The GraceWorks

Book of Judges June 7, 2026 Various Speakers Wrap-Up Week Application Questions     OPENER: What is your favorite thing to unwrap? (Be specific.)    Whose testimony this week really spoke to you? And how so?     Have you ever shared on a Wrap-Up Sunday? What was the experience like?     What was your favorite passage in Malachi? Why? (You might want to give people time to review. Also, you may want to tell them what the next question is going to be in advance.)     What was the most challenging passage for you in Malachi? How did God challenge you?     How will you describe Malachi in the future? (Imagine a friend asks what the book is about, what it is like, etc.)     What would you like the pastors to know about this book study that may help them in the future? (We preaching pastors would love if you passed on any feedback.) 

This episode finishes the book of Judges by walking through its darkest chapters (19–21). It recounts the Levite and his concubine, the horrific violence in Gibeah, the ensuing civil war, and the devastating consequences when God's rule is rejected. The sermon presses hard on the consequences of conformity to the world, the church's responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and the need for righteous, restorative discipline rather than vengeance. It ends with a reminder of hope in Christ and a call to live transformed lives that reflect God’s justice and mercy. Judges 19-21  May 31, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin Pitts Opener: The concubine's dad convinces the Levite to stay two extra days in Bethlehem. What is one place that you could easily be convinced to stay two extra days?  Hospitality is a big theme in this text--from the father of the concubine to the old man from Ephraim. How can we effectively practice hospitality today? Read the six key New Testament passages that pertain to hospitality: Romans 12:13a; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2a; 3 John 8; and 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10c. What observations and applications can you make from these texts?  The poor concubine is treated in a gruesome and ghastly way and then left to die. How can and should the church respond to these types of atrocities? In what way can we minister to the used and abused of our community?  Women were seen as property rather than people. In what ways are women devalued today? How should the church view women?  Israel exploited the vulnerable and considered them to be expendable (19:16–30). Who are the vulnerable in our society? How do you think God would evaluate our treatment of them? How can you speak and work against the cruelty and violence of our culture?  The Levite seeks revenge by calling the whole of Israel to war. What is a believer to do when they feel they must be avenged? How should a believer engage with another believer when he/she has been sinned against?  How does Satan use infighting to distract and destroy churches? What can we do to avoid this?  What specific things have you learned from the book of Judges? What key takeaways would God have you remember for the future? How would you sum up the message of the book of Judges in a few words?  What else had you hoped we would discuss? Are you willing to share a testimony this week for the Judges wrap-up?

Worship the Right God the Right Way Judges 17:1-18:31  May 24, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller and Kevin Pitts Opener: Second service in Lacey, we were able to witness Willow Reep's baptism. Share your baptism story.  Verse 6 is key to understanding why chapters 17-18 are recorded in the Bible. What are some of the evidences that our society struggles with the same thing Israel did back then? Why are humans bad at determining what is "right" as opposed to God?  The young Levite seems to pursue material comfort over serving God. In what ways does seeking material comfort disrupt your spiritual life? What is God asking you to do about it?  Micah seems to think God will have to bless him since he has a Levite priest. How do we use God as a "good luck charm" instead of our Lord and Savior? How are we guilty of trying to manipulate God?  The priest tells the Danites they will fare well without even asking God. We likened it to 2 Timothy 4:3. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5: How are some churches like this? What solution does Paul provide to Timothy for this issue? What should a believer do if they find themselves in this type of church?  The author lists the "carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image" four times. Why do you think he kept repeating the whole list?  What doctrines are you tempted to be embarrassed by? Why is it such a struggle for man to submit to what God calls sin?  What else did you hope to discuss? What was curious or stuck out? 

Set Apart by God for God Judges 13:1-16:31   May 17, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in Lacey Opener: What are some things you set apart for special purposes?  Interfaith marriage is not God's will for the believer. How do we help the next generation become convinced of this? If you are single, how can you guard your heart against falling for the wrong person? Samson's eyes seem to be a source of much sin. What sins of the eyes do we struggle with today? How do we guard against each?  All grape products were off-limits for the Nazirite; however the main goal was to ensure that the Nazirite could not possibly become drunk. What are your convictions on alcohol? If you have freedom in Christ to consume, how do you ensure you aren't getting drunk?  Sexual purity was not a Canaanite priority in any way--in fact quite the opposite. We live in the same kind of sex-crazed society today. How do we stay "set apart" from the world as believers? What are some keys to winning our children's hearts to value purity?  Anger and rage are serious issues with Samson. How has anger impacted your life? How do you deal with yourself when you become angry? How can we avoid sinning when we experience anger? In what area of your life do you need to bend your knee to God and submit to his lordship? What sin have you become desensitized to?  What else did you hope we would discuss? 

