The issue has never been a lack of evidence. The issue is the condition of the heart.

The heart of discipleship is choosing surrender today before judgment forces the question tomorrow. Revelation 9 reminds us that the greatest tragedy is not judgment itself—but a heart that refuses to turn to Christ. We are shown what happens when people continually and relentlessly ignore God, we see what happens to humanity through the destructive consequences of their rebellion, and we see that they will still refuse to repent. What this shows is that our deepest need is not simply relief from judgment but a transformed heart.

Revelation 9 is not merely about future events, told through imagery and symbolic language—it is about present decisions. Every day we are becoming either more responsive or more resistant to God's voice. The question is not, "What will happen in the end?" The question is, "How am I responding to Jesus today?”

Looking forward to this Sunday - 

Josh Burt

This week, Pastor Denis will begin with walking us through Revelation 8:1 and the significance of the silence in heaven. And Pastor Mike will then continue through the trumpet judgments, where two things become unmistakably clear: God is just as He carries out what is long deserved by a sinful world in every generation, and God is merciful as He hears our prayers and gives warning of the judgment to come.

There is a pause in Heaven as the Lamb halts the judgments of the Horsemen long enough to seal the promised tribes of Israel during the Tribulation.  The pause also allows John to glimpse the hordes of martyrs around the throne as a promise to us that Salvation does not end nor is it thwarted during the Tribulation.  The Tribulation is a time of judgment but not despair!  This pause before the seventh seal give us a clear look at the redemptive heart of God.  God love us and desires our salvation.  He made the promises in Eden – He gave the many prophecies of the Old Testament – He sent His only Son as the Lamb.  Sunday we will hear from the Lamb and see first hand of this great love. I will spend some time sharing Salvation from the Old Testament - New Testament - Tribulation - all the same! 

We will also talk about the 144,000 and we will hear the promises of ‘no more tears’ but most of all we will spend our time worshipping the Lamb – the Redeemer – the Savior.  See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

As God began the account of Creation with “Heaven and Earth” in Genesis so will He turn to world and stars for the 6th Seal.  Earthly and Cosmic signs to instill terror among men whose time for judgment has come.  In all of this we are reminded that the Lamb who was ‘slain’ for us reigns over all these judgments – nothing is out of His control!  Jesus is our Rock - our Redemption – our Refuge.  Join me Sunday as we witness the open of the first six Seals and what they mean to us today.  Satan’s only tools are results of the sin in Eden while the seemingly insignificant Lamb was slain before the foundation of the World!  Who do you think will win? 

Have you ever been by yourself to a place so beautiful that it was sad not to be able to share the moment with someone? John is witness in Heaven as the Angels sought anyone worthy to open the book sealed by the Father – and found none!  John wept for the loneliness of Heaven – then a growing chorus of voices brought in the only candidate qualified in the universe! Expecting the Lion of Judah – a man above men – greater than the angels – emperor of all creation – He was merely a little lamb.  This lamb was in fact already bearing the marks of a slain lamb – an offering at the altar.  Yet it was this Lamb who is worthy – redeemer of men – restorer of creation.  What a celebration!  I hope you will join us for Revelation 5 – it is truly exciting and a bit bizarre but God is good!  Most of my outside thoughts come from my favorite book on Heaven by Randy Alcorn – see you Sunday.

Pastor Mike

PS tell your kids I also have a great quote from “The Sword in the Stone”

Sunday I want to take us as witnesses to a conversation of Heaven itself – God takes 2 chapters to demonstrate that what He is foretelling He has the power and right to accomplish.  God makes no unwarranted promises and issues no unfunded mandates – HE is able!  I hope that you will allow me the inadequacy of human speech as I try my best to take us before the very Throne of God and we eavesdrop Jehovah showing His credentials to judge the Earth.

The second thing I hope to teach is the clear distinction between unimaginable and unbelievable.   Nothing God has said is unbelievable but much is unimaginable!

“What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Many things in the chapters to come are unimaginable but none are unbelievable because of who has promised them.  See you Sunday as we begin this fantastic journey together.

Pastor Mike 

We have arrived at the final church in our study of the seven churches: Laodicea, the lukewarm church. Before we move to the throne room of heaven in Revelation 4, we pause to hear Jesus’ loving but serious words to His church. In this passage, we will see His faithfulness, His authority, and His gracious call to repent and return to Him sincerely. Together, we will consider the danger of spiritual lukewarmness while also admiring the deep love Christ has for His people and His desire for true fellowship with us.

“Christ says, ‘Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you.’” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Pastor Denis Garijo

This is the little Church with little power – and yet … great opportunity! The sixth Church on our Turkey tour is Philadelphia – the Church of the Open Door. We find a Church family with little resource and little power yet lots of opportunity – ‘an open door’ with the Key turned by Jesus Himself. They had opposition as did Smyrna with the ‘synagogue of Satan’ in their town. Sunday we will visit Philadelphia and hear about the Key of David and Jesus who uses this Key. We will listen to real faithfulness by the little family of little power – yet does great things for God. How did they do it? How can we do the same? Crowns come up again and another new name – what a great week! I know it is Memorial weekend but don’t miss our visit to Philadelphia – it is a lot of a little bit – see you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“When walking on water – don’t look at the water!”

Can something look alive but be dead?  Sardis was a Church of contrasts – rich but broke – secure but vulnerable – alive but dead!  This city of disparities was the 5th in Revelation – a city of hypocrisy and worldliness.  This was not a typical barrel of good apples with a few bad – this was mostly bad with just a few being faithful.  This city is the warning not to live on a reputation but showing us it is vital to continue in faith!  What does not grow is dead.  James talks about faith that tries to survive without service – it dies. Jesus calls on Sardis to find those few who are still alive and return to their ways.

Jeremiah 6:16:  “The Lord said: My people, when you stood at the crossroads, I told you, “Follow the road your ancestors took, and you will find peace.”

Sunday we will all go to that crossroad – we will look down the lanes of time – we will be encouraged to seek the familiar path – the path shown by those who have gone before us. 

See you Sunay at the crossroads!

Pastor Mike

Thyatira: This was a busy Church – lots of good things happening and many opportunities to grow and share the Gospel – sounds like a wonderful place to join! And yet….

Thyatira had a real problem – they were too nice – too kind – too inclusive. They were tolerant. This is the longest letter to the seven Churches and probably least know to us. We first hear of this city when Paul is in Philippi and meets Lydia who becomes a believer. In cities of great prosperity there also seems to be a great temptation to compromise – live and let live! Such tolerance erodes the Christian faith and dissolves the courage of believers. Sunday we will talk about how it is possible to do so many things well but still have a ‘Jezebel’ in the midst. We can never do enough good that God will simply overlook our sin. I have been reading again the book by Jerry Bridges – Respectable Sins where he so very well points out that there are none! No level of sin is acceptable and none will be tolerated by God. Join me Sunday as we visit another of the Seven Churches – maybe the one most like the American Church? Come and see!

Pastor Mike

The City of Pergamum is a paradox – on one hand they a hero of the faith who gave his life for his faith – Antipas.  This great life of courage was lived in the backdrop of Satan’s throne. In spite of this testimony the Church suffered from being too accommodating – accepting four kinds of tolerance that was not aligned with the heart of God.  Sunday we will look at all four and be reminded of the call to live a holy life in the midst of an unholy world.  I will do my best to help us understand such mysteries as the ‘hidden mana’ and whose name is written on the ‘white stone’ and awarded to us.  What a great look into this Church with strengths in the face of horror and weaknesses like all of us face.  Much to learn and much to apply – see you Sunday! Also, all my quotes will come from Screwtape Letters – one of my favorites by C.S. Lewis.

Pastor Mike

Smyrna is our next stop – a city named for the incense myrrh and known for its great beauty and Greek games.  But in this city was also great persecution for believers – they suffered under the pressure from the Roman world and the Jewish zealots who despised them for their view of Jesus as Messiah.  These faithful followers faced discriminations and poverty and slander and prison and even death!  In all of this the Lord was watching – “Hebrews 6:10: “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”

God sees the needs of His people and meets those needs in His way – not always what we think or expect. Myrrh became a great example of suffering even to the point of death.  Myrrh is associated with the Altar of Incense and fittingly speaks to our prayers lifted up to heaven as in 2 Cor 2:15: “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”. Sunday we will visit Smyrna and listen in to the Angel’s description to John about this Church.  There are things to learn and things to imitate – Come and hear!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

This is a great start to the Seven and I hope you will join us – 

Pastor Mike

Early Christians greeted one another with this single word prayer – one of praise and promise! Our Lord has come! O Lord Come! Both were included in the exciting word. Sunday we begin our journey through the book that God has said: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy” (Rev 1:3).

I want you to have that blessing – we will read all the verses and listen to God’s Word. Sunday is a key message as the outline for the entire book is given – twice! Once in verse 8 about Jesus and then again in verse 19 as John is given instructions about what to write. There are a few key concepts that will run throughout the book: hope – endurance – humility – promise. These will be found in the extraordinary apocalyptic language used by God to impress on the hears that these are not merely world events – these are divine. When God does something there is no doubt who did it. Each week I will have a message for every hearer – for the new to the book the basics. For the long time students there will be much to ponder as well.

I will have a few charts and several recommended resources through this series – I hope to encourage many questions and lots of prayer! A godly man born 200 years ago said this:

"We live in an age when there is a false glare on the things of time and a great mist over the things of eternity." J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

I agree and I will do my best to shine the light on the right stuff! 

Pastor Mike

Years ago I said we should celebrate Christmas every year – Easter every week – Thanksgiving every day! This week is anniversary Sunday of our weekly celebration of Jesus empty tomb. I have enjoyed this account of the Resurrection for 50 years – and it never gets old! I find it as exciting and refreshing today as the first times I heard it as a child. I am thrilled to lead us Sunday back into the pages of Scripture to hear again the most familiar verses – “He is not here – He is risen!” To be honest I am bringing nothing new – just the never expiring story of Jesus dead and buried BUT risen for us. I am inviting you to invite someone to join you this Sunday to hear the only story in the world that never gets old! I am looking forward to celebrating Easter with you and your family. This will also be the final message from our journey through Mark - Revelation is next!

Pastor Mike

“Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.” Clarence Hall

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”

Palm Sunday is the first event of Holy Week, and this remarkable passage marks the beginning of the Jews’ rejection of King Jesus. It also invites us to search our hearts and consider how we are receiving Jesus as our King.

Let’s explore three ways Jesus is revealed as King: the hidden King, who enters the world as a baby; the humble King, who rides into Jerusalem on a donkey; and the victorious King, who will come again in glory.

“Behold your King! He comes not to be crowned by men, but to claim their hearts.” Charles Spurgeon

Why 4 Gospels?

Plan of Mark?

These and many other questions we looked at over the past year in Mark!  I will step back and look again at a few of those best moments – we need to be reminded of what to take home and on in life with us from Mark.  

Mark was an unlikely author and with that Peter was an unlikely disciple now Apostle to be sharing this account with Mark.  John Mark had begun as a bit of a disappointment – at least to Paul as read in Acts 13.  Beginning the journey of a lifetime John Mark left the team suddenly and returned home.  Paul was not quick to forgive and could not forget – so Barnabas took on this recovery project and by both Peter and Paul it seems to have come out right. 

John Mark as a young boy had seen the last days of Jesus and experienced the beginning of the Church in his own house!  Nothing like front row seats!

Mark’s Gospel recalls the highlights of Jesus ministry while skipping the early start in Bethlehem and many of the parables.  Mark is the shortest but fastest of the Gospels – Sunday I will try to give the overhead drone’s view of this short Gospel.  It is Celebration Sunday so come for breakfast and coffee and fellowship the stay for the worship and celebrations and review of Mark – it is Really Good News!

Pastor Mike

The New Testament was written over a very short span and quite rapidly copied and circulated throughout the Roman Empire - most books and letters within 30 years! This caused many complications because of literacy and spelling and available scribes. Sunday we will talk about those very few passages where a Bible Translation may have a footnote causing concern. Mark 16 is one of them and I will do my best to describe and define what that means – and that we should not doubt God’s Word!

More than 99% of our New Testament is NOT in question – nothing is lost – no promises unmentioned – no doctrines in debate! The obvious lesson is to do what is clear and not doubt the obscure few words that were misspelled or miscopied in the haste of the Gospel. I hope to build our trust in God’s Word instead of doubt – this is the Sunday to invite your ‘skeptic’ friend – let them come – listen – ask.

Pastor Mike

“It is possible to read the Bible and know it well BUT more important to know the Author!”

From the Scriptures God wanted to leave no doubt that Jesus was tried – condemned – executed – buried – all for us! We saw last week that Jesus could have saved Himself but He saved us instead! This week we finish our visit to Golgotha to the end. Jesus says 7 things from the Cross – Mark only records the words of one. Jesus our sin offering – our substitute – our salvation! Sunday we will find the many lessons of the Cross – one of the most important is captured by C.H. Spurgeon: “Let us go to Calvary to learn how we may be forgiven. And then let us linger there to learn how to forgive.” This is a powerful lesson but there are many more – join us Sunday for a look into a dark - sunny afternoon and the courage of some more unlikely disciples.

After Jesus had been scourged, Mark tells us that the soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, which was the judgment hall of Pilate when he was in Jerusalem.  The torture of Jesus did not end with the scourging but continued when He was brought into the judgment hall. This torture by the whole cohort of soldiers included mockery, insults, and physical abuse.  Remember the Lord’s face was already battered and swollen from the abuse of the members of the Sanhedrin.  Not only this but His whipped back would have been bleeding badly from the scourging.  

