Grace Church Sermons

disciple = mathetes = learner = apprentice   Big Idea: Following Jesus doesn't just change what you do. It changes what you're made of.   1. The man who took a seat in the shadows. Nicodemus (John 3:1-3).   2. The Woman who Took a Seat at the feet of Jesus: Mary (Luke 10:38-42) 3. Fans Confuse Behavior Modification for True Transformation.  Micro-Skill #1: Start with Five Minutes. Micro-Skill #2: Find Your Chair.Micro-Skill #3: PRAY to Encounter Jesus.  P = Praise. Start by telling God who he is. Before you ask for anything, remember who you're talking to. What's true about his character?  R = Repent. Come honest. Where have you been running on your own power? Where have you shut him out? You don't clean up before you sit down.  A = Ask. Bring your needs. Physical, relational, spiritual. But notice where this comes in the order. You're not leading with your wish list.  Y = Yield. Stop talking. Start listening. Open your hands and say, God, I've told you what I want. Now I want to hear what you want. And then sit in the silence.  Next Step: practice taking a seat with Jesus. Pick one of the 3 micro-skills and actually do it. Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read  

The 4 ways one word wrecks every excuse.   Excuse #1 - “I’m not good enough.” 1. ANYONE is Welcome.   Excuse #2 - "I'd never fit in here.”  2. ANYONE means Everyone.   Excuse #3 - "I need to get my life together first."  3. ANYONE means No Excuse.   Excuse #4 - "I'm already good with the man upstairs."  4. It’s ANYONE but it’s Everything.   Next Steps: Spend some time this week to DTR - honestly define the relationship between you and God Join us for the next 2 weeks as we explore what it means when Jesus says Follow Me.  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read   

“My God, why have you forsaken me?"  Big Idea: Jesus was forsaken so you would never have to be.   3 things Jesus’ question exposes in us. 1. We've all known darkness.  2. We fear the temporary silence of God means He’s abandoned us forever.         - Deus absconditus = The hidden God.  3. We want a faith that always feels good.        - Psalm 22   Next Step  Pray Psalm 22 slowly and out loud.   Holy Week details at: whoisgrace.com/easter  Get other series resources at whoisgtace.com/read  

Jesus is here for you.  Jesus wants you to remember your history. (John 21:1-14; Romans 7:24)  Jesus wants to restore you relationship with Him. (John 21:15-19; Romans 8:1-2) “Do you love Me?”  Jesus wants to commission you for your calling. (John 21:15-19; John 14:15) “Feed my lambs… Follow Me.”  Next Step: Find your chair and honestly answer Jesus: “Do you love Me?” If your answer is “Yes!” then meditate on obeying His command: “Follow Me.” If you’re not ready to answer, spend time with Jesus. Read one chapter a day in John’s gospel. 

“Why don’t you do what I say?”  Big Idea: Agreement with Jesus is not the same as allegiance to Jesus.  Agreement is most often intellectual or emotional. Allegiance, is relational and action-oriented.  “Comes to Me”  - “Hears My Words”  - “Follows Me” How To Move from Agreement to Allegiance: 1. Get to Know His Voice  2. Identify the Competing Voice Voice of the Flesh Voice of the World Voice of the Enemy Voice of Wounds 3. Name the “But”  Next step.  Write your answer to Jesus' question, “Why don’t you do what I say?”  

Big Idea: Your soul is precious.  Jesus reveals 2 truths about himself (Matt 16:24) He is serious about dying.  He is dying for the sake of your soul  Soul = the essence of your life  “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?  Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”   Jesus exposes a truth in you (Matt 16:26) How you prioritize the soul is a big deal. Success Self  Next Step: Find your chair and honestly answer Jesus’ questions: What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?  Is anything worth more than your soul? 