Sermon: The Cure for Conformity is Lordship Passage: Judges 10:6 - 12:7 Series: The Consequences of Conformity. Book: Judges

Judges 9 April 26, 2026 Sermons by Brian Bruya and Mark Miller Opener (just for fun): If you could spend the next 24 hours anywhere in the world, where  would it be and why? Refresh yourselves by reading Judges 9 (take turns reading). Together, retell the story by stating what happened.  See if you can do this without looking at the text; until you need to ;) What did you hear during Sunday's sermon, or today, that was new to you? What curious questions came to your mind? Describe a situation in which you personally observed or were impacted by wickedness around you. What type of natural response did you have?   What would a Christ-like response look like? In light of wickedness in our daily lives, read Psalm 37.   What are our responsibilities and what can we be confident in God doing? Describe a situation in which you personally observed God prevail over wickedness. Read Psalm 139:23-24. If anyone is brave enough to be vulnerable; what are you working to confess and repent from?   If it's a bit too personal to share during the large group, with who and when will you share, and ask for encouragement and accountability?

Judges 8:22-35 April 19, 2026 Sermons by Brian Bruya and Mark Miller Opener: Which is your favorite sport, or sporting event, to watch? Review the events of Gideon's life from chapters 6, 7, and 8; what aspects of Gideon's life are worth emulating?  Which can we take as a cautionary example? After God granted Gideon and his small army a victory over the Midianites, what could Gideon have done or said that would have pointed the Israelites in a better direction? Think of a time you ‘missed the goal’ or didn't see your faith all the way through; share what that was like.  Has a similar situation ever presented itself to you for an opportunity for redemption?  How did that go?  When in your life have you experienced impressive success (8:22–23)? What was your thought-life like afterwards; did Satan, your own flesh, or the world tempt you to claim the glory/credit for yourself? What was that journey like?  What did God teach you through that experience? How can you pass on what you’ve learned to others? Finishing well is something we can train towards.  What areas in your own life would you like to Finishing Well (see your faith all the way through, beyond words and into action)? In regards to influences in your life, who would you say: Influences you towards genuine worship of God? Distracts you away from genuine worship of God? If someone made an objective list of the things that you invest in, are consumed by, or fixated on; what would be on the list?  With a biblical perspective in mind, what adjustments would they suggest that you make?

Judges 6:1-8:21 April 12, 2026 Sermons by Kevin Pitts and Mark Miller Opener: Who's got a dad joke for us? *I would not recommend reading the whole text this week. :)  Why do you think God spoke through a prophet this time before raising up a judge to deliver Israel? How could the prophet's speech encourage you today?  In 6:13, Gideon's response was pretty lame. In the past, what have been some sinful responses to trials of which you have been guilty? What are some biblical ways to respond to difficult situations?  In what area of your life are you currently struggling to believe God’s Word (6:13–21)? Why is it so difficult to trust God’s promises in this particular area? How have you seen God fulfill His Word in your past experience? Why do you struggle to appropriate faith today?  Gideon tries to discern God's will by "laying out a fleece." When have you struggled to discern God’s will ? What methods did you use to make your decisions? Was your orientation biblical? Why or why not? In your decision making today, how would you do things differently? How would you respond to the common question: “How can you know God’s will?”  God gave a massive military victory to Gideon and Israel--a story that would be told for generations to come. What are some massive victories in your life that God is responsible for?  How can you be a greater man or woman of faith? What areas of your life need further growth? When do you tend to be weak in faith? Read Genesis 22:1–19 for a great example of faith. Who is an example of faith to you? How can you learn from this person?  We find out that fear became a family affair for Gideon's son. What are some other sins that we can unintentionally pass on to our children? Have you inherited any struggles from your parents? If so, what? Have you passed any down to your kids, if you have any? If so, what? How can we avoid this?  What else stood out? Convicted? Encouraged? 

1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 51-58 April 5, 2026 Sermons by Kevin Pitts and Mark Miller Opener: The Corinthian church had some folks who were skeptical about the resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes we sort of have to be skeptical. What modern-day conspiracy theories do you think could be true?  The Corinthians needed to be reminded of the Gospel that Paul had preached. What person in your life tends to be the one to employ the "ministry of reminding" with you most? Who do you remind of the truths of God often?  If someone didn't "feel sinful" how would you explain to them their need for a Savior? Why did Christ have to die for our sins? Why is it important for us to be reminded of Christ's death for our sins?  Paul lists many appearances of Christ after the resurrection to many people. What do you imagine it was like for those people?  Paul refers to himself as a "stillborn baby" (one untimely born). What do you think he meant?  Why is the grace of God such an important concept for the believer? How would you explain grace to a pre-Christian?  Paul says that eventually all believers will "be changed." What do you imagine our new bodies will be like? What do you hope will be the same/different about you?  Where do you find yourself on the skeptic scale of the supernatural in the Bible and the Christian life? Is it easy or hard for you to believe?  Where do you find yourself currently on the fear of death scale currently? How do you think you can grow in that regard?  What does God want from you in relation to the final verse? 

