Grace Gospel Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Let's get real, here- Our sanctification- How sanctified are we-- Our flesh is not sanctified at all- it's no better than it was the day we came out of our mother's womb.--So, what are you depending on for your assurance---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Rule-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
The very foundation of the Gospel is, we are saved by GRACE-- Not by works---Do you know the message of God's free and sovereign grace---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -We Are Not Under Law-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
Pastor Kent W. Clark dives into the very foundation of the Gospel. It is not by works that we are saved, but the totally unmerited, undeserved Grace of God-
The greatest battle that has ever been fought, was fought at Calvary two-thousand years ago.--What caused Christ to cry from the cross, -I Thirst----To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Seven Sayings- Part 5 - I Thirst--, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
One of the final sayings Jesus Christ made from the cross gives us a glimpse into His unimaginable suffering. The greatest battle that has ever been fought, was fought at Calvary two-thousand years ago. And hell emptied itself on Christ that day.--In part five of Pastor Kent W. Clark's series on -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-, we dive into the saying, -I Thirst-.
One of the final sayings Jesus made from the cross, -It Is Finished-, displays finality- the work Jesus was sent here to do was completed- Our salvation is secure in Him---Do you trust in Him alone for your salvation---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Seven Sayings- Part 6 - It Is Finished--, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
The final saying Jesus Christ made from the cross shows us the finality- the completeness of the work He was sent to do. We are secure in Christ- there is nothing left for us to do except to believe and trust in Him alone for our salvation---In part seven of Pastor Kent W. Clark's series on -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-, we dive into the saying -It Is Finished--
Is salvation a result of your -good works-, or is it the good work of our Father---Who makes you to differ from another---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -Know Who Makes The Difference-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
Nobody is better than anybody else- It is God who performs a good work in you- God makes the difference in your life- And if God be for us, who can be against us---Pastor Kent W. Clark turns to Exodus and dives into the story of the children of Israel leaving Egyptian bondage. What an amazing story this is-
In the mere hours He hung, dying on the cross, Jesus paid the entirety of our eternal sin debt- God turned away as He could not look upon sin. The depths of His suffering were incomprehensible, but it clearly mirrors the heights of His love for us---Are you a lost sinner- Is He your Lord and Savior- --To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Seven Sayings- Part 4 - Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me--, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
The suffering Jesus experienced on the cross is incomprehensible- He took upon Himself our sin- the whole of our eternal sin debt was paid in the hours Jesus spent dying on the cross- God turned away from Him through His suffering, as God cannot look upon sin.--One of the final sayings Jesus made from the cross shows us a small picture of His anguish. The powerful cries of our Lord and Savior can't even begin to express what it's like to be absent from God- something we will never have to experience because of the work He completed in Calvary---In part four of Pastor Kent W. Clark's series on -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-, we dive into the saying -My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me--
Our mighty God has not dropped the reigns to this universe- He is LORD of all lords- KING of all kings---Do you experience the joy of the LORD- Do you trust in Him completely- Is He your strength---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Joy of the LORD is My Strength-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
In times of trouble, in times of distress, do you find strength in the joy of our LORD- Do you trust in Him- Do you believe that all things work together for them who love God, who are the called according to His purpose---God has not dropped the reigns- Despite how things may seem, He is still our mighty creator- our predestinating God- the LORD of all lords, and the KING of all kings-
Jesus Christ, from the Cross, honored His mother- We as Christians ought to honor our parents and live by the example He set for us- But think about the rebellion we've had in our life with regard to our Mom and Dad- think about what we've said, what we've done out of anger.--Will you call your Mom and Dad- Will you let them know that you love them, that you respect them, that you're sorry for the grief that you have caused them-
The struggles and hardships Mary, mother of Jesus, endured were significant- But nobody can discount the love a mother has for her son---One of the final sayings Jesus made from the cross sets an example for how, we as Christians, are expected love and respect our parents---In part three of Pastor Kent W. Clark's series on -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-, we dive into the saying -Woman, behold thy son and son, behold thy mother-.
There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins- and sinners, plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains. The dying thief rejoiced to see, that fountain in his day- and there may I though vile as he, wash all my sins away.--Are you His---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Seven Sayings- Part 2 - Thou Shalt Be With Me-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
How on earth did this thief turn to a man whom, by all outward appearance, lacked any strength to save Himself, let alone other people- What drove this thief to acknowledge this dying man as his Lord and Savior---To listen to this complete sermon titled, -The Seven Sayings- Part 2 - Thou Shalt Be With Me-, visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons
-The first thing that I will do, I will prioritize this local ministry- I am here for you- There is a healing power in Church community, and my priority is right here with you... I am not going to stop being what God has called me to be, nor what I should be to you.- -Pastor Kent W. Clark--God has truly blessed us with a pastor so dedicated to his congregation, his community, his ministry, and to God---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark delivered a personal and heartfelt message to our congregation as we navigate these difficult and trying times. He referred to Charles Haddon Spurgeon and his commitments to his Church, as he made a vow to our Church, that he will be there for us through these storms---God clearly tells us that we're not to live in fear. God is still God, and He's still very much in control---2 Timothy 1-7 - For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.--Psalm 4-8 - In peace I will both lie down and sleep- for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.--Isaiah 41-10 - Fear not, for I am with you- be not dismayed, for I am your God- I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.--Also see- 1 Peter 5-6-7- Philippians 4-6-7- Isaiah 26-3- John 14-1--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -COVID-19-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Pastor Kent W. Clark delivered a personal and heartfelt message to our congregation as we navigate these difficult and trying times. He referred to Charles Haddon Spurgeon and his commitments to his Church, as he made a vow to our Church, that he will be there for us through these storms---God clearly tells us that we're not to live in fear- we are to rely on Him for all things, and turn to Him in times of trouble. God has not dropped the reigns- God is still God, and He is very much in control-
It was no accident that the Lord of Glory was crucified between two thieves. There are no accidents with God, especially on this day of all days, at this event of all events- a day and an event at the very center of the world's history---This past Wednesday, Pastor Kent W. Clark kicked off part two of his multi-part series, -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-. He shared with us the biblical accounts of the two thieves, who were present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ---God's amazing grace can clearly be seen in the salvation of this wretch, who hung on the very verge of hell. This thief had no moral life before his conversion- he respected neither the law of God, nor the law of man. After his conversion, he died without having the opportunity to engage in any type of service to Christ. The dying thief had no good works, either before or after conversion- thus if saved at all, he was certainly saved by sovereign grace---His conversion occurred at a time when, to all outward appearances, Christ had lost all power to save either Himself or others.--How do you explain that this thief took a suffering, bleeding, crucified man, for his God---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -Thou Shalt Be With Me-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
In part two of this multi-part series, -The Seven Sayings From The Cross-, Pastor Kent W. Clark dives into the Biblical accounts of the two thieves on the cross during Jesus' crucifixion, and the process we Christians go through leading up to conversion. --We were totally dead in our sins, having no desire for a relationship with God. But through Him, we've been made alive- we've been made new creatures in Christ---The thief at the cross is a perfect illustration of our total depravity, our total inability to seek God on our own, to do any good based upon what is within ourselves- how God, through His grace and providence must open our eyes, soften our hearts, and make us anew, leading us to trust and rely completely on Christ for our salvation---A beautiful illustration indeed-
