Grace Church Indiana Sermons: Recent Episodes

Grace Church

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Every human being, regardless of background or belief, carries the same deep drive for meaning, connection, and something bigger than themselves. Scientists have studied it, neuroscientists have mapped it in the brain, and every major religion in history has tried to answer it. So what is that longing, and where does it actually lead?This sermon looks at Jesus' conversation with a Samaritan woman in John 4, two people from completely different religions having an honest talk about worship, truth, and what the soul is really thirsty for.Jesus might just be the answer to every question your right brain has been asking.📖 Scripture: John 4:7-26, John 1:14, John 10:30, John 14:9, Colossians 1:15-19🗓️ Series: What If It's True?📍 gracechurch.us 📱 @GraceChurchIN on Instagram and Facebook

Everyone has that feeling when they watch the news, or see someone get taken advantage of, that something is deeply wrong with the world. Where does that come from, and does it mean anything? This sermon looks at one of the most unjust moments in history, the trial of Jesus in John 18, and asks what it tells us about justice, power, and why we all long for things to be made right.The answer isn't just that justice is coming. It's that it has already begun.📖 Scripture: John 18:19-40, John 1:10-11, John 1:18, John 20:21, Philippians 2:6-8🗓️ Series: What If It's True?📍 gracechurch.us 📱 @GraceChurchIN on Instagram and Facebook

Looking for Someone Looking for You by Grace Church

As the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders reaches a boiling point, Jesus gives one of the most intense and incendiary teachings about their failure to live up to their role. He repeatedly calls the religious leaders of Israel “hypocrites” and points out their lack of integrity – placing unbearable religious demands on the people while ignoring their own sin and wickedness. Within these teachings is a vital look at the difference between legalism and grace which is a message the Church of today needs to hear.

After coming to Jerusalem and beginning his final week before the crucifixion, Jesus teaches daily in the temple. Here, his teachings reveal not just his expert subversion of the religious leaders of Israel, but the profound beauty of his kingdom message. When they are trying to trip him up about the “most important commandment,” Jesus quotes from two Old Testament laws which encapsulate the entire Spirit of God’s desires. Although the basic formulation, “Love God, love others,” is familiar to many of us, the two laws he quotes gain even more significance when seen in their original context. One is from a passage about wholehearted dedication to the teaching of God. The other is from a series of laws promoting true justice, mercy, and equality among the people. Jesus is not just cleverly answering a trick question; he is inviting his followers into a profound and whole-life commitment to the desires and teachings of God.

When the mother of two of Jesus’ disciples asks for them to be given roles of great importance and power in his kingdom, Jesus reveals a surprising truth: that those desiring greatest influence should seek the humblest position of a slave. As we see many times throughout the gospel of Matthew, Jesus upends the ordinary expectations of humanity byintroducing an “upside down” kingdom. In his kingdom, the key to true greatness lies not in human power but in self-giving love.

One of the most overlooked aspects of the Holy Spirit in our world is the overwhelming life that is made possible by his presence. Although this absolutely applies to the new, resurrection life we can experience in the New Creation thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus,the Spirit of Life goes even deeper in our world, now. Throughout Scripture we see God’s Spirit as the vivifying source of all life in Creation, we see the Spirit drawing humanity away from our violent and warlike tendencies and into life-sustaining peace, and we see the Spirit shaping Christ-followers into fountains of God’s life and abundance in a still broken world. The Spirit helps us champion the life of the downtrodden, protect the life of the vulnerable, and even nurture the life of our physical world.In a time filled with decay, pain, violence, and death, it is vital to remember that the Spirit within us is working to transform us into sources of life in our world now, not just in the resurrection. What might it look like to delve deeply into the life-giving richness of the Holy Spirit this year, allowing New Creation to spring up everywhere we go, and thus bringing the life of our Creator into our broken world?

One of the primary challenges for the health of the Church is that it’s made up of… well, people. We are prone to division and easily fall into traps of “othering” those not like ourselves. The good news is that God’s Spirit is constantly working to overcome those divisions to make us one. It is God’s Holy Spirit who allows a diverse community of faith, made up of different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds, into a single, unified body.In a time filled with political rage, cultural tribalism, and divisive rhetoric, ideas of unity, even within the Church, can sometimes seem like wishful thinking. However, if we allow the Spirit of Unity to transform us, we can overcome the hatred of our time and demonstrate to the world that an entirely different kind of community is possible. What might it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to give us hearts of unity this year, as we allow our lives to be shaped by the others-focused, self-giving love of Jesus?

One of the surprising outcomes of God’s Spirit taking up residence in the hearts of Christ-followers is that otherwise ordinary people began developing extraordinary power – power to heal, to serve, to teach, and to speak truth about the very heart of God. This power, otherwise known as the “spiritual gifts” given to believers, is one of the primary ways that God grows, supports, and guides his Church. As we use our Spirit-given gifts to serve, His power shapes the community of faith around us in unexpected ways.In a time when the brokenness of our world seems insurmountable and the Church struggles with division, it can be tempting to allow our faith to become little more than an individualistic relationship between us and God. However, with the Spirit empowering us, we can recover the vision of the Church as the body of Christ in our world and recapture the self-giving love we were created to demonstrate as a community. What might it look like to explore and live into our spiritual giftings in new ways this year as the Spirit empowers us to become the Church God desires?

24 | Christmas at Grace | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

As Jesus prepared for his death, resurrection, and ultimate ascension, his followers were understandably worried. What would they do without Jesus by their side? Who was going to teach them? How would they know what was true? Jesus’ promise in response to these worries was that God would give them “another Advocate,” the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever. This promise, which remains true for all Christ-followers even today, is a profound one: that the very presence of Christ would dwell within his followers, guiding them into the truth.In a time like ours, filled with untruths, misinformation, and teachers with hidden motives, it can sometimes feel like “Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed” (Isaiah 59:14). But with God’s Spirit guiding us, we can find truth through Scripture, through teaching, through the voice of God in our hearts, and through the words of other believers. What might it look like to invite the Spirit of Truth to dwell more richly in us this year than ever before?------------------------------------------

As we have seen throughout our study of the book of Matthew, the gospel writer frequently writes on multiple levels. In the case of the magi from the east, Matthew is not just looking back to the Hebrew Bible and the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises. He is also offering stark commentary on the current realities faced by his readers in the late 1st century. Matthew’s readers faced cultural pressure from the all-powerful Roman Empire as well as persecution from wealthy local elites. They undoubtedly wondered, “How will the Church survive in the face of such mighty opposition?” To respond to such pressure, Matthew’s depiction of the magi visiting Jesus makes a mockery of Roman propaganda about the Caesars (e.g. Frankincense! Magi from the east! The star!) and hints at the boundless blessings to be had not at the top of the social ladder, but at the foot of the cross. As Jesus himself says later in the gospel, “those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Matthew 20:6). This layer of meaning will offer us a stark reminder this Christmas of those who are truly blessed in the kingdom of God!

December 7 | A Story Fulfilled | Follow Me Part III | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

In this final message of “Follow Me: Part II,” we will explore the famous passage of the rich man who “went away sad” when invited by Jesus to sell his possessions and follow him. The story is a stark reminder that we are invited to surrender our lives to Jesus, not just go through the religious motions. The words of the martyred missionary Jim Elliot ring true here. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” What are we willing to surrender to Christ in our trust that he will renew our lives for eternity?

November 23 | Who Is The Greatest In The Kingdom? | Follow Me Part II | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

In the final week of our Peter miniseries, we see this rash, eager, and imperfect disciple witnessing the true nature of Jesus as the son of God during the transfiguration. In this sacred moment, Jesus takes three of his disciples away to a high mountain where he is transformed into a being of radiant light, pouring the glory of God into the world. Peter’s reaction is predictably bumbling but reflects his faith in Jesus. This moment, especially with Peter’s impending denial of Jesus at his trial looming in the not-too-distant future, is an invitation to consider our own faith and willingness to allow the light of Christ to transform our understanding of reality.

In this second part of our Peter trilogy, we will explore some of the highest and lowest moments of Peter’s relationship with Jesus (until the crucifixion and resurrection, of course). First, Peter’s declaration of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is met by Jesus with a declaration of his own: it is upon the “rock” of Peter’s faith that Christ will build his Church. Second, however, this is followed almost immediately by Peter reprimanding Jesus for saying he would be killed. To this, Jesus says, “Get away from me, Satan!” Matthew’s juxtaposition of these two moments is undoubtedly intentional. It gives us a glimpse at the need for us all to continuously set our own perspectives aside to be shaped by those of our savior’s.

Part II begins with a prayer of thanksgiving by Jesus, as well as one of his most famous invitations to the weary and burdened. Through his prayer and invitation, Jesus is continuing to set up a sharp contrast between himself and the religious leaders of Israel. Where they offer strict religious restrictions for the people and favor the wealthy, educated, and elite, Jesus offers an “easy yoke” and favors the “childlike.” It is a reminder of both the “upside-down” nature of Christ’s kingdom, as well as an invitation to set aside our sin and shame and take up the gracious love of Jesus instead. Are we willing to accept the yoke of Jesus

In the final week of the series, we will get very practical about how we as individuals can respond to God’s call during this divisive time. As we will see, Paul sets a high bar for his readers in Colossae. First, to “set your minds on things above” – to live in such a way that our minds are laser focused on the things God cares about. Second, to “put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you,” to be deeply intentional about the sin and idolatry within each of us which seeks to corrupt our trust in Christ. Finally, to “clothe yourself” in things like compassion, kindness, humility, and, most of all, love. Put simply, we each have a choice of how we respond in this cultural moment. We can choose what we think about, what we reject, and what we “wear” as we live out our faith. Let us all keep our eyes focused on Christ and his powerful resurrection. May we become people of love and mercy as we take his hand and follow him into the kingdom of God. Possible Response Element: Give everyone time to write some kind of commitment on a card based on the invitations from the passage. Perhaps they could bring them to the front, to be prayed over by the pastors, and then to be passed out to the congregation as people leave to pray over the commitments of others

As we continue exploring Colossians, we will dig deeper into the mixing (a.k.a. “syncretism”) which is happening in the church today between the gospel of Jesus and the powers of this world. We will specifically explore the god of Domination and the god of Self, which have so infected our body with “empty philosophies” and “high-sounding nonsense.” To untangle their influence over us, we will explore what it means for Christ to have “disarmed the rulers and authorities” of our world, and what it looks like for us to reject their influence in our own lives. By repenting of our syncretism and re-focusing on Christ above all, we may yet find a way to live in this broken world set free from the powers seeking to corrupt the gospel.

Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae because they were mixing pagan elements into their Christian faith (i.e. worshipping Jesus as well as some of the elemental powers of this world). His aim in the letter was to help them understand that Christ is supreme over the powers, and that their mixing is not only muddying the gospel, but downright dangerous to their faith.In the American Church today we are also prone to mixing our faith with the powers of this world, combining our love for Jesus with the powers of domination, hatred, violence, and selfishness. Our algorithms have herded us into vitriolic tribes and turned our “enemies” into vile, subhuman monsters in our minds. Like in Colossae, this mixing is not only muddying the gospel, but downright dangerous to our faith. As Paul says in Colossians 2:20, “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world?”To begin crawling out of this hate-filled pit, we are going to start by mediating on Paul’s transcendent Christological hymn in Colossians 1:15-20, using a piece of contemplative art – the Anastasis Fresco from Chora Church in Constantinople – as a guide. As we will see, Christ is supreme over the powers of this world, and we can find common ground in our combined helplessness to overcome the power of death ourselves. Let us all experience the power of Christ’s incredible sacrifice and the unbelievable love he has for each of us as we are ripped from the grave by his victory over the powers. If we do, perhaps we can begin to see our “enemies” as broken, helpless image-bearers of God just like ourselves, and find ourselves unified in the love God has for us all.

Our world is burdened by the broken place of hatred. We see discrimination, racism, genocide, dehumanization, and segregation along so many different lines (gender, age, race, nationality, ability, etc.). Most of the time when we try to fix these problems, however, we don’t acknowledge the fact that these are outcomes of a much longer path of hatred which starts anytime we see ourselves as better than the “other” we are encountering. To heal the broken place of hatred, we must walk an entirely different path: the path of self-giving love.In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul pleads with the church in Philippi to “love one another” and “work together with one mind and purpose.” To do this, he suggests we must have “the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” And how did Jesus live? He walked the path of self-giving love. Even though he had all power in the universe, he “gave up his divine privileges,” lowered himself in humility, and lifted broken humanity up through his self-sacrificial love on the cross. As Christ’s church, we can show the world an alternative to the hatred we see around us. When we encounter “others,” we must follow our savior down the humble path he chose to walk.

With so many other issues swirling around us in this broken world, it can be very easy to think that caring for the planet falls pretty low on our priority list. Why worry about climate change or species extinction when there seem to be so many more pressing matters? The answer is simple: because God cares about his Creation and we should too. In this message we will explore how God’s love and sustaining Spirit extend even to the physical world, including the plants and creatures who live here, and how our role from the very beginning was as caretakers of the Creation he sustains.We will also consider how the poor and marginalized of humanity (whom God also dearly loves) are threatened when our physical world is neglected and how the broken place of decay influences all the other broken places. By meditating on this thread from Scripture we will begin to see how our best possible life includes living in harmony and peace with the Earth and joining God in his sustaining work over Creation.

To discuss the broken place of pain, we must start by acknowledging the universality of pain and the many forms it takes (body, mind, and spirit). From the grief we experience at the loss of a loved one, to the anxiety and depression so often clouding our minds, to the chronic illness and pain which beset our bodies, pain is a part of all of our lives.Then we must explore the character of our God as one in the business of healing that pain (a.k.a. Jehova rapha – “the God who heals,” Exodus 15:26). In Psalm 147 the psalmist depicts God as being actively involved in healing our pain: rebuilding broken cities, bringing exiles home, healing the brokenhearted, bandaging wounds, supporting the humble, and blessing children. Luke 6:17-19 describes Jesus doing very much the same thing (“He healed everyone”). What might it look like for us to put our trust in a God who heals? And how might we join him in that healing work in the lives of others?

Along with being created to be in relationship with our Creator, we were also created to be in relationship with one another. Yet again, however, the rebellion of humanity against God’s intentions has led us into places of deep isolation. This is especially true today, when loneliness is epidemic.In the famous story of the woman at the well, Jesus plows through social protocols to show love to an isolated Samaritan woman. Not only does he reconnect her with her community; he calls her to a greater purpose and reminds her of the dignity she has as a child of God. To those of us who are isolated, this story is a reminder that we, image-bearers of God, are more than worthy of love. To Grace Church as a whole, this story is an intense challenge to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by calling out the image of God in others and drawing them out of isolation and into community.

Humans were created to live in just, loving relationships. Because of our rebellion, however, we too often spread injustice instead. Systems of poverty deepen, preventable diseases spread, slavery is perpetuated, and the poor and marginalized are neglected. However, as with the other broken places, God cares deeply about bringing healing to injustice and desires for his children to heal it as well. As he says through the prophet Amos, “I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living” (Amos 5:24). What is truly remarkable, though, is the degree to which God identifies with those crushed by injustice. Nowhere is this clearer than the provocative teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25, where he claims that when his followers are serving the poor, they are actually serving Him! It’s a provocative invitation to make the work of God’s justice not just an occasional act, but a lifestyle.

Humans were created to dwell in God’s presence, experiencing his love and abundance as we lead all of creation in worship. However, in our selfishness, humans have chosen to rebel against God’s intentions, exiling ourselves from the presence of our Creator. Because of this separation from God, we corrupt this good world with injustice, isolation, pain, decay, and hatred.Thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. Because of his great love for us, God sent his son, Jesus, to bring us back into his presence. Through his sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has permanently opened the door to a new way to be human, reconciled with our Creator and transformed to become the forces of healing and life we were always created to be.

In a very comfort-obsessed culture, the idea of sticking with it through difficult circumstances is the last thing we want to do. If we seek advice on the internet for how to deal with challenges in a marriage, far too often the advice is simply, “end it!” But if we are truly called to demonstrate covenant faithfulness to our broken world, this cannot be our default response to hardships.Scripture consistently invites us to endure the challenges we face because they give God a chance to work, and they give us a chance to grow. The same thing is true when we face difficulty in our marriages. We must remember that we are not just honoring our spouse in marriage; through our dedication to covenant faithfulness we are also honoring God. By keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, we stand a far greater chance of avoiding the “poisonous root of bitterness” (Hebrews 12:15) which can take root if we lose focus and turn our attentionback to our own selfish desires. It is time for us to do the hard work which will bear the long-term fruit in our marriages of joy, peace, and love. Keep your eyes on the prize!

The pastors of Grace have witnessed many, many marriages in our spiritual family facing trials, challenges, and even collapse. From our vantage point, we have seen one common denominator appear too many times to count: selfishness. Whether it’s a mentality that says, “what I want/need is most important,” or an addiction to control, or an aversion to doing the difficult work of conflict resolution because it’s just too uncomfortable, a focus on self damages marriages faster than almost anything else.In Romans 12, however, Paul calls Christ-followers to take a different approach: one of self-giving love. In v.10 he says, literally, “outdo one another in showing honor.” The mental image of running a race with your spouse to outdo them in love and honor as they do the same (rather than looking for what love and honor they’ll give you), is a powerful one. If we adopt this posture, we can reverse the corrosive influence of selfishness in our marriages and replace it with Christlike love which can bring healing and long-term fulfillment. Marriage is a race to the bottom.

When it comes to marriage, many Christ-followers have lost the plot. With a multi-billion-dollar wedding industry commodifying romance, a flood of TikTok influencers offering quick fixes for relationships, and dating apps promising to help people find “the one,” we have too often bought the lie that marriage should be passionate, fulfilling, fun, easy, and adventurous at all times. If they fail to live up to those standards, we begin to consider other options.

Before the Great Commission, there was the first mission. Jesus sends out the twelve with power and purpose—and his words still ring true for us today. Pastor Barry reveals what it means to live sent and how to go boldly into a broken world.Keywords: Matthew 10 sermon, Jesus sends the twelve, living on mission, Great Commission, how to follow Jesus

Before the Great Commission, there was the first mission. Jesus sends out the twelve with power and purpose, and his words still ring true for us today. Pastor Barry reveals what it means to live sent and how to go boldly into a broken world.Keywords: Matthew 10 sermon, Jesus sends the twelve, living on mission, Great Commission, how to follow Jesus

Why would Jesus call a tax collector—an outcast—to follow him? And why does that matter for us today? Pastor Maron takes us into this transformational moment that still echoes for anyone who feels disqualified or unworthy.Keywords: Matthew the disciple, Jesus calls sinners, tax collector Bible story, call to discipleship, Matthew 9 sermon

A Roman soldier. Unlikely faith. Stunning praise from Jesus. In this message, we explore what it means to trust God without reservation—and how even outsiders are welcomed into His kingdom.Keywords: faith of Roman centurion, Matthew 8 explained, Jesus amazed by faith, great faith in the Bible

It’s not about appearances—it’s about fruit. In Matthew 7, Jesus challenges us to evaluate our lives by the impact we make. Pastor Barry explores what it looks like to live out a faith that actually bears fruit.Keywords: Matthew 7 sermon, fruit of the Spirit, spiritual growth sermon, how to follow Jesus, tree and its fruit meaning

Blessed are the poor? The grieving? The persecuted? Jesus flips everything we think we know about blessing. This sermon dives deep into the Beatitudes and invites you into a kingdom unlike any other.Keywords: Beatitudes explained, Matthew 5:1-12 sermon, who God blesses, Jesus blessings, upside-down kingdom

What did Jesus actually teach, and why did it turn the world upside down? This message gives an aerial view of the Sermon on the Mount, exploring how Jesus fulfills the law and sets a new way to live. Think grace, truth, and transformation.Keywords: Sermon on the Mount overview, Matthew 5 sermon, Jesus fulfills the law, Jesus’ teachings explained

In the wilderness, Jesus faces real temptation—and wins. But how? Pastor Barry reveals how Scripture and surrender shaped Jesus' resistance and what that means for us today. If you're battling temptation, don’t miss this.Keywords: Jesus temptation Matthew 4, resisting temptation Bible, how to overcome temptation, spiritual warfare sermon

Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Wasn’t he sinless? Pastor Maron explores this pivotal moment in Matthew 3 where heaven opens, identity is confirmed, and Jesus' mission begins. Learn what this moment means for your own identity and calling.Keywords: Jesus baptism meaning, Matthew 3 sermon, why Jesus was baptized, identity in Christ, John the Baptist message

Matthew 1 is a radical declaration of who belongs in the kingdom of God. This week, Pastor Barry unpacks the surprising people in Jesus' family tree and what they reveal about God’s upside-down kingdom. Perfect for anyone wondering where they fit in God's story.Keywords: Matthew genealogy meaning, Jesus family tree explained, Gospel of Matthew intro, Bible genealogy sermon

On Easter Sunday, join us as we uncover the power behind Jesus’ final words in the Gospel of Matthew. What does it mean to "go and make disciples"? Why does the resurrection launch a mission that still impacts us today? Dive into Matthew 28 with Pastor Barry and discover the authority, purpose, and promise of the risen Christ.

