Grace United Family Church: Recent Episodes
Grace United Family Church
In the message today, we make a side by side comparison between the gospel that Jesus and the Apostles preached, and gospel that is preached in our day. Is there a difference, and if so, what it is? Are there false gospels proclaimed in our day, and if so, what are the talking points of the so-called modern gospel? Come with the Grace United crew, as we seek to understand the gospel that Jesus preached.
When Jesus preached the gospel, what was it that he told people to believe? Was it a prediction of his own death and resurrection, or something else? John the Baptist preached the gospel and part of his proclamation included "hell fire". Jesus also preached that people needed to repent of their sin. Belief in the gospel was not enough according to Jesus. So, what was the gospel that Jesus preached? And how does that compare to what the modern church labels as the gospel? Come with the Grace United crew as we examine and appreciate the gospel Jesus preached.
Luke was a Gentile. He was not an apostle. His gospel, along with the book of Acts are the only 2 writings in all of the written word of God which were written by a non-Jew. Given these facts, who was Luke? How did his writings about the Jewish Messiah, "make the cut" to be included as part of inspired Scripture, on the same level as the other 64 writings that make up the Bible? Come with the Grace United crew as we get oriented for our study through the Gospel of Luke.
"The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay." Don't you love Christmastime? Baby Jesus. Mary Joseph and the wise guys--and don't forget the shepherds! All serve to bring into focuse "the reason for the season." But we know that Jesus didn't stay a baby. He grew up, spent time as an iternant preacher, did miracles, trained disciples. The Jesus died. Crucified. Then he was buried and rose again! He ascended to the Father's right hand as Lord of all. As Lord over all. As we know, our governmnental system does not indicate "Lord." But Christians do. Come with the Grace Unted crew as we explore what it means that Jesus is Lord.
Christmas is a time to celebrate baby Jesus. But Jesus is "all growed up!" He is called various things in Scripture--metaphors which depict the Lord Jesus as someone far more than a man, for he IS far more than a man. He is the Son of the Living God. Scripture also refers to him as "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah". Why is Jesus pictured as a Lion? Come with the Grace United crew as we continue our Christmas series, 2022, discovering Jesus as "Lion."
Join the Grace United crew as we continue in our Christmas series for 2022 as we explore and appreciate Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and how that profound truth applies to our lives today.
"Christmas time is here", so the kids sing the opening song of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." A holiday favorite. Along with many other holiday favorites. But is it possible that what we look forward to the most this time of year are all the trappings of Christmas? The lights. Tinsel. Non-stop Christmas songs. And of course, Santa at the tail end of the Christmas parade. But what would Christmas look like with the trappings chiseled away, with only Jesus there? Join the Grace United crew as we explore the first of 4 pictures of who Jesus really is: Christ as the Light of the world.
Another Thanksgiving Day observance has come and gone. Traditionally, another round of stuffed bird with which we stuffed ourselves. Family and friends around the table, and for some, the first time since last Thanksgiving. Football for many. We know the story of the First Thanksgiving--or have we forgotten it? Pilgrims arriving in new world to escape religious persecution. Squanto. And all the rest. Is there a part of the story that we may have missed? There just might be. And what about how the Lord sees thanksgiving in the lives of his sons and daughters, not just one day a year but every day? Come with the Grace United crew as we reflect on the powerful thing called "thanksgiving."
As Grace United, we have a tradition: when we finish a book of the Bible, we review the entire book in one message. Today's message reflects our tradition, for today we finish Deuteronomy. Come with the Grace United crew as we step back and attempt to take in the entire "Gospel According to Moses."
When you pass away, what would you want on your headstone at the cemetery? How would you want your obituary to read? At your funeral, what would you desire the minister to say in your eulogy? Now, what you want the Lord to say in your eulogy? What do you think he will say? When it comes to Moses, we don't have to guess. It's all right there in God's word. Some of his statements about his servant might surprise you. But is there anything we can learn about the Lord's character and about Moses himself through the story surrounding his death? Plenty, actually. Come with the Grace United crew as we explore what the Lord has to say about his servant, Moses in the moments surrounding his death.
With all the unhappiness in the world, does the Lord want us to be happy? If so, what does that mean? We have billions of people on the planet, each with their own idea of what happiness is. So, what is God's definition, his description of happiness? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover "Torah happiness" and how both Moses and Jesus bestowed this on God's people
Christians are familiar with the last command the Lord told them before he went back to heaven after he was crucified for the sins of the world and then raised from the dead: "Make disciples of all nations". This is consistently referred to as "The Great Commission." There is another "great commission" but it is found in Deuteronmy. Joshua was getting ready to lead the people into the promised land. The Lord commissioned him to do so. What was this commission all about? And how does it tie in to followers of Jesus even today, thousands of years after Joshua's commission? Come with the Grace United crew as we observe the Lord commissioning Joshua to lead the people into the promised land.
Christians are familiar with the last command the Lord told them before he went back to heaven after he was crucified for the sins of the world and then raised from the dead: "Make disciples of all nations". This is consistently referred to as "The Great Commission." There is another "great commission" but it is found in Deuteronmy. Joshua was getting ready to lead the people into the promised land. The Lord commissioned him to do so. What was this commission all about? And how does it tie in to followers of Jesus even today, thousands of years after Joshua's commission? Come with the Grace United crew as we observe the Lord commissioning Joshua to lead the people into the promised land.
The words of the Spiritual come to mind: "Joshua fit the battle of Jericho." We all know him as a mighty, God-infused warrior. But there is so much more to Joshua than his ability to wield the sword. Joshua was not only the commanding general who led Israel to dispatch the pagans from the Lord's land, Joshua had taken the place of Moses, for the Lord forbade him from even going into the Land of Promise. So, how did Joshua get to be where he was as Israel's human leader? The luck of the draw? God's finger "out of the sky" pointing to Joshua and thus appointing him to take Moses' place? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover just who this man was and he gained the Lord's approval to lead his people.
The Scripture is book of life. The Lord through Moses tells his people that he is their life. Fast forward thousands of years. The Lord Jesus tells his disciples the same thing. In Christ is life. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Jesus also said, "And this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." But lest anyone think that Jesus means a mere eternal existence, think again. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." Whether it is the Old Testament or New Testament, the issue is life. Come with the Grace United Crew as we explore what real life is about.
Exactly how can "repentance" be beautiful? Perhaps we need to ask a more fundamental question: What exactly does repentance mean? Does it mean we get a second chance from God--as in he will forgive "this time" but never do it again? Is it the same as "penitence" or even "pennance"? And what does repentance have to do with God and his Old Testament people, Israel? Careful Bible readers know that Jesus spoke of repentance often. What is Israel supposed to do with this? So many questions, so little time. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what the Lord says to Israel, his chose people about the issue of repentance and how repentance is indeed a beautiful thing.
The central issue of Christianity is the cross, for it was upon the cross that Jesus died. All sin of all people, from Adam to the last person to pass through a birth canal was placed on the heart and shoulders of the Lamb of God. What was it that motivated Jesus to do such a thing? It had everything to do with the heart relationship he had with his Father. Push rewind thousands of years. Under the Law of Moses, the central issue between Israel and the Lord was a matter of the heart. Indeed, the heart of the matter is the heart. Come with the Grace United crew as we hear God's call resonate down through the ages: "Give me your heart."