“Who do you say that I am?” The Poll question: “Who do people say that I am? (:13-14)  The Personal Question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” (vv. 15-16) Big idea: Your answer to the question of Jesus determines your approach to everything else.  3. Jesus’ three incredible declarations (vv. 17-19) The revelation of faith comes from the Father. Jesus is building his church.  Jesus entrusts his mission to his people.   Next step. Commit to being here all 5 weeks of this series.  Write your answer to Jesus' question, “Who do you say that I am?”   For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Our vision: By 2035, 30,000 people from Cleveland to Buffalo have been mobilized to step into their kingdom calling to bring gospel influence into the everyday places of life.   Big Idea: When ordinary people take steps of ordinary obedience, God can awaken entire regions.   Three Small Steps Toward Our Big Dream  Multiplying everyday disciples. Multiplyingeverydayinfluencers. whoisgrace.com/handcrafted   Multiplying everywhere churches. whoisgrace.com/awakethelake   Pray: "God, stir a spiritual awakening in our time, and let it begin with me."   Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: God has a disciple-making journey for you to walk, will you take the next step?  1. Compassionate Storyteller: I know God’s story, my place in it, and am motivated to tell the people in my life.  2. Savvy Follower: I will discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time in the right way.  3. Intentional Friend: I will build healthy relationships and help God restore broken ones,  4. Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply His work in the world   Four Roles: Role Models Compassionate Storyteller: The Samaritan Woman (John 4) Savvy Follower: Daniel (Daniel 1, 6)  Intentional Friend: Barnabas (Acts 9, 11, 15)  Embedded Influencer: Esther (Esther 4)  Next Step:  Decide to Own your Spiritual Growth (find information at whoisgrace.com/awakethelake ) Join a LAUNCH Class in February/ March  Try a Training Lab Sampler  Savvy Follower – March 2 Intentional Friend – March 3 Familiarize yourself with the Dream Disciple roles and tools Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read 

3 Plans for Financial Freedom  Make the decision to plan.   Plan #1 - Make a BUDGET plan   3 Easy Steps to Budgeting  Determine your income for the NEXT month.  Enter all of your expenses for NEXT month.  Make your income and expenses equal EXACTLY ZERO.  Plan #2 - Make a DEBT plan.  Plan #3 - Make a GENEROSITY plan.   Generosity Motivation Scale.  Tips.  Cause or Crisis.  Systematic Obedience.  Spirit-Directed Generosity.   Next steps.  Access tools, forms and resources over at our read page at whoisgrace.com/read.  Sign up for Financial Peace University classes starting on February 15 and February 17 –Go to whoisgrace.com/give  

Big Idea: Everything you have belongs to God.   3 Questions   1. What does it mean that God is the Owner?  (Psalm 24:1)  God owns everything God owns You. You belong to God.  Everything you have belongs to God.  Everything you have is a gift from God.    2. What are our responsibilities with God’s Money?  (Dt. 8:10-18)  3. What Are the Benefits of This Arrangement?  It Improves Your Prayer Life  It Frees you to Be Generous  It Eliminates Fear   Next Steps  Take Financial Peace University – more details at whoisgrace.com/give  Every time you spend money, pause and whisper, "This is Yours, God. Help me manage it well."  Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: Be alert to attack, stand firm in Christ General Paul’s Battle-Preparedness Plan Spiritual Battles Require Spiritual Solutions Analyze Before You Attack: The fundamental struggle of believers is not against other people but against the spiritual forces of hell Spiritually Suit Up Use Unconventional Methods  “Stop fighting and know that I am God” -Psalm 46:10  Next Step:  Memorize 1 John 4:4 Bring your physical Bible with you wherever you go this week 

How do we encounter demonic forces?  Oppression – demonic forces working externally around us.  Possession – demonic forces totally take over someone’s body  Occupation – demonic forces are given space in our lives to fuel sin and lies.   What does demonic activity actually feel like in real life?  lies that feel true  temptations that feel irresistible.   Specific times you can expect spiritual attack.  Seasons of spiritual growth.  Times of kingdom advancement.  Trying to break free from sin.  Preparing for a season of blessing.   5 Practices that protect your soul Renew your mind by protecting what you put into it.  Familiarize yourself with the promises of God  Guard your heart against temptation.  Overcome your sinful blind spots through community.  Pray faith-filled prayers in the Spirit.   Next Step  A call to prayer  For more series resources visit: whoisgrace.com/read  

