The Bible was written as a communal book. From Deuteronomy’s “Hear, O Israel…”, to Revelation’s messages to the churches, we are reminded that the Bible was originally read and heard in the setting of God’s gathered people. This summer at Grace Community Church we have the opportunity...
This Sunday at Grace Community Church, the sermon text will be Acts 15, one of the momentous chapters of the Bible. It is here that we find the apostles and early leaders of the church thinking clearly, disputing passionately, and advocating forcefully to keep the...
Last week, I wrote about the many dangers, toils, and snares that we face on our journey toward heaven (you can read it here). This week, I remind us of the great promise that God, by grace, will get us all the way home. Here...
You may recognize the title of this Words of Grace as the opening line in one of the stanzas of the great hymn, Amazing Grace. Here is the whole stanza. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And...
I’ve heard it and I’ve said it more times than I can count… “I wish I had joy in my life.” That desire for joy is a good thing that goes bad when it is pursued in the wrong way and in weak things. Problems abound...
When the first-century Jews and devout converts to Judaism heard the gospel of Jesus the Savior in the synagogue on a Sabbath day, they wanted more. They followed the preachers Paul and Barnabas because their hearts were warmed by their message, and they took the...
The sermon passage in Acts last Sunday gave us a glimpse into the praying and fasting practices of the church in Antioch (Acts 13). This Sunday we will see the work of missionaries who were sent from that church to proclaim the gospel. It is...
Most Christians in our culture observe Good Friday and Easter. It’s what their church does each year to remember the death of Jesus on the cross and to celebrate his resurrection from the dead. Many Christians observe other holy days throughout the year that are...
It’s been a while since I have written a Your Weekend Prayer version of Words of Grace. I decided to do so today because I have found myself praying this week while working on the sermon for Sunday. So why not ask you to join...
“What God has made clean, no longer call unclean.” Acts 10:15 Sometimes the gospel is presented as God helping us overcome a negative view of ourselves. But the good news is really that God cleanses us from the defilement of our sin and makes us something new...
