Grace Christian Fellowship

Grace Christian Fellowship
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  • Christianity
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God treasures us. God loves people! Forgiven by God, we get to love him back. One way we do this is through loving other people in Jesus' name. After all, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." We are leading our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play. Our church leaders’ job is to encourage, equip and empower our people to do this each week starting at home and working outward from there. Our aim with this podcast is to encourage, equip and empower our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play for this reason. We believe God is on the move in Charleston. It is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country and we are blessed to be in the middle of it!

  1. May 24

    How Do We Stand Firm in Truth and Love? Part 1 | Jude 1:1-16

    Series: Contending for The Faith Title: "How do we stand firm in truth and love?" Part 1 Scripture: Jude 1:1-16 2 Cor 13:5 "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves." Numbers 14 12 spies Ezekiel 16:49 Sodom and Gommorah's sins 1 Cor 6:9-11 Wicked Corinth received cleansing Bottom line: Standing firm means contending for The Faith, rejecting distorted grace, and staying vigilant in fruit-bearing of both ourselves and others in love and by love. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. OPENING STORY(ies) From the Lord of the Rings second book, The Two Towers In The Lord of the Rings, King Théoden has slowly fallen under the corrupting influence of Gríma Wormtongue. Wormtongue constantly whispers lies, fear, half-truths, and discouragement into the king’s ear until Théoden becomes weak, passive, isolated, and unable to discern reality clearly. The corruption is subtle, not obvious. Wormtongue presents himself as a loyal counselor while actually undermining the king and the kingdom from within. Then Gandalf confronts the deception directly. He exposes Wormtongue’s influence, calls Théoden to wake up, and helps him see clearly again. Once freed from that corrupting voice, Théoden rises, regains strength, and leads courageously. That parallels Jude well: False teachers rarely arrive looking dangerous. They infiltrate quietly (“have slipped in among you” — Jude 4). They distort truth while pretending loyalty. Over time they weaken discernment, courage, holiness, and mission. Jude, like Gandalf, is sounding the alarm: wake up, see clearly, contend for the faith, and do not surrender the community to corrupt influences. -ChatGPT Jude is giving the Church a wake-up call to arms. It's a challenging call that most Christ-followers brush aside so it won't disturb their spiritual slumber. Through Jude's letter, God is calling his church--his body--to rise up and contend for the faith, reject distorted grace, and stay vigilant with ourselves and others regarding ungodliness. We do all of this in love because we're loved. This calling is for everyone. And it's a calling few are willing to step into. It reminded me of Shackleton's newspaper ad when recruiting and hiring men for his expedition to cross Antarctica: Right image courtesy of John Hyatt http://johnhyattillustration.com SHACKLETON Newspaper ad: "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success." CONTEXT The book of Jude was written by Jude, who identifies himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James” (Jude 1). Most scholars believe this means Jude was also a half-brother of Jesus, making him part of Jesus’ earthly family (cf. Matthew 13:55). Rather than emphasizing his family connection to Jesus, Jude humbly identifies himself as Christ’s servant. He likely wrote the letter sometime before AD 70 to a group of Christians facing the growing threat of false teachers infiltrating the church from within. Jude originally intended to write a positive letter about “the salvation we share,” but felt compelled instead to urge believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). The danger was not primarily persecution from outside the church, but corruption from inside it. These false teachers distorted God’s grace into permission for immorality, rejected God’s authority, and influenced others through arrogance, sensuality, and selfish ambition. Jude responds with some of the strongest warning language in the New Testament, drawing repeatedly from Old Testament history and vivid illustrations to remind believers that God takes both truth and holiness seriously. Yet the letter is ultimately framed by hope: believers are loved by God the Father, kept by Jesus Christ, and sustained by God’s power. Bottom line: Standing firm means contending for The Faith, rejecting distorted grace, and staying vigilant of both ourselves and others in love and by love. OUTLINE I. Contend for "The Faith" by holding fast to the Truth (1-4) * It's about who we are in Christ. (1-2) * It's about being loved so that we love others. (1-2) * It's the purpose of this letter (3) * It's why this is the purpose of this letter (4) II. Reject the distortion of grace and don't give in to licentious ways * You will be judged * Old Testament examples CONCLUSION ““Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭41‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.6.41-42.NIV “Because the church here is under a satanic lullaby and I’m falling asleep. Every time I try to wake up, the lullaby goes faster. Let’s go back to my country.” According to the testimony, an Iranian Christian couple escaped persecution and moved to a Western country (often retold specifically as America). The husband believed they finally had “the abundant life” — safety, money, comfort, freedom. But after only a short time, the wife became deeply troubled and told him she wanted to return to the Middle East because the spiritual complacency of the Western church was more dangerous to her soul than persecution in Iran.  It appears to come from interviews and testimony connected to the documentary Sheep Among Wolves Volume II and was later repeated on podcasts and blogs, including an interview on  Jennie Allen’s podcast/blog. https://www.jennieallen.com/blog/the-underground-church?utm_source=chatgpt.com Pray Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story 1. What does this story tell me about God? 2. What does this story tell me about people? 3. If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES "A ten-year-old started screaming about a wave no one could see—and 100 people lived because her parents believed her. December 26, 2004. Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Christmas holiday. Perfect weather. The Smith family walked along the sand on their first overseas vacation together. Then Tilly noticed something wrong. The water wasn't behaving normally. ""It wasn't calm and it wasn't going in and then out,"" she later recalled. ""It was just coming in and in and in."" The sea had turned frothy—""like you get on a beer,"" she said. ""It was sort of sizzling."" Any other ten-year-old might have thought it strange. Tilly knew exactly what it meant. Two weeks earlier, her geography teacher Andrew Kearney had shown the class footage of the 1946 tsunami that devastated Hawaii. He taught them the warning signs: sea receding unusually far, frothy bubbling water, ocean behaving strangely. Tilly was watching those exact warning signs unfold in front of her. She started screaming at her parents. ""There's going to be a tsunami!"" They didn't believe her. They couldn't see any wave. The sky was clear. The beach was calm. But Tilly wouldn't stop. She became more insistent, more frantic. ""I'm going,"" she finally said. ""I'm definitely going. There is definitely going to be a tsunami."" Her father Colin heard the urgency in her voice. He decided to trust his daughter. By coincidence, a Japanese man nearby overheard Tilly use the word ""tsunami."" He'd just heard news of an earthquake in Sumatra. ""I think your daughter's right,"" he said. Colin alerted hotel staff. They began evacuating immediately. Tilly's mother Penny was one of the last to leave. She had to sprint as the water began rushing in behind her. ""I ran,"" she recalled, ""and then I thought I was going to die."" They made it to the second floor with seconds to spare. Then the wave hit. Thirty feet tall. Everything on the beach—beds, palm trees, debris—was swept into the pool and beyond. ""Even if you hadn't drowned,"" Penny later said, ""you would have been hit by something."" The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries. Entire beaches in Phuket were wiped out. But at Mai Khao Beach, not a single person died. Because a ten-year-old girl paid attention in geography class. Tilly was hailed as the ""Angel of the Beach."" She received awards, spoke at the United Nations, met Bill Clinton. Her story is now taught in schools worldwide. Her father Colin still thinks about what could have happened. ""If she hadn't told us, we would have just kept on walking,"" he said. ""I'm convinced we would have died."" Tilly still credits her teacher. ""If it wasn't for Mr. Kearney,"" she told the UN, ""I'd probably be dead and so would my family."" Two weeks. One lesson. One hundred lives. That's the power of education. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION Contending for the Faith | “How Do We Stand Firm in Truth and Love?” Preache

