GretnaLife's Sunday Gatherings: Recent Episodes
GretnaLife
Week 5: Never Far Away
Text: Exodus 3:16
Key Words: Immanence, Identity, Attention, Abandonment
Big Idea of the Message: It can sometimes feel like the Lord is far from us, but this text reminds us that He is always near, always paying close attention, and will always be there for us to turn to. Are we looking?
Week 4: The Value of Repentance
Text: Genesis 32, 34, 37, 38, 43, 44, 49
Key Words: Judah, Repentance, Redemption, Cleansed, Jesus
Big Idea of the Message: It’s no secret that the sons of Jacob made some ungodly choices. One of them, though, finds his way back through the power of repentance. We can learn a lot from his example, and gain a lot by following it.
Week 3: A Made Bed
Text: Genesis 16:1-5
Key Words: Trust, Choices, God's Will
Big Idea of the Message: Sarai makes a mistake many of us do - trying to out think God. Why is it that we seem surprised when our plans don’t work out for the best?
Week 2: The Tougher Question
Text: Job 22
Key Words: Karma, Contract or Covenant, Faith, Grace
Big Idea of the Message: How much control do you have over your life circumstances? Certainly following the Lord can help us avoid some potholes we might step into, but there is so much of life that we can't understand - let alone control. How do we get through?
Week 1 - Tethered Freedom
Text: Genesis 2:15-18
Keywords: Tethered Freedom, Sin, Reactance, Gratitude
Big Idea of the Message: God designed us to be constantly connected to Him, yet humans are prone to pulling away. In doing so, we give up the freedom the Lord intended us to have in Him.
Text: John 10:7-10
Key Words: Reason For The Season, Abundance, Life, Jesus Came, Good Shepherd
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus Came To Give Life In Abundance. The Thief works hard to steal our joy and purpose, Jesus restores those things as God intended.
Text: John 14:44-50
Keywords: Salvation, 2nd Death, Sin, Love
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus came to save us from our sins, remove the sting death, and restore us to life in Him right now!
Text: John 18:33-40
Key Words: Truth, Grace, Freedom, The Way, Light in the Darkness
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus came to testify to the truth that the Lord is in charge. He is the King the world needs, and He seeks to reestablish peace in a struggle that humans started.
Text: John 6:38-40
Key Words: Believe, Hope, Survival Mode
Big Idea Of the Message: Do you feel like you are living in "survival mode" day in, and day out? Jesus's arrival and message calls us out of that mode - restoring our eternal hope, and freeing us from the bondage of our current circumstances.
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Key Words: Bridge, Jesus, Witness, Mission, Purpose
Big Idea of the Message: As our gaps with Jesus and each other close, we are strengthened and empowered to live out the mission we have been given in our community and beyond.
Text: Hebrews 10:23-25; Acts 2:46, Genesis 1:26; 2:8.
Key Words: Community, One Another, Together, Interdependence
Big Idea of the Message: This week is about living into the call of the church. It will challenge the ways we limit community now, and provide ideas for moving us beyond those limits.
Today's Guest Speaker is Dr. Jayne Wilcox. Jayne is a Professor at Ashland Theological Seminary, as well as the former Moderator of the Brethren Church, and current co-host of the "SHEcclesiology" Podcast. Today's message is on the value of embracing Jesus as your true Shepherd - following His lead, and experiencing His peace.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3,18; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3; Luke 9:57-62
Key Words: Relationship, Sanctification, Hearing God, Bible Reading
Big Idea of the Message: This week is about bridging our personal “gap” with God by committing to build a dynamic relationship with Him - continuing to move toward Him with purpose throughout our lives.
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Acts 2:42-47
Key Words: Gathering in Worship, Dissatisfaction, Holiness
Big Idea Of the Message: In preparation for our next series - Bridge The Gap - Pastor Rob asks us to reflect on the status of our hearts as revealed by what we complain about. In particular: what are we focused on in our Worship Gatherings.
This week, our guest speaker is Lawrence Matthews. He is the Volunteer Development Coordinator for Region 2 of Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS). The Brethren Church works in partnership with MDS to reach those in need.
MDS's goal is to restore hope for survivors of disasters. They do this by recruiting, organizing and empowering volunteers to repair and rebuild the homes of those impacted by disasters in Canada and the U.S. They strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those affected by disasters.
Today, Lawrence will give us incite into how MDS is working in the aftermath of Helene & Milton, and how we can get involved.
Week 3
Text: Esther 4
Topic: Risk, Courage, The Lost, Worth It, Gospel
Big Idea of the Message: Mordecai, and Esther all placed themselves in harm's way to do the right thing. We are called to do the same for the sake of the lost.
Text: Esther 3:8-9; Matthew 5:10-12,14-16; Micah 6:8
Topic: Babylon, Esther, Living in Hostility, Witness, Shine Your Light
Big Idea of the Message: The characters in Esther are Jews living in a hostile empire.
Their example can teach Christians how to serve even when we are different from the
world around us.
Application Point: We will learn how to serve God and others, even in a post-Christian
world.
Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series explores the story of Esther. Through understanding the book’s backstory and context, we can see that the story is not a fairy tale but an understanding of how God can work behind the scenes with imperfect people in a hostile environment.
Week 1
Text: Esther 1:1–3; 2:5–8
Topic: Esther, Sovereignty, Providence
Big Idea of the Message: Esther tells the story of God working behind the scenes to raise a Jewish girl to be queen in ancient Persia.
Application Point: We will let God work behind the scenes in our lives.
Text: Deuteronomy 6:1–9
Topics: Shema, Love, Covenant
Big Idea of the Message: Love for God is the central command of the Christian faith.
Application Point: We must learn what it means to love God because it is the foundation of our
faith and the key to building healthy relationships with those around us.
Text: 1 John 2:7–11
Topics: Love, Friendship, Community
Big Idea of the Message: Our love for one another is the test of our relationship with God. If we do not forgive one another as God forgives us, then our love for God is in question.
Application Point: As Christians, we must evaluate our love for one another based on our actions - including our capacity to forgive.
Text: John 15:9–17
Topics: Love, Relationship with God, Friendship
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus commands us to love one another, and he shows us how to do this by giving up his life for us.
Application Point: As Christians, we must model our love for one another on Christ’s self-sacrificial love.
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Topics: Love, Virtue
Big Idea of the Message: Love is the supreme virtue in the Christian faith. It is the basis of our relationship with God and others.
Application Point: If we want to develop healthy relationships with God and others, we must learn what it looks like to love the way God intends us to love.
Text: John 18:33-40
Topics: Kingdoms, Jesus as King, Politics, Truth
Big Idea of the Message: No matter the season, Jesus challenges the rule of the day. When we are called to consider the person of Jesus, our decision affects all that we hold to be important in life.
