Also, it’s our final service on the lawn (at 9:30) before we head back inside and kick off Advent. I hope to see you at one of the services.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

Revelation 21:1-5, 22:1-6

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I’m not much of a garden-type person.

I don’t like Olive Garden. I mean the breadsticks are great, but that’s about it.
I’ve not been to Madison Square Garden. I like basketball, but not enough to travel to the other side of the country.
I’ve been to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB, but only because I officiated a wedding there one summer.

Like, I said, not much of a garden-type person. But there are 3 gardens which have all my attention:
1) The Garden of Eden, 2) The Garden of Gethsemane, and 3) The Garden-City of New Jerusalem.

We spent some time in the Garden of Eden last week, where we witnessed God’s glorious Creation (and we thought to ourselves, “what a wonderful world”) and also humanity’s terrible Fall. That was Genesis chapters 1-3.

Next week, we’ll land in the Garden-City of New Jerusalem where God’s New Creation (Revelation 21-22) shows us what the original creation ought to have been like forever, that is, before we got involved.

This week, in the Garden of Gethsemane, we’ll see Jesus wrestling with the will of God as he does what is necessary to get us all from Garden #1 to Garden #3.

Read ahead (Matthew 26:36-46) for your own instruction and appreciation of Jesus.

There are 3 departure times for our Garden Tour – 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM. No reservations are necessary. Hope to see you soon.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Matthew 26:36-46

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Even if you’ve not read it, you’ve probably heard of the book A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The story is set in the late 18th century against the backdrop of the French Revolution. London and Paris are the Two Cities Dickens writes about. I’ve not read it, but according to the peer-reviewed, award-winning, surely in the running for a Nobel Prize - Sparknotes.com - we read: “Dickens asserts his belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on a personal level and on a societal level.”

That’s a big claim. “The possibility of resurrection and transformation” of both persons and society? Sounds familiar, don’t you think? In fact, the very first line of the book sounds familiar too.

“It was the best of times” sounds like Genesis 1-2.

“It was the worst of times” sounds like Genesis 3.

Isn’t it amazing how all good stories have elements of The Great Story…The Story of God in the Scriptures?

This Sunday we’ll begin a 3-part series called, A Tale of Three Gardens. Yes, I stole and modified for the title.

We’ll start in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3)
Then we’ll join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26)
Finally, we’ll end in the Garden-City of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22)

I hope you can join us this Sunday at our first stop on the Garden Tour!

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 31

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This week at Grace we'll be finishing our series in Acts. The book ends with a fulfillment of how it began: Jesus told his disciples that they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (1:8), and Paul arrives in Rome prepared to do just that.

Now, we might expect Paul to be blazing new ground alone, but that isn't the scene that unfolds. Instead, when Paul arrives in Rome he is met by a contingent of Christians who have been waiting for him and are eager to support him.

Luke notes the impact this had on Paul: "On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:15b)

Christian unity can have the same impact on us: when we discover the existence of other Christians we have a reason to be thankful to God and can draw courage from their presence.

I'm looking forward to doing that with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep this Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends!

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

Acts 28:11-16

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How can we be unified with other Christians when we disagree with their choices? If we're convinced that they are ignoring what is the best path forward, can we (and should we) move forward together?

This week at Grace, we'll be in Acts 21:1-14. In this passage, Paul is confronted by Christians (some he knows well, some he's just met) who warn him that his path toward Jerusalem will lead to his demise. They have good reason to be concerned, and the rest of Acts prove them to be right. Paul, however, refuses their warnings. They agree about the risk; they disagree on what the risks mean.

I've wondered what would have happened if Paul had given in to the expectations, fears, and warnings of his friends by dodging trouble. Would they have ended up more unified if Paul had given in to what other people wanted for him? Or would the resentment that followed have destroyed the very unity they thought they were protecting?

Looking forward to looking at this with you all on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Acts 21:1-14

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This Sunday, as we continue our study on the theme of unity in the book of Acts, we’ll be considering how generosity toward our brothers and sisters in Christ promotes the cause of unity.

Do a little exercise with me.

Let’s take 2 minutes of uninterrupted time and think, “how might generosity promote unity in the body of Christ?” It’s not immediately obvious, I don’t think, so let’s think hard together for the full 120 seconds.

Are you ready?

The clock starts…now!

[2 minutes of uninterrupted thoughtfulness]

Alright. What did you come up with? What’s that? I can’t hear you. I have an idea. Join us on Sunday and you can tell me then.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Pastor Tim

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints - 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

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This Sunday is the first week of public worship services for our friends at Branches Church of Humboldt, led by our former worship pastor, Justin Fox. We're so excited for them! Would you please pray for their launch this weekend?

Bringing a new church to a community should be a thing to celebrate, but too often it can feel threatening or invasive to already established churches.

That's why this week's passage from Acts 18 is so refreshing. In it, we meet Priscilla and Aquila, a remarkable ministry couple who have been through enormous difficulties for their faith. When we meet them in Corinth, they've already been exiled from Rome because of Christ, yet are continuing to serve and lead the church in Corinth - before, during, and after Paul's time there. Then, another charismatic leader rolls in - Acts 18 describes what happened when a brash and ill-informed minister named Apollos comes to town.

But rather than let envy or rivalry get in the way, Priscilla and Aquila delight in Apollos' success, help him to grow and advocate for him in the future.

It's amazing what can happen when we don't care who gets the credit.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Acts 18:1-11, 24-28

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Last Sunday, we looked at the first part of Acts 15, where people strove for unity through dialogue, compromise, and prayer. It was a pivotal and magnificent moment in the history of the early church, when they stayed unified even through a massive cultural and theological shift.

This week at Grace, we're looking at the last part of Acts 15, where none of that happens, and the result is that two godly, mature Christians (Paul and Barnabas) separate from each other over something that seems so small in comparison.

How could unity be shipwrecked on such a small rock?

Looking forward to examining this short and sobering passage with you this Sunday, and learning from its example for us today.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 15:36-41

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If you've been around churches for a while, you've probably heard of congregations splitting over foolish and superficial things, like the color of the carpet, the start of the service time, or where items are on stage. Whether these stories are apocryphal or not, I'm not sure; I'm grateful to have avoided the first-hand experience of a church split like those in my lifetime. But the reason they ring true for many of us is that we know how selfish and petty people can be (and, if we're honest, how selfish and petty we can be).

Unity seems like an easy thing to be for, until it comes to giving up something for the sake of unity. When it's a preference for time, carpet, or arrangement, that seems like an easy exhortation to choose unity over personal preference. But sometimes unity involves deeper questions.

This week at Grace, we're continuing to look at the theme of unity in the books of Acts. In chapter 15 we come to an inflection point, where the move toward inclusion of the Gentiles will either be formalized or rejected. In this case, what the early church leaders decided was not worth dividing over was the necessity of circumcision, which had been the mark of the covenant for Israel for 2000 years.

Acts 15 is a significant passage for a whole host of reasons (it shapes our view of how the church is ordered, how to understand biblical and ecclesiological authority, and missiology, etc), but we're going to focus this week at seeing how the gospel created and maintained the unity of the church, both then and now.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’

19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 15:1-35

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I was on a bike ride with my cycling club last weekend. As we were riding northbound on PCH, the pace started to pick up to what I'll describe as "spicy," and an impromptu race broke out. I found myself at the front of the peloton, a position near impossible to win from. But, I threw caution to the wind and committed myself to this inconceivable effort.

I stayed up front for what seemed like an eternity, mentally and physically fading. My friend noticed my wavering form, and rather than hurling judgments about my position in the race; he shouted encouragement to keep going. He stoked the fire inside of me that had begun to burn out.

I realize that a bunch of middle-aged men encouraging each other while wearing spandex might be trite - but what would happen in the body of Christ if we adopted my friend's attitude? That's what Barnabas did with a church in Antioch in Acts 11.

This week at Grace, we'll see Barnabas living up to his nickname, "Son of Encouragement," and how he fanned the flames of one of the most important churches in history.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Chris

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3

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This week at Grace we’re looking at Acts 10, where Peter is challenged by a vision from God to see all people without partiality, as God sees them.

I’ve been thinking about this passage in light of all that Peter has already been through - how Jesus interacted with kindness toward Samaritans and Gentiles, how the Spirit came at Pentecost with a variety of languages, and how the Spirit came on Samaritans (in chapter 8). It makes you wonder how much Peter's own views had already shifted. Yet, apparently, they hadn't shifted enough.