“Are we weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer! Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield thee. Thou wilt find a solace there!”Many among us are carrying heavy burdens. Like Scriven, even as we bear the weight of our own suffering, we are also tasked with helping to shoulder the burdens of others. How can we manage to hold it all together? The answer: take it to the Lord in prayer! God is referenced all over the Bible as our refuge and strong tower. Prayer is our key to the doorway of the ‘secret place of the Most High’ where we find shelter, and rest, and renewal!

“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer!”Joseph Scriven’s song is a personal testimony of God’s tender and faithful love. In his weakness, he found encouragement and steadfast friendship in Christ Jesus. What does it mean for Christ to ‘know our every weakness?’ What comfort and assurance does the Man of Sorrows/Suffering Servant have to offer us in our own suffering and weakness?

“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit! O what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!” Joseph Scriven had written this song as a poem to encourage his mother who was ill. But he, himself, had suffered 2 tragic losses, and faced physical ailments of his own. Yet despite all the sorrow he faced in his lifetime, his primary focus was serving others in need, and walking humbly with his God. For Scriven, prayer was an anchor in a very tumultuous sea! What inspiration can we draw from Scriven’s example? In John 15:15, Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” Are we living lives of prayerful intimacy with our Savior and friend? Are we truly taking everything to God in prayer?

This series began with a recognition that Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church is one of his most joyful and encouraging in the New Testament. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his famous command, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (4:4 NRSV). As we’ve seen, Paul had a lot to be joyful for in the lives of his brothers and sisters in Philippi: a church that took root deeply in the love of Jesus, a community overflowing with generosity, and a family that stayed true to Paul when others fell away. Paul’s joy is well founded, and he wants the Philippians to carry that joy forward forever.Today, as we celebrate what God is doing at Grace through the Reimagine Initiative, let us not only dream about what is to come, but rejoice with thanksgiving at what he has done through those who have come before. Like the Church in Philippi, let us build on the gifts of our forebears and “keep putting into practice all we learned and received from them” (4:9), even as we grow, dream, and adapt to the new realities God has called us into.

Paul knew a thing or two about endurance. In his ministry he faced prison, shipwrecks, whips, bandits, snakebites, and, perhaps most painful of all, rejection from those he cared about. Out of this hardship Paul developed a commitment to “press on” until the very end. Writing to his dear friends in Philippi while in chains, Paul wants to make sure they share this mindset as they serve Jesus. “Pattern your lives after mine” (3:17). There is much joy and excitement for Grace Church in the days ahead, as we see God’s hand at work in our midst. But there will also be challenges and obstacles in our way. Because of this, let us take Paul’s words to heart and renew our dedication to “press on to reach the end of the race” so we can see our community healed in Jesus’ name.

Commitment Sunday. Leave 10 minutes in service for filling out commitment cards. Response moment in service for making commitments.Overview: As Paul considers the possible end of his life in an Ephesian jail, he wants the Philippians to understand that whether he lives or dies, he will “bring honor to Christ” (1:20). Why? Because if he dies, he will go to be with the Lord. But if he lives, he can live for Christ and even visit with the Philippians again to help them “grow and experience the joy of their faith” (1:25). This mindset, of complete confidence that God is working, is one we must have as we lead Grace Church into the future. If we face hardships, we’ll experience God’s presence in the midst of them. If we face abundance, we’ll experience God’s blessing in new ways. Either way, let us not be ashamed of what God is doing at Grace, but renew our dedication to join God in his mission to heal this broken world!

Throughout his letter to the Philippians, Paul shares his heart’s desire for the Philippian church, not knowing if he would ever see them again. In many ways, his advice reads like the last will and testament of a dying man. Ultimately, Paul longs for his brothers and sisters in Philippi to carry on the work which was started when he first preached the gospel to them. He pleads with them to “obey God,” “live clean, innocent lives,” “shine like bright lights,” and “hold firmly to the word of life.” Grace Church was started with a commitment to jump in wherever the Holy Spirit was moving. As we continue to listen for the voice of God in this new generation and pool our resources to invest in what’s to come, let’s join the Philippians in “working hard to show the results of our salvation” so that the “ones” God has laid on our heart can come to know the love of Jesus as we have.

One of the clearest distinctives of the Philippian church to Paul was their constant and overwhelming generosity. From opening their homes to opening their wallets (coin pouches?), this community was dedicated to sharing their resources to see the mission of God continue. In fact, the likely occasion for this letter was Paul’s gratitude for the gifts the Philippian church had just sent with Epaphroditus to care for Paul in prison (4:18). In his thanksgiving, Paul reminds the Philippians that their generosity is more than just a tangible contribution; it is a sweet-smelling offering to God. At Grace we dream of finding new ways to use our building to reach our community. We have ideas of new ministry expressions which will help our church family reach their “ones” with the love of Christ. And we would love to make our space more welcoming to all who are longing for community. With the Reimagine Initiative we have an opportunity to share generously of our resources to do just that, and to celebrate the joy of seeing what God can do with our humble offerings, just as he did with the Philippians’.

To better understand Paul’s overwhelming love and joy for the Philippian church, it is helpful to remember how their journey together began. Acts 16 tells the story of Paul’s first visit to Philippi and the rag-tag group of believers who founded the church: a middle-class cloth merchant who hosted the city’s first church gatherings in her home, a fortune-telling slave-girl delivered of demons, and a jailer spared from suicide by the graciousness of his Judean prisoners… Despite opposition in the city, Paul’s ministry there was fruitful, and gave him newfound confidence in God’s mission to bring salvation to the gentiles of Europe. Paul’s encouragement to these Philippian believers six years later, after these beautiful events had faded into memory, recall the joy and community of those early days. “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (Phil. 2:2). At Grace Church we too have fond memories of our early years, and yet our community must chart a new course through a world that has changed in many ways. As we consider what the path ahead holds for us, let us never forget what made us who we are: the fellowship, love, and compassion which knit our community together in the first place.

Paul composed his letter to the Philippian church from prison. Based on his words in the letter, Paul is suffering mightily and wondering if his death is near. If it is true, as some scholars now believe, that Paul was in prison in Ephesus when he wrote this letter (not Rome), this also would have been a time of deep pain and emotional turmoil for him as churches like the one in Corinth had all but turned their back on him. And yet, the opening words of his letter are filled with joy. “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” It is obvious Paul’s fond memories with and ongoing support from the Philippian Church were a balm to his soul during a very dark time. And thus, we see Paul’s heartfelt desires on display as he encourages the church in Philippi to carry the torch forward in his absence. The Reimagine Initiative is an exciting opportunity for Grace Church to build on the tremendous legacy of those who have come before. As we improve our building and invest in our relationship with the “ones” God has laid on our heart, let us pray, along with Paul, that our community can “overflow more and more” with the love of Christ (1:9), and that God will continue his work among us that began over 30 years ago.

We end this series with a similar sentiment with which we began it: the troubles we face can be an opportunity for joy(!). This time, however, the person saying these words is none other than James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and no stranger to hardships himself. Why does James believe our response to troubles should lead us to joy? Because, according to him, troubles grow our hypomonē. And when our endurance has grown, our faith can fully develop. Do you want true joy this year? It won’t be found in money or vacations or social media. True joy comes from the knowledge that even in hardships, we are squarely within the presence of our loving God. This is why we endure. Because it’s not up to us. It is God who carries us through.

One of the first things to flee our minds during hardships is perspective. The challenges we face can become all-consuming, and we can forget where we’ve been and where we’re going. The author of Hebrews provides an important reminder of the mindset we are to have in our hypomonē. If we want to patiently endure now, we must also remember “those early days when you first learned about Christ,” while also never forgetting the “promise” that is ours in Christ in the future. Looking back and looking forward helps us endure in the now. How has God come through for you in the past? What was it that first ignited your passion for Jesus? What hope do you have in the promises of God? How does the promise of God’s New Creation bring light into the darkness of your current circumstance? This is a perfect time to gain some broader perspective on the challenges you’re facing this year.

At the time when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae, he had not yet visited their community. Nevertheless, he had heard about their faith and love and wanted to send along some encouragement along with his teaching. Thus, he prays from afar that they would have all the hypomonē they need. In this prayer we see a beautiful reality about the Church’s call to endure. We do not do it alone! We can lift up, pray for, and encourage others to endure, even as we endure alongside them.

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about hardships. From prison to shipwrecks to rival teachers constantly undermining his ministry, Paul faced persistent struggles in his effort to be faithful to God’s call on his life. In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses believers in Corinth who began to see all these hardships as a stain on his reputation (maybe God wasn’t blessing Paul’s ministry?). Quite the contrary, Paul explains. Our hypomonē in the face of obstacles is the proof that we are God’s ministers. In fact, facing (and enduring) hardship is part and parcel with what it means to join Christ in his kingdom mission in a broken world.

One of the most central images in the Christian imagination at Christmastime is that of baby Jesus lying in a manger. We picture a tiny infant resting calmly in a clean, cozy, wooden crib while Mary, Joseph, a few angels, some sharply dressed wise men, and some spotless animals look on. What we fail to consider in this beautiful nativity scene is the dirt, the noises, the stench of animal droppings, and the utter humiliation undoubtedly felt by Jesus’ parents at this most humble of beginnings for their son. What do we learn about the profound love of God that he chose to be born not in a palace, but in relative squalor and humility?

In his letter to the Roman Church, the Apostle Paul makes a startling claim. We can rejoice in the face of problems and trials. Why in the world would obstacles make us joyful? According to Paul, because it develops hypomonē in us. This patient steadfastness in turn develops our character, which ultimately bolsters our hope. What would it mean for each of us, as we consider what 2025 will hold for us, to take such an attitude toward the inevitable hurdles which will be in our way? How might we allow our faith in Christ to build our confidence and trust, instead of allowing worry and anxiety to call the shots? Maybe 2025 is the year for us to learn what it means to truly endure.

Most of the biblical texts envisioning the coming of the Messiah associate him with royalty. The vision of a gilded savior at the head of an army, ruling on a throne, and bringing prosperity to Israel gave the lower classes hope that their fortunes would one day change. How shocking and unexpected, then, for the Messiah to be born into a low-class family of peasants, too poor to afford a lamb as a sacrifice, too unimportant to sleep in their crowded family’s guestroom? What do we learn about the love of God that he would so radically associate himself with the poor and marginalized by being born as one of them?

When the New Testament was written, the might and rule of the Roman Empire was at its peak. In fact, the shadow of Rome falling over everything was such a common phenomenon that the biblical authors rarely draw our attention to it. For example, Luke does not mention that the census of Augustus in 2:1, which leads Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, also sparked off a violent rebellion in Galilee. The shadow of Rome and the unrest it fomented in Israel was just a part of life. However, as we look back at the first century with two thousand years of history between us and Rome, we can gain a lot of new insight by grasping the implications of Jesus being born under foreign military occupation. What do we learn about our savior as we consider his deep identification with a people oppressed by empire?

We too often take the incarnation for granted because of how familiar it is. In this message, however, we will explore the staggering implications of the eternal Word of God taking on flesh and walking among us as a fully human man. What does it tell us about the love of God that he would willingly enter his own creation as one of us?

Tim's Final Sermon by Grace Church

Now that Joseph is in a position of extreme power over Egypt, he can prepare the country for seven years of famine. Because of his wise stewardship, the land has grain to see them through a time of shortage. This is a blessing to the Egyptians, but also to his own family, who seek Egypt’s aid as they struggle to survive. In the story we see how Joseph is reunited with his brothers, tests them to see if their hearts have changed, and ultimately reveals his identity through tears. In this emotional reunion, Joseph explains that God had a purpose behind all of it, even him being sold into slavery at his brothers’ hands. The story ends with the family of Abraham reunited, safe from famine, and sheltered from hardship in Egypt where they can “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22). The stage is set for the family of Jacob to become a nation… a nation called to bring God’s blessing to the world.

As Joseph’s story continues, we see him yet again rising from a place of destitution to a position of wealth and authority. Through his gift of dream interpretation, the prisoner Joseph is introduced to Pharaoh, earns his trust, and ultimately becomes his second in command. It’s an even more meteoric rise than his earlier ascent out of slavery. Now we begin to see God’s master plan at work: the salvation of not just Joseph, but of many people at risk of famine. The author of Genesis is here inviting us to meditate on God’s sovereignty. If Joseph hadn’t been hated by his brothers, he might never have been sold into slavery. If he hadn’t been sold into slavery, he would have never ended up overseeing Potiphar’s house. If he hadn’t been falsely accused there, he would have never ended up in prison. And if he had never ended up in prison, he would have never ended up as Egypt’s second-in-command. How does such a roller coaster ride change our expectations of God’s hand at work in our lives? And how does it invite us to live differently in the waiting?

When making his covenant with Abraham, God said, “I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3). As Joseph serves in Potiphar’s household, we see this promise beginning to come true as God blesses Potiphar’s family and flocks. However, this cycle of blessing is threatened by the sexual advances of Potiphar’s wife towards Joseph. Will this young man give in to the temptation and breach his master’s trust? Thankfully, the answer is no. Joseph remains faithful, despite the consequences. After being falsely accused of attempted rape, Joseph once more finds himself in chains. This sequence of events raises important questions about our life with God. Do hardships in our lives mean God’s plan has been knocked off course? Do setbacks indicate that God has abandoned his plan of salvation? Are we willing to reject temptation, regardless of the consequences, if it means staying faithful to God’s desires? The story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house is a strong reminder to be steadfast as we seek to live out the heart of God for our broken world.

In this final week of the series, we will attempt to draw these biblical threads together and talk about what it takes to truly become a steward full of contentment and faith: wisdom. If we are to use our finances in a way that leads to flourishing for others and for ourselves in light of God’s abundance, we must be wise in the decisions we make with our money. With wisdom and intentionality, we can become stewards who multiply God’s investment in our lives by bringing healing to the world around us and releasing ourselves from stress and worry in the process.

October 6 | Biblical Stewardship | Making Change | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

A final component of God’s healing work to consider is that so much of it happens through the community of faith. Through prayer, service, and tangible support, God works in and through us to bring healing to others’ minds, bodies, and spirits. This is a part of what it means to be Christ’s representatives in a broken world! In this message we will explore our responsibility to use our gifts, our presence, and our resources to help bring healing to others as representatives of Christ. We’ll be reminded of the importance of listening and having compassion for the healing others desire instead of coming in with all the answers and healing what we think is broken (e.g. My Body is Not a Prayer Request). Finally, we will remember the importance of trusting our community to journey through pain together and not try to weather these challenging storms alone.

We have established that our God is in the business of healing pain. We have also begun to grasp the shocking truth that he experiences that pain alongside us. But this still raises an important question. The Bible is full of declarative promises that God’s healing for us is assured (Psalm 91 is a perfect example). What do we do when the healing of God doesn’t happen when we feel we need it most? In this message we will wrestle with what to do when we don’t find healing from God when and how we want it. We’ll enter into the mystery of a God whose ways are beyond our own and consider the (sometimes frustrating) idea that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want him to. What does it mean to trust in God’s promises while being patient in the waiting?

As we continue to explore the meaning of pain in our world and the actions God is taking to heal it, we must wrestle with the most provocative idea of all: that God sent his own Son to not only heal our pain, but to bear our pain with us. How does it change our understanding of our own pain to know that Christ is “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3)? How might we experience our pain of mind, body, and spirit knowing that our savior is, in many ways, there with us right in the middle of it? Even more challenging: as Christ’s representatives in the world, what does it look like for us to willingly share in the pain of others like Jesus?

For the first message of Hope Month, we will consider two fundamental propositions about our world. First, we’ll discuss the universality of pain and the many forms it takes (body, mind, and spirit), from the grief we experience at the loss of a loved one, to the anxiety and depression so often clouding our minds, to the chronic illness and pain which besets our bodies. Second, we will explore the character of our God as one in the business of healing that pain (a.k.a. Jehova rapha – “the God who heals,” Exodus 15:26). In Psalm 147 the psalmist depicts God as being actively involved in healing our pain: rebuilding broken cities, bringing exiles home, healing the brokenhearted, bandaging wounds, supporting the humble, and blessing children. Luke 6:17-19 describes Jesus doing very much the same thing (“He healed everyone”). What might it look like for us to put our trust in a God who heals? And how might we join him in that healing work in the lives of others?

What happens when we fail? With such a high call to biblical morality in our minds, this question is inevitable. None of us are perfect and we are all going to continue sinning even as we try to live in a new way. In this message, we will explore the concept of God’s grace for us and consider what it looks like to accept his forgiveness daily. We will see how we are called not just to avoid acting like the person we used to be, but to become the image-bearing child of God we already are. With God’s grace as our foundation, the grand vision of biblical morality becomes less of an audacious impossibility and more of a journey on which we can all make progress, no matter where we are at the moment.

All we have to do is read the Bible and do what it says, right? Well, it may not be quite so simple. For one thing, the Bible is full of “rules” which, for one reason or another, we no longer consider binding. Some biblical rules are emphasized differently (or ignored entirely!) in different parts of the Church. And it’s obvious that the application of some biblical rules has changed significantly in the Church over time. How are we to make sense of the moral vision of the Bible with so many complicated factors to consider? In this message, we will explore the grand storyline of Scripture and see how God’s Spirit weaves core moral principles throughout the text which call us to a way of living far deeper than simple rules. A way of living which, if we trust God enough to try it, can lead to his image being restored in each of us and to the very healing of our world.

At the core of all biblical morality is a posture which can and should define our lives. First, we love God with everything we have. Second, we love others as we love ourselves. As familiar as this sentiment is to those who grew up in the Church, the implications of this core posture remain staggering if we think about them deeply enough. Choosing to live each day completely surrendered to God’s desires for our lives while simultaneously choosing to demonstrate self-giving love towards others? This is no easy task. And yet this is the invitation from God’s Spirit which can transform us into the likeness of Christ if we let it.