These Roman soldiers did not care and decided to treat Him much in the same way that Herod and His soldiers had treated Him, making a mockery of Him for their entertainment.  They dressed Him in a purple robe, possibly the same one that Herod had put on Him.  Then Mark tells us that they twisted together a crown of sharp thorns, which was to resemble the golden laurel wreath worn by Caesar.  They put this on His head pushing it down firmly so that the thorns dug in and blood began to trickle down His face.  Then they knelt before Him and began to mock Him.  To complete their cruel joke the soldiers began to acclaim Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  Little did they know that one day they would bow before Him and proclaim Him the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Mercilessly, they kept beating Him on the head with a reed driving the thorns deeper into His head, they also began to spit on Him and kneel and bow before Him in mock respect.

Sunday we will spend the time reviewing this best known account and focus on why – why did Jesus do this?  Why did He endure such pain?  We know it is for love! We know it is for us!

“It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert the rebellious cost Him crucifixion.” C. S. Lewis

“The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.” CH Spurgeon

Sunday we will take a look at two separate denials – one by betrayal and the other by fear.  Judas sold out Jesus – for money!  Peter sold out Jesus – by fear.  Think of the contrast between these two disciples – both loved by Jesus – both trained by Jesus – both committed to Jesus.  Both failing at critical moments of trial. Sunday we will join them in the Garden for the arrest and follow them to the house of the High Priest for the arraignment of Jesus by Annas.  The Scriptures begin to weave an account of deceit and disappointment.  We must be warned by both!  Sometimes we think that our life would be better without the temptations or trials presented by the world – but would we?  God allows trials and struggles for our benefit – though they don’t feel that way when we are in the middle of them.  We can learn from both – Judas and Peter.  I will try to take us through these several verses and share some life lessons from God’s Word.  See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike 

“Difficult times prove us or improve us!”

I have often wished to be able to pray like Jesus – facing my worst day while giving everything to God in trust.  Instead of wasting minutes in panic or worry – give those minutes to the Father in conversation.  Those are the wishes of a person in peace – they seem to elude me in moments of uncertainty and fear.  Jesus met with the Disciples after the Last supper as they were returning to Bethany and they paused in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus had only the one request – ‘watch’ with Me.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those who spirits have been crushed.” Psalm 34:18

Three times they failed to even stay awake while Jesus poured out His heart to the Father.  Each time Jesus returns He found them asleep and weak.  Sunday will be a time to revisit the imperative of prayer – the priority of prayer – the empowerment of prayer!  My favorite book on prayer is a collection by E.M. Bounds but I will intentionally not use him in quotes this week – instead I would encourage you to seek him out for some devotional reading and set aside some real time for prayer – we will join Jesus and the slumbering Disciples in the Garden Sunday.  I say to you the words of Jesus – “keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation!”

See you Sunday, Pastor Mike

Many things must come together for a group meal – planning is essential!  Not to know where or who or how the day of supper would be exhausting for any normal host – but Jesus was not normal.  Any holy day or festival for the Jewish nation was special -they had 7 each year – this one was going to change the course of worship for at least 2000 years.  Jesus would gather for the fourth time with His disciples but this one was going to be unique.  Not a normal Seder – not a normal Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Jesus takes the common elements and gives new meaning and new significance to them.  Just a bit of bread and juice but now the shadow is fulfilled and the prophecy is given about His body and His blood.  For 1500 years the Jews repeated variations of the Passover of Moses leading Israel out of Egypt – in a night those reminders of God’s provision to be delivered became reminders of our Redemption.  Sunday I will share what Jesus did and what He said.  I will follow up my question about Judas and we can ponder more together.  I want to make sure we don’t overlook the significance of the Lord’s Table and remind us that it is temporary – I am not sure whether it may change or a new celebration will be given in the Age to come – I just want make sure we know the theological shift that took place that night – 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“The benefits it (the Lord’s Supper) confers, are spiritual, not physical. Its effects must be looked for in our inward man.”  J.C. Ryle (Matt 26 Commentary)

Mary was overcome seeing her brother raised from the dead seated, laughing, eating – very much alive! The host Simon – the leper!  Pure of skin and full of love for Jesus his Healer.  I can imagine the tableau – such a contradiction and such a blessing.  I wonder how often we are overcome by the abundance of God’s goodness?  Sunday we will peek in the windows of this supper seeing Mary’s sacrifice – hearing Jesus words – listening to the grumblings of Judas – knowing that despite this party – Jesus death is just a few days away. 

See you Sunday as we share that Mary’s love was not wasted – nor was Jesus’ love for Judas!

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

It’s a gospel about hope. It’s a gospel about opportunities and possibilities even in a chaotic world. It’s a gospel about finding meaning and new life in Christ. It’s a gospel about our future! Who among us doesn’t sometimes wonder, worry, or even wish to know about our future and the future of the world?  Yet in all this Jesus teaches trust and readiness – not desperation or despair.  

Sunday we will listen in to Jesus giving a glimpse into the future but focusing on the applications of prophecy – not to know so much but to be ready.  

“Blessed are the homesick – they shall be called home!”

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

A Call to Persevere!  This is what we hear when we ponder our response to ‘a Thrill of Hope’. God desires our intentional continuing response to His hope. First, a call to receive the only hope in life and death, and then a call to hold tightly, without wavering, to the hope we profess. This hope leads to living a life worthy of His sacrifice, reflected in doing His will of encouraging one another towards love and good deeds. Sunday I will close out our Christmas theme with a call to action in response to the sound of ‘a Thrill of Hope’. We will examine the opportunities to join with our Grace family in joyful participation in our opportunities to Gather, Grow, Give, and Go in 2026. 

Join me this Sunday with prayerful hearts open to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to persevere in the New Year.

Jeff Bergmann

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Michael Houdmann describes biblical hope as “the sure and confident expectation of receiving what God has promised us in the future.” Christmas reminds us that God keeps His promises. This Sunday, let’s reflect on the shepherds' experience as they received the announcement of our Savior’s birth, and discover what that message means for us this Christmas.

For those who find this season difficult, the truth shines even brighter: there is hope in His presence. Charles Spurgeon once said, “There is no hope for a man apart from God; but when he feels the presence of God, there is hope for him.”

Pastor Mike

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” J.R.R. Tolkien 

Throw me a line!  This is the cry of the drowning man in the ocean about to be swept out to sea!  His hope is in a line cast toward him in the waves.  This image is also seen in the account of Rahab in Jericho – Joshua and the spies were allowed to escape by a scarlet rope outside the walls of Jericho.  Joshua instructed her to tie this cord of scarlet in the window for her and her family to be spared when the Lord brought down the walls to defeat the city of Jericho.  Sunday I will share the introduction to our Christmas theme – ‘a Thrill of Hope’.  For Rahab, the prophets, the captives of Egypt or Assyria or Babylon – they were all hoping in the promises of the LORD.  For David in the 23rd Psalm – even in the valley of the shadow of death – a glow of hope in the hand of the LORD.  Today, we see many who desperately need hope – not like the world offers that is uncertain and based on luck.  Hope for the soul – hope that is sure – hope that exceeds desire.  

HOPE – CONFIDENT EXPECTATION – UNFULFILLED CERTAINTY!

Join me this Sunday with the Church decorated for Christmas, the songs of Christmas worship and the beacon of Christmas hope – from the star of Bethlehem to the ‘hope’ we have in Christ.

Pastor Mike

From Creation to Death we are reminded that we were made from dust and to dust we return - but even in between God does not forget our most humble beginnings - we are living bags of dirt! Yet to these ‘bags of dirt’ God has shown His love and mercy and grace. God’s love is so very grand!  On this Thanksgiving week I am encouraging each of us to spend some quiet time to reflect on the Goodness and the Greatness of God.  Sunday I will take us into the 103rd Psalm – a Psalm that praises this Goodness and Greatness of God.  I have shared the first 5 verses before in previous Thanksgiving services and what a hymn.  This week I will go further into this wonderful Psalm.  There are at least seven distinct expressions of God’s great love – including my favorite Hebrew word:  HESED.  I will spend just a few minutes on each and draw us to some Thanksgiving conclusions – We are blessed – We are redeemed – We are to remember!  Join us Sunday for a Thanksgiving Service – all the quotes are from Spurgeon’s commentary on the Psalms and from Psalm 103.  My heart is already full – I hope you will come and fill yours too!

Pastor Mike

Be Grateful! "“It is possible to fail to bless him, while we praise his gifts, his word, his works, his ways.” C.H. Spurgeon

Pastor Mike

“How many have given only what they could never miss and what costs them little or no sacrifice.” Andrew Murray

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world!”  C.S. Lewis

My best explanation is that we hold dual citizenship as believers – a temporary citizenship on this earth (for me an American passport) but I also hold a citizenship in Heaven – grace by faith in Christ alone.  Sunday we will listen in to Jesus as the Pharisees and Herodians (an odd pairing to be sure!) try to trap Jesus in a political/religious question.  Jesus deftly sidesteps the trap and returns the question that ends up condemning both groups on their own convictions.  What a great story of the brilliance of Jesus – don’t miss this one!  See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike 

For you who like trivia - “Hoisted by his own petard”  Jesus was the Master!

Sunday is the Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants – Jesus again goes to a parable to teach a timeless truth. Using common examples and ordinary circumstances Jesus slips behind the defenses of the religious leaders and delivers a knockout blow! The story is engaging and convicting – the people got it – the disciples got it – the religious leaders got it. The real question for us is about our vineyard. God has placed us in a spot to grow and grow others – how are we doing? Do we offer back the responses and results to Heaven or do we make excuses trying to keep the credit to ourselves? This work is not ours – it is the LORDS! This Sunday I will ask us to listen to the parable – identify the cast – make the applications to our vineyard – Grace Bible in Columbia MO. I am in Africa now but Lord willing home with you on Sunday – Pastor Mike

“Do not sow wild oats in life and then pray for crop failure!”

Jesus’ answer gives us what we now call the Great Commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength — and love your neighbor as yourself.

So simple. So clear.

And yet… so hard — impossible apart from God’s help.

As we unpack this passage together, I’ll suggest that the Great Commandment isn’t just another rule to follow (after all, Jesus is quoting two commands they already knew) — it’s a new way to see.

I’d really appreciate your prayers as we prepare for Sunday — that the Holy Spirit would open our eyes to see more deeply what it means to love God and love others as Jesus taught.

Pastor David

He is not the God of the dead, but of the living—words that speak volumes about God's eternal covenant and the reality of life everlasting!

This Sunday, let's explore this passage together and discover what God has prepared for us.

“If, therefore, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive! And if He is your God, and my God, dear friends, we need not fear extinction — we will live, and we will live forever!” Charles Spurgeon

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Pastor Denis

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“Christmas cut history in two ages, the Age of Promise, and the Age of Fulfillment.”  John Piper

Jesus is coming to Jerusalem – as King – but not yet!  First, He is the Lamb of God to be offered for the sins of men.  The crowds wanted a champion – the world needed a Savior.  The Romans feared a rebellion – the world needed a Redeemer.  On this day are many shadows and hints of what is to come – all in the gentleness of Jesus riding a donkey.  The crowds over-expected the Messiah’s first coming and the world will underestimate the Messiah’s return!  Coming in gentleness - He will return in greatness!

Sunday we will find hope in Jesus – we will find victory in Jesus – we will find trust in Jesus – all riding on a meek colt and quietly visiting the Temple that should have welcomed Him as Savior but instead rejecting Him as Messiah.  So sad that even to this day people are looking for a Jesus of their own imagination rather than recognizing Him as the Redeemer and Savior that He is.  Don’t miss Him and don’t miss this Sunday in Mark 11 – hope see you then,

Pastor Mike

“Redemption is not a method – it is a Messiah!”

Once again the question is asked – “what do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus is in ministry to serve – not to be served! Jesus approaches Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and encounters Bartimaeus – a blind man. We have three very distinct groups in this account – the blind man who saw nothing but knew something – the Disciples who saw something and knew something (but not enough yet) – Jesus who saw everything and knew everything! This encounter is a great lesson for us today about what we see and what we know. I love the passion of Bartimaeus as he throws off his cloak and rushes toward Jesus – abandoning his few worlding possessions to be near Jesus. I am equally aware that much of the World is like the crowd trying to silence the teachings of Jesus as well as the questions of seekers – lets be ready for both! Sunday we will join Jesus on the road to Jericho and listen in to Bartimaeus and Jesus – hopefully we will see clearly the many profound lessons in this last bit of Mark 10. 

Hope to see you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“Beware of a blinded conscience; it is the prelude of eternal destruction. God save you from it!” C.H. Spurgeon

“What thoughts are shaping me?”

Challenging toxic thoughts and renewing your mind with truth.

Celebration Sunday - what better time for us to come to this most pivotal passage. We are at a pinnacle moment in Mark’s Gospel – the purpose of the ministry and life of Jesus is explained to the Disciples for the third time. Things have been building steadily for ten chapters as Jesus sets his trek towards Jerusalem. The Disciples have seen it all – the sick cured – the demons cast out – the dead raised – the wealthy sent away – the religious befuddled.  Yet they are still some perplexed – what is this dying prediction?  If the Kingdom is coming as Jesus says then James and John are seeking a chair up front – much to the other disciples irritation.  Join me on this road to Jerusalem and all the events that come with it.  This road to Jerusalem would finish with shame, yet it would be that shame which would be the Glory of God and the ultimate display of God’s power and Love in a single moment. It is all about the Cross!

Sunday we will hear from Jesus the only question that really matters: “What do you want Me to do for you?”  

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

A man ran up to Jesus, falls before him, begs of him an urgent question. What does he need from Jesus? Is he sick? Blind? Deaf? Possessed by a demon? Or does he have a family member who is sick? Perhaps a son or daughter? What does he need so urgently? He wants to know if he is good enough for eternal life since he had everything he wanted in this life. He saw Jesus as good but not GOOD. We must know the difference to worship and pray.