For all you rock-and-rollers out there, -I fought the law and the law won-- but with grace, it's amazing how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me---During his February 9th sermon, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, took a look at the difference between law and grace---Law condemns, grace saves--Law accuses, grace acquits--Law demands justice, grace is unmerited favor--Law can create self-righteousness, grace leaves no room to boast--Law imprisons, grace liberates--Law is rigid and inflexible, God's grace is the surgical scalpel that cuts out the cancerous effects of sin from our soul---There are close to fifteen hundred laws on the books, but only one is needed in grace for the remission of sins-
Remember all of those stories about how God is going to take His big projector, display your life story from the time you were saved, then pass out Yo-Yo's to those who've done good things- Remember the condemnation these teachings brought, deep into your heart---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark brought us a passionate message, all about the Gospel, what it means, and how it applies to us Christians.--In this highlight, Pastor Clark breaks down the differences between the -new- Gospel, and the REAL Gospel----It's Grace that puts you in the way, Grace that leads you along the way, and it's God's Grace that takes you all the way, otherwise you wouldn't make it- neither would I-----But the new gospel has turned God's free mercy to sinners into a constitutional soft-heartedness on God's part, which men take for granted- it's degraded the presentation of Christ, turning Him into a baffled Savior, balked in what He hoped to do in human belief---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -What Is It To Preach The Gospel--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
The preaching of the Gospel is a matter of proclaiming to men, as truth from God, that He has come to save poor sinners---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark brought us a passionate message, all about the Gospel, what it means, and how it applies to us Christians.--In this highlight, Pastor Clark breaks down the Gospel into its key components---1. All men are sinners.-2. Jesus Christ, God's Son, is a perfect Savior for sinners- even the worst of sinners--3. God the Father and Christ the Son have promised that all who know themselves to be sinners, who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, shall be received into favor- none can cast them out--4. God came down to this earth- He condescended- He spoke to us on our level- and said, -come to me-.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -What Is It To Preach The Gospel--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
If Christ died for everyone alike, then everyone must go to heaven. But this isn't the case- Christ died for those of whom He elected from the foundation of the world, those who trust and believe in Him ALONE for their salvation---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark brought us a passionate message, all about the Gospel, what it means, and how it applies to us Christians.--Christ died for sinners- if you qualify, that's a good thing- He didn't try to save somebody, He DID save His people from their sins- You can't know that God in the person of His Son, died in your room, stead, and place in Calvary, unless you've trusted Him completely---Have you come to believe that the salvation of your soul and life is in Jesus Christ alone- Are you a follower of Jesus Christ alone---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -What Is It To Preach The Gospel--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
What is it to preach the Gospel---We often hear, -God has done all that He can and you and I, out of pity for God, are to trust His son.---That is not the proclamation of the Gospel.--God doesn't need your pity- you need His- God must have pity, grace, and mercy upon you---Pastor Kent W. Clark dives deep into the message of the Gospel, what it means, and how it applies to us Christians.
This generation does not know the critical, crucial, vital things to knowing God.--They know the God of their tradition, the God of their mothers, the God of their customs- but they don't know the God of the Bible- the eternal, awesome, almighty, sovereign, omnipotent, unapproachable, incomprehensible, invisible God that dwells in light, that no man can approach.--Do you know the eternal God---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -They Know Not What They Do-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Jesus Christ never prayed a prayer that wasn't answered. So, when He said, -Father, forgive them- they know not what they do-, whoever the -them- was, that prayer was answered---This past Wednesday, Pastor Kent W. Clark kicked off a series on the seven sayings Jesus made when He was nailed to the cross. In this highlight, Pastor Clark takes a deep dive into the first saying, -Father, forgive them- they know not what they do-.--He was praying for His elect- that means, if you're a Christian, He prayed for you---But what do these powerful words mean---It is at Calvary that we see the blindness of the human heart, and Christ's beautiful display of redeeming love.--When man had done his worst- with wicked hands he dared to crucify the Lord of Glory- Christ covered the guilty heads of His murderers with the shield of His love, in order to secure them from the storm of the deserved wrath of God---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -They Know Not What They Do-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
The Holy Spirit took special care to quote the seven sayings Christ made from the cross.--This past Wednesday, Pastor Kent W. Clark kicked off a series on the seven sayings Jesus made when He was nailed to the cross. As we near Easter, it's important to remember the significance of what Christ did on the cross- what Christ did for His people---1. Father, forgive them for they know now what they do.-2. Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.-3. Woman, behold thy son, and son, behold thy mother.-4. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me--5. I thirst.-6. It is finished, it is accomplished.-7. Into thy hands, I commend my spirit.--These tremendous, awesome words from our Lord- think about who said them. Think of where they were said. Think of His condition when He said them, in His agony and suffering. And reflect upon the accomplishment of our redemption---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -They Know Not What They Do-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Pastor Kent W. Clark kicked off a series on the seven sayings Jesus made when He was nailed to the cross. As we near Easter, it's important to remember the significance of what Christ did on the cross- what Christ did for His people---In part one of this multi-part series, Pastor Clark dives into the meaning and significance behind the first saying Jesus made on the cross, -Father, forgive them for they know not what they do-.--These beautiful words from our Lord and Savior, as He was suffering in agony, paints a picture- Jesus prayed for His people- His elect- asking forgiveness for those who've sinned against Him- not just in that moment, but throughout all of time-
Two-Thousand years ago, on the tree of the cross, Jesus Christ paid our debt. We have no debt- He paid it in full---Why do you keep kicking yourself around, if you're a believer in Jesus Christ- Why do you fear death- Why do you fear facing God- There's no judgement- He's loved you- He bore your sins in His own body on the tree of the cross- You'll never go to hell- There's no condemnation- He loved you before there ever was a world, before He said, -let there be light------This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark delivered a passionate message on God's love for us- God's plan for us---We were dead- lost in our sins and trespasses- Many of us hit rock bottom- But God in His love and mercy sought us out, rescued us from ourselves, and borned us again---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -We Are His Workmanship-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Have you ever considered what would come from your flesh in the form of some kind of creation- If you were able to make yourself a creation, what form would that be---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark returned from his trip, giving a slam dunk sermon on Ephesians 2-10---The truth is this- right now, your flesh can be described in this manner- half beast and half demon. You, in your flesh, left by yourself, are a lowsome mess- Many of us are living in what we created by ourselves, out of our flesh.--Imagine the cesspool of hell attempting to make itself acceptable to God by their own works. We aren't far off- our fleshly imagination is absolutely wicked---We are HIS workmanship. We are HIS masterpiece- And nothing good can come out of us unless God put it in us---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -We Are His Workmanship-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2-10---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark returned from his trip, giving a slam dunk sermon on Ephesians 2-10---God wants us to clearly know that we're not saved by works. He didn't find us cleaned up, all nice and neat- He found us in a pit---There is nothing within ourselves that can earn our salvation. Anything good that exists, exists because God put it there.--We are God's masterpiece. We are God's poem- And even though we are a mess, it's imperative to understand that, God's still writing His poem- He is not finished with us yet---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -We Are His Workmanship-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
In our flesh dwells no good thing. Can you imagine what would be the result of our own creation- What could we possibly do in our depraved state to satisfy God---Pastor Kent W. Clark returned from his sabbatical with a slam dunk sermon on Ephesians 2-10---We are His workmanship- We are His masterpiece- We are the result of God working on us- working in us- changing us from the inside out- Salvation is the work of God, and there is nothing, NOTHING, we can do to earn it.
