Grace Hills Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Grace Hills Church
This week we're taking a look at Peter raising a faithful woman named Tabitha out from the dead. We ask ourselves how can we use our life and testimony to impact the lives of others.
Looking at Saul's early ministry, we see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit at work. The Holy Spirit transforms, strengthens, emboldens, guides, protects, unifies, and comforts the people of God.
Confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul is forced to reevaluate his entire way of living. The story of Acts 9:1-19 causes each of us to stop in our tracks and ask if we stand corrected with the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Acts 8:26-40, we find the story of Philip sharing the Good News of Jesus with an Ethiopian eunuch on the road from Jerusalem. Far from being a chance encounter, this story reveals the heart of the God who pursues us.
Looking at the story of Stephen the Sorcerer in Acts 8, we see the folly of seeking Jesus for the sake of our own power and recognition. We recognize our hearts are not right with God, yet God has made a way through Christ for us to be reconciled to Him.
While facing intense persecution and suffering for their faith, the early church of Acts miraculously continues to spread. Acts 8:1-8 gives us a picture of what it looks like to live on mission as God's people in the midst of hostility and persecution.
Stephen's speech in Acts 7 reveals the plan and promise of God throughout redemptive history. Despite man's rejection of God and His chosen leaders, He remains faithful to His people.
Diving back into the book of Acts, we see the need for and importance of service within the early church in Acts 6. Rooted in God's care and love for us, the church is called to serve one another with the love of the Father.
Our last Psalm is known as one of the Psalms of Ascent. It talks about the Lord being the help that we look to in our times of trouble. It is such a hopeful reminder that the Lord will keep us and sustain us.
What do we do when life becomes difficult? Where do we turn when it seems like the world is falling apart? Where can we find hope when it feels hopeless? This is just what David was writing about in Psalm 27. This passage is filled with real answers and truth about where we can find hope in the midst of difficulties.
What does it mean to be fully known? It can be scary to think about someone knowing us fully. Imagine if someone knew every thought that entered your head. In Psalm 139, David shows us we don't have to worry about being fully known by God because He loves us.
The Bible does not promise us an easy life. There will be attacks and things that try to scare and threaten us. This psalm makes it clear that we can rely on God to be our shelter and protection in times of danger.
The first Psalm we will be looking at as a part of our new series is Psalm 23. This is a very well known passage written by King David. What makes Psalm 23 so great and more importantly, who is it talking about?
In the last sermon of our series, we will explore the question "What would you say to Jesus?" as we read the story of Jesus healing ten lepers.
Everybody at some point in their life has to answer the question who is Jesus. In this conversation with Jesus we see him use a miracle to heal a blind man to ask his disciples who they really think He is. Do you really believe that Jesus is God?
Jesus marveled at his encounter with the centurion. Jesus stated that the centurion had more faith than any person he met in Israel. What was so striking about the centurion?
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who wanted to see Jesus. However, Zacchaeus was physically too short to see Jesus over the crowds. Let's see what measures Zacchaeus is willing to take so that he can have a chance to see Jesus.
A respected spiritual leader fearfully comes to Jesus in the middle of the night with his questions. Jesus's answer for Nicodemus leads us to one of the most famous verses in all of Scripture.
This week we take a look at two people. One is Jairus, a respected spiritual leader, and the other is a woman considered impure by society. What could these two have in common? Let's see how Jesus is the only one that can fill their need.
In this story from the gospels, a rich young ruler comes to Jesus and asks how he might be saved. Jesus knew exactly how to address this young man. Jesus gave an answer that was difficult, and left the man sorrowful, but it was what the ruler needed to hear.
In the first of our new series, we explore how Jesus pushes past all cultural and social norms to have a conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well. Although she came to the well for water, Jesus teaches her about a new living water that can free her from her burdens.
As we conclude our series in Jonah, we do so with a final conversation between Jonah and God. In this conversation, the transparency of Jonah's heart comes out: Jonah is angry with God. Have you been there? In this message we're reminded of God's heart - of His love for enemies. This is a passage... a message that challenges us to search our hearts before the God who loves enemies.
Have you ever walked 500 miles? There are probably a few places in the world you would be willing to walk 500 miles to. It is not a breezy stroll on its own, but imagine walking that far to go somewhere that you actually despise. After Jonah makes the long, 500 mile journey to Nineveh to preach a half-hearted sermon, God brings about one of the biggest moments of repentance in human history.
Where is the most unique place you've ever found yourself praying? Was it ever in the belly of a fish? Well, this week we encounter Jonah's famous prayer from inside a fish. What can we learn from him in looking at his prayer? A lot! Join us as we examine Jonah's prayer in the darkest moment of this life.
What happens when you are trying to run from God? What happens when you disobey God? What happens when your choices affect others? In this message from Jonah 1:4-16, we have some important answers - answers that should lead us to repent like a sailor.