Jesus knew his true need - so the rich man is told exactly what to do. But there’s a problem: It’s not what he wants to hear. He is told to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor and follow Jesus. Now he knows exactly what to do – to become a follower of Jesus, and to inherit eternal life. But he doesn’t want to do it. Sell all his possessions? He has so much! How can he do that? How can he let go of all that he has? He is shocked. And he turns and walks away, grieving. And misses the opportunity of a lifetime and eternity!

He could not find the source of eternal life among the resources of the dying – nor will we! Sunday I will take us into this conversation but I am praying that we share a different outcome than either the rich man or the disciples.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” 1Tim 6:10 (NLT)

Missed our Family Conference or want to revisit the sessions? We’ve uploaded all four parts so you can watch at your convenience or share with a friend. Dive in and be encouraged as we explore faith, family, and God’s plan together!

Missed our Family Conference or want to revisit the sessions? We’ve uploaded all four parts so you can watch at your convenience or share with a friend. Dive in and be encouraged as we explore faith, family, and God’s plan together!

Missed our Family Conference or want to revisit the sessions? We’ve uploaded all four parts so you can watch at your convenience or share with a friend. Dive in and be encouraged as we explore faith, family, and God’s plan together!

Missed our Family Conference or want to revisit the sessions? We’ve uploaded all four parts so you can watch at your convenience or share with a friend. Dive in and be encouraged as we explore faith, family, and God’s plan together!

Imagine a child running into the arms of their parent — completely trusting, completely dependent, entirely at peace. That’s the kind of faith Jesus is calling us to.

The title of this message may surprise you. After all, maturity is often celebrated. In church, at work, or even at home, we hear: “Good job! You’re very mature!”

But spiritual maturity does not mean abandoning the innocence, humility, or vulnerability of a child. In fact, lacking these childlike traits may reveal true immaturity in our relationship with God.

This Sunday, we’ll explore this passage together and check what it means to be childlike in the Kingdom of God — and why it is essential for every follower of Christ.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear Him you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. To be brought into His presence is to be made childlike, simple, and free.” Oswald Chambers

Pastor Denis

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Off the mountain of Transfiguration and through the valley of humility - Jesus now talks about how to live for the Kingdom of God. Truly living for the Kingdom means that nothing else is nearly as important – it does not mean that we don’t do daily things – it just means that no daily thing is bigger than everything God has for us.  Jesus challenges the Disciples to live for the Kingdom and nothing else is as significant! Jesus gives four simple Kingdom principles to live by and I will try to cover them all this Sunday.  I have enjoyed a month of getting ready for Narnia for the kids of Grace – this just reminds me of what Jesus taught – don’t let these little ones stumble!  

I have an object lesson for Adults this Sunday that will be unforgettable!  Don’t miss this Sunday and bring someone with you who needs to be more salty – as we all do!

Pastor Mike

“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” Oswald Chambers

This coming Sunday is a very special message – I will be sharing the greatest enemy of the Faith and the most horrible adversary to the Church – PRIDE!  The title is ‘It is not about me!’ and is from Mark 9:30-41.  “It is harder to deny my proud self than my sinful self!”  In these verses Jesus gives the most critical warnings to each of us – the core and cause of all sin is pride.  What should we do?  How can we defeat such a foe?  Only by closely following Jesus and not looking to ourselves for answers or direction.  (Prov 3:5,6)  Sunday may be one of the most important messages in Mark this side of the Cross – please don’t miss this one and try to bring someone – every one of us needs this message.  Solomon said, "When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom." (Prov 11:2)   

I am praying to see you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Jesus has come down from the Mount of Transfiguration to a chaotic scene: perplexed disciples, a crowd looking for the next show, and a desperate father struggling with his faith. Jesus looks at this scene and makes this pronouncement: “O faithfulness generation!”

This Sunday, we’ll explore what displeases Jesus—and more importantly, what pleases Him. We’ll see that for His followers, faith isn’t optional – trust is required. And we’ll be challenged to choose to walk in faith as we trust in Him. Because, if you want to please God, you have to live a life of faith.

Pastor David

The question I’d like us to consider is: Why did these three need to witness these things? What did Jesus want them to learn? And what do we need to learn?

We’ll talk about what can happen when you have a transfigured view of Jesus … in your work, in your relationships, in your life.

So let’s walk up that mountain together and be inspired to have a transfigured view of Jesus who is more glorious than we can imagine and more loving than we deserve.

See you this Sunday!

Pastor David

David Guzik - “When we let God be our strength, He will also be our song. We will sing because of the victory won by the great strength of the LORD. We will have a singing joy in our life because His strength will not let us down.” 

This is the lesson of the Song in Exodus - come enjoy this song with me!

After 8 chapters of miracles, parables, teachings and disappointments – Jesus makes it very simple – here is how to be a disciple.  Jesus gives a 1,2,3 step by step and follows that up with a clear ‘what for!’ to the crowd and disciples who were going with Him.  Sunday I will take us into those simple directions.  What does it mean to ‘deny yourself?’ or how do we ‘take up our cross?’ and who shows us how to ‘follow’ after Jesus? So many great topics and such life-changing answers!  Jesus did not ever say that discipleship was an easy path or that the way was smooth and level.  In fact, the way is hard – the climb is steep – the obstacles are many.  Yet, no journey is more fulfilling and no destination more gratifying.  

Join me on this trek Sunday as we wrap up Mark 8 together,

Pastor Mike

This Sunday we will look at one of, if not the most pivotal moment, in the Gospel of Mark. As the disciples and Jesus are traveling - Jesus, in a highly rabbinic style, asks two simple and yet powerful questions. We will take a look at the answers to these questions, the statements made surrounding these questions, and the events that led up to these questions this Sunday at Grace. 

We will also dig deeper and explore how we, 2000 years later, are asked the same questions! “Who do people say Jesus is?” And “Who do I say Jesus is?” The difference between these answers is the difference between simple information and extraordinary transformation. It is the difference between public thought and personal faith. It is the difference between attending church and apprenticing under Jesus. 

I look forward to being back at Grace, seeing you all, and sharing this week together,

Josh Burt

I will take us into the fields again and see Jesus take a bit of food and make much! We will listen to the Pharisees grumbling again and hear Jesus answer their complaints. We will row with the Disciples in the boat as Jesus is again disappointed with their unbelief. Finally, we will wander into the crowds of Bethsaida as the people bring a blind man hoping for another miracle! (BTW this will be #15 in Mark’s Gospel). None of Jesus ministry ever seemed to be enough – Sunday we should listen to Jesus and do our very best to ‘see clearly’ the person of Christ through the works of Jesus and the love of God.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

In Mark 7:24-37, we find two very different stories. One is about a desperate mother, a Syrophoenician woman, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter. The other is about a man who couldn’t hear or speak, brought to Jesus by those who loved him. Two different people. Two different problems. And Jesus responds to each in a different way.

These encounters may not play out the way we expect. But the result in both cases is the same: healing, restoration, freedom—and the people respond with amazement, declaring, “He has done all things well.”

That simple sentence is more than a compliment; it’s a declaration of truth and trust. It reminds us that even when God’s ways seem delayed, silent, or different from what we were hoping for, He is still at work. And in the end, we’ll be able to say the same thing: He has done all things well.

My prayer is that this Sunday’s message will encourage your heart to trust Him, not just when the answer is clear, but especially when it’s not. Because whether the answer is “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” we can rest in this truth: “He has done all things well.” 

“We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” C.S. Lewis

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Pastor Denis

During this Sunday night teaching, I will tackle these questions and more! I will do my best to explain the ‘blasphemy of the Holy Spirit’ and try to cover the range of the forgiveness we have in Christ. 

This is a special topic that reaches back to Mark 3 - when Denis preached this passage he skipped over this question at my request - now I will return to this in a Bible Study format rather than a sermon topic.

Have you ever felt your love for God start to fade—even while still doing all the “right” things? That’s what happened to the church in Ephesus. Jesus said, “I see your hard work—but you’ve lost your first love.”

Sometimes, we get so busy doing for God that we forget being with Him.

This message is an invitation to reset. To remember the love you had at first. To make Jesus the center again—not just on Sundays, but every day.

Let’s push the reset button—together.

Thankfully we have the Word of God to help us properly understand both the source and the solution for our sins. In Mark 7:14-23 Jesus makes it clear that the source of our sin is the corruption of our hearts and that there’s nothing that we can do to make our to make ourselves clean. Sunday we will return to the scene of Pharisees and Disciples who need to know the source – not a scapegoat! The focus of our heart and mind and how we can bring those together under control of the Spirit of God by the Word of God.

Join me Sunday back into Mark 7 and we will work together inside out!

Pastor Mike

We were beautifully and intentionally created in God’s image, designed to reflect His character and represent Him in the world. But sin—like a virus or malware—infects our hearts and distorts that original design. It corrupts how we think, live, and relate to others.

In this study, we’ll explore how each of us needs a spiritual reset. Only through Jesus can we be restored, realigned, and transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Jesus is our reset.

Is Temptation a Sin? Singleness and My Identity in Christ

In the first part of this study, we’ll explore the question: Is temptation a sin? To do that, we’ll look specifically at temptations related to physical intimacy, pornography, and romantic relationships.

In the second part, we’ll focus on what it means to be single from a biblical perspective. We’ll discover how singleness can be a meaningful and fruitful season—especially when our identity is rooted in Christ.

We leave the fields of Bethsaida and the storms of Galilee only to be confronted by the delegation from Jerusalem whose purpose was to entrap Jesus and His followers. They needed an excuse to persecute and finally prosecute Jesus. They started with something pretty simple – Jesus and the Disciples did not was their hands before lunch. That may not sound like a capital offense but truth the legalists to make this a big deal!  

Jesus and the Disciples probably did wash their hands (as we tell our kids to do) but they must not have done so in the Mosaic rituals of the Levites. This process had been adopted by the Scribes and Pharisees and then foisted onto the general public by legalistic expectations. What a mess – all the hand wringing and ceremonial washing – just to eat a sandwich.

Jesus does what He does best – answers with love and Scripture. Sunday I will walk us into this confrontation and we will listen to Jesus as He replies with truth over traditions. He will take the discussion from hands to the heart of the believer.  

This is a great lesson about judging one another – imposing legalism on each other – looking in the mirror instead of out the window for faith. This Fathers Day – bring your dad or somebody’s dad and join us for worship and time in God’s Word.

See you this Fathers Day

Pastor Mike

We live in a culture that constantly pressures young adults—and even teenagers—to rush into intimacy. This pressure often distorts the sacredness of sex, reducing it to something casual and disconnected from its original design. God's intention is clear: intimacy was created to be experienced within the covenant of marriage.

In this study, we’ll explore how stepping outside of God’s boundaries in this area doesn’t just affect us—it can hurt others, reflect deeper issues of idolatry, and ultimately damage our relationship with God.

But there is hope and truth: God is enough. When we place Him first, He not only fulfills our deepest desires, but also gives us the strength to live with purpose, purity, and peace

The sermon I wish I could preach – ‘after you have seen the feeding of 5000 everything else is easy!’  That message does not exist – in fact it seemed to get worse instead of better.  Jesus sends the disciples on ahead so He can go and pray – but a storm hits!  While they may be out of sight they were never out of care.  Jesus meets them on the water and delivers them to the western shore.  However, instead of returning to some rest and prayer immediately the crowds gather and Jesus take back up the burdens of ministry and compassion – no rest for the weary!  Sunday we will get in the boat with the disciples and watch as Jesus meets them in the storm – as He meets us in our storms.  Like the disciples we are sometimes guilty of knowing what God can do – seeing what God can do – then doubting what God will do.  Come Sunday to be encouraged and challenged – we must pay attention – God is good!

Pastor Mike

Jesus was followed all over the Land of Israel – some for His truths – others for the spectacle and miracles.  Jesus was intent on teaching grace and faith and truth – not impressing the skeptics.  This is the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospels (besides the Resurrection) so it must have some great lessons for all believers.  Sunday, for our unified single service I will take us to the hillside near Bethsaida and we will listen in to the fears of the disciples and the calmness of Jesus and the humble gift of the unnamed little boy with a sack lunch.  This has all the elements of a great story but more than that – it has the truths for life we need.  Though we are in Mark’s Gospel we will also venture into Exodus and Ezekiel and even 2 Kings – don’t miss this great time of fellowship and a feast of God’s Word – see you Sunday – bring someone to the picnic and let them meet us and Jesus.

Pastor Mike

Everything tragic you can imagine is in this account of John the Baptist – injustice – lewdness – deceit – cowardice – vengeance – death.  Herod the Great had some not-so-great kids – their story is told with words like adultery – lechery – treachery.  Sunday we will look at the descendants of Herod the Great (who tried to kill the baby Jesus) and Herod Antipas (who killed John the Baptist) and Philip the Tetrarch (who did not seem to do anything remarkable except loose his wife to his brother).  What a mess!  In this chaos is the pawn John the Baptist – who is beheaded at the whim of a vengeful adulteress by the request of a young girls dance.  You cannot just make this stuff up – it is so bizarre that only sin can write such a convoluted story.  Sunday I will try to sort out the family tree with its rotten fruit and share the courage of John and the cost of telling the truth.  This is an easy sermon to invite others to come – it is well known and has great applications for today.  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

We do not seek the approval of men nor the acceptance of the World – just listen to Jesus and follow His words.  Being a disciple is always making a disciple – so this week we will review that process.  It is not a class but a lifestyle – ‘on the road’ with Jesus.  Come this week – bring a disciple or potential disciple and lets grow together!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Jesus is healing two daughters of Israel in two very different ways.  This is a complex story with a very simple pair of outcomes – both girls find healing and hope in life through Jesus.  In fact, this is the account of Jesus on the way to a healing that is interrupted by an illness that delays the first healing to become a resurrection – what a story!  On this Mother’s Day we will follow Jesus as he cares for these two girls.  We will get off the boat with Jesus and listen as a Synagogue rules begs Him to come to the aid of his daughter on her deathbed.  Equally desperate is a woman with a bleeding disorder that has been outcast for 12 years and financially and emotionally bankrupted by her cures – none that worked!  The first is a frantic father the second is a humiliated daughter – yet we find the graciousness of Jesus equal to both.  I can promise you that this will be an encouraging and hopeful message for this Mother’s Day – come and see!