Evil exists in a 3-fold cord Our FLESH The WORLD  Our ENEMY   Where Did Satan Come From?  Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14.   What was Satan's Rebellion?  “I will ascend to heaven” - Entitlement  "I will raise my throne above the stars of God" – Ambition.  "I will sit on the mount of assembly" – Control  "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds" – Vainglory.  "I will make myself like the Most High" – Self-Worship.   Three schemes of the Devil:  1. Deception He Lies About God He Lies TO and ABOUT You.  2. Division  3. Destruction   Next step  Write down a lie you’re believing. Then find the truth from Scripture that corrects the lie.  Memorize 1 John 4:4. "Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.”  

Big Idea: You're in a battle you didn't start. But you're on the winning team.   5 Truths about Spiritual Warfare Truth 1 – There is an invisible world that’s just as real as the visible world. Truth 2: We are involved in an invisible war.  Truth 3: Our Foe Is Formidable Truth 4: We must respect our foe but not fear him  Satan is a created being.  Satan is not God's equal.  Satan is not omniscient.  Satan is not omnipotent.  Satan is not omnipresent.  TRUTH 5: We Don't Fight FOR Victory—We Fight FROM Victory  Next Step Memorize 1 John 4:4. "Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world."   The Only 2 Responses that Make Sense  The Electrician's Caution: The power is real, but it's limited.  The Pilot's Trust: trust your gauges, not your senses.  For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

God’s Faithfulness through Every Twist and Turn.  Act one: Promise.  Act two: Kingdom.  Act three: Exile and beyond.   Big Idea: God always keeps his covenant promises.   Meeting Mary  How God Keeps His Promises.    God Keeps His Promises Through Unexpected People.  God’s promises require costly surrender God's Promises Always Point to Jesus.   Next Steps:  Pray Mary's prayer: "Let it be to me according to your word."  Think of one person in your life who needs to hear that nothing is impossible with God. Send them a text today. Just say, "Come with me to Christmas at the Warner."  For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: Jesus came FROM the very people he came FOR.  3 Truths from Jesus’ Messy Family Tree 1. Your Mess Doesn’t Disqualify You.  Tamar the Forsaken.  Rahab the Fearful.  Ruth the Foreigner.  Bathsheba the Fallen.   The Common Thread: your mess doesn't disqualify you.   2. God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.  3. Your worst moment isn’t your last chapter.    Next Step:  Stop pretending and bring your brokenness to the table this Christmas.  Pray about who God wants you to invite to Christmas at the Warner and then extend an invitation.  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: The Feast of the Father is an echo of God’s endgame.The Story We’re All Living In.Creation | Fall | Redemption | Mission | RestorationThe Feast is the Destination.The Feast points us to Joy.Both Brothers at the Feast.What should a seat at the Father’s table do to us?A New Communion“Let the kingdom feast begin right now!”For more series information, visit whoisgrace.com/read

Review: The Story So Far   What it Means to Walk in the Way of Grace.  Understand that your homecoming was free to you but cost someone everything Admit you need someone to come for you. Trust that the perfect grace-giver has made a way for you to come home.  Next Step: Come Home For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

2 things an honorable Middle-Eastern dad would never do:  Run in public.  Cancel the Shunning Ceremony.   Act II. The Older Brother’s Response   4 Indicators You’re Religious but May not Know Jesus. You get furious when life doesn't go as planned (:28)  Your obedience is mechanical and joyless. (:29)  You feel superior to people who sin differently than you. (:30) You have no assurance of the father’s love. (:29)   2 Challenges to Older Brothers You need a new kind of repentance.  You need a new level of rejoicing.   Next Step:  This week, stop and honestly answer this question: What's keeping me outside?  Name it. Confess it to God.   For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

