Grace Church Weekend Messages

Grace Church

Weekly Podcasts from the Grace Church Series

  1. Aug 11

    Stories of Struggle | When it's all Just Too Much

    If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose. To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/ In this message, Pastor Rick Long teaches about navigating overwhelming situations by examining the story of King Jehoshaphat from 2 Chronicles 20 (5:07). He emphasizes that while struggles and anxiety are a normal part of life, believers can find peace by intentionally shifting their focus from the size of their problems to the power of God (37:56). Key principles for managing times when life feels like "too much": Admit the situation is bigger than you: Acknowledge your limitations and seek help from God and your community rather than trying to carry the burden alone (19:52, 22:04). Bring your attention back to God: Anxiety grows when we focus on problems, but peace is found by fixing our thoughts on God's character and promises (32:23, 37:39). Fill your mind with praise instead of panic: Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead his army into battle, showing that worship can redirect the heart from fear to confidence (42:20, 42:49). Release the need to control: Surrender the pressure to manage every outcome and trust that God is working even when the way forward is not yet visible (47:24, 49:31). Show up and walk by faith: Faith is an action; we are called to move forward in obedience while trusting in God's ultimate victory (51:21, 52:44). 0:00 Introduction and Announcements 5:07 Introduction to King Jehoshaphat 7:52 When Life Feels Like "Too Much" 17:48 Fact 1: Admitting the Situation is Bigger Than You 32:23 Fact 2: Bring Attention Back to God 42:20 Fact 3: Fill Your Mind With Praise Instead of Panic 47:24 Fact 4: Release the Need to Control 49:31 Fact 5: Trust That God is Working 51:21 Walking by Faith 54:22 Legacy of Faithfulness 57:49 Salvation and Closing Prayer

    Stories of Struggle | When it's all Just Too Much
  2. Aug 4

    Stories of Struggle | Dont Waste the Waiting

    If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose. To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/ In this message titled "Don't Waste the Waiting," Pastor Rick Long explores the life of Joseph from the Old Testament to teach listeners how to find purpose during seasons of delay, struggle, and uncertainty. He emphasizes that for Christians, periods of waiting are not evidence of abandonment, but rather proof of divine preparation (9:02-9:21). Key Themes from Joseph's Life: • God Gives a Promise (13:06 - 24:00): Just as Joseph had dreams of leadership before his trials began, God often reveals a destination before showing the process. The pastor encourages viewers to hold onto God's promises even when the path is difficult. • God Develops Character in the Pit (24:11 - 31:12): The "pit" represents seasons of betrayal, rejection, and confusion. Pastor Rick clarifies that these moments are discipline and preparation, not punishment, meant to remove pride and shape one's character for future influence. • Endurance in Obscurity (31:14 - 44:00): Whether serving in Potiphar's house or prison, Joseph succeeded because the Lord was with him. The message highlights that faithfulness in small, mundane tasks is the prerequisite for greater responsibility. • Full Dependence on God (44:00 - 51:08): Through imprisonment and being forgotten, Joseph learned to rely entirely on God rather than his own circumstances or plans. • The Ultimate Purpose (51:10 - 57:00): Eventually, Joseph is elevated to the right hand of Pharaoh to save his family and the nation. The pastor connects this to the life of Jesus, who also endured suffering to offer salvation to many. Core Takeaway: God never wastes a hurt or a season of waiting. If you are currently in a "pit," a season of waiting, or a difficult job, the message encourages you to change your perspective: God is preparing you for something greater than you can currently imagine. At the end of the service, the pastor invites those who have not accepted Jesus to make that decision (58:55-1:01:13) and shares updates regarding the church's Forge Fury Classic golf tournament (1:01:46-1:03: 0:00 Welcome and Announcements 0:40 Introduction to the Series: Stories of Struggle 3:14 Defining "Don't Waste the Waiting" 10:57 The Life of Joseph: A Journey Through Seasons 13:04 1. God Gives a Promise 24:10 2. God Develops Character in the Pit 31:12 3. God Builds Endurance (Potiphar’s House) 43:56 4. God Teaches Full Dependence (Prison) 51:10 5. God Reveals the Ultimate Purpose (Palace) 58:55 Gospel Invitation and Conclusion 1:01:13 Ministry Updates and Closing