You've probably noticed the double standard we have as people: we tend to judge ourselves by what we meant to do, but others based on what they actually did. It's true in driving ("I didn't mean to cut him off, why is he mad?"), in reaching out to people in their pain ("I would have helped if they would have asked"), or in marital conflicts ("She knows how I feel about her"). I wonder if some of that is at play for Peter, too, excusing his lack of evangelism toward the Gentiles with an explanation of his heart rather than a sober analysis of his actions.

Let's talk this Sunday at Grace about both the heart and our actions, and how they can contribute to the unity Christ creates between us.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Acts 10:34-43

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I remember a random season in my life where it felt like my minivan was always breaking down. It felt like every week there was something new to repair and after fixing whatever problem was ailing our vehicle, it was only a matter of time before that dreaded “check engine” light turned on. We then proceeded to head over to the mechanic for yet another costly repair.

The ironic thing about the whole situation was that one of my best friends is a mechanic, and when he had heard about all of the woes that our family went through having to do repair after repair, he told me, “I wish you asked for help!”

“I didn’t want to inconvenience you or take advantage of you” I replied rather embarrassingly.

“Jason, we’re friends, I want you to inconvenience me… I know how to fix cars… I wish you would take advantage of our friendship!”

Not everyone may have a friend like this, but when we think of the church as a family and as a group of believers who are united under the life and example of Christ… how do we present our needs to one another? Are we willing to be inconvenienced in order to help a friend or loved one in our church family? Are we willing to listen to and address the needs of those who feel marginalized within our community?

This week we’ll be looking at Acts chapter 6 and how a group of people with a tremendous need that went unmet ultimately lead to a boiling point. In our message this weekend we’ll be taking a look at how we can posture ourselves as a family of believers to commission one another to care for the needs of those in our community who are hurting, feel unseen, or left out.

Looking forward to breaking open the Word with y’all this Sunday!!

Blessings!
Jason

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:1-7

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What is the value of unity? What would it be worth it to you to be a part of a unified community?

I can't give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that a lack of unity (whether it is defined as active backbiting or passive apathy) is at the core of what drives many pastors out of ministry, missionaries off the field, and members away from churches.

So, if unity is that important, what value would we place on it?

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in the book of Acts looking at the topic of unity and looking at how it expresses itself in the financial lives of the early church. Specifically, we'll look at Barnabas (nicknamed the "Son of Encouragement") and what drove his passion and practice of generosity with others.

And before you say, "Oh we're talking about money at church; I think I'll skip it," please think about it. Acts 4:32-37 isn't really a passage just about money. It's a passage about where our hearts, what defines our connections to each other, and what we give our lives to.

Looking forward to opening up the Scriptures with you this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:32-37

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Last Sunday at Grace, Pastor Tim challenged us with this question:
"Do you really want unity?"

(If you didn't hear Tim's message, you can find it on YouTube, Facebook, or on our sermon podcast).

"Do you really want unity" seems like an obvious question. After all, who wants to be a part of a church that's divided, distant, or cliquish?

But it's easy to look at the history of Christianity to see how rare unity is. And not only hundreds of years ago but in our own day and in our lives; we can all testify to the unfortunate rarity of unity.

It's tempting to give up the hope of unity as a good at all, choosing instead to focus on lesser goals that are more attainable.

So, why keep chasing unity? Because it glorifies God. That's what we see in Acts 2:42-47. It's an idealistic picture of the church - everyone is together, sharing, caring for each other, growing together, and reaching people for Christ.

When Christians function as we should, God is glorified.

So, how do we contribute to the unity of the church? What can you do to be a force for unity and the glory of God?

Let's talk about it on Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

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In his great book, One Blood: Parting Word to the Church on Race and Love, Christian minister and civil rights leader, John Perkins, writes: “There is no institution on earth more equipped or more capable of bringing transformation to the cause of reconciliation than The Church.”

The Church is to lead when it comes to unity. In fact, because of God’s empowering we are, in the words of Perkins, more equipped and more capable than any other institution on earth. What a high calling we have.

This Sunday, as we continue in our series on unity, we’ll be spending some time at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11), then we’ll jump back 2,000 years or so earlier to consider a high tower that caught God’s eye in a place called Shinar (Genesis 11:1-9) and then we’ll jump forward, past Pentecost, to the city of Ephesus (Ephesians 2:11-22). We’ll be covering a lot of ground so read ahead if you can. My hope is that God will use this Sunday, and our whole series on unity, to fulfill the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23. That we might be one.

Looking forward to our time together!
Pastor Tim

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Acts 2:1-11

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This week at Grace we're beginning a new series in the book of Acts. For the next three months, we're going to trace how the early church lived out Jesus' mission in unity. We won't cover every passage in Acts, but I think you'll see how often the tensions of ministry in a fallen world could have pulled Jesus' disciples apart in those early years and how significant it was for them to stay together.

This isn't to say Acts is an idealistic picture of unity. There are times prejudice, selfishness, and overlooking others created conflict among the early Christians. How they responded to those situations can help us today, too.

We'll begin in Acts 1 with an odd passage about the appointment of Judas' successor, Matthias (Acts 1:12-26). It comes between two of the most famous and impactful sections in Acts (Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost), and sometimes is overlooked. But this passage has a lot to tell us about what it means to be unified in mission together, respond to disappointment in community, and live with humility before each other.

Looking forward to working through this new series with you!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

“‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

- Acts 1:12-26

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What good can come out of doubt?

We often think of doubt as a problem to be solved. Maybe there are some instances where that is true. But I think Psalm 73 shows the opportunities that come from doubt.

This week at Grace, we'll be finishing our series in Psalm 73. The last half of the Psalm focuses on how Asaph's perspective (on God, on his neighbors, and on himself) changes as a result of his wrestling with doubts.

I hope that as we finish this wonderful Psalm you'll see how God desires for you to grow in faith during seasons of doubt.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:18-28

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How do our doubts impact one another?

I'd like to think that my faith is immune from the wanderings of people near me. My faith is based on a personal decision to follow Jesus, not the crowd around me.

I'd also like to make myself irresponsible for the ways my doubts negatively impact the faith of those who are impressionable. After all, don't they have to make their own decisions?

In some ways, this is true. But Scripture also shows how interrelated our faith is. This week at Grace, we'll be continuing our series on doubt from Psalm 73. We're going to talk about how Asaph handles the doubts of his neighbors and what he does (and doesn't do) with his own doubts.

Looking forward to talking about this important Psalm with you!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.
And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.

Psalm 73:10-17

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I probably don't have to tell you that the weather in Seal Beach, CA is nearly perfect all year. "Nice day, huh?" is almost always answered with a "Yep!" However, I've mistakenly elongated my answer with "Yep! This weather is how you know God loves us!" It's an answer meant to be funny, but it unwittingly implies that God doesn't love people in Fresno, CA, where it's above 100 degrees all summer.

That comment is a harmless mistake but reveals a more profound theological distortion we all fall into; "When life is good, God is present and for us. When life is bad, God is absent and against us." This train of thought was undoubtedly present for a guy named Gideon, recorded in Judges 6:1-13.

This week at Grace, we will continue thinking through doubt together. We'll pause Psalm 73 for one week and look at Gideon's life in Judges 6 & 7. He was a man filled with doubt, yet he received a commendation for his faith in Hebrews 11.

I hope we can answer these questions: What is God's disposition toward us when we doubt Him? How does God transform our doubts into faith?

Hope to see you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

32 …For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

- Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-34 (ESV)

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For many of us, doubt is a persistent part of our spiritual lives. It is for me. And there are few passages of Scripture that I've found to be more helpful when it comes to doubt than Psalm 73.

Over the next few weeks, we'll work slowly through this beautiful and incisive passage of Scripture. It looks at doubt from a variety of angles - why doubt takes hold, how doubt impacts us, and what to do with doubt.

This week at Grace, we'll begin in Psalm 73:1-9, when the Psalmist (a worship leader named Asaph) describes how doubt almost wrecked him because of the envy he felt toward those who ignored God and yet still seemed to get everything they wanted in life.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
Their eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.

Psalm 73:1-9

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This Sunday will be our final week in our current series, “What the Gospel Does.” So far, we’ve heard:

The Gospel Comes to Us
The Gospel Changes Us
The Gospel Brings Us In

And this week, we’ll hear:

The Gospel Sends Us Out

Evangelism (a.k.a. sharing our faith, witnessing, being on mission, living as ‘sent ones’) is often an intimidating thing for many of God’s people. There are, no doubt, many reasons for this. If you find yourself wishing you were better equipped to engage others or bolder in testifying to Jesus’ work in your life, you’re not alone.