The Scripture is full of the goodness of the Lord. He greatly desires to bless everybody--and he has! But the same book which reveals his blessings also reveals his warnings to his people who live in persistent rebellion against his almighty authority. The Lord gives a massive, devasting list of curses, couched as warnings to his people. But what about New Testament truth? Hasn't God taken away the curse because Jesus became a curse for us? Come with the Grace United crew as we, with trembling hearts hear God's warnings, "On Steroids" to his people as proclaimed in both Old and New Testaments.
What comes to mind when you think of God's blessings? Spiritual ones? How about material ones? How about an overabundance of material blessings? This is what the Lord promised to give to Israel. But if the Lord is the same, yesterday, today and forever, why does the Lord not promise material blessings today? A bigger question seems to be, Why does the Lord emphasize material blessings anyway? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore God's Magnificent Blessings.
The Psalmist proclaims "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!" The Lord encourages, even demands his people to proclaim his goodness, and as his people, our holiness--that we are set apart unto him: called out from the world. This is especially true in a corporate way. God told his people numbering more than a million to loudly proclaim they were his--all at once! How, and where and what was this proclamation all about? How can God's people do this today? Come with the Grace United crew as we joyfully immerse ourselves into the Lord's command to corporately proclaim we are his people and he is our God.
Generosity. It's a good word. But it seems to have achieved buzzword status in the church--a word that currently means "financial resources", In that we need to give more to God. After all, we are the richest country in the world. Also, God told his people in the Old Testament to tithe. What is a Christian to do with all this? Come with the Grace United crew as we talk about developing and maintaining a generous testimony in front of the watching world.
Grace United celebrates Ten Years as a church: an ekklesia! This past Sunday, Grace United spent a lot of time in prayer, and confession of sin. And discussing some "Family Business" in relation to major issues pertaining to what is now our former denominational affiliations, The Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. It was a powerful, emotional and gut wrenching time for all who call Grace United our home church. We invite you to pray with us, and ponder the issues raised. Given the recent fallout to include pending DOJ investigation into sexual abuse allegations denomination-wide, the Southern Baptist Convention may or may no longer be the largest Protestant denomination in America; nevertheless, she still wields major influential force in our country and even on the international stage.
Honor. Shame. These words carry a lot of weight. Regardless of time. Regardless of culture. In Israel, the Torah is to be the "sourcebook" to discover what actions are to bring honor to the Lord and to his people. The other side of the coin is what behaviors would bring shame, not only to the Lord but his people as well. Moses speaks of 4 shameful things in Deuteronomy 25. Strange things! What do these things mean in our day, to our culture as followers of Christ? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what shame and honor are about.
"Love is the greatest thing in the world!" So says Miracle Max of the classic movie, "The Princess Bride." How many songs, movies, books, and so much more talk about these 4 English letters? The Lord has a LOT to say about love. But the love the Lord speaks of is far and away different than what the current cultural climate says about it. What does God consider love to be? How is it to be expressed among his people and especially to him by his people? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the amazing holy, omniscient, omnipotent love of the only true and living God.
What does the word "holy" do to your heart and mind when you hear it? Does it conjure up pictures in your mind and emotions that are unpleasant? Or is "holy" a beautiful thing? The God Christians worship is the Only True and living God. He is the high and holy One. Holiness is a high thing, repugnant to man's sinful nature. How can sinful people learn to embrace holiness and love the One who IS holy? Come with the Grace United crew we discover the beauty of, and necessity for, holiness among God's people.
When one thinks of the Law of God, holiness comest to mind. It's almost axiomtic. After all, what is religion without rules? However, God's people delight in understanding and living out holiness as God describes it. This is for a reason: that God may be exalted and glorified. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover God's "boundary markers" of holiness and are encourged to live them out.
The Torah of God means "teaching God's ways to God's people." Torah is a Hebrew word translated as "law." "Law" often conjures up a hard and fast set of rules that, furthermore must be kept perfectly or God is not pleased. For all who believe this, there is some good news! Torah is all about life. Torah is all about family. Torah is all about the proper understanding of true authority. Come with the Grace United crew as we bask in the wonders of Torah as it applies to the most fundamental elements in our lives.
Father's Day is a time for a father to . . . encourage and exhort his family in the ways of the Lord. Part of this encouragement and exhortation is to tell things "like it is," both regarding the current state of culture and the eternal truth of God through Christ. Join the Grace United crew to be encouraged and exhorted to live the ways of the Lord in a day and age where true spiritual strength, coming from God through the power of his Spirit is rarely found.
War is among the uglliest, if not the ugliest activities anybody can engage in. People don't use the phrase, "war is hell" for nothing. Imagers of God actually killing fellow imagers of God with the sanction, with the approval, with the command of one's respective government. It was no different with Israel, as the Lord commanded his people to go to war. However Moses gave instructions about how soidiers were to ready themselves in preparation to fight against their enemy. What were those instructions? Is engaging in warfare proper for God's people today? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover anew and afresh of God's dealing with warfare, from the perspective of his holiness.
Many of us are familiar with the story of Pentecost. Hundreds of people fluently speaking in languages they had never learned. Flames of fire appearing over their heads. The apostle Peter preaching a powerful message. And when he was done, about 3,000 souls were added to the church. Certainly, Pentecost was a supernatural phenomenon. But what was Pentecost all about anyway? For people to speak in strange languages? Miracles? Or was is much more? And if it was much more, what was Pentecost for? Spoiler alert! It was! Come with the Grace United crew as we disover the wonder and power of Pentecost.
The Lord's Supper is regularly served in millions of churches all over the world. Followers of Jesus remember what he has done and just as importantly, who he is. But who is he? What is the extent of his salvation ministry? Scripture tells us that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. He as the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world. What does that really mean? When Jesus had his last meal with his men before he went to the cross, he established the New Covenant--the fulfillment of what the Prophet Jeremiah predicted. Gloriously, Jesus gave his people 2 things: Soul rest and soul freedom. What are these amazing things? Come with the Grace United crew as we remember the incredible things the Lord Jesus has done for us.
You shall not kill. That is the Sixth Commandment. Or is it? What does God mean when he says we are not to do that? What about when one accidently takes the life of another? Is this punished in the same way as one who is guilty of premeditated murder? Is there room for the grace and mercy of God in his economy when it comes to the issue of one imager of God taking the life of another? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what Moses teaches God's people regarding the issue, literally, of life and of death.
Those who have a working knowledge of the Old Testament know that "priests" and "prophets" are all over the pages! Priests handle the holy things of God, and prophets speak to others in the name of God. But it may come as a surprise that the Bible tells us that priests and prophets appear in the New Testament as well. In addition, there are priests and prophets the church of Jesus Christ. Today. Who are they? What is their function? Spoiler alert, prophets and priests are not what you think! Join the Grace United crew as we discover amazing things regarding priests and prophets in the Old Testament, and in the church of Jesus Christ as well.
The prophet Amos said to his wayward people back in the day, "Let justice roll down like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Justice is a huge deal today--in all of its forms: racial, social, economic, even reproductive justice. The national discussion and the ramifications in our culture take up many minutes on all things media. But is the justice promoted today the kind of thing the Lord would approve of? Certainly, justice is his idea. But has it gone too far? Is God pleased? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what the Lord means and how he desires to apply justice, both in Moses' day and in ours.