Application Point: Like people in the first century, we are called to give an answer to the questions of who Jesus is and what he means to us. The question “Are you King of the Jews?” is as critical today as it was then.
Text: Mark 12:13–27
Topics: Herodians, Pharisees, Sadducees, Jesus, Disciples
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus’s message will bring even the most hardened enemies together as they try to keep the kingdom from moving forward.
Application Point: Jesus’s words and actions will push us to make difficult decisions. When we seek him out, we may find that he calls us to abandon some ways of thinking that we hold as sacred. Jesus will reward our obedience, even if it looks to others like our sacrifice was foolish.
Text: Mark 11:27–12:12
Supplemental Texts: Mark 3:1–6; 11:1–26
Topics: Trust,
Big Idea of the Message: We really struggle to trust - people, motivations, and even God himself. There are many reasons why it's hard for us, but Jesus is worthy of all the trust we can muster - and then some.
Application Point: Jesus’s message will challenge everyone, but especially the
religious. It is the religious—even his own followers—who will struggle to accept the truth of the person of Jesus. The call to trust is the same today as it was two thousand years ago.
Jesus must be something more than one of the greats. He must be the only source of life we have. We must see in Jesus the only answer to the key questions of life.
Text: Matthew 5:1–12
Supplemental Texts: Matthew 5–7
Topics: New Expectations, Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, Kingdom Witness
Big Idea of the Message: We cannot forget that Jesus’s message of good news is rooted in him as the bearer of a new covenant with new expectations. Jesus’s actions were intended to bring about the realization of a hope that only he could provide.
Application Point: The expectations of our covenant with Jesus require us to live for His work to be done, but offers eternal benefits that only come through Him.
Text: Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15-16
Topics: Friendship, Family, Confidant, Compassion, Accountability
Big Idea of the Message: Faith-filled friendships offer the gift of confident compassion.
Application Point: Faith-filled communities are where we find our friends with whom we can give and receive confident, Christ-centered compassion and accountability.
Sandile is the lead Pastor of the Brethren Church of South Africa. He will share testimony of God's work in him, his family, and the area they are blessed to serve in God's name.
Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Mark 2:1–12; 1 Sam 14:1-15
Topics: Friendship, Comradery, Together
Big Idea of the Message: Faith-filled friendships offer the gift of comradery.
Application Point: Faith-filled communities are where we find friends with whom we can stand shoulder to shoulder and walk through life, those who come to our defense to help us fight our battles.
Text: Romans 6:1-14
Topic(s): Grace, Sin, Responsibility, New life
Big Idea of the Message: Grace is a gift but also a responsibility.
Application Point: Grace is a free gift that God gives us, but it is important to receive it responsibly.
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Topic(s): Gratitude, Grace, Thanksgiving
Big Idea of the Message: Grace leads to gratitude.
Application Point: Believers are grateful because they are grace filled.
Text: Luke 7:36–50
Topic(s): Grace, Evangelism, Sin, World
Big Idea of the Message: Showing others grace can be an act of evangelism.
Application Point: We live in an ungracious world; when we give grace, we are representing Jesus to the world.
Text: 2 Peter 1:1–2 (CSB)
Topic(s): Grace, Gospel, Sin, Reliance
Big Idea of the Message: Grace is a gift we continually need, through our entire lives of faith.
Application Point: We are reliant on God’s grace for everything.
Text: Galatians 5:19-24, Acts 2:42-47
Topic(s): Fruit of the Spirit, Spirit Filled Church, Holy Spirit, Transformation
Big Idea of the Message: All followers of Jesus are indwelt with Holy Spirit, but if we are letting Him lead, our lives will look significantly different.
Application Point: If we want to live as Jesus calls and promises, we have to make changes today that lead us down that path.
Text: Romans 8:1-8
Topic(s): Walking with the Spirit, Grace, Perseverance, Faith, Keep Pace
Big Idea of the Message: Every follower of Jesus SHOULD be walking with the Spirit in such a way that it constantly transforms their identity & lives.
Application Point: The Spirit is always moving, and we have a responsibility to keep pace.
Text: Acts 2:14-21; Ephesians 1:13-19
Topic(s): Holy Spirit, Gifts, Walking With The Spirit
Big Idea of the Message: All who walk with the Spirit are offered incredible gifts from God. Do yo know what some of them are? Are you living as though they are true?
Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series examines the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers and challenges our faith to use this gift. What did Jesus promise us about the Spirit? How did the early church demonstrate the truth of those promises? In what ways are we using the Spirit that God has poured out?
Week 1
Text: Acts 2:1–11
Topic(s): Courageous Faith, Holy Spirit, Power, Love
Big Idea of the Message: Sometimes, the Holy Spirit gets lost in the Trinity. Jesus & God are more tangible, and easier to understand. The Holy Spirit is just as important to our walk with Jesus. Who is He? What does He bring to the world, and our lives?
Big Idea of the Message: Observing the Sabbath gives us a weekly glimpse of eternity.
Application Point: You can cultivate an eternal perspective by intentionally taking time away from the busyness of this world.
If you live with an eternal perspective, you will take actions to share that vision with others. If your faith never leaves the realm of thoughts or emotional security, is it really faith?
To live with an eternal perspective,We have to see the value of eternity with God. Our relationship with your possessions can tell us a lot about whether you have an eternal perspective in life.
Holy Week reminds us that even when God doesn’t act in the way we expect, his plans always take our present circumstances and our future needs into account.
Today, Amber will bring a message of hope and of God's faithfulness through her personal story.
What does a restored and fully healed relationship with God look like for your life?
Is 53:3-6
After his encounter with the whale, Jonah did a 180-degree turn in his obedience to God. How has God overwhelmed you in a good way to transform your life?
Big Idea of the Series: This six-week series looks at Old Testament passages that foreshadowed Jesus. The Bible points to Jesus, and the Old Testament is filled with stories that show how God’s redemptive plan was to be fulfilled in Jesus.
Week 1
Text: Genesis 3:1– 15
Topics: The Fall, The Serpent, The First Gospel
Big Idea of the Message: In the garden of Eden, God promised to send the world Jesus.
Application Point: Before you were born and had any sort of struggle, trial, or temptation, God had already promised to send you a Savior.
Text: Luke 5:17–26
Topic(s): Mission, Healing, Interruptions
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus responded to interruptions in the middle of his teaching and used them to further the gospel message.
Application Point: "Interruptions" in our lives can really be opportunities glorify God. Let's be a people to take those opportunities on with excitement!
Week 4
Text: Matthew 14:13–22
Topic(s): Mission, Healing, Interruptions
Big Idea of the Message: In his grief, Jesus still served his community. It turns out serving helps God's people heal and grow in a powerful and unique way.