A lot of people see Christianity in just simply being forgiven. But it's much more than that---This past Wednesday, guest pastor Darin Weiss discussed how our fear of criticism, our fear of rejection, and our fear of not living up, gets in the way of our Christian walk.--Looking at just the forgiveness of our sins, it sort of leaves us in a place where we're like, -alright, well tomorrow I've got to struggle at it again-, or -I'm grateful, but here we go again-.--The scripture says that in the Gospel, we are imputed with Christ's righteousness- Through Him, not only have we been forgiven, but we've been given great spiritual wealth-
Some of us have that voice of criticism. Maybe when you were a kid, you were told, -you're not good enough-, -you'll never be good enough-, -why can't you be more like your sister-- and that has so much power over you, any time you go to do something powerful in your life, you can't get that voice out of your head.--This past Wednesday, guest pastor Darin Weiss discussed how our fear of criticism, our fear of rejection, and our fear of not living up, gets in the way of our Christian walk.--We begin to look to other things in order to fill us- to make us acceptable. The scariest thing about those things that we hold on to, that we think make us acceptable, is that they don't work- they don't matter- We could be living for things that one day, on our deathbed, we're left thinking, -I have lived for a bunch of things that don't even matter-.--It's one thing to confess Christ, that He lived for us, He died for us, He rose from the dead for us- but it's another thing to understand how that applies to our life on a daily basis.
The whole of what we believe, the whole of what we stand for, the whole of where we need to come to, is simply stated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He taught His disciples to learn to say, -not by my will, but thy will be done-.--This past Sunday, guest pastor William Sasser dove into the topic of God's will versus our -free will-.--People get into a fuss and fight over will. -I've got a free will-, they say.---You've got a will. God's got a will. You want your way and God wants His way- There's a battle of wills between your will and the will of God. You better pray that He wins, because if you win, the prize is hell-.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -According To His Purpose-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Did God create man and put him on earth for a purpose, or are we just the result of evolutionary accidents- Are we merely the products of chance- random mutations- or did the almighty God create us on purpose---This past Sunday, guest pastor William Sasser dove into the topic of God's will.--God prepared a savior before there ever was a sinner. God knew that when He put man on this earth, he was going to fall. All of that was by design- all that was done on purpose.--Regardless of your life story- regardless of where you came from, where you were born, or who your parents are- nobody is born into this world by accident---For every pain that we must bear - there is a reason--For every falsehood that is said, for every tear that is shed - there is a reason--For every grief, for every trial, for every weary, lonely mile - there is a reason--We will trust our Lord as we should, knowing that all of this will work for our good--Because our God is the reason---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -According To His Purpose-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. -Romans 8-28--God has a purpose for all things, not just some things, not just most things, but ALL THINGS- and all things work together to the glory of God---Guest pastor William W. Sasser breaks down Romans 8-28, as well as other relevant scriptures, to illustrate God's will and purpose. --God prepared a savior before there ever was a sinner. God knew that when He put man on this earth, he was going to fall. All of that was by design- all that was done on purpose.--Regardless of your life story- regardless of where you came from, where you were born, or who your parents are- nobody is born into this world by accident-
What makes a man relapse--What makes a man return to his vomit like a dog--What makes a man visit websites he shouldn't go to--What makes a man take what isn't his- What makes a man fashion earthly items into gods--What makes a man think that he's better than a neighbor--What makes a man touch a child when he shouldn't--What makes a man cheat on his taxes--What makes a man do all of these things even after he's saved and has a profession of faith- --This past Wednesday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, dove into the topic of original sin, total depravity, and the sinful nature of our flesh.--The in-dwelling sin from our genetic gene pool, Adam, is still there in the flesh- in our flesh dwells no good thing. Like that wild ass' cult, it's not going away---The Christian life is a struggle- A state of sinless perfection will not be obtained by salvation, by faith, or by gradual obedience. Each day we may become more obedient, but we will never totally eradicate our sinful nature until we are with Christ. There still remains unsubdued tendencies toward sin which are in constant conflict with our new spiritual nature.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -What Is Original Sin--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Original sin means that sinfulness marks everyone from birth in the form of a heart inclined towards sin. Prior to any actual sins, this inner sinfulness is the root and source of all actual sinning. It is transmitted to us from Adam, our first representative before God. The doctrine of original sin makes the point that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners---No part of us is untouched by sin. No action of ours is as good as it should be. We cannot earn God's favor no matter what we do. And unless God's grace saves us, we remain lost.
Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe- if you indeed fall into that category, you are truly blessed---This past Sunday, guest pastor Donald McKay turned to the book of John to outline Thomas' experience as he refused to believe without direct personal witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.--We who have seen Christ, not with the physical eye, but with the eye of faith, are so incredibly blessed---We've been liberated from the penalty of sin--we've been liberated from the power of sin--we have heaven to look forward to, the glories of which are unparalleled--we have the abiding presence of the God of the universe--we have the promise of satisfaction of the here and now--and we have the privilege of prayer.