R&R: We normally think "Rest and Relaxation." Taking things easy. Taking a break from the pressures of life. A great thing! But did you know that the Lord has a much more grand and glorious R&R in mind for his people? And it is not what normally comes to mind. The Lord wants his people to experience joy when they -- we -- engage in his R&R. So, what is the Lord's R&R? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover incredible joy as his people experience the Lord's R&R.
What in the world is a "shemitah?" Animal, vegetable, or mineral? Or something else? Gloriously, it is something else. God told his people to practice it every 7 years. And "double your money back" guarantee, it is not what American ears are used to hearing! Or American Christian hearts are so willing to put into practice. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover and apply not only "shemitah" but perpetual shemitah!
What in the world is a "shemitah?" Animal, vegetable, or mineral? Or something else? Gloriously, it is something else. God told his people to practice it every 7 years. And "double your money back" guarantee, it is not what American ears are used to hearing! Or American Christian hearts are so willing to put into practice. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover and apply not only "shemitah" but perpetual shemitah!
The most well known statements of the Lord Jesus is recorded in John 3.16. God gave his son that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life. When Jesus prayed to the Father the night he was betrayed, he defined what eternal life is: "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." As glorious as it is to know life on the other side of the grave, in large measure, eternal life is knowng the Lord in the now. Is it really possible to have that experience? And how does this relate to Deuteronomy 14 when Moses reminds the people of food laws and the tithe? They really do go together! How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how we can know the Lord in the now.
The world is emerging from a physical pandemic. However, in Moses' day, Israel was threatened with a pandemic of their own. It was not physical, but spiritual. It was deadly. Radical action needed to be taken, lest the whole body of Israel die. What was it that needed such drastic attention? What sorts of remedies did Moses prescribe to help them, should the pandemic become realized? Join the Grace United crew as we discover Israel's Spiritual Pandemic.
How can sinful humans approach the God of the universe? This must arrest the minds of all who would worship the True and Living God aright. The Lord is plain: There is such a thing as unacceptable worship. And glory to him, there is such a thing as worshp he does accept. How does one do that? What kind of worship does God accept? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore this most important thing any human being can do.
The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. This is New Testament truth. But it is eternal truth. The Lord who called, redeemed and set Israel apart is the the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. As such, we can learn much from Israel, the Lord's son by covenant. He saved them by his grace and told them how to live--by way of the Torah. As Christians in the 21st Century, God still tells us, his covenant people how to live. Come with the Grace United crew as we see the blessing and curse God has in store for his people, depending on how they respond to his divine ways, his "ancient paths."
The Big "C" is a dreaded word in our world. "C" is painful. Surgery is almost always needed to cut the cancer out. But there is a big "C" in the Scripture as well. Circumcision. Circumcision is commanded for . . . all God's people. "But" we might say, "how can circumcision be commanded for all of God's people? Isn't it supposed to be for males only? Well, not exactly, although males in Israel are commanded to get the Big "C". What is God after? What exactly is circumcision for anyway? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore this all important issue of circumcision and what it means for ALL of God's people, Old Covenant or New Covenant saints.
Anybody who is even remotely familiar with the Old Testament knows about Israel and golden calf. Moses was on the mountain of God, receiving much instruction from the Lord. The Lord himself wrote the 10 Commandments on 2 stone tablets. Meanwhile, Israel was having a fit for themselves--much to the Lord's great displeasure. How great? What did God do? Show amazing mercy and grace, and severe discipline as only he can. Can Christians learn anything from this sordid episode in Israel's history? Come with the Grace United crew as we witness Israel's Discipline in the Desert.
Christians understand that the New Testament speaks much of the grace of God. But what about the Old Testament? Is there anything about grace there? Certainly, God deals graciously and mercifully with his people as recorded in various places from Genesis (Enoch) to Isaiah (bringing his people back to their land after 70 years), and many other places besides. But can grace be found, say, when Moses met with God on Mt. Sinai and the people worshiped the golden calf? The answer might surprise you. Join the Grace United crew as we "follow the numbers" leading to the grace and mercy of God.
Moses told Israel how to have a thankful heart. Jesus told his disciples the same thing. Not only that, but the Lord Jesus told his followers the very source of his joy, and invited them--us if we are his disciples--to experience the fullness of joy. There is a direct tie-in to obtaining a thankful heart and experiencing joy--but it is definitely not what we normally think. The Lord says, "My ways are NOT your ways." what is the common denominator to experiencing joy and a thankful heart? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore what it takes to gain and maintain a thankful heart
Genocide is an unspeakable evil. Full stop. To kill all members of a given group of people is beyond horrendous. But what if God himself gave a command for his people to do this--not only regarding 1 nation but 7? What is up with this? Come with the Grace United crew as we wrestle with this extremely difficult thing as we ask the question: Did God really command his people to commit genocide?
God is the ultimate Person in the universe. God is the almighty, faithful one. God has an infinite, perfect, heart of love and affection for his people. One might think we are talking about Christ's love for His church. All this is true. However, these things are true of how God treats His people in Old Testament as well. Come with the Grace Unted crew as we merely scratch the surface of all that the Lord is, as we explore His faithful heart of love.
Paul's letter the the Ephesians is absolutely magnifcent! The Lord gave him amazing insight into the redemption heart of God. And revealed to the apostle the mystery that was hidden for ages: Christ broke down the dividing wall the separated Jew (God's people) from Gentile and made both Jews and Gentiles one in Christ. What was that dividing wall and how did Christ break it? Christ also abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances. What is that all about? Come with the Grace United crew as we take a deep dive into the riches of God's grace toward both Jew and Gentile in Christ.
The only job the Lord Jesus gave his church is to make disciples. That is New Testament teaching. But even in the Old Testament the Lord through Moses wanted the same thing of his people. The Lord's desire is that his disciples begin right where they are to make disciples--starting at home. In a word, discipleship that is homegrown. Come with the Grace United crew as we look at God's divine strategy to pass our faith on to the next generation, so that the next generation can become his disciples as well. For after all, God has no grandchildren--only children.
A powerful song was recorded and sung a number of years ago by Steve Green and contains these word: "God and God alone is fit to take the universe's throne. Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise for God and God alone." The Grace United crew deals with this very thing in Deuteronomy 6.1-9. Moses reminds the people, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart . . ." Start 2022 off right, giving a listen so you reserve your truest praise for God and God alone.
How majestic is the King of the universe? And just who is the King of Glory? What is the Lord after in giving his rules, commandments and statutes to HIS people? What about the rest of the world? Did God give his rules, commandments and statutes to them? Speaking of commandments, and the Lord's insistence they obey them, what about the Lord Jesus? Did Jesus insist people obey the commandments, or did God give the commandments to show that we can't keep them? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore and more fully appreciate the magnitude of the Lord's majesty
God's gift of Messiah--goes on. In the lives of His people in salvation and through His people as we give the gospel and make disciples of all nations. The mandate of the Lord Jesus gave us--to go to the world and spread his truth--has never changed. But why should His followers do this? Why have they done this, down through the ages, in spite of the most difficult of hardships, pain, loss and even martyrdom? There is a glorious answer, found in Holy Scripture. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how and why His Gift Goes On as we conclude our Christmas, 2021 series.