Judges 4-5 March 29, 2026 Sermon by Kevin Pitts Opener: When do you experience "FOMO"(Fear of Missing Out)? The consequences of sin often linger for a long time. What consequences of sin have you had to deal with (or are currently still dealing with)? How can we force ourselves to consider the consequences BEFORE we make those stupid decisions?  We all wish God would just clearly tell us what to do in every situation like he did for Barak. But we also have some clear directions and clear promises in God's Word we fail to do. What clear direction from God is difficult for you to do? How can you grow in that way?  Barak says he will only obey if Deborah goes with him. What "spiritual security blankets" do Christians today struggle to let go of?  Barak was likely focused on his inadequacies and obstacles rather than on God's strength to use him. What inadequacies or obstacles hold you back? How can you give those over to the Lord?  What should a woman who is married to a spiritually passive man do? What should she not do? What should a man do if he realizes he is passive?  Hundreds of years after God told Judah to drive out the Canaanite chariot riders, it finally happens. What is a long-term prayer that you are still waiting for God to answer?  In chapter 5, the song blesses the Lord because the "leaders took the lead in Israel" that day. In what way is God convicting you to begin taking the lead as he's called you to?  What else did you hope we would discuss? What stood out or convicted you?

The GraceWorks Church in Lacey, WA

Judges 1:1 - 3:6  March 8, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in Lacey Opener: Obedience is an all or nothing thing. What other things are "all or nothing"? The Israelites start off well by inquiring of the Lord who should go up first into Canaan. What are some future things you should probably be bringing before the Lord? Judah recruits Simeon to go with him to claim his land. Name someone you trust to go to spiritual battle alongside. What makes them someone you would choose?  The first compromise Judah and Simeon are guilty of involves the pagan practice of cutting off toes and fingers on the enemy king and keeping him as a human trophy. What pagan practices have some Christians adopted and normalized?  What is the tension between God's unconditional love and his fatherly discipline? How would you explain this to a new believer? (Read Hebrews 12:5-11) The first appearance of Jesus (the angel of the Lord) in the book of Judges is significant. What do you think is important about his message?  The three things God told them not to do end up being the things Israel does over and over: lived amongst them, took them in marriage, and served their gods. What do these things translate to today? In what ways are you most tempted to compromise your Christian values?  What would you tell the next generation about avoiding small compromises?  What else did you hope we would discuss? What stuck out?

Judges 1:1-2; 2:10-19 March 1, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller & Dave Shoffner in DuPont and Kevin Pitts in Lacey Opener: What's your favorite book in the Old Testament and why? What previous experience or preconceived notions do you have about the book of Judges?  What detail(s) about the "Old Testament Timeline" stuck out or surprised you?  Read 2:10-19. What do we learn about parenting? How do we ensure that the generations after us know the Lord and the work he has done for you and me?  We may not have Baals and Ashtaroth; but what idols does our society serve? How can we avoid conforming in this way? God's discipline of the Israelites likely looks different than his discipline toward believers today. In what ways has God disciplined you in the past? How did you recognize it as discipline? Verses 18-19 describe a pattern of only doing what is right when they had a strong human leader. In what ways do we still struggle with that today? How do we avoid our faith being intertwined with a strong human leader/pastor/author/etc?  Was there anything you learned that you thought was cool? Anything you hoped we would discuss? Anything you are looking forward to in this book?

The GraceWorks Church in Lacey, WA

The GraceWorks Church in Lacey, WA - Into to Judges

At the end of each sermon series we hear testimonies from volunteers who share how the book of the Bible impacted them.  Wrap-Up Week Application Questions February 22, 2026 Ephesians OPENER: What is your favorite thing to unwrap? (Be specific.)  Whose testimony this week really spoke to you? And how so?   Have you ever shared on a Wrap-Up Sunday? What was the experience like?   What was your favorite passage in Ephesians? Why? (You might want to give people time to review. Also, you may want to tell them what the next question is going to be in advance.)   What was the most challenging passage for you in Ephesians? How did God challenge you?   How will you describe Ephesians in the future? (Imagine a friend asks what the book is about, what it is like, etc.)   What would you like the pastors to know about this book study that may help them in the future? (We preaching pastors would love if you passed on any feedback.) 