Whether or not you believe it, whether or not you subscribe to it, whether or not you ascribe to it, two thousand years ago, the second person of the triune Godhead came to this earth- He took upon Himself flesh and blood and after living approximately thirty-three years, He died on the cross with real wood and real nails- He took upon Himself the penalty of lost humanity and three days later He rose from the dead.--If you don't trust in Christ alone for your salvation, you're going to end up in a 'not very nice' place.--This past Sunday, guest pastor Donald McKay turned to the book of John to outline Thomas' experience as he refused to believe without direct personal witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.--For those doubting, Christianity unlike every other religion in the world today, is an empirical faith. It is rooted in objective, historical, and verifiable evidence. Given the evidence, it is absolutely irrational for anyone to reject the resurrection of Jesus Christ.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -Doubting Thomas-, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Guest Pastor Donald McKay turns to the book of John and breaks down the experiences of Thomas as he refused to believe without direct personal witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. Given the evidence we have today, it is absolutely irrational for anyone to reject the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Are you discontent with your life- Why- Do you wish you were taller or smaller- Why- Do you wish you had a better job- Why- Do you wish you never took the first hit, shot, puff, pill, or injection- Why- Do you wish you had a better family- Why- Do you wish this year would go by faster- Why- All of these are micro-seasons of discontent. Think about how these things thread through our daily thinking and interactions.- -Last Wednesday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, continued his sermon on -The Antivenom To Our Discontent-. In his conclusion, he gets us to take a long, introspective look at ourselves- where do we find our source of happiness- who do we turn to when times get tough-- -Contentment is knowing that Christ came to earth to do for us what we could never do for ourselves- knowing that we can truly rest and have peace with God by having a relationship with Christ.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -The Antivenom To Our Discontent -Part 2--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
We know so many people that are unhappy because they are waiting for a time when everything is perfect. They are waiting for a day when they wake up, when everything clicks, when nothing is going wrong- that day will never come. There will always be suffering, there will always be discontent, there will always be something that goes wrong. That's baked in the cake called life---This past Wednesday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, continued his sermon on -The Antivenom To Our Discontent-.---But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again- though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content- I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me-. - Philippians 4-10-13--When we know the highs, when we know the lows, and when we know the in-betweens- when we realize that we can accomplish all things through Christ who strengthens us- through whatever storm, we will be content.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -The Antivenom To Our Discontent -Part 2--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Because of our discontentment, we seek out what gives us pleasure. We don't like discontentment, it's uneasy- it doesn't feel good to us. So what is our natural proclivity- It's to do something that makes us feel good. What is one of those things that helps us do that- Sin.--This past Wednesday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, continued his sermon on -The Antivenom To Our Discontent-.--The only way that we can find true contentment is in the service of others. That means that we are found in Christ- until we are found in Christ, a lot of our motives are going to be based on selfishness.--To listen to the complete sermon titled, -The Antivenom To Our Discontent -Part 2--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
We know so many people that are unhappy because they are waiting for a time when everything is perfect. They are waiting for a day when they wake up and everything clicks, when nothing is going wrong- that day will never come. There will always be suffering, there will always discontentment, there will always be something that goes wrong- that's baked in the cake called life.--Are you prepared in your mind, in your body, and in your soul, to accept that nothing is perfect---Can you find contentment outside of yourself- As Christians, can we find 100- of our contentment in what Christ has accomplished for us---In part two of this two-part series, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, dives into the root of our discontentment and turns to scripture to illustrate the cure in Christ.
This past Sunday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, broke down the parable of the prodigal son.--In this highlight, we look at the brother, a very different character than that of the son. The brother represents those who believe they can follow the law- he was jealous, angry, and self-righteous. He found discontentment as he compared himself to the son. He felt as though he deserved celebration, he felt as though he had earned it----The older brother has not lost anything- he has two-thirds of his father's inheritance coming to him, yet he's discontent- he's in the business of comparison. It's hardcore that someone who thinks that they can maintain the law believes they are better than those of us that know we can't. That self-righteousness is a venom onto itself, and all venom is poisonous.-
In part one of this two-part series, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, breaks down the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate the effects of discontentment and sin, as well as our heavenly father's love for us, as the antivenom to our discontent.--The parable of the prodigal son paints a beautiful picture- a son, lost, discontent, self-absorbed, chosing to pave his own path only to find out he never should have left- a brother, discontent, jealous, self-righteous, feeling as though he's owed something, that he's earned something- a loving, forgiving father, so full of grace and mercy.--Dr. Chris dives deep into the details of this parable, drawing parallels between the characters and those who are of the law, those who are of grace, and God.
This past Sunday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, broke down the parable of the prodigal son.--In this highlight, we focus on the character of the father, who paints a beautiful picture of the love God has for us---The young son was selfish, entitled, and discontent. He demanded his inheritance from his father, left home, and wasted everything he had with reckless abandon. He was humiliated, but through his -rock bottom-, he saw that he had sinned against his father.--Upon the return of his son, we see the father's love play out- each action drawing a parallel to the love God has for us---1. The father saw his son coming home from afar - Before the foundation of the world, God sought us out---2. The father runs to his son - It is God who seeks us out, we are incapable of seeking God.--3. The father hugs and kisses his son in celebration - Despite everything we've done, God loves us.--4. The father doesn't admonish the boy- the father welcomes his son with open arms - God foreknew everything and He chose to save us anyway.--5. The father put a robe, ring, and sandals on his son - We are no longer slaves to sin- we are accepted in the family of Christ---6. The father sacrifices his most prized calf - God sent His only son to take our place, to pour out His blood for the remission of our sins---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -The Antivenom To Our Discontent -Part 1--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
When we find ourselves in the midst of sin, when we find ourselves going against what the word of God has to say- when we find ourselves in a season of discontent- we are going to do exactly what we want to do according to how it's going to make us feel at any given moment. That's a problem- We get absorbed in the moment and don't look out for what's in the distance---This past Sunday, Dr. Christopher Passalacqua, one of Grace Gospel Fellowship's elders, broke down the parable of the prodigal son.--The younger son was selfish, entitled, and discontent. He demanded his inheritance from his father, left home, and spent everything he had on selfish things. Upon reaching his rock bottom, he endured humiliation and lost his social status. But it was through these trials and experiences that he realized he had sinned against his father and he wants to come home.--Is this not the great revelation we have as someone who is walking around, lost- We come to our spiritual senses and realize that we have sinned against our heavenly father---To listen to the complete sermon titled, -The Antivenom To Our Discontent -Part 1--, please visit us at- gracegospelfellowship.org-sermons-Or check us out on SermonAudio-
Imagine trying to have a deep, meaningful, impactful, and powerful relationship with somebody, if you never talk to them. It wouldn't be very deep- it wouldn't be very meaningful.--This past Wednesday, guest pastor Darin Weiss discussed what it means to build a deep, meaningful relationship with God- how to grow in our spiritual walk and find answers to the questions of life.--It is through the scriptures that we can know God, that we can hear from Him- But all too often we're just looking for a sign. We're left wishing to hear from God when He's already given us everything we truly need.
Whether you have spiritual eyesight or not, there is no doubt that we're in a place of wonder. We are members of a Church that experiences God in a very real and undeniable way---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark shared with us two stories to illustrate the importance of spiritual sight. How we must not deny the work that God is doing here, for us and through us---God is here- The city we live in was a bankrupt, messed up, drug infested city. But beneath all of that, God had a plan. We're walking on acres of diamonds with regard to what God has done.