In fact, if you’ll recall, you are part of a family. You have many brothers and sisters. You don’t live your Jesus-following life alone. It’s not just you and me who are sent out by God, but us.

Remember that when you have the opportunity to speak of God’s grace.

Remember how the Gospel came to you.
Remember how the Gospel changed you.
Remember how the Gospel has brought you into the church – gave you a family.

Remember all of that as you carry the gospel with you in your normal, rarely-flashy, everyday life. God is with you and He wants to be with others through you.

Believe that as the Gospel sends us out!

Grateful for my sent-out siblings,
Pastor Tim

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:6-8

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There’s a letter that has been preserved from an early Christian leader named Cyprian who was the bishop of Carthage, Tunisia. He was writing to a fellow-Christian named Euchratius in about A.D. 250. The letter had to do with a theater actor who had been converted to Christ and was asking Euchratius whether it was alright to stop acting but still teach at the theater school because it was his only means of earning a living.

Because of the immoral nature of the theater and the challenge this would pose to this man’s new life in Christ, Cyprian advises that the man should also stop teaching theatre, but that the church there should supply his needs until he can find another job, or if this is not possible because of lack of funds, then the man will be financially helped by the church at Carthage, which is where Cyprian is at.

This is an amazing story when you think about it.

The church, echoing Jesus, said to this man, “Leave all to follow him!” And if he gave up his job, they wouldn’t just say to him, “good for you, brother, now you have Treasure in heaven…good luck and god speed!” No, were going to make up what was lacking. They called him to join a new family and then treated him as family. They were willing – like a healthy family – to sacrifice for one another. They put their money where they’re evangelistic mouths were. Amazing!

On Sunday, we’ll be considering how the gospel which comes to us (week 1) and changes us (week 2) also brings us in (week 3). It brings us into community. It incorporates us into the family of God. God’s work which is done in us individually is never meant to be lived out alone.

As Sister Sledge sang in the late 70s: “We are Family!”

That song might get you on the dance floor but what Jesus says about family will provide far more. Don’t miss it.

Many blessings to my many siblings,
Pastor Tim

28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

Mark 3:31-35, Mark 10:28-30

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Last week we spent some time talking about what the gospel is. We heard that the gospel is news.
Good News! The Best News!

This Good/Best News comes to us as a gift (we didn’t earn it).

This Good/Best News comes to us (we didn’t go looking for it).

This Good/Best News, we’ll learn this week, comes to us not to leave us “as is” but to change us.

As I considered this change the gospel intends for us a quote from my digital folder, “Quotable Quotes”
came to mind. Here it is and I hope to see you Sunday.

The gospel transforms us in heart, mind, will, and actions precisely because it is not itself a message about our transformation. Nothing that I am or that I feel, choose, or do qualifies as Good News. On my best days, my experience of transformation is weak, but the gospel is an announcement of a certain state of affairs that exists because of something in God, not something in me; something that God has done, not something that I have done; the love in God’s heart which he has shown in his Son, not the love in my heart that I exhibit in my relationships. Precisely as the Good News of a completed, sufficient, and perfect work of God in Christ accomplished for me and outside of me in history, the gospel is ‘the power of God unto salvation’ not only at the beginning but throughout the Christian life. In fact, our sanctification is simply a lifelong process of letting that Good News sink in and responding appropriately; becoming the people whom God says that we already are in Christ.

Michael Horton, The Gospel-Driven Life

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

"From the 31st chapter of Jeremiah and the 36th chapter of Ezekiel; Hear God’s Word…"

31 Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more….

24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Bulletin + Worship Guide

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"What is the gospel?"

Has anyone ever asked you that question?

If you've been through our membership class here at the church - Grace 101 - you might remember being asked that question near the beginning of the first class.

Some common responses are:

"Matthew, Mark, Luke and John" (those are the gospels and contain the message of the gospel, so in the ballpark)
"Good News" (yes that's what the word, "gospel," means)
"The redemption of mankind" (also a good response)
"A new mercedes, no sickness, and a bigger house" (nope - that's a different gospel)
"The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus" (very good)

Whatever the response, we typically think of the gospel in terms of what it "is" or what it "did" in our lives. Fine, but how about what it does…what it continues to do? The gospel's work is ongoing and present. The gospel has movement, intention, goals, an agenda.

What the gospel does is profound and to experience more of its profundity - with others - join us on Sunday!

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

1 Corinthians 15:1-5

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What do you think God wants for you?

No, that's not a typo. We usually think about what God wants from us. And that's worthwhile to think about. But in this week's message we're going to see Jesus describe what God desires for us through Christ.

This week at Grace we'll finish up our series on John 14-16. The last section (John 16:25-33) includes rich and thought provoking descriptions of what Jesus wants for his disciples, both then and now.

I'm glad we come to this passage this Sunday because it's Pentecost, the Sunday when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. As we've talked about earlier in these chapters, the Spirit is proof of God's presence with us and his being "for us."

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:25-33

06.05 Bulletin + Worship Guide

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The other night Becca and I watched the final episode of the NBC drama series, This is Us.

(Don't worry - there won't be any spoilers below).

I'm not sure if you watched this show or not, but it's goal seems to be to make people cry. Every episode. For six seasons.

What was interesting to me about the final episode was how they attempted to bring joy out of sorrow from a secular perspective. They clearly wanted to end on a happy note, while honoring all the grief and loss the characters had gone through. But without God or the hope of the gospel, the end result was a series of trite cliches (well-acted, beautifully shot, and musically enriched, sure, but still cliches) about finding meaning in the little things in the midst of sorrow.

This week at Grace, we're going to look at John 16:15-24, where Jesus promises his disciples that their sorrow would be the root of their future joy in a concrete and real way because of what he would do on the cross.

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace as we explore how the cross in our source of hope and joy in the midst of sorrow, too.

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

PS. If you'd like to know more about what's going on at Grace, I'm trying out a new monthly newsletter with ministry updates on the church called "Inside Grace." You can see the first issue here and let me know what you think or if you'd like to be on the recipients list in the future.

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:16-24

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This week at Grace, we're going to look at Jesus' provocative statement that we're better off without him (John 16:5-15).

How could that be? Wouldn't you give anything to be able to switch places with the first disciples and see the feeding of the five thousand, the raising of Lazarus, or hear the sermon on the mount firsthand?

How could we be better off without Jesus here?

Jesus' answer in this week's passage is that the Holy Spirit makes his physical absence not only endurable but preferable.

Let's talk Sunday about why that is.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

John 16:4b-15

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How does the rejection of other people impact you?

Are you someone who can easily shake it off, or do you brood over snide comments, rolled eyes, and derisive laughter?

I wish I could say I have thick skin but more often I'm in the second camp. It's painful to have people (especially those people close to us) disdain those parts of us that are most precious to us, especially our faith. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or a romantic interest, being scorned and shamed hurts.

In our passage this week at Grace (John 15:26-16:4), Jesus helps us prepare for the rejection of others as a result of our Christian faith.

Jesus knew that his first disciples, as well as all of us who followed him, would face the same painful experiences he did.

Let's look at the resources Jesus gave us to prepare for living in a conflicted world.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

John 15:26-16:4a

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If you had the choice to enter a love story or a hate story, which would you choose? If you said, “hate story” I’d be concerned about you.

The fact of the matter is we don’t have a choice. As followers of Jesus we enter both. But we’re not alone to navigate these stories.

John 15:12-27 is about love, hate, and help. Read it through a few times before Sunday and you’ll be better prepared to hear it with others.

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

John 15:12-27

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What is it like to live with you? What do people who interact with you regularly become like? Do you rub off on them, even change them?

This week at Grace we're going to look at John 15:1-11. In it, Jesus describes himself with another of his "I AM" statement (which are tentposts of Jesus' identity in John); in this one, Jesus says, "I am the true vine" and that we are his branches. When we abide in him (that is, live in him), it changes who we are. Through connection with him, we are able to bear fruit we never could otherwise.

So, how do we do that? And what does "fruit" look like? Let's talk about it together on Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:1-11

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I'm writing this the day after Easter Sunday, and I must admit, I'm a little bummed out. The hard-boiled eggs have (thankfully) all been found, my Easter bonnet has been put away for another year, and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!" is all but a faint memory in my head.

Now what?

And it would be easy for me to say, "cheer up, Chris. Only 36 weeks until Christmas!" But that seems a little superficial, especially after hearing Jesus's words that He's "the way, and the truth, and the life." How shall we live in light of those profound words?

Join me this week at Grace as we dive into John 14:12-31 in our "Now What?" series. I believe we'll get a clearer picture of what life could look like in light of Christ's resurrection and ascension.

