[Sunday] To Thine Own Self Be True - Say What
This famous Shakespeare quote has gotten a modern, extremely selfish, makeover. Lets talk about Christ’s salvation for the world and the expectation to follow likewise.
No Questions this week.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] God Works In Mysterious Ways - Say What
This famous Christian phrase has its origins in a little-known song writer who was always dealing with depression and mantel illness. When our lives are not going the way that we would like we are able to say phrases like this as an expression of deep hope.
Describe the mysterious ways you have seen God work?
Read Mark 10: 17-27. Looking at the context, why does Jesus say “with God all things are possible?”
How might we misuse the saying “God works in mysterious ways?” According to the Bible, what ways does God work that are mysterious?
Read Isaiah 55:6-10. When you fail or feel down, what mysterious way of God can you cling onto to have hope?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Devil Made Me Do It - Say What
Are we the Baddies? Oh the problem of blaming the devil or anything else for our troubles. It takes the very essence away from the Christian.
Questions for the Week
When are times you would be tempted to say “the devil made me do it” and try to shift blame for some of our problems we find ourselves in?Read Luke 4:1-12. We see that Jesus is tempted in every way we are. What are the temptations Jesus faced and how do you face similar temptations?
Read James 1:12-18. What does this teach us about temptation? What ultimately lures us away into temptation?
Read 1 John 1:8-9. Knowing what Jesus has done for you, how should you respond when you find yourself realizing that you are a “baddie?”
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Going - Red Letter Challenge
The biggest impact you can make for God’s Kingdom is by partnering with Jesus and sharing your story.
Action Item:
Financial stress is just an everyday norm. Our view of money has become a burden in our lives. But Jesus says his yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Giving - Red Letter Challenge
Financial stress is just an everyday norm. Our view of money has become a burden in our lives. But Jesus says his yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Action Item:
Financial stress is just an everyday norm. Our view of money has become a burden in our lives. But Jesus says his yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Serving- Red Letter Challenge
The more we do to serve in Jesus’ name, the more we will find the abundant life which we were made to abide.
Action Item:
The more we do to serve in Jesus’ name, the more we will find the abundant life which we were made to abide.
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday]Forgiving- Red Letter Challenge
If God is known for grace, shouldn’t the church be known for grace? Then why are followers of Jesus known for the exact opposite?
Action Item:
If God is known for grace, shouldn’t the church be known for grace? Then why are followers of Jesus known for the exact opposite?
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday]Being - Red Letter Challenge
Many of us Don’t know how to just be. We know how to do and we struggle with the being. Before we do what Christ asks us to do. we need to be with him.
Action Item:
Whatever God starts He finishes. You may start some things and not finish. But what God starts He finishes!
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday]Beginning Together - Red Letter Challenge
I can think of no greater cause than the cause of living for Jesus. After all that He’s done for you, for me, after the sins that He’s overcome in our life, there is nothing that I would rather do than follow after Jesus and help others find life in Him.
Action Item:
Invite Jesus and others into your Red Letter Challenge experience. To put Christ's words into practice, you need the strength from Jesus and the support from others.
Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups
Find some folk to go through this challenge together.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Peter - Ordinary Sinners
We see the story of Peter and experience the smell of charcoal on a beach while Jesus is cooking fish. We see that Jesus restores us where we have failed, and from there, He sends us out to where He is already working.
Action Item:
This week look for the way God is working through your weakness to bring goodness to the creation.
Questions for the Week
Senses can bring back memories. Describe a time when smells or other senses brought back vivid memories in your life.
Read John 21:9-14. What do you think this scene smelled like? What memories might this bring back for Peter (See John 18:17-18)?
Read John 21:15-19. What does Jesus do for Peter? What does Jesus do for other ordinary sinners today?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Paul- Ordinary Sinners
Saul sees his job as one of purity. He is trying to hunt down this new strand of idolatry, those followers of Jesus (this so called “The Way”) and imprison them. His job is done so well that those in “The Way” have left Jerusalem and have begun spreading to the ends of the earth. His job is not done yet; he chases them to Damascus to imprison them. However, as he is pursuing purity, he discovers that their spreading has already happened.
Action Item:
This week look for places where some have made mistakes that affected you and forgive them.
Questions for the Week
What are you zealous for in your life?
Read Acts 8:1-3. What is Paul zealous for?
How can being zealous make you miss Jesus?
Read Acts 9:1-9. What do you think Paul realizes when he sees Jesus?
How does Jesus’ zeal for you change how you relate to others?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Nehemiah - Ordinary Sinners
Nehemiah feels a burden, a burden to rebuild his city, God’s city. He cries out to God and goes down to Jerusalem and begins an incredible adventure of wall building and shaping people into Godly servants. But this book asks a difficult question, “What if Nehemiah’s plans don’t work out the way he hopes?”
Action Item:
This week look for places where some have made mistakes that affected you and forgive them.
Questions for the Week
Describe a time when you expected something to be perfect but it ended up being a failure.
Read Nehemiah 13:23-31. Even though Nehemiah has brought great reform, what do the people go back to in their behavior?