What is sin? This may sound like an easy question to answer, but in truth we have a lot of baggage to unload to grasp its real biblical definition. In this message we will explore the grand narrative of Scripture and see how humans, created in the image of God, have had that image disfigured through our self-serving rebellion against God’s intentions (a.k.a. “sin”). We will also begin to understand how Christ restores the image of God in us through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we can begin to live out the core biblical moral principles in the midst of a still broken world.

In the final week of the series, we will explore Jesus’ conclusion to this provocative section of teaching. Here he provides two metaphors to capture the idea that the fruit of our lives (e.g. loving our enemies) only comes about if we have our roots or foundations in the right place. It is fitting for us to conclude by considering whether our words and actions are flowing out of our surrender to Christ or in our own self-interest and desire. The storms of cultural rage are swirling around us. Will the faith we’ve built withstand it? If we dedicate our lives to being transformed by Christ’s Spirit, building our lives on his self-giving love, perhaps the idea of loving our enemies in this divided time won’t seem so crazy after all…

As we continue in the passage, Jesus begins to get practical about what this others-focused love looks like by turning the mirror back towards ourselves. If we want to love our enemies with non-judgmental compassion like the Father, we must first recognize our own shortcomings and brokenness and how deeply we have been transformed by his grace. The humility that comes from an acknowledgment of our own hypocrisy and sin is the key to offering grace towards others who do not measure up either, especially when those ‘others’ are ones the world says we should hate.

In the next few verses of this passage, we discover the core motivation for loving our enemies: the compassion of God. It is his kindness, grace, and compassion towards us which has set us free from the sinful patterns of our old life. If we have been so graciously loved despite our sin, it makes perfect sense for us to begin offering that same compassion to others. We are children of the one who gave everything for undeserving humanity. It’s time to start demonstrating the love our Father by loving those who don’t deserve it ourselves.

The theologian Dallas Willard has been quoted as saying that loving one’s enemies is the true test of Christlike character. It seems that Jesus would agree. As we continue into the next verses of this radical passage, we see that the inverse of Jesus’s teaching – loving only those who love us, doing good only to those who do good to us in return, etc. – makes us no different from the rest of the world. If we truly desire the gospel message of Christ to stand out in a broken society, we must consider carefully whether our actions indicate that anything has really changed in us at all, or whether our behavior makes us indistinguishable from everyone around us.

In his ministry on earth, Jesus presented a radical vision of an “upside-down” kingdom taking root in human society: a community in which the last were first, in which the poor were blessed, and in which true leaders were servants of all. Yet of all his teachings, one stands out as probably the most shocking and seemingly impossible: that we should love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. How could this be? Does Jesus really expect us to do this as his followers or is this just idealism? In this message we will explore the basics of Jesus’ most difficult teaching and explore how we might begin to practice it in a nation filled with tribalism and hate.

In the final week of our series, we are going to turn our attention to a demographic quite often overlooked when speaking of families in our suburban context: those who are single or single again. In a culture focused heavily on dating and one in which weddings are a $70 billion industry, it can feel extraordinarily isolating if you are not in a romantic relationship. In his letter to the church in Corinth, however, Paul makes a shocking claim: it is better to be single! His reasoning? That single people have the ability to fully dedicate their lives to God’s kingdom. Although our culture today is quite different than that of ancient Corinth, the invitation to see singles as a gift in our community is a strong one for us to consider. What might it look like for the singles of Grace to serve with wholehearted devotion as their spiritual family surrounds them with love?

With God’s provocative call to the husbands in our minds, we now consider what the Spirit may want the wives within our spiritual family to hear. To that end, we turn to Colossians 3, in which the Apostle Paul speaks directly to the families of the church in Colossae. Yet again, Paul is speaking into a highly patriarchal culture, but his encouragement goes far beyond the customs of the day: inviting followers of Jesus to “clothe themselves” with the characteristics of Christ. As we reflect on our own culture, which so often infantilizes, demeans, and enables unresourceful husbands, the wives of Grace must consider what it would mean for them to be champions of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in their marriages. Perhaps through this posture of self-giving love they can demonstrate to the world that there is, even in marriage, another way to live.

Continuing with the theme of generational respect (or lack thereof), we turn to the children of Grace Church. Raised in a culture that idolizes youth and disrespects the elderly, “kids these days” – even well-meaning Christ-following ones – have a lot of bad habits and worldviews to unlearn. If the younger generations of Grace want to experience the best that life has to offer, they must learn how to accept wisdom from those who have come before, as Proverbs 4 teaches so well. If the young people of Grace can learn how to humble themselves and learn from their elders who have walked with Christ for many years, they may find new direction and hope in this confusing and anxious time.

Every generation in human history has had its own version of elders bemoaning “kids these days” and discounting their passion and new ideas as nothing more than youthful exuberance. Never before, however, has such a deep and profound level of disrespect for older generations become so accepted among the young. Into this context we seek the wisdom of God about how the older generations of Grace can become “worthy of respect,” as Paul exhorts Titus to teach, even when elders no longer have the implicit respect of the culture at large. Perhaps, through the humility and self-giving love of Grace’s elders, we can demonstrate even in our modern world that there is another way for different generations to live together.

It is a very difficult time to be a parent. From the deeply powerful technologies monopolizing our kids’ attention to the vile and horrific content they are being exposed to at earlier and earlier ages to the growing isolation brought on by the breakdown of healthy community, the role of a parent has never been harder. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard a parent works, they are always falling short. Because of this, it is appropriate to consider what God might be saying to the parents of Grace today. Psalm 127 is a passage which famously refers to children as “gifts from the Lord” and compares them to “arrows” in a warrior’s quiver. However, it also makes a provocative claim that “unless the Lord builds a house” (by extension, a family or household), the labor of the builders is in vain. Thus, the question is raised: are we attempting to build our families under our own power? Or are our families being built by God? What might it look like to surrender control and allow God to be the driving force behind the raising of our children?

For much of human history, marriages were guided by strict cultural norms rooted in patriarchal expectations of gender roles. Common beliefs, such as the inherent inferiority of women, led to deep inequalities (and often abuse) within marriages. Thus, when the Apostle Paul suggested in Ephesians 5 that husbands should practice self-sacrificing love for their wives, it was a shocking and provocative call. In this message, as we understand the true weightiness of this passage in its original context, we will discover that it continues to be a challenging invitation for husbands today, even in the vastly different context of modern marriage. It is an invitation for the husbands of Grace Church to demonstrate in their marriages a radically different way to live.

The final disciple of Jesus we will explore is one who may have never met him in person: Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul. Beginning his journey as a hater and persecutor of Christ-followers, Paul would go on to be a leading voice in the Church bringing the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles and establishing Churches across the Roman world. What could have changed such a zealous Pharisee into an apostle zealous for the gospel? And what does the transformation of Paul’s life trajectory teach us about the grace God has for the broken?

After the crucifixion of Jesus, many of Jesus’ disciples were plunged into despair. However, upon his resurrection, Christ began to meet with these beleaguered followers to help them understand what had actually transpired. He appeared to two of these disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining to them how his death and resurrection fulfilled what had been written in the Old Testament. In this message we will consider the grand story Jesus invites us into and what it means to follow him into his mission to heal the world.

Of all the disciples of Jesus, Mary Magdalene had one of the most troubled pasts. The gospels of Mark and Luke tell us that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her when he called her to follow him. It is little wonder she become one of the most devoted of his disciples. Upon the death of Jesus, it is Mary Magdalene, weeping at the tomb, who first encounters the risen Lord. It is Mary who is first sent out by Jesus with the good news that he has risen from the grave. What can we learn from this remarkable woman about what it means to follow Christ? And what is God’s invitation to us this Easter as we consider not just what God has done for us in the past, but who he longs for us to become in the future?

A week before his crucifixion, Jesus enters Jerusalem to great fanfare, riding on a donkey just as the prophet Zechariah had predicted (Zechariah 9:9). Was it possible that the coming of this Messiah was exactly what everyone had been waiting for? Was Jesus going to lead Israel to military victory over the Roman occupiers? These questions must have been ringing in the disciples’ ears as they wrestled with Jesus’ earlier predictions of his own imminent death at the hands of Rome. Which was it going to be? Victory or death? This moment of cognitive dissonance is a wonderful invitation for us to consider what kind of Messiah we are following. Is the Jesus we follow victorious by human standards, trampling down everyone we disagree with? Or is he the one whose victory lies in his self-sacrifice and surrender, and the grace he offers even to the despised?

In the days leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus accomplishes one of his most spectacular miracles: the raising of his friend Lazarus from the dead. Although we often talk about the moment of the miracle itself, in this message we will focus on the words and reactions of Jesus’ disciples throughout the experience. What they see and say gives us fresh insight into the person of Christ and what it means to follow a savior with power over the grave.

Although it was clear to Jesus that his path would lead him to a lonely cross in Jerusalem, his disciples struggled to understand. Peter, the “rock upon which the Church of Christ would be built,” struggled most of all. In a rather shocking moment with Jesus, Peter rebukes him for saying that his destiny lay in crucifixion. Peter is rebuked by Jesus in return, whose famous words, “Get behind me, Satan,” still ring in our ears today. How is it possible for disciples of Jesus to become agents of the enemy? And what does it mean for us to set aside our “human point of view” in our attempt to follow Jesus into the unknown?

Long before the “Great Commission,” Jesus sends out his disciples to participate in his kingdom mission. His call to them and instructions for what to expect when they go is a fascinating glimpse into what it means to be his messengers of hope and healing in this broken world. Not only is being Christ’s agent a step of tremendous trust and faith; it is also an opportunity to see, as the disciples did, that we have tremendous authority in his name.

Although lauded in much of the Church for her character, wisdom, and holiness, Mary is not as often recognized for the tremendous burden she carried in being the mother of Jesus. Faced with confounding experiences of a son whose relationship with God went beyond her comprehension and bearing the grief of knowing her little boy was destined to suffer, Mary’s experience of the person of Jesus was wholly unique, as was her steadfast loyalty and love. In his book, The Lord, Romano Guardini says of Mary, “Not understanding, never was she to lose heart, never to fall behind. Inwardly she accompanied the incomprehensible figure of her son every step of his journey, however dark. Perseverance in faith even on Calvary—this was Mary’s inimitable greatness.” What can we learn from a woman who willingly sacrificed it all in her faith for the Messiah she once held in her arms?

Although not often thought of as a “disciple” of Jesus, John the Baptist was one of the first to confess his faith that Jesus was the Messiah. In this message we will explore the unique vantage point John had as “the prophet” who would “prepare the way for the Lord.” Specifically, we will explore his deathbed request to have confirmation that his faith in Jesus was not misplaced. Jesus’ response to him was all the proof John needed that the Son of God had truly come. What might it look like for us to have hope in Jesus even when we don’t know exactly how our story will end?

When Jesus first calls his disciples, his invitation to each of them is unique. He calls Simon “The Rock” (Peter), inviting this uneducated fisherman to a life of greater purpose than he could have ever imagined. He shares intimate knowledge of the private life of Nathaniel, who had expressed doubt that anything good could ever come from Nazareth. And he calls Matthew, a hated tax-collector, demonstrating that God’s love and grace extends even to those the ‘godly’ despise. In every case, Jesus calls his disciples to follow him from exactly where they are and into exactly who he sees them to be. How amazing that the same is true for us today!

Despite the fact that we are more “connected” than ever, we are facing chronic loneliness and isolation like never before. Perhaps this is because the “community” we have online is not real community! We are seeing one another’s curated, sanitized selves. Even those who are “authentic” online are more often than not curating and crafting even that so-called authenticity. If we want to experience healing and community, we must seek a different kind of connection with one another. Additionally, if we want to discover the truth of our world through real, genuine wisdom instead of algorithm-driven fluff, we must find that wisdom in lifelong relationships built on trust. This will mean pursuing the discomfort of actual, face-to-face relationships and opening others up to the un-sanitized brokenness of our lives, trusting they will love us as we love them. Only then can our online interactions grow out of a place of health and fruitfulness, and not out of insecurity and a need for affirmation.

So much of our reputation and self-image comes from other people’s affirmation (or lack thereof) on our social media profiles. We crave likes, retweets, attention, etc. The pursuit of it all leads us to present an untrue image of ourselves online, and to lose sight of who we really are. As Christ-followers, we will only find health by making our core identity who we are in Christ, not who we are in likes. We are new creations in Jesus, and that should be the most important part of our identity!

If we want to stay in Christ while moving into our technology-saturated world, we must become far more cognizant of who or what is dictating the use of our time. So many games, apps, social media sites, etc. are geared around keeping you coming back as frequently as possible. The best way to break their hold over us is to have routine “sabbaths” in which we create sacred time to be free from the demands of our world and present with family and friends.

Garbage in, garbage out. As much as we might convince ourselves that the stuff we pour into our consciousness daily is harmless, it shapes us in ways we may not even recognize. By exposing ourselves to ceaseless immorality, sexuality, violence, rage, and hatred through the things we watch/read/listen to online, we are losing our moral foundations and living lives which do not reflect Christ’s influence within us. As followers of Jesus, we must be far more intentional about who we are allowing to influence us, what kinds of media we are consuming, and where our mindless scrolling is taking us. This is especially true in a time when artificial intelligence is making artificial information indistinguishable from the truth.

Technology and social media are powerful tools which make our lives so much better in so many ways but come with a significant dark side. Left unchecked, they can draw us into addiction, feed our insecurities, and foster the brokenness of our world. However, despite their danger, withdrawing from technology and social media is not an option. They are a part of our world whether we like them or not. Instead of withdrawing, then, we must look for how we can, as Jesus desired, go “into the world” even as we are not “of the world.”

The birth of Jesus came at a time when the people of Israel were facing many struggles. Roman occupation, economic challenges, violent uprisings, and moral drift contributed to a loss of hope and perspective. This was especially true since the long-awaited restoration of Israel’s national glory still hadn’t happened yet, over 500 years after the second temple was completed. But there were two devout, elderly people in Jerusalem who still clung tightly to the hope that God’s messiah would not only rescue Jerusalem, but the entire world.

There isn’t a lot of specific information in scripture about the shepherds who visited Jesus. But we know that in the ancient world of Jesus’ day shepherds were some of the lowliest, working-class peasants imaginable. In a time of violent rebellions, war, and instability, those on the bottom rung of society’s ladder like them would have yearned for peace. But not just peace as an absence of warfare, but as the presence of God’s shalom – abundance, life, and joy which comes from God’s presence among his people. And this peace is exactly what the angels declare to the shepherds. Through the birth of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, “good news” has finally come. The shalom of God, which these shepherds have been waiting for, has been born.

Luke does not give us many specifics about Mary’s background or social situation. However, reading between the lines we get the sense that she is relatively poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable. She refers to herself as a “lowly servant girl” (1:48). Like many marginalized people in her day, Mary was at the mercy of powerful, corrupt systems of injustice and the iron fist of Roman occupation. As with many generations before her, she longed for God’s justice to come on the earth.Which is why, when she learns that she will be the mother to God’s anointed one who will deliver Israel, she is overcome by the hope that political oppression (1:51-52), economic hardship (1:53), and national shame (1:54-55) will soon be swallowed up by God’s mercy and the hungry will soon be fed (1:53). Mary was looking for justice and found it in Jesus!

The book of Luke opens on a rather unremarkable character: an elderly priest named Zechariah. Although he and his wife were “righteous in God’s eyes,” they had been unable to conceive a child. Yet it is this priest who is told by an angel of the Lord that he will soon have a child destined to become the long-awaited prophet heralding the coming of God to the earth. Echoing the story of another elderly childless couple (Abram and Sarai), Zechariah must work through his initial doubt to come to a place of faith that God really means what he says.Upon meeting his newborn son, John (a.k.a. “the Baptist”), Zechariah taps into the language and imagery of Israel’s prophets to declare poetically what God is going to accomplish: salvation from Israel’s enemies, a prophet who will prepare the way for the Lord, and a light for those who sit in darkness (all promises from the prophet Isaiah). All his life Zechariah had been waiting for salvation to come. Now, through his unexpected son it was about to be inaugurated.

Throughout his letters, Paul frequently paints the picture of the Church being an entirely new kind of community – one built not on pride, strength, and success, but on generosity, humility, and self-giving love. As we bring this series to a close, we will explore what it would look like for Grace Church to reflect these upside-down kingdom values in our interactions with one another, our willingness to serve, and in the loving, patient, and hospitable posture we take towards one another.

One of the most exciting realities about having God’s Spirit within us is that he endows each of us with unique spiritual gifts. These gifts, which take the form of everything from serving to giving to prophecy, are crucial components of our unique identities in Christ as well as the healthy functioning of the “body” we are a part of. In this message we will explore what it means to be “gifted” by God and the profound, life-giving satisfaction we can discover when we fully lean in to the one-of-a-kind purposes given to us by our Father.

: One of Paul’s most frequent metaphors for the Church is that of a “body” and he returns to that image here. In a body the different parts each serve unique functions, but all contribute to the whole. This idea raises two significant questions for us to consider. First, are we trying to “go it alone” in our faith like a limb separated from the body or are we finding our purpose and identity in our connection to the whole? Second, are we utilizing the unique gifts and purposes God has given us to serve the body or are we squandering our uniqueness on ourselves? Considering our identity as parts of a larger body requires significant humility, but it can also be the key to discovering the very reason we made!

To Paul, faith in Christ cannot be a half-hearted affair. It must be a whole-life endeavor – one in which we are rejecting the “behavior and customs of this world” and instead offering our entire lives as “living sacrifices” to God. The New Testament scholar NT Wright once said, “Paul's whole written work, in fact, could be seen as an extended application of Romans 12:1-2.” The question is, do our lives reflect the all-consuming passion of ones wholly dedicated to Christ? Or is our faith merely an add-on to a life full of other priorities?

In the final chapter of Ruth we are presented with Boaz’s strategy for dealing with the other “family redeemer” who has the right to marry Ruth instead of him. Through a clever series of arguments, Boaz leads this man to forgo his right to Ruth’s hand, clearing the way for Boaz to marry her legally. Boaz and Ruth are married and she gives birth to a son who can carry on the family name. Only now is the biggest twist in the story revealed: this son is none other than Obed, the grandfather of King David himself!As with the rest of the story, we do not see God acting in supernatural, miraculous ways. However, we can see his hand at work through the faithfulness of his people in every word of the story. Every single prayer offered up in the story is answered (including the prayer by the women of the town that this child of Ruth and Boaz be “famous!”). And we can see how the faithfulness of his people to love and care for the marginalized and outcast plays a part in God’s plan to not only lead his people through King David, but ultimately to rescue and redeem the world through David’s descendent, Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 1:5).

In the next chapter of this story Ruth returns to the threshing floor of Boaz and follows Naomi’s instructions to show him her love and interest. When Boaz realizes Ruth’s desire to marry him, he is moved by her deep loyalty – loyalty first to Naomi, then to him. Although the cultural nuances of the story may seem a bit odd to us compared to modern love stories, we still see a beautiful relationship kindled in the most unlikely of ways – a foreign widow and a landowning Israelite. Who would have expected that?Although Ruth is an outsider to everyone in this story, her deep loyalty to her family and to Israel’s God is a moving testimony to others. Yet again we see God’s hand at work in the way he carefully shapes and develops Ruth’s heart. With just as many reasons to be bitter as her mother-in-law, Ruth instead chooses the path of obedience, loyalty, and love and is rewarded for her faithfulness to God’s intentions. In the same way we see Boaz demonstrating his loyalty to Ruth by his commitment to earn her hand in marriage legitimately.

