Grace Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Grace Church
Weekly sermon content from Grace Church in Erie, Pennsylvania. For more information about Grace, visit https://whoisgrace.com.
Matthew 7:24-27; James 1:22-25
Big Idea – Discipleship calls you beyond hearing God’s word to actually doing it.
5 Ways You are Discipled in Life Group
- A Life Group helps you FOLLOW the SCRIPTURES
Find group curriculum at www.whoisgrace.com/read
-
A Life Group helps you FUEL your SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.
-
A Life Group helps you DEVELOP your SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
-
A Life Group helps you ENDURE your TRIALS.
-
A Life Group helps you FULFILL your MISSION.
NEXT STEPS:
Get in a Life Group
Lead a Life Group
Find more information at www.whoisgrace.com/lifegroups
August 20,2023 | Pastor Derek | Hebrews 10:24-25
Loneliness = the painful state that arises when we don’t have the intimate, connected relationships and support systems we need to thrive.
Big idea: Christianity is not just what you believe, but where you belong.
The first step in belonging is making your group gatherings a priority (10:25)
"Level up" in your Gathering
- Make Sundays a priority.
- Make quarterly worship nights a priority.
- Make Life Group a priority.
- Make coffee with an older/younger Christian a priority.
3 Reasons to Connect to a Group
- When you’re connected you are known.
- When you’re connected, you are supported.
- When you’re connected, you’re challenged.
Next Steps
- Join a Life Group
- Lead a Life Group
- Visit www.whoisgrace.com/lifegroups for more information
For all resources connected to this series visit www.whoisgrace.com/read
August 13, 2023 | Pastor Derek | Acts 2:42-47
Devoted = “gave themselves to”
Big Idea – We must be devoted to circles, not just rows.
Why Life Groups at Grace.
- Jesus used a group strategy.
- The early church was made up of groups.
- Throughout history the church has grown and spread through groups.
Four habits of people devoted to a community of faith.
- Devote yourself to the teaching of the Scriptures (:42)
- Devote yourself to sharing life with other Christians (:42, 44-46)
- Devote yourself to pursuing God’s presence (:42-43)
- Devote yourself to prayer (:42)
The result = God grows His church (:47).
Next Steps
- Join a Life Group
- Lead a Life Group
Visit www.whoisgrace.com/lifegroups for more information on both.
For our daily reading plan and group discussion guide visit www.whoisgrace.com/read
Jesus’ revolutionary perspective on family:
- Matthew 12:46-50
Big Idea – Jesus prioritized the spiritual family over the biological family.
- Mark 10:28-30
- John 19:26-27
Three distinguishing markers of Jesus’ new family
-
We are unified by our discipleship not our bloodline (Jn 13:34-35)
-
We are fueled by our selflessness not our individual success (Mt 23:11-12)
Letter to Diognetus
4 lifestyle choices people marveled at
- the complete absence of racism.
- a high view of life.
- a countercultural view of sex.
-
eye-popping generosity.
-
We are known for our diversity and not our commonalities (Acts 11:26)
Next Steps.
- Come back for the whole series.
- Join a Life Group
- Lead a Life Group
Find all life group resources at www.whoisgrace.com/lifegroups
Find all our series resources and YouVersion plan at www.whoisgrace.com/read
Big Idea: Marriage is God’s picture of Jesus to the world.
Family = a multi-generational team on mission.
6 Basic Truths about the Miracle of Marriage.
- The power of marriage: Spirit enabled selflessness (:21).
- The priority of marriage: Your #1 human relationship (:31)
- The definition of marriage: Covenant (:31).
Covenant = a deep, exclusive, permanent, legal and personal, binding commitment.
- The purpose of marriage: Oneness (:31b)
Categories of conflict
- Annoyances
- Preferences
- Unintended Hurt Feelings
- Sin
- Unexpressed conflict
Marriage mentors: email marriage@whoisgrace.com
-
The structure of marriage: Complementary roles (:22-30)
-
The mystery of marriage: a picture of Jesus and his church (:24-27)
Next Step: Reflect on your family and ask:
- Are we exposed to mutli-generational influences?
- Are we functioning as a team?
- Do we have clarity around our mission?
July 23, 2023 | Derek | 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
- Proverbs 22:6
- Deuteronomy 6:5-9
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Big Idea: God has called us to leave a legacy of faith with the next generation.
3 ways to train the next generation with a legacy of faith.
Training method 1: Exhibit Affectionate Care (:7-8)
Training Method 2: Set a personal faith example (:9-10)
Training Method 3: Commit to developing them (:11-12)
Next Step:
Think of one person in your life who you have some spiritual responsibility for. Ask, what does that person need most from me right now?
- Affectionate care (do they need to feel your love and grace and tenderness?)
- Personal Example (do you need to give them more access to your life?)
- Development (do you need to challenge them or urge them toward something greate?)
Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/read
July 16, 2023 | Derek | 1 Corinthians 7
Family = a multi-generational team on mission.
Big Idea: Singleness is a gift from God – use it well.
3 Spiritual Pitfalls of Singleness
- Sexual Temptation.
- Loneliness.
- Selfishness.
Why would God give you a desire that he doesn’t meet immediately?
- To learn self-control.
- To learn the sufficiency of God’s grace.
2 Spiritual Benefits of Singleness
- Freedom from the obligation of family. (7:26-28; 32-34)
- Freedom to serve God with undivided devotion. (7:32-35).