You say drug use is a disease like cancer. You say that we haven't found the cure. But you're wrong. There is a cure---Grace Centers of Hope, Grace Gospel Fellowship, fifty-two houses, people getting married, their children coming to know Christ and following Him in baptism, putting families back together through the Gospel of Jesus Christ- that is the answer- And it's a miracle---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark broke down the difference between -drug problem- and -sin problem-. We don't have a drug problem, we have a sin problem- we have not seen ourselves as sinners----Why would I beat and abuse the woman I say I love- Why would I desert my children- Why would I break the hearts of my aging parents- Because I refuse to see the enemy, and it's me----At the root of all evil, you will find self. The only true deliverer is Jesus Christ, who will change your heart-
This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark reminded us of the true purpose and meaning behind baptism, and we celebrated as 40- members of our congregation took part in such a beautiful public declaration of their faith in Christ---Baptism is such an amazing part of our Christian faith. If you find out you're a sinner and you've come to know Jesus Christ- if you place your trust in Him alone as your sin bearer, that He paid your debt on the tree of the cross- you need to say to everyone in the waters of baptism- I am a Christian, Jesus Christ died for me, He was buried for me, and He rose again for me---Baptism is a declaration of faith, in front of everybody, that we are a Christian and that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior-
Every day is an exciting day because God has something in store. He has a plan and purpose for us.--This past Wednesday, Pastor Kent W. Clark shared with us an experience he had at a recent thrift store conference.--We are not religious- we are Christ centered. --If you would see our Church and meet our people, you would know that we're nothing special. We don't have a whole lot of money, we've done a lot of bad things, but God in His mercy and grace has done something inside of us.
I am what I am by the grace of God.--This past Wednesday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into the topic of our sin nature.--We were born at enmity with God. We were born in sin- we have a sin nature.--We don't have to train our kids how to lie, how to say no and sass us. It comes naturally to them. The only hope for our kids, the only hope for us, is the grace of God.
God let you take the drugs and run- you ran to a hell hole, your life has become a total disaster- you lost everything that was precious to you. And here you sit, God let you do what you wanted to do, and now He's directly moving and bringing you unto the Gospel of His glory---God's able to get you off of heroin. He's able to take care of the sins of your past and present, He's able to change you from the inside out- What kind of God do you have- He's a mighty God---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark discussed with us how imperative it is to give God all of the glory, for there is nothing we have done, nothing within ourselves that deserves any praise whatsoever---We were born with a depraved nature. Up until the point God caught up with us, we've lived our life, dead in sins and trespasses. We were only alive to ourselves, alive to sinning, it's why we did what we did- it was all about self---But something happened to us on the inside- God caught up with us- He brought us to a place where we recognize Him for all that He has done and all that He is able and willing to do---Everything that ever happens, happens because God wants it to happen. Salvation is a gift of Grace- an undeserved, unmerited gift from God- Without Him changing us on the inside, it is impossible for us to desire Him.
There's always this question- how do you do it---1. Begin by giving Him glory.-2. You must give Him glory.-3. Beyond any doubt, give Him glory---What's happening at Grace Gospel Fellowship- We give Him all the glory---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark used the story of King Nebuchadnezzar to illustrate how imperative it is to give God all of the glory- We must not believe for one second that we have anything to be proud of- that anything good can happen as a result of ourselves- that we are worthy of any recognition whatsoever- All boasting should be in the Lord-
We must not think for one moment that we are capable of anything to be proud of. It's all God- Without Him, left to ourselves, we would yield nothing but destruction---We are depraved by nature- we are sinful- Up until the point God catches up to us, we are dead in sins and trespasses- we are alive only to ourselves, serving our own selfish, sinful desires---Nothing happens apart from how God wants it to happen. The world is not a runaway. God is active- He's able and willing to finish the work He started-
If God has saved you, converted you, brought you to a knowledge of Himself- He has others for you to bring to a knowledge of Himself. When He saved you, He didn't just have you in mind, He had others---There is a desperate need for this congregation to share our testimonies. We're living in a hopeless situation as far as this heroin epidemic, and there is a dire need for people like us, who've been converted, to share our testimonies-
If God has saved you, converted you, brought you to a knowledge of Himself- He has others for you to bring to a knowledge of Himself. When He saved you, He didn't just have you in mind, He had others---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark discussed the importance of sharing with others what God has done for us- to lead by example- to bring others to the same saving knowledge that saved us---We ought to be excited about what God's done for us enough to share it with the world-
How many of you were addicted to drugs- heroin, cocaine, whatever---We're having a hundred people die everyday from the heroin epidemic- and you have a testimony---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark explained the importance of using our testimonies, to become outward examples of the regenerating power of God, to reach the thousands who struggle, to provide hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ---Something happened to us on the inside- we've come to love what we once hated, and hate what we once loved- That is exactly the testimony that we need today---The hound of heaven got on our trail, sought us out of our Lo-Debar, quickened us, regenerated us, did something on the inside of us, to faith in Jesus Christ---There is a desperate need for this congregation to share our testimonies. We're living in a hopeless situation as far as this heroin epidemic, and there is a dire need for people like us, who've been converted, to share our testimonies-
There may be times when we question whether or not we're a Christian.--It's easy to look at the times we're struggling inside, when we do the things we don't want to do, and when we don't do the things we ought to do, but in those moments, we're presented with clear evidence of our faith.--This past Wednesday, Guest Pastor Darin Weiss discussed the struggles we're faced with as Christians, and how, even through the most difficult struggles, even when we think we've turned away from God, He is there- He always has been- God uses our struggles for good.