As we continue in the narrative, we see Ruth, a foreign widow with practically zero power or influence in the ancient world, taking advantage of a biblical law designed to protect the vulnerable in Israelite society. “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you” (Leviticus 23:22). As she is gathering the barley which has fallen she is noticed by Boaz, the landowner, who takes it upon himself to protect, feed, and supply her generously. At the end of the chapter, we discover that Boaz is actually one of the “family redeemers” of Naomi’s family. What a coincidence! Or is it?Again, God seemingly takes no direct actions in the story, but his fingerprints of compassion and sovereignty are all over it. It was God who guided the writers of the law of Moses to include such generous provisions for the poor and foreigner. It was God who led Ruth to this specific field. And it was God who allowed Ruth and Boaz to cross paths, furthering this tale of redemption and hope, and kindling the beginnings of an unexpected love story.

To kick off the series we will start by setting up the overall plot and themes of the book of Ruth as well as the genre and expectations it presents for ancient readers. We will meet the fascinating characters of Naomi, a widowed Israelite living in a land far from home, and her daughter-in-law Ruth, a widowed foreigner with a tremendous level of family loyalty to her mother-in-law and her people.We will then discover the tension raised at the very beginning of the book when we see Naomi’s belief that the hardship she has experienced proves that God has abandoned her. But has he? The timing of their arrival in Bethlehem gives us a teaser that God may be working more than Naomi realizes.

In this final Hope Month message, we will come back to the teachings of Jesus and explore his parable of “the sheep and the goats.” In this startling prophecy, Jesus teaches that those to whom his kingdom belongs are the ones who practice justice towards the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, and imprisoned. This profound idea is made even more striking by how much the Son of Man radically identifies with those poor and marginalized people. We will end this series the way we began, with Jesus inviting us to dedicate our lives to the work of justice and mercy in this broken world just as he did. What would it look like if we, Grace Church, continued to grow in our compassion, mercy, and love for those the world has rejected? This is an opportunity for us to be exactly who Jesus wants us to be and to join him in the work of healing the broken place of injustice.

Now that we have established Jesus’ prioritization of justice as a part of his kingdom and considered the prophetic call to justice, we will now explore how the biblical dream of justice for the poor and marginalized began to be realized in the early Church. We will see how the law of Moses called the Israelites to be just and compassionate, and how the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus followers to meet the needs of all in their community.

We will begin this series by digging deeply into a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life: when he publicly launches his ministry by reading Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue of Nazareth. His reading of this prophecy gives us a significant glimpse into what Jesus saw as the concrete evidence of his coming kingdom being made real: the poor will hear good news, captives will be released, the blind will see, the oppressed will be set free, and the ‘time of the Lord’s favor’ (the long-awaited era of abundance, justice, and freedom for God’s children) will come. In other words, for those marginalized and crushed under the thumb of a broken world, God’s justice will reign.The fact that Jesus says “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day” helps us understand why his teachings throughout the rest of Luke focus so much on justice, mercy, and generosity (Luke 6:20-21, 24-26; 14:7-14; 16:19-31; 19:1-10; 18:18-25; 21:1-4): because this isn’t just a future hope anymore. Justice for the poor and marginalized is now possible. It is a cornerstone of Christ’s kingdom, and a priority he expects his followers to emulate.

The final component of this series focuses on our honesty and integrity in relationships. As Proverbs 10:9 says, “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” When faced with difficult situations, awkward confrontations, or hurt feelings, the easiest path to walk is to lie. We so often act as if things are fine in one context but rage, gossip, and complain in another. What might it look like to speak honestly about our feelings with those who hurt us, to own our own mistakes, and to seek forgiveness whenever possible? This type of Christlike attitude could very well bring healing into not just our own lives, but the lives of others as well.

Part of every crucial conversation involves monitoring and controlling our own tendencies toward defensiveness and anger. Although it is natural to want to snap back when someone hurts our feelings, we must learn how to control our anger and choose to listen instead. As Proverbs 14:29 says, “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” If we want to spread the healing and life of Jesus into our world through the words we say (taming our tongue), it will involve growing our control over how and when we choose to speak.

Continuing the theme of controlling the tongue from week 1, we will now explore how our words have an impact on the world around us. As Proverbs 15:1 wisely explains, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Or Proverbs 12:18, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Knowing that our words have the power to transform the lives and actions of others, how might we seek to speak more like Jesus - with love, mercy, and compassion - when facing difficult relational situations, rather than seeking to cut others down to size? What would it look like if we were to genuinely seek to make others’ lives better with our words… even others who have hurt us?

In James 3, we find a provocative claim: that our tongue has outsized control over the rest of our lives and faith. This is echoed in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” In this first message of the series, we will explore the reality that we must choose wisely how we speak if we want to bring life, not death, into our relationships. If our “tongue” wants us to avoid a difficult conversation and resort instead to “ghosting” someone, gossiping, or posting a hot take online when we’re upset, what might it look like to bring our tongue under our control instead?

In this final week of the series I will attempt to respond to why bad things happen and why we are still living in the “not yet.” Ultimately, I will attempt to end on a very positive and hopeful note, focusing our attention on what Jesus accomplished for us and the hope we have in the promise of New Creation.

Tim addresses two questions: why people continue to sin after receiving forgiveness from Jesus and how Jesus saved the world. He explains that "sin" means "missing the mark," and though Jesus forgives sins, individuals are still responsible for their choices. Everyone, including the apostle Paul, struggles with sin, but Jesus' sacrifice offers ultimate forgiveness. Furthermore, Jesus' coming and sacrifice bring hope for the restoration of the entire world, fulfilling God's original purpose for creation.

I will try to accomplish two things in this service. One, I’ll do my best to present a case for the trustworthiness of Scripture and the fact that it has been handed down and entrusted to us from many generations past who have found these pages to contain the words of life. I will also attempt to adjust our expectations of things like the Genesis stories, to ask questions more like “who” and “why,” instead of “what” and “how.”

In response to these questions about heaven, I will revisit some of what I shared in the recent “Resurrection” sermon series. I’ll try to gently replace traditional ideas of us existing a disembodied heaven with the concepts of us resurrected as image-bearing co-creators into a vibrant New Creation. I will also explore the possibilities this opens up as we consider the ways God will work with our current lives in forming our eternal ones.

In response to these questions about heaven, I will revisit some of what I shared in the recent “Resurrection” sermon series. I’ll try to gently replace traditional ideas of us existing a disembodied heaven with the concepts of us resurrected as image-bearing co-creators into a vibrant New Creation. I will also explore the possibilities this opens up as we consider the ways God will work with our current lives in forming our eternal ones.

In my mini messages for this initial weekend of the series, I will attempt to paint the picture of the mystery and holiness of God. I’ll explore some of the many descriptors of God in the Bible (from a thunderstorm to a caretaking mother bird, etc.) to give a sense of the way the biblical authors wrestled with the transcendence of God. I will also share how “listening to God’s Spirit” works, especially how he communicates in so many different ways (through people, prayer, art, nature, music, etc.).

A major part of an ancient Israelite’s worldview involved the blessings and curses which one might experience through their lives. From the very beginning of Scripture, we see humanity trapped in a global “curse” brought about because of their rebellion yet we see God working through his chosen people to bring about blessings for all the families of the earth instead. The New Testament authors picked up on this idea by understanding that Jesus took the global curse on himself on the cross and made possible our experience of the blessings of God. It is through him we can live into the blessings God has always desired for his children.

Grapevines, grapes, and wine played a major role in the life of ancient Israelites. So much so that Israel adopted the vineyard as an image for their nation (grapevines were depicted on the Temple, on Israelite currency, etc.). Fertile vineyards became a symbol of God’s promise of abundance and life, while images of sour grapes or barren vineyards were developed by Israel’s prophets to decry the nation’s sinfulness and rebellion. Jesus built on this thread by describing himself as the “true vine,” through which we might bear fruit, and Paul used this same picture to describe the “fruit of the Spirit” which is evidence of a truly transformed life in Christ. We are called to bear fruit in Jesus’ name!

In the ancient world it was understood that a person’s life was in their blood. For that reason, blood in the Bible plays a significant role in issues of life, death, atonement, and sacrifice. Jesus shocked his followers by asking them to “drink” his blood and defied all expectations by allowing his own blood to be poured out on the cross. Although we may find the image unsettling, understanding how the Bible utilizes blood is vital for grasping what was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ.

The animal which appears far and away the most frequently in Scripture (nearly 400 times!) is the humble sheep. Beyond being an integral part of ancient Israel’s economy, sheep and shepherds became fundamental images by which the people understood their relationship with God. As a part of the Israelite sacrificial system, sheep also played a crucial role in Israel’s struggle with sin and redemption. It is no surprise, then, that Jesus and his followers continued building on this thread to help us understand not just the character of our savior (the “good shepherd”), but his personal sacrifice for the sake of our redemption (the “lamb of God”).

In the ancient imagination, the sea represented death, chaos, and destruction. This image of the chaotic sea is picked up on and played with throughout the Bible in many fascinating ways, usually by demonstrating God’s mastery over it. God speaks and the sea obeys, God parts the sea for his chosen people to walk through on dry land, God pushes back the chaos of our broken world, etc. It is no surprise, then, that Jesus picks up on this theme as well by demonstrating his own mastery over the chaotic waters of the Sea of Galilee and invites his followers to trust in the order and life that he brings.

One of the earliest biblical threads introduced in Scripture is that of the “Tree of Life” in the garden of Eden. This tree, which is, in essence, an offer for humans to experience God’s own life, becomes through the Bible a symbol for the life and healing that can come by submitting ourselves to God’s wisdom and instruction instead of our own desires. The major twist which Jesus introduces into this thread is that a tree of death (the cross) becomes, in the most unexpected way, a tree of life for all of humanity to eat from. When we trust in him and eat from this tree of Christ’s sacrifice, we can experience resurrection and an overcoming of death itself.

Although the concept of bringing our troubles to God may be one of the most commonly practiced aspects of private prayer, it is nonetheless an important component of communing with Him. Just as we would entrust the burdens of our heart to a trusted friend, so we are invited to bring our burdens to God as a part of our relationship with Him. In this message, we will explore what it means to fully trust Jesus with the burdens of our life, believing not only that he will help us carry them, but that this is truly his desire!

We began this series exploring the idea that God takes an interest in us – that he listens to us when we speak, pray, and praise. In this message, we will explore the inverse idea: that we are called to listen to God when He speaks as well. As with a human friendship, our relationship with God is richest when we both speak and listen, when we are attentive to his guidance, his words of truth, and his encouragements both during a Sunday service as well as throughout the week.

It is often natural to assume that our interactions with God should happen internally – in our hearts and our minds. It can be tempting to treat our faith as something which exists only in some kind of spiritual, disembodied plane. However, while there are undoubtedly important moments of communing with God which are best done in silence and internal contemplation, there are many others which are meant to be experienced by getting our bodies involved. The Scriptures constantly encourage God’s people to worship him with dancing, singing, bowing, playing instruments, etc. Communing with God can be a deeply physical act! In this message we will explore what it means to involve our bodies in our praise, worship, and prayer both during a Sunday service and throughout our everyday lives.

The longer we walk with Christ, the more opportunities we have to experience his salvation in new ways. As we reflect on how much God has done for us and how undeserving we are of his attention and care, it is only natural to respond by pouring out gifts to him. Sometimes these gifts are tangible, such as a financial tithe. But the gifts we bring to God are not limited to money. We can bring our Creator gifts of our time, our attention, our energy, and even just our presence. We can offer up our words of praise or adoration. As we prepare to enter into a worship service, or when we take time throughout the week to reflect on our relationship with God, it can significantly change our perspective if we enter that time asking, “What gift am I bringing today to the one who set me free?”

One of the most crucial starting points for understanding what it means to commune with God is the basic belief that God takes an interest in us. He actually listens when we speak! A helpful image from Psalm 22 is that of God being “enthroned” on our praises. One translation in another language refers to God “pulling up a big chair to listen” as we raise our voice to him. How might it change our experience of corporate worship or in the prayers of our private lives to know that God is paying avid attention to what our hearts and mouths are saying?

The New Testament theologian NT Wright refers to the crucifixion as “the day the revolution began,” and this is a perfect way of describing the movement we are now a part of. According to the New Testament authors, something profound and reality-changing took place when Christ defeated the powers of this world on the cross. His victory and authority was proven by his resurrection from the dead, and ushered in a revolution of which we are all still participating.In this message, we will explore our own role in ushering our world toward the resurrected Christ and his New Creation. We’ll look at how we become one with Christ, sharing in his death and resurrection, and how we can “press on” to experience his mighty power and let him transform our broken world through us in the process. Our hope this Easter is that we will all come away with a renewed sense of awe when we consider God’s power at work as well as a deeper conviction to give our lives even more passionately to the work of declaring and ushering in God’s New Creation.

If the resurrection of Jesus was just the “first fruits of those who have died” (1 Cor 15:20, NRSV), what does it mean for our lives to be a part of the coming harvest? What can we expect in our own resurrection and what does that future hope have to do with our lives in this present moment?In this message, we will dig into the concept of “life after death” and understand the truth of what the coming New Creation means for us today. We will see that our future hope is not to go to heaven as disembodied souls when we die, but to be resurrected into Spirit-empowered bodies in a remade New Creation in which we can finally fulfill our original vocation: working with God to represent his life, order, and abundance to this very good world where heaven and earth are one.

In his post-resurrection appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus “explained from the Scriptures” all about his crucifixion and resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul suggests the gospel message was “just as the Scriptures said.” So what, exactly, do the Scriptures say which would lead Jesus’ followers to subsequently understand the resurrection? And how do these prophecies, traditions, and narratives fit in with other cultural assumptions of life after death in the ancient world? In this sermon we will explore why the idea of the son of God dying and rising again was “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Cor. 1:23, NRSV) and yet why it is the greatest source of hope and joy we can have as his followers.

All four gospel accounts describe the shock and amazement of the disciples at discovering Jesus’ tomb being empty. Instead of laying out clearly articulated theological interpretations of the resurrection, however, these breathless narratives read like shocking eye-witness accounts of an unexplainable event told and retold in this way since the very moment they happened. In this message, Tim will help us understand what really happened that first Easter morning and why this historical event so transformed the community of Jesus’ followers that they were swept up into a movement which went on to change the entire world.

In the second half of The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches his followers to pray for God’s intervention when facing four specific threats: the threat of reliance on self-sufficiency instead of God’s provision, the threat of sin and its effects to pull us away from God’s desires, the threat of temptations and trials which might challenge our faith, and the threat of the evil one, who seeks to steal and kill and destroy. In all ways, praying in this way helps us give context to the challenges we face and reminds us that we are not in this struggle alone!

One of the most widely quoted portions of the Sermon on the Mount is what has come to be called “The Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer by Jesus gives tremendous insight into what truly matters as we communicate with God. In the first few lines of the prayer, Jesus teaches us how to keep our priorities in line by seeking God’s will, not our own. This is a helpful reminder to focus our prayers on what God desires for our world, not simply asking God to give us what we want…

Another common misconception about prayer is that it is “quantity” more than “quality” that matters. Again, this can be a hurtle for those who don’t feel like they have the right words or experience to pray “in the right way.” Rather than “babbling on and on,” Jesus reminds his followers, the best prayers are often simple, direct, and to the point. In this message, we will help our congregation see the value in praying as our true selves, with authenticity rather than flowery or spiritual language.

One of the most common concerns people express about praying (especially in public) is that they don’t know what to say or don’t feel like they have spiritual enough language when they do pray. Jesus begins his teachings on prayer by reminding his followers that prayer is not for public consumption, but is rather communication between a person and their God, alone. In this message we will address how to pray for an audience of one and overcome feelings of embarrassment or shame in this fundamental practice of the faith.

In this second part of making room for different generations, taking all of what has been said so far in the series, we will direct our attention to younger people. We will see how vital it is for the future of our church for younger people to elevate the voices of those who are older and allow their wisdom and perspective to shape them.

Although “making room” for people with disabilities or people from other cultures than our own may seem like more obvious applications of this value of Grace, it’s clear that there are just as many serious divisions between different generations today. Young people look down on older people. Older people look down on younger people. But when that happens in the church, the whole body suffers!In this first part of making room for different generations, we will direct our attention to older people. We will see how vital it is to the thriving of the body of Christ for older generations to elevate the contributions of those who are younger. Those with age and wisdom can do this by helping us all remember what God has done and by supporting, with wisdom and insight, those who are younger as they build the future of this community.

In Ephesians, Paul describes the natural conflict and division between Jews and Gentiles. However, he reminds his readers that these opposing cultures have become fellow citizens and members of one household in Christ. This revolutionary idea should continue to challenge us as we imagine an alternative to the divisiveness and opposition which exists in our cross-cultural world.The “dividing wall of hostility” has been broken down by Jesus. Let us not build new walls in the community we built, but instead become people who embody the reconciliation of the cross in our worship, our friendships, and our service."Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death."Ephesians 2:16

Returning to Paul’s image of the body, we will now explore our very human tendency to want to separate ourselves from those who are not alike in culture, heritage, or language. It’s easy to think the “hands” can hang out over here while the “legs” can hang out over there. But it is only when all the parts of a body are working in concert, both unified in purpose and diverse in giftings, that it can truly grow and become strong. When we encounter different cultures, it is easy to think it makes sense for us to worship separately. However, we will see that God’s desire is for us to represent the diversity of his kingdom to the world, and to be a body which is strengthened by the different gifts and perspectives we bring to the table. If God has brought other cultures into our midst, we can learn how to elevate their voices and contributions to make the whole body of Christ more alive."The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ."1 Corinthians 12:12

Our guest speaker for this weekend, Milton Keys, is a growing authority in our region when it comes to helping churches think differently about people with disabilities. In this message, we will explore one of the healings of Jesus to understand how Jesus invites us to make room by elevating the value and voices of those with disabilities."Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.”"Mark 3:3

To describe his vision of the unity and diversity of the Church at its best, Paul uses the metaphor of the parts of the body working together. It is an apt metaphor to describe a community which represents a new way to be human. When we understand that in the Church, as Paul suggests, every person has a unique and cherished contribution to the functioning of the body, we can make room far more effectively for those with disabilities in our midst, elevating their voices and contributions. Shifting our focus from the disability a person has to the unique gifts they bring will allow us to see them as people, first, and will invite us to make room for them in a whole new way, becoming wiser, richer, and stronger in the process."Christ makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."Ephesians 4:16

December 24 | Light of the World | No Other Name | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

To kick off our series, we will meditate on the oft-repeated biblical image of the New Creation, in which people from every tribe and nation stream to Jerusalem to worship God. In this beautiful depiction of God’s kingdom, we see everyone deeply united in purpose, identity, and worship, yet bringing unique gifts, talents, and cultural treasures to bear in their worship. We will explore how this unity and diversity are both vital to the Church of Jesus living up to our calling and purpose in the world, and how it will require tremendous humility from all of us to live into this dream in the midst of our still broken world."Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands."Isaiah 60:5

December 18 | Son of God, Redeemer, Wonderful Counselor | No Other Name by Grace Church

When we talk about Jesus Christ, we're not just talking about some guy who was born in Bethlehem a long time ago. We're talking about the one through whom, by whom, and for whom all things were created. Listen in as pastors Barry Rodriguez, Tim Ayers, and Dave Rodriguez share about how Jesus, whose last name is in fact, not Christ; is the Alpha and Omega of all things. We'll dive into the significance of John the Baptist calling Jesus, 'The Lamb of God,' and how Jesus himself embraced the idea of his name...