Text: Mark 10:46–52
Topic(s): Healing, Interruptions, Serving, Acceptance, Community
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus responded to the most vulnerable in society, even when they made others uncomfortable
Week 4: Joy
Text: Matthew 2:1–18
Key Words: treasures, prophecy fulfilled, God's glory
Big Idea of the Message: The people we see at Jesus’s arrival point us to his essential nature. The wise men say, with with great JOY, “Here is your King!”
Week 3: Love
Text: Luke 2:8-21
Key Words: incarnation, shepherds, least of these, love of God
Big Idea of the Message: Every person’s life is impacted by the birth of Jesus because every person’s eternity can be changed by his death and resurrection. This is the LOVE of God incarnate,
Week 2
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Key Words: Peace, Jesus, Advent, Bridge to God
Big Idea of the Message: God’s Son came to Mary and Joseph as the fulfilled promise of a Savior for the world. His arrival was intended to bring PEACE between God and man, and restoration of all creation.
Big Idea of the Series: This series weaves together Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts of Christ’s birth to tell the story of Christmas over four weeks.
Text: Luke 1:5–25, 39–45
Topics: John the Baptist’s Birth, Angels, Jesus’s Birth
Big Idea of the Message: God uses the HOPE & faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth to prepare the way for the arrival of John the Baptist and the eventual arrival of Jesus Christ.
Application Point: God is committed to the faithful, but sometimes we must trust the Lord and wait patiently for his provision; then he can bless others through us.
Big Idea of the Series: This series aims to both focus our hearts on how we approach worship, and broaden our view of what worship can (and maybe should) look like.
Week 4
Text: Psalm 63:3-4, 65:7, 117, 145:4; Matthew 5:14-16
Topics: Shabach, Holy Roar, Celebrate
Big Idea of the Message: The final word of our study - shabach - embodies the concept of a Holy Roar. To celebrate, and boast of our God not just on Sunday, but so that all the world might know how great He is!
Big Idea of the Series: This series aims to both focus our hearts on how we approach worship, and broaden our view of what worship can (and maybe should) look like.
Week 3
Text: Psalm 63:7, 148:1-5
Topics: yadah, halal, celebrate worship
Big Idea of the Message: The fact that a perfect God calls us His children is cause for celebration, especially in our worship of Him.
Big Idea of the Series: This series aims to both focus our hearts on how we approach worship, and broaden our view of what worship can (and maybe should) look like.
Week 2
Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Topics: zamar, tehillah, spontaneous praise
Big Idea of the Message: This week, Tina walks us through what it looks like to worship God spontaneously.
Big Idea of the Series: This series aims to both focus our hearts on how we approach worship, and broaden our view of what worship can (and maybe should) look like.
Week 1
Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Topics: obedience, celebration, reverence, joy, worship
Big Idea of the Message: When we worship the Lord, we are approaching and worshipping the King of Kings & the Lord of Lords. One we obey, the other we trust to carry us into eternity. The Lord is deserving of both.
This week, Lydia McCullough shares her story of challenge, change, and faith. We hope it will encourage and inspire you in your walk with Jesus!
As we read the Book of Acts, we are painted a picture of the Church that is dynamic, powerful, and world-changing. Join us as we discuss one such example in Acts 4, and ask ourselves if we are brave enough to be UGLY.
Text: Acts 4:31-37
We believe that the Lord loves the people of the world so much that he gave his Son’s life to save it. It is the reason we who follow him are saved. Pray that we would be a body that sees people as the Lord sees them. Pray that we would look for and find the image of God in every person we encounter. Pray that our hearts will feel God’s pain in seeing someone - anyone - lost & separated from Him. Pray that we would have the love to speak life through the Gospel - because God first did it for us.
Text: Matthew 6:19-21
Topic(s): A Heart for the House
Big Idea of the Message: What does it mean to have a heart for something? Having a heart for the House of God is to love His people (even if we don't like them), and His mission.
More Info, including guide materials at www.gretna.life
Text: Luke 10:38–42
Topic(s): Imitating Christ, Faithfulness
Big Idea of the Message: Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture Knowledge were critical to Jesus's life, and to ours as well. During this series, we will look at impacts of these practices, and join together in living them out over the next 21 Days.
More Info, including guide materials at www.gretna.life
Week 6
Text: Luke 14:25–33
Topics: Discipleship, Love, Faithfulness
Big Idea of the Message: Christ reminds us that our love should first and foremost be for him, to such an extent that the love given to all other people in our lives seems insignificant in comparison.
Application Point: Pray for the relational idols of your heart to be revealed and to give your love foremost to God.
Week 5: Millstones
Text: Mark 9:42–50
Topics: Sin, Righteousness, Judgment
Big Idea of the Message: Stop worrying about status, competition, influence, control and - frankly, getting what you want- and start worrying about nurturing the “little ones” - because that’s the Father’s priority…do that, and you will surely be rewarded
Text: Matthew 15:21–28
Topics: Faith, Perseverance, Humility
Big Idea of the Message: Christ has come to save not only the children of Israel but the entire world.
Application Point: How does your current pursuit of Jesus reflect this EPIC truth?
Big Idea of the Series: This six-week series looks at some of the passages in the Bible that don’t sit well with most modern readers. Passages like the imprecatory Psalms, the story of Judah and Tamar, Jesus dismissing the gentile woman at the dinner table, and Jesus’s command to hate our families. By exploring several parts of Scripture that challenge our understanding of the Bible and of God, we can strengthen our faith and find unexpected blessings in his Word.
Text: 2 Kings 2:23–25
Topics: Reverence, Worship, Holiness, Words
Big Idea of the Message: We must esteem God with our reverent worship and devotion in all aspects of our lives - including our words.
Week 2
Text: Genesis 38:6–26
Topics: Righteousness, Criticism, Sin
Big Idea of the Message: Christians are called to grow and move toward the likeness of Jesus. Sometimes, that takes a willingness to hear the loving criticism of one another.
Big Idea of the Series: This six-week series looks at some of the passages in the Bible that don’t sit well with most modern readers. Passages like the imprecatory Psalms, the story of Judah and Tamar, Jesus dismissing the gentile woman at the dinner table, and Jesus’s command to hate our families. By exploring several parts of Scripture that challenge our understanding of the Bible and of God, we can strengthen our faith and find unexpected blessings in his Word.
Week 1
Text: Psalm 137:1–9
Topics: Righteous Anger, Grace, Remembrance
Big Idea of the Message: Imprecatory prayers are a way to be honest with God, to initiate a process of spiritual healing through God’s grace and mercy, and only possible if our friendship with the Lord is strong.
Katie is a candidate for the role of Associate Pastor at Gretna. We hope her message encourages and inspires.
Dougie Boggs shares his testimony of how God has changed his life and how important recovery is to the process.
Text: Malachi 1:1–4:6
Topics: Disillusionment, Covenant, Unfaithfulness, Judgment, Disputation, Hope
Big Idea of the Message: God is always faithful to both discipline and redeem on the basis of his covenantal promises.