He is (still) risen!
-Pastor Chris

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

John 14:12-31

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This Sunday is Easter, the celebration of the most pivotal day in history - when Christ conquered death not only for himself but for all who believe in him.

I've been thinking a lot this week about why Easter matters so much to us. Not the holiday itself (though I love a good Cadbury creme egg as much as anyone), but the event of Jesus' resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:3, Paul makes clear that there is no gospel without the resurrection.

For Easter this year we're beginning a new series from John 14-16 called, "Now What?" Because Jesus anticipated his own death and resurrection, he prepared his disciples (and us) for what life could be like afterward.

These three chapters from John are profound, challenging, and rich. Jesus shows us why his resurrection matters for our relationship to God, how it brings life to us, and what is possible now as a result.

I'm eager to explore them with you over these next couple of months in order to live as people of the resurrection.

Looking forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. We'd love for you to come to any of the three Easter services (8:00, 9:30 and 11:00). We're expecting that the 9:30 AM service will be the most heavily attended, so if you'd like to help create space for visitors (or you just like more elbow room) consider coming to 8:00 or 11:00 AM.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

John 14:1-11

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"I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers." (1 Thessalonians 5:27)

This week at Grace, we're reaching the end of our series in 1 Thessalonians. One of the final things that Paul writes is a declaration that this letter is for all of us. There is something sacred, significant, and substantial in this section of Scripture that we all need.

So, here's what I'd love for you to do: Before you come to church on Sunday (or tune in online), read the whole of 1 Thessalonians and reflect with God on what you've learned over these last few months.

As you read through the book, look for these major themes that come up one more time in the concluding paragraph of the book:

The Return of Jesus
The Pathway to Holiness
Our Need for One Another

This Sunday in the sermon we'll cover the last paragraph of the book as a lens to review the book as a whole.

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. We'll be celebrating five baptisms during the 11:00 AM service this Sunday! Please pray for Bill, Emma, Meg, Zach, and Grayden as they take this significant step of faith.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Brothers, pray for us.

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

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There are a lot of phrases we use in our everyday talk that, if you stop and think about it, are pretty absurd.

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

Really? What kind? I hope the small kind! Is there a 40% change of chihuahuas this afternoon?

“You have to get your ducks in a row”

What are we farmers? What happens if our ducks are not in a row? Will they form a union and demand better living conditions?

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”

Now, who would ever do that?

I appreciate that the English language is colorful and avoids the boredom of just saying “it’s raining hard today” or “you need to make sure you’re things are in order.” I bet you do too.

Now about that baby and the bathwater. That particularly absurd phrase came to mind this week as I was preparing to preach 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.

Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies,
but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.

Nothing God has given should be tossed. Even when the bathwater gets murky.

To hear more, come in person or (if you're not able) tune in Sunday.

Hope to see you soon!

Pastor Tim

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

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This week at Grace we're going to talk about an important and beautiful passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

What stands out to me is the consistency that Paul exhorts us to: "always," "without ceasing," and "all circumstances."

How do you become the sort of person who is like that?

What do we do with the times that our feelings don't like up with Scriptures commands to rejoice or be thankful?

How do we deal with the guilt of losing track of God, going not just moments without praying but days or weeks?

Let's talk about it together this Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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What sort of people bug you? Who are the ones that really get under your skin?

I have some personality types that are more difficult for me than others. Maybe you do, too. For me, it's often when I see personality characteristics in others that I don't like about myself. For others, maybe it's when you meet someone who reminds you of someone who has wounded you in the past or who violates values you hold dearly.

How do we respond to people who we don't like? Do we ignore them, judge them, or dismiss them?

In this week's passage (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15), Paul challenges his readers to respond to difficult people in their church not with harshness but with grace, leaning in even when it is uncomfortable and extending patience through it all.

This Sunday we'll think through why such behavior is necessary for us as Christians, how we become people who can live like that, and the joy that can come from being in a community that functions this way.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

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There was an old chorus we used to sing in church that went,

"I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God."

Even though the lyrics may sound a bit dated, it affirms the truth of Ephesians 2:19, that in Christ we "are fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." That "Family of God" chorus also adds some color to our study of 1 Thessalonians, where Paul repeatedly uses familial language to describe their local church.

We're going to dive into the final part of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians this Sunday, where we'll get a clearer picture of what Gospel families look like. In other words, if an alien from another galaxy visited a healthy church family, what would they see?

The two verses we'll look at together are 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, which answer the question, "How should we regard our church leaders?

I hope we grow closer as a church family this Sunday!

-Pastor Chris

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

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What do you do if you don't know something?

People in ages past (like pre-1990) used to go to the public library or consult a dictionary or maybe ask someone who knew. Today, what do we do? Almost instinctively?

We Google it or we ask Siri.

(me) "Hey Siri, what is the capital of Alabama?"

(Siri) "Montgomery is the capital of Alabama."

(me) "Hey Siri, what's the weather going to be like today?"

(Siri) "It's currently cloudy and 55 degrees. Expect partly cloudy skies starting in the morning…"

(me) "Hey Siri, what happens when the end comes?"

(Siri) "Okay, I found this on the web for 'what happens when the end comes.' Check it out."

There is a lot of speculation (online and otherwise) about the End of Days, the End of Time, the Day of the Lord, the Return of Christ. THE END of life as we currently experience it.

When will it be?

What will happen?

How should we prepare?

Maybe these are your questions. Maybe you have others. Join us Sunday as we hear from the Apostle Paul who tells us what we most need to know.

Hope to see you then!

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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What would you say to someone who was dying?

In our culture, due to our general discomfort with the topic of death, we try to avoid being in this situation at all. We confine that to the few people who work in hospice, professional clergy, and medical professionals.

But the truth is, all of us are in the process of dying. And therefore we're around people who are dying all the time. Ignoring that fact is helpful for many of us in dealing with the discomfort, but it doesn't change reality. And it certainly leaves us vulnerable when death rears its ugly head in life, as the war in Ukraine makes clear.

This week at Grace we'll be studying 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 together. Paul tells them to encourage one another in the face of death with the hope that comes from the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus.

In the message this week, we talk about how you can do that: both how you can encourage others and be encouraged yourself.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

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This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Thessalonians, covering 4:1-8. This passage addresses the question: Why live a life of sexual holiness?

I've got to be honest, I have no idea whether a sermon on sex is going to be a hit.

On the one hand, we live in a culture obsessed with sex. We are deluged with images and depictions of it all week. It can be disorienting. Reflecting together on God's Word about sexual morality gives us a rare sense of order in a sexually disordered world. I really believe that what 1 Thessalonians 4 says is beautiful, helpful, and encouraging.

And yet there are few topics so personal, so emotionally laden, and (frankly) so awkward to talk about. I would understand if some people said, "I'd rather not talk about this in public."

I imagine that for some of us, we think of sermons about sexual immorality to belong to a bygone era - either for a previous generation or for a younger aged audience. But I hope that when we look at 1 Thessalonians 4 together we will see the goodness, timelessness, and hope that the gospel brings for all of us in this area.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. While I have no desire to be provocative or crass, the nature of the topic makes this sermon sensitive for younger kids. Parents/Grandparents/etc, it's your call!

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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What do you want to be known for?

Is it your accomplishments in your career? Your beauty? Your wit or insight? What you have? Your reputation?

This Sunday at Grace we'll be looking at 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Paul commends the Thessalonians for excelling at brotherly love, and encourages them to continue to grow in this by being thoughtful in their ambition, energy, and work.

I'm fascinated by this passage because it is so timely for us today. In many ways, our culture yells at us to live life in opposition to what Paul describes. We are encouraged to create isolated, anxious, and selfish lives, all out of fear that we will miss out if we don't grab everything we can. Self-expression, self-awareness, and self-fulfillment are idols of the age; and they all foster isolated selfishness.

We need to hear (I need to hear) these words of Scripture and how good it is to live a quiet life, free from comparison or grumbling, in Christian community with my brothers and sisters in the faith.

Let's listen to God's Word together this Sunday at Grace and reflect on the goodness of God together.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. If you're saying, "Wait, didn't we skip a part of 1 Thessalonians? What happened to 4:1-8?" Yep, you're right. We'll come back to that next Sunday (2/20) but due to widespread COVID exposure in our Grace Kids program last Sunday, we are going to have Grace Kids online and/or joining us in all-ages worship this week. And, if you read 4:1-8, you might understand why it's best to hold off on covering that passage with young kids present.