    Stories of Struggle | Dont Waste the Waiting
  3. Jul 27

    Stories of Struggle | Not Enough

    If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose. To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/ In this message titled Not Enough, Rick Long explores the biblical story of Gideon to address feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and fear. The sermon emphasizes that God frequently calls insecure individuals to significant missions, focusing not on personal capability, but on trust and obedience to Him (22:24 - 22:35). Key themes and principles discussed include: The Cycle of Sin: Long describes a five-step cycle found in the book of Judges: salvation, sin/rebellion, oppression/discipline, crying out for help, and restoration. He warns that even in times of peace, passivity and complacency can lead one back into this cycle (16:46 - 19:20). Overcoming Comparison: Gideon initially felt he was the least in his family and tribe (26:50 - 27:08). Long explains that insecurity grows when we measure our worth against others. He urges the audience to stop comparing themselves to their peers and instead focus on what God has gifted them to do (25:37 - 25:52, 32:00 - 32:40). Presence Over Performance: A central point is that fake confidence protects one's image but never heals the heart (42:23 - 42:28). True confidence comes from God’s presence, not personal performance (44:12 - 44:17). Long highlights that God's response to insecurity is "I am with you" (45:50 - 45:55). Faith Through Obedience: Long argues that faith grows when we obey before we feel fully confident or ready (49:31 - 49:55). Using the example of Gideon tearing down his father's altar to Baal, he encourages the audience to tear down their own idols and take steps of obedience, even while feeling scared (50:18 - 52:45). Dependence on God: The story of Gideon's army being reduced to 300 men demonstrates that God often allows situations larger than ourselves to ensure we rely on His power, not our own strength (57:06 - 58:05, 1:00:37 - 1:00:48). The sermon concludes by reminding viewers that their limitations do not have to be their identity, citing the example of Lionel Messi as a modern-day parallel of overcoming physical limitations through faith and persistence (1:01:32 - 1:03:50). The message ends with a call for the audience to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and to release whatever they are holding back from God (1:05:07 - 1:07:50). 0:00 Introduction & Announcements 0:41 Series Intro: Stories of Struggle 1:08 Anthem: The Power to Never Quit 4:46 Our Mission: Whiz Kids Partnership 8:30 Overcoming Insecurity: Gideon's Story 12:20 Four Reasons We Feel Inadequate 14:48 The Cycle of Sin 20:30 Gideon’s Calling in the Wine Press 24:52 Principle 1: Quit Measuring Yourself by Others 33:09 Principle 2: Be Honest With God About Insecurities 44:04 Principle 3: Confidence in God’s Presence 49:31 Principle 4: Obey Before You Feel Confident 57:06 Principle 5: Depend on God Instead of Proving Yourself 1:01:32 Modern Example: Lionel Messi 1:05:07 Closing & Salvation Call

