In my fiftieth year of life, there are some aspects I like about getting older, such as growing a bit wiser, more experienced, more focused, and less concerned about little things that don’t matter. But other things, I don’t like at all, such as the...
Colossians 3:1-3 1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3...
Proverbs 26 28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin. Proverbs 29:5 5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Jude 1:16 16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others...
In today's culture, coming under authority is rejected, and suffering and adversity are seen as things to be avoided. In actuality, the reverse is true: obedience develops strength, and suffering helps usher in maturity and holiness. Obstacles rather...
This week’s sermon has had a few days to marinate now, to sink into my thoughts, and I noticed something. Every time I became slightly frustrated, irritated, or bothered in the last few days, there is a trend. It is usually all about me. It’s...
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for...
The challenges for those facing incarceration are growing. When you consider the statistics surrounding those serving time in prison, it becomes clear that there is much brokenness within our justice system. Gaps created through poverty and race often bring about more injustice than justice....
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You...
1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well...
Last month, we partnered with a local Indian pastor to host a christmas event. While the evening was a great opportunity for Grace members to bring their Indian friends, the real ministry is taking place in the day-to-day relationships being pursued with those who attended. ...
Many of our members are benefitting from participating in our Care Ministry groups. We asked Deb Fowler, from our Powdersville Campus, to share a little bit about her experience in this past fall’s GriefShare. Hear Deb’s experience in her own words. "Initially, I was hesitant to...
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God...
Proverbs 13 24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. Proverbs 19 18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Proverbs 22 15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will...
1 “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God...
Our culture today is consumed with self. Narcissism is defined as the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes. As a church, it is important that we realize the warning signs of being consumed with self. No matter where...
Mill Community Ministries is a partner organization of Grace Church. Over the past several years, we have worked alongside MCM as they have worked with neighborhoods in West Greenville to launch a variety of community empowerment programs. Read below for a unique opportunity to work...
12 Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord 13 or for their duties as priests. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, Eli’s sons would send over a servant with a three-pronged fork. While the meat of the sacrificed animal...
21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He...
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. 2 Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. 4 Their idols are merely things...
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one...
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have...
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit...
I recently sat in a meeting with a group of adults who are all part of the newly-launched mentoring program at my children’s school. The last 3 months have served as the first continual exposure that some of these people have had with children that...
1 What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, 2 for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. 3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. 4 What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live...
7 The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was...