Pastor Mike

More about the Miracles of Jesus – right back in the middle of our times together – this week the casting of demons into pigs.  What a great account of Jesus dealing with several things in a single act.  The demons did not belong there – the pigs did not belong there – the man did not belong in the tombs – all found new homes!  From parables to storms to swine – what a swing!  Sunday I will take us into the hills of east Jordan and we will listen in to the begging of the ‘Legion’ and the disappointment of pig farmers and the fears of the citizens of the Gerasenes.

All my quotes will be from the same author and book - C.S. Lewis and his work on Miracles. You will love it!

Join us Sunday for Mark 5 – I promise a good study and challenge from this Gospel and I promise only 1 ‘deviled ham’ joke.  

Pastor Mike

Everyone likes ‘smooth sailing’ but reality is sometimes stormy!  For storms I advocate a ‘Storm Theology’ that is demonstrated in the Gospels by encounters like this Sunday.  What do we do when Jesus sends us ‘to the other side’?  What do we do when sudden storms rise up?  What is our cry to God?  Do we accuse Him of being asleep at the tiller?  Do we trust Him to do what is best – even in the blowing wind and driving rain?  No captain is tested in the calm waters of the sea – we know the best of any leader when faced with the difficult.  Just such a day came up with the disciples in Mark 4.  After some homey stories of growing seeds and gentle farming the greatness of the Messiah is tested by a ‘fierce gale’ dropping suddenly on the disciples in the Sea of Galilee.  Sunday I will try to explain how God’s trials build trust.  This week watch for folks who may be in the storms of life – invite them to hear how we can trust God in the storm and how to grow after the storm.  See you Sunday – 

Pastor Mike

He is risen – He is risen indeed!

Right off the bat, I’m going to rename this best-known parable to The Parable of the Soils, since there is a single seed and a single Sower, but four different soils with four very different outcomes. This Sunday, I’ll look at each soil—give the background of each—and make some 21st-century applications. It’s truly a rich study and well worth coming and sharing in.

One common question is: Which of the four were saved? Or others ask: Which of the four were lost? Which of the four should we be? As faithful believers, we should be sowers—skillful with the seed. We should also know that good seed may not fall on good soil. This Sunday, we’ll talk about improving the soil, as well as being faithful sowers.

Join me Sunday in Mark 4 as we rename the Parable of the Sower—The Parable of the Soils.

See you on Palm Sunday!

REMEMBER – Breakfast at 9:30am and our single combined service at 10:30am — Baptisms, Child Dedications, Children’s Choir, and Ukraine Testimonies during breakfast — Don’t miss this one!

Pastor Mike

"Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus." Elton Trueblood

This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to explore Mark 3:20-21, 31-35, where Jesus speaks about His true family. Like Jesus, many Christians face opposition in their own homes, as some family members may not understand their faith or may have undergone a process of faith deconstruction that leads to conflicted and estranged relationships within the family.

A 2024 study by the Barna Group revealed that 42% of U.S. adults, including 37% of practicing Christians, have engaged in deconstructing their faith, which often affects their family relationships.

Together, we will read and reflect on what the Bible says about Jesus’ family and His encouraging teachings regarding being part of His spiritual family. I pray that we find hope and guidance in Jesus' words. 

“God is not merely mending, not simply restoring a status quo. He is transforming you into a new creature—a godly being, fit for His own family.” (C.S. Lewis,  Mere Christianity)

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Pastor Denis

We meet three groups this Sunday in Mark 3. First we follow the curious and the desperate – the clamor to Jesus for what they can get from Him. This is described as a mob not a community of faith following the Messiah. The second group are the ones chosen as Disciples later to be known as ‘The Twelve’ in several lists in the Gospels and Acts. This small group of devoted followers was distinct – they were taken away and given specialized training for future ministry. They would be the foundation of the Church when Jesus returns to the Father. The third group are the unnamed hellish spirits who fled as Jesus walked the Earth. They sensed Him coming and cried out in terror. Their testimony is certain but not the credentials Jesus was seeking so He silenced them. Sunday we will see the shallowness of the crowds and the devotion of the disciples and the desperation of the demons. All of this for us to ask – who disciples us? Who are we discipling? How are we laboring to be better disciple makers? 

“Converts add to the Church – Disciples multiply the Church!”

Adding is fine but the masterplan of Jesus was multiplication by disciples making disciples!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

The Pharisees cannot help themselves – it seems that haters must hate!  Questions about Jesus and the Sabbath continue this week – the Pharisees have not stopped watching.  What is so very sad is that they were watching for violations instead of vindication!  They wanted to rule Jesus as ‘false’ instead to seeing Him by faith.  While attending the Synagogue Jesus sees a man with a shriveled hand – Luke even says his ‘right hand’.  This impaired man was still loving God and attending the reading of God’s Word without resentment toward his Creator.  The pattern of Jesus’ love was already well established and the Pharisees figured that He would do something compassionate again – He could not resist!  Sunday we will look at what was the kind nature of Jesus and the base nature of the Pharisees and the broken desire of the damaged man.  

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

Have you ever heard someone refer to Sunday as the Christian Sabbath?  What was the Sabbath Day in the 10 Commandments?  When did Sabbath begin?  Is the Sabbath Day past and now we celebrate Sunday instead?  All of these are great questions!  I will take them one at a time this Sunday as we look at Mark 2 where Jesus is ‘Lord of the Sabbath’ and He explains His role as Messiah.  

How do you know if you are following Jesus in a relationship or just following religious rules and traditions? Is it possible to slip from a genuine, passionate relationship with Jesus to a functional religious tradition?  Yes it is!  Do some begin to love the activity more that the soul’s experience with worship and God’s Word?  Also possible!  Is it possible to be a person who is committed to church, the Ten Commandments, and being nice and miss Jesus completely? Absolutely.  Sunday I will try to share how that is possible and why it is necessary to focus on Jesus.  We are going through these verses of Mark and we try to learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus and what it does not mean. We are learning about who we are following and how following Jesus impacts our daily lives.  A premise I will explore is that I believe it is possible to show our love for God by what we do and what we do not do. 

See you this Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Sunday I will take each of these uncommon (to us) illustrations and try to explain them in context then explain them in 21st century applications.  These are truly timeless patterns – come and hear!  I will also have a ‘bota’ for the kids to see – like the New Testament wineskin. 

See you Sunday –

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

“You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.”  Howard G. Hendricks

Just like Mark we ‘immediately’ zoom in on a single story that is emblematic of all Jesus had been doing in Galilee. So many moving parts in this short story – the great crowds had not left – the paralytic man and his very good friends who were compelled to bring him to Jesus. Such notice also brought some notoriety – the religious scoffers were also at hand – scoffing! Jesus did what He always does – shows great compassion – answers prayers – gives hope while silencing the critics – all at the same time!

Just like there are many characters there are as many lessons – great friends who bring people in need to Jesus. That would be a sermon all on its own! Jesus also gives a clear fulfillment of Isaiah 35:3 “Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble.” When we are feeble or tired we know where to go as well as where to take those we love – all to Jesus!

For this Sunday I am inviting the tired, the weary, the weak and even broken – the answer to all this and so much more is in one place – the presence of Jesus. Bring someone with you who needs this encouragement – this strengthening – they need it as much as we all do.

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

“Leprosy is cured by meds – fear is cured by love!”

Sunday I hope to show this by these verses in Mark – Grace greater than anyone’s sin! I encourage you to seek out a leper and bring them – if you cannot find a leper any sinner will do.

Pastor Mike

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”  Martin Luther

This Sunday we will get up early and follow Jesus slipping out the backdoor of Peter’s house to find a quiet place for prayer and time alone.  When the house wakes up everyone is searching for Jesus – He has so many fans already and so many needy people – so where did He go?  The example of Jesus is one for us to really focus on – seek out the pattern of being alone with God.  Sunday I will concentrate on how to set priorities – some of the many helps we have to spend time with God and some warnings about distractions in the world – like:  if you have your phone with you – you are not yet alone!  Yes – this week is personal! 

There are many verses that are fundamental to our understanding of Mark and this week is one of those key verses like when Esther said ‘for such a time as this’ Jesus gives us a line just like that.  Jesus announces: “For that is what I came out here to do." Mark 1:38 NET

Many do not seem to have a sense of clear purpose in life – maybe you.  I will try to help you this week find a clear purpose from God’s Word about why we are here – See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

Sunday will be a single day in the life of the Messiah – daytime as He worships in the Synagogue on the Sabbath and that evening when Sabbath is over back in Peter’s house.  We can hear the Authority of Jesus’ teaching and then witness the Compassion of His healings. Why start in Capernaum? Why as the Savior of the World begin teaching in a common Synagogue instead of the Temple in Jerusalem? When so much could have been done for so many more or before a greater crowd than common folks in a fishing village – why there? Why then? I will take on these and other questions this week – the contrast of Jesus’ Authority while living out His great Compassion – this is the ministry of the Messiah. 

People were amazed by His teaching – so should we!

People were drawn by His love and compassion – so should we!

What happens when Authority is blended perfectly with Love – respect! In our world when we fail to acknowledge God’s Authority there is little respect for the Divine. When the world ignores His great love and all that is seen is His Authority there is a loss of respect for the truths of God. Sunday I will try to show how these two companion truths are in balance – in a single day of Jesus’ life – join us!  

Be at home with Jesus – See you Sunday – Pastor Mike 

Jesus summoned them to walk with Him – not just be admirers but students – those committed to a lifestyle – not just a teaching.  Yes, we are to be lifelong students but followers in heart and faith and life.  Many were interested but only a few stayed for the journey – even a few less for life.  So Sunday our focus will be for the long haul – lifetime with Jesus.

We will focus on the three challenges of Comforts, Connections and Career.  Jesus calls us out on all three.  Be ready – this is not a message for the fainthearted – but for the faithful.  I will try to clarify a difficult truth that all believers should be disciples but sadly some may not be. 

Join a disciple or bring a believer who could be a disciple and join us Sunday for time in God’s Word and the calling of the Disciples in Mark 1.

Pastor Mike

Richard Baxter says: “Sin dwells in hell, and holiness in heaven. Remember that every temptation is from the devil, to make you like himself. Remember when you sin, that you are learning and imitating of the devil!”

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

The journey through Mark begins! Sunday we start where I love to start – chapter 1 verse 1 – by God’s grace you can dig with me in this book until we gather for chapter last (16) and verse last! For Grace Bible Church this has been our staple – going verse by verse – doing expository study of every event. Sunday we start with Mark 1:1 as the title and follow John the Baptizer in his fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies and his introduction of the Messiah – Jesus Christ. John was a colorful figure and quite unconventional to the religious minds of that day – an outright rebel! 

Before we meet the Messiah – Mark shares the message of John the Baptizer about how we should be ready. Some are Biblical recognitions and others are heart submissions. Both are essential to our pursuit of Christ in life. Sunday I will share 3 key areas for our heart to softened to follow our Messiah. Be Ready – Be Willing – Be Humble. None of these seem to be the elements of strong leadership or inspiring to greatness – but the key verse in Mark flips this upside down - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) 

“God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him.” Hudson Taylor

“I know I am not strong enough – maybe I am weak enough!”

Join us this week for the first step of a great journey through the Gospel as told by Mark.

“The Gospel should not improve our life – it should change it!”

Pastor Mike

We begin Sunday to walk beside Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Right away I want to make sure we know that this is NOT Mark’s Gospel but rather THE Gospel as told by Mark through Peter. There is only one Gospel as told in miraculous harmony by four Disciples. Sunday I will take us through the basics of who Mark was, how he met Jesus, why he recorded the stories and teachings of Jesus, and where he lived. No less than FIVE incredible events happened in Mark’s house – nobody in Israel had more miraculous contact than Mark unless it is Peter’s home in Capernaum or the Bethany home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. I will be encouraging us to be reading the Gospels every week in readiness for God’s Word. I will be sharing paragraph by paragraph the accounts given to Mark from the Apostle Peter just before his martyrdom in Rome.  

I really hope you can invite folks to come and join us on this Gospel journey – truly a year of time in the Word, expository preaching, and devotional applications every Sunday. Feel free to read ahead – I will not skip a verse – I will dive deep every week and do my best to bring you the pearls of Mark – there are many!

Pastor Mike

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5”

This Sunday marks the last Sunday of 2024, providing us with a great opportunity to evaluate, reflect, and learn from the year that is coming to an end. For some, 2024 has been a wonderful year that will be missed, while for others, it has been a challenging year, and they hope for a better upcoming year. Ultimately, what matters more than our personal experiences is what the Bible teaches us about our times, both past and future.

I invite you to join me this Sunday as we delve into chapter three of Ecclesiastes. Let’s take the time to reflect on what happened under the sun and above the sun throughout 2024, and let’s also learn and hope for a blessed 2025.

“Time is the measure of motion according to before and after, and yet it is a mystery. We live in it, but we long for eternity. Ecclesiastes reminds us that God has set eternity in the human heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and this tension between time and eternity shapes our lives and longings.” Augustine of Hippo

Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Pastor Denis

I knew a teacher who would often share that, “It is easy if you know how.” Finding the Messiah would be easy if we had a guide. The Wise Men had a Star, the Jews had the Prophets, Herod even had his scribes – what about the common folk? God sent just such a messenger when the angel showed up on Christmas Eve just outside of Bethlehem – to shepherds! The Angel gave signs and searching instructions – they led right to the Messiah – in a stable and laying in a manger.  