Why do you think Nehemiah responds with such anger?
How can the last verse where Nehemiah says, “Remember me, O my God, for good,” be a good prayer for us and help us see Jesus better?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] David - Ordinary Sinners
The level of messeanic expectation runs thick through the story of David, which can drive us to believe David was more holy than he actually was. However, when we look beyond the story of his infidelity we see someone who fell and was just an ordinary sinner who leads us to the messiah.
Action Item:
This week look for places where some have made mistakes that affected you and forgive them.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Saul - Ordinary Sinners
He started out with such promise. Tall and handsome, the new king would be a servant of God and the people. But this cautionary tale would not end well as we see him fall into the tradition of his people and do what is right in his own eyes.
Action Item:
This week look for places where some have made mistakes that affected you and forgive them.
Questions for the Week
Share about a time when you or your neighbor thought you were right in a decision but actually were in the wrong. What effect did this have on those around you?
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-9. How did King Saul, not do what God had commanded?
Read 1 Samuel 15: 10-15. How does King Saul react, when God’s prophet Samuel, calls out what King Saul did wrong?
Read 1 Samuel 15:20-23. What does God require? What are some ways you can better obey the voice of God?
How has Jesus obeyed the voice of His Father for you? What hope does this give you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Samson - Ordinary Sinners
Samson is the famous story of God’s gladiator who constantly shows his incredible acts of strength and will to the glory of God. Or is all this done for Samson’s own glory?
Action Item:
Find a way to serve someone in humility this week.
Questions for the Week
Retell what you know about the story of Samson.
Read Judges 16:1-22. Describe Samson’s selfishness. Where was he doing right in his own eyes?
Read Judges 16:23-31. Where do you see Samson still showing selfishness? How do you see the power of God despite Samon’s selfishness?
Compare and contrast Samson to what you know about Jesus.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Rahab- Ordinary Sinners
When God asked Joshua and his people to take the city of Jericho, he did not ask them to be like the incredible gladiators from the past. No, he asked them to be like Rahab the prostitute.
Action Item:
This week, think about a time when there should have been curses but you saw blessings instead.
Questions for the Week
Read Joshua chapter 2. What stands out to you about the story of Rahab?
Read Joshua chapter 6. notice how the battle of Jericho is not really about fighting but trusting in God. How is this similar to Rahab?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Moses - Ordinary Sinners
Let my people go! So many other acts of righteousness by Moses, so he was something special, right? But why is he not allowed in the promised land after hitting a rock?
Action Item:
This week, think about a time when there should have been curses but you saw blessings instead.
Questions for the Week
Retell the story about Moes in your own words.
Read Numbers 20:1-13. What instructions does God give to Moses? What does Moses do that is wrong?
Moses is an ordinary sinner, just like us. As you think about the Biblical narrative, where do you find hope?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Noah - Ordinary Sinners
Have you ever wondered how great the world would be if all those “badies” would just go away? Well, it already happened once, and God chose the only one righteous to continue the line. But what happens when that does not work?
Questions for the Week
What do you remember about the narrative about Noah in the Bible?
Read Genesis 9:9:8-17. What promise does God make to Noah?
Read Genesis 9:18-29 This is a strange section. What does Noah’s response in vv. 18-24 show us about Noah? Is Noah without sin?
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22. What aspects of the narrative about Noah does Peter highlight? In your baptism, how has the story of Noah played out in your life?
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Adam & Eve - Ordinary Sinners
Why in the world did Adam and Eve mess everything up for us? The Garden of Eden seemed so nice, and we would be there right now if it were not for them. Or would we?
Questions for the Week
Retell the story of Adam and Eve from how you remember it.
Read Genesis 2:4 - 3:21. After re-reading about Adam and Eve, what is different from what you remember?
Remembering that “man” means Adam in Hebrew, What other similarities do you have to Adam and Eve?
Where do you see the promise and graciousness of God in how He works with Adam and Eve? How does this point to Jesus?
Action Item: Rather than blaming someone else, go outside in God’s creation and say a prayer of confession to God. Trust that, through Jesus, He has crushed that evil, forgiven you, and given you new life.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
[Sunday] Itching Ears - Entrusted
With so many folks all around listening and believing so many toxic ideas and untruths, it can seem like the world is just heading to the bad place. But, what if it is me that stretches my itching ears?
Questions for the Week
Who are your itching ears listening to that could lead you away from following Jesus?
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8. What attributes does Paul encourage Timothy to have as he “preaches the word?” What does it look like for you to share your faith with “patience and teaching?”
How does knowing that “the crown of righteousness” in Jesus is laid up for you help you have perseverance in the faith?
Action Item: When you are tempted to get frustrated with someone who believes differently than you, stop and listen. Be patient with them. Remember that Jesus has already won.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.
The Magi following the light of a star mirrors how God has always worked, giving a light to follow through the wilderness, away from the darkness that holds us down.
Christmas expectations are often Joshed. Yet the name Emmanuel breaks all expectations as Jesus comes to be with us.
Listen to the bells being rung, God’s promise of peace, hope, and salvation breaking into the world, even in the midst of suffering.