Application Point: When disappointments come our way, we must choose to cling to God’s promises and remain faithful.
Text: Zechariah 4:1–14
Topics: Reconstruction, Surrender, Grace, Redemption, Salvation
Big Idea of the Message: God is in the business of building and constructing his kingdom.
Application Point: As Christians, we should spur others to spiritual growth while striving to progress in our own walks with Christ.
Text: Haggai 1:1–2:23
Topics: Repercussions, Responsiveness, Obedience, Holiness, Encouragement, Hope
Big Idea of the Message: God is a God of restoration who invites his people to participate in his works of renewal.
Application Point: When God calls us to a work, we are to be responsive and obedient, even in disappointment—always remaining hopeful for the blessings of God on the basis of his unwavering faithfulness to his promises.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Zephaniah 1:1–3:20 Topics: Judgment, Cleansing, Faithfulness, Mercy, Remnant, Sovereignty Big Idea of the Message: Even in the midst of disaster, God always has a remnant. Application Point: Christians are called to be people of restoration and members of God’s restoration community.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Habakkuk 1:1–3:19 Topics: Theodicy, Evil, Justice, Vindication, Victory, Faith Big Idea of the Message: Despite appearances to the contrary at times, God is always just and faithful. Application Point: Christians must patiently trust God to fulfill his purposes in their lives.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Nahum 1:7–8
Topics: Justice, Destruction, Compassion, Fulfillment
Big Idea of the Message: God is a God of justice and compassion.
Application Point: As Christians, we are called to be people of justice and compassion.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Micah 1:3–4; 6:6–8; 7:18–20
Topics: Religion, Threat, Hope, Judgment, Salvation
Big Idea of the Message: God is both our source of judgment and our source of hope.
Application Point: Even in the midst of God’s discipline, we can have hope in his redemption and salvation.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Jonah 1:1–2; 3:5–9; 4:1–3
Topics: Enemies, Bitterness, Sovereignty, Compassion, Repentance, Forgiveness
Application Point: Christians are called to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and forgive their trespassers unendingly.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Week 4 Text: Obadiah 1:1–21 Topics: Anger, Betrayal, War, Justice, Zion, Kingship, Hope Big Idea of the Message: God is always faithful to his promises—promises to bring justice and redemption. Application Point: Christians must never lose hope in the justice and faithfulness of God, no matter how dispiriting our circumstances might be.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Text: Amos 1:2; 8:1–3; 9:11–15 Topics: Sovereignty, Judgment, Idolatry, Injustice, Remnant, Renewal Big Idea of the Message: The justice of God demands that there be punishment for wickedness, but the faithfulness and grace of God demand that there be renewal and restoration.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Week 2
Text: Joel 1:1–3:21
Topics: Judgment, Repentance, Compassion, Healing, Sovereignty
Big Idea of the Message: God is the sovereign Judge and Savior of the universe.
Application Point: The proper response to God’s judgment is repentance, which is a means to the restoring and healing power of God.
Big Idea of the Series: This is a series on the Old Testament Minor Prophets. Each week will focus on one prophet and their story or message. Common themes will run throughout these twelve prophets in Israel’s history, and a primary theme is restoration. Though the prophets often brought words of judgment, they also spoke words of hope and ultimate renewal.
Week 1
Text: Hosea 1:1–3:5
Topics: Infidelity, Idolatry, Judgment, Salvation, Restoration
Big Idea of the Message: God hates our sin, but he loves us. In fact, God hates our sin because he loves us.
Application Point: Don’t wait for difficult times to get close to God. Learn how to be faithful in both good and bad times.
Big Idea of the Series: This three-week series invites us to practice the discipline of healthy rest. We will challenge some of the ways we say we “rest”, and the notion that we can thrive without rest. Most importantly: We will learn what resting in the presence of Jesus looks like, and the relief it provides.
Text: Philippians 4:6–9; Proverbs 4:25–27
Topics: Unplugging, Fully Present, Gift of Presence
Big Idea of the Message: Believers are offered the gift of God’s presence, but we often settle for friendship with technology, and other things as well.
Application Point: Leave the technology to become present to others and God.
Big Idea of The Series: This three-week series invites us to practice the discipline of healthy rest. We will challenge some of the ways we say we “rest”, and the notion that we can thrive without rest. Most importantly: We will learn what resting in the presence of Jesus looks like, and the relief it provides.
Text: Matthew 11:28–30; Jeremiah 6:16
Topics: Rest, Darkness, Limitations
Big Idea of the Message: It is wise to honor God and my limitations through restful rhythms.
Application Point: We rest by guarding our time from distracting activities.
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:20–28
Topic(s): Resurrection, Death, New Life
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus’s resurrection is the basis of our belief that death does not have the final say. Because Jesus is raised to life, we will also be raised to life.
Application Point: Christians believe that death is not the final word, because Jesus’s resurrection defeats death and guarantees our future resurrection. The tomb is empty!
Big Idea of the Series: Palm Sunday is the day set aside to remember Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and the beginning of Holy Week. By telling the story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, this message challenges listeners to wonder if their self-righteousness and pride is keeping them from recognizing and participating in God’s work.
Text: Luke 19:28-44
Topic: Hypocrisy, Self-righteousness, Salvation, Triumphant Entry
Big Idea of the Message: Rather than seeing Jesus’ Triumphal Entry for what it was—a fulfillment of prophecy—many, including the religious leaders, were so concerned with keeping their own power and authority, that they missed the Messiah.
Applicational Point: It’s possible to be close to religion, and yet still miss God.
Throughout this series, we've been looking at different aspects of joy. In this final video, we'll take a look at what it means to have joy in unity. We'll see how joy can help us grow in our relationship with God, and how it can make us more open and compassionate towards others.
Big Idea of the Series: The heart of this four-week series is to focus on the power of joy in the life of the believer. It will focus on seeing joy as a gift, having joy when God moves, finding joy when God feels distant, and the way joy changes the hearts of believers working together.
This Week: Joy As A Response
Text: Psalm 20:1-9
Topics: Joy, God’s Work, Responding to God
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Big Idea of the Series: The heart of this four-week series is to focus on the power of joy in the life of the believer. It will focus on seeing joy as a gift, having joy when God moves, finding joy when God feels distant, and the way joy changes the hearts of believers working together.
This Week:
Text: 2 Samuel 6:12–23; Psalm 150 Topics: Joy, God’s Work, Responding to God Big Idea of the Message: David experienced an incredible level of joy when God brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem through David’s efforts. Application Point: When God moves in our lives in a way that is both restorative and powerful, we are called to celebrate in whatever way will glorify him the most.