To me, there has never been such a picture of Heavenly Humility – The Creator in a Crib.

Sunday we will visit the shepherds outside of Bethlehem and follow them into the village and all the way to the stable. This is a story of unlikely men chosen to seek a King in an unlikely spot.  The lessons of the Shepherds are many and I will share a few this Sunday. The call to discipleship began with the birth announcement – Come and See then Go and Tell.  

See you Sunday for our last worship time together before Christmas – 

Pastor Mike

"Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries."  George W. Truett

We have so many wonderful examples of kindness and giving at Christmas that it is hard to tell them all. We also have a few stories of the antitypes of Christmas like Scrooge and the Grinch. In the Dickens tale we meet Ebenezer Scrooge who denied Christmas and the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas – but none so notorious as the King who tried to kill Christmas – Herod. Men have tried before to eliminate the promises of God like the Assyrians and Babylonians conquering Israel and Judah. Again, when Haman tried and failed in the book of Esther. The Herod plot was much simpler – find the Messiah and eliminate Him. Defeated by the Wise Men, Herod turned to brutality by wiping out a cluster of baby boys around the questions of the Wise Men. Sunday you will meet one of the most messed up families you have every heard about – The Herodians. You will also hear that God’s goodness is greater than man’s most evil works. 

Come for our third week of “Seeking Christ” as we meet Herod the Great or as I like to call him, Herod the Terrible!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“If Christmas is just a nice legend, in a sense you are on your own. But if Christmas is true, then you can be saved by grace.” Timothy Keller

What does it mean when we sing the carol “We three Kings”? 2,000 years ago, a group of wise men traveled from the East to find a young child who had “been born King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). Guided by a star, these magi eventually found Jesus and worshipped Him. Who were they? Where did they come from? Had they read the writings of Daniel and others from Babylon? How many were there in the group? Did they bring real gold and frankincense and myrrh? 

So many questions – I will do my best to answer a few – not all! There are some real and relevant lessons in this visit from the East for us today. Sunday in our Together For Christmas service – we will revisit this visit from the Magi and hopefully better understand their quest and their gifts. What are we looking for? What will we bring? What will we find? Come to this special single celebration at 10:30am – Together For Christmas!  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

"You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift." John R. Rice

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

TEASER – there are two Bethlehems – where should we look?

It is not about the size of our heart but the greatness of our gratitude! There is maybe no better place in Scripture to look to find genuine, sincere, lifetime thankfulness to God than in the Psalms and this 100th Psalm especially! David and the other psalmists fill their poetry with gratitude to God, lifting up their voices in praise to Him constantly, during the best and worst times of life. In this Psalm are our instructions for Thanksgiving – to Shout – to Serve – to Sing! But that celebration is based on Truth – about Jehovah and how He loves us. Sunday we will cover the powder KEG of thanks and hopefully we can leave shouting and serving and singing praises to the LORD.

See you Sunday – 

Pastor Mike

I certainly do. I tend to take credit for the good things and complain about the bad things.

This Sunday, we’ll look at Psalm 118, where the psalmist urges us to focus on the goodness of God. He is the source of every good thing in our lives. In the words of Psalm 118:1, let’s take up the challenge to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” thanking God for everything that he brings into our lives.

I’ll give you the opportunity to join me in taking “A Thanksgiving Challenge” (come Sunday to find out what it is). It’s been life-changing for me and I pray that it is for you as well. Take two minutes to read Psalm 118 this week and come prepared to celebrate the goodness of God.

Pastor David Wells

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Let's learn together this Sunday,

Pastor Andy

Sunday I will compare the judgment of Nineveh to the judgment for us as sinners – a truly Gospel centered message! This is the week to bring someone who needs to hear the Gospel clearly – I will try to be as clear as I can. 

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See you Sunday – Pastor Mike

“God soon turns from His wrath, but he never turns from his love.” C.H. Spurgeon

From Jonah to Nahum we can say – ‘the worm has turned!’ Jonah was afraid that the Assyrians would get away with their wickedness – yet Jonah was grateful for God overlooking his faithlessness. Now a century later we find Nahum warning the city of Nineveh that their time is up! You might describe the tone of Nahum 2 as taunting or mocking but it is truly God using prophetic language to describe the unimaginable to a people who thought themselves invincible. 

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God is reminding the peoples of Judah and Israel that the forces that have come up against them were results of their own sinfulness – yet God in His great mercy will deliver them while judging the treachery of Nineveh. Jonah did not live to see it but God is not every wrong! Israel should not gloat nor Judah take any comfort – God is still seeking obedience from those who claim to love Him. 

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Sunday I will take us back into the great city of Nineveh on the eve of its destruction – to the great relief of God’s people and the great surprise of the Assyrians. So many verses come to mind but none clearer than in Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” The ruins of Nineveh are a monument for all times to see that God will not be ignored or dismissed. If you think that sin can be ignored or consequences forgotten – you need to hear the words of Nahum! 

Join us Sunday for a trip back to Nineveh – back to the end of an empire and the beginning of God keeping His promise to the people of Israel.

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Pastor Mike

God is a jealous God! But I thought jealousy was a sin – not in God’s case! Sunday we will meet the face of God that Nahum knew – it is wonderful and awesome and a little scary! Nineveh felt safe in their power and prosperity – little did they know that God’s clock was running and the meter was about to run out! The God of the Bible is a jealous, avenging God who will not ignore the wicked, but eventually bring destruction, in this case, on Nineveh; however, he is also slow to anger, good, a stronghold, and knows those who trust in him. It is a strange and wonderful thing that in this chapter of ‘time’s up!’ we find a verse referenced later in Romans giving hope to our salvation – “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Rom 10:15. This will also sound familiar this Christmas – “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people” Luke 2:10.

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Sunday will be the first of 3 messages from Nahum – you may have never heard even one but this is a rich book – with a little explanation and history it will come alive and give us both warning and celebration – invite someone who needs to know that God can truly be a best friend and need never be our worst enemy. 

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See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

What would happen if true revival came – would we be thrilled? Would we be disappointed that sinners o​ffended God so long and then He took them so easily? Why do some believers love to sing God’s graces but hesitate about God’s mercies? Jonah had prayed about going and was sure God’s love would triumph and mercy would reign – he wanted justice on the Assyrians – not mercy! God did here what He often does for us – an everyday illustration of how He cares. Jesus used parables – John received a vision – Jonah got a potted plant! 

It struck me that with the dockworkers strike some things may not be available for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year – what if my fruitcake gets delayed? Then I was reminded that though I may have to do without something – there will be many who will have nothing more for Christmas. So I thanked God for His blessings – filled my Operation Christmas Child box – prayed for the many who have so much less. I think I am ready to share Jonah 4 – I am praying you are ready to hear it! 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Sunday we will go back to the simple truth of Jonah – God’s infinite grace seen in God’s individual grace! Jonah becomes a walking Gospel of forgiveness and hope! Whatever Jonah’s attitude toward the Assyrians might have been – the forgiveness in his testimony was shining bright! Our question should not be ‘will God forgive me?’ Rather we should be asking what will we do with God’s second chance? I am praying for you – see you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

Just a thought – the cheerleaders for Sunday’s sermon of second chances will be Rahab, Bathsheba, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel & Leah, Jochebed, and Abigail. Every one of them with a redeeming story to share!

Jonah is where he never imagined he would be to lift a prayer! Where have you bowed your head in prayer? By a sick child – in despair of a job loss – in desperation of family crisis – in fear of death? Jonah was not praying for a second chance – he was repenting of wasting his first chance. He had only the hope of resurrection on his mind. Jonah expected to drown on his next breath – he had a few seconds to ponder his failure and God's great mercy. Sunday I will take us into the dry places of prayer and the wet ones too! I will remind us of God's many promises of prayer and His goodness. As much as we enjoy a good Bible Study or Sunday School or Small Group – we are reminded of what is most important - "No learning can make up for the failure to pray. No earnestness, no diligence, no study, no gifts will supply its lack." E.M. Bounds

Remember – on Jonah's worst day of disobedience he still believed God would hear him – as He will certainly hear us!

Be praying now – I will see you Sunday – I will be praying for you!

Pastor Mike

Sunday we will follow the reluctant prophet as he flees the calling of God. We follow him down from the hills of Galilee – down to the seaport city of Joppa – down into the hold of his cruise away from God and finally down into the belly of the fish! Do you see a pattern here? Join me Sunday as we begin the journey of a running prophet.

Pastor Mike

I will do an overview of the whole book this week and then a chapter a week until I move into Nineveh Part #2 in Nahum. Please invite someone to be your guest for time in the Word and the fellowship that follows the Worship Service – see you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

Sunday I will take us back to the Garden and examine the assignment of work and the consequences of the Fall. I will take us to the feet of Jesus where He speaks of labor then listen to the teachings of Paul about contentment and godliness. This Labor Day message is for anyone who has a job – anyone who is going to college for a career – anyone who is retired. I will try to explain that work was given before sin entered the world and therefore is a part of God’s perfect creation. Work was not a result of the fall; the fall only made work more difficult (Genesis 3:17–19). Come hear God’s solution and what our attitude should be until we get to Heaven. Just a thought – will we work in Heaven? Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Since God is unchangeable – it seems clear that we will have a new assignment in Heaven – don’t get lazy!

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike

This story reads like modern soap opera with immoral activities in which the rich seem to escape while the less fortunate are punished (remember she was caught in the act, but only the woman was brought to judgment – where is the guy?) The key to this incredible story is what happens when a sinner is placed at the feet of Jesus. This is the place where every person who calls themselves a follower of Christ has been and needs to go more often. It is also the only place every person can go to experience the incredible promises of forgiveness and eternal life.

Join me Sunday as we stand off to the side and witness through Scripture the humiliation of the proud and the restoration of the humiliated! Only Jesus could do that! For her and for us.

Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike in Liberia

I am looking forward to preaching this Sunday about Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus. I will start by pointing out the importance of the meekness and humility that brought Nicodemus to Jesus. Then we will explore the profound mystery Jesus reveals about the need to be spiritually born again before one can see and enter the Kingdom of God. Finally, you will see that being born of water and Spirit is the only thing that can deliver you from the darkness and condemnation of sin and bring you into the light and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Although applicable to everyone, Jesus’s message to Nicodemus was also very personal, so I plan to share part of my own testimony of faith with you as well. If you know someone who needs to hear the message of the gospel, please invite them!

And please pray for this week’s message. Pray that those who need to hear it will be able to, and that I will be able put my own pride aside so that the Holy Spirit has the reigns to effectively minister the words of Jesus to each listening heart.

In Christ,

Bret Barrier

This Sunday, we have the privilege to “Come and See” Jesus's first conversation in the Book of John - Jesus talking with Nathanael, one of his disciples. 

This conversation transformed Nathanael from a spiritually blind man seeking the truth to a follower who found the Messiah and would see great things. Sunday, we will have an opportunity to learn from this conversation and how to apply what Jesus taught in our lives. 

“By these words our Lord meant that his perceptions would become more vivid. Believest thou? Thou shalt see. If we demand to see first we shall never believe; but if we are willing to believe we shall by-and-by see.” Charles Spurgeon 

Your prayers are deeply appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there. 

Denis Garijo

In the many conversations Jesus had that are recorded in the Gospels, few rival the honesty and depth of His interactions with the Pharisees in John 8. This passage is especially poignant since this is Father’s Day and the Pharisees put the questions in the context of Abraham as their Father. Instead of being embarrassed, Jesus uncovers their blindness and true identity - unbelievers. The Pharisees are unable to understand Jesus’ Gospel and that He was sent by the Father. His was not a self-initiated mission. They were so convinced by their preconceptions that they couldn’t hear what Jesus was saying. They are so wrapped up in their biased thinking that they can’t catch the truth of Jesus’ teachings. They are likewise clueless as to His origin, identity, and redemptive purpose. Sunday I will take this conversation and walk us through 3 Questions, 3 Answers, and share the 3 Lessons that Jesus gives us about His Father. Join us for a great lesson on who Jesus was and who sent Him!

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

“We must either worship Christ as God or despise or pity Him as man.” John Gerstner

Jesus met all kinds of people. He dined with the rich, took time with the outcasts, had compassion for those who lived in sin, and helped the poor and needy. The one constant in every conversation with Jesus was how He lovingly and kindly always moved the conversation from where He met them to where they should be in faith. Jesus met with the curious in Nicodemus and the devious in the Samaritan woman and the hateful in the Pharisees – yet in each encounter we find an open and sincere conversation – not railing or berating or debating but loving! At every level of society, Jesus spoke the right words at the right time.

Sunday we will listen in to 4 conversations Jesus had and see how He listened, how He spoke and how He cared! 

When I think about the conversations of Jesus I see how He was the embodiment of Micah 6:8:

“He has told you, O man, what is good;

And what does the LORD require of you

But to do justice, to love kindness,

And to walk humbly with your God?”

The very Son of God humbled among men listening to their problems and caring for their souls – we must do no less!

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

“Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him.” 

J. Oswald Sanders

What is God teaching me? So often as Pastor I am praying and meditating on what I feel the Grace Family needs the most from God’s Word – prayers, family, faith, fears, losses, temptations and so many more Scriptural themes from the Bible – yet how often do you hear from my heart about what God is teaching me? You have heard me say often that - “the day I cease to be a student I am no longer qualified to be a teacher!” I am still and intend to always be a student of God’s Word seeking God’s will. 