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

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Learn more This week at Grace, we'll be continuing in our series on 1 Thessalonians with 3:6-13. It's a warm paragraph, where Paul expresses his affection and gratitude to hear how well the Thessalonians are doing, as well as his prayer for their continued growth in faith.

I wonder how often any of us hear, "You're doing really well in faith. Keep it up."

And if we do hear that, I wonder if we'd be able to take it in. Would we minimize it, thinking, "If only they knew..."? Or get lost in a comparison game? Or just squirm at the pridefulness of it all?

I'm looking forward to Sunday so we can dive into this passage together and delight in God's work in the Thessalonians and in you.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

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I assume that if you're reading this, on your computer or phone, that you've probably made an online purchase. A book. An article of clothing. 27,000 other things. It's pretty typical for us to make purchases without actually checking the binding or trying on the product before we hit "buy" and have it arrive at our door within a day or two. Now, return policies being what they are, there's little to no risk in this. If it's damaged or doesn't fit, we simply send it back and try again.

But what if our purchase was a lot of money, like buying a car or even a house online or over the phone? Now that would definitely be a risk. There are some things that you need to be there for, right? Descriptions, and even pictures, just don't cut it. You can't kick the tires online and you'll never know to ask, "what's that smell?" when you walk through a virtual tour of the kitchen in your soon to be new home. Some things just need to be experienced in-person.

Books and clothes and cars and homes are important. But nothing is more important than people. Relationships. Being with others. Being together. There is no substitute for being face-to-face. During the past 2 years, we've had to settle for less, in some cases. And thank God for technology that makes distance not quite as devastating as it would have been in previous generations. But still, there's no substitute for physical, unmediated, flesh-and-blood presence.

When you have it, with those you love, it is sweet and you want to savor it. And when it's gone, you want it back. You long to see your loved ones. Phone calls and text messages are great. Zoom and FaceTime, even better! But nothing can replace being face-to-face.

If you've ever felt this longing, Paul knows how you feel. He had a lot of reasons for wanting to return to the Thessalonians. You can read the passage to discover them for yourself. Even better, join us in-person on Sunday and we can discover them together!

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

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This week at Grace we're going to look at 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, a little passage with huge questions.

What do we do when people claim to speak for God?
Why does religious persecution happen?
What do we do with passages of the New Testament that seems anti-Semitic?

Let's get into these tough questions together on Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

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Apparently this is a thing. Tie a string around your finger to help you remember something important. In fact, when I Googled to find the above image, I typed, "string tied" and then auto-fill took over and finished it - "string tied around finger."

I have never tied a string around my finger to remember something. Have you? In fact, I'm curious if you know anyone who has actually done this. The reason I've never used this tactic is because I am confident I would look at the reminder string and think, "now, what's that for?" It wouldn't help me. I have other ways to remind myself of what's worth remembering. And God has His ways to remind us of what's worth remembering. And, needless to say, His reminders are most important.

Leave your strings at home and join us Sunday!
Pastor Tim

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

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"So, how's the church doing?"

I get that question a lot. And I appreciate it. I'm glad people care, either members of Grace or friends from other parts of my life.

And there are a lot of ways to answer that question. We could talk about organizational health, missional effectiveness, or metrics of attendance and giving.

None of these are "bad" answers, but they pale in comparison to how Paul commends the Thessalonian church at the start of his letter to them.

"We give thanks to God always for all of you... remembering... your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess 1:2-3)

This Sunday at Grace we're going to dive into our study of 1 Thessalonians, which begins with Paul's gratitude for how God was at work amongst them in these key areas of faith, love, and hope.

As we reflect on how the Thessaloanians were known for these three virtues, it's worth considering how God could work in similar ways among us today.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come

-1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

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Happy New Year*!

This week at Grace we're beginning a new series in the book of 1 Thessalonians. From now until Easter we're going to slowly and thoughtfully move through this under-appreciated New Testament book.

Paul founded the church in Thessalonica and then was run out of town after only three weeks. Understandably, they were left with a lot of questions - about their new faith, how it affected their lives, and what to do with their doubts. His answers to these questions are a gift for us today, as many of the things they wondered about we're still wrestling with (life after death, the return of Jesus, sexuality, the will of God, and others).

Looking forward to starting our series with you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

*PS. Technically speaking, the Christian church calendar begins with the first Sunday of Advent. But only a really persnickety seminary student would point that out.

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

-1 Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 17:1-9

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Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

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Our sermon series this Advent has been called, "God at Work."

Throughout this month, we've looked at how God brought together personal choices, a miraculous conception, political forces, and even astronomical phenomena to carrying out His purposes.

With Christmas, it's easy to be confident that this was God's doing. But today when something happens, how do you know it's God at work? Aren't there a lot of times that people claim something is the work of God, but it's really just personal charisma, social forces, or (in darker situations) people using religious language to manipulate others?

This week at Grace, we'll be finishing our advent series in Matthew 2:19-23. In this little passage we see three distinctions that help Joseph (and us today) rightly make distinctions around the work of God.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

-Matthew 2:19-23

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We've been making our way through Matthew's gospel (chapters 1 and 2) as part of our Advent series, "God at work." And as we've been reading these familiar passages each week, I can't help but think of children's plays, with their casting of Sheep #1 and Sheep #2 or A Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas when he reads from Luke chapter 2.

The cast of characters is memorable: Jesus, of course. Mary and Joseph. Shepherds and Wise Men. Every year, whether religious or not, people seem to genuinely look forward to hearing the Christmas news, "For unto you is born in this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

I wonder how often we wonder what this Savior is saving us from. Why a Savior is needed at all.

If we just needed better instruction, we'd be welcoming a heavenly Teacher this Christmas.

If we just needed a moral example, we'd be welcoming a heavenly Boy Scout.

But if we need rescue. If we need deliverance from circumstances that we can't change. If we need someone to save us from our sins (someone to do something about all sin) then no one but a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, will do.

Join us this Sunday as we continue our Advent series with a message titled, "The Christmas card you never got" from Matthew 2:13-18.

Hope to see you soon!
- Pastor Tim

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

“A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

-Matthew 2:11-18

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So, are you ready for Christmas?

When I hear that question, my blood pressure ticks up a bit. I think of all the things I don’t have yet - gifts for people I love, plans nailed down, and a message for Christmas Eve (okay, that last one might be a weird pastor-problem).

While the anxiety of the season can put a strain on our souls, it can also offer a silver lining by reminding us that we are currently living in the age of preparation. While it can be embarrassing to come to Christmas day with no gift ready for our spouse, it is much worse (infinitely, so) to come to the return of Jesus unprepared.

Advent is a time of preparation, shaping our hearts to notice God.

This week at Grace, we’re continuing our series “God at Work.” In Matthew 2:1-12, the famous passage about the coming of the wise men, we see two conflicting approaches to preparation - on the one hand, magi that put everything they had into finding God. On the other, Herod's fear-based attempts to avoid God.

Looking forward to preparing with you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

-Matthew 2:1-12

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Since moving to Southern CA, I've ridden up and down PHC on my bike dozens of times. Most days have been glorious, sunny days with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The one thing that is a consistent challenge on those rides is the WIND.

When I ride into a strong headwind, it's about all I can think about. "I'm not going very fast," "my legs hurt," and "I wonder when I'll make it home?" are some of the common refrains that pass through my mind. With all the energy I devote to these headwinds, can you guess how much I think about the tailwind at my back pushing me forward? Almost never.

This analogy feels true to life. All of us are facing some opposing "headwinds," some of us to an enormous degree. And those "headwinds" often get a disproportionate amount of our mental energy. But, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday we just celebrated, we're going to concentrate our thoughts on the "tailwinds" pushing us forward in our new Advent sermon series "God At Work."

Over the next few weeks, we'll be digging deep into Matthew's account of Jesus's birth and early childhood, Christmas passages you'll likely be familiar with. Are adversities present in this historical account? Yes. Is God at work in the midst of it all? Absolutely.

This Sunday, God becomes a person (Matthew 1:18-25). I'm looking forward to worshiping Immanuel (God with us) together!

-Pastor Chris

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

-Matthew 1:18-25

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Before we start Advent next week, I'd like to spend a week with you in one of the shortest books in the Bible, Philemon.

Philemon is a short, personal letter from Paul asking a wealthy and influential Christian (Philemon) to use his resources for the benefit of someone who had no power of his own (an escaped slave named Onesimus).
The whole letter is fascinating, but we're going to spend the majority of our time on the opening, where Paul described his thankfulness to God for Philemon. His language in this letter drips with genuine affection, care, and trust in Philemon's faith. And he also calls Philemon to exercise that faith in broader and deeper ways than he has before.