As a Christian, there is something much more powerful, something that we are able to tie into that is so much greater than what we're going through on any given day, week, or month.--This past Wednesday, Guest Pastor Darin Weiss discussed the four types of people as outlined by Dr. Viktor Frankl, a jewish psychiatrist and survivor of the World War II concentration camps, who interviewed fellow survivors following their release. He discovered four responses to the pain and suffering which was experienced during this horrendous time.--1. Brutality - These people became self-centered, willing to trample over other people, focused only on what they had to do to survive.--2. Hopelessness - These people essentially gave up, withered up, and died off.--3. Fixation - These people were focused on what they had, and did everything they could in order to get back to the lives they once lived. When they eventually did re-enter society, things were not as they had envisioned, and they became very depressed.--4. Freedom - Hopefulness - These people turned to something outside themselves. They placed their hope in something eternal, something transcendent- they remained confident and hopeful, they had a peace and kindness about them, despite the difficulties they were facing.--When life throws something at us, what is it that we trust in- What are we looking to- Where is our hope-
If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains- Anybody want to be a mountain mover---The Bible is full of miracles that happen. How can you not believe that God is able---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark talked about the miracles and impossibilities illustrated throughout the Bible. He is an impossible working God- able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that what we ask or even think---As we kick off this new year, ask God to give you more faith- Believe that He is able and willing to do the impossible. Get out of your mind and ask God for a miracle that you can experience-
Where were you five years ago---Knowing where you came from, where you are now, do you believe that anything is impossible for God---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark talked about the miracles and impossibilities which God has done. He is an impossible working God- able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or even think---Nobody has the answer to the heroin addiction in this city except us for the most part. We believe it's the Gospel- the power of God- the spirit of God---We've formed a community of people who were once slaves to their addiction, slaves to sin- Those people have been converted and now live sober, productive lives- They trust and rely on our great God for everything- They are active members in our Church, our mission, and our community- We love one another- we're in this thing called -life-, together----It took a miracle to put the sun in space- but when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole, it took a miracle of the grace of God----We need the impossible to happen. There are so many who are stuck in their sin. So many who have no hope, who think about taking their own life to escape the darkness in which they live.--Let's begin this new year by believing and looking for the impossible to happen-
Look at your own sin- you'll see the greatness of redemption- If you will own up, if you will look at your own life, if you will see your own transgressions, if you will look into the hole in which you dug, the former state that you were in, the crimes that you committed...--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark delivered a passionate message about the absolute beauty found in the doctrine of accomplished redemption---One sin deserves an eternity in hell. But it's not just one sin that we're talking about- It's a multitude of sins- a lifetime of rebellion against our great God---Our God is holy and just- EVERY SIN must receive a just recompensive reward- In order to go to heaven, every one of our sins must be punished---There's only one who could pay our sin debt in full- There's only one who could satisfy God's wrath- His name shall be called Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins- He was sent into this world for a purpose, on purpose- and He accomplished that purpose- Hallelujah---God has been satisfied with the payment of His son- thousands upon thousands and thousands of thousands have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ- We have been saved by Him-
Pastor Kent W. Clark gives a passionate account of what God Has done for us through Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ- We are heaven bound---Jesus Christ didn't pay the sin debt for everybody- He paid the debt owed by those who know and understand what they are.. sinners---Saved by the GRACE of GOD-
Merry Christmas, from Grace Gospel Fellowship---Today, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ- What a joyous occasion this is---This past Tuesday, for our Christmas Eve service, Pastor Kent W. Clark turned to John 1 to paint a picture of what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ---In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He then created Adam and Eve, who sinned against Him. Because of this, we were separated from our creator- there was no longer that sweet fellowship.--But the Bible, from cover to cover, declares the very truth that we're celebrating today- Our eternal God became flesh- He lived a spotless life, went up on Calvary, and died in our room, stead, and place- He paid our debt- Through Him, we've been reconciled with our magnificent creator---What a beautiful and glorious truth---Make time today, just you, wherever you are, to contemplate- He came for you, He died for you, He loves you-
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. -Ephesians 1-11--How in the world can you have any peace unless you believe that- that God's on His throne, that this world is not a runaway, and that He's working everything out according to the counsel of His own will---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark took to Genesis and walked us through the story of Joseph's dream. Despite everything which may seem to go against us in life, in the end, it works out in our favor- in God's favor---What may seem like evil, what man may intend for evil, God uses for good-
Are you a sheep or a goat---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark explained what it means to be a sheep.--There is a specific people who have been given by God the Father, to Jesus Christ for Him to give eternal life to. God, from the beginning, chose an elect. He, from the beginning, predestined them unto salvation. He loved them like He loved His own Son- His sheep.--Left to ourselves, we know nothing. God had to open our eyes. God had to seek us out, find us, make us willing, and lead us to Jesus Christ-
One of the greatest fears that we have is to be fully known. That's why we get so religious. We try to clean ourselves up on the outside, we try to perform, to live up, to have a great status. In our hearts we believe, if someone fully knew us, they wouldn't love us.--This past Wednesday, Guest Pastor Darin Weiss dove into the topic of God's love. How we're fully known- God knows everything we've done, every thought, every action- He knows everything we will ever do, everything we're capable of, and He loves us anyway---What a beautiful thing it is, God's love for us. How He sent His only son so that we may have life- He's forgiven us, despite everything that we are- And because God knows us so intimately, we have the freedom to be ourselves with Him. To pray and worship without holding back- to be genuine.
Have you ever found that it's really difficult to remain obedient in extremely stressful situations---This past Wednesday, Guest Pastor Darin Weiss shared with us a personal story about a time he got angry with his son- how his actions brought about a conversation regarding us as sinners. How even after we're converted, we will still mess up- we're still in desperate need of God's grace.--Jesus came to die for the forgiveness of our sins. Everybody, pastors included, is in desperate need of God's forgiveness. That never changes. We're all going to find ourselves in situations where we mess up. We are all sinners by nature.--The freedom that comes from the Gospel is not just seeing Jesus as an example for how we ought to live- it's seeing that Jesus is our substitute. He died for us. Where we failed, He did not fail- we've been forgiven- God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. We don't have to live life, defined by our sins.
If all you've got is dry, dead churchism, you don't have much. We want to experience God- We want to be able to say, -my God is real----This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark shared with us his experiences growing up, how he would experience God in the most random moments- he would feel a calling to preach the Gospel. But when he attended seminary, there was a general deadness- he would preach at many Churches across the country, but not many of those Churches he visited were alive, filled with the Holy Spirit.--Here at Grace Gospel Fellowship, we can't deny how present God is, in our Church, in our community, and in our city. We've seen the miracles, we can look back at what He has done, where we've come from, how lives have changed, how communities have been restored, and how the city is turning around- at the center of everything, we know that God is at work.--There is a real awakening taking place, and we are so blessed to be a part of it---What we do here is, we say to God, -You are welcome here. Come and take over this place- Move into our hearts and lives, make yourself known. Here's what we promise you, we will give you all the honor and praise-.
-When God is exceedingly displeased with a people, it is not necessary, in order to their punishment, that He should bury them alive by an earthquake, or destroy them by lightning. If He only leave them to themselves, withdraw His blessing from their counsels, and His restraint from their passions, their ruin follows on course- according to the necessary order and connection of causes and effects. If God gives up a people to the way of their own hearts, they will, they must perish-. -Rev. John Newton--The worst thing in the world that could happen is for God to not be active in His Church- for us not to be hearing from God- a religiousness without God.--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark read to us one of the prayers he gave back in 2014 at the Oakland County Republican Convention. He discussed the importance of God in Government, and how God can turn this country around.--What we need is a Church somewhere that's alive with His presence, not one with cold, dead, religion- but one filled with rejoice.
This Past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into the topic of fear. He shared with us his experiences growing up with certain teachings within the Church, where their teachings were designed to scare the hell out of you. But this doesn't work---In our flesh dwells no good thing. And it's the great love of God that draws us to Himself.--God is not angry with us. We are a mess, and in our flesh dwells no good thing. But Jesus Christ has paid the price- He's been the propitiation.--When that day comes, we're going to point to the one who sits on the throne, the one with five wounds in His body. He is our right, our propitiation, our redemption- we are complete in Him, there is no condemnation for us, because He paid it all-
One of the great travesties of the Church today is, we don't experience God.--Think about what He's done for you- you could be much worse off than you are now, but you're not. Just think about where God has brought you---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into the topic of fear- he reminded us that, God has been with us all along, and He will be with us through all of our trials and tribulations. He will not leave us to ourselves.---When you pass through the waters, I will be with you- and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you- when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.- -Isaiah 43-2--There will be trials and tribulations, that is part of life. But we need not go through them alone, for God is always with us.--We may feel like we're drowning, there may be times in our lives when circumstances seem as though they will overcome us. But the guardian angel is there- the Lord Himself. And it is through our trials that we truly experience God.