3 universal longings that point us back to God.  Longing for love. Longing for identity.  Longing for purpose.  Idolatry = wanting the father’s things more than the father himself.  2 Decisions that Have Eternal Consequences.  1. The decision to RUN from the father. (15:13-16) Eventually sin will cost you everything. When you break your attachment with God, you end up attached to something else,  Where will you go to satisfy your God-given longings?  2. The decision to RETURN home. (15:17-20) Take an honest assessment of your mess.  Admit your sin.   Next Step:   Get honest about what you’ve been chasing other than God. When you're tempted to go back to it pray a simple prayer: "God, I don't want this anymore. I want You. Help me come home."   Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

Setting the Scene: 2 Groups of People (15:1-3)  “tax collectors and sinners”   “Pharisees and the scribes”   Three Categories Jesus Upends (15:4-10) 1. He upends our understanding of sin.  Like sheep, we need to be rescued.  Like sheep, we don’t need to be pointed home we need to be carried home.  2. He upends our understanding of God.  3. He upends our understanding of his kingdom to come.  What is repentance?  Confession  Contrition  Change   Next Step: Respond to God’s love  For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

3 Invitations Hidden in Luke 15   Invitation #1: You are invited to receive God’s Love.   Invitation #2: You are invited into a bigger story.   Creation | Fall | Redemption | Mission | Restoration CREATION answers questions of WORTH FALL answers questions of BROKENNESS  REDEMPTION answers questions of RESCUE  MISSION answers questions of PURPOSE RESTORATION answers questions of HOPE  Invitation #3: You are invited to make a choice about the God of the Bible.   Big Idea: God's reckless grace is your only hope.   Next Steps:  1. Come back for the series.  2. Bring someone with you.   Text a friend: "I've been thinking about you and wanted you to know you matter to me. And I think you matter to God too. Do you want to come to church with me on Sunday."   For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: Prayer and Praise fuel Hope. How to pray and praise when the circumstances don’t change:1-     Remember God’s Faithfulness (Habakkuk 3:2-15; Job 42:1-6)Selah = a musical or liturgical notes that indicates a pause 2-     Be Honest (Habakkuk 3:16-19) 3-     Trust God’s Whole Story (Habakkuk 3:1-19; Genesis 3:15; Revelation 22:12-13)Habakkuk reminds us that to be saved doesn’t mean we’re rescued out of the brokenness of the world. Rather, we’re rescued from the hopelessness of that brokenness.   Next Step: Practice honest prayer and praise:Are you in a Habakkuk 1:2 moment? Get on your knees.Are you in a Habakkuk 2:1 moment?  Open your hands and lift your eyes.Are you in a Habakkuk 3:17-18 moment? Stand and raise your hands.

How to posture your mind and heart when you’re facing evil times.  1. Clarity for the Mind: Evil is unleashed through pride and idolatry. (2:5, 16 & 18-19).  The 5 Woes: God's Detailed Indictment (2:6-19)  Woe #1: Predatory Wealth (2:6-8)  Woe #2: Building Security from Corrupt Scheming (2:9-11)  Woe #3: Bloodshed and City-Building by Violence (2:12-13)  Woe #4: Debauchery and Humiliating the Vulnerable (2:15-17) Woe #5: Trusting in Idols (2:18-19)  2. Anchor for the Heart: God is still sovereign over every evil (2:14, 20).   Divine Justice is Coming, just not Yet. (2:20)  

Big Idea: Don’t give up on God.  3 Lessons on Not Giving Up on God: Reflect Honestly (Habakkuk 1:12-17) Wait Confidently (Habakkuk 2:1-3; Isaiah 40:31) Live Obediently (Habakkuk 2:4-5; Romans 3:10-12, 7:24-25)  Don’t give up on God. “Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33b NLT)  “I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)  Next Step: Practice honest prayer (Habakkuk 1:12). 