Paul is thankful for who Philemon is. And Paul tells Philemon he's asking God to help him grow beyond where he is now.

Thankfulness includes appreciation for what is and hope for what changes can come.

I pray that this section of Scripture can help you express your gratitude for Philemon's in your life - those who are both models of faith and need to grow and expand that faith into other areas of their life.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

-Philemon 1-7

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This week at Grace, we're going to finish our series on King Solomon by looking at the end of his life.

Despite Solomon's wisdom, wealth, and power, his final years are not a happy ending. His trust in God wavers, he embraces the worship of other gods next to Yahweh, and his legacy is shaken.

Why would someone who had experienced such profound blessing and favor from God have his faith fall apart at the end?

To address these questions, Pastor Steve Williams will be teaching from 1 Kings 11, helping us see how to learn from Solomon's failures and point our attention to Jesus.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.

And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded. Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.”

-1 Kings 11:1-13

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This week at Grace, we'll be talking about the fame and glory of Solomon.

Within his lifetime, Solomon was so famous for his wisdom that people travelled from around the world just to hear how wise he was.

That's exemplified in 1 Kings 10, when the Queen of Sheba makes a 1,000 mile trek to Jerusalem and finds Solomon able to respond well to every question she can throw at him. The passage concludes with the Queen so impressed with Solomon that she entrusts her kingdom's resources to his care.

For many in our culture, Solomon's life is the dream - having everything together so well that people come to praise you and give you things.

But in an age of constant comparison, self-promoting deception, and unrealistic expectations, is this sort of narrative helpful for us?

How on earth does knowing Solomon impressed everyone help us live a meaningful Christian life? Are we supposed to have it together in a similar way? How can the Beatitudes ("Blessed are the meek...") be in the same Bible as this story?

Let's get into it together on Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”

-1 Kings 10:1-9

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The Bible begins and ends with the description of God's presence with his people. Before the fall, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. Revelation 21 tells us that one day, the dwelling place of God will be with man.

But in between Eden and the New Jerusalem, the presence of God is more complicated. And in many ways, that is what the Bible is about: How can a holy God be with people?

This week at Grace, we're looking at Solomon's most enduring physical accomplishment - the building of the temple.

Why Solomon built the temple, what it was like, and what it pointed to - all these teach us about what it means for God to dwell with us today.

Looking forward to opening the Scriptures with you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. If you're curious what an artistic recreation of Solomon's temple looks like, here's a helpful video.

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.

And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

-1 Kings 8:1, 10-13, 22-23, 27-30

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Let’s play a game.

I’ll name a biblical character and you say the first thing that comes to mind.

Adam…(your response)

Noah…(your response)

Solomon…if you said “wise,” well done. We learned last week, in 1 Kings 3, that Solomon asked for and was given wisdom from God.

But there’s another “w” that is often associated with Solomon. Can you guess it?

If you said “women,” you’re also right. Read 1 Kings 11 for more on that.

But let me press you for one final answer that begins with “w.” It’s what we learn about in 1 Kings 4:20-28. It’s a synonym for riches or money. And if you still need help, it rhymes with “stealth.”

You probably guessed it - Wealth!

Solomon was wealthy; incredibly wealthy. And it was God who made him so.

Having wealth is not a problem. In fact, it’s a gift from God. What we do with what we’ve been given is where the problems sometimes surface.

Maybe you can relate.

To hear more about Christians and money and God and idols and wisdom join us this Sunday!

Pastor Tim

Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.

-Proverbs 30:1-9

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Have you ever felt you were in over your head?

Maybe it was a leadership role you were asked to take on at work or doing something new at church. Maybe it was the first time you became a parent.

God help me, I don't have any idea what I'm doing here!

That was Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3. He is trying to figure out how to be a king, acutely aware of his lack of experience. And as the first few verses of chapter 3 make clear, he was making some key blunders.

So Solomon cries out to God, "I need wisdom!"

This week at Grace, we'll talk about Solomon's prayer for wisdom and God's response to it, and what it teaches us about how we relate to God today.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord.

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

-1 Kings 3:1-15

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This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on King Solomon.

On his deathbed, David pulls his son aside and tells him that to establish his kingdom he will need to wisely deal with his political enemies. What do you do with people who have betrayed you and work to undercut you?

For those of us who are familiar with Jesus' commands to love our enemies and be generous with forgiveness, this chapter can read as a bit harsh. Frankly, Solomon seems more like a mob boss consolidating power than a godly example of leadership.

How can we learn about God through a passage like this?

Let's talk about it Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

1 Kings 2:1-4

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1 Kings 1; Deuteronomy 17:14-20Have you ever wanted to shout, "This is not what it's supposed to be like!"

Maybe it's when a friend gave up on your favorite show after 10 minutes without giving it a real chance.

Or maybe someone has told you that they tried sushi but said, "Oh, that tastes awful," simply because they tried it from a gas station.

"This isn't what it's supposed to be like!"

This week at Grace we're beginning a new series on King Solomon from the book of 1 Kings. Solomon represents the best points and worst points of the kings of Israel. He is famously wise, powerful, and experienced God's blessing in amazing ways. And yet Solomon's tantalizing potential as a king still leaves us wondering, "Is this the best it can be? Is the best king always going to be at least a bit self-centered, exploitive, and eventually wayward?"

I'm eager to go into this study of Solomon with you in order to understand why we long for a King, how Solomon's story is a warning to each of us, and why we can hope in the Kingdom of God.

"King David said, "And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint (Solomon) king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say so. As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”

-Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Kings 1:34–37

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Romans 8:22-30What is the future of the image of God?

This week at Grace, as we finish our series on the Image of God we're going to consider what is still in front of us with regard to the Image of God. As Romans 8:29 states, it is the image of God (interestingly, described here as the image of his Son) that we will be conformed to.

Why would we need to be conformed to the image of Christ (future) if we are already made in the image of God (past)?

During this series, we've talked about how Adam and Eve were made in God's image, and how God's image continued after the fall in every person, regardless of capacity, age, generation, gender, or any other difference.

As we came to the New Testament, we saw that the image of God is not only a general description of all people, it is also the hope we have for knowing Jesus, the perfect image of his Father, and for our own spiritual life in Christ.

I hope that as we finish this series, it will give you a longing for God and help you understand how the doctrine of the image of God points us to the gospel:

We were made in God's image.
Our sins could not destroy God's handiwork.
We have been redeemed by God's Son, the perfect image of the Father.
We are redeemed into the image of Christ.
We will be conformed to the image of Christ forever.

Praise God.

See you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

-Romans 8:22-30

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1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18I’m looking forward to sharing with you this Sunday!

As we’ve been learning in our series, we are created to represent and reflect the image of God, and this Sunday we’ll discover and be reminded that there's also a transformation occurring within us as believers.

The sin-behavior habits of our hearts and our disordered loves mar the image of God that we were designed to live into, but there is a trail to restoration. There is a way back - or, a path forward really - a way to recapture the image - and it is found in Christ. This is a long journey, a slow process, the adventure of a lifetime. This is our challenge, our invitation; to take a journey of transformation toward Christlikeness.

Imitating Christ in every area of our lives will never happen this side of heaven. He is perfect and we are not. But we can begin the journey of transformation into Christlikeness from “one degree of glory to another.” And, the good news for us today is that “this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Jesus, who went before us to make a way to God, paid the ultimate price so that the image of God designed in each of us could be recaptured. His Spirit provides the guidance and direction and power for us to walk with Christ and become like Him - finding the freedom and wholeness that we were destined for. Let’s embark on the adventure together!

See you Sunday!
Justin

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

-1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

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James 3:7-11Have you said anything you wish you could take back?

Something that made you cringe when you thought about it later?

I have. Many, many times.

I could write it off as an occupational hazard as a pastor. Jokes that fall flat, awkward turns of phrase, and confusing points are frustratingly common in preaching.

But the words I really wish I could get back aren't ones I've given up front, but those I've said in the living room with my family, at dinner with friends, or before bed with my wife.

Thinking about the dumb, hurtful, and selfish things I've said (even just this year!) brings grief to my soul.

This week at Grace, we're looking at James 3. This passage outlines how amazingly capable our speech is, but how that comes with danger. Because our speech to others isn't just a matter of our relationship - it's an act of worship toward God.

How we speak to people made in God's image shows what we think of God. That's because our speech to people is speech made to images of God. As "The Message" paraphrases James 3:9, "With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image."

I hope that this Sunday we can reflect together on our speech in light of the gospel and move forward together as a community of grace together!

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?

-James 3:7-11

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Acts 17:22-31; Exodus 20:3-4Since we're in a series on the Image of God, it's worth asking: What is the opposite of the image of God?