Many of God's people live in a state of fear. Many children of God, sitting under law preaching, see a manifestation of God- they dread, rather than rejoice about it.--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into the topic of fear, how many churches today preach salvation by works, not by grace alone.--If you were under law, then you would have something to fear. Legalism, law preaching, or salvation by works preaching, will lead you to fear because there is no hope in the law of works.--If you're counting on the ten commandments to take you to heaven, you're fearful- you have some real doubts about yourself. You're not being honest about your own self-sinnership, and you will certainly perish in your sins.--Salvation is a gift of grace- It's under this message, that there is no condemnation, no judgement, that we find tremendous joy- we've been saved by the amazing grace of God-
It is the tradition of Grace Gospel Fellowship, every Thanksgiving, to invite a few of our congregates to the pulpit to share their testimonies. It's a beautiful thing, knowing where each of us has come from, knowing how far God is willing to go for His people- We are so thankful to have a God so loving and caring, despite what we are---Heather Martin graduated the one-year life-skills program at our ministry, Grace Centers of Hope.--Following a rough past, Heather found comfort in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ- God totally restored and transformed her life, guiding her, giving her the courage to overcome her addiction and put her past behind her- She now relies on Him daily, knowing He will provide all that she needs.--What a miracle it is that God is doing here- for our ministries, our community, our Church, and for the lives of the people we've been able to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ---We are so thankful to our magnificent God, as well as the many people He has worked through, enabling us to do what we do---Happy Thanksgiving-
It is the tradition of Grace Gospel Fellowship, every Thanksgiving, to invite a few of our congregates to the pulpit to share their testimonies. It's a wonderful opportunity for each of us to reflect upon what God has done in our own lives. Oh how grateful we are, that God has not left us to ourselves---Joseph Iocoangeli graduated the one-year life-skills program at our ministry, Grace Centers of Hope.--Through Jesus Christ, his life has been completely transformed- Joseph overcame his past, his addiction, and his family challenges- God restored his family and has given him new purpose, as he now works for our ministry as the volunteer coordinator. Joseph has learned to truly rely on God for all things.--What a miracle it is that God is doing here- for our ministries, our community, our Church, and for the lives of the people we've been able to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ---We are so thankful to our magnificent God, as well as the many people He has worked through, enabling us to do what we do---Happy Thanksgiving-
Have you ever heard about the two women who got pregnant---As this Christmas season progresses and you see all the Christmas trees, the lights, and all the Santa Clause stuff, don't let that get above this- two ladies got pregnant, God was in it, and a savior and a redeemer came to save us from our sins.--Amen---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark turned to Luke to share with us the Christmas story. The real Christmas story---Don't get caught up in the commercialized Christmas. Remember who this holiday is all about---Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
He's Abel's sacrifice--He was Abraham's lamb--He's the avenger of God's elect--He's an author, an alpha, an apostle, an advocate, and adorner of all that is beautiful.--He's the ark that supports us--He's the ancient of days--He's the anchor that holds us--He's the angel of the Lord--and He's my Amen.--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark painted a beautiful picture, introducing our Lord and Savior by His many names.--All of these, and many more names, are given to our Lord Jesus Christ- He is Yehoshua.
Is this really a Church of Christ- filled with people who love one another the way God has loved us in Christ Jesus---Paul, in First Corinthians 13, is not just trying to define love for us, He's saying to us, if you don't have it, you have no ministry at all- Ministry without love profits you nothing.--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into the topic of love, and discussed the critical role love has in ministry.--Grace Gospel Fellowship wants very much to be filled with people who can minister. This world needs Christ-like ministry- But without love, there is no ministry. There can't be a ministry.--We ought to love one another as Christ loved us. We ought to put to use our gifts in a loving way, to minister to the world, who so badly need it.--Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
The Beatles sang, -All You Need Is Love-. If they had been singing about God's love, there would have been a grain of truth in that statement. But what usually goes by the name 'love' in popular culture, is not authentic love at all- it's a deadly fraud, far from being all you need. -Pastor Kent W. Clark--This past Sunday, Pastor Clark dove into a discussion on the topic of love, and how the Bible defines it.--Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1 Corinthians 13-4-7--Paul set straight, the Church of Corinth- their beliefs became heavily influenced by pagan tradition. Much like the Church of Corinth, our society, even as it exists within the church today, has perverted the definition of love. That word is often tossed around with little to no foundation to support it.--The Bible models love after God's selfless love for us through Jesus Christ, who gave His life to save His people from their sins. That is our standard.---Ephesians 5-1-3, Ephesians 4-32, John 15-13, 1 John 4-11---We ought to love other people as God has loved us. God knows about all of our sins. God knows how badly we fall short. Yet God loves us with an everlasting love and forgives us of our sins against Him, over and over again.--True love is always sacrificial. True love doesn't think about self. It's not narcissistic. It's giving, it's self-giving, it's merciful, compassionate, sympathetic, kind, generous, and patient.