Throughout the 2022 Advent season, we'll be learning about the various names of God, as mentioned throughout the Christian Bible. In this initial sermon, Pastors Barry Rodriguez, Amy Christie, and Maron Gaffron explore the meaning behind biblical names, and share from Isaiah chapter 9, Matthew chapter 1, and Acts chapter 4. Have you ever wondered what YAHWEH means? Or, wondered why Christians say 'Immanuel' means God with Us?

At this point it should be clear that the Bible speaks with a unified voice about the open-handed generosity which God calls his people to embody. The experience and letters of the apostles are no exception. In their writings we find the same call to be generous and even sacrificial with the resources God has given us. And in return, according to the apostles, that generosity will lead to a kind of blessing which brings life and abundance our way. Again, this may not be financial blessing, but when we entrust our resources to God and his purposes in the world, it is an act of trust which can help us truly come alive."Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop."2 Corinthians 9:6

With the provocative calls for generosity in the law of Moses as a background, it is disappointing to see how quickly the people of Israel began to ignore these important commands. As time went on, wealthy Israelites started routinely ignoring the needs of the poor and skimping on their tithes to God. However, the prophets of Israel wanted none of this. They came out guns blazing with passionate calls for the Israelites to get back on track with the open-handed generosity which was meant to define their nation. The prophets’ message went beyond simple condemnation of Israel’s disobedience, however. They painted a powerful picture of the abundance and fruit that would surely come from God in the wake of the people’s obedient generosity. According to the prophets, God blesses those who live with a spirit of generosity. Unfortunately, some of these ideas have been warped and co-opted by “prosperity gospel” teachers today, who use God’s promises in the Bible as a rationale for amassing vast wealth through the donations of those seeking such abundance. Because of this, it can be a touchy topic to approach. However, if we strip away these false teachings and look at the overarching narrative of Scripture, we can rediscover the provocative truth that when we give generously to God’s purposes in this world, he does, in fact, bless us in return – just not always in the way we might expect!"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"Malachi 3:10

This week, we will explore what the Law of Moses required of the ancient Israelites. From “first-fruits” tithes to be eaten as a community, to provisions set aside for priests, foreigners, and the poor, to leaving the edges of one’s fields unharvested so those without land can eat, the law is full of provocative concepts of how to live a life of abundant, open-handed generosity – a lifestyle built on gratitude for what God has given and obedience to his call for justice in this broken world. Although we are no longer bound by these specific laws, the spirit behind them continues to invite us to consider whether our own lives are lived in line with the generous heart of God.You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year… Doing this will teach you always to fear the LORD your God.Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Are you storing up your treasures on Earth, or in heaven? According to Jesus, one of the ways you can tell what we really care about is where we put our money.Pastor Tim Ayers kicks off our new sermon teaching series Thanks|Giving with an exploration into Matthew chapter 6 and exactly what the Bible says about living a life of genuine generosity. If our thoughts are primarily on the concerns of heaven, then we will make rational decisions to act in ways that reflect heaven's values.

Jonah is a rebellious prophet of God. God gives him a message for the evil, Gentile city of Nineveh, that God is going to destroy the city.Jonah doesn’t want to give that message so he runs away on a boat. God sends a huge storm, Jonah is thrown into the sea, and God brings him back in the belly of a giant fish. Jonah finally gives his message to Nineveh and, lo and behold, they instantly change their ways. So God doesn’t destroy the city. In fact, he spares them. Which brings us to chapter 4, where we see how Jonah feels about God’s change of plans.Join Pastor Barry as he explores Jonah chapter 4, in our final week of the inspirational story of Jonah!

October 16 | The Love of God | Jonah | Tim Ayers by Grace Church

October 16 | The Grace of God | Jonah | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

October 9 | The Call of God | Jonah | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

September 25 | Your Story | Hope Month 2022 | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

September 18 | Prodigal Son | Hope Month 2022 | Maron Gaffron by Grace Church

September 11 | The Story of God | Hope Month 2022 | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

Join us as Pastor Barry Rodriguez kicks off Hope Month 2022.

Pastor Tim Ayers wraps up our Known series by teaching out of the book of Mark.

Pastor Tim Ayers continues our Known series by teaching out of the book of Mark.

Pastor Amy Christie continues our Known series by teaching out of the book of Mark.

Pastor Maron Gaffron kicks off our Known series by teaching out of the book of Mark.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Lydia.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Paul.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Peter.

Founding Pastor Dave Rodriguez continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Joseph.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Leah and Rachel.

Pastor of Weekend Experience Maron Gaffron continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Jacob.

Pastor of Community Life Amy Christie continues our Family Tree series by teaching on the story of Isaac.

Founding Pastor Dave Rodriguez dives into the story of Hagar, Abraham and Sarah's slave, and what it means that God is present even in our suffering.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers kicks off our summer series, Family Tree, digging into the heroes of our faith and the transforming moments of faith in their lives. This week we focused on the story of Abraham.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez wraps up our series called Breathe, about rest, sabbath, and renewal.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez discusses the significance of the Sabbath year.

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Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers explains why rest and Sabbath are a gift from God, like the manna given to the Israelites in the Old Testament story.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series, Breathe, with the biblical perspective on rest.

Founding Pastor Dave Rodriguez kicks off our May sermon series centered around one of Grace Church's core values: breathe. This week's topic is the problem and habit of worry.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez closes out our series on the Gospel of John with the story of the Apostle Peter.

Pastor Barry talks about the reality of doubt and unbelief as we continue our walk through the Gospel of John and celebrate Easter together.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers unpacks John 17 and Jesus' prayer after the Last Supper.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the Gospel of John by discussing what it means to "abide with God."

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the Gospel of John and dives into the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.

Mar 20 | Eternal Life | John 12:20-33 | The Gospel of John | Amy Christie by Grace Church

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers dives into the story of Lazarus and what his resurrection means for us today.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the Gospel of John by diving into Jesus' words about the nourishment that can be found in the Bread of Life.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the Gospel of John by visitng the story of the woman at the well and the source of true life.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the gospel of John with an in-depth look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus.

Pastor Maron Gaffron leads us through John 2, telling the story of Jesus turning water into wine, and describes the incredible grace and mercy that come along with belief in Jesus.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez gives an introduction to our 12-week series on the gospel of John.

Pastor Barry Rodriguez wraps up our It's Not About Me series by talking about the beautiful potential of the intergenerational church if every generation is able to live selflessly.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our It's Not About Me series, talking about the grace we must show to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pastor Amy Christie continues our It's Not About Me series by outlining how putting our identity in Christ makes our lives all about community.

Pastor Tim Ayers expands on our sermon series by describing how, if it's not about me, it needs to be all about Jesus.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez kicks off the new year and new series with a discussion of Philippians 2 and the power and importance of self-giving love.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez wraps up our December series with a conversation on Isaiah and how the promised peace on earth still possible.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez dives into how we can avoid tribalism and find peace in our communities, and why it's important.

We enter the second week of our series, Peace on Earth, as Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez talks through how to find peace in our families this holiday season.

Join us as we kick of our December series, Peace on Earth! Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez talks through Philippians 4 and what it means to have joy and find peace in our hearts.

Founding Senior Pastor Dave Rodriguez wraps up our November series by talking through how to deal with family dysfunction and disagreements during the holidays.

Founding Senior Pastor Dave Rodriguez wraps up our November series by talking through how to handle family dysfunction and disagreements around the holidays.

Pastor Maron Gaffron continues our series on finding Calm in the Chaos of the holidays, taking us through how to abide with Jesus when we or someone we know are dealing with grief and loss.

Pastor Amy Christie takes us into week two of our Calm in the Chaos series and talks about how to avoid disappointment from unmet expectations during the holiday season.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers launches our November series by talking about the financial stress of the holiday season and how to find peace in the midst of it.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez closes out of series, Moments With Jesus, with the story of the woman anointing Jesus with oil, and explains how Jesus' purity is contagious and washes us clean.

Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez continues our series on the character of Jesus by diving into one of the most surprising stores from Jesus' life: the clearing of the Temple.

Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers leads us through the story of the transfiguration of Jesus and describes how the deity of the Son of God can transform each of us.

Oct 10 | Jesus Loves You | Moments with Jesus | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

We kick off a new series on the character of Jesus with the story of the calling of Matthew.

Pastor Barry Rodriguez wraps up our month-long celebration of 30 years of Grace Church with a focus on how to seek the truth and not be led astray by false teachers.

Pastor Tim Ayers describes how to find true life now, instead of waiting to get to heaven, in week three of our Carry On series.

Pastor Barry Rodriguez takes us through the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy in our second week in our 30th Anniversary series, Carry On.

We're kicking off a month of celebrating Grace Church's 30th anniversary! Pastor Amy Christie dives into 2 Timothy and the importance of using our gifts.

Join us for week three of Hope Month, as we talk about how to work together to heal the broken place of Decay! Pastor Barry Rodriguez dives into the questions- "What if the creation care work I do is just a drop in the bucket? What good is it for me to care for my little patch of Eden when the rest of the world is going up in flames?"

Join us for week two of our series in Hope Month, as we talk about how to work together to heal the broken place of Decay! Pastor Barry Rodriguez dives into what it means to care for our planet.

It's Hope Month at Grace Church! Join us for week one of our series on healing the broken place of decay, as Pastor Barry explains why we, as followers of Jesus, care about creation and our planet.

Join us for the final sermon in our series, How It Started, How It's Going, as Pastor Maron Gaffron describes the Apostle Paul's tearful farewell to the Ephesian church and how it can encourage us today.

Join us for the second-to-last week of our series on the key moments of the book of Acts, as Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez digs into the story of the riot at Ephesus and describes what it means to have faith that threatens the spiritual powers of this world!

Join us for week seven of our series on the nine key moments in the book of Acts, as Lead Pastor Barry Rodriguez digs into the comfort and challenge of the reality that the Spirit is always moving.

Join us for week six of our series, How It Started, How It's Going, as Founding Pastor Dave Rodriguez describes what it means to eliminate the division between "us" and "them."

Join us for week five of our series, How It Started, How It's Going, as Pastor Barry digs into the story of the conversion of Saul.

This is week four of our series, How It Started, How It's Going, a tour through nine key moments in the book of Acts. Join us as Pastor Barry Rodriguez describes the stoning of Stephen and how it demonstrates to us today the power of decision and faith.

Join us for week three of our series, How It Started, How It's Going, as Pastor Amy Christie unpacks the power of the Holy Spirit and what that means for us.

Have you ever wondered what Pentecost was all about, and what it has to do with how we live now? In the second week in our series on nine key moments in the book of Acts, Pastor Barry Rodriguez explains the events of Pentecost and explains how God's presence is within us today.

Join us for the first week of our new summer series on the book of Acts. Pastor Barry Rodriguez introduces us to the idea of nine key moments from the lives of the Apostles that describe the birth of the church and how we can continue to be the church today.

Join us for the fourth and final week of our series on the book of Micah, where Pastor Maron Gaffron unpacks what it means to live a life in line with God's intentions for the world.

Join us for week three in our series on the book of Micah, as Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers dives into what it means that Jesus is our King.

Join us for week two of Micah, as Pastor Barry Rodriguez unpacks the violence in our hearts.

We've started a new sermon series on the book of Micah! Micah was an Old Testament prophet whose words afflicted the comfortable and comforted the afflicted. Join us for week one as Pastor Barry Rodriguez introduces this book and explains why your story is not over.

Join us for the final week in our Tidying Up series as Founding Senior Pastor Dave Rodriguez digs into Matthew 6:19-21, explaining the link between stress and materialism.

For week three of our Tidying Up series, Pastor Amy Christie dives into 1 Corinthians 12, explaining how we need the spiritual gifts of others in order to clean up our souls.

Join us for week two of our Tidying Up series, as Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers describes the effects of anger and how to rid ourselves of it.

It's time for spring cleaning - of the soul! Join us for the first week in our new series, Tidying Up, as Pastor Barry Rodriguez describes how to spark joy in your life by pursuing justice for those around you.

Join us for Easter weekend as we close out our What If... series by exploring the question, "What if Jesus never rose again?"

During week three of our What If... series, Pastor Barry Rodriguez explores why Jesus had to die on the cross.

In the second week of our What If... series leading to Easter, Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers explores what our world would be like if Jesus never taught.

Join us for the first week of our Easter series as we explore "what if" questions about the life of Jesus. This week, Pastor Barry Rodriguez asks how our world and lives would be different if Jesus had never lived.

Mar 7 | Dogmatism vs Wonder | The Credibility Gap | Barry Rodriguez by Grace Church

Join us for the fourth week in our series The Credibility Gap, as Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers discusses Romans 2 and the effects of judgement and grace.

Join us for week three of our Credibility Gap Series as Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers describes the difference it makes in our world when we choose between redemptive faith over harmful theology.

Join us for the second week in our series on The Credibility Gap as Pastor Barry Rodriguez talks about how idolatry is the ultimate subversion of God's intentions for creation.

Join us for the first week in our new series, The Credibility Gap! Pastor Barry Rodriguez explains the gap between the church and the rest of the world, and discusses how we at Grace Church can close that gap.

Associate Pastor Amy Christie dives into Philippians 4 during the final week of our Together series!

Join us for the fourth week in our Together series as Associate Pastor Maron Gaffron talks about Philippians 2:17-4:1 and how to rejoice in the Lord no matter the circumstances.

Join us for the third week in our Together series as Teaching Pastor Tim Ayers explores Philippians 1:27-2:18 and what it means to be citizens of heaven!

Pastor Barry Rodriguez describes our partnership in sharing the gospel during the second week in our series on togetherness from the book of Philippians.

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Join Pastor Barry Rodriguez as he kicks off 2021 with a new sermon series focused on togetherness from the book of Philippians.

Join the Grace BYOB Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/gracebyob

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We conclude our Wonders of His Love sermon series with this unique message by Pastor Amy Christie.

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We celebrate the birth of our Savior in this special, Christmas Eve message by Pastor Barry Rodriguez.

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Join us as we continue our Holiday sermon series, Wonders of His Love. Pastor Barry Rodriguez delivers this week's message on the idea of Peace on Earth.

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Join us as we begin our new Christmas bible teaching series, Wonders of His Love. Pastor Barry Rodriguez brings our first message, God With Us (Emmanuel).

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Nov 29 | Outrageous | Amy Christie by Grace Church

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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Luke 6:27-36

We are called to act as children of the Most High. We are called to act the way God acts towards this world.

By entering our world through Jesus Christ, our Creator began reversing the flow of hostility. His love started catching on. Everywhere Jesus went, lives were transformed. People found dignity. Enemies turned into loving family.

Yes, hate is powerful. But love is irresistible.

Jesus is inviting us to trust that his love will overwhelm hatred, and by loving our enemies, we can upend the status quo and bring healing to our world.

GETTING PRACTICAL

Turning the other cheek is a response of humility to an act of violence. Offering your shirt when your coat is taken away is a response of generosity to an act of selfishness.

What if we were to respond in those situations of outrage with complements and positivity?

The next time you feel outraged by something a coworker or a family member at Thanksgiving or someone at the grocery store says, compliment them and see how far that little act of compassion really goes.

Someone has stood in the way of your wellbeing recently. What is a loving, undeserved act you could take towards that person right now?

When someone acts in hate, you can act in love.

Undoubtedly there is a group of people in our country right now that you consider to be standing in the way of your wellbeing. Enemies. It could be supporters of a specific political party, or a protest movement, or some ideology, or economic class…

Those are the people Jesus asks us to bless. To pray for. He is inviting us to ask for God’s favor to rest on them. Pray for them.

Compliment those who outrage you. Act in love towards those who hate you. And pray for your enemies. It is outrageous. But in this divided time, this is exactly the kind of posture we need to take to bring healing to our world.

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/sermon/loving-your-enemies

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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Read Matthew 5

Why are humble and merciful and peaceful people blessed? Because they’re living out the character of God. His favor rests on them because they’re doing what he does. They’re working shoulder to shoulder with him.

Why are the poor and persecuted and victimized blessed? Because they’re the ones God spends his time with. They’re the ones Jesus pursued. And they wanted to be close to him because they had nowhere else to turn

If we are followers of Jesus - if we are also his disciples - then we are called to the exact same thing. And guess what? The world doesn’t look too kindly on that.

• If you give your life to serve the poor, you’re going to be mocked for being a bleeding heart.

• If you choose the path of humility and gentleness, you’ll be labeled as weak and soft.

• If you have mercy and compassion on those from a different political party or ideology than you, you’ll be looked at as a traitor to your kind.

• If you call for peace you’ll be trampled over by those calling for power.

• If you want a pure heart, the world around you is going to try to defile it.

• If you work to bring justice to those who have been victimized, you’re going to face the wrath of the victimizers.

• On and on and on. If you spend your time and energy and money on those the world has rejected, the world will reject you too.

So what are we tempted to do? When our friends or family start mocking us or criticizing our choices, how do we respond? We draw back, don’t we? We start toning down the Jesus-stuff. We don’t want the hostility, so we keep our faith a bit more private. A bit more internal.

We are here to preserve the good things of this world. We are the light of the world. We are here to shine a light onto the way of salvation.

Surrender your life to the purposes of Jesus. Be his disciple. Do what he did in this world. Spend time with who he spent time with. You may be mocked. You may be hated! But you will be blessed. You will experience the presence and provision of God. Because when you do these things you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

Can we be the kind of church that works shoulder to shoulder with Jesus? Pursuing those rejected by the world. Giving of our lives for those at the bottom of the barrel? Grace Church, can we be humble? Can we be merciful? Can we work for peace?

Let us be disciples of Jesus, who showed us how to be blessed. Who showed us a way of living that leads to the healing of our world.

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/a-call-to-radical-living-from-jesus-himself

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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Read Matthew 20.

Grace is not fair and square, it is merciful and generous.

For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner, who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. Is that you? Have you been doing this a long time? Have you been faithfully doing the work of the Kingdom, and you’re trying to do your best, but you’re tired, and worn? • Pray. Ask the Lord to send more workers into His field, to share the load, to bring about an abundant Harvest, all for His glory! Pray, and wait on God. Be still. Let Him renew your strength. It’s an ‘active recovery’ so to speak. As you rest in Him, as you wait on Him - Pray, and let His peace guard your heart and mind. For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner, who says ‘Friend, should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ • Do you struggle with being judgmental toward others in the kingdom of God? To Christians who don’t believe exactly the same way you do? Jesus said, “Love each other in the same way I have loved you!” John 15:12 For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner, who gives generously of His abundance - grace and mercy to all who would simply receive. • Do you struggle to receive His mercy? Do you feel branded, like Matthew was branded, a sinner? Do you feel like you can’t break free from your sinful past? FORGIVENESS IS YOURS! Christ came for YOU! His mercy is new every morning. Lift your head, and follow JESUS. Step into the calling, and the destiny He has for you! For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner, who went out late in the day to hire more workers for his vineyard. Is that you? • Are you still waiting? Have you not yet accepted Christ’s invitation for ‘Follow Him?” I have good news! Our God is generous and He's still hiring! No matter where you find yourself. He’s still looking for you. And look, you don’t have to be perfect! He’s not looking for perfection. He will take you just as you are. “Jesus stands at your door and knocks, saying build your life upon the solid rock and know the peace I have for You.” He is still good. He is still giving, still pouring out His love to all who will receive it. He’s still changing lives. He’s still offering you a grace that is not fair. Good news, it’s better than fair! His grace is merciful and generous.