Big Idea of the Series: The heart of this four-week series is to focus on the power of joy in the life of the believer. It will focus on seeing joy as a gift, having joy when God moves, finding joy when God feels distant, and the way joy changes the hearts of believers working together.
Week 1
Text: Galatians 5:22–26; Philippians 4:4;-9 Thessalonians 5:16
Topics: Living in Confidence, Joy, Fruit of the Spirit, Holy Spirit
Big Idea of the Message: Joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit, and the follower of Christ must learn how to live in light of that joy.
Application Point: If we are to live as God intends, then we will need to figure out how to see joy as a gift. But as with any gift, we cannot benefit from it unless we use it as intended.
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 8
Text: Revelation 21:9-22:5
Topics: God Wins, Healing, Paradise
Big Idea of the Message: In the end, God restores all of creation to an Eden-like state, but it is even better than before. The nations are healed by the tree of life.
Application Point: When we put our hope in God, we put our hope in the one who will ultimately make all things right and who redeems those who worship him.
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 7
Text: Revelation 20-21:8
Topics: God's Victory, Hope, New Jerusalem
Big Idea of the Message: As Christians, we look forward to the day when God makes all things right and renews the heavens and the earth. This hope empowers us to persevere through our trials.
Application Point: How does is that unwavering hope reflected in our daily lives?
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 6
Text: Revelation 12-19
Topics: God's Victory, Satan's Lies, Decisions
Big Idea of the Message: If we stop and take a look at our priorities, and the desires of our hearts, do they represent God's or reflect the influence of the world?
Application Point: How do I set my priorities? What drives my daily decisions, God's will, or my own?
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 5
Text: Revelation 11:1–13
Topics: Witness, Community, Faithfulness of God
Big Idea of the Message: The two witnesses represent the church and its calling to witness to Jesus in the world.
Application Point: We must remain faithful to God, believing that he will bring his will to completion, no matter our circumstances.
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Text: Revelation 11:1–13
Topics: Witness, Community, Faithfulness of God
Big Idea of the Message: The two witnesses represent the church and its calling to witness to Jesus in the world.
Application Point: We must remain faithful to God, believing that he will bring his will to completion, no matter our circumstances.
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 3
Text: Revelation 5:1–10
Topics: Jesus, Sacrifice, Hope
Big Idea of the Message: Paradoxically, Jesus’s death on the cross is how he stands victorious over sin and death.
Application Point: Rather than worship earthly leaders, who wield authority through power, we worship Jesus, who wielded his authority through his sacrificial death.
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Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 2
Text: Revelation 1:9–20
Topics: Revelation, Persecution, Comfort
Big Idea of the Message: Even though John is exiled to an island, God is in control and can still communicate with him and with the church.
Application Point: We need to learn to see how God can reveal himself to us even when we don’t think we are in the right place to receive from him.
Come join us for services every Sunday at 10:00am! http://www.gretna.life/live `Visit Our Website! www.gretnalife.com Follow Us On Facebook! @ GretnaLife
Big Idea of the Series: This sermon series explores the book of Revelation and helps us read Revelation as a book of hope and comfort, not a cipher with secret insights into the end times. It walks through eight passages focusing on the sovereignty of God and his plan to right every wrong.
Week 1
Text: Revelation 1:1–20
Topics: Apocalypse, Revelation, Jesus
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus is the focus of the revelation and the reason for our hope.
Application Point: We need to make sure that our desire in studying Revelation is to know Jesus Christ more.
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This one week series walks us through the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-45. Through it, we are able to see the remarkable providence of God.
Big Idea: In this series for Advent, we will explore the first chapter of the Gospel of John. What did it mean for God to take on human flesh and walk among us? As we grow in understanding, our hearts will become more prepared for the Christmas holiday and for an encounter, once again, with the living God.
This Week
Text: John 1:9–13, 29–34Topics: Adoption, Forgiveness, FaithBig Idea of the Message: Through Jesus God gives us forgiveness.Application Point: Why not ask for God’s forgiveness for Christmas this year?
Big Idea: In this series for Advent, we will explore the first chapter of the Gospel of John. What did it mean for God to take on human flesh and walk among us? As we grow in understanding, our hearts will become more prepared for the Christmas holiday and for an encounter, once again, with the living God.
This Week:Text: John 1:14–18Topics: Incarnation, Grace, WorshipBig Idea of the Message: The incarnation was the first gift of ChristmasApplication Point: Have you received God’s gift of grace in your everyday life?
This Week, we wrap up our series on the Shema. What does it mean to love the Lord with all our strength?
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Topics: All In, Muchness, Me'od
Big Idea of the Message: Love for God isn't something we should meter out.
Big Idea of the Series: This series looks at the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 and unpacks the call to God’s people then and today to honor God and love him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
This Week:
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Topic(s): Soul, Nephesh, Being, Living It Out Big Idea of the Message: If we are to live our lives as God intends, our lives must represent the call he has on us.
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Big Idea of the Series: This series looks at the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 and unpacks the call to God’s people then and today to honor God and love him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
This Week:
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Topic(s): Heart, Source, Life, Jesus, Commitment
Big Idea of the Message: If we are to live our lives as God intends, our hearts must be focused on the Lord, and Him alone.
Big Idea of the Series: This series looks at the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 and unpacks the call to God’s people then and today to honor God and love him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
This Week:
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Topic(s): Unity, Uniqueness of God
Big Idea of the Message: If we are to live our lives as God intends, then we must begin by living under God’s authority through honoring his unique status.
Big Idea of the Series: This series looks at the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 and unpacks the call to God’s people then and today to honor God and love him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
This Week:
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:34–40
Topic(s): Listening, Responding, Loving God
Big Idea of the Message: If we are to live our lives as God intends, then we must begin by living under God’s authority through honoring his unique status.
Gretna Member and Guest Speaker Gregory Cloninger brings us a message of hope, mercy, and grace.
This is an episode you DON'T want to miss!
Mark & Kathy Fulton update us on their work, the trials Haiti is facing, and the presence of God among all of it.
Big Idea of the Series: Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is perhaps one of the most important letters for the church. This five-week series will look at its importance and theological relevance for our faith and life today. Specifically, we will look at the sweeping vision of grace that Paul lays out in this letter.
Text: Galatians 5:26-6:5
Topics: Ego, Obstacles, Unity, Grace
Big Idea of the Message: Whether we realize it or not, sometimes our ego keeps the Kingdom of God from flourishing
Big Idea of the Series: Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is perhaps one of the most important letters for the church. This five-week series will look at its importance and theological relevance for our faith and life today. Specifically, we will look at the sweeping vision of grace that Paul lays out in this letter.
Text: Galatians 4:1–7
Topics: Adoption, Grace, Belonging
Big Idea of the Message: God has brought us into his household.
Application Point: You are a son or daughter of God, and everything is okay between you two! Are you living your daily life like that is true?