  2. May 17

    How to Walk God's Way in God's World | Proverbs 3:1-12

    Series: Walking Wisely Title: "How to Walk God's Way in God's World" Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV James 1:5-6 Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith [trust] it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." NIVish Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world. OPENING STORY A few years ago, our youth group had Pastor Ed Newton speak to them at camp. They loved him! Well, I at some point started following him on Twitter (back then) but X and had saved this tweet/post in my files. This was his quote: "God's will? Find where you have been given favor, then follow favor, then be faithful to the place that God gave you favor!" So this resonated with me. So I posted a question asking him the source of that inspiration. He replied Proverbs 3. "Over the past several months, we walked through Book of Genesis in our series God’s Promises, Our Journey. In Genesis, we watched God call imperfect people to trust Him with their future: Abraham leaving home not knowing where he was going Isaac learning to trust God’s covenant promises But that raises an important question: How do we actually walk that journey day by day? That is where Book of Proverbs comes in. If Genesis teaches us to trust God with the big story of our lives, Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God in everyday life. Proverbs is not primarily a book of random sayings or good advice. It is a father teaching his children how to live skillfully in God’s world. Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intelligence, information, or success. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and walk in God’s ways. At the center of Proverbs is this foundational truth: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7) In other words: true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God. That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible. It speaks directly into moments of uncertainty, transition, decision-making, and future direction. And that makes this passage especially fitting today as we celebrate our graduates. Many of them are standing at a major crossroads: decisions about school work relationships calling identity future direction And Proverbs reminds all of us — graduates and non-graduates alike — that our greatest need is not simply a good plan, but wholehearted trust in God." -ChatGPT We just spend 9 weeks learning that our journey is shaped by our belief/unbelief in God's promises. We said that God's promises (rightly believed) shape our journey for good. Proverbs 3 seems like the next right step. Why? Because it tells us how to walk God's way in God's world. Our journey. “Wisdom is where knowledge and love kiss each other.” “Power is simply operating in Christ’s authority with his resources.” Father (King Solomon) is discipling his Prince son. Parents, are you paying attention here? “Genesis showed us God’s promises in the journey. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely in that journey.” -ChatGPT Or Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world. CONTEXT What are the key traits of the book of Proverbs? "Proverbs as wisdom literature" #wisdom #promises "Solomon/father-to-son framework" #relationships #discipleship "Fear of the Lord theme" "Connection to Jesus as wisdom incarnate" #incarnation -ChatGPT "We're in Proverbs and that means wisdom literature. Why does that matter? Well, we read wisdom literature differently from other types of literature like narrative or didactic. Wisdom literature often communicates general patterns. Gospel and covenant texts often communicate definitive redemptive promises. In other words, Proverbs teaches us the normal pathways of wisdom. Jesus announces the guaranteed promises of the kingdom." -ChatGPT Genesis showed us Abraham learning to trust God's audible voice with the big story of their lives. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God's written word in everyday decisions. “This is generally true now and will always prove true later.” -Daniel Akin "Proverbs describes the normal moral order of God’s world, but the fullness of these blessings is ultimately eschatological." -ChatGPT Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world. OUTLINE (influenced by Danny Akin) In the early 90s, Anita and I lived in Tampa Florida. Our time included joining Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where I was baptized. This is where I responded to Ministry. This is where I heard the preaching of Danny Akin for the first. I had never heard preaching like this before. It so impressed and influenced me that summer, that I went to the seminar where he was Dean of students. (SEBTS) He's now