So, Sunday at our Summer Kick-off Picnic each of us as pastors will share a few minutes about what God is teaching us – I hope this will be encouraging – as Paul said: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12

“If I am to wholly follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I must forsake everything that is contrary to Him.” A.W. Tozer

Babylon was under siege when Belshazzar chose to throw a party for his officials, wives and concubines! Only great pride could summon this kind of disregard. This shows you a little more of Belshazzar’s character. He was arrogant. He was proud, and unafraid.

Why was he so arrogant? Babylon was an impregnable city! Who cares if the Persians were outside?

The city was protected by a double wall. The inner wall was 21 feet thick with 30-60 foot defensive towers every 60 feet along the wall. 23 feet outside of that wall, was the 12 foot thick outer wall. 65 feet outside of that wall was a moat, connected to the Euphrates river. The city could not be breached! And, they could hold out longer than an army surrounding them. The city boasted that it had an unlimited water supply, and enough food to feed everyone for over 2 years!

And yet - The ancient Greek historian Herodotus relates that the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon by diverting the flow of the Euphrates into a nearby swamp. This lowered the level of the river so his troops marched through the water and under the river-gates.

Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Memorials are shadows of promises made our kept – join us Sunday for this lesson from Daniel 5.

Pastor Mike

Sunday is a narrative of contradictions – Jesus loves his friend but delays his trip. Jesus says he 'sleeps' then confirms the death of Lazarus but then promises that this will 'not be unto death'! He goes to the house to mourn but weeps only at the tomb – then calls out to his deceased friend and Lazarus responds! Mary and Martha are both deeply disappointed yet affirm complete trust in the Messiah. Through all of these seeming contradictions I will take us into this story and hopefully come away with a clear message – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!

So what is our attitude? Do we cling to life as though there is nothing else? Do we fear death or face life in faith? I love what Richard Baxter (1615-1691) said: “I preached as never sure to preach again, And as a dying man to dying men.” That is us – a dying people giving hope to dying people! Come celebrate this hope Sunday!

Pastor Mike

So many sermons have been preached about Esther and Ruth. I have done series in the past on both – and we have heard from Rahab and Hannah.  Sunday I will turn out attention toward just a few that came in direct contact with Jesus and what was the result of each encounter.  It is Mother’s Day so let’s hear from some of the women who met Jesus – women who came to see Jesus as Messiah – Savior – Lord – God!  I cannot cover them all but I will do a few of my favorites – all from John.  I originally thought I could cover 7 but as the weeks have progressed toward this Sunday 7 seems too ambitious (too long as well).  What richness can we gain by studying the influence of women like Mary the Mother of Jesus or the sisters Mary and Martha or even Mary Magdalene?  So, I will look at 5 and hopefully we can hear the words of Jesus to them and about them and they can be inspiring for our mothers on this Mother’s Day and everyone else too.  

See you Sunday –

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Mike

This is a favorite story of Jesus healing the man born blind and it gives us lessons not only about faith but also about prayer, hope, and humility. We are confronted with two groups -- a man born blind who is willing to trust one he has never seen and a group of men with sight who are unwilling to trust what they can see with their own eyes. The second group is a body of men well trained and schooled in the Law and Prophets – yet were not looking for prophecy! They were abusing the Law as they accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. The first man who was born blind did not spend the time in study or deliberation but accepted the ministry of Jesus without credentials and left his post of begging to journey to the Pool of Siloam without guarantee. He later blurts out those well know words, ‘this one thing I know – I once was blind but now I see!’. Sunday I will share this story and some of the Biblical backgrounds but in the end – we need to not trust only what we can see but put our faith the One who gives sight even to the blind! Join us this Sunday as the blind man is given sight and we will try to gain insight together!

Pastor Mike

'Walk on water' – a phrase common in English that refers to an accomplishment that is a miracle and nothing less. This became an idiom of doing the impossible. That is what Jesus did – the impossible! The disciples had witnessed the Feeding of the 5000+ and the crowds had seized on the wrong idea – 'let's make Him a king!' - not what Jesus intended. The desire for the Jews to throw off Roman rule was widely held – they hated Roman rule. Jesus did not come to be a political solution – He came to be a soul solution! Responding to the crowds, Jesus slipped away to a quiet place in the hills and the disciples made ready to return the fishing boat to its place in Capernaum. Unafraid and accustomed to night fishing, the disciples set out only to be confronted with a fierce storm making the home docks impossible. Knowing they were to meet Jesus there, they tried to row against the waves and wind but they were losing! Jesus walks out to meet them and deliver them. 

What can be learned from such an extraordinary event? It cannot be that we should attempt water walking – Peter did in the Matthew account and sank! Sunday I will take us to the Sea of Galilee and into the boat – not for swimming or walking lessons but for lessons of trust and faith. The effect of Jesus in our life should be the same thing He called out to the disciples from the stormy water – 'It is I; do not be afraid!'. We are like the disciples – working against the storm – praying for the storm to end – when all along Jesus is telling us to trust Him – lose the fear!

Pastor Mike

A miracle occurs at the bankruptcy of our efforts!  

So many great characters – the little boy, Andrew, Philip, the crowd and of course Jesus. Such drama as the teaching of Jesus bottlenecked the Passover Crowds and rather than a steady stream of feast goers a mob had paused to hear Jesus teach – too big for any village to handle. Our custom of giving thanks for each meal before we eat comes from this account – ‘saying grace’ or ‘thanks’ should be our every meal practice. So many great lessons and just the one message – I will do my part to be ready – please read the text in all the Gospels and be ready for God’s blessings! Come with an empty heart to be filled – no basket is needed yet.

See you Sunday

Pastor Mike

For 38 years the lame man hoped for a miracle – a healer – a cure – a recovery – a helper into the Bethesda pool. None was coming! During one of the feasts (Passover) Jesus happened by the lame man’s pallet of begging. Hopeless and helpless the man waited in desperation – then Jesus asks the most absurd question – ‘do you want to be healed?’ The man explains how this last desperate hope is futile since none can get him into the pool in time – doomed! Jesus quietly and kindly offers an alternative – He directs the man to stand – take his sick bed and leave the pool! By faith the man leaps and runs from the columns of Bethesda – healed! The story should be a happy ending to a depressing life but wait – there are those who were offended (sounds like today) about how Jesus did this and when Jesus did this. They missed the point that Jesus is Redeemer and Deliverer from sin and it's consequences. 

We will see three things for us to carry away as well – recognizing Jesus Authority – His Ability – His Affections. Come Sunday for the third miracle Jesus does to show His superiority over all Creation and the Savior of Sinners (like us!). 

See you Sunday – 

Pastor Mike

In this beautiful story presented by the apostle John, we see how a nobleman found healing not just for his ill son but also for his own heart and household.

When he approached Jesus, he was a desperate man trying to save his son from death. But after his encounter with the Son of God, not only was his son healed, but the Bible says that "he and his household believed."

The sign of healing performed by Jesus, his interaction with the nobleman, and the fruit of believing in this story still resonate with us today, bringing hope and strengthening our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Your prayers are deeply appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there. 

Pastor Denis

Just about the time they began to accept the very sad reality of Jesus death, an unbelievable story was brought to them by one of the women in their fellowship – He is alive! Jesus’ death seemed implausible and now His resurrection seems impossible! Any fair-minded man would doubt and we find Thomas way past that in full pout. How did Jesus bring this pouting doubter to shouting faith? Easter did it! Join us Easter morning as I retell this story of Doubt to Belief from the story of the Risen Lord and Doubting Thomas.

He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!

See you Easter Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

“We don’t get to see Heaven before we die but we do get know someone who as just there!”

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Jesus' journey towards the crucifixion and resurrection. It starts with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He was received as the king of the Jews, the Messiah who would rescue them politically and nationally. However, Jesus came to bring salvation not for their nation but for their souls. After His entry, we will fast forward a couple of days to the events when Jesus was arrested, where He delivered the last 'I Am' statement, displaying His power and Divinity. As we look at these events, let us learn from human mistakes and, most importantly, from Jesus, the humble King, Lord, and Savior.

John 8:58 - “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

I appreciate your prayers and hope to see you there!

Denis Garijo

John 20:30,31 “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

The first of the Signs of the Messiah – power over the sin cursed world! Jesus was the Creator – the maker of all that is – so He could make or alter any physical element. Taking time from the beginnings of His ministry he attends a wedding with his mother at nearby Cana. This celebration gives witness to family, faith, humanity, and the divine – so much in a simple wedding reception! 

Sunday I will take us through the Jewish celebration – the role of guests – the use of wine – the use of Jesus of common things to make uncommon lessons – all in a few verses. This will be the first of Seven Signs (we will take time out for Easter) as we enter into the demonstrations of the I AM – Jesus the Messiah. Just like the wedding ceremony I am asking you to invite someone to join you.

See you Sunday – 

Pastor Mike

“Miracles are the signatures of God not the subject!”

BTW – there is a connection between this miracle and original creation in Eden – I hope you find it as interesting as I did – come and see!

Join me this week in Mark 2 as Jesus explains the purpose for all the rest of His miracles!  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Jesus is the Vine and His Father the Vinedresser – doing the pruning.  We are the branches extending from the Vine whose purpose is to bear fruit for the Vinedresser.  Sunday I will cover the 4 types of produce God desires from His vineyard.  Fruit, more fruit, much fruit, and fruit that remains.  The most important step to this is being connected to the Vine and then to be fruitful in this World.  

Come Sunday and listen to the lesson from Jesus – our True Vine!  

See you Sunday - Pastor Mike

Fruit of the Spirit - Growing by the Water of the Word and lots of 'Sonlight'!

John records the fear of the Disciples when Jesus announces in John 13 that He is ‘only with them a little while longer’ (John 13:31). As we might expect Peter asks ‘where are you going?’ – and Jesus replies with a short answer and then the longer promises of John 14 – the text for Sunday. 

The conversation in chapter 14 follows in form closely to the preceding chapter. The conversation continues to flow as Christ prepares His disciples for the day ahead. He comforts them by telling them His departure is to His Father's house, with a view of preparing a place for them and then coming again to those who know the direction of the journey.  

Our key verse is Jesus establishing that knowing Him is not only the ultimate meaning and fulfillment of life on earth but the only way to really know the Father in heaven.  Sunday I will take us into the teachings of the Way, the Truth, and the Life – all found in Jesus!

Invite someone to join you!

Pastor Mike

If only you had been here – so many storylines in John 11.  Sunday I will take a few of them focusing on Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life.  Why did Jesus delay?  Why did Martha go out to meet Jesus?  Nothing was to be required of Martha or Mary – Lazarus was dead and buried.  Why is Jesus showing up now and speaking of life when they had gathered for mourning?  Jesus did not speak of death nor of distractions – He spoke about life!  Jesus’ words were not about having a better life nor a longer life nor ignoring the inevitable effect of death – He spoke about resurrection and life to follow – in Him.  Sunday I will take us through the conversation of Jesus and Martha (we will revisit the raising of Lazarus later) and we will hope to see the promises made by the Lord and the comfort we might have in those promises.  Join us Sunday for the 4th I AM – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!

Pastor Mike

“Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, 'Christ is risen,' but 'I shall rise.'” Phillips Brooks

Jesus is truly the good shepherd. We use the word “good” in so many different ways describing food, appearance, music or even our well-being. Sometimes we speak of something or someone being good in a moral sense, but other times we speak about something being good in quality. That’s the way the word is used here. It’s a word that means good in quality. It can even mean beautiful, handsome or excellent. So when Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, he means that he is the most excellent shepherd; he is the pre-eminent shepherd; he is what shepherding is all about. He is the beautiful shepherd, the ideal shepherd – the perfect example of what a shepherd should be. And as we look at how Jesus fulfills his role as the good shepherd, we see even more the wonder and the beauty of our Lord.

In our passage Sunday Jesus shares four different ways that He is the good shepherd. Jesus has Compassion, Courage, Community and a Calling – all for the Sheep = us!  I will take us through the New Testament to see Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd – but the most important question I will ask you is – ‘can you say He is my Shepherd?’  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

The physical aspects of the sheepfold are both simple and clear – from these, we will better understand the spiritual lessons Jesus wants to teach us. During the day flocks roamed the pasture, but at night they were corralled into a sheepfold. The sheepfold was an enclosure surrounded by a wall of rocks that was too high for the sheep to jump over. The shepherds sometimes put thorny branches on the tops of the walls to deter thieves from trying to climb over. 

The opening in the wall allowed the sheep to enter and exit; and at night, the shepherd lay across that opening and became the door of the sheepfold. No animal could get out and no enemy could get in without the shepherd knowing it. On the outskirts of many villages, there might be a community sheepfold where all the shepherds brought their flocks each evening. In the morning, the shepherds would call their sheep, and each flock would follow its shepherd out of the sheepfold. The sheep knew the voice of their own shepherd and would follow nobody else.  But this again is next week!  Join me Sunday as we focus on the opening of the fold where Jesus is The Door – He is the only way in and the only one we can trust to lead us out into the World.

Pastor Mike

This is the second I AM statement that Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. These statements reveal to us who He is and what He came to do. The meaning of John 8:12 is powerful and can change our life and our faith if we let it sink in and become our way of life. 

Sunday I will dive into what the ‘I am the light of the world’ means and see how it should change our approach to Growing in Christ and Growing Others!

In Jesus’ first I AM statement in John 6:35 he says he is the Bread of Life. Food was a too scarce commodity in the 1st Century world of the Jews. It was the first thing God provided the Israelites with on their journey in the Exodus from Egypt – ‘manna’ the Bread of Life.  Here Jesus uses an equally iconic illustration: light. The Jews in their wanderings followed a pillar of fire by night and day.  Moses knew this was of the LORD as he had visited the burning bush that was not consumed and he heard the commands of Jehovah.

Today when it’s dark we simply flip a switch and instantly the darkness is gone. But in the 1st Century, it wasn’t so simple. In Jesus’ day when it got dark, it was DARK. So when Jesus calls Himself the light it’s a big deal.  Not so in the days of lamps and oil or even just meager candles – real light!  From the Menorah to the Hannukah miracle – Light was a big deal!