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/sermon/the-vineyard-workers

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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Luke 15:3-7 Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

This is what we have to wrestle with. Do we see God’s kingdom in that way? Do we really believe God cares so deeply for those the world has rejected? That he would leave the 99 to go look for the one who is lost?

Or even more provocatively: Are we joining him in that search?

Or are we just pouring out our lives for the kingdoms of this world? Money. Fame. Power. Success. Popularity. Influence. Stuff.

Are we looking for the lost sheep too? Or are we just wearing our nice wool jackets? Where are our priorities?

That’s the first big takeaway. A question of whether we really believe that the kingdom Jesus preached about is one worth living for.

The good shepherd pursues the one lost sheep… will we?

The second big takeaway is far more intimate and personal between you and God.

Because the truth is, there are many of you who struggle a lot with your own self-worth. I know because you’ve told me.

You feel small and unimportant. You feel invisible in this world. You wrestle with your past - your mistakes - your sin. You think to yourself, “if people only knew who I really was, they wouldn’t want anything to do with me.”

Or maybe you’re someone who is crushed by the brokenness of this world. Struggling financially or suffering from abuse or your body or mind are unhealthy. You feel like an insignificant speck in a world full of success.

If any of that is you, I want to remind you of this truth:

The good shepherd pursues the one lost sheep… even you!

Remember, in the story this shepherd pursues the one lost sheep instead of focusing on the 99. To most people, a 1% loss in the flock is just the cost of doing business. But not to God. To God, that one lost sheep is worth everything. And so are you.

This is why Jesus spent time with sinful and broken people - why he touched lepers and spoke to women and ate with “sinners.” This is why Jesus honored those who had no status in his world. Because he loved them. And he loves you.

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/sermon/the-lost-sheep

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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Join us as we continue our new sermon series, Ears to Hear.

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The main question I want us to answer today is why Jesus taught in parables. Why not just speak directly?

Read Matthew 13:11-17

That’s where parables come in. In these short stories and illustrations, Jesus takes the wild and unexpected and countercultural message of God’s upside-down kingdom - a message where the last are first and the first are last, where the poor are blessed and the blind can see - that kingdom - and he presents it in a way that only those with “ears to hear” will understand.

That’s why, again in verse 12, Jesus says “to those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away.”

Read Matthew 13:18-23

Put simply, the parable is about those who have ears to hear and those who don’t.

Does your understanding of God’s kingdom involve the radical transformation of the broken world around you, or does it boil down to you staying out of trouble so you can go to heaven when you die?

In other words, has the message of Jesus changed you so much that everywhere you go, the world looks a little more like his kingdom?

Is your faith today deeper than it was a month ago? A year ago? A decade ago? How deep are your roots? Are you growing in Jesus or are you going through the motions?

This one is touchy, but I have to ask it. How much of your worldview and opinions right now are shaped by news networks, social media, protest movements, and angry conversations?

Is your faith interwoven with a political ideology right now? How much of your faith is genuinely shaped by wrestling with the Holy Spirit and the words of Scripture first?

I ask all these questions not to accuse, not to point fingers, but to wake us up. Our job as Christ-followers is not to just exist… it’s to bear fruit so we can multiply the message of Jesus to future generations.

But I’ve got good news. And it comes from my slowly growing experience as a wannabe farmer… Soil can be improved.

Let’s be the kinds of people Jesus talked about:

Matthew 13:23

“…who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Our world needs the message of Jesus right now. Let us have ears to hear it.

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This week, we followed up with your questions in regards to this series on parenting, marriage, aging, and what to do when you hit a wall.

Question: This series seems to be all about loving others: aging parents; adult children, etc. Is love a "heart" or an "act," What is the Biblical definition of love?

The Bible talks about love in both ways - love is both a feeling as well as an action. Love is mentioned in the bible - depending on the translation - anywhere between 300 and 900 times. Jesus’ love was full of action - culminating with the greatest act of love on the cross. So, if his command is to love each other as He has loved us - that kind of love is full of action. Jesus calls us to love each other through action.

Question: How do I overcome the guilt and shame that I feel for the damage I caused to my now adult children?

Much of the guilt and shame comes from the fact that as we grow older and have a chance to see things in different ways, we begin to wonder about some of the things we did when we were raising our children when we were younger and we come to understand how those things have affected our now-adult children. This question really touches on two separate aspects of life: one is the guilt and shame we feel inwardly about our past actions as parents and secondly, the relationship we now have with our adult children... a relationship that may very well need healing. The first thing we have to do is to admit to our adult children that we know what we did to them and that we know that what we did was wrong and harmful. Then ask for forgiveness.

Question: There were a couple of questions related to the idea of putting others first in your life. How does that affect your relationship with God?

Your relationship with God is always first - it should be the top priority. You need time with God in order to have the discernment and wisdom to make the right choices, set the right boundaries, and have difficult conversations. Put your relationship with God first - abide in Him - engage with Him - listen to the Holy Spirit - and that will absolutely guide you and carry you in all aspects of your life.

Question: How do I influence my adult child when they see the world so differently?

How do you get your adult son or daughter to realize your view of the world - your understanding of Jesus - is right? You don't. No amount of arguing or persuading or posting on Facebook is going to convince your child to change their minds. Why? Because they are coming from an entirely different cultural framework than you are. Don't try to "fix" them. It's only going to backfire. Instead, get to work on yourself. When that fruit is abundant in our lives, the message of Jesus preaches itself. People are drawn to that kind of living. Including your sons and daughters. Adult children? Are you appalled at your parents' beliefs? Work on yourself. It's the exact same message I gave to your parents. Let them see the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

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Today we’re going to talk about how we as Christ-followers should respond when the dream dies, when we hit the wall, when things fall apart.

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

Throughout this letter, the Apostle Paul is painting a picture of how Christ-followers should live and behave in the midst of this still broken world.

Spiritual warfare is real, we do have an enemy. But what the enemy is and how it operates in our world is far more mysterious than we often want to admit.

Throughout the whole Bible you see one primary spiritual being who is directly opposed to the purposes of God. The one coordinating these dark rulers and spirits and powers. The one we call Satan, or the Devil.

When the dream dies, when the bottom falls out, when we are in a crisis we can’t see our way through, the slanderer is right there ready to strike us down with doubt, with shame, with confusion… the adversary is looking to entangle us in broken, worldly systems of greed and hatred and injustice… He knows Christ is victorious, but he still wants us out of the fight, and

This whole concept of the armor of God was not actually Paul’s idea. He was building on something he read in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. The armor of God was Isaiah’s way of describing God bringing his intentions to fruition. An end to injustice. An end to oppression. This broken world made right. That’s what he’s fighting for.

Imagine God is talking directly to you. He says, “Look. You are going through an awful time right now in this broken world. Or you’ve got some hard days coming. You’re going to hit the wall. Your dreams will fall apart. And when that happens, the slanderer is going to throw everything he’s got at you. He’s wants you to be afraid. To give up. So here. Take my armor.”he knows that in the middle of our worst moments, we’re very, very vulnerable to his schemes.

You will face hardship. Your life may not end up the way you think. But you are wearing God’s armor now and you have nothing to fear.

And here are 3 things to remember: 1. God is still working. The truth is, the same God who was going to war against oppression in Isaiah, who was fighting the dark powers in Ephesus, is right now battling the brokenness of your world. We may not see it. It may not be on our timetable. But God is still working.

It’s not your power. When it comes to enduring the challenges of a broken world, one of our biggest temptations will be to try and muster the strength within ourselves to power through. It’s no surprise. Self-reliance is the American way.
You are not alone. I bring this up to remind you that if you’re going through the deep waters right now. If you feel surrounded by forces beyond your control. I want you to remember that you are wearing the armor of God, and you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with others wearing it too. Don’t face your crisis alone. With God’s armor protecting you, you will stand strong.

Read: Ephesians 5:21-33 *Note: It breaks my heart (and it would break Paul's heart) to know that these words have caused women to not seek help when they're being abused, to blame themselves for their husbands' sin, or to suppress their own God-given skills and gifts and callings. If that's a part of your story I am so very sorry. We do damage to the text when we take it out of context and don't acknowledge the world behind it.

It's a call to self-sacrifice in our marriages, to mutual submission, to loving your spouse the way that Jesus loves us regardless of who wears the proverbial pants. The call to submit is important for everyone. MUTUAL, HEALTHY, LOVING submission. Don't tear into two what was meant to be one.

4 Ways to Have a Healthier Marriage 1) Always honor and respect your spouse, especially in public. 2) Seek to delight your spouse; don't just avoid hurting them. 3) Commit to do the heavy lifting... together. 4) Look for ways to lift up the marriages around you.

Godly marriages are a race to the bottom. Which in the upside down kingdom of God, is really a race to the top. A race to look more and more like our Savior, Jesus.

Let's be a community which shows the world the beauty of self-giving love.

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Take a look at Ephesians 6:1-3 6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord – if we are followers of Christ – we will obey our parents because we belong to Him and when we belong to him we do the right thing – we live the right way – it is what the Lord commands of us – it’s one of the 10 commandments

Exodus 20:12 112 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

God understands the obedience of children to their parents is important – that honoring them is right – and will keep them from honoring or serving things that are not right or good for them – you will serve and obey someone or something - what/who will you serve – and there are other places in scripture that point to the disobedience to parents leading to the breakdown of society – a disrespect of your parents could lead to disrespect of all authority and lead you down a dark path but

Respecting your parents will lead to a fuller, richer life.

To honor our parents is to have an attitude of respect for them that stems from the fact that we greatly value them and the contribution they’ve made to our lives. To honor our parents is to assign a high place of value to them. This attitude of respect and esteem will result in loving, courteous behavior towards them.

Good or bad we have arisen from our parents – and we remain a subsidiary – we are secondary to them – they come first

Here are some ways we can all serve them well – as their children and as their community Forgive them.

Pray for them.
Spend time with them.
Talk kindly of them.
Ask for their advice.
Ask for help.
Share them with others.
Give yourself a break.
Laugh. A lot.
Ask your parents what they want.
Honor the memory of your parents.
Grieve.
Find Gratitude.

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Take a look at Ephesians 6:1-3 6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord – if we are followers of Christ – we will obey our parents because we belong to Him and when we belong to him we do the right thing – we live the right way – it is what the Lord commands of us – it’s one of the 10 commandments

Exodus 20:12 112 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

God understands the obedience of children to their parents is important – that honoring them is right – and will keep them from honoring or serving things that are not right or good for them – you will serve and obey someone or something - what/who will you serve – and there are other places in scripture that point to the disobedience to parents leading to the breakdown of society – a disrespect of your parents could lead to disrespect of all authority and lead you down a dark path but

Respecting your parents will lead to a fuller, richer life.

To honor our parents is to have an attitude of respect for them that stems from the fact that we greatly value them and the contribution they’ve made to our lives. To honor our parents is to assign a high place of value to them. This attitude of respect and esteem will result in loving, courteous behavior towards them.

Good or bad we have arisen from our parents – and we remain a subsidiary – we are secondary to them – they come first

Here are some ways we can all serve them well – as their children and as their community Forgive them.

Pray for them.
Spend time with them.
Talk kindly of them.
Ask for their advice.
Ask for help.
Share them with others.
Give yourself a break.
Laugh. A lot.
Ask your parents what they want.
Honor the memory of your parents.
Grieve.
Find Gratitude.

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/media/aging-parents

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This younger son is working in a spiritually unclean environment that is completely cutting him off from his own people.

Why was this young man alone? Wasted his money (v.13) – American theologist view Famine in the land (v.14) – Russian theologist view No one gave him anything (v.16) – East African theologist view

There are a lot of reasons we find ourselves alone, far from home, in the metaphorical pig pen.

THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

In his mind, this isolated young man has lost the right to be considered the son of his father. And yet, what happens? The moment his father sees him, he runs to embrace him.

Dignity - When he sees his son he is "filled with love and compassion.: He doesn't see a shameful loser; he sees his son. Proximity - He runs to his son. He embraces him. Despite the fact that he was probably filthy working in a pig pen and walking dusty roads for weeks, the father gets close. Hospitality - He throws the son a feast. The fattened calf is an expensive luxury for special occasions, and yet he welcomes him in. Even Unity - When this son left home he implied his father was better off dead. And yet look what his father calls him in verse 24: "This son of mine.: The divisions the son created fall away in the father's love. The father heals his son's isolation in every possible way. Why? Because his son is family.

The distinctive of God's family: grace.

No matter who you are or what you've done, you belong.

THE OLDER SON

The son wasn't necessarily being immoral. He was just being bad with his money. If that's true, then the older brother's accusation about prostitutes is just slander.

The younger son, isolated and alone, is given dignity and hospitality by his father. His father chooses proximity and unity with him, despite his past choices. That is the distinctiveness of this family. The father's love and grace defines this family's identity. But this older brother wants nothing to do with it.

If this is a family defined by love and grace, than in this moment the older brother has become a prodigal son as well.

Until we are willing to set aside our indignation, to give up our "right to be right,: until we experience the unity Maron talked about two weeks ago, we cannot become the irresistible movement of love that can heal our isolated world.

FAMILY

Dignity, hospitality, unity, proximity, and now family. These concepts are both a call to action for the church and a call to trust for those of us who are isolated ourselves.

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Read Luke 5:12-16

Being a leper was the worst possible thing during this time. It meant you were isolated from community, exempt from human touch, and completely dependent on the compassion of others for basic survival.

Now, the fact that Jesus heals this man is wonderful. It plays a big role in establishing who he is as the Messiah, it’s great. But what I want to focus on today is how he heals him. Because it goes way beyond physical healing.

He doesn’t just heal this man’s body; He heals his isolation.

All through the gospels we see Jesus healing people in a lot of different ways. Sometimes he speaks and they’re healed. Sometimes he prays first. One time he spits on the ground and rubs some mud on a blind man’s eyes. So we know he could have healed this man in a lot of different ways.

Jesus saw this man’s dignity and willingly risked it all because he understood that,

Healing isolation requires proximity.

What would happen if we did the same?

Proximity - even virtual proximity - requires we cross a threshold of fear. I believe it’s time for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and touch the leper, choose proximity, and watch as God’s healing flows through us and into our broken world.

Take a moment right now and think of one person in your life who is isolated. It could be any kind of isolation - physical, mental, emotional. Family member, co-worker, classmate, neighbor… Get that person in your mind.

And here’s what I want you ask God right now: what would proximity look like for them? Again, it doesn’t have to be physical proximity. What does it mean for you to reach out? To get close?

What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to do right now? And are you willing to do it?

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1 Peter 2:12-17

This letter had a lot of ground to cover, it covered a pretty large area - about 130,000 miles, and that’s important because it meant that the gospel was spreading and being heard farther away. The Church was growing, and the Kingdom of God was expanding! However, these new Christians were grossly misunderstood.

Peter wanted Christians to be KNOWN FOR their HONORABLE LIVES.

Do we have a reputation that is attractively good?

Stats • 36% of Americans say they have a great deal of confidence in the church or organized religion— this is an all-time low. • 66% of young adults who say they regularly attended church as a teenager, but stopped attending for at least a year between the ages of 18 to 22, one of the top reasons for dropping out of church was a political disagreement. • 25% of people who have left the church say one of the reasons they stepped away is because they disagreed with the church’s stance on a political or social issue.

We all know someone who has been hurt by the church, or has had a fundamental disagreement or a falling out within the church or has objected to the church’s stance on one issue or another. There are divisions upon divisions within the family of God, and those divisions are creating a devastating culture within the church of an intellectual kind of isolation and hyper-individualism. This isolation is the antithesis of the kind of community God wants us to be.

1 Peter 3:3-18

You are not just a person. You are a ‘people’. When you surrendered your life to Christ, you became part of that great big family known as “the people of God.’

He’s talking about how to pursue and maintain unity. He’s talking about the opposite of isolation - and he’s not merely suggesting that this is what we do. He is imploring us, Church!

This is how things SHOULD be: The greek word is Homophron - which means unity of mind. Of one intent. One purpose. This is the ‘what’ - what we are aiming to become.

Peter tells us how to be in unity: • Sympathize with each other. • Love one another like family. • Be compassionate to one another. • Be humble.

And remember, no family, no church is perfect, but we must fight for one another. And at the end of the day, we must always return to LOVE.

In a church as large as ours is… we are BOUND to disagree on some things. And we do! But that does not have to drive us apart! There is a gracious grit, and a determined devotion to one another that can override our differences, and help us to always return to love. We MUST pursue unity, and love each other like family, because if we don’t this family will fall apart.

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.

Peter is not making a suggestion. He is telling us literally, to strive for peace, to chase after it until we’ve grabbed hold of it, and once we have it - we work to maintain it.

Just like it was with the early Christians, if we do not stand together our message won’t be heard. And we have the message of hope! We have the message of life! The message of Christ!

Our unity in Christ Jesus is the bright light this world desperately needs. If we each possess the light of Christ, when we come together we shine so brightly.

Our pursuit of unity will heal isolation, and bring about the kind of reputation God had in mind all along for His Church!

Our message spreads farther, and faster when we stand together as ONE.

Church, let’s be KNOWN for this! For standing TOGETHER for what Christ stood for. For healing TOGETHER what he healed. For loving TOGETHER who he loved. And for being ONE as Christ and the Father are ONE.

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Read Romans 12:1-13

We are called to: 1. We are to give all of our lives as sacrifices to God. 2. We are to have sane estimates of how important we really are. 3. We are to help the body of Christ function as well as it can. 4. We are to truly love one another like family. 5. We are to proactively be looking for ways to help others in need, particularly when that need is relief from isolation… from being alone in the world.

This is a call for the church to step up! Our world is full of people who are isolated and alone and we are called to proactively give others dignity, love them honestly, and open move into the places of loneliness. Even if it inconveniences us, even if it feels difficult and uncomfortable, we are to show the lonely hospitality, we are to live in ways that overcomes and heals the brokenness of isolation.

This is a call to be proactive and seek out those that we know are isolated and alone: • the elderly in care facilities or simply alone in their homes • young mothers who feel trapped at home having to both work and educate their children • teenagers who have been separated from their friends and the activities that filled their days for months now • people with compromised immune systems due to chemotherapy or diabetes or heart conditions who are constantly worried that they will catch the virus somewhere • single people who are terribly isolated, working from home and unsure that anyplace is safe

What is most important is that Paul’s letter tells us straight up that the church’s responsibility, our responsibility to proactively look for these people and make them family members… offer them hope and hospitality!

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

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Read John 4. Jesus sits by a well and meets a Samaritan woman in the middle of the day. In that time and place, this would have raised quite a few red flags. First, Jews and Samaritans didn’t like each other. Second, she was a woman. In that day Jewish men believed they should avoid unnecessary conversations with women. This woman is coming out to the well alone in the middle of the day. Normally, women collected water together when it was cool out; in the mornings and the evenings. It was safer, more comfortable… So why was this woman alone? He asks her for a drink. This Jewish rabbi wants to put his lips on a cup which this Samaritan woman touched with her spiritually unclean hands. When Jesus looked at this isolated woman, he didn’t see an unclean Samaritan. What he saw was a child of God. What he saw was someone who deserved life. Jesus understood that the path out of isolation begins with dignity.

One thing we usually don’t think about with this story is just how little power women had in the ancient world. It was unheard of back then for a woman to divorce her husband. It only worked the other way around. So how did she have so many husbands? It might have been because she had been cast aside. Or that her husbands had all died and left her destitute. We don’t know.

