In our trials we must remember that though God will do it, we must go through it. This is the messages of the first chapter of the book of James. James is writing to Christians who are experiencing all kinds of challenges, some related to being...
I often find myself in the middle of a parent-child teachable moment. The parent is trying to teach the child how to introduce himself. “Look at Pastor Scott, shake his hand, and tell him your name,” the parent says. All the while, the child is...
When you read the book of James, the Holy Spirit will read your heart. This is a good thing. In most introductions to James you will read that this short New Testament book is like Proverbs in the Old Testament. James deals with practical matters and...
Devoted to Prayer: Praying Through the Book of James At Grace Community Church, we are beginning 2019 with prayer. The book of James will be our guide. James opens with this call to prayer: "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God." (James 1:5). My paraphrase of...
A good phrase evokes a beautiful image. So it is when I read the Apostle Peter’s words to dispersed Christians in the first century. “As you come to him.” (1 Peter 2:4) Given the context of this phrase, we can see the beauty of God’s...
As I read through the book of Acts this week I was struck by the joy that comes from the grace mission of God. In the fifteenth chapter of Acts, two missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, were traveling through cities where new Christians lived “describing in detail...
I remember when I heard the news that I would be a father. I was sitting in a seminary classroom just before the end of the lecture when I looked out the window and saw Beth driving into the campus parking lot. This was unusual....
According to Jesus, the evidence that there is faith on earth is that his people are praying (Luke 18:1-8). Is there faith at Grace Community Church? Yes, if we are praying. Join me in prayer before we gather on Sunday to prepare our hearts, and again...
What is the kingdom of God? Is it our local congregation, your family, or a particular nation on earth? Is the kingdom of God within human consciousness or is it a place we go on pilgrimage? These are just a few of the many questions...
With great thanksgiving I am happy to announce that this week our congregation gave and pledged 2.8 million dollars toward the Future Grace Giving Campaign. We can all be grateful for the way God has worked among us and provided needed funds for future ministry....