Big Idea of the Series: Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is perhaps one of the most important letters for the church. This five-week series will look at its importance and theological relevance for our faith and life today. Specifically, we will look at the sweeping vision of grace that Paul lays out in this letter.
Text: Galatians 2:15–21 Topics: Faith Alone, Justification Big Idea of the Message: We are justified by faith in Christ and nothing else. Application Point: Are the challenges and decisions in your daily life clarified and guided by the faith you have in Christ, or do you act as though you can somehow earn his favor by doing "all the right things"?
If you have ever thought reading scripture isn't for you, Nita might change your mind! God reveals himself to us in His word, and tells us more about ourselves than we could possibly imagine.
Guest Speaker - Nita Wikinson
Text: Philippians 3:3-11
This week, author & speaker Nita Wikinson challenges our tendency to seek comfort even when God is calling us to be bold & even AUDACIOUS in living out our faith in Jesus Christ.
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Big Idea of the Series: Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is perhaps one of the most important letters for the church. This five-week series will look at its importance and theological relevance for our faith and life today. Specifically, we will look at the sweeping vision of grace that Paul lays out in this letter.
Text: Galatians 1:1–10
Topics: The Gospel, Leadership
Big Idea of the Message: The message of the gospel is of the utmost importance.
Application Point: Paul’s passion reveals that the gospel is what he cares about most. If someone were to gauge what you care about most based on how much passion you have for it, what would they come up with?
Big Idea of the Series: The Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. The Psalms are especially full of passages that point the reader to Jesus and show up time and time again in the New Testament. These prophetic words of the Psalms speak to many aspects of Jesus’s life, including his death and final exaltation.
Text: Psalm 22:1–31
Topic(s): Jesus’s Suffering and Glory, Atonement
Big Idea of the Message: Psalm 22 shows us the suffering and glory of Jesus as the Messiah.
Application Point: Take time to mediate on Psalm 22 this week, and journal about the atonement and what it means for your life.
Big Idea of the Series: The Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. The Psalms are especially full of passages that point the reader to Jesus and show up time and time again in the New Testament. These prophetic words of the Psalms speak to many aspects of Jesus’s life, including his death and final exaltation.
This Week:
Text: Psalm 98:1–9 Topic(s): New Song, Christ’s First and Second Comings Big Idea of the Message: Psalm 98 celebrates Jesus’s first coming and anticipates a day when we will celebrate his second coming.
Big Idea of the Series: The Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. The Psalms are especially full of passages that point the reader to Jesus and show up time and time again in the New Testament. These prophetic words of the Psalms speak to many aspects of Jesus’s life, including his death and final exaltation.
Text: Psalm 23:1–6; John 10:1–18
Topic(s): Jesus the Good Shepherd
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are his sheep.
Big Idea of the Series: The Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. The Psalms are especially full of passages that point the reader to Jesus and show up time and time again in the New Testament. These prophetic words of the Psalms speak to many aspects of Jesus’s life, including his death and final exaltation.
Text: Psalm 1:1-6
Topic(s): Jesus as the Source of Blessedness
Big Idea of the Message: Read through Psalm 1 again, thinking of it as a description of Jesus. Which of Jesus’s good habits described there can you let rub off on you this week?
Big Idea of the Series: The Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. The Psalms are especially full of passages that point the reader to Jesus and show up time and time again in the New Testament. These prophetic words of the Psalms speak to many aspects of Jesus’s life, including his death and final exaltation.
Text: Psalm 110:1–7
Topic(s): Jesus as King, Jesus as Priest, Jesus as Savior, Jesus as Everything
Big Idea of the Message: Identify the areas of your life that you consider “your own,” the areas that you like to have control over. In what ways can you surrender these areas of control to Christ the King?
Shannon is Director of the Logan County Faith Coalition, a long time officer with Bellefontaine Schools, a Counselor, author, and radio personality.
Guest speaker Gregory Cloninger shares his story of recovery and how the first three steps of recovery can help all of us.
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 13:1–8
Topic: Hospitality, Contentment
Big Idea of the Message: Discontentment with Jesus alone keeps us from demonstrating the love He calls us to.
more @ www.gretna.life
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Topic: Endurance, Salvation, Finishing the Race
Big Idea of the Message:
We must persevere in our faith, and our lives will reflect our salvation.
more @ www.gretna.life
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 11:1–40
Topic: Faith
Big Idea of the Message: Faith goes beyond mental assent; it is an active confidence in what God will do.
more @ www.gretna.life
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 5:11-6:12
Topic: Maturity, Spritual Infancy, Growing Faith
Big Idea of the Message: We must grow in our walk with Christ and lead others to grow as believers.
more @ www.gretna.life
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 4:14–16
Topic: High Priest, Mediator
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity.
more @ www.gretna.life
The Book of Hebrews: This six-week series charts a course through the book of Hebrews, describing the sufficiency of Christ as God’s revelation, high priest, sacrifice, and giver of faith. Rather than looking to other things, people, or feelings to bring us meaning and redemption, we must look to Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 1:1–14
Topic: Supremacy of Jesus, Divinity of Jesus, Revelation
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus is above all and is the full revelation of God.
more @ www.gretna.life
Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful. This Week:
Text: 2 Kings 22 & 23 Topic(s): Renewal, Revival, Trust, Obedience Big Idea of the Message: God’s calling in our lives will have impact on those around us and those yet to come. The most important lesson we can learn in life is to serve God with abandon so that he can be honored regardless of what the outcome may be.
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Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful. This Week:
Text: 2 Kings 18:1–12; 19:14–19
Topic(s): Faithfulness to God’s Calling, Dependence on God, Wisdom, Wealth, Possessions
Big Idea of the Message: Trust of and obedience to God are the keys to answering life’s greatest challenges.
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Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful.
Topic(s): Fear, Worship, Trust
Big Idea of the Message: The line between worshiping God and other gods can be easily crossed when we fail to commit fully to trusting him.
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Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful.
This Week: King Joash
Text: 2 Kings 11:21-12:5, 2 Chronicles 24:15-19
Topic(s): Maturity, Faithfulness, Accountability
Big Idea of the Message: God calls us to examine the things we consider important in our lives and take measures to correct wrong priorities.
Come join us for services every Sunday at 9:45 AM! http://www.gretna.life/live
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Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful.
This Week: King Jehu
Text: 2 Kings 9:1-13
Topic(s): Justice, Promises, Retribution
Big Idea of the Message: Jehu would become God’s tool for addressing the wickedness of King Ahab’s family. What does that mean for us?
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Faith During Faithlessness: This series will consider six people in the book of 2 Kings who chose to remain with God - or, in some cases, to turn away from Him - in a time when society around them was anything BUT faithful.
Text: 2 Kings 2:1–14
Topic(s): Transition, Loss, God’s Authority
Big Idea of the Message: When God calls us to his purposes he will empower us to fullfill them...but first we have to choose to embrace the mission.