My knee-jerk answer would be to say something like, "un-human" or "beastly." But I think Scripture gives us more to run with.

In Scripture, the opposite of the image of God is idolatry. Rather than representing and reflecting God, we worship those creatures made of our own hands. And there is a destructive result.

Psalms 115 and 135 says that those who make idols become like them. 2 Kings 17 says that when God's people went after false idols, they became false themselves. Isaiah 44 says that worshiping idols makes us as unable to see, hear, or think as the blocks of wood in front of us.

This Sunday at Grace, we're going to look at Acts 17:22-31, where Paul describes the gospel to the Athenians based on the image of God, and contrasts it with the idolatry that marked their lives.

This passage is very important to understanding the image of God as a concept because it shows that in addition the image of God describing our lives, it also calls for action on our part.

I'm eager to think with you on Sunday about how we can apply this to our lives, so that we can live as joyful image bearers of Christ together.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

“You shall have no other gods before me.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

-Exodus 20:3-4

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

- Acts 17:24-29

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Psalm 8I spent a little time in Montana last year, and I quickly realized why they call it "Big Sky Country." Looking off into the distance on my friend's porch at sunset was striking. But, what came a few hours later was the real spectacle to see; stars, lots and lots of stars. Thoughts of personal greatness and importance were immediately squashed when I learned that I was most likely looking at a few thousand stars out of 100 billion in our galaxy alone.

David had the same feelings of awe, wonder, and insignificance arise when writing Psalm 8. Join us this week as we consider this important text in our Image of God series. We will discover how the infinite creator of the universe has unexpectedly made His name "majestic... in all the earth" through finite human beings like you and me.

I'm looking forward to worshiping together,
Pastor Chris

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

-Psalm 8:1-9

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Genesis 1, 5, 9You've probably heard the saying, "God don't make no junk!"

Maybe you've also heard someone say, "they sure don't make things like they used to."

Both of these are statements of quality. As for the 2nd phrase, people usually have in mind the quality of classic cars vs. those with fiberglass front ends. Or IKEA furniture vs. – you get it.

The point is that quality endures. There’s a reason why some cars are still being driven 70 years after production and others are smashed into tiny metal squares at the junkyard. Quality.

As for the Image of God in man. A fall (Genesis 3) and a flood (Genesis 6) couldn’t destroy it. That’s some pretty impressive quality. And isn’t that what we’d expect from God?

To hear more about this Image that has been damaged, but is not destroyed, join us on Sunday.

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

- Genesis 1:26-31

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Genesis 1:26-31This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on the Image of God that we started on Easter Sunday.

Why do a series on the image of God? Because of the challenges you face in this world, including racism, the sanctity of life, shame, and questions of identity. The concept of the image of God shapes how we respond to each of these.

We're going back to the beginning this week, looking at Genesis 1:26-31: the creation of humanity in the image of God. This famous passage roots the identity of each person who has ever lived in God's image. I'm looking forward to discussing how that shapes our lives today.

Look forward to seeing you at Grace this Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

-Genesis 1:26-31

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John 20:17He is risen! He is risen indeed!

This week at Grace (both online and in person at Eisenhower Park) we'll be looking at Jesus' resurrection message to Mary Magdalene in John 20. Specifically, in verse 17 Jesus tells Mary what to tell his disciples about the resurrection:

"...go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Almost 2,000 years later, we still need to hear this same message from Jesus: that he is the Son of God who is willing and able to bring us to his father as his brothers.

Looking forward to celebrating Easter together with you!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

-John 20:17

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1 Peter 5:12-14Tomorrow we're going to celebrate the baptisms of four brothers and sisters in Christ. I love the joy, hope, and gratitude that accompany baptisms. It feels like the celebration of a wedding, in some ways.

But I'm also aware that just because we begin strong in faith doesn't mean that things will stay that way. While God is faithful to hold on to us, we are prone to wander. Standing firm in our faith isn't automatic, anymore than a beautiful wedding automatically makes for a long marriage.

This week at Grace, we're finishing our series on 1 Peter. These last few verses (5:12-14) briefly reiterate a few of the major themes of the book, so I thought it would be a helpful time to reflect on the overall message of the letter - how hope helps us stand firm in faith even in difficult circumstances.

Let's pray together for our new brothers and sisters to stand firm in their faith, even as we humbly ask God for the same strength for ourselves.

Look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

-1 Peter 5:12-14

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1 Peter 5:8-11I’m looking forward to encouraging you this Sunday with one of the last passages in 1 Peter.

Do you relate to this quote from the movie The Matrix; “What you know you can’t explain, but you feel it. You’ve felt it your entire life—that there’s something wrong with the world…” Well, if so, you’re not alone!

This Sunday, we’ll see how God uses Peter’s letter to pull back the curtain on the reality of our situation and show us the truth. It’s a vivid, sobering picture, though…are you ready? Again, from The Matrix: “This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends; you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. All I’m offering is the truth, nothing more.”

Get ready to hear Peter's “wake up call”, the truth from the Word of God, and how we can respond well to the challenge! See you Sunday!

Justin

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 5:8-11

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1 Peter 5:5-7How humble are you?

I know, it sounds like an impossible question to answer soberly - wouldn't any positive self-asseesment of your humility be grounds for invalidating the results? If you say, "I'm great at being humble!", you must not be.

So, let's do a humility quiz based on Peter's life.

Have you ever:
1. Cried out to Jesus, “Depart from me; I am an unclean man!” (Plus 3 points)
2. Became angry at Jesus for doing something different than what you wanted him to do. Required Jesus to tell you, “Get behind me Satan.” (Minus 10 points)
3. When Jesus offers to wash your feet, initially resist, then jump on board. (Minus 1 point - not a great start, but way to switch quckly)
4. Give up everything to follow Jesus (Plus 10 points - but you lose a couple points if you brag about it, like Peter did)
5. Try to angle to become the greatest in the coming kingdom (Minus 5 points)
6. Cockily announced that even if every one leaves Jesus, “I will never abandon you!” (Minus 3 points)
7. Had your pride wounded when your sin was brought up during your restoration (Minus 2 points)
8. Scared of what people from Jerusalem would think of you, so you stop eating with Gentiles in Galatia (minus 3 points)
9. When threatened to stop preaching the gospel by religious leaders, insist that you must obey God rather than men (Plus 5 points)

So, how did you do?

I get it. Peter's life experiences were unique. But it's not hard to see how we could fall into the same pride traps that Peter did. And I'm sure grateful that God doesn't score our lives based on our behavior, but rather by His grace.

My point is that pride and humility are tricky issues to figure out about our own souls. Even great leaders like Peter struggle with them. And yet humility is essential to the Christian life.

This week at Grace, we'll be talking about 1 Peter 5:5-7, about the value of humility in the Christian life. Peter's words about the importance and value of humility are hard won and insightful for all of us who desire to walk humbly with our God today (Micah 6:8).

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace, either in person or online!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

-1 Peter 5:5-7

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1 Peter 5:1-4Curious people sometimes ask me why I chose to become a pastor. As I get close to 15 years here at Grace this spring, I think the better question might be: Why would anyone continue being a pastor (or any Christian leader)?

After seeing many friends and former ministry colleagues crash and burn, it's humbling how many pitfalls are out there for those in leadership in Christ's church.

Of course, this isn't unique to pastors. All of us face temptations that threaten to derail those leadership roles that are most precious to us.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter with 5:1-4. This passage outlines the temptations that Christian leaders (elders, specifically) are called to lead the church. In this passage, Peter identifies three temptations that elders face:

Will you resent your calling or embrace it willingly?
Will you exploit those you lead or sacrifice for them?
Will you lead the people by example or demand they do things you won't do yourself?

These three temptations are timeless. As we open up the Scriptures together this Sunday, I hope that we'll consider these temptations soberly - looking first in the mirror at our own capacity to wander, and secondly to pray for those in leadership in Christ's name around the world.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

-1 Peter 5:1-4

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1 Peter 4:12-19Do you like “fill in the __________ ” questions? I sure ____ .

Okay, enough silliness, here’s a real fill in the blank for you.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________

What comes to mind?

Give it a go and fill in the 3 below.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________

If you’re like me, you probably went pretty quickly to the benefits and blessings of salvation.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will have your sins forgiven.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will become part of God’s family.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will experience a lot of joy.

Yes, Yes, and Yes. All are true. But wait, there’s more!

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will suffer.

Did that make your list? As you can see above, it didn’t make mine.