Whether she was immoral or a victim of injustice or somewhere in between, Jesus knew who she was and he wanted her to find life. Jesus saw through her isolation, treated her with respect, and he offered her hope.

This story begins with an isolated woman walking alone to a well in the heat of the day. And it ends with this same woman as an effective evangelist, sharing the good news of Jesus and walking back to that well surrounded by her neighbors.

All it took was the compassion of someone willing to set aside cultural expectations, to risk their own reputation, so they could offer dignity to someone alone.

The path out of isolation begins with dignity.

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Read Isaiah 53.

Jesus was the ultimate suffering servant, because he was sinless - perfectly in line with God’s intentions for the world. And yet he willingly went to death as a result of humanity’s sin. He was the ultimate sacrificial lamb.

Think about what happens when you choose to be a servant of God - when you dedicate your life to following Jesus - to model your life after his.

We are not the ones who heal this world. It’s not up to us. We are simply instruments of a God making all things new. We are his servants.

• He takes humiliation and turns it into victory. • He takes sacrificial generosity and turns it into overflowing abundance. • He takes small acts of love and kindness and uses them to shatter systems of injustice. • Or to put it another way, he takes a tender young shoot and grows it into a mighty tree.

We don’t know how God will use our feeble acts of love and justice and selflessness to bring his plans to fruition. We don’t know how he will multiply our obedience for generations to come. All we know is that the Lord’s good plan will prosper in the hands of his servants if we are willing to pursue it no matter the cost.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

If we dedicate ourselves to God’s purposes in this world, if we pursue our destinies in Christ, then the Lord’s good plan will prosper in our hands. God will heal this broken world through us and at the end of the day we will be satisfied.

The “Servant Songs” of Isaiah • Isaiah 42:1-9 • Isaiah 49:1-7 • Isaiah 50:4-9 • Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The servant of God in Isaiah is one who dedicates his life to God’s - who works to bring God’s justice into the world. This servant is gentle… he’s meek. He’s humble. That’s how God’s justice is supposed to show up? But it goes way beyond that in the other servant songs. He’s not just humble, it’s like he willingly accepts humiliation.

Even though he’s dedicated to making all things right, the wrongness of the world takes a heavy toll. And in at least one of the songs, God’s servant pays for it with his own life. It’s the paradox of the suffering servant of God. It’s a paradox because, despite all of the humiliation, and pain, and suffering of the servant, his mission is ultimately a success.

The servant sounds a lot like Jesus, but they can describe any servant of God.

God calls his servants to non-violence and humility and gentleness and patience. Ware invited to join in God’s mission of redemption - in God’s justice. Not through strength. Not through violence. Not through power. But through humility, service, gentleness, peace, love…

It is a chaotic time, but God is still working. And I sure didn’t see this coming, but God is still working through you and through me as we follow Jesus. We are the servants of God. We feel the pain of a broken world, yes. But don’t falter or lose heart, because in the end, God’s justice will prevail.

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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So far 2020 has not been kind to us, we are all feeling the effects of the pandemic and the quarantine everything from death to loss of jobs, loss of marriages, and more recently of the gross hatred that is destroying our communities - the horrific racism that continues to permeate our culture - it's been a rough 6 months Can we find - can we trust that something new, something better, something good can come out of all of this?

God himself says it in Isaiah 43. 18 "But forget all that-it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Let me read it again - let those words sink in: 18 "But forget all that- it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

God is saying: Why are you ignoring me? In these awful times, why are you not turning to me - reaching out to me? We act like following and serving the Lord is a burden - it's hard and tiring, and we just need a break if that's how you feel then maybe you are not truly in step with him.

Living the way Jesus has called us to live may not always be popular but it is powerful.

If God has something new - then we must be on board - we have to be open-palmed - we have to listen to the spirit - we have to obey. If he has something new for the world - we need to lead the way - forge the path - be his hands and feet.

We stand on his promises.

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'You Were Made for More' because God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose. This is the vision of Grace Church, led by Pastor Barry Rodriguez and based in Indianapolis, IN.

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We are all living through a time of great tension, great division, great fear and great emptiness. God's intentions for his world haven't changed nor has this time caught him off guard. And our God is going to keep on working in ways that bring healing to the broken places of his world...Yes, God is still working, and He is asking us to trust in his love for us and join him as he continues to bring peace and light into the dark chaos. Listen to the words of our God: Listen to me, Listen to me. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and I will save you.

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Isaiah 40.

God is still working to fulfill his intentions for creation. To heal the brokenness of our world, to root out injustice once and for all, to bring humanity back to Eden.

When we look around at our world today and see vulnerable people dying from Covid-19, and seething hatred destroying communities, and poverty growing like wildfire (or whatever it is you 've been facing!), it can be tempting to wonder if that's really true.

If God is still working, then why are things still such a mess?

The Israelites wondered this too. The exile in Babylon went on for decades. Year after year the Israelites watched as idols of the Babylonian gods were worshipped and paraded through the streets.

They seemed to have all the power and Yahweh - the God of Israel - seemed to be absent. "Behold? Here comes God? I don 't see anything, and my situation sure doesn't seem to be changing."

We know how that feels, don 't we?

Put simply, Isaiah is saying to the people,

God is still working.

Just not the way we might expect. v.28 "No one can measure the depths of his understanding."

If we trust in our own strength - if we trust in our own ideas of what God should or shouldn't be doing right now - we 're going to get exhausted.

But if we trust in him - if we trust that our warrior shepherd God is on the move - that's when we will find new strength - new endurance to see us through.

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Romans 12:9-16 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[b] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Paul knows that for this community of Jesus-followers to survive in this broken world, and to help others onto the lifeboat of God’s grace, they must learn how to set their own interests aside - to give of themselves for one another, even their enemies.

In the Church, we are racing to the bottom.
In the Church, we are overflowing with hope.
In the Church, we are one.

What about Grace Church? Are we ready to be a refuge in the storm? Because let’s face it: there is a storm coming. There are survivors drowning in the waters of our broken world today.

We are going to continue to listen to the voice of the Spirit - to jump in where he’s moving - and dedicate ourselves to healing the brokenness of our world in Jesus’ name. There is a storm coming in our nation. But we will be a refuge in that storm. We are in the lifeboat of God’s grace. And I know which direction we are rowing.

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Psalm 25 claims there is a right path - there is truth - and God knows what it is. Truth is not some list of legalistic facts to believe. Truth is a path to walk - a way of living. It’s a path of action which leads to our restoration. Which leads to our broken world being healed.

There is truth.

Finding and staying on the “right path” is not a guarantee. So how do we do it? How do we ensure we’re walking in God’s truth? Especially in such a divisive time? The answer lies in the posture we take. Verse 9 says God “leads the humble in doing right.” He teaches them. This is huge: When we are looking for truth, humility is the key.

Humility is a posture of open palms and a willingness to learn. It’s a posture that acknowledges that every one of us views the world through lenses that color and warp our view of the truth.

There is truth, but none of us have it all. If we want to walk the life-giving path of God - our best possible lives… If we want to return to Eden, than we’ve got to be willing to learn the way not just on our own, but from those who are not like us. There is truth in this world. But none of us have it all. The only way to grow in truth is to learn side by side with one another. To pursue truth with humility.

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Philippians 2:1-11 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We are called to be a sacrificial community - a community where we willingly lower ourselves for one another in self-giving love. We are called - individually and corporately - to surrender our desires, to surrender our comfort - sometimes even our safety - for the sake of God’s mission and for the sake of one another.

We have so much to learn from one another. And when we “work together with one mind and purpose,” as Paul says in Philippians 2, that’s when the church becomes strong. When the gates of Hell can’t stand against us. That’s when our mission kicks into high gear, and we see our world healing like never before.

We will be a church that has compassion for the suffering of others. We will give of ourselves to bring justice into our world. Not through flash-in-the-pan gestures which make us feel better, but with decades of compassionate, self-giving work to make things right.

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Deuteronomy 31: 1 1-3 When Moses had finished giving these instructions[a] to all the people of Israel, 2 he said, "I am now 120 years old, and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has told me, "You will not cross the Jordan River." 3 But the Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the Lord promised.

7 Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, "Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. 8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Moses challenged the entire community with those words but also turned to his successor, Joshua, and said it again...for good reason! • He knew Joshua would have to motivate them to fight giants! • He knew Joshua would have to come up with a plan to do the impossible tearing down city walls. • He knew Joshua would have to deal with internal defection and sin

So, he said to his successor - be strong and courageous.

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Deuteronomy 1:1,6-8 "These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River. 6 “When we were at Mount Sinai, the Lord our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7 It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the neighboring regions—the Jordan Valley, the hill country, the western foothills, the Negev, and the coastal plain. Go to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, and all the way to the great Euphrates River. 8 Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants.’”

I’d like to summarize Moses’ first challenge with these 3 words: Take the land!

This idea of the people of God expanding the influence and representation of God into the world is a part of the story-line of the entire Bible: • Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it." • Genesis 12:2-3 "I will make you into a great nation. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” • Isaiah 49:6 “You will do more than restore the people of Israel…you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

But this idea of taking the land in the name of God is heard most clearly in the words of Jesus: • Matthew 28:19 "As you go make disciples of all the nations." • Acts 1:8 "You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He gave us great power and authority to make this happen: Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

To take the land means to: • Change everything in the name of Jesus. • Launch a revolution. • Bring all things under the rule of God.

There was a moment in our history, early on, where this church rose to the occasion and decided to take the land…the CoMission. I believe that spirit is still in us. So…

Who of you will go and lead people to Christ, and welcome a lonely person into your life, or come along side someone in pain, or take a stand against racism, or work to heal this physical creation, or give your life to fighting injustice?

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Deuteronomy 1:1,6-8 "These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River. 6 “When we were at Mount Sinai, the Lord our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7 It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the neighboring regions—the Jordan Valley, the hill country, the western foothills, the Negev, and the coastal plain. Go to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, and all the way to the great Euphrates River. 8 Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants.’”

I’d like to summarize Moses’ first challenge with these 3 words: Take the land!

This idea of the people of God expanding the influence and representation of God into the world is a part of the story-line of the entire Bible: • Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it." • Genesis 12:2-3 "I will make you into a great nation. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” • Isaiah 49:6 “You will do more than restore the people of Israel…you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

But this idea of taking the land in the name of God is heard most clearly in the words of Jesus: • Matthew 28:19 "As you go make disciples of all the nations." • Acts 1:8 "You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He gave us great power and authority to make this happen: Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

To take the land means to: • Change everything in the name of Jesus. • Launch a revolution. • Bring all things under the rule of God.

There was a moment in our history, early on, where this church rose to the occasion and decided to take the land…the CoMission. I believe that spirit is still in us. So…

Who of you will go and lead people to Christ, and welcome a lonely person into your life, or come along side someone in pain, or take a stand against racism, or work to heal this physical creation, or give your life to fighting injustice?

Download the full sermon notes here: https://gracechurch.us/media/the-next-chapter-occupy-the-land

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WHAT NOW? We’re facing a global pandemic. We’re facing economic turmoil. Death. We need God’s intervention right now. As individuals, as a church, as a community, as a world… What do we do when the brokenness of the world goes way beyond our ability to fix it? What do we do when we feel helpless?

I believe Isaiah 58 gives us all the answers. It tells us that we must take God doesn’t want us to go through the religious motions. He wants us to join him in healing the world.

1 – We can accept inconvenience and discomfort for the sake of the vulnerable.

No person is a statistic to our God of love. If we as a community are willing to do uncomfortable things - to hold off on public gatherings, to take social distancing seriously, to wear masks in public… we can join God in, as it says in v.10, “helping those in trouble.”

2 – We can stop the hate train.

We need to learn how to give up our right to be right. The hate train is strong, and you might put yourself in its path. But I’ll tell you this: self-giving love is stronger. Why? Because when you stand against hate, God is standing with you.

3 – We can give generously of our abundance.

When we give freely of our abundance, we’re working shoulder to shoulder with a God who gives freely of his.

The path to restoration comes not through self-interest, but through self-giving love.

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Luke 10:25-37 This is the story of a man who was isolated and vulnerable on a difficult, dangerous, and frightening journey who set aside focusing on his own circumstances for just long enough to change another person’s life.

I think this story is pretty relevant to where we find ourselves today. We are all isolated to some degree…we are all vulnerable to some degree…we are all on a difficult and in many ways frightening journey. We are all living through circumstances that could overwhelm us. But, with this said, I still believe that this story, as well as the over-riding arc of the entire Bible, is that in all times and in all circumstances God’s people are to live other-centered lives. We are to first love God with all that we are and then secondly, we are to love our neighbor.

The answer to today’s question, ‘What now, now that everything has changed and I feel so isolated?’ for followers of Jesus is, ‘I am going to choose to love my neighbor.’ How that looks for you is determined by your own world. And again, many of you are already doing just this. Grace people are reaching out of their own isolation and showing love to those that are near to them in so many ways: calling our care center friends, our older congregants and our students just to pray for them and check up on them, making masks, delivering groceries, the list goes on and on. If you are looking for ways to help others just go to our website: gracechurch.us.

Here is a quote from Dave’s 2012 Isolation sermon. ‘We, the people of Grace Church, in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, will love those who are isolated and lonely… we will love them as we love ourselves.’

My 2020 prayer, now that nothing is the same, is that we will do just this: that we, that you and I, will, in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of our own sense of isolation, we will love our neighbors as ourselves… that we will remember the compassion of the Good Samaritan and we will go and do the same.

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This week the psalm we are looking at I believe is giving us words of comfort - comfort as we face uncertainty. Because I believe when we are faced with uncertainty - the only answer is to turn our eyes to God. And Psalm 91 shows us why this is true.

In the last lines of the psalm, God spoke personal and wonderful blessings over the one who loves and knows Him: • The blessing of His presence: I will be with him in trouble. • The blessing of His protection: I will rescue him. • The blessing of His promotion: I will - honor him. • The blessing of His prosperity: reward with long life - salvation. • The blessing of His preservation: And give them My salvation. - a long life - an eternity

The psalms give words to our emotions - when we can't find them on our own - and there are lots of emotions right now - the psalm Barry shared last week gave us words for fear - words to lament.

But Psalm 91 is a prayer of reassurance - a reminder and a promise of who God is and what he can and will do for those who love him These are words we need in uncertain times - which is really all the time.

Uncertainty can lead to this overwhelming fear and anxiety.

We are not in control. We’ve never have never had control. But we have to trust God and turn to him at all times. He doesn't owe us any answers or explanations. He doesn't owe me anything at all - nothing - We owe Him everything. And He never promised us answers or explanations – He promised that He loves us - that Ge will be there - that Ge feels every emotion and pain that we feel - because of what Jesus endured on the cross there is nothing that we will ever go through that God can't understand.

In this time of mass uncertainty here is what I am certain of: • God loves me • I can depend on God • God is there with me and for me. • God has my future in control.

We are living in uncertain times - life is uncertain - all of life. Don't do it alone - turn your eyes to God - to the one who will rescue, comfort, shelter, teach and transform. You can emerge from this better - we can emerge from this better, but only if we turn our eyes to the only one who is certain.

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We’re all facing a tremendous amount of loss. • Health • Jobs/Income • Schooling • Connections with coworkers/friends • Physical touch • NORMAL

What is your go-to emotional response when our world is in chaos? • Self-medication? • Depression? • Anger/rage? • Denial?

LAMENT Biblical lament happens in the context of the relationship between humanity and God.

Psalm 22

When you look at all the narratives of the Bible, what you see again and again are people who disagree with God and question him and struggle. Even the name Israel means “wrestles/struggles with God.” If you have not lamented to God about what we’re going through yet, maybe now is the time to start. And maybe we need to learn how to lament as a community as well.

Biblical Lament: Brutal honesty. Unwavering Trust. Trust is not the absence of doubt.

And what we see all throughout scripture. Not a God who ignores the brokenness of the world, but a God who experiences it with us. Who takes it on himself. We see a God who laments.

We do not lament alone. We can trust God with our pain because we know that he is right there with us in the middle of it.

In our pain - in our confusion - in our anger - we press into God. We trust in his character. And we wait for him to save.

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This is an Easter like none other. What does the story of the resurrection say to us at this moment in our lives. This Easter, we want to lift your eyes to the horizon. And through this marvelous story remind us all of… For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

John 20:1-10

In that moment Peter went from uncertainty to hope. Can that happen for us? Yes. It can. If you are right now ready to Pay Attention with a level of intensity that you have not yet mustered.

We will have hope if we… 1. Pay attention to the supernatural. 2. Pay attention to the scriptures. 3. Pay attention to the words of Jesus.

Come to me all who are weary, and I’ll give you rest! You may ask for anything in my name and I will do it! In this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world!

Reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead allows us to remember the promises of God – that they still stand! Considering the empty tomb reminds us that God has and always will do miracles. Embracing the risen Christ turns all of his teachings into essential truths.

On this most peculiar, uncertain, and even frightening Easter lift your eyes to the horizon. Claim the promises of God. Watch for the supernatural. Soak in the life-giving words of Jesus. For there indeed is hope.

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Matthew 16:13-28 & Matthew 26:68-75

Just like Peter we are in the middle of a trial - with coronavirus affecting every part of our lives our faith is being stretched and tested.

This is a time to see how willing we are to carry our cross for the sake of others.

· To see if we're willing to practice social distancing to protect the vulnerable (which is uncomfortable for many of us)

· To see if we're willing to not hoard our resources but give generously to those in need.

· To see if we're willing to reach out to those in our lives and communities we know are lonely and isolated right now (even if we'd rather just watch Netflix and wait for this all to pass)

· Or, maybe most provocative of all: to see if we are willing to demonstrate love and compassion for those of other political persuasions!

These are just a few examples that came to mind. You could probably think of many others. Self-preservation or self-denial?

Look. Setting our interests aside - dying to ourselves - is just as hard for us as it was for Peter in that courtyard. And yet, unlike Peter in that moment we know the end of the story.

Jesus was the messiah - the promised king of Israel. He was the son of God - the divine in human form. He was the son of Man - a human worthy to share the authority of Yahweh.

AND YET - his ascent to power was through self-sacrifice and death.

So it's a question we all have to wrestle with: If that is true of Jesus, what am I willing to give up for the sake of healing the world?

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Peter wrote this 'Jesus is our example and we must follow in his steps: He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. This is the hope of Easter: Jesus, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, can now be the guardian of your soul. Jesus is the one who sees us for who we truly are and yet he willingly carried our sins in his body on the cross. Jesus is the one who took the shame...Jesus took the humiliation...he took the rejection and he took our punishment. And on that first Easter morning Jesus declared that we are healed, we have been found and have a home and we can have hope.

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Matthew 26:30-46 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

We see Jesus’ full humanity on display. And yet in the midst of this fear we see him choosing to trust in God completely.

John 21:15-17 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

And in that moment, Peter became the first of many who find themselves called by God not in spite of their brokenness, but through it.

Every one of us has a different story. We all face different kinds of brokenness. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, Peter’s story represents all of us. Jesus calls you to a life of purpose - he offers you his salvation - not when you’ve got everything all sorted out, not in spite of your brokenness. No. Jesus calls you through it.

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Read through John 13:4-38.

This was no sweet tender moment, Jesus was making a social statement…mounting a protest against individualism, and self-protection. He says...you’re no better than me…you do this too! • This is the way followers of mine from now on will be defined. • This is how you will now approach the needs of others. • This is now your permanent posture – on your hands and your knees. • This is how you face a world of pain, hatred, and loneliness. • This is how you approach humanity.