The Book of Luke - This nine-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 24:13–35
Topics: Resurrection, Emmaus, Scripture
Big Idea of the Message: The resurrection of Jesus brings meaning to the meaningless.
Come join us for services every Sunday at 9:45 AM! http://www.gretna.life/live `Visit Our Website! www.gretnalife.com Follow Us On Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/gretnalife/ #GretnaLife #GretnaBrethrenChurch #GoodNews
The Book of Luke - This nine-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 23:32–43
Topics: Crucifixion, Grace, Faith
Big Idea of the Message: No matter what you have done, it is never too late to believe and be saved.
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The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 19:1–10
Topics: Theft, Reconciliation, Salvation
Big Idea of the Message: God came to seek and save the lost.
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The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 16:19–31
Topics: Values, Judgment, Kindgom
Big Idea of the Message: Who is really in charge of our lives on earth affects our life in the next world.
Come join us for services every Sunday at 9:45 AM! http://www.gretna.life/live `Visit Our Website! www.gretnalife.com Follow Us On Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/gretnalife/
Guest Speaker - Andy Keck, Director of Development, Riverside Christian Schools.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 17:11-19
Topics: Samaritan, Leper, Gratitude
Big Idea of the Message: We are called to see and love everyone.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 17:11-19
Topics: Samaritan, Leper, Gratitude
Big Idea of the Message: We are called to see and love everyone.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
Text: Luke 8:1–3; Luke 21:1-4
Topics: Women, Uplift, Valuable
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus doesn't get credit for something He absolutely should: lifting up woman as key characters in His story, even if society does not.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
This Week: Luke 18:1-8
Topics: Prayer, Trust, Perseverance
Big Idea of the Message: Jesus embodied a life of prayer.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
This Week: Luke 2:1–20
Topics: Nativity, Incarnation, Christmas
Big Idea of the Message: The nativity story shows us that in Jesus we should expect the unexpected.
The Book of Luke - This ten-week series examines a number of unique passages in the book Luke, helping us to better understand Jesus’ work and ministry.
- We’ll learn how the Nativity teaches us to expect the unexpected with God.
- We’ll see the centrality of prayer in the life and ministry of Jesus,
- The special place for women among his followers, and the way Jesus saw and loved those society ignored or despised.
- We’ll discover the lessons found in the stories Jesus told: the prodigal son and the rich man and Lazarus.
- We’ll discover the centrality and redeeming power of the grace of God
- Finally, we will end with the glorious promise found in Jesus’s resurrection.
This Week: Luke 1:1-4
Part of our ongoing series 'This Is My Story', a friend of Gretna's shares of God's work in his life. We hope it will encourage and inspire. Come join us for services every Sunday at 9:45 AM! http://www.gretna.life/live `Visit Our Website! www.gretnalife.com
Week 6 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Nehemiah 13
Week 5 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Ezra 7-8; Nehemiah 5
Week 4 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Ezra 4, Nehemiah 4,6
Week 3 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Ezra 3, Nehemiah 9
Week 2 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Ezra 2, Nehemiah 3
Week 1 of 6
This six-week series looks at the complementary historical books Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes called “the new exodus,” the return of the Jews from exile to the promised land offers us many relevant lessons today about the nature of God and the gospel.
This Week: Ezra 1, Nehemiah 1&2
God has given his people the joyful task of actively remembering what he has done for and through us—a chance to celebrate, give thanks, and teach our children. We have been changed in the past year by God’s grace, in both challenging and joyful ways; remembering these things will empower us to move into the future.
Week 4 of 4
Are you looking for an opportunity to start over? The arrival of Jesus signals God's desire for us to do so with Him. All we have to do is answer the door when Jesus knocks.
Week 3 of 4
Jesus has many titles. One is "Prince of Peace." What does that mean and how do we find that peace in such a chaotic world?
Week 2 of 4 of our 2021 Advent Series.
What's the difference between 'joy' and 'great joy'? Hint: It involves Jesus. J
Text: Luke 2:1-20
This four-week Advent series celebrates the ways in which faith in Jesus Christ allows us to see and experience the world in wonderful and unique ways.
With texts from the New and Old Testaments, we’ll recognize that the gifts of faith, joy, peace, and renewal—came to us through the birth of our Savior.
This Week: Whenever we’re faced with an uncertain future, we can fully expect that Jesus will fulfill his promise of salvation and care.
Week 3 of 3 This series explores what happens when we make our tables - the places we gather together - God's Table. This week: restoration. Text: John 21 Come join us for services every Sunday at 9:45 AM! http://www.gretna.life/live
Week 2 of 3, Pastor Rob reminds us that God built His Table to be shared and to grow. As we move into this Holiday season, how can we share our tables with those God wants us to reach?
The first of a 4 part series encouraging us to invite God to the table when we gather with others - especially during this holiday season.
This week: God's Provision
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
The 4th and final part of the series.
After reigning for several millennia, death will ultimately and finally be defeated and will be no more!
Rev 21:1-8
This is the third in a four-part series on the realities and lies of death. This week: Death reigned from Adam onward; however, Christ came and conquered its dominion.
Primary Text: Hebrews 2:14-18 (CSB)
Death’s sting—sin—initiated through disobedience in the garden, continues to impact God’s creation today. God, though, didn't leave us hanging. Just as all die in Adam, all can be made alive in Christ—both now and in the future.
Big Idea of the Series: This series follows “death” from Genesis to Revelation, recounting its beginning, its sting, its reign, and its multiple losses until its final defeat through the work of Christ on the cross. One day, the last enemy, which is death, will be destroyed and its sting neutralized removed forever!
This Week: Death enters God’s creation through Adam’s disobedience, and willful disobedience continues to bring death to unbelievers today.
This week, we take a look at Matthew 5:13-16, and Jesus's call for his disciples to be salt and light. It might mean more than you think.
As challenging as life can be, it's easy to fall into 'survival mode' with our faith; but it is a thriving faith that will not only carry us through, but lift us higher than we could ever get on our own.
The final part of our 3 week series on embracing a new life in Christ, by removing our biggest obstacle: sin. This week: Living a righteous life is easier said than done, but God gives us steps to take that will help us walk in victory.
There is an ongoing battle inside of us between good and evil. Who wins depends on which side is strongest.
Game Over - Week 1
This three-week series explores the Bible’s command to die to ourselves. How does grace figure into this process of sacrifice and selflessness? How do we respond in the midst of temptation? It is only when we hit “Game Over” to our old life and embrace God’s grace that we enter into the new life secured by Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Ryan Smith is Director of Ministry Development for the Brethren Church. Listen in as he tells the story of God's presence in his life of transition and change over 20 years.