There was a time when the beginning, began. God, the great creator, the great spirit, spoke nothing into something---This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark dove into a discussion on the size and vastness of the universe- how our magnificent God made all of that come to be, just by speaking it into existence---That same God- the God who created everything- created us, a bunch of rebels that have sinned and rebelled against Him---That same God, the God who turned the lights on in His beginning, turned the lights on in our hearts---Before the beginning ever began, before there existed anything, God chose us, and He loved us with an everlasting love---Oh, what a beautiful mystery---Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
Before anything was created, before the beginning, before there even was a beginning, there was God- Doesn't that blow your mind---Even with that said, it does not express the complete truth, for there never was a 'was' with Him. It was just Him.--God had no beginning- He just was.---Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen- -1 Timothy 1-17--This past Sunday, Pastor Kent W. Clark returned from his vacation with an incredible, thought provoking, sermon---How can there be a being without a beginning- That is the great mystery---Here's a highlight from our Sunday service-
Do you get angry with God when things don't go the way you planned---We have this idea that we know how our lives should look, that we know what it will require to achieve all that we want.--But what if, what we want isn't what God wants- What if God isn't willing to move the mountain that we want Him to move- What if He moves a different one, instead---We need to be comfortable knowing, we don't know what we need. And God certainly does---Whatever the situation, good or bad, we need to learn to give it to God. We need to understand that everything happens because He wants it to happen, and whatever the outcome, it has its purpose for how God has planned it.--If God were to take us everywhere we wanted to go, give us everything that we wanted, but not stick around once we got there, nothing would have meaning. It would all be useless.--This past Wednesday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, dove into the topic of faith, and what it's all about---In this highlight, he talks about what it means to -give it to God-.--True trust in God is, -no matter what the outcome, if the outcome is where He is, than that's where I'm going to go.---AMEN---Here's another highlight from our Wednesday service-
Are you willing to believe that He is worthy of you following after Him- For you to give your life in service to Him---How often have we gone to God and offered to make a business deal- -Lord, I swear, if you do this, I will never do that again-.--We have seen what He is able and willing to do. We've heard the testimonies of our fellow brothers and sisters- we have our own testimonies as to what God has done in our lives- But still, we find ourselves wondering if God is going to show up during a particular situation.--We have this idea that we know what is right for our lives. We think we know how our lives should look, and what it will require to achieve all that we want.--But what if, what we want isn't what God wants- What if God isn't willing to move the mountain that we want Him to move- Are we willing to trust that His plan for our lives is good---This past Wednesday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, dove into the topic of faith, and what it's all about---In this highlight, he talks about what it means to trust and rely on God.--What it really, truly means to trust God, to believe in Him, is to follow Him, not dependent upon the outcome.--Here's another highlight from our Wednesday service-
It's extremely prevalent in our culture, in our society, to have spiritual blindness.--We have many passions and desires in life, and sometimes those passions and desires steal our attention away from our relationship with God. Our priorities are often misdirected.--We fear bringing God up in conversation for how people may react. We don't necessarily allocate time to discuss with others, what it's like to see God, what it's like to follow Him, to experience Him in our lives.--The pursuit of God starts with community, with fellowship. God never intended for us to be alone in our relationship with Him. God called together a people to worship Him, to be with Him, to be a new humanity- to make a difference, an impact- and to bring His Kingdom into the world.--This past Wednesday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, dove into the topic of faith, and what it's all about---In this highlight, he talks about the need to develop a passion and desire for God, and how we can combat the spiritual blindness of today's society.--Here's another highlight from our Wednesday service-
Faith, belief, really trusting, believing, having faith in God- faith is the way that we receive God's power---God is all around us, and He is able and powerful enough to do all things---Many of us can get hung up when things don't go our way. We may walk around in fear, anger, and bitterness, all the while God has been good- He's been working, protecting, and guiding us, but we don't see it---We don't experience His joy because we don't see Him, we don't have faith.--This past Wednesday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, dove into the topic of faith, and what it's all about---In this highlight, he gives some examples as to what faith is, and why it's so important---God has an incredible living message for us. But in order for us to receive it, in order for us to experience it, we have to have faith---Here's a highlight from our Wednesday service-
Faith is a deliberate action- it's something we choose to do. It's a conscious decision, based upon what we already know about Jesus. It's remembering what He is capable of, what He has already done in the past---If we believe that He is the son of God, that He died on the cross for us, that he rose from the dead for us, than how could we not trust Him---It's important that we get the Gospel, the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done, deep down in our hearts. That we apply what we know to be true about the Gospel, to our lives---This past Sunday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, discussed the storms of life. In this highlight, he talks about what it means to have faith.--There is nothing greater that we could sin against God, than to have the nails and the hammer in our own hands.--Jesus Christ ultimately took on a greater storm than we could ever possibly imagine- the storm of God's judgement. Jesus Christ, willingly and voluntarily, took upon himself, our judgement, our condemnation, our sin- and through Him, we are healed.--Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
We may find ourselves in a powerless situation, in a particular storm of life, where we feel like we're going to sink. We may beg God for peace and guidance, but God may not respond right away.--When we try to hurry God, we're really not living by His wisdom at all. We have no faith that His wisdom, His ways, His thoughts- are above our thoughts or our ways- We don't trust that His plans are greater than what our plans might be.--This past Sunday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, discussed the storms of life. In this highlight, he talks about perspective.--More often than not, we are too close to the action to see the greater picture. Our subjective bias gets in the way- we can't see the forest for the trees. But God has the perfect perspective. He knows and sees everything---Just because God doesn't respond when we expect Him to, doesn't mean that He has abandoned us. There is more to a situation than we're able to see.--All things work together for the glory of God.--Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
Don't fall for the delusion that, because you have surrendered your life to God, everything is going to be grand. Don't think that, because God has saved you from the depths of hell, things are going to be great from here on out.--This past Sunday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, discussed the storms of life. In this highlight, he shares with us the purpose of tribulation, and how we can find comfort through our darkest moments.--We will experience tribulation. It's not a punishment, nor is it because our faith isn't strong enough.---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 16-33--Jesus Christ said, tribulation is unavoidable. It's part of life.--But no matter what life throws at us, if God is with us, we can get through it- We can take comfort in what He was able to overcome---Here's another highlight from our Sunday service-
This past Sunday, guest pastor, Darin Weiss, took to Matthew 23 and broke down the story of when Jesus Calmed the storm.--Throughout our lives, we will experience many storms- we will face many trials. We may feel a strong sense of fear, like we're alone, that things are more difficult than we can handle, that we're losing control.--It is in those moments, we forget that we never had control to begin with---We need to take a step back, stop fighting God for the driver seat, and let Him take the wheel.---No matter what the storm is in life, God is with us. It is by faith in Jesus, that will get us through any storm of life----Here's a highlight from our Sunday service-
God chose, before He ever created the world, a people that He was going to save, that He was going to deliver- and wrote their names down in the lambs book of life, from the foundation of the world---Think about this... God chose you- Then think about this... Why---Nothing good lies within our flesh. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. Nothing---Yet God chose us, not because we were better than anybody else, not because He saw any good within us- we were justified without a cause- There was no cause in us that caused God to love us----We wandered. Our sin was our god, and we should have been damned to the lowest hell. But God sought us out and made us conscious of our sinnership, and He took our place in Jesus Christ on the tree of the cross---How beautiful God's love is for us---Here's another highlight from our 40th anniversary Sunday service-
This past Sunday, Grace Gospel Fellowship celebrated 40 amazing years as a church---We, as well as our community and the people who've been impacted by our ministries, have witnessed what God is able and willing to do---We know with certainty, at the root of everything, we are what we are by the grace of God---So, what is the grace of God----It's the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a gospel that eliminates all boasting, all bragging, and all haughtiness. You see, the chief end of man is to glorify God.- -Pastor Kent W. Clark--We give God all the glory, all the praise, and all the honor- Without Him, we are nothing.--Here's another highlight from our 40th anniversary Sunday service-
This past Sunday, Grace Gospel Fellowship celebrated 40 amazing years as a church- We celebrated what God has done within the church, and what He has done through the church to impact so many---Pastor Kent W. Clark took to Romans 8 to navigate the 5 golden links of our spiritual biography.--1. He Foreknew Us - Before the foundation of the world, God knew us intimately. God loved us---2. He Predestinated Us - There are no accidents. God chose us- Everything happens according to how God wants it to happen. We were lead to Him through our experiences, and He used even our worst moments, and turned them to good---3. He Called Us - God gave us the sight to see how bad we are. We are all sinners and we all fall short- God regenerated us, giving us new spiritual life---4. He Justified Us - We are all lawbreakers. And every one of our sins have been paid for- Not by our own doing, but because of what Jesus Christ has already done for us on the tree of the cross- He justified the demands of His own law, so that we could spend eternity with Him---5. He Glorified Us - Because of what God has done, we need not fear death- -Absent with the body, present with the lord-- it only gets better from here---Here's a highlight from our 40th anniversary Sunday service-