Literary structure.  Chapter 1: Two complaints from Habakkuk and God's responses. Chapter 2: God's final answer and five pronouncements against injustice.  Chapter 3: Habakkuk's psalm of faith and worship.  3 Ways to Navigate the Silence of God Bring your honest questions to God without reservation (1:1-4)  Expect that God's answers might surprise you (1:5-6)  Trust God's sovereignty even over what seems evil (1:7-11)  Next Step: Practice honest praying.   Start with phrases like:  "God, I'm really struggling with..."  "I don't understand why..."  "I'm angry that..."  For more series resources go to whoisgrace.com/read  

The Myth of More =your happiness, your contentment, your influence is always tied to more  Big Idea: Contentment isn't settling, it’s recognizing what actually satisfies.   3 Ways to Recognize What Actually Satisfies Reject accumulation’s false promise of gain (:9, 17).   Embrace true wealth by learning contentment (:6-8)   Redirect your accumulation energy toward eternal investments (:9-10, 17)   Next Step: Identity Reset  Replace the lie: "I am what I own" with the truth: "I am content in Christ"   Complete this sentence: "Even if I never acquire another _______ again, I am still completely content and satisfied in Christ because _________."  For more series resources please visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: You are not what you know; you are known by the One who knows all things.   Modern Traps of Knowledge that Puff us Up Information Overconsumption - we confuse consuming data with acquiring wisdom.  Credential Collecting - achievements become trophies rather than tools for service.  Platform Building - expertise becomes about establishing authority rather than serving others.  Comparison Culture - knowledge becomes competitive rather than collaborative.   3 Shifts from Know-it-All to Known-by-God  Find great relief in your true identity Acquire Knowledge and Wisdom at the Same Pace  Apply the "Love Test" to Your Expertise   Next Step Identity Reset: Replace the lie "I am what I know" with the truth "I am known by God"   Complete this sentence:  "Even if I never learned another thing about _______, I am still fully known and loved by God because...__________"   For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read 

Lie #1: You are what you do: the lie of productivity.  Lie #2: You are who you know: the lie of social capital.   Big Idea: When you live for human approval, you become enslaved to human opinion. Slavery to Approval or Security in Christ? 4 Questions to Diagnose your Heart The question of PERFORMANCE: “Who am I trying to impress?”  The question of WORTH: “Where do I find my value?” The question of TRUTH TELLING: “What am I afraid to say?”  The question of SECURITY “What am I afraid to lose?”  The Gospel Solution: Ground your identity so deeply in God's approval that you're free to serve people without needing their validation.   Next Step = Identity Reset:  Replace the lie "I am who I know" with the truth "I am approved by God"  Complete this sentence: "Even if I never gained another follower/ connection/ endorsement from _____, I am still fully approved and loved by God because ______" For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

BIG IDEA: God calls you beloved before you ever clock inIdentity statement that counters the lie of productivity. 1. In God’s Economy: You’re Embraced by a Father, Not Interviewed by a Boss2. In God’s Economy: Your Value is Given, Not Proven3. In God’s Economy: You Work From Love, Not For ItNEXT STEPS TODAYCommit to these next 4 weeks. Complete this Identity Reset statement:“Even if I never succeed at __________ again, I am still fully loved and embraced by God because __________.”

Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned you to multiply His work in the world.   What prevents us from being present?  Digital Distraction.  Mental Preoccupation.  Hurry Sickness.  Judgment and Assumptions.  Fear of Vulnerability.  Messiah Complex.   3 Disciplines for Being more Present  Discipline of Slowing: A pause amidst the busyness. (4:3-8)   Discipline of Noticing: Seeing beyond the surface (4:7-18) Discipline of Listening: Creating space for their story (4:13-26)   Next Steps  Choose one person this week with whom you'll practice being fully present.  Choose to practice at least one discipline: slowing, noticing, and listening  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply His work in the world.   Big Idea: The most influential people lead with questions instead of answers.   Why questions are such a powerful tool for influence.  Questions bypass mental resistance and create receptivity.  The Holy Spirit often works in the space created by a good question.  Question-asking engages both the head and heart simultaneously.  Applying Jesus’ Question Ladder: from Surface to Soul Opening Questions: Meet people where they are because that’s where Jesus met us (6:25)  Seeing Questions: Help people see God’s provision because He’s already providing (6:26)  Feeling Questions: Give permission to name emotions because God can handle our honesty (6:27)  Believing Questions: Reveal the father’s heart because we're not orphans (6:30)  Get the Question Ladder tool and other series resources at whoisgrace.com/read   Next Step: Replace some statements with some questions.  

