We have one word for many kinds of affection. The word "love" is used for food, sports, and spouses. It applies to marital fidelity and fornication. The only way to know what it means when it is used is to listen for the context or...
A Letter from Former Elder, David Atchison Dear Brothers & Sisters, Last month, the elders recommended my wife Elaine for the position of Director of Congregational Care. Upon the church's affirmation, I submitted my resignation as an elder of Grace Community Church in keeping with our policy...
Christians have forever asked what it means to be spiritual. What spiritual experiences must we have, knowledge must we attain, and personality must we possess to be spiritual? That is the question being addressed in 1 Corinthians 12, which we will consider this Sunday at...
The discussion in 1 Corinthians 11-14 is carried along by the phrase, "When you meet together." These four chapters are about what we call "going to church." Paul addresses three different issues in the worship gatherings in Corinth: head coverings, the Lord's Supper, and the use...
It has been said that church and politics don't mix. There is some truth to that statement. Churches are not citizens. They don't vote, run for office, or serve on school boards or city councils. Churches are not political action committees. They don't endorse or...
Today is a good day to be grateful for God's good gift of marriage and to commit ourselves again to honor marriage as he has designed it and revealed it to be in the Bible. In 2004, the elders of Grace Community Church presented a Statement...
Congregation, A text message came in early this morning: "This world is so sick and sinful. My heart is heavy. I need an encouraging word from my pastor today." I knew this person must be watching the news reports about the diabolical killing and wounding of...
Most Christians - and most people for that matter - struggle with a disease of the mind called forgetfulness. We can forget small things like our car keys or wallet, but there is an even greater tendency to forget more significant things. For the Christian, forgetfulness...
We are promised that with every temptation we face, God is faithful to provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The way of escape is not a way that avoids temptation, but a way through it and a way to endure it. Temptation is a...
I have heard Christians use the word "legalism" when they have discussions about self-discipline. There seems to be confusion about what legalism is. Legalism is depending on our efforts to secure and maintain right standing with God. We become legalists when we fail to grasp...