Dr Thomas Constable says, “The light of life figure stands for what dispels the darkness of ignorance and death. Jesus was claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from God’s presence and produces life.” 

Join me Sunday for this second I AM and let me share the 3 ways we are illuminated by Christ and how we are to walk in that light and shine that light – see you Sunday.

Pastor Mike

Sunday I begin our series on the I AMs of John – each one adding to the testimony of Jesus – as we heard last week “so that you may believe!”. I will begin with some basic background on the name I AM and then quickly into the claims of Jesus as the Bread of Life. We will wander through the annuals of Exodus recalling the name of Jehovah and the manna provided in the Wilderness Journey. Then fast forwarding to the Gospels where Jesus takes the offering of the little boy’s lunch and after a time of prayer – He feeds a crowd of 5000 a picnic! On the heels of that miracle, Jesus seizes a teaching moment – “I am the Bread of Life” was the lesson though we will hear Sunday that it was part of a longer lesson that began with some impertinent questions from the people. 

Join me as we begin a series of Sevens recorded in John’s Gospel – I will also be sharing my Banana Bread recipe (not kidding!) as an illustration of the difference between studying bread and eating bread! 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Like the closing years of the 1st Century (which John saw), the early years of our 21st Century are filled with lots of false ideas about Jesus; pictures of Christ shaped by popular ideas, movements, and religions of today. I wish all of these were outside the Church, but it is not so. There are also false Christs in the church! False ideas come from selfish desires and lazy study. John challenges us to look at the Messiah – study His works – listen to His words – watch His reactions – there is the Son of God!

The Gospel means “good news”. And the good news is that God wants to feed us in exactly this way through this book. Are you heart-hungry? Does your soul thirst? Please hear this: your satisfaction as a true believer is directly related to the healthiness of what you truly believe about Jesus. That's why all of us need to understand John and these seven signs of Jesus.

Join me as we journey with John and visit a few of Jesus' many and mighty works. May God bless this study and every one of you who comes with a humble heart and ears to hear. Let's pray and ask God for exactly that.

Pastor Mike

How do we focus forward? Since only God knows the future it seems right to focus on the way He is looking – grace by faith in Christ alone. Sunday I will do two things: 1) give a brief update on the state and vision of Grace in leadership. 2) share with Grace the vision of Paul as he was looking back and around and forward. We too must be doing some of that – looking back at what God has done and being grateful and looking around at what God has at our hands to do for the Kingdom. Then too, looking forward to ministry here with Heaven in view! Sunday I will take us through some things that Grace is doing or plans to do. I will also take us into God’s Word to see the perspective God would have us take about future days – they all belong to Him!

Years ago I got a fortune cookie that had a short strip of advice – ‘If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one!’ I know the cookie was not inspired nor was it even original – long ago Paul told us in Philippians ‘This one thing I do!’. Sunday let's gather to listen to that ‘one thing’ that is most important for this year to come.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit” (if you wanted it in Latin)

Reflection is what God intended though most often we call it meditation (the world reaches for medication). Reflecting is the base of these proverbs – making plans and seeking God’s will. Sunday I will just look at the first 6 verses to get us ready for the New Year and the end of the year time of Communion. God is the one who gave us times and seasons – to look around and see Him – to look back and make right – to look ahead to make plans. That is Sunday – let’s look around and thank Him for so great salvation as we celebrate communion. Let’s look back and see His blessings and things we missed. Let’s look ahead and set goals not to miss them again!

See you for the New Year's Eve combined service!

Pastor Mike

The verses that support this carol are just as well known. Well-known verses from Isaiah and the Gospels but also verses from Micah, the Psalms. Sunday I will take us through a few of each - giving us the background of the Carol and the promises of God kept in the baby of Bethlehem - Jesus!

Remember - a Christmas Eve service at 10am and repeated at 4pm. Bring your family - bring your friends - worship with us as we celebrate the original gift of Heaven-born in a stable - laid in a manger - crucified on a cross - risen to life - ascended to Heaven! Full circle! 

Pastor Mike

Our Angels for Sunday are the group that visited the shepherds in the fields of Boaz just east of Bethlehem. There are several fascinating things about this account – I will try to cover just four. I have always been struck with how many unlikely things happen on this night – these I will share with Grace – come and listen! Join with us as we sing ‘Angels we have heard on high’ and not be the congregation that might sing ‘Angels we ignore on high’.

Pastor Mike

PS – Christmas is more than a Wonderful Life – it is Eternal Life! And don’t look for Clarence when God offers clarity in His Word!

BUT… did you know Joy to the World was not originally written to be a song - it was a poem! Further, did you know Joy to the World was not even about the birth of Jesus!?? And, one of the most powerful verses of the song, verse 3, “Far as the Curse is Found,” has been all but omitted from modern renditions.

How did this old poem, authored back in 1719, evolve to be the most popular Christian, Christmas song of all time? Listen to find out! ;-)

If you want a hint, read Psalm 98, of which Joy to the World was originally written as a paraphrased poem. 

Our goal, in looking at the joyous roots of this hymn, is to experience an even deeper-rooted source of Jesus’ joy in our hearts and lives this Christmas season and beyond – Growing in Christ to Grow Others, Together!!

Pastor Jake

Christmas can be a time of great joy but it is also too often a season of disappointments – we ask too much! Christmas lists are too long, patience with family is too short – engagements are too many and time is too short!  Days have more tasks and less hours and frustrations seem to be the only thing we have in surplus – where does this come from?  Our expectations.

Expectations are the foundations of hope and the edges of disappointments.  It is unrealistic to think that all our expectations can be met – yet there is a place where our every expectation will be satisfied – but only in Christ!  We will revisit the hopes of Simeon and Anna and walk beside the men from Emmaus and listen to the prophecy of Isaiah – all to remind us of the Expectations promised by God who cannot disappoint!  

I am inviting you to bring your hopes and disappointments – your expectations and frustrations.  Bring them and hear the Scriptures and sing the songs about true hope that cannot let you down!

Pastor Mike

Psalm 46:7 “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. “

Join us this Sunday for the beginning of our Christmas season with celebrations of the coming of the Messiah to save His people! Not just the Jews in the days of Isaiah nor just the Jews in the days of the Romans – but the God who loved them loves us! He is here – now – for us!

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

Sometimes there is one thing that is so distracting we don’t see the many other things from the hand of God in our life. This was the situation with Hamman, Mordecai, and Esther. Everything seemed right in the world… then all of a sudden, out of the corner of his eye, Hamman caught a glimpse of Mordechai! And unlike all the other people he meant on the way home… Mordecai was not quaking with fear and respect! He wasn’t even bowing… in fact, He didn’t even stand up! “Why does this guy have to ruin my day!” Unwilling to show himself in public as the spoiled child that he was … he keeps himself together long enough to get home.

And when He gets home… he starts bragging! He brags about his wealth. He brags about his children. He brags about his position. And most of all he brags about the fact that He was invited to another banquet with the king and queen! But there is still that one thing – the bad apple in the barrel – the fly in the ointment – too many cooks spoil the broth – and other clichés we all know. Hamman could not ignore the satisfaction (smugness) of Mordecai – it made him unsatisfied with everything else in life.

We will walk with Hamman and visit Mordecai and listen to Esther – hopefully coming away with a much keener sense of gratitude and thankfulness. Whatever that one thing is in your life – be ready to put it on the altar – you will be happier – you should trade fun for joy! 

Pastor Mike

​

On Sunday, we will gather to study Paul’s final words in the Bible. The last seven verses from 2 Timothy have so much to teach us, and I believe the Holy Spirit will speak into our hearts. 

We will learn from Paul’s experience and teaching that:

-We should not let resentment find a place in our hearts. 

-When we stand up for the truth of God's Word, even if people abandon us, God will always be there for us.

​Death should not be feared.

-There is a constant opportunity to love and care for our neighbor.

“To be forgiven is such sweetness that honey is tasteless in comparison with it. But yet there is one thing sweeter still, and that is to forgive. As it is more blessed to give than to receive, so to forgive rises a stage higher in experience than to be forgiven.” - Charles Spurgeon 

I appreciate your prayers and hope to see you on Sunday.

​

Pastor Denis Garijo

Pastor Mike

Have you thought that God calls us all to preach the Word? This week, we will see in 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Paul charging Timothy to a public heralding of the gospel message. And that is a calling to each one of us. As believers, we are called to share God's message. Sometimes, people fall into the trap of sharing messages that please others or themselves. But we must preach only one message- the Word of God.

We will see that Paul teaches not only when and why we need to preach God's Word but also how to do it. 

"A man who first tried to guess 'what the public wants,' and then preached that as Christianity because the public wants it, would be a pretty mixture of fool and knave." 

― C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer

I appreciate your prayers!

Pastor Denis

How do we protect ourselves from Biblical errors and misunderstanding in the World? There seem to be so many ideas floating about – yet we can be sure there is a godly truth at the core! Sunday Pastor Kevin Browne will tackle this important defense for disciples – the Word of God! Paul begins his final words and we can hear the voice of great experience tutoring the younger shepherd on how to take the perilous days ahead.  

Paul tells Timothy that the strength and resource to grow in this dying World is only to be found in God’s Word.  Not a book about God – but God’s very BOOK!  At Grace we know the Bible is ‘inspired’ but do we really know what that means?  Kevin will break this down for us on Sunday – come and hear!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” 2 Tim 3:1

I will only cover the first 9 verses of this great chapter – but they are verses that seem torn from yesterday’s newspaper. This passage gives us three key elements to living out our faith – walking with Christ – 1) the latter days, 2) being led away and 3) learning with leading! Sunday I hope to cover all three. Paul waxes eloquent as he names so many variances from true faith – 19 of them! My focus will not be on the details of the sins but rather on the dedication of the disciple. We have three clear warnings about the paths before us – one is sinful and to be avoided. The next is attractive but we are not to be ‘led away’. The final detour is to be captivated by those who seem educated or gifted but their learning never seems to progress to sharing – Paul calls this ‘folly’ as we should as well.

Join me Sunday as we peek into the latter days (only God knows if they are truly the last days) and be warned of the false paths that would keep us from walking with Jesus. 

Come Sunday and Walk with me – 

Pastor Mike

The choice for each of us is to be God’s finest vessels or common paper cups tossed without much regard or appreciation.  We should desire to be vessels for honor – ‘useful to the Master’ and ‘prepared for every good work’ by cleansing ourselves.  By God’s grace, this is not done alone but with ‘those who call on the Lord from a pure heart’ – our church family!  

Sunday I will take the final paragraph of 2 Timothy 2 and help us be ready to be the vessel God can use!  It may take some scrubbing – but it is worth it!  

Come and learn how to be more than a paper plate in God’s Kingdom – 

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

2 Tim 2:14 – “Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.”

This is Timothy’s ongoing task, week in and week out. Do it this week and do it again next week. Keep reminding people of the truth. Keep going. Never stop.  That is discipleship!

As a pastor, I know that preaching doesn’t always have to explain new truths. Neither does it always have to persuade people to believe those new truths. Nor does it always have to exhort people to obey those new truths. Sometimes it can simply remind folks of what they already understand, believe, and are striving to obey. Sounds like the book of James.

We don’t need new truths; we often need to be reminded of old ones!

As part of this command, Paul tells Timothy what else to do. He’s supposed to charge his people not to quarrel about words. What does Paul mean here? Paul is saying that truth matters, and we need to be reminded of the truth, but that doesn’t mean we should get into word fights.  I know folks who won a battle but made an enemy of the very souls they were supposed to win!  Won a battle but lost the war – it must be God who is always right – not me!

How is Timothy supposed to manage this balance of reminding and keeping the focus on the truth without letting people fight about everything? He’s got to handle the Word well himself. 

2 Tim 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 

Paul says in verse 15. The image is of a worker who cuts straight. A good teacher knows how to cut the Word of God straight. A good teacher knows how to interpret and apply the Bible faithfully. It is essential that we know the truth and are able to handle God’s word well.

Join me on Sunday as we read these teachings and more!  God’s Word is true – we must be true to it!  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Last Sunday, we were challenged to consider our calling and count the cost of walking with God and doing His will. Paul, in the opening of his second letter to Timothy, encouraged him to remain faithful to his calling. This Sunday, our message builds on what it means to be a faithful disciple, having considered our call, and counted the cost. As a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus, we must follow the MAP we’ve been given to endure hardship and remain a faithful disciple. 

Paul was being honest about what it means to serve God, in stating to Timothy, serve as a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus, enduring suffering and hardship for the sake of the gospel—Paul is specifically stating our mission—and in his last letter before his execution, Paul adds urgency to the importance of the mission by stating “I’m not going to be around much longer,” and warns that many others have come Off Mission, specifically stating they’ve fallen away, and urging and encouraging Timothy again, stating, “so I need you On Mission now.” 

​Paul’s message for being a faithful disciple follows what we might expect: be strong, teach others to teach others, and then Paul adds “endure suffering and hardship” and “don’t get entangled with the affairs of life.” If you’re not entangled with the affairs of this life, then you can stay focused on your mission for Christ, remain true to the standard of God’s Word, and be ever vigilant to the Devil’s designs against you. God needs us On Mission, On Azimuth, and On Point for His Kingdom.

Jeff Bergmann

What can I say in a few lines that would introduce you to a man I knew as a toddler! Drew was just 1 when I came to Grace and I had the joy of watching him grow into an excited child in VBS, a faithful serving teen in our Youth, and then on to Bible College at Cedarville to prepare for ministry as a shepherd. Drew was an intern here at Grace and was dedicated and committed to being a zealous discipler and teacher of God’s Word. Drew was so very blessed to be surrounded by godly family – his parents are still here! Drew went with me to the Navajo and loved being among those who hungered for the Gospel. On one of those trips he was with Laura Teague (now Mrs. Hensley) and they shared the burden of ministry as the delight of their life. We have seen Drew and Laura move from internships to ministry to pastoring. Drew has served with Mars Hill in Seattle, Redemption Church in Seattle, and currently is a Pastor at ONE Fellowship in Charleston, South Carolina. Drew was a good kid, an excited teen, a dedicated student and now is a faithful shepherd. 