What comes to mind when we think of Christmas in 21st century America? Santa. The manger. Baby Jesus. Mary. Joseph. The wise men. Angels. Shepherds. Etc. But we know that the Christmas story was not "made in America." The setting was about 2,000 years ago in Israel. Roman occupied territory. Israel was looking for "Christmas": God's gift to set them free from Roman oppression. A Messiah. What does Scripture say about the Messiah? What exactly was his mission, both regarding Israel and the rest of the world? Come with the Grace United crew as we talk about God's gift embodied in Messiah.
God is the only faithful Person in the universe. He is The promise maker. He is The promise keeper. If he makes a promise, we can take it to the bank. And the greatest promise he has ever made to us, sinful humans is eternal salvation. Come with the Grace United crew as we marvel, awestruck at the majesty and glory of our Great Promise maker and Promise Keeper, who has given us the promise of eternal life in Christ.
We live in a pluralistic society. Obviously. Why then do we as a culture set aside weeks, if not months preparing for a distinctively Christian holiday, celebrating the birth of the Jewish Messiah? Do we even need Christmas? Come with the Grace United crew as we talk about and seek an answer to the question: "Who needs Christmas?"
Thanksgiving. It is a time . . . for turkey! . . . for NFL Tripleheaders! . . . for family and friends! . . . or is there more to it? The history of Thanksgiving in our country, in its journey to eventually establish our tradition, is really an amazing one. Of course, where would a proper Thanksgiving be without giving thanks to the Lord? At Grace United we addressed the Lord with heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving and confession. Join us as we recall the history of the tradition, but more importantly, our time of prayer. (Note: the slides are not synched to the message due to technical difficulties).
The Ten Words: simply laws handed down from a dictatorial deity? Or are they much more? Can these words from the Lord really be a way, indeed the way, of freedom? If so, how can we implement the Lord's ways? Where do we start? The simple, but profound answer: it starts in the heart--and this is what the 10th Word, the Tenth Commandment is all about. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what God's word has to say about coveting, and how to deal with this thing that resides in all of our hearts.
October 31 is . . . Reformation Day! But how many observe it? What we as Americans observe is, and what we have been preparing for, which seems like weeks, is . . . Halloween. Did you know that "Halloween" has Christian roots? How so? And how far back does it go? And why is there so much focus on death on October 31? What is it all about? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the bad, the good and the glorious elements of Halloween.
The meme is "Law bad, Grace good." We tend to think that the Lord's primary purpose for giving us the Law is to show us that we need a Savior. While it is true that the Law is like a mirror, pointing out our sin, it is far and away more precious and valuable than a mere set of rules. Rather, Commandments 6-9 highlight the inherent dignity the Lord has given to his people. How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover anew and afresh how the Torah reveals our dignity.
Three great words to live by: rest, remember, honor. These words are part and parcel of the 4th and 5th words God gave Moses that he might teach Israel how to really live. But "this is Old Testament! Can anything good come from studying THAT?" Come with the Grace United crew as we experience the 4th and 5th words of the Decalogue, a.k.a: the 10 Commandments.
We call them the Ten Commandments. But in reality they are the "Ten Words." What do these words, these commandments have to do with Christians living in 21st Century America? For this is the heart of the Law of God. The long standing understanding by many followers of Jesus is "Law bad; grace good." But the fingerprints of the grace of God are all over these words. In this installment of "The Ten Words," we will cover the first three. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how awesome and life-giving these words are.
The Ten Commandments. Beautful words. "Really?" This is the Law of God, though! Aren't we to see the Ten Commandments as, "Law bad, grace good?" Wasn't the Law given to us to show us that we can't keep it? That we need grace to get us to heaven? In this ongoing series of the "Gospel According to Moses," Moses will show that the Ten Commandments serve a far different purpose. What is that purpose? They were also only given to a certain group of people in the world. Who are they? Come with the Grace United crew as we uncover marvelous things about the Ten Commandments that have been hidden in plain sight. For a LONG time.
To God be the glory, great things He has done! What has He done in your life? With all the chaos in our world, it may seem that the Lord is absent. But that cannot be farther from the truth. Evil has run in cycles, and this is yet another one. In our onging series of "The Gospel According to Moses," Moses recounts the glorious things the Lord has done in the life of Israel, in spite of their sin and unfaithfulness. What kinds of things? Come with the Grace United crew as we marvel the great things He has done for His people. Truly, To God Be The Glory!
Predictive prophecy. This for many translates to what will happen to Christians at the end of the world as we know it. The rapture, Great Tribulation, Christ's return and millennial reign. The Great White Throne judgment. Then eternity begins! But what if predictive prophecy translated into . . . God's people committing idolatry? God through Moses predicted Israel was going to commit idolatry. What would be the fallout for the multipled times Israel would commit spiritual adultery? And what doe it have to do with 21st Century Christians? Join the Grace United crew as we explore "Idolatry . . . in Prophecy."
Being "privileged" is a really bad word in our culture. The notion is used as a bludgeon by members of one culture upon another. This is yet another weapon the enemy of the ONE human race has in his arsonal to divide us--and tragically he is doing a good job. But the people of God actually HAVE a privilege status. It is recounted in one of Moses' last messages he gave to the sons and daughters of Israel. What does privilege mean? What does it mean to "claim the privilege"? Come with the Grace United crew where, as people of God understand and learn how to apply our privilege.
Oh, the freedom of open doors. And oh, the inconvenience of locked gates--unless one happens to be in Afghanistan. The sons and daughters of Israel experienced tremendous open doors. However, Moses, their leader suffered the absolute tragedy of a locked gate. God told him that he was not to enter the land of promise. What was the reason for the locked gate? And how does that apply to our lives today? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore open doors and locked gates.
Warfare is a tragic, evil thing. It's been with us almost as long as we've been around. Where did the idea come from? And what about a guy named Og? Who was he? And the Rephaim--what about them? Nephilim, anyone? These things are talked about in "The Sihog Campaign." Come with the Grace United crew as we explore them.
Are real giants talked about in the Bible? If so, who are they? Or is this to be considered a no kidding mythical tale? What does this sort of thing have to do with God, with God's people, even with Christians in teh 21st century? Join the Grace United crew as we dive in to the "Gospel According to Moses" exploring a "giant" issue.
There are not many guarantees in this life, but here is one of them: God WILL discipline his people. But it is never without a purpose. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that the Father disciplines his children that they might share his holiness. This is truth, whether one is a Christian or a member of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 1.19-46, we might call God's interaction with his people a "severe mercy." How severe? Come with the Grace United crew as we have a "front row seat" observing for our instruction, God's discipline of grace in the days of Moses.
Grace United Family Church celebrates 9 years of the Lord's goodness and blessing to this small congregation! What has He been up to with us over these years? Come with the Grace United crew as we walk down memory lane, and at the same time being challenged to go forward by His grace to fulfill the mission He has given us.