The Art of Noticing.   Big Idea: Encouraging words create spaces where God can work.   The Architecture of Encouragement The Foundation: Encouragement starts with a generous heart (Acts 4:37)  Framework: Encouragement imagines their better future (Acts 9:26-28) Finishing: Encouragement reminds them it will be worth it (Acts 14:23; 1 Thess. 4:18) 3 Keys to Great Encouragement:  Make it Sincere: Be honest about the struggle before you offer the hope.  Make it Specific: Use the "I noticed" formula. Make it Strengths-Focused: Look for their "easy."   Next step Write a note or a text to 3 people this week who could use some encouragement.  For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Psalm 139 Ephesians 2:10   3 Declarations of God Over those He has Designed.  God says, “I have called you by name” (Ex 31:1-2)  God says, “I will fill you with My Spirit for your specific assignment” (Ex 31:3-6) God says, “Your assignments will flow from how I’ve gifted and positioned you.” (35:30-36:2) Big Idea: God has perfectly created you and positioned you for the assignments He's given you.  Next Step  Reflect on these two simple questions: 1. What has God given me? 2. Where has God placed me?  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  Get a weekly video encouragement from Pastor Derek as you live out your calling whoisgrace.com/bless  

The Two-Track System That's Stealing Your Purpose.   Big Idea: Your ordinary is God’s altar  Joseph: The Original Embedded Influencer.  4 Ways to See Your Ordinary 9-5 as God’s Altar Recognize that where God has placed you is not an accident (Gen 45:5-8)  Understand that being great at what you do earns trust. (Gen 39:2-4)  Realize that you can fit in socially, but be distinct spiritually (Gen 41:41-45)  Remember that your position is about purpose not personal promotion (Gen 50:19-21)  4 New Bottom Lines at Work:  1. Who can I demonstrate God’s love to today?   2. How can my community be better served by what I do?  3. How can I model excellence and hard work to my co-workers?  4. How can my God-given gifts be maximized in my current position?   Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

Intentional Friends CARE C - Connect (Time and Presence)  A - Assist (Helping Hand)  R - Remember (Gifts and Moments)  E - Encourage (Words that Build)  Some Context:  Hints of Jesus.  God’s countercultural methods.  71 Words of Symmetry.    Big idea: The journey from despair to joy is not STRAIGHT, but it is SURE.   5 Signposts on the Surprising Journey toward Joy  Depths of Despair (1:21)  Hidden Hope (1:22 Faith-Driven Effort (2:2)  Patient Perspective (3:18)  Bigger Picture (4:16)   Next Step  Identify yourself along the journey toward joy:  Depths of Despair  |Hidden Hope | Faith-Driven Effort |Patient Perspective | Bigger Picture Pray: “God please help me to trust your plot twists, even when I can't see the ending you’re writing?”   Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read

True Friends CARE:  Connect: Give time and presence  Assist: Offer a helping hand  Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  Encourage: Speak words that build them up.   Enter the Kinsman Redeemer (3:1; 2:20)   3 qualifications:  Blood relative Qualified  Willing   How to Catch a Husband (:1-6).  What Happens on the Threshing Floor Stays on the Threshing Floor (:7-11) The Roadblock: Meet Bachelor #2 (3:12-4:11) Big idea: Like Naomi, we need a redeemer   Jesus is our true Kinsman Redeemer Jesus became our kin  Jesus was qualified to pay the price  Jesus was willing to redeem us   Next Step:Follow Jesus – www.whoisgrace.com/salvation/  