One in H1m Ephesians 6:21-24 February 15, 2026 Sermons by Mark Miller and Brian Bruya Describe an experience you've had, being a part of a healthy team?  What was the common goal / cause / purpose / mission that unified you all? We've all experienced times in which we needed encouragement and strength to keep living transformed lives.  Describe your go-to activity for accessing strength found in Him (I.E. worshiping through song, favorite verses, time with fellow believers, walking/praying, etc). What did you learn or hear for the first time while hearing about TGW's mission partners? How were you encouraged, fueled, or inspired to live on mission and let your neighbors witness or experience Gospel truth, through you? How has God shaped your heart or thinking through our Ephesians series? What joys or challenges have you experienced in living out the truths of Paul's letter? Share a key verse, sermon moment, sermon title, etc that you will carry with you from our series. Would you be willing to encourage and strengthen our TGW family by sharing any of your responses to questions 4-7 during wrap up Sunday next week (2/22)?  Please let us know via church center or chatting with one of our pastors.

You Got Your Gear?! Ephesians 6:10-20 February 8, 2026 Sermon by Mark Miller Opener: What's one thing you never leave home without? There are two extremes when it comes to demons and Satan; one is to deny/ignore and one is to be overly obsessed. Which do you relate to and why? Other things we learn about demons and Satan; they are powerful, they are evil, they are cunning, they have multiple strategies. How have you seen these to be true? Go through each of the six pieces of armor one at a time. When was a time you've utilized this piece of armor and how? What are some future situations where you want to utilize it?  Has anyone prayed through these while getting dressed? What was that experience like?  How does prayer tie it all together? How do you want to grow in your prayer life? 

Ephesians 5:21-33 January 25, 2026 Sermon by Mark Miller Opener: If money were no object, what home project would you take on? Why do you think it is that the word "submit" has such a negative connotation today? What are other relationships where we voluntarily submit to someone else?  Why is it difficult for wives to submit to their husbands? What makes it easier? What do you think it means that Paul says "the husband is the head of the wife"?  Why is it important that wives submit to their own husbands "as to the Lord"? Why is it important that husbands loved their wives "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"?  What makes it difficult for men to love their wives? What makes it easier?  What is significant about the statement, "He who loves his wife loves himself"?  What sticks out to you about the definition of marriage in verse 31 (quoting Genesis 2:24)? What should single, divorced, or widowed people take from this passage?  Why is respect so important to a man? Why is love so important to a woman? How does one love his wife when she is being unlovable? How does one respect her husband when he is being less than respectable? What else had you hoped we would discuss? What convicted you?  Find all our sermons on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheGraceWorksChurch

Ephesians 4:17-32 Pastor Mark Miller at the DuPont Campus   Find our Lacey Campus sermons on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/thegraceworkschurch

Ephesians 4:7-16 Pastor Mark Miller at the DuPont Campus​   Find Lacey Campus sermons on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/thegraceworkschurch

Special Advent Series: Various Scripture DuPont Campus Pastor Mark Miller December 14, 2025

Advent Series: Various scripture DuPont Campus Pastor Mark Miller December 7, 2025

Luke 2:21-40 Pastor Mark Miller DuPont Campus December 7, 2025

Isaiah 9:2-7 DuPont Campus Nov 30, 2025

Ephesians 2:11-22 Pastor Mark Miller DuPont Campus Original date: Nov 9, 2025

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians 2:1-10 from Pastor Mark Miller 11.02.2025 Find all our sermons at https://www.thegraceworks.com/sermons

Ephesians 1:15-23 from Pastor Mark Miller on 10.26.2025 Find all our sermons at https://www.thegraceworks.com/sermons

Various scripture.

Various scripture.

Various scripture.

Jonah 3

Jonah 1:17-2:10

Jonah 1: 3-16

Testimonies about personal growth from the book of Matthew sermon series.

Matthew 28

Matthew 26:36-56

Matthew 23:1-39

Matthew 22:15-46

Matthew chapter 23

Matthew 20:1-19 

Matthew 19:16-30 

Matt. 19:1-15 

Matt. 18:15-35 Sermon date: Feb 9

Matt. 17:14-27 Sermon Date: Jan 26, 2025

Matthew 13:53-14:12 November 17, 2024

November 10, 2024 Matthew 13:24-52

November 3, 2024 Matthew 13:1-23

October 27, 2024 Matthew 12:15-50