It’s a sobering thought, but if Peter were participating in this exercise after writing 1 Peter 4:12-19, his mind would have gone to ‘suffering’ pretty quickly.

Why do we suffer? What’s it for? How does God use suffering to do good?

Join us Sunday as we spend more time on this difficult and important theme.

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

-1 Peter 4:12-19

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1 Peter 4:7-11I know this is a serious question for an email, but I'm going to go for it:

When you think about the end (either the end of your life individually or the end of the age for all of us), how does it make you feel?

Does it scare you? Make you angry? Grateful?

Thinking about our own mortality and eternity can have a helpful recalibrating effect, forcing us to consider the things that really matter. But it can also drive us into self-centered behaviors - thinking about what we want to accomplish or experience.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter 4:7-11. It's a profound passage because Peter lays out a case for how the Christian community can be a counter to the self-centered thinking that often accompanies thinking about the scarcity of life. Instead of being irrational, he tells us to be sober-minded and prayerful. Instead of selfish, we're to be loving and hospitable. And instead of trying to build our own kingdom, we're to build Christ's.

Let's reflect together on this beautiful passage and why we have a powerful enough hope to change the world's story of how to face the end.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 4:7-11

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1 Peter 4:1-6 Would you describe yourself as weird?

Most of us would be pretty offended by being called weird. In fact, we go to a lot of effort to fit in - generally, we adjust our clothes to match fashions, adjust our idioms and diction to match how people around us talk, and eat what people around us eat.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter in chapter 4. In this passage, Peter describes why our hope in Christ creates a tension with the world around us, and how we're to deal with the fact that we're weird in this world.

I hope this passage will renew your joy and faith in Christ and give you strength to deal with being weird in this world's eyes.

Look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. Our Pastor of Worship candidate (Chris Howard) will be joining us to lead worship in person and online this Sunday. Please be welcoming and encouraging to him!

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

-1 Peter 4:1-6

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1 Peter 3:13-22 What is it like when you talk about your faith in Jesus?

For many of us, we're not terribly proud of our answer to this. We might say it feels forced or awkward, like we're trying to wedge something in the conversation that ultimately makes the room go silent. Others might say that announcing their faith makes them feel powerful, a way to correct those who are in the wrong. Or for others, we might say we don't know what it feels like since we never talk about it.

This week at Grace, we're looking at 1 Peter 3:13-17. In it, Peter exhorts his readers to align their hearts and lives in such a way that the hope they have in Christ transforms how they see the world. And in the process, their hope can invite conversations about Christ that are marked with gentleness and respect.

This passage (especially v. 15) has been one of the most important passages of Scripture in my life. It's been a north star for me in how to think about evangelism and mission, as well as how to see my opportunity to share my faith in the lives of those around me. I'm excited to unpack with you on Sunday what it shows us about how the gospel of Jesus Christ can give us hope, rest, and purpose in life.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

-1 Peter 3:13-22

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1 Peter 2:4-10 I’m grateful for the hope and encouragement we’re finding in 1 Peter during this series. I’m grateful also to be back and recovered from COVID, healthy and thankful for your prayers and God’s healing! Because I had planned to share in our service several weeks ago before my quarantine, we get to jump back to chapter 2 for another encouraging reflection on the hope we find in Christ.

In fact, this week, we’ll see how Jesus is the “cornerstone” of our faith - how He holds His church together and how He sets our lives on level ground. Join us as we let God’s word remind us who we are and who’s we are, together.

See you Sunday!
Justin

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”

and

“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

-1 Peter 2:4-10

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1 Peter 3:1-12Sometimes when I read the Bible I am comforted. Other times I’m confronted. These words from 1 Peter 3:8-9 have had the latter effect on me this week.

How do they hit you?

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

I'd love to see you Sunday or have you join us online so that, together, we can all benefit from God's gracious and challenging words.

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

-1 Peter 3:1-12

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1 Peter 2:11-25 This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Peter by looking at how Peter tells us to live in relationship to political and employment authorities in our lives.

Yep, that four letter word: Politics. "Ugh, I hate when they talk about politics at church!"

I get that. And there's a lot to affirm in that hesitancy. The sacredness of Christian worship is more important than just advocating for a political position. But there are times (like in 1 Peter 2) where Scripture speaks plainly and challengingly about our responsibilities with relation to politics.

I hope you'll join us online tomorrow morning to open up God's Word to this timely and relevant passage.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

-1 Peter 2:11-25

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1 Peter 1:13-2:3Last week we started our new year's series on 1 Peter, a book that focuses on hope in the midst of despair. For Peter's readers, there were circumstances beyond their control that make hope seem like a luxury they couldn't afford. But Peter reminded them their hope does not come from the circumstances but from the resurrection of Jesus.

Like Peter's first readers, we need hope. We needed it before this week. We need it even more after the events of this week.

As we continue in 1 Peter, we're looking at how hope changes us. When the hope of the gospel gets in our bones, it gives us a sturdiness of soul that gives us confidence in the midst of turmoil. When we become hopeful people, it effects how we relate to God, ourselves, and one another.

Looking forward to worshiping with you either in person or online tomorrow!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Ps. I hope you’re reading and reflecting on 1 Peter on your own throughout the week! If you have any questions or insights you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about them. Email me at bob@gracesealbeach.org

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good

-1 Peter 1:13-2:3

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Living In Exile1 Peter 1:1-12 Normally in this space I write a short message to help you prepare for this coming Sunday's passage. But this week I'd like to take the opportunity to help you prepare for the message's for the next couple of months as we begin a new series in 1 Peter.

Even though it's almost 2000 years old, 1 Peter is a letter that could be written to churches in America today. It addresses Christians who feel out of place in a world that holds different values than they do. Peter's goal is to encourage them (and us) in their faith, even when it seems like the whole world has a different concept of value, success, and meaning.

As we jump into this series, here are five things you could do to make your investment in 1 Peter more profitable in your life:

1. Read 1 Peter. Okay, I know that one is obvious, but it's still the best place to start. And I don't mean just read it once - read it continually now through the rest of the series (the end of March). What if you read one chapter a day (1 Peter has five chapters), then once a week read the whole thing in one sitting? And the next week tried it again in a different translation? How much more hope (1 Peter's central theme) would mark your life in three months?

2. Choose key verses to memorize - 1 Peter is filled with rich passages to commit to memory, including 2:8-9, 3:15, and 5:6-7. As you read 1 Peter, I'm sure ones will stick out to you as well.

3. Watch this video to get an overview of the whole book - The Bible Project produces these very helpful short animated videos to give a bird's eye view of biblical books for free.

4. Join a life group - There are a number of great groups at Grace that can help you understand the Bible better, including a couple men's and women's groups that focus on the sermon passage of the week.

5. Buy a commentary or invest in a Study Bible to help you understand more of what 1 Peter is all about - There isn't one gold standard commentary on 1 Peter I'd recommend (you can see a pretty helpful list here), but of the ones on my shelf I find Karen Jobes' volume the best. For Study Bibles, both the Zondervan NIV Study Bible and ESV Study Bible are excellent.

May God use the words of 1 Peter to shape you in a Christlike way in 2021!

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time[a] the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

-1 Peter 1:1-12

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This evening prayer, attributed to Saturday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Patrick Compline”. St. Patrick (389-461) is famously known as the “Apostle to Ireland”. He was a former slave in Ireland, who, after escaping, returned voluntarily to his captures as a priest and fearless evangelist.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Friday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Boisil Compline”. It’s named after Boisil who was a great teacher, priest, and discipler, and who died in faithful Christian service in the year 661.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Thursday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Ebba Compline”. Ebba was a strong leader, a woman who founded and led two monasteries. She died in 683, and was affectionally known as “a pious woman and the handmaid of Christ”.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Wednesday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Felgild Compline”. Felgild became a monk around 700 AD and lived a life of prayer and solitude, overcoming physical infirmities and other great challenges.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Tuesday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Cuthbert Compline”. It’s named after Cuthbert, who decided to become a monk after receiving an angelic vision. He served his years in honor and humility as a monk and later a bishop. He died in 687.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Monday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Aidan Compline”. Aidan was a beloved and well-respected monk who dedicated his entire life to helping others and died serving his monastery in the year 651.

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This evening prayer, attributed to Sunday night in the book Celtic Daily Prayer is traditionally called the “Ita Compline”. Ita, a woman who died around 570 AD, was the director of a community of nuns and also a boys school. This Compline prayer was named after her because it focuses on the examination of the heart and the petition for care and protection.

Grace Community Church of Seal Beach: Recent Episodes

Don Shoemaker, Steve Williams, and Bob Wriedt