The setting: The edge of the unknown (2:1) Providence defined: God’s subtle sovereignty (2:1-3).  Boaz’ character revealed: The heart behind the actions (2:4-7)   Big idea: God is always working behind the scenes in unseen ways  3 Ways God Moves Behind the Scenes God orchestrates 'coincidences' that aren't coincidental at all (:3)  God works through people who become his hands and feet (:4-14)  God directs our steps when we put in the work (:1-2; 11-14)   Next Step  CARE- Connect, Assist, Remember, Encourage This week “Assist” with a helping hand Run the errand your friend keeps putting off.  Fix a small household problem.  Watch the kids so they can breathe.  Help with a project they've been dreading.  Use your skills to lift their burden in some way  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read

Context: When everything falls apart. Historical setting: The dark days of the Judges (1:1)  Geographical Significance: From bread to emptiness (1:1-2)  Cultural Contrast: Running to the dark side (1:1-5).   3 Truths to Remember When Life Falls Apart 1. Sometimes life leaves us with no good options (:1-13)   Big idea: when life falls apart, remember it’s only chapter 1!  2. The only way forward is coming back to God (:7)  3. Spiritual friendship is a key ingredient to faith (:14-22)   Intentional Friend. I partner with God to build healthy relationships and restore broken ones.  Next steps  Come back for the whole series Practice the CARE Tool.  C - Connect: Give time and presence  A - Assist: Offer a helping hand  R - Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  E - Encourage: Speak words that build others up.   This Week: Focus on "C" – Connect with someone who is in their own “chapter 1.”   For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

FEAR IS A BARRIER TO OBEDIENCE Fear Exposes our Idolatry: Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14) Fear Reveals our Insecurity: Moses (Exodus 4) Fear Seeks Control: Jonah   BIG IDEA: Let your fear lead you to obedience.  FEAR IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OBEDIENCE Fear Increases our Trust: Joshua 1:6-9 Fear Reminds us of our Dependence: 2 Corinthians 12:9. “There are only two kinds of people in the world: the weak ones who make themselves available to God and the weak ones who don’t” -Greg Livingstone, missionary  Fear Leads us to Humble Submission: Isaiah 6:8; Mary (Luke 1:38; Jesus (Mark 14:36)  Next Steps:  A Savvy Follower says, “I discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time and in the right way.” What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?  For more information on partnering with local and global missions partnerships and opportunities, please visit whoisgrace.com/missions. 

Big Idea: You have been reconciled; now you are responsible.  We must become new creations in order to experience and offer reconciliation. -Individually (2 Cor 5:17). “I once was ______. I met Jesus. Now I am ______. -Cosmos (2 Cor 5:18-19). Church. Humanity. Creation.  Where have you felt the freedom and joy of being a new creation in Jesus? Where have you struggled to be the new creation that you already are? Consider asking the same questions concerning your family, church, workplace, country, etc…  We (as individuals and as a Church) are Jesus’ ambassadors.  -An ambassador is a direct representative of the king or executive. Ambassadors are meant to bring about conversation, friendship, goodwill; form and maintain alliances. -Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ representatives here on Earth.  Do people experience the real Jesus through your words and actions? Where have you excelled as an ambassador for Christ? Where have you struggled?  “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)  How has God prepared you for the good works He is doing through you now? How might He have prepared you through the good and hard seasons of your life to do good works in the future?  Next Steps: 1. Where can you begin to bring about God’s reconciliation and human flourishing in your immediate context? 2. Where are you called to assist in bringing God’s reconciliation and human flourishing to the world? 

Big Idea: The Great Commission is lived out through Gospel Partnerships.  Three Pillars of Gospel Partnerships -Prayer (Phil 1:3-5) -Resources (Phil 4:16; 18) -Relationship (Phil 4:14-15)  Which pillar comes more naturally to you? Which one is more difficult? How do you think God is calling you to support His global work?  Three Roles of Global Missions -Go (Acts 10:19-20) -Welcome (Acts 8:26-40) -Send (Acts 13:1-3)  Which role is God calling you to in this season? Do you foresee God calling you into a different role in the future?  “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14)  What is your first reaction when you read this Scripture? In light of these words from Jesus, is there any specific action that you should take?  Next Steps: 1. Consider taking the Perspectives class. (email [email protected] for more information) 2. Check out whoisgrace.com/missions and explore other steps such as: -Have your LifeGroup adopt a missionary. -Sign-up for a short-term mission trips. -Financially support one of our country partnerships. 