    Stories of Struggle | Not Enough
  4. Jul 14

    Stories of Struggle | Loving Through Betrayal

    If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose. To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/ In this message titled Loving Through Betrayal, Pastor Rick Long explores the emotional and spiritual complexities of betrayal through the biblical story of the prophet Hosea (0:40). The sermon addresses how to navigate personal hurt and bitterness by focusing on God's grace and restoration. Key themes and takeaways: Understanding Betrayal: Pastor Long notes that while we have all been betrayed and have betrayed others, God is the only truly innocent party who has been consistently betrayed by humanity (1:53 - 12:51). The Lesson of Hosea: God commanded Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, to serve as a living metaphor for God's relationship with a wayward Israel. Despite her repeated unfaithfulness, Hosea was called to love and buy her back, mirroring the redemptive love of Jesus Christ (8:00 - 12:11). Five Steps to Healing: Face your pain: Bring your hurts to God rather than suppressing them (18:10). Seek God in the desert: Use painful seasons as an opportunity for God to speak tenderly to you and draw you back to Him (26:46). Release bitterness immediately: Bitterness is a choice that poisons the heart; it must be surrendered to prevent it from destroying you (29:54). Receive healing: Focus on restoration rather than just reconciliation, allowing God to restore your ability to trust, love, and hope (41:52). Find your identity in God: When your worth is rooted in God's unconditional love, rejection and betrayal cannot destroy your purpose (48:31). Closing Encouragement: Pastor Long concludes by emphasizing that God’s response to brokenness is always restoration (46:08). He invites viewers to trust Jesus as their savior and to lean on the community of faith, such as Celebrate Recovery or small groups, to process grief and find healing (55:46 - 57:50). 0:00 - Introduction 0:40 - The Series: Stories of Struggle 1:53 - Understanding Betrayal 8:00 - The Story of Hosea and Gomer 12:51 - God's Perspective on Religious Activity vs. Love 18:10 - Step 1: Face Your Pain 23:31 - Step 2: Ask God into Your Brokenness 29:54 - Step 3: Release Bitterness Immediately 41:52 - Step 4: Receive Healing 48:31 - Step 5: Find Your Identity in God 55:46 - Invitation to Trust Jesus 58:50 - Church Announcements and Closing

    Stories of Struggle | Loving Through Betrayal
  5. Jun 29

    Stories of Struggle | When I Feel Unseen or Rejected

    If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose. To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/ In this message titled "When I Feel Unseen or Rejected," Pastor Rick Long explores the biblical story of Hagar, an Egyptian servant in the household of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16). The message offers encouragement for anyone feeling overlooked, unwanted, or forgotten, emphasizing that God sees, meets, and speaks to people in their deepest pain. Key Takeaways on Navigating Rejection: Bring God all your pain (19:45): Healing begins when we stop hiding and bring our true, raw emotions to God. He is present in the wilderness of our struggles. Listen for God's voice (31:20): God speaks to those who slow down, eliminate distractions, and prayerfully seek His truth in His Word (36:00). Let God alone define you (38:08): Our identity is not determined by human rejection, societal labels, or social media. We are known, loved, and named by God, who is Jehovah El-Roi—the God who sees (39:28). Follow God's direction (45:12): Even when it requires humility or returning to a difficult situation, following God's path—not necessarily the easiest or most prestigious one—leads to true satisfaction and purpose. Believe God isn't finished yet (50:29): God met Hagar in the desert and promised her a future, reminding us that our current "wilderness" season is often a turning point where God provides and redeems (51:53). Ministry Announcements: Fourth Annual Forge Fury Classic Golf Tournament: Scheduled for September 14th at Arrowhead Golf Course, with a goal of raising $120,000 for the Forge Fieldhouse (58:42). Church Schedule Change: There will be no service next Saturday, but the church is encouraging everyone to pack the house for Sunday services on July 5th to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday (1:00:50 - 1:02:22). 0:00 Introduction and Welcome 0:40 Pastor Rick Long's Message Begins 1:58 The Story of Hagar 6:22 Four Deepest Human Struggles 10:47 Biblical Context of Hagar's Story 15:12 The Trauma of Rejection 16:15 The Pathway Through Rejection 19:45 1. Bring God All Your Pain 24:17 Three Ways We Run Emotionally 31:20 2. Listen for God's Voice 35:54 Four Steps to Hearing God's Voice 38:08 3. Let God Alone Define You 45:12 4. Follow God's Direction 50:29 5. Believe God Isn't Finished Yet 56:33 Salvation and Invitation 58:42 Ministry Announcements 1:00:50 4th of July weekend service times

    Stories of Struggle | When I Feel Unseen or Rejected

Ratings & Reviews

5
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13 Ratings

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Weekly Podcasts from the Grace Church Series