Every year about this time, the Grace United youth and young adults serve in corporate worship, to include the preaching. This year, Aidan and Liam tag teamed to deliver a powerful 2 part message concerning what worship is from their perspective. In this day and age there seems to be a premium placed on "nones". However, there are still some youth who hold fast to the truth. What are Aidan's and Liam's take on worship? Tune in to find out. You just might be surprised. My prayer as their pastor is that you would be challenged by these young men, teenagers, regarding the worship of the King.
Sacred space. This is how the Lord sees HIS land. We would call that land Israel. The Lord of heaven and earth tasked His people, Israel, to cleanse this land, taking it by force from a wicked people. As Christians, the Lord considers his church to be sacred space as well. The Lord Jesus commanded his people to be his witnesses in all the world. What is the greatest witness his people can give to the world? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover anew and afresh of the extent of God's blessings, both to Israel in ancient days and to his people in our day.
"These are the words . . ." so begins Deuteronomy, which in the Hebrew Bible is the actual title of this book. What words did Moses speak to the hundreds of thousands who at that time made up the nation of Israel? Words of reminder. Words of rebuke. Implied words of hope and of the faithfulness of the Lord. Is there a lesson for us today as followers of Christ, in one of the books of the Law of God? Come with the Grace United crew as we hear Moses' opening words to his people.
If salvation is by grace, as followers of Christ is there any reason to study the Law? Specifically, the book of Deuteronomy? When was the last time you even read it, let alone studied it? How many Christians have adopted the notion, "law bad, grace good?" Could it be that we the members of the church of Jesus Christ need a little reorientation of our spiritual map? For after all, Paul's words declaring all Scripture is given by inspiration of God is applicable to Deuteronomy as well--just as inspired and authoritative as is Romans or John. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how to re-orient our spiritual map, preparing to travel down the "Deuteronomy Road."
"Uh Oh! Guess what day it is??" So says the Geico camel. For Grace United, it is "Nutshell Day," where we put the entire Corinthian Correspondence together. What does 1 and 2 Corinthians look like in a "nutshell"? Come with the Grace United crew and find out!
Fathers Day. A time for fathers to be challenged to follow the Lord and to lead their families in His ways. It begins with who God is. It's no secret that the church of Jesus Christ, world-wide needs help in her proclamation of the truth. Heresy has infiltrated the assemblies of God's holy people. What are some of those heresies? How can fathers hold fast to the truth? Join the Grace United crew as we challenge fathers on this Father's Day, 2021
So, whatever came of the church in Corinth--of the Christians there? Paul wrote several letters, two of them which are part of inspired Scripture. Is there a way, save time travel, to get a clue as to whether the Corinthians went on with the Lord? Or did they merely re-absorb back into the culture? Join the Grace United crew as we discover what may have happened to the church in Corinth.
Life is full of tests. For most of us, tests are to be shunned, while others don't seem to mind so much. And those who don't mind are the ones who are prepared to take their tests. But like it or not, there is a test that every person on the planet must take. And pass. Eternity lliterally hangs in the balance. What is that test? How does one prepare for it? Most importantly how does one pass the test? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover, prepare for, and pass the only test that really matters.
There is far more to Pentecost than meets the eye--or the ear. As we remember, one of the "presents" the Lord gave to the church on her birthday was the Holy Spirit poured out on the Lord's disciples. "They spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." A birthday celebration--but vastly more important is what God has to say to the church of Jesus regarding spiritual warfare. Exactly how does a "birthday party" and spiritual warfare play themselves out? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the Lord's marching orders for his church in waging true spiritual warfare.
Who doesn't love birthday celebrations? Pentecost for Christians is the birthday of the Church. As most of us know, it is also a Jewish feast, officially called "The Feast of Weeks." 50 days after Passover. Tongues of fire. 3,000 were added to the brand new church of Jesus Christ.
But there is more to Pentecost than a birthday celebration and souls saved and people fluently speaking in languages they had never learned. For Pentecost really was a declaration of war. In ways we in as 21st Century Western Christianity never imagined. Speaking in tongues was not even the beginning of the Supernatural View of Acts 2. Come with the Grace United crew as we explore the supernatural worldview of First Century Jews--among the first hearers of the book of Acts.
Sarcasm. Sorrow. Doesn't sound very uplifting. And it doesn't seem as though the apostles, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit would even use something as potentially damaging as sarcasm in their letters. But "desperate times call for desperate measures." What were the desperate times Paul and the Corinthians found themselves in? How can the Lord use this passage, to include sarcasm and sorrow, for our benefit? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the value of Paul's use of sarcasm and his openness to discuss his sorrow over the Corinthians.
The Apostle Paul "boasted" of a heavenly vision and as a result, was given a "Satanic thorn." What was that thorn? What could be the purpose for it? And how can Paul's experience affect our lives? Isn't the Lord Jesus all loving? All good, all the time? Could suffering actually be a part of his plan for any of us, let alone all of us as his followers? Come with the Grace United crew as we ponder these things, that the Lord might be glorified in our lives.
Many skeptics have tried to point out that the Bible contains contradictions, like Proverbs 26:4-5: "Don't answer a fool" on one hand, but we are to "Answer a fool" on the other. What is that all about? And what does that have to do with Paul's ongoing battle with the false teachers who have infiltrated the church of Corinth? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how Paul employs divine wisdom, answering fools according to their folly.
"Don't talk to strangers" is a very familiar statement we heard when we were growing up. Our parents told us this for our protection. But there have been many who have not heeded this advice, sometimes to their own destruction. As spiritual children of any age, we are to take this to heart when it comes to spiritual things peddled by false teachers. But with so much teaching, how can we discern truth from error? What are we who want to live by the Truth to do this? Come with the Grace United crew as we take a warning from the Corinthian Church who were entertaining strangers unaware.
The husband and wife Christian music team "Out of the Grey" gave the church a challenge: walk in the bright light of God's truth. There are spiritual absolutes. But this means that Christians will, as a matter of course face opposition. Tragically, this sometimes means sons and daughters of God will retreat to "the grey". How can Christians maintain a "light-filled" life? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore the ways the Lord is calling us to forsake the "grey."
The M word. The T word. What does God think of the M word--Money? What about the T word--Tithing? How did the early church view tithing? Is tithing a requirement for Christians today? What is your opinion about giving? About tithing? In the message today, the Grace United crew tackles the issue near and dear to all of our hearts--money, and how to glorify God with it. NOTE: There are a few technical difficulties in the the recording and production of the message, so utilize the message notes as you are able.
The M word. The T word. What are these words? What does God think of Money? What was, and is Tithing all about? How did the early church view tithing? Is tithing a requirement for Christians today? What is your opinion about giving/the tithe? What is your opinion based on? In the message today, the Grace United crew tackles the issue of giving and especially giving. Take a listen.
Love and unity are twin paramount traits in the life of a Christian, especially toward one's fellow Christian. A practical way to do this is with giving. Some call it tithing, but in reality it is giving. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul lays out very practical, and challenging, principles of giving. What are they? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what the Lord has given every follower of Jesus, namely opportunitied to demonstrate his love and his unity to the world, for the glory of God.