Big Idea: Rather than retreating, fighting, or just blending in, we will join Jesus in reaching those who are not yet reached.   4 things a relationship with Jesus affects in you PROXIMITY: It affects where you go (:16-17)  COMPASSION: It affects how you feel (:16)   PERSPECTIVE: It affects what you see (:16)   ENGAGEMENT: It affects what you do (:17-20)  Next step: Identify and confess your personal barrier to reaching unreached people.  Proximity problem  Confession: "God, I admit that I've stayed in my comfort zones instead of going toward people who need Your love."  Step: Identify a specific place or group of people you usually avoid. Set a specific time this week to intentionally go there and begin forming just one authentic connection.  Compassion problemConfession: "Lord, I've become numb and apathetic toward lost and hurting people. I don't feel what you feel anymore."  Step: take a prayer walk or a prayer drive and pray specifically for each house or business you pass.  Perspective problem Confession: "Father, I've only been looking at the surface and missing the deeper spiritual realities in people's lives. Help me see as You see."  Step: ask God to reveal one idol that's competing for people's devotion. Then stay attentive throughout the week for how this idol shows up around you.  Engagement problemConfession: "Jesus, I've been silent or hesitant to share Your story because of fear or uncertainty. Give me courage to speak."  Step: Write out your personal faith story. Then pray for just one opportunity to share it naturally with someone this week.   For more series info: Visit whoisgrace.com/read

God’s Story Tool 5 Movements of God’s Story: Creation- Fall- Redemption- Mission- Restoration  3 Questions: What is God’s Mission? (Luke 24:44-49) What is the Church’s Mission? (Acts 1:8) What is my Mission? (John 20:21) Big Idea: God’s Mission is your mission.  Next Steps:  Commit to this sermon series Ask God, “What is my mission?” 

Beware of the Extremes  The Fearful Rejection The Utopian Embrace  Big Idea – Personhood flows from the breath of a personal God.   6 Soul-Sustaining Breaths in an AI World Breathe AWARENESS by preparing for dramatic global changes.  Breathe GRATITUDE by celebrating innovation and human ingenuity.  Breathe DISCERNMENT by recognizing the pull toward idolatry and sin.   Two opposite sinful tendencies  PRIDE & SLOTH Breathe TRUTH by resisting secular ideologies.  Breathe CONNECTION by prioritizing real relationships. Breathe LIMITATIONS by leaning into your humanity.  God’s PERSONAL NATURE is the Source of Genuine Connection.   Next step: Pray 3 Breath Prayers  “I am known by name”  “I am loved by choice”  “I am created for connection”  Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

The Two Sides of our Societal Sexual Frustration.   The Cultural View: Sex Positivity and the Promise of Freedom.   The Church's Struggle: Fear, Fixation, and Hypocrisy.   Big Idea: True sexual wholeness comes by embracing God’s design.  Thinking Christianly about Sexuality and Gender 1. Our Sexuality Reflects God’s Image, Purpose, and Design.   God's DESIGN is the Framework for Human Flourishing.  God created.  God created humanity,  God created humanity in His image.  God created humanity male and female God created male and female for covenant relationship.   2. Sexual Morality Honors the Body as God’s Good Creation.  Christianity views personhood holistically: body and soul form an integrated unity.  Secular personhood theory promotes a two-level dualism that separates body from person,   3. Our flourishing comes from following God’s plan, not our feelings.   4. The church must be a beacon of compassion and clarity to the sexually broken.   Next step:  Pick one aspect of your sexuality and choose to do it God’s way.  For more series resources go to whoisgrace.com/read