Please meet Drew as he returns to Grace and say, ‘Welcome back home!’

Pastor Mike

What a powerful text - the Apostle Paul tells Timothy of a time when he felt all alone. He shares with Timothy some of the lessons he learned while being in prison and feeling like some many had abandoned him. He reminds Timothy of the importance of holding fast to the truth and the difference that one person who genuinely cares can make. He encourages Timothy to practice these traits in his own life, so that his legacy may be one of faithfulness.

Our text is really divided into two sections: 

In the first section (verses 12-14), Paul reminds Timothy that the foundation of the Christian faith is found in the true gospel message. He tells Timothy to hold firmly to that message. 

In the second section (verses 15-18) Paul recounts his experience of feeling abandoned while he was imprisoned in Rome. Here he tells Timothy to think about the kind of friend he would like to have, and then to work at being that kind of friend to others.

Invite someone who needs to be encouraged - make sure you are there to hear the promises of God for those who are faithful - come and be challenged to be THAT disciple!

Pastor Mike

What advice would you give to someone if you knew that you were talking to them for the last time? Would you give them a verse – a quote – a life goal?  Would you challenge them to do more or be more? Maybe you would link them to something bigger than life – like to God. That is what Paul did for Timothy – linked him to the Gospel of God. This was important since the circumstances of Paul were so dire – he was in prison and on death row. When things are impossible – the truly important things are in focus – relationships (like family) and faith (rekindled) and even hope (until that day!) are the main topics of Paul.  

Sunday I will take us into Paul’s letter to Timothy. We will hear the passion and the purpose but nothing of despair or disappointment. When Paul invited Timothy to ‘walk with me’ there was always a chance it could end this way. Over the next few weeks, we will give attention to the resolve and the determination of the Apostle.  We will ask ourselves if also trust God ‘until that day’ or did we think it was just a stroll through the park?  

When we know who we are walking with in life – there is no fear where He leads us!

Pastor Mike

the World.  Do you really want to know God’s will? Too many people really DON’T. Why? They have chosen to go along to get along – easy life!  But doing God’s will and doing God’s work will bring opposition and obstacles.  Ask Micaiah – a single story prophet contemporary with Elijah and Elisha.  We skipped him earlier because I wanted to use his faithfulness as an introduction to the call of Timothy to walk with Paul in the New Testament. 

If we seek God’s will and hear God’s call then we have a problem – obey or ignore?  So some will chose to merely go along in the World to get along with the World.  Not Micaiah!  He was a godly man in an ungodly day.  This is a great story of courage, faithfulness, consequences and promise.  Join me Sunday back in the court of Ahab – listen to the ease of men and the truth of God.  Hear the clarity of faith contrasted to the melody of compromise.  

I am getting ready to share the Narnia book with the Greenhouse kids on Wednesday nights and I am reminded of a favorite quote in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as Mr Beaver responds to Susan about Aslan, “Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King!”  The truth may not be safe – but it is the TRUTH! 

Pastor Mike

The 4 lepers were desperate!  They were caught between the enemies of Israel who would kill them without hesitation and the city under siege that would not let them in due to their contagious condition – leprosy!  The enemy soldiers were desperate to get in – the city was desperate to keep them out – the lepers were desperate just to eat.  What the army could not do – starvation was about to complete.  Into this desperate situation God speaks through the prophet Elisha – promise that did not seem even remotely possible.  

The lepers did not know of these predictions – they simply made a choice to act or die – they acted! 

This sermon will be lessons of humility and trust and desperation.  Through all of life’s challenges God is good!  Please come walk with us into the camp of the enemy and see that God is already there.  Come and listen to the promises of God – they will be kept!  Come hear the Word of God and know that it can be trusted.  

If nothing else – you will hear an explanation of Pascal’s Wager and how it worked for the lepers and how you can use it as a tool to share your faith – Walk with me!

Pastor Mike

When God calls on us to walk together – we must not assume that walking together is always easy – sometimes it is difficult or crowded or even accidents happen. Elisha asked for the ‘hard thing’ from Elijah – he got it! The ‘sons of the prophets’ are those gathered to study God’s Word with the preaching prophets – no mainly Elisha. As they are growing the dorms were getting crowed – time to build. As you might expect this bunch of scholars and students did not have an axe among them – so they borrowed one. Equally, as seminary students there seemed to be a lack of lumberjack skills – so the axe broke and the iron head was lost! Now this group of broke students must replace an axe head they had borrowed. This is an wonderful account of responsibility – trust – humility – priority. While I cannot make iron float – I can relate the story God gave of when He did it. Join us Sunday for a fascinating account of God’s working even in the smallest needs. God stands with us even when things happen that we didn’t intend. God is good – all the time!

Pastor Mike

The story of the healing of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-27 is the account of a man with a very serious medical problem - leprosy. He found no hope in his own country, but he had heard that there was a cure available in Israel. He commenced a “top down” approach to bring about his healing, but, to his dismay, found that this method didn’t work. He learned that God had a “bottom up” solution to his problem. As we know, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble! (Psalm 138)

Our text Sunday describes how God quietly frustrates Naaman’s “top down” approach and offers a “bottom up” solution. God is not impressed or motivated by man’s “top down” efforts, because it is God who is at the top - not men! Men like Naaman, or the kings of Syria or even the kings of Israel did not hold sway with Jehovah – the little Jewish girl did. We should listen well to learn about this “bottom up” approach because it is normally the way that God works, especially when it comes to the salvation of men. 

“We don’t rise to God’s level – He rises to the level of our needs.”

See you Sunday, 

Pastor Mike

God uses the difficult to get our attention and the impossible to gain our trust! Our needs are never unknown to the Lord. He watches and knows all! Though God is the Creator and Sustainer of all that is (Col 1:17) He is still attentive to the smallest details too. Sunday Elisha encounters a desperate mom who is distraught for her kids and has no means of support since she was widowed. She had been the wife of a prophet might have imagined that serving the LORD would protect her from losses or difficulties - not so. In fact, the Scriptures often tell the stories of saints who are allowed into great problems so that their faith is tested and strengthened by the graces of God. 

God is not asking us to see the solution or even fix the problem - He is asking us trust Him and give Him what we have. He asked Moses for a stick and Jesus asked the little boy for his lunch - and from those tiny things - GREAT things happened! Will you give to God what you have - even though you know it is not enough. God will make Something from Nothing!

See you Sunday - bring someone who needs something!

Pastor Mike

We need to seek the Lord for spiritual power in these desperate days! We don’t need to be concerned about numbers or programs. We don’t need to be concerned about becoming seeker friendly. We don’t need to get caught up in the many debates that are engaging the hearts and minds of church folks. What we need to do is to carry out the Great Commission. We need to be filled with the Spirit of God! We need to get before the Lord and request an influx of His power and His glory in these days! If we are to get the job done, we must have Him!

We need Him and His power more than we need crowds, money, buildings, or any of the things we hold so dear. We need a second helping! Elijah challenges Elisha - “You have asked a hard thing!”  Sunday I will challenge us all to step up and do the hard thing! We must stop seeking the easy way or the shortcut – take on the ‘hard thing’ together. 

This kind of blessing and power does not come upon the uncommitted! It is reserved for those who will pay the price in prayer and holiness before the Lord! If you are willing to go all the way with the Lord, He will bless your life with His power and glory! Would to God we had more like Elijah who share and Elisha who will not give up! The future demands that God’s servants be filled with God's Spirit! We need that same spirit of faith, obedience, and courage that rested on Elijah to be placed within us! Do not be afraid to ask for God’s power and do not be afraid to ask for seconds!

Pastor Mike

You have heard  me say – “There is no success without a successor!”  Elijah now finds the man God has chosen to follow him – teach him – walk with him.  Who does God have in your path?  What are you doing?  Who is for the next generation?  These and more we will try to answer – join us! 

There is no addition without subtraction!  

Pastor Mike

This week, we’ll be looking at the story of Naboth’s Vineyard in 1 Kings 21. A classic story, it vividly portrays the wickedness of both King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. But in a surprising twist, it also reveals a humbled Ahab. We’ll look at each character in the story to see what we can learn about humility. At the end of the chapter, the LORD asks Elijah, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me?” This is a desirable question that any of us should wish to be asked about ourselves!

Please pray for me as I prepare to deliver this message and pray for each of us as we prepare to receive it.

Mike Bradshaw

Elijah is one of the great names in the Old Testament. He prayed that it would not rain, and it did not. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. James uses Elijah as an example of prayer in James 5:17-18. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear before Jesus, Peter, James, and John. Moses represented the Law, while Elijah represented the Prophets. 

Elijah was a great man but not perfect. We all know only Jesus is perfect. And in Chapter 19, we find Elijah running away, fearful, in the depths of depression to the point that he asks God to take his life.

Yet this chapter is not about Elijah’s weakness but God’s Grace.

Come this Sunday, and invite friends who might be hiding in the cave to join you and see God’s Grace in this beautiful story.

“The little world within us, like the great world without, is full of confusion and strife; but when Jesus enters it, and whispers “Peace be unto you,” there is a calm, yea, a rapture of bliss.” Charles Spurgeon

I appreciate your prayers! 

Denis Garijo 

Elijah looks at Ahab and tells him the truth. He says, “You are the troublemaker. You are the one who has abandoned the commandments of the Lord to follow the Baals.” Elijah calls Ahab out for his apostasy. Interesting that Elijah did not say this back in Chapter 17. He just let Ahab stew over the curse for 3 1/2 years. Now, he approaches the King challenges him to a duel of altars. Which one will prove true? Which deity has caused this drought? Elijah tells Ahab to gather the prophets together at Carmel so that they can find out.

Join us as we read the duel of fire on Mt Carmel as the Lord forces it to become the Mt of Decision. Come and be ready to make some decisions.

Pastor Mike

“Nothing is drier than the times without the Lord!”

Last week, Pastor Mike spoke regarding God’s daily provision for the widow and her son. This week we continue the same story with the same characters, where this gentile widow must rely on Elijah’s God not just for food but for the life of her son. As Baal is the god of fertility, she is used to a god that provides based on how pleased he is with her but Elijah knows God’s true character and asks Him for the unbelievable.

We learned last week that God is enough with our daily provisions and as we finish this chapter, we will see that He is enough through our ultimate fears. I hope that you will leave Sunday’s sermon with a deeper craving to know our Father and His character. 

Exodus 34:6-7 God said as the Lord passed in front of Moses, "Yahweh, Yahweh, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

I appreciate your prayers as we look forward to gathering on Sunday,

Brett Boggs

Elijah was a man faced with great need! But he was not the only one – he found another just as desperate – the widow of Zarephath. This is a common factor in much of the world – people have unmet needs. Some are simple and minor while others are dire and serious. There will be times in every one of our lives when we will experience a need of some type. Maybe that need will be material in nature, that seems to be where we focus much of our own attention in this earthly life. There will certainly be times when there will be emotional needs relating to other people in our lives. 

At other times, we will face days when the greatest need in our lives will be spiritual in nature. What are we to do when needs arise? The natural reaction is for us to worry, but we know from the Bible that this is not God’s will for our lives, Phil. 4:6; Matt. 6:25-33. Should we try to meet our own needs? No – seek first the heart of God and listen to His voice. Don’t go to God as a last resort – go there first! Elijah left the Brook Cherith and traveled to Zarephath only to discover the widow’s needs were as great as his and even more discouraging. Yet in full faith, he asked her to listen to the promise of God and obey. Trusting God when we see the answer is not faith – trusting God for the answer is faith! Come and hear of true faith in the face of a life that was helpless and hopeless apart from God.  

Pastor Mike

As I see several men in Scripture who are sold out to follow the LORD, I think of three who are outstanding examples of mentoring – Moses adopts Joshua and trains him. Elijah adopts Elisha and trains him. John the Baptist adopts several disciples, many who later follow Jesus who also adopts several disciples and pours into them for three years. Do you see the pattern? 

Join me this summer as we examine the lives of two men who dominate the pair of books known as the Kings (15 of 47 chapters are about them).

God used Elijah powerfully and at great risk – yet while watching this calling - Elisha asked for a double portion of this calling – a true protégé and disciple of the Lord. Let us do so as well! During this series I will ask often the pair of questions: Are you following the Lord? Who is following you?

I invite you to walk with me this summer as we follow the shadows of two great men of God and hopefully strive toward being better disciples and making disciples!

Pastor Mike

Have you ever had to take back something to a store? Most stores will stand behind their products but they need to know that they were the seller - so they ask for a receipt. God gives His receipt with his promises - His Word! In this short paragraphs we have three huge promises - God hears our prayers - God protects us - God keeps His Word. Each promise building on the one before and assuring us of His love and our hope.

Pastor Mike

Joa and his family have been missionaries in Brazil since 2017, serving at various counseling-related ministries. 

After completing a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Studies and Biblical Counseling in 2001, Joa earned a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies at Calvary Theological Seminary. He also graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with an MA in Biblical Counseling and later completed a Ph.D. from Texas Women's University in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I have had the opportunity to listen to Joa teaching the Bible a few times, and I can say that God deeply blessed me. 

Pastor Denis Garijo

See the link to read more about Joa, his family, and his ministry.

See the link to read more about Joa, his family, and his ministry.

See the link to read more about Joa, his family, and his ministry.

See the link to read more about Joa, his family, and his ministry.