No doubt we have read Jesus' words, "faithful in little, faithful in much." Paul's enemies did their level best to convince the Christians in Corinth that Paul was not faithful in the "little things" and therefore could not be trusted in the big things--like giving them the gospel. A big question: did the false teachers succeed in convincing the Corinthians that Paul was unfaithful? How did Paul handle this charge against him? And what does this mean for us today? In a word? A LOT? To what extent? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how Paul navigated this false charge levied against him and what it means for us today.
The Apostle Paul considered his mission a matter of eternal life or eternal death. He was fearless in his proclamation of the gospel. Even the demons knew who Paul was. No wonder Paul was absolutely livid when it came to some false teachers who did their level best to lead the Corinthian Christians astray. How did Paul deal with them? And what about today? Where are the bold servants of God who will protect His people from false teachers? Come with the Grace United crew as we experience Paul attack the false teachers with devastaing force --to the glory of God.
Crossroads. Everybody comes to them. And we must make a decision as to which path to take We cannot stand there forever. Often, those decisions will spell out the course of our lives for the rest of our days. Sometimes, it will chart our eternal destiny. This is where the Corinthians were in relationship to Paul. Jesus alluded, "So many roads to follow. He said, 'There's one.'" When it comes to things pertaining to eternal life which road are you on? Come with the Grace United crew as we see the Corinthians wrestle with their crossroads experience.
The ministry of reconciliation. Where estranged relationships are restored. When it comes to one's relationship with God, it is a resurrection of dead relationship. People on their way to an eternity without Christ. But why would the Apostle Paul practically beg the Christians in Corinth to be reconciled to God? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what the ministry of reconciliation really entails.
The stark reality is that the death rate is still 100%, COVID or not. What is on the other side? With topics such as this, is it not true that we all are persons of faith? What does that really mean? Come with the Grace United crew as we contemplate "the other side".
"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth . . ." is how one introduces his or her testimony in a court of law. It is his or witness to the truth as they saw it. When a testimony is given, what comes out sometimes costs the witness his or her life. What was the testimony of Jesus. He said, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world." What was this purpose? What was his testimony? And what did it cost him to declare it? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the testimony of Jesus--the very reason he was born.
Affliction. Sapsorrow. Hardship. Straggletag. Eternal light. Clay Jars. Which of these things go together when it comes to the things that really matter? The answer is all of them. How so? And what is Sapsorrow? What is Straggletag? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what the Lord give to every child of his--eternal light in temporary vessles.
Is human life sacred? The "book" answer is yes, of course. If human life is sacred, what about the "environment" called a mother's womb? What or who is in there? In this 2021 rendition of Sanctity of Life Sunday, Grace United Family Church offers a challenge: give a listen to this message. Of course, the issues surrounding abortion and even infanticide are legion. If nothing else, may this message stir your thinking and feeling about issues of life in our culture.
What made the Apostle Paul such a powerhouse for God? Did he have great talent and skill? Yes but that was not where his power was. How about his Jewishness and understanding of Scripture? He did possess that but, again that was not the secret of his success. What was it that made Paul unstoppable as the Lord's "sent one"--sent to proclaim the gospel all over his world in his day? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore Paul's motive for his ministry.
Hope demonstrated--that's what Paul wrote about in his joy-filled letter to the Philippians. Obedience. Contentment. And THRPLGREP are all a part of a Christian's demonstration of hope. We understand obedience to the Lord out of gratitude for his salvation. And the glorious way we can rest contented in him regardless of what life throws at us - like Covid. But THRPLGREP? What in that world is that? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover more about how to face 2021 filled with hope--as the Lord defines it.
God invites us to "play catch" with him! What is that all about? David pictures himself in his relationship with the Lord as a weaned child against his mother. All of this has to do with hope, the kind of hope that says, "I KNOW so." How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we receive from the Lord some vital ways to show our hope in Him.
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah--the MESSIAH! We hear his roar down through the corridors of time, from the mouth of Jacob all the way back in Genesis! Our Lord Jesus, Agent of creation, Lamb of God, Great High Priest also rendered the enemy powerless by his defeat, but it took 2 pieces of wood as he was suspended between heaven and earth. Come with the Grace United crew as we marvel at the Lion of Judah!
What does Christmas have to do with a religious priesthood? A LOT if we talk about who Jesus is! Perhaps a more basic question is how can Jesus be a priest in the first place? He was not from the tribe of Levi, the tribe appointed by the Lord to be priests. But it was, and is essential, to our salvation, that Jesus be High Priest. How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the connection between eternal salvation and Christ, the Newborn King AND the Great High Priest.
Charlie Brown asked a question regarding the nature of Christmas: What is it all about? Linus quoted the announcement to the shepherds "keeping watch over the flock at night." The angel told them a sign of a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. A manger--appropriate place for a lamb--God's lamb. So, when, where and why the Lamb of God? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore the wonder of Christ the Lamb of God.
How can mortal man speak adequately of the Only True and Living God? We are fallen creatures. To address the Supreme Being ought to bring us to our knees. But, praise be to Him, He came up close to us because we cannot get close to Him as sinners. Christ as Creator is our topic today as we celebrate Christmas, 2020 Part 1.
God told his people, "I will do a new thing." What is that "new thing?" Why, it's none other than the "New Covenant"! Christians, amazingly are part of the New Covenant, even though he promised his people through his prophet that he would establish a New Covenant with his chosen people, the Jews. Jesus said at what we call the "Last Supper"--"take this and drink it, for this is the New Covenant in my blood . . ." So, what exactly IS the New Covenant? How does it change one's relationship with Almighty God? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the wonders of the Glorious New Covenant.
The consummate cry of victory for the Christian is "life is hard, but God is good." It is told through the rough and tumble of our lives. No one is immune to pain and suffering in this life. And it is God's desire that his people declare his goodness through the good and bad times. If you are a follower of Christ, a Christian, what is your cry of victory? What is your victory story? Come with the Grace United crew as we hear Paul's victory story and reflect on our own and how to tell it better, for indeed, "life IS hard, but God IS good."
Join the brothers and sisters meeting at Grace United Family Church as we pray for the Family of God in the U.S. and around the world.
Church discipline. What comes to mind? Judgmentalism? Legalism? "Firebolts from on high?" Or is it something else entirely? What good is it? What use is it? Would it surprise you to know that church discipline is one of God's most powerful weapons, a gracious gift to the church that we might gain victory in the spiritual world? How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the power of church discipline as a true spiritual weapon.
What breaks your heart? Or perhaps, how many times, and how many people have broken your heart? The apostle Paul experienced deep pain because his heart was broken many times over the Christians in Corinth. He was caught up in intense spiritual battles, litterally over their souls. What were the circumstances surrounding these battles? How did Paul handle his broken heart? Come with the Grace United crew as we encounter Paul as a broken hearted pastor.
How often do we demand of God to tell us his reasons for allowing us, or our loved ones, to go through affliction? Indeed, the "checkmate question" so many ask to "prove" God is not good or he does not care is, "If God is all loving, why is there evil?" Why DOES God allow his choice servants to suffer affliction? Come with the Grace United crew as we talk about how the Lord uses his sons and daughters, even in our brokenness, to bless others.