What is the furthest distance you've ever run? If we were to ask Jonah this question, he'd tell us he sought to run (to sail) 2500 miles. If we were to ask him what he was running from, he'd give us one answer: God. Have you been there? Are you there today? In this message we discover why Jonah was attempting to run from God. Perhaps you can relate. Perhaps you'll stop long enough today to listen to what God wants to say to you.
As we conclude our series in 1 John, we've discovered that "we know" abundant life is found only in Jesus Christ. New life. Life eternal. On resurrection Sunday, we celebrate Jesus is risen from the dead... that as followers of Him, we know eternal life.
When is the last time someone told you something and your response was, "I know."? Your response communicated a knowledge you already had. In today's message from 1 John 5:13-21, John gives us a message many of us would respond with, "I know." So why is John telling us something we may already know? This message has the answer! It's the answer we hope and pray all would respond with: "We know!"
What if you were told one of things you could do with your life was overcome the world? What would you think? How would you respond? As we continue our series "We Know..." in 1 John, this is what John the author tells us! In this message, we'll explore what is necessary for overcoming the world and how to overcome whatever comes our way.
Have you ever sang this song? "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8." This is a well known song that many sang in youth groups years ago. Today as we look at 1 John 4:7-21, we'll do so by listening to the "melody" of what it looks like to love others in our lives.
Who do you say that Jesus is? This was a question Jesus asked His disciples and it is a question still being asked today. How would you respond? How would you know if you're right? In today's message from 1 John 4:1-6, the apostle John gives us the answer - the answer that truly matters.
If someone asked you, "What does love look like?" How would you answer? Would you respond with words or with action? In this message from 1 John 3:11-24, we find the answer to this most important question.
Perhaps you've heard of Christian Orthodoxy, but how about Christian Orthopraxy? What is Christian Orthopraxy? As we continue our We Know... series through 1 John, today we discover how sound biblical living follows from sound biblical doctrine. After all, as John Calvin put it, "Righteousness is not merely buried in our hearts; it also occupies our feet, hands, eyes and tongues."
If you've ever studied end times in the Bible, you've probably heard the term Antichrist. But have you ever heard the term "antichrists"? Yes, antichrist as in lower case "a", and plural. As we continue our journey through the book of 1 John, the author, John, wants us to know truth, lies, and the antichrists. In doing so, you'll be equipped to know who the antichrists are and how to be prepared and know truth from lies.
The Apostle John is often referred to as the "Apostle of Love" since in his gospel account and epistles he often speaks of love - how God loves us and how we're to love God and others. But did you know that John also speaks about what not to love? He does! In this message from 1 John 2:15-17, we learn what not to love as believers in Christ and why this matters so much.
We live in a world where the word "love" is used to describe how we feel about a lot of things. But what is love? How would you define it? Is it more than a feeling? In this message from 1 John 2:7-14, we discover the answers to these questions and more. If fact most importantly, we discover that Christian love is a way of life.
In 1 John 2:1-2, John writes, "My children, I am writing these thing to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Believers in Christ, rejoice! Be encouraged! Be thankful! For we know we have an advocate... Christ Jesus the righteous One.
God is light. You've likely heard this statement before. But what does it mean? Why does it matter? In today's message from 1 John 1:5-10, we discover answers to these questions so that we may better understand who God is and therefore worship Him with a new reverence.
We know...fellowship. What is fellowship? Fellowship is the act of sharing in the activities or privileges of an intimate association or group; especially used of marriage and churches. In 1 John 1:1-4, John writes about fellowship - fellowship that he personally enjoyed with Jesus. And as we'll see, this changed everything for him. It's this fellowship John speaks of that is available to us through a personal relationship with Christ. Do you know fellowship?
Have you ever tried to stop the wind? How about rain or snow from falling or even the sun from shining? That's crazy, right? These forces of nature are unstoppable. Well how about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? As we'll see from Acts 5:17-42, no matter how hard some people try to stop it, the Gospel is an unstoppable force. And if you're a believer in Christ, you're living proof!
What happens when the believers in the church are unified? What happens when the power and glory of God in the church are magnified? From Acts 5:11-16, we see that new believers are multiplied! Hallelujah! May this narrative be true of Grace Hills and may this be among our prayers in 2022.
Are you serious? We've all asked this question or been asked this question before. What if you were to ask God this question? About sin. What would He say? How would He respond. As we continue our series in Acts: The Church that Jesus Builds, from Acts 5:1-11 today, we have a very definitive answer!
Who would you turn to if you were in need? A family member? A close friend? How about Christ and specifically, His church? From today's message from Acts 4:32-37, we learn that those who were in need turned to the church! To fellow believers in Christ. Why? Because the early church was generous to one another? How might you continue this generous story of Christ's church?