A quick word to the church
- Beware of Family-olatry
- Receive more singles into your family
For more series resource visit www.whoisgrace.com/read
Big Idea: One of God’s main solutions for a lost and broken world… is family.
Family = a multi-generational team on mission.
3 Crucial Questions to Ask about the Basics of Family
- Is your family exposed to multi-generational influence?
- Is your family functioning as a Team?
- Does your family have clarity around your Mission?
Next Steps:
- Commit to the series
- Reflect on your family and ask:
- Are we exposed to multigenerational influences?
- Are we functioning as a team?
- Do we have clarity around our mission?
For more resources, visit www.whoisgrace.com/read
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Big Idea: Your belief changes the way you live.
“We must not merely cite the creed but believe and experience the presence of God in the person of the Spirit.” (Gordon Fee)
From the Holy Spirit come new life:
- The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints = You have a NEW FAMILY. (Ephesians 4:1-6)
- True community (John 13:34-35; Hebrews 10:23-25; Ephesians 4:32)
- Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12)
- Unity (John 17:20-23)
- The forgiveness of sins = You have a NEW RELATIONSHIP. (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 8:1-2; 1 John 1:9)
- The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting = You have a NEW REALITY (John 14:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:35-57; Ephesians 1:13-14)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (1 Corinthians 13:14)
Next Steps: register for baptism July 31
Big Idea: What you believe about Jesus is crucial.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. (John 5:18; Col 2:9)
- He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. (Luke 1:26-38)
- He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. (Matt 16:21)
- He descended to hell. (Is 53:4-6; Matt 27:46; Rom 3:23; 6:23)
- On the third day He rose again. (1 Cor 15: 14; 17; 20; 55-57; Rev 1:17-18)
- He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. (Acts 1:6-11; Rom 8:34)
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead. (Matt 25:31-33; 46; Rev 21:1-4)
Next Steps:
- Pick one of the 7 statements that you don’t fully understand, or that comes with a little more difficulty, and meditate on it. Then ask:
- What does this truth change about the way I think?
- What does this truth change about the way I act or feel about myself?
- What does this truth change about the way I act or feel about others?
- If you’re struggling with knowledge vs relationship, find someone who clearly has that relationship and talk to them about it.
WE BELIEVE: God the Father
June 11, 2023 | Pastor Sarah | John 8:31-32
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
When we know the Apostles’ Creed:
- We know what we believe.
- We share what we believe.
What do we believe?
- I believe in God = You can know God. (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20)
- the Father Almighty = You belong to a family (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; Job 42:2)
- creator of heaven and earth = You are part of a story (Hebrews 11:3; Romans 1:19-25)
Big Idea: You will live what you believe.
Next Steps:
- Commit to this short series
- Visit Whoisgrace.com/READ
Upside Down Kingdom
November 27, 2022 | Pastor Derek | John 18:36
Big Idea: Jesus’ kingdom upends our definitions of power and success.
About the Kingdom of God.
kingdom = the rule and reign of God over all the earth for all time
- It is both ‘here’ and ‘near’
- It is misunderstood.
3 Upside Down Kingdom Principles
- Winning comes through Dying (Col 2:13-15; Lk 9:23-25)
- Power should be used under not over. (Mt 20:25-28)
- The least in this world can have the greatest satisfaction (Mt 5:3-12)
You are an Agent of Christ’s Upside-Down Kingdom.
We live in a kingdom tension.
- Contented and discontented
- Being and becoming
Reflection:
What would it look like for you to embody the upside-down kingdom of Jesus in your real world this week?
DECONSTRUCTING JESUS: The Messiah
November 20, 2022 | Pastor Derek | Matthew 16:13-19; Genesis 3:15
Big Idea: Jesus is the victorious Messiah, and his ultimate victory is still to come!
Whispers of the Coming Messiah
- Genesis 3:15 - protoevangelium = first gospel
- 2 Sam 7:13 – Line of David
- Isaiah 53:3 – Suffering servant
The Fulfillment of Messiah in Jesus.
- Jesus was Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4-5)
- Jesus declared the kingdom (Mark 1:14, Isaiah 61, Luke 4:18-19)
- Jesus Owned his Role as Messiah
- Jesus’ Baptism as an Ordination Ceremony (John 1:29; Mark 1:10)
- Jesus low-key picked fights with earthly kings (Luke 7:24; 14:31; 13:32-34)
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the King (Zechariah 9:9)
- Jesus received people’s worship (Luke 19:39-40)
- Jesus declared he was Messiah from the cross. (Mark 15:34)
Reflection:
What would you need to change if you embraced the fact that Jesus is the true king of your life?
Big Idea: Every miracle is a sign pointing to Jesus.
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
4 Types of Miracles:
1. Healing (17)
2. Resuscitation (3)
3. Exorcism (6)
4. Nature (9)
Miracles reveal the identity and mission of Jesus:
1. Jesus is God
2. Jesus is Compassionate
3. Jesus is Messiah
4. Jesus is King
4 Reactions to Jesus:
1. Wonder & Amazement (Matthew 9:33; Luke 9:43)
2. Faith & Gratitude (Luke 19:37; Luke 17:15-16)
3. Fear & Terror (Mark 4:41; Matthew 8:34)
4. Opposition & Hatred (Matthew 12:24; John 12:10-11; John 12:37)
Next Steps:
- Do you believe Him or do you reject Him?
- If you believe, tell the story of the Miracle Worker and worship Him!