Quick! How many letters did the Apostle Paul write to the Corinthians? It might surprise you that there were at least 2. What was at the heart of what we call 2 Corinthians? Is there any purpose for affliction and suffering even among God's people? Paul gives amazing insights into these things throughout this 2nd letter to the Corinthians. But what happened between when Paul wrote 1st and 2nd Corinthians? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the stage being set to dive into some of the issues surrounding this amazingly personal letter that Paul wrote called 2nd Corinthians.
what is 1 Corinthians all about, from a bird's eye level? In a word, "so many issues, so little time." Paul had a LOT of things he needed to inform and correct the Corinthian believers on. But he did so becaused he dearly loved them. Scripture tells us that "faithful are the wounds of a friend." The issues Paul deals with are as contemporary as tomorrow's news and as timeless as the days in the Garden of Eden. Come with the Grace United crew to be encouraged, and perhaps rebuked and corrected and challenged as we view 1 Corinthians in a Nutshell.
It's a fact that "Your Best Life Now" has taken the world by storm. Mr. Joel Osteen has given Seven Principles by which we can attain maximum potential in this life, to indeed live the best life. But does this notion square with Scripture? After all, the Scripture is what Christians are to compare everything to. What does God say about the best life? What has he provided to give his people the best life? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the "when" of our best life.
Here is the BIG question: "Is the death of Christ enough to save us?" We so often hear that all it takes is that Christ died for us and if we would trust Christ as Savior then eternal salvation is ours. But is it? What is it that REALLY saves us? Come with the Grace United crew as we answer the question--from Scripture: "Is the death of Christ enough to save us?"
What exactly is the gospel? A popular hymn includes the lyrics, "It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me." Is Jesus dying on the cross for my sins because he loved me so much enough to "qualify" for the gospel? (Spoiler alert: it is not). What did Paul actually say the gospel was and is? It might surprise you! Come with the Grace United crew as we are reminded of what the Gospel of Christ is.
What kind of worship does God accept? Or perhaps, a more basic question is, does God accept the worship of every Christian in every church gathering? We know that there were times when he rejected the worship offered from his people in the Old Testament. Does he ever reject the worship of Christians? And what about the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy? Paul writes good, solid instruction in these matters and so many more in this passage. Come with the Grace United crew as we discover what it means to offer to the Lord "open worship" and "ordered worship"
The church of Jesus Christ is truly supernatural. God Himself established her. God Himself empowered, and continues to empower her. The Scripture tells us about one aspect of this supernatural empowerment: spiritual gifts. A couple of these spiritual gifts are on BIG display: speaking in tongues and prophecy. What is up with these things? It seems everybody has some kind of explanation. Paul gives divine teaching about the purpose and display of tongues and prophecy. Come with the Grace United crew as we try to unpack some of the things the Apostle wrote regarding what he called "the higher gifts."
Grace United Family Church passed their eight year milestone! We celebrate what the Lord has done. But much more importantly, we desire to worship the Lord. We desire to serve Him because we love Him, because He loved us first. We are reminded in Psalm 42 of how great it is to be thirsty for God. May the Lord make His people very thirsty for Him--especially in our day of pandemics, where in-person worship is getting increasingly disallowed.
We have all heard the words of the greatest description of love anywhere: "If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become as a noisy gong or clanging cymbal." And so on. We have also heard the love is patient and kind. And so on. But where does love fit on what is increasingly the battlefield of culture today? What is the challenge to God's love in our world? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how love can be the more excellent way.
Paul invests on parchment a lot of ink talking about spiritual gifts. He also spends some time describing how much Christians need one another, and both ideas of spiritual gifts and our need for one another are in the context of the corporate body of Christ. Paul tells us that spiritual gifts help us to give the Lord worship that is worthy of him. How so? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover how to approach the Lord with power in our application of the spiritual gifts he has given his church
What comes to your mind, if you are a follower of Jesus, when you hear "Spiritual gifts?" Speaking in tongues? Miracles? Apostleship? Prophecy? And what are the Spiritual gifts for? Who gets what gift? And most imporantly, how do Spiritual gifts enable God's people to worship Him? Join the Grace United crew as we explore how to approach God with Power.
"This is my body. This is my blood." These are familiar words to a Christian. The observance of the Lord's Supper is one of the main reasons we come together as a Church. Over the centuries the church has divided over this observance. Added things to it. One Christian denomination sees the Supper as completely different than another denomination. On the other hand, why did Paul include explaining the practice to the Corinthians? And surprisingly, the cultural backstory to the Lord's Supper addresses, of all things, our current iteration of racial unrest in our culture. How so? Join with the Grace United crew as we discover how to approach the Lord in unity, by understanding a more complete story of the Lord's Supper.
What do fathers really need to hear on the day we honor them? The most important thing is to teach our sons and daughters salvation that is found in Christ alone by our words and how we ourselves live His life. "Teaching your children God's salvation is much too important a matter to leave to a pastor." Fathers, grandfathers, what are you teaching your children? How are you living your life in front of them, and the watching world? Come with the Grace United crew, especially if you are a father, and even grandfather, to hear words of challenge from God's word.
If the Lord Jesus were to suddenly return and visit the local churches in our culture "in cognito" what would he find? What would he say about the way we worship God? Would he say to his people, "Well done?" Or would he say, as he did to his people in the Old Testament, "I don't accept your worship"? What sorts of things do we need to include in our corporate worship services so that he would indeed say to us, "Well done" on the Day of Judgment? Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the absolute necessity that his people worship him with authenticity.
The culture demands that we who live in the culture weigh in on the issues of the day. What are the issues of the day, June 2020? COVID-19. The aftermath of the George Floyd killing. As followers of Jesus, what should we do in the midst of the cultural demands? The signature song of the movie "Frozen" gives us a window, ironically into the truth. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1, we discover that Christians really can "Let it go", to the glory of God. Join the Grace United crew to find out how.
"Preach the Gospel." To every creature under heaven. "Make disciples. Of all nations." "This is my body. This is my blood." Fifth Sundays at Grace United is when we partake of the Lord's Table, also called "Communion." Come with Grace United as we explore again, for the first time, why the Lord left us here instead of taking us home to heaven after He salvaged those who responded to the Gospel: That our God reigns. That salvation is found only in Christ.
Ever thought about what kept the Apostle Paul up at night? What was it that was constantly on Paul's mind--the greatest Christian who ever lived--that gave him such consternation that he would be so very afraid to face the Lord? It was that he would be disqualified from the "race of life." What in Paul's mind consisted of being disqualified? And if Paul was afraid of disqualification, what about you and me? Join the Grace United crew as we learn how to avoid the pronouncement of "disqualified" on the Day of Judgment, when we stand before the judge of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.
What comes to mind when you hear the word "freedom?" William Wallace and his loud declaration before his execution? No restraints? What about being free in Christ? Paul declared that he was indeed free. But free to do and to be what? His answer might surprise you--and a little teaser, he spoke clearly about finances. Join the Grace United crew as we hear Paul's heart in his declaration of freedom.
"Meat sacrificed to idols" was a very important question to the Corinthian Christians in the First Century. They had many questions and issues, which tended to divide their fellowship. How should Christians in the church of Jesus Christ handle disputes that are not essential teachings of Scripture or true Christianity? What are the issues today? Certainly they have nothing to do with meat which outlived its religious purpose. What about people with powerful personalities who love the Lord and tend to steamroll over those who love the Lord but are a bit hesitant? How to keep the unity and love intact between them? Join the Grace United crew as we discover how to distinguish between holding to knowledge the causes pride and true, God-shaped love.