the president of the seminary. Today's outline is influenced by him and his son's efforts in a commentary I read this past week. I. We Should Keep the Covenant PROVERBS 3:1,3,5,7,9 The odd verses give the obligations that we are called to live up to if we are in a covenant relationship with the Lord. II. God Blesses Covenant-Keepers PROVERBS 3:2,4,6,8,10 The even verses give the divine partner’s obligations. III. This Is Generally True Now and Will Always Prove True Later Proverbs 3:11-12 The proverbs are generally true now, but they are always ultimately true. IV. Jesus Kept the Covenant for You "The good news is that he represents us before the Father in this covenant relationship. He lived up to our obligations for us, and then he took the curses of covenant breaking in our place." -Daniel Akin CONCLUSION Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world. From ChatGPT: The Pilot Through the Clouds (Excellent for “straight paths”) One of the most dangerous moments for a pilot is flying through thick clouds without visual reference points. Everything in the body starts lying: up feels down, left feels right, motion feels still. Pilots are trained not to trust their feelings in that moment. They must trust the instruments. Some pilots have crashed perfectly good airplanes because they trusted their instincts more than the guidance system. Proverbs 3 says: “Lean not on your own understanding.” There will be seasons where: your emotions will mislead you, your instincts will fail you, your understanding will be incomplete. In those moments, wisdom means trusting the Lord more than yourself. I found the incident you’re referring to, though the pilot’s name appears to have been spelled Vinson Kyle Perdue in newspaper reporting, not “Purdue.” The crash occurred in August 1981 near Dorchester Road in the Summerville area.  What I could verify: He was a young Air Force pilot from Summerville. The jet crashed during a routine training mission near Dorchester Road. The crash happened close to the Kings Grant area you mentioned.  I could not verify from available sources that vertigo/disorientation was officially determined as the cause, though your memory of local reporting may absolutely be correct. Spatial disorientation/vertigo is a well-known factor in military aviation crashes, especially during instrument conditions. For sermon purposes, I would be careful not to state definitively: “The crash was officially caused by vertigo…” unless you locate a direct source confirming that. But you can still use the illustration powerfully and honestly by framing it like this: When I was growing up in Summerville, there was a military jet crash near Dorchester Road across from Kings Grant where we lived. I still remember how sobering that was as a kid. And one of the things pilots are trained to understand is that when visibility disappears and disorientation sets in, your senses can begin lying to you. Up can feel down. Motion can feel still. Your instincts can become dangerous. That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments more than their feelings. Proverbs 3 says something very similar spiritually: “Lean not on your own understanding.” There are moments in life where: your emotions will mislead you, your instincts will fail you, your understanding will be incomplete. Wisdom means learning to trust God more than yourself. That keeps: the local authenticity, the emotional weight, the aviation imagery, and the pastoral application— without overstating what can be historically verified. And honestly, because this is tied to your own childhood memory in Summerville, it will likely land much harder emotionally than a generic illustration ever could. From Claude.ai What Was Found on Vinson Kyle Perdue The primary verified source is a newspaper clipping from The Greenville News, dated August 26, 1981 — a clipping published in The Greenville News on August 26, 1981, mentioning Vinson Kyle Perdue in Greenville, South Carolina.  That confirms the name spelling (Perdue, not Purdue) and the August 1981 date align with newspaper reporting. The Newspapers.com record exists but sits behind a paywall, so the full text of the article wasn’t accessible — which means we can confirm existence of reporting but not the article’s specific content on cause of death. No publicly accessible official USAF accident investigation report for this specific crash surfaced. The Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research database (which houses USAF accident reports from that era) exists but didn’t return this specific crash in searches. Bottom line on the Perdue crash: Name, date, and general location are confirmed by newspaper record. Cause of death (vertigo/spatial disorientation) remains your childhood memory of loc