Got peace? Peace is something we all desire to have in our relationships, work place, neighborhood, nation and around the world. But what is true peace? Who gives it? How can I have it? In this message from Ephesians 2, we explore these questions and discover that that peace is possible for those who know the Person who gives it abundantly.
It has been said that fear is one of the seven universal emotions experienced by everyone around the world. How can we be bold in facing our fears? How can we be bold in sharing Christ despite the threat of persecution? From Acts 4:23-31, the early church gives a great example in how to be bold. In this message we explore the steps they took and the difference it made for them and the world around them... all because He lives!
Persecution for being a Christ follower. Can you imagine? Why would someone do this to another? Since Acts 4, persecution is what many Christ followers have encountered. Why? When you make the claim that salvation is found in no one else but Christ, some will disagree, some will reject you, and some will do worse. What's your claim about Christ? Are you prepared for their response?
What if you lived during the time of Christ and one of his disciples proclaimed that Christ was the long awaited Messiah? Would you believe him? What if all the prophesies about Christ and who He is came true? What would you think then? In this message from Acts 3:11-26, we are presented the case for Christ - that He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. What do you believe about Christ today? Whatever you believe, know that the prophets have spoken!
Imagine you were crippled and couldn't walk. How would you survive? What would you do? As we continue our series in The Church that Jesus Builds, we come to Acts 3:1-10 and an encounter that Peter and John have with a crippled man. What will he say to them? How will Peter and John respond? This scene portrays something much greater than one's physical needs - a need we all have that only Jesus can meet? Have you had this need met, or are you still crippled?
Learning. Fellowship. Worship. Witnessing. What does this sound like to you? When we look at Acts 2:42-47, it sounds like a church. God's church. It's the church we're called to be!
When you think of hearing good news, what comes to mind? A job offer? The birth of a baby girl or boy? An answer to prayer? When we read Acts 2:13-41, we see that the good news is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is what is preached by Peter - it is received by 3000 people and as a result, the church birthed.
Wind and fire - natural powerful forces we've encountered in our lives. But what if a day came when the wind and fire was a supernatural power? As we continue our series in Acts - The Church that Jesus Builds, we come to Acts 2:1-12 and the Day of Pentecost. It is on this day the promised coming of God the Holy Spirit arrives... like wind and fire. What a day! A day for the birth of the New Testament Church.
Liminal n. - relating to a transitional or initial stage of the a process. As we continue our series in the book of Acts - The Church that Jesus Builds from Acts 1:12-26, we come to a church that is liminal. As the early church awaits the promised Holy Spirit, what do we find the people doing while they wait? In this passage, we find the church engaged in five practices - practices that are just as applicable to Christ's church today.
Can I get a witness? You've probably heard that question before. The follow up question is - Witness to what? As we continue our series The Church that Jesus Builds, we come to Acts 6:6-11 where we discover the answer to this follow up question. And in it, we find the calling Jesus has given to all believers.
Imagine a group of people living in community, submitted to Jesus and His teaching through the power of the Holy Spirit and taking His Gospel to the whole world. This is the church. This is the book of Acts. It's church's story. It's God's story. It's our story to tell today because the church is not a thing that is done, but a thing that we are doing.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan. It's probably the most well known parable given by Jesus. And yet the question remains: Who is my neighbor? As we look at this story from Luke 10:25-37, you have the opportunity to answer this famous question. Who will be your answer?
We've all heard about and seen a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But have you seen a picture of the Leaning Towers of Christians? In this message from Matthew 7:24-29, we explore what a leaning tower of a Christian is and what it takes to be upright and on solid ground in living the Christian life.
What if you had an older brother who inherited double what you received from your father. How would you handle it? In the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21, we have this happening. What does Jesus think about this? More importantly, what does He say about being generous as a way to overcome greed and covetousness. Good questions - questions answered in the form of a valuable story.
On the subject of prayer, Martin Luther once said, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." In this message from Luke 11:1-13, we encounter the Lord's Prayer and learn about eight important lessons for why we should pray. When we follow these lessons for prayer, we discover we are exercising the power of the Gospel and a God who saves us back to Him.
What comes to mind when you hear the word, "priest"? If you're a believer in Christ, do you think of yourself? As we continue our study through the Parables - Vignettes of Spiritual Truth, we come to the Parable of the Tenants in Mark 12:1-12. From this parable, we're reminded that if you're a believer in Christ, you are a priest... God's royal priesthood.
Forgiveness is something we all want and need from God and others. But what about you? How are you at forgiving those who have hurt you and wronged you? In today's message from Matthew 18:21-35, we explore the parable of The Unforgiving Servant to learn what Jesus has to say about the heart of forgiveness.
What happens when you value God's Word, memorize it, desire to obey it, want others to follow God and worship Him... and you compare how you're doing with all of this to how others are doing? You have a perfect set up for a parable! In this message from Luke 18:9-14, we learn a lesson about repentance that Jesus wants all to know.