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The grand final book of the Bible is more than a prophetic panorama of God’s world program. In the second and third chapter, we have the stories of seven first century churches which are so relevant. Each of our stories can identify to one degree or another with these historical churches. You have heard it said, “Don’t take it so personally.” Well the only way to eternally benefit from the content of these letters is to take it personal, to open your heart to these seven real life stories that can  encourage and direct your own real life story.
 

Each year, January offers us the chance to start with a "clean slate," so to speak.  How many of you made New Year's resolutions and how will you keep them?  Even when it seems that the odds are not in your favor, you can follow the example of a simple farmer who became a hero- Shamgar.

The journey is both simple and complex, easy and hard, short and long. Just being real! There are no quick fixes or short cuts or even “how to’s”. The unique reality of the journey of the believer is that it consists most basically of a relationship with God, through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The best way for that to happen is just keep walking and never stop.
 

NO MP3 Just VIdeo!

Its official, the holiday season has  begun. Thanksgiving is a great way to kick it off! The word thanksgiving, when applied to God’s gift of Christ, takes on an entirely different meaning and provides us with perspective we need as we enter the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Growing deeply in our gratitude for Christ during the month of December, will give us a joy that will flourish in the midst of a variety of circumstances and situations that we face in preparation for the  celebration of Christmas. This will also be an authentic way to shine the light of Christ’s love and life to others.
 

Pursuing Growth. It is one of the seven values of our church. The question we all need to ask ourselves is, “Is it a value for me?” Why does it matter? What takes the time and effort to answer? Hopefully, the life and example of the apostle Paul is enough motivation– after all, I don’t think he has any regrets!

Oh, to be an "overcomer'!  As individiual believers, part of being an 'overcomer' means being open to stepping out of our comfort zones and beyond our human sensibilities to share Jesus with people different than ourselves.  For the Church, overcoming differences from within means keeping the main thing the main thing, and not majoring in the minors.  Clarifying the gospel message and unifying around that message will enable us as the church to better communicate the gospel to a world that needs this message more than any other.

There are few things more memorable for a parent than the birth of a child, especially the first born. We remember like it was yesterday. Believe it or not, the church has a birthday. There was a time when there was no church, and “suddenly” there was. It happened in Acts 2:1-13. It was an amazing day, and all of us believers are affected today by what  happened that day!

No video today do to Technical Difficulties Sunday. How can we ever get over it?  The passion of the Christ is the most heinous and painful story of history.  At the same time it is the greatest love story.  There is a strange beauty in it all; an attraction that is deep and transforming.  Take a good long look.

It is shocking and surprising to many of us to discover just how “threatening” and “intense” the days of Jesus were while on the earth. He was targeted for destruction from early on - and everyone knew it. Maybe we just don’t know Jesus as well as we think we do. It makes me wonder, if He showed up today, and conducted Himself in a similar fashion, how would I feel about Him? How about you? Better slow down and check this one out.

 

What is He Really Like? Have you ever had a negative opinion of what someone was like, but when you got to know them, you discovered your were wrong? How embarrassing! It can be hard to find out what a person is really like. God wants us to know what He is really like. And He has made it very clear. When we find out what Jesus is really like, we know what God is like (see John 1:18). Most of humanity has Him wrong. How about you?
 

No Video available sorry for the inconvience.. It is one of 7 core values of our church. Reproducing faith. It has reference to both more Christians and better Christians. If there is one thing that Jesus succeeded at, that no one can deny, is that of multiplying faith in Himself over and over again all around the world. We are here in 2010 because of what He started. Let’s make sure it doesn’t stop with us!

 

The New Testament. It is over 2000 years old, but it is still new! Who can fathom the impact of these inspired pages over two millennia of history? God only knows. Imagine the world without the New Testament and the truth it reveals explains? We don’t want to go there. As we sit on the threshold of this Part 2 of the Bible, it is exciting to ponder and pray, for ourselves and others. ―How will God use the New Testament in our lives?‖ 

So, how was the big picture look at the Intertestamental Period? What was God up to during these so-called “silent years”? Quite a lot, as we learned! He was setting the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ and the birth and early expansion of the Church. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
 

Ever wondered if God can use you for tasks that seem reserved for “full time” pastors or missionaries? In Acts 6:5,  Phillip takes center stage as one  commissioned by the elders. He was a Greek-speaking Jew who came to faith amongst thousands of others after Jesus’ resurrection. Though he started out as a waiter on tables, he became an  evangelist...a preacher of the gospel. Wow, what a change of roles for the  kingdom of God. God desires to do the same with us - to move us from where we are to join Him in His work on earth. For this to happen there are choices we must make. We are glad you have joined us today to  worship the Lord. Seated around you are  people just like you—people who need the Lord! We hope you sense His Presence, hear His Word, and experience His love. Please fill out the FOR OUR GUESTS section. We’d love to have a record of your visit and provide you with any information you may need. The easiest way to learn more about Grace  Fellowship is through Orientation. We invite you to come, listen, ask questions, and get to know other newcomers. If you would like more info about the next Orientation, please email Donna at dsimmons [at] gracejohnsoncity [dot] com.
 

Jeremiah, we learned last week, was a lonely prophet rejected by his people. Remarkably, in the midst of such  prolonged and relentless hostility against him, he remained faithful. With a broken heart and a flood of tears, he witnessed the dismantling of the Jewish nation, yet clung steadfast to hope. Those who are oppressed are often those who are poor.  Many trapped in poverty feel rejected by men and neglected by God. But the story of poverty can become a story of redemption and rejoicing.

Solomon said it...there is a time to tear down. (Ecclesiastes 3:3) How hard it is to see our own idolatry. The people of Hezekiah’s day were simply doing what was culturally acceptable. They even thought they were still serving God at the same time they were frequenting the high places. In fact, they had made an idol of the symbol of their salvation. That should give us significant pause as to our own high places and what needs to be torn down in our lives. 

Who among us cannot relate to Saul in one way or another? Whether in big things or little things, we learn that doing things our way rather than God’s usually does not in the end, work out well. Saul’s is a story of tragedy. “Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.” (1 Samuel 26:21) Wouldn’t it be great if we could learn enough from the mistakes of others so that we could avoid self-induced  tragedies? And all God’s people said, “Amen!” 

The Bondage Breaking God has come to set the captives free! In the Exodus account we examined God's deliverance of israel out of bondage to Pharaoh in Egyp. That picture of Israel's deliverance through faith in the Passover Lamb pointed to an even greater redemtion through faith in the Lamb of God, Jesus. Oh, the depth of the riches of both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

God keeps His promises. He is the One thing you can count on! Israel is proof of God’s faithfulness to the world. He has and will fulfill every promise He made to the Jewish people. While these promises are not made to us directly, we participate in them through Jesus Christ. Being in Him assures us of all the benefits of the gospel. We can trust God to do what He said He will do! 
 

What a mess we are in! But it is not a mess without hope, nor without end.

It is haunting, isn’t it? We do remember - the way we were. God’s desire and design for us as human beings made in His image is very special and significant - it is how we are made. How easy for us to take extreme views of ourselves and  others - worthless, nothing or awesome, invincible. Only the Bible can give us the accurate and healthy perspective. Don’t underestimate this part of our journey through the Bible.
 

This is as big as a picture can get! From eternity past to eternity future - God’s plan for the ages, and for us. It is an amazing, awe-inspiring, humility-enhancing, faith-building, and soul-satisfying picture. For us, it is always expanding and growing, since we are finite, and He is infinite. Be patient, hopeful, and prayerful as you take this journey!