  3. May 10

    Will You Trust God with Your Future Family? | Genesis 24:1-67

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Will you trust God with your future family?" Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67 NIV Hebrews 11:9-13 Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us. OPENING STORY I find myself thinking more and more about the future. Between caring for our aging parents, supporting our kids and grandkids, and taking our health and finances seriously so that we minimize our burden on our kids, we're thinking more and more about the future. And when you do that it's tempting to become anxious and to try to do things without trusting the Lord by taking control where we should surrender to the Lord. This is common but not wise. Today I want to challenge us with this question: Can you trust God with your future family? Can I? Will I? My bottom line for today is this: When we trust in God's promises, grace finds us. What promises? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...(John 3:16) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life...(Romans 6:23) If you confess with our mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart, God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9-13) I'm preparing a place for you (John 14) I'm coming back. (Various) Are you resting in God's promises? If you are, your life will look different. Your journey will be richer and more satisfying and will lead to life everlasting where the best is yet to come! CONTEXT Abraham is old. (140) Sarah is dead. (Genesis 23) Isaac is 40. Unmarried. No kids/grandkids. God's promise that his descendants will be more than the stars in the sky and the sand on the sea shore is hard to believe at this point. Yet, Abraham is resolved to see this through. He will show that as he trusts God with the future of his family. He trusts God to keep his promise. And this affects his journey--how he will live in light of those promises. OUTLINE I. Abraham trusts God with the future. (24:1-9) II. The servant trusts God with the process. (24:10-27) III. Rebekah trusts God with courage. (24:28-61) IV. Isaac trusts God to provide. (24:62-67) CONCLUSION Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us. When you look to the future, how can you best trust God's promises? You believe and receive God's promises starting with the most important promise. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Have you done that? Have you crossed that line of faith regarding your future here and now, as well as, in the hereafter? Turn from your wicked ways to a Savior who forgives and forgets. Who is preparing a place for you where the best is yet to come. Believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ today! In Jesus' name, Amen Pray Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY) Claude.ai