Guest speaker Mark Burd of reviveOhio shares how he was called to make sharing the gospel one of the highest priorities in his faith...and why it should be at the top of the list for every follower of Jesus Christ.
In our relationship with God exerting our own will actually makes us our own greatest enemy. Are we willing to let God's will reign over ours by saing all things: Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will."?
Scott Soden, Director of Global Partnerships for the Brethren Church, shares some of the work God is doing through His people around the world.
Paul & Michaela are the planters of Christ Core - a ministry dedicated to reaching the metal music community in Columbus, OH and beyond.
Emily Berry is the Executive Director of New Path Pregnancy Resource Center. Her personal story and the work of New Path are tesitmonies to the ongoing work of God.
Faith is a member of Gretna's Youth Group. Her understanding of her journey with Jesus is worth a listen. We hope it will encourage you to move forward in your journey with Christ.
The Bible speaks about how Jesus makes us new when we accept salvation. Rob takes us through the life of Peter as he becomes that new man in Christ.
Peter had highs and lows—sometimes all at once! One of those times, he confesses Jesus as the Christ and then is rebuked by Jesus because of his lack of understanding.
Peter was an unlikely person to follow Jesus. He was rough, passionate, and ill-tempered; however, God chose him to be a leader in the church.
Through the resurrection of Christ, we have a living hope, that sustains and strengthens the believer in all circumstances.
When we repent of our sin, God does not delay providing us with the mercy and forgiveness we so desperately need.
During this season of preparation for Easter, we need to take seriously how seriously God takes sin
In the face of our sin and problems of life, we are helpless. But God pays attention to his creation, hears our cries, and has promised through Christ to deliver us.
Lent is a good time to reflect on the fact that this world, in its current state, is not our home.
Every day, in some way, we fail to keep God’s law. That isn’t because God didn’t make us correctly but rather because we are part of a fallen world.
There is no doubt that Christ left this earth with one main message: tell and teach others.
The church in Acts had to completely revolutionize their way of thinking and widen the scope to allow “all” in their gospel message.
Being neighborly means reaching beyond ourselves and into the lives of those who need help.
From the creation of humankind, God established a precedent for the dignity and value of all people: it is found in humanity’s unique connection to God.
While some Christians are content with pretending to have religion, those who seek after Christ will naturally have the purest religion there is.
Seeking the kingdom of Christ and his righteousness means seeking true righteousness and making Christ the King of our lives.
The best part about waiting is when the waiting is over and the big event has arrived. That’s when you celebrate!
Spiritual disciplines help us spend some time in self-reflection so that we can confess sin and repent.
The “begats” of Matthew can be laborious to read, but it is through this repetition, ordinariness, and human brokenness that God has chosen to enter into the world through Jesus.
Tracy Shares Her Testimony of Faith and how she has been guided by God through her life.
The grace of God brings salvation to everyone and gives us the ability to grow in faith and holiness.
Text: Luke 19:1-10
What is my purpose in life? We ask it...and this series explores how God answers.
This week: Purpose in Urgency
Text: Ecc 12:9-14
What is my purpose in life? We ask it...and this series explores how God answers.
This Week: Purpose in Honoring God
Text: Ecc 3-5
Purpose begins with truly trusting God's wisdom over our own.
This Week: Purpose In Trust
Text: Ecc 2
Is it ALL futile? Are we just spinning our wheels, a waste of our time here on earth? Rob explains how everything comes together when God gets involved.
Text: Ecc 1:1-11
This one-off sermon will focus on Romans 14 & 15, as Paul challenges the people of God to live in such a way that others are built up.
God has sent Jesus as his messenger to reveal God’s great salvation for his people once and for all.
God desires for his people to express their adoration and devotion to him in the appropriate and fitting ways that he has prescribed.
This four-week series teaches us to love the things that God loves. Through the words of the prophet Malachi, we learn God’s love for his people, his name, his covenant, and his messenger. These same passions are to be present in the lives of his people today.
Each of us has a story, woven into the fabric of God's grander story. This week, we hope you will be blessed as one of our members shares hers.
In the fourth and final week of our series, How to Study the Bible, Rob touches on the importance of prayer in our daily walk with Jesus in regard to how we understand the Bible.
Welcome to the 3rd in our 4 part series. This week, we talk about bridging the gap between God's eternal truth, and applying it to our present lives.
The second in our series: Things to consider when studying the Bible if we want to properly OBSERVE what it is teaching.
This is the first in a four week series intended to give us the tools & perspective to study God's word.
This week, Pastor Rob walks through Psalm 73 and the stark difference in the call God has on our lives from where we might go on our own.
Though there are many Godly reasons why he might seem silent, there are also human reasons: like our own unresolved sins.
There is something powerful about having a God that understands what feeling abandoned is like...and that desires his people not feel that way.
When it seems that the Lord is silent, remembering his past faithfulness reminds us of his ongoing care for us.
This Sunday, Gregory shares his story of where God has led him and blessed him in his life, and where we can learn to do the same.
Rob talks about God's relationship with us being less like a transaction, and instead being a real relationship with give and take like most relationships.
Pastor Rob talks about the Bible's teachings on judgement, and why we often have an incorrect perception of what that even is.
Today Pastor Rob talks about what the bible says about finance and what we get wrong when it comes to it.
This week, we dive in to what the Word has to say about God's presence in the form of the Holy Spirit, and why it's so important that we make sure that what we read is taken into context, as we begin our new series, The Bible Doesn't Say That.
Every year, we celebrate the fulfillment of Scripture in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebrate with us as Rob gives a sermon to bolster the spirit of the believer as we celebrate Easter Sunday!
Rob talks about the day where Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, knowing He must be crucified for the world's sins.
In this time of uncertainty, the reaction to be fearful is hard to fight. But the Bible speaks a lot about the nature of God's peace in the midst of turmoil. Today Rob helps us find the passages in scripture which highlight those important messages about peace.
As we continue to connect with one another through these difficult times, Pastor Rob brings us a message of hope despite the virus and everything happening around us: we are the church, and this is what it looks like.
In times of trouble, Jesus calls us to be the salt and light that encourages the world despite the fear. Today Pastor Rob gives us some examples of how to do that through scripture.
Rob talks about how we often fall short in our pursuit of God's holiness because we prefer to be comfortable.
What if we just committed to serving God's kingdom without reservation? How uncomfortable would that be for us? In today's service pastor Rob talks about how we often confuse God's comfort with our being comfortable in our daily lives
Pastor Lynn talks about the importance of making our words and thoughts things that please God.
Culture is an inescapable part of life. We live in a world of cultural influence, but what happens when the culture starts to influence our attitude towards God? Pastor Rob explores the impact that culture makes on the church and how we can combat culture to further the kingdom of God.
The first of three in the series, Nita Wilkinson takes on one of the biggest obstacles in walking with God - Fear.