Let’s try to look at this through Peter’s eyes…questions to ask: • Am I full of myself? • Am I capable of betraying Jesus? • Could I come under the influence of Satan? • Am I strong enough to stay true to Jesus and not deny him? • Can I stand against culture and take the posture of a slave to other human beings? • Am I willing and able to ingest Jesus into the fiber of my being? And in so doing set aside long held religious views and traditions? • Is your idea of Jesus revolutionary enough? Is he outrageous enough to match this scene? • As you stand with Peter how would you answer his own questions?

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So many people think of the law of Moses as a bunch of legalistic rules by an angry God. “Cross me and I’ll blast you.” The law of Moses is an invitation to spread life, not a license to spread death. And the people were missing it (see Leviticus 4).

These offerings were a way to be made right. A way to be at one with God again. Atonement.

Yahweh is a God not of legalism, but of grace and love.

It became clear that humanity was going to need something deeper than countless animal sacrifices to atone for human sin. Something lasting. Something that would not just save us from endless death, but would change us into sources of life. We needed a greater sacrifice.

What we see in the sacrificial system is a God of incredible grace. A God who says, “I know you’re going to mess up. I know you’re going to choose death over life. I know you’re going to spit in my face. But I want you to come home, so I’m going to provide a way how.”

Isaiah 53:4-7, 11 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth… Because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.

That prophecy was written hundreds of years before Jesus. And yet we know now that he was its perfect fulfillment.

Ephesians 2:4-6 God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Because of Jesus, we’re not just allowed back into Eden, we’re given the responsibility to spread it.

In Christ, we are the shepherds and gardeners and stewards of a New Creation.

A new world made from the resurrection of this one. And every one of us has a part to play. We are the hands and feet of our king. And, when you surrender your life to this beautiful vision, that’s when you will experience the kind of abundant life you were always meant to have.

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God is not content to let humanity struggle endlessly. He wants to bring us back into his presence - back into the abundance of the garden. God wants humanity to experience fullness of life.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.

This is the operating principle behind the entire sabbath idea: You don’t have to be ground to dust in the struggle to survive. God’s abundance - fullness of life - is available to you. The sabbath day was a taste of Eden and Jesus lived a sabbath life. A life of complete trust in God’s provision. A life of rest from toil and self-sufficiency. A life which stopped the grind. And it’s a life he invited all of his followers - including you and me - to experience.

But I don’t just want to apply the sabbath directly to our lives. I want to ask some bigger questions. What does it mean for us to try and live a sabbath life like Jesus?

Question 1: Are you ok with enough, or are you addicted to the grind?

The sabbath challenges us to be ok with what God wants to give us. To put a limit on our drive - to stop the grind - and to acknowledge there is something more important.

Question 2: Are you allowing God to meet your needs or are you trying to make it on your own?

If you are being ground to dust by the demands of this life, let us help you so you can find rest. It’s why we have our Care Center - our food pantry, our co-op, our car care ministry. To ease the burden, to walk with you, so you can breathe again.

Question 3: Do you make time to spread fullness of life or is every moment devoted to yourself?

Humanity was meant to spread and protect fullness of life. That was our vocation. Sabbath is an invitation to go back to that. To make time in our lives to bring life to others. This is why Jesus healed on the sabbath. It’s what the whole day was all about!

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The cleanliness laws in the Old Testament were very cultural in meaning. At the time, they were the means to make it possible for God, who is holy and perfect, to literally live alongside people who are not holy and perfect. They were created to describe a way of living that made the Jewish people a distinctive nation; these laws made the Jews stand out from all the other people in the world due to their peculiar behaviors. These laws also made the community a far-more closed society than other nations ever experienced. The laws created culture… and they dictated unity. To the Jews these laws were more evidence that God’s greatest desire was for relationship with Him.

Jesus’ ministry looked much different than that of the Old Testament laws. He reached out to the unclean and this was the distinctive characteristic of his ministry! The Gospels are filled with such moments! He made those who were left out of the sacred life of the nation clean in body and soul… he made them ready to be with God and ready to be used by God. And his death and resurrection also made it possible for us to live our entire lives ready to be used by God and ready to be with God… Jesus made it possible for us to become God’s tent where His Spirit lives right in the middle of our lives.

The entire arc of the scripture is this: Jesus, by taking on our unholiness made it possible for us to live the life we were created to live; Jesus, by taking on our uncleanliness made it possible for us to live today in the literal presence of God. Jesus made it possible for us to live in ways that reflect all that God intended when he first made mankind… Jesus has made it possible for us to, as much as we can this side of eternity, return to Eden!

Again, these laws were of the time and are clearly not the way we live today. B

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Key scripture: • Deuteronomy 16:20 • Deuteronomy 10:17-19 • Exodus 22:21-23 • Exodus 23:9-13 • Leviticus 19:33-34 • Psalm 146:9 • Zechariah 7:8-10 • Matthew 25:41-45

The application for us is obvious and unambiguous ... the kingdom of God, Eden...is a space full of justice. • We must create it • We must own it • We must live it • We must stand for it!

This church is a Kingdom Church We are Kingdom people...we are Eden people... • We are not content in "waiting for soul rescue while we live for fat city" • We are not satisfied in huddling on top of first mountain where we sanctify the American dream...this church is compelled to climb the 2nd mountain of Destiny as we push one another toward the summit of the mountain Garden of Eden. o Where the most vulnerable of society are protected o Where the most marginalized of our world are brought near o Where the most oppressed of humanity are set free • We will return to Eden: Where Justice rolls on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream!

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10 commandments. I hope you're starting to see how they are a part of a much bigger story.

The story behind the entire law: God's relentless faithfulness to bring humanity back into the mountain garden of his presence. Back to fullness of life.

When you understand the law in this way, you realize it's not about legalism. They're not just arbitrary rules laid out by a picky God so he would know who to strike with lightning.

If that was all the 10 commandments were, then you'd just have to look at your life and check them off a list of moral absolutes.

But when you see the law as part of a grand story of redemption, you see the 10 commandments not as an ending point of morality but as a starting point. You see that these are Laws about loving God completely and laws about loving our neighbor.

Imagine if each of us were to look at our lives and not ask, "Am I breaking any God rules?" But instead ask, "in what ways am I bringing fullness of life into this world and in what ways am I protecting fullness of life for others?"

Through his death and resurrection Jesus opened back up the door to Eden and through his life he modeled what New Creation looks like. Through the Holy Spirit he made it possible for us to live the same way.

Imagine what our community would look like if we really believed that. If we were committed to creating Eden everywhere we went.

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Like Adam and Eve we are exiled away from God's presence and we experience death - not just physical death - but our abandonment of the life-giving existence we were created to have. In Genesis 3, God places cherubim at the gate of Eden, guarding the way back in. Humanity has exiled itself from the mountain garden and can no longer eat from the tree of life.

That is the story which kicks off the Torah - the law. The story of Eden raises a question the rest of the Torah tries to answer: Is it possible to once more dwell in the presence of God? The answer the Torah gives is yes.

The point of the law - is to describe what life in Israel could actually be if it began to resemble Eden. A society of justice for the poor/marginalized. A community which is set apart from the corruption of evil. A people who willingly sacrifice their own selfish desires for the sake of something greater.

At the end of his life, Moses spelled out one last time the story they were a part of and reminded the people of what was at stake.

Deut. 30:19-20 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life."

As we know, the Israelites struggled to do that.

Judges 17:6 All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

And again, they were unjust, corrupt, selfish, and driven by greed. Just like Adam and Eve, the Israelites exiled themselves from God's presence.

But in the midst of their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful. He sent his son, Jesus, to continue the story.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Bible is the idea that we have the law in the Old Testament but then we take this huge right turn in the New. That Jesus came to throw away all the old stuff and start over. No!

Jesus understood that behind the regulations of the law of Moses was a story which held the key to true, abundant life.

Matthew 5:17 Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

And what was that purpose? To open back up the gate of Eden, show humanity how to how to climb the mountain of the Lord, and how to enter the garden of God's presence and eat from the tree of life.

Yes, the world is still broken. Our experience of Eden is still only a taste of what's to come. But God is in the business of healing the brokenness around us, and he is inviting us - as he did the Israelites - to join him.

And thanks to Jesus we can have confidence that after death is New Creation - where we can dwell again face to face with God in the mountain garden.

Everyone begins their adult life journey with great hope and promise. It's like climbing a mountain. Climbing this first mountain is all about achieving 2 goals: Establishing your identity 1. Defining yourself 2. Managing your reputation 3. Becoming who you think you're supposed to be Achieving the American Dream 1. Successful career 2. Personal happiness and security 3. Nice home, nice family, nice vacations, good food, good friends But...and there is always a but... almost always something happens. You fall into the valley of bewilderment or suffering, anxiety. The fall happens because of... • Failure. You blow it. You make a huge mistake. o Suddenly life doesn't look like steady success. • Life-altering pain or tragedy - something unexpected, personal or in others close by o Death, illness, breakups, • Is this all there is? There must be something more. Life is disappointing o You taste success and find it unsatisfying • Normal Life change... o Mid-life or quarter life crisis What now? When you get knocked off the mountain of ideneity and the American Dream and the first layer of your life has been strip mined. You wonder what is left? Who am I? The good news is that there is a second mountain...the mountain of destiny. This climb is ...a further and fantastic journey. Richard Rohr

John 14:12-14 12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

All of his works were second mountain works • Going after the 1 and leaving the 99 • Searching for the lost • 100% others oriented work • He lived a life of destiny

This is how much Jesus wants you and me to live on the 2nd mountain of destiny...he's offering his help IN ANY WAY! • What do you need to get to your destiny? He'll provide it! • What do you want to be reshaped in your life? He'll help you! • Who do you think you are called to be? He'll show you! I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:6,7-8

How do you feel about death? Fear? Anxiety? Peace? Confusion? Comfort?

I have a word for you today. Actually Jesus has a word for you today Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. Jesus, John 14:1

The problem for us in our context on this cold day in January 2020… • When will that day come for me? • What will it be like? • Will I be welcomed into heaven? • Is my life worthy of it? And for some of us our minds go to loved ones and friends who are nearing the end. Death ultimately is not poetic or romantic. Largely it is not a serene lake but a roiling storm of anxiety. But into that anxiety are these words of relief Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.[c] From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

But the big idea Jesus is trying to communicate revolves around 3 key words. Know: to understand through personal experience (not intellectually) See: implies metaphorically to perceive. Believe - to believe, entrust…because he begins with the word Trust in God, and trust also in me. I think he was implying entrusting themselves to him.

I urge you to think about these three questions. 1. Do you get Jesus? 2. Do you know Jesus? 3. Will you entrust yourself to Jesus?

Loneliness and isolation seem to be gripping the world these days. It seems as if it’s becoming somewhat of an epidemic. People seem scared or anxious to engage with others. Many seem to be secluded themselves – some by choice – many by circumstance.

How do we find relief from this? In order to help figure this out we are going to look at the book of John. Turn to John 15:9-17.

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

This is near the end of Jesus’ life. He is with his disciples and where this passage falls is in the midst of a conversation that begins toward the end of John 13 – when Judas Iscariot has just left the room and Jesus realizes the betrayal is near. When the door shuts it’s like there is an urgency and excitement in the room. The time is short and there is much he wants/needs to tell the 11 that are left. Throughout chapters 14 thru 16 Jesus is explaining to them the fact that he is going away and that they cannot follow him just yet. He is showing them what it all means for their future life, their own sorrow and joy and mission in the world. This is right before his arrest in the garden. And the passage we are looking at today is right in the middle of this whole scene.

At this point, the disciples do not understand that Jesus will soon die for his friends. After the resurrection, they will finally understand the significance of these words. Jesus’ love will require him to go to the cross for his friends. His commandment to love each other as he has loved us (v. 12) also requires serious sacrifice. The love of which Jesus speaks is more than a feeling—it is love in action—love that pays the price.

The cure for loneliness and isolation is LOVE!

Jesus is saying 2 things here:

Remain in my love. And love each other. And those are the 2 points that will bring you relief.

Look around – who needs you – who needs your companionship – who needs you to be their friend – who needs you to be their family – who needs you to show up – with no expectations – but to just love them and bring them into relationship

Can you make this new year one where you:

Look – for those around you who might need you Listen – when the spirit says to move into their lives Engage – with them even if it’s hard or messy Invite – them into your world – your family – your friend group – your rooted group – most everyone that comes to drama team came because they were asked/invited Support/Encourage – them to keep moving out into the world

Make this the year of relief from loneliness and isolation – that those that are lonely can move out into the world armed with the deep, unconditional, bold love of Jesus – the most important relationship any human being can have. A year where we as the community of Christ will move into the lives of the isolated and lonely with the deep, unconditional, bold love of Jesus. There is no reason that someone that is engaged in the church or engaged with a community of Christ followers or engaged with even a single Christ follower should ever be lonely. We should make sure that never happens.

We are going to look at some of the words Jesus shared with his disciples when they needed relief as well. When they were facing an anxious and painful and chaotic time. Because the words Jesus shared with them were also meant for us. Even though our world may look very different from theirs, our fears and insecurities do not.

John 14:22-27

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?" Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative, that is, the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

That word, "troubled," (tarasso) could just as easily be translated "agitated." It's the same word for water that' being stirred up somehow. In English, "trouble" comes from the root as "turbulent." Think white water rapids or a waterfall. By the way, isn't that a perfect image of what anxiety feels like? That unsettling feeling of agitation. A lack of control? Like you're just being swept along.

And yet Jesus tells them not to be troubled or afraid. Don't be agitated. Don't be anxious. Why? Go back to the beginning of verse 27. Because even though Jesus is going away, he says he's leaving his disciples with "a gift - peace of mind and heart."

The Holy Spirit. Jesus is essentially saying, "yes, I'm going away, but the Advocate - the Holy Spirit - will continue my work with you. I taught you some things. Through the Spirit I will teach you all things."

Put simply, the Holy Spirit is the very presence of God in our lives. Yahweh, the creator of the universe dwelling in our hearts. Jesus Christ taking up residence within us. The concept of the Trinity - three persons (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) making up one divine being (God) - is not easy to wrap our minds around. But essentially, it is the Spirit who breathes life into us, who shapes us to become like Jesus in the way we live. It is the Spirit who speaks to us, teaches us truth, and helps us understand God's heart for healing the world (John often refers to him as the Spirit of Truth).

That is the gift Jesus is leaving with his disciples. That is the reason they do not need to be troubled, anxious, and afraid when he goes away. Because through the Holy Spirit, Jesus would be present with them forever. More present than he ever was before.

RELIEF

Which is why we, too, as we head into 2020, need to look back to these teachings of Jesus to find relief.

Relief from our loneliness and isolation.

Relief from our insecurity about eternity.

Relief from feelings of insignificance.

But the biblical idea of peace - Shalom - is far more all encompassing. It means a lack of war, yes, but it also means overall wellbeing, completeness, health, life, joy, calm, and serenity. Shalom is God dwelling with his people. Biblical peace is the world made right.

Jesus brought shalom and it's a peace the world could never hope to replicate.

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And even though Christmas is now behind us, we still have one more week in our ‘Revealed’ series… and this final week the characters we’ll be looking at are the Wise Men… or as they are more often called ‘The Three Wise Men’… or as they are sometimes called, ‘The 3 Kings’ or you may have even heard them called, ‘The 3 Magi.’ We’ll talk about why all the names later, but I want to get right to this story because, even though we have already heard a great deal about all that God has revealed to us in the past weeks, I believe that God still has even more to Reveal to us through this story.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:1-12

This story is just one more example of the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom! This story tells us that God gladly accepts worship from people who are seeking him no matter who they may be… even if they are pagan fortunetellers like the Magi. This story tells us that even those of us who may be seeped in things that religious people would believe exempts people from having any access to God are welcome in Jesus’ new kingdom. The Magi prove, just as all the other characters in our Revealed series have shown us, that God is not a God of favorites, that God sees our hearts… and not only does he see our hearts, but that he also longs to fill our hearts with a ‘joyous joy that is as joyous as it is possible to be joyous!’ So, do not be discouraged… God is calling you, no matter what your past may be… no matter what others may have said about you or what shame you may be carrying… no matter how distant you may feel from him right now… God is calling you to come to Jesus, accept his love for you, find the reason he put you on this earth… and worship him.

I am so thankful that we have this story… I am so thankful that God used these unexpected men, and all of the other people we have met over the last few weeks in our Revealed series, to show us this truth: all are welcome in God’s new Kingdom... all are welcome to join with many other unexpected people just like you and like me… all are welcome to follow Jesus… all are welcome to worship Jesus, and all are welcomed to join Jesus in God’s ultimate mission: to bring healing, comfort and joy to our needy, broken world.

Babies are the best thing ever...they are a wonder! But, there are those other times when they are a load! · A load of work and a load of worry · Unable to tell you what’s wrong. · They can be a danger to themselves. · And, boy, are they be dependent! And this is why I am puzzled as to why God would make his entrance into the world as a baby?! Reliant, meek, drooling, crying, and needing his divine diaper changed.

This God/man baby is a complete departure from the God we know of in the 1000s of years history prior to the 1st century. The God of the Old Testament.

Who is…

· The brooding God of creation thinking the universe into existence.

· The angry God of the flood regretting he had made mankind.

· The judge and jury God who rained fire from heaven upon Sodom

· The avenging God who sent waves of plagues to free his people.

· The dangerous God of Mt Sinai who couldn’t be approached at risk of death.

The God of the Old Testament was anything BUT humble, meek and dependent.

But no, he entered as an embryo the size of a poppy seed — from the size of a poppy seed, to a blueberry, to an avocado and so on until the day he made his entrance …squinting…gasping for breath…and desperate to find his mother’s breast.

Why did God become an ordinary baby?

To better relate to relate to us
To be approachable
To remind us that he came to give us new life

Why did God become an ordinary baby?

· To show us how the power of God would transform the world. · To represent how heaven meets earth. · To represent his upside-down kingdom: where humility is power · To show us that the power of God will transform the world through unexpectedly small things and through common ordinary people.

A swaddled baby says…this is how God works. Poppy seeds become powerhouses. The meek inherit the earth.

This is how God works. The power of the divine delivered in small, insignificant ways.

And that’s the point.

· Heaven meets earth in the ordinary. · Miracles happen in the commonplace · The power of God will transform the world through unexpectedly small things and common ordinary people.

It won’t surprise you that this became a theme in Jesus teaching:

· The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. · The meek and the poor in spirit will inherit the earth · You want to be great you must become a servant of all · To enter the kingdom of God you must become like a child

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 1 Cor 1:26-29

This baby was the first in the line of the nobodies of the Kingdom. He paved the way for the fragile people, the foolish people, the broken people, the nothings of society. The ordinary. To become extraordinary…and live in such a way that heaven intersects earth wherever they walk.

You, ordinary person, is where heaven meets earth.

· Stop trying to make your grand entrance into this world. · Stop trying to be more than you are. · Stop trying to impress. · Stop trying to be perfect. · Stop trying to accumulate notoriety.

Just simply be a child of God. · Love always · Serve simply · Live meekly · Be childlike · In your little, broken, halting ways represent the power of God.

You are ordinary by birth but extraordinary by destiny And through you…child of God…he will do miracles…he will change lives…he will leave a legacy.

Luke 2:8-12

In Christ's kingdom, the last and lost and least are given prestige and honor. The poor find justice. The sick find healing. The orphan finds a family.

The birth of Jesus is a reminder to you, just as it was to the shepherds, that you matter to God. Jesus was not born to kings and queens...Jesus came to nobodies. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless.He came to bring joy to the downtrodden. And Jesus brought peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.