What does it mean to live a life undistracted, uncluttered, lived only for and unto Jesus Christ? Go to the mountains of Montana and be a hermit to get away from people? What about marriage relationships or especially when a couple has become engaged to be married, how does one live an undistrated life to the Lord? If we knew the Lord was coming back tomorrow and you were engaged, would you go ahead and get married or break it off? So many questions. Such is the stuff of life as a Christian. How to live life with a single heart, though married, or tied up in an engaged relationship is what Paul deals with in this message. Join with the Grace United crew as we discover how to have a single heart for troubled times.
"Shelter in Place" is either a welcoming term or an abhorrent one in our day. "Keep way from others" so we don't give them the virus. But the Lord wastes nothing, even in during our very uncertain days. "Serve Him in place" is the "name of the game" now. What does that mean for us? How can we make that happen? Come with the Grace United crew as we seek to "serve in place."
Sex? Drugs? Rock & Roll? In church? Why in the world would we talk about this? Is sexuality, is sexual activity an appropriate topic to talk about on Sunday morning? And what does this have to do with 1 Corinthians 6:12-20? Come with the Grace United crew as we explore this intimate, but very common human issue, to the glory of God.
What was the dirty laundry the Corinthians displayed before the watching world--the world that considered the things of God utter foolishness: moronic? Actually bringing civil disputes between brothers in front of non-Christian judges. Why would that be considered dirty laundry? Isn't that what people do when faced with the need to deal with civil damages? What was Paul's council, indeed, his indictment levied upon them regarding this practice?
What is our responsibility as Christians regarding the COVID19 crisis, especially when it comes to whether we should obey local or even national mandates in matters such as social distancing or groups of no more than 10?
Come with the Grace United crew as we look into the issues raised in 1 Corinthians 6 and the present pandemic--COVID19.
For anyone to claim that the church doesn't have problems with sin have been living under a rock for 2000 years. It is true to a certain extent, that all sin is alike to God. But incest with their "father's wife"? Back in "the day" this was looked on as unthinkable, even among those living in the culture known for rampant sexual immorality. How to handle it? And how are Christians supposed to handle sin in non-Christian culture anyway? Come with the Grace United crew as we seek to discover what a wordly church is like and how to avoid trying to make the world "churchy".
"God's fools." This is what Paul actually called himself and his fellow leaders whom God used to build the church in Corinth. What does it mean to be God's fool? As a Christian, why would one even desire to to label himself or herself in this way? It's been said, "Paul was a fool for Christ. Whose fool are you?" Come with the Grace United crew to find out how this is so.
"So many roads to follow, He said 'there's one'. So many make believers, He said, 'I've come'", so says a songwriter several years back. We really have to decide, whether to walk in the light of God's amazing grace, or to be stuck in a maze of our own doing, holding to misunderstandings and misapplications of Scripture. Misunderstandings like the "carnal Christian" teaching. In this passage, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Paul lays out truth but many have misunderstood and misapplied it, to their own hurt and to the hurt of many others. What are these misunderstandings and misapplications? Come with the Grace United crew as we further explore our way out of the maze of mere spirituality by avoiding 3 more dead ends as found in this passage.
Ever gotten lost in a maze? just call 9-1-1! As a Christian, ever gotten distracted from the heart of ultimate reality--Jesus Christ and him crucified? You have if you hold to the teaching that is blatantly non-biblical, like the so-called Carnal Christian "doctrine." What is so non-biblical about it? Join the Grace United crew as we take a look at this very popular, but misguided teaching, the "Carnal Christian".
What is wisdom? Is it Common Sense? Or is it "Knowing yourself" and the ways of the world? Or is it something else entirely? In this edition of the Corinthian Correspondence, the Apostle Paul is going to lay out an almost uspeakable, glorious, divine wisdom--and it involves mere human beings--literally for our glory! What is this divine wisdom "for our glory?" Come with the Grace United crew as we discover the wisdom that really is "out of this world."
Where have you placed your faith? In positive faith-filled self-talk? Or how about joining a cause to make the world a better place? Or a mystical orientation to life where you long for Jesus to speak to you directly and personally? Or does your faith rest in the power of God? How do you really know where your faith lies? Can you be sure? Come with the Grace United Crew as we talk about the power of God, the very power that the world calls weird. Foolish.
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"Christ crucified". This is the heart of Paul's message. But what a message! "Christ crucified" really is the dividing line. It reveals the human heart and its orientation toward reality--life itself. "Christ crucified" tells us whether we live under an "Ecclesiastes Cloud"--where life is meaningless, or do we live in God's reality--that the world is his and all who dwell therein. Where do you live? Under the Ecclesiastes Cloud? Or in God's reality? Come with the Grace United crew as we seek to answer the question: "Christ crucified": Useful or Captivating?
Star Power. What is it? It is that "it" factor that causes people to flock to the one who possesses Star Power. But who possessed Star Power in the Church of Corinth? Who are those possessing Star Power today, and why is it important we address it? Come with the Grace United crew as we talk about Star Power.
Abortion is one of the most diabolical inventions ever devised by the mind and hand of humankind. Many say, "I know there is life in the womb. I know it's a baby. But I don't care." How in the world can one say such a thing? There is a concept that is very popular in our world today, that has taken us all by storm. Because of this 2 word phrase, over 56 million reported abortions were performed---in 2018 alone. What is this concept that is evil at its core? I challenge you to give a listen as the Grace United crew attempts to wrestle with this issue in our Sanctity of Human Life Sunday message.
It is no secret the church in Corinth was riddled with problems: party spirit, immorality, disunity, false teaching--sort of sounds like many local churches today. But Paul had a deep affection for them--and told them the truth about who they were--who God said they were. They were saints--holy people. But how can that be, given the massive issues the Corinthians struggled with? And what does this truth mean to you and me today? Come with the Grace United crew as we found out the reasons why Paul was able to call the Corinthian Christians holy.
What is it about 1 and 2 Corinthians that endears us to them? Is it the love chapter (1 Cor. 13)? Or the encouragement and comfort that God gives us when we are afflicted that we may comfort others with the affliction that he gave us (2 Cor. 1)? Perhaps it's because of the massive problems the Corinthian church had and when we compare ourselves to them we can think, "I'm glad I'm not as bad as them"! There are many reasons why Paul wrote what he did. When we fail to take into account Paul's passion for God's glory and the cultural landscape from which the Corinthian believes emerged, we can come up with some pretty strange ideas when we read and study the Corinthain correspondence. Come with the Grace United crew as we attempt to set the stage to understand Paul's letters to his beloved Corinthians.
So, when WAS Jesus born? Hint: It was not December 25! If you read the Christmas story carefully, you see Mary and Joseph dedicating Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. How old was he when this happened? Hint: He was older than a week! Throughout our "Immanuel" series, we saw Jesus as The King. We saw him as the Priest, who was also qualified to be God's Lamb to take away our sins. But there is another Messianic office Jesus held in the days of his ministry: The Prophet of God. What was that all about? Come with the Grace United crew as we experience The Prophet of God, the Messiah in speech and action.