  4. May 3

    Will You Trust God or Take Control? | Genesis 22:1-24

    eries: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Will you trust God or take control?" Scripture: Genesis 22:1-24 NIV Hebrews 11:17-19 James 1:13-15 John 1:29 Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.” INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.” OPENING STORY/ILLUSTRATION Control vs. Trust Imagine you’re riding in the passenger seat while someone else is driving… Not just anyone—your spouse, your friend, maybe even your child learning to drive. You’re coming up to a busy intersection… You see the light turning yellow… And what do you instinctively do? You reach for the imaginary brake pedal. You lean forward. You tense up. Why? Because you’re not in control. And when we’re not in control… we feel insecure. That’s not just true in a car. It’s true in life. Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. In Genesis 22, God puts Abraham in the ultimate “passenger seat” moment. God asks him to do something that feels unthinkable… unreasonable… even unbearable. And the question becomes: Will Abraham trust God… or try to take control? CONTEXT The thread is security. Last week we saw... Abraham seek security through deception (Gen 20) Abraham seek security through control (Gen 21:1–21) Abraham seek security through agreements (Gen 21:22–34) This week, we hope to see Abraham find true security as he learns to trust in God's promises, obey his voice, and rely on his provision. Why does God test us? To reveal what we really trust (pleasing God) To display His worth through our obedience (glorifying God) God tests us to deepen our trust in Him and display His worth through us. Because he’s teaching us to trust him as our ultimate security when we’re tempted to reach for control. How do we handle God’s tests? By trusting his promises, Obeying his voice/word, and Relying on his provision Or, more specifically… Expect tests from God (1-2) Focus on promises, not explanations (3-5) Depend on God’s provision (6-14) Look forward to what God has for you (15-24) Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.” First, there’s a difference between testing and tempting: Temptation (James 1:13–15): “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Comes from within and from the enemy → aims to pull us away from God → exposes weakness. Testing (Genesis 22:1): “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.” Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Comes from God → aims to draw us closer to Him → strengthens faith. Temptation is designed to make you fall. Testing is designed to make you stand. Consider how unreasonable God’s test was as you consider how we might respond to his tests in our lives… OUTLINE (influenced by Warren Wiersbe & ChatGPT): We handle God’s tests in life by: Trusting His promises Obeying His voice (word) Relying on His provision Expect tests from God. (22:1-2) WW writes, “In the ‘School of Faith’ we must have occasional tests, or we will never know where we are spiritually. Abraham had his share of tests right from the beginning.”“Family test” - leave nation, neighborhood and extended family and go “Famine test” - left Canaan and went to Egypt #FAIL “Fellowship test” - let Lot choose which way to go when they split up “Fight test” - rescued Lot and Sodom’s citizens and stuff “Fortune test” - declined Sodom’s wealth “Fatherhood test” - Sent Hagar & Ishmael away first time #FAIL “Farewell test” - Send Hagar and Ishmael away second time One test I faced was baptism. Another was my calling into ministry. Was “baptized” as an infant so didn’t believe I needed to be baptized after my conversion; it took 2 pastors and 10 years for me to see the truth Was “called” into full-time ministry within a month or 2 of being baptized leaving successful career in Engineering If you walk with God, tests are not the exception—they are the curriculum. Focus on promises, not explanations (3-5) “Faith does not demand explanations; faith rests on promises.” -WW “Our faith is not really tested until God asks us to bear what seems unbearable, do what seems unreasonable, and expect what seems impossible.” -WW When God sends a test or trial, our first response is usually, “Why me?” Or “Why, Lord?” Instead of “What can I learn through this?” "Deliverance will get you out of Egypt. But surrender will get Egypt out of you." (Or Sodom, or Babylon, or America...) We live by promises, not by explanations. Abraham says, “We will worship and then we will come back” → implicit faith in resurrection (cf. Hebrews 11:17–19) Faith doesn’t need to understand everything—it just needs to trust what God has said. If you wait for God to explain everything, you’ll never obey anything. Depend on God’s provision (6-14) Two statements reveal the emphasis in this passage: “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.” (8), & Yahweh Yireh, “The Lord will see to it.” (14) #provide “Where God guides, He pro-vides.” -Old Pastor How does God provide? Where…does the Lord provide? Where you sent you to walk in his will. Should we expect his provision when we don’t walk in his steps? When? Right when it’s needed. Sometimes at the last minute. He’s never late. How? Often simply. He surprised Abraham with the ram in the thicket right next behind him. To Whom? To those who humbly walk with him. Why? For his pleasure and his glory! What kind of provision is available? Resurrection-powered provision Ephesians 1:19–20 & 3:20 You don’t experience God’s provision sitting on the sidelines—you experience it on the path of obedience. Look forward to what God has after the test. (15-24) What comes after the test? New Approval (12) “Atta boy!” New Son (13-14) → Isaac received back Isaac likely never the same. God gave. Abraham gave back. God gave back. Don’t let the gift replace the Giver—Abraham didn’t New Assurances. (16-18) New names for an expanded future. (14; 23) Yahweh Yireh (14) Rebekah (23) God is already preparing the next chapter while you’re still in the test. CONCLUSION Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.” How do we handle God’s tests? By trusting his promises, Obeying his voice/word, and Relying on his provision Every test exposes what we trust Every test invites surrender Every test reveals God’s sufficiency What is your Isaac? Are you trusting God—or trying to control the outcome? Ram → Lamb → Gospel Abraham looks up… and there’s a ram caught in the thicket. God provides a substitute. Isaac lives… because something else dies in his place. Pause. Let that sit. Expand the Pattern This moment isn’t just about Abraham and Isaac. It’s pointing forward. Another Father… another Son… another sacrifice. Connect to Christ In John 1:29, we read: When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” On that day in Genesis 22— God provided a ram. But one day— God would provide His own Son. ⸻ In Genesis 22… God stopped Abraham’s hand. At the cross… God did not stop His own. Let that land. This is your emotional peak. ⸻ Why? Because our greatest problem isn’t lack of control— it’s sin. And our greatest need isn’t control— it’s a Savior. ⸻ So the question isn’t just: “Will you trust God in the test?” The deeper question is: Will you trust the God who gave everything for you? ⸻ You don’t have to control your life… because the God who tested Abraham is the God who gave His Son for you— Pray Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.or

  5. Apr 26

    Where Are You Looking for Security? | Genesis 20-21

    eries: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Where are you looking for security?" Scripture: Genesis 20-21 NIV Galatians 2-5 Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. OPENING STORY/ILLUSTRATION Did you know you can insure your teeth and smile (Julia Roberts)… your hair Troy Palomalu)… even your taste buds (Gordon Ramsay)? You can insure your wedding (rain), your golf shot (hole in one), even against alien abduction… We laugh… but think about it—we are constantly trying to secure ourselves against what we cannot control. And Genesis 20–21 shows us something uncomfortable…Abraham is doing the same thing. CONTEXT The thread is security: Abraham seeks security through deception (Gen 20) Abraham seeks security through control (Gen 21:1–21) Abraham seeks security through agreements (Gen 21:22–34) God shows that true security comes only from Him OUTLINE (influenced by John Lennox & ChatGPT) 1. FALSE SECURITY: TRUSTING OUR OWN STRATEGIES (Gen 20:1–18) 2. PARTIAL SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD… BUT STILL CONTROLLING (Gen 21:1–21) 3. TEMPORARY SECURITY: TRUSTING HUMAN AGREEMENTS (Gen 21:22–34) 4. TRUE SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD ALONE (BRIDGE TO GENESIS 22) Have you ever inflated your image or resume to look better? When we write a resume, we can get carried away over our accomplishments. Wording things to sound better than they really are. And then there’s social media where we post pictures and poses of ourselves doing amazing things as if this is what our life is always like. We don’t usually post pics of ourselves in unflattering positions or looks. That may not be conscious but it easily could be in the back of our mind. It’s a fine line, right? What are our motives? Not a full lie. Just a truth designed to make us look better than we are. That’s kind of like what Abraham is doing here. Technically true but still deceptive. And intentional—even strategic—deception is a sin. That’s the heart of what a lie is. Deception. 1. FALSE SECURITY: TRUSTING OUR OWN STRATEGIES (Gen 20:1–18) Text movement: Abraham repeats old sin (Gen 12 replay) Lies about Sarah (half-truth still deception) Abimelech acts with integrity (understood that Kings could take a woman) God intervenes (Sovereign) Key tension: The man of faith still falls back into fear. Key insight (pastoral): Abraham is trying to protect the promise by human means Fear makes us revert to old patterns When we don’t feel secure in God’s promises, we start managing our journey ourselves. Application/Diagnostic question: Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure? Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. 2. PARTIAL SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD… BUT STILL CONTROLLING (Gen 21:1–21) Do you make “just in case” plans? Backup plans? Do you have a financial emergency fund? This can be a wise decision. But where is your ultimate financial security found? Are you trusting God with your finances? Are you generous with your finances or do you operate in fear of the future and lack generosity? A. God keeps His promise (Isaac is born) God is faithful Laughter fulfilled (Sarah → joy) B. Abraham expels Ishmael Real tension: promise vs. threat Abraham acts to “secure” Isaac’s future Abraham removes perceived threats to secure the promise. (Lennox) But God… Sees Hagar Provides a well Keeps promise to Ishmael too Key theological move: God’s promise doesn’t depend on Abraham’s control God cares for the “outsider” (Hagar/Ishmael) Even when we try to secure God’s promises our way, God remains faithful to His purposes and our journey. Application/Diagnostic question: Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure? Where am I trusting God—but still trying to control the outcome? Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. 3. TEMPORARY SECURITY: TRUSTING HUMAN AGREEMENTS (Gen 21:22–34) Contracts vs. Trust We sign contracts because we don’t fully trust people Prenups Legal agreements NDAs “Agreements can create stability—but they can’t create ultimate security.” Text movement: Abimelech recognizes God is with Abraham (pattern continues throughout Genesis) Covenant over wells Beersheba established Key idea: This is not wrong—it’s just limited Mutual security arrangements are still human-level solutions. (Lennox) Key contrast: This is horizontal security, not ultimate (vertical) security “You can build agreements with people—but you cannot build ultimate security without God.” Application/diagnostic questions: Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure? Where am I trusting God—but still trying to control the outcome?j Where do I rely on relationships, systems, or resources as my ultimate safety? Do people see that God is with you? Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. 4. TRUE SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD ALONE (BRIDGE TO GENESIS 22) This is where you preview without preaching Gen 22 The real test is: does Abraham’s security rest in God—or in Isaac? (Lennox) Set it up like this: Gen 20 → security through deception Gen 21 → security through control and agreements Gen 22 → God exposes the heart “God will lovingly test whatever you trust most—because He wants to be your only true security.” 1. God’s faithfulness despite flawed faith Abraham fails → God remains faithful Strong gospel echo without forcing it 2. God sees the overlooked (Hagar) Fits your church’s “best neighbors ever” vision Missional application 3. Security vs. trust Deeply relatable Connects to anxiety, control, family, finances CONCLUSION Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control. And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust. “You can insure almost anything in this life… but there is no policy that can secure your soul. Only God can do that.” Pray Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY) Claude.ai

  6. Apr 19

    Where is Your Life Going? | Genesis 19:1-38

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Where is your life going?" Subtitle: "2 Righteous Men, 2 Very Different Lives" Scripture: Genesis 19:1-38 NIV Ezekiel 16:49 Matthew 7:24-27 Luke 17:31-38 1 Cor 3:10-15 Hebrews 13:2 2 Peter 2:6-10 Jude 1:7 Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Opening Illustration ( What do you want said about you at your retirement party? I know I'd like people to say nice things about me, my family and how I lived. I'd love to hear stories of good memories from family and friends. But most of all, I'd love to hear stories about how God did something beautiful in and through my life. Not bad desires. Because my walk with God determines the trajectory of my life. My grandson has started T-ball. He's learning how to aim and throw a ball so that it ends up where he intends for it to. Because he's learning that how he aims and throws it determines the trajectory of that ball. He'll need to improve his strength, aim, and skill to get the ball where he wants it to be. The same is true for our walk with God. The question becomes: Is the trajectory of my life headed to where I want it be? Am I living my life wisely or foolishly? Or does it just look like anyone else's in the world? Context (Opening Paragraph) Today we're looking at 2 righteous men with very different lives. By contrasting them, we will not see a Believer and a non-Believer. No, we'll see 2 Believers who live very differently and their lives end up having very different outcomes in the short-term and in the long-term. My prayer for you today is that you'll evaluate your life soberly and humbly. That you will make the changes needed to change the trajectory of your life. Why? Because your walk with God determines the direction of your life. Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life. OUTLINE (Genesis 19:1-38) Influenced by Warren Wiersbe Contrasting Abraham, Lot and Jesus I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18) A. Abraham served the Lord. (1-8) B. Abraham served his wife. (9-15) C. Abraham served a lost world. (16-33)...as an intercessor For Lot For the residents of Sodom II. Lot, friend of the world. (Genesis 19) Contrasting these two's... A. Souls (position before God) "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6 Lot was righteous too. 2 Peter 2:6-7 Neither was seen as righteous by God because of their righteous ways. Based on these verses, we see this. Otherwise, we'd assume Abraham righteous but not Lot, because Lot's actions did not show much righteous fruit (in our limited view). They were seen as righteous because of their faith in God's promises. The same is true for us. B. Locations Abraham continues to live in a tent as a pilgrim, just passing through, on his way to his heavenly home. Lot, by contrast, leaves the tents of Abraham, in the Promised Land, and the favor of his God, and... Moves towards Sodom into the Jordan valley (looks like Egypt and Eden to him), Then into the city into a house, surrounded by the wicked, He stays even after they were captured by Babylonian Kings and rescued by Abram, Then is found sitting at the city gates with authority and position (judge, city administrator of some kind), While you could argue he was being a missionary, it appears he was more influenced by Sodom than Sodom was influenced by him. C. Visitors Only 2 angels visited Lot, for the Lord could not fellowship with Lot and his family as he did with A & S. Even though Lot was a believer, the Lord was not at home with him. This is the difference between Relationship, and Fellowship Not unlike a marriage where two people are in a covenant relationship but not always feeling the fellowship. D. Hospitality Both showed hospitality, but Abraham's example was exemplary on multiple levels and Lot's showed skewed values re daughters. E. Messages Joyful message to A & S--promised son in 1 year. Judgment and destruction for the people of Sodom (and Lot and his family, if they don't leave). God's message to a lost world is judgment as well. This event in history becomes the example people point to reminding them there's a holy God who will judge. (Jude 1:7) But he's also a merciful God saving all who repent, trust and follow him. F. Influence Because of his faith and obedience, Abraham was a blessing to his family and the world. God blessed his family then and the world until he returns. Lot had little spiritual influence on his family nor the world. He had faith, which saved him, but he was more influenced by residents of Sodom than by the Lord. G. Attitude Lot was rescued first by Abraham, along with the people of Sodom. Yet, he went right back to them. Later he had to be pulled out of the city by the angels the second time. He loved the things which are seen more than the things which are unseen. (2 Cor 4:17-18) Abraham yielded even his one and only son as he obeyed by grace through faith. (Genesis 22) How You Respond to God? Abraham → Runs to obey (18:2 “hurried… ran…”) Lot → Hesitates to obey (19:16 “he lingered…”) H. Consequences The Lord's visit to Abraham led to new hope and a future. The Lord's visit was judgment and destruction for Sodom and 2 evil nations who would oppose the very God who saved Lot and his daughters. That said, one day, a young Moabitess named Ruth would marry Boaz and become the grandmother of the Lord Jesus Christ. This would be part of the mercy of God for the world. Principle: Walking with God → blessing flows out; Righteousness leads to life and legacy Walking with compromise → damage flows out; Compromise leads to survival but loss How Your Story Ends (Trajectory) Abraham → Future, promise, legacy Lot → Escape, loss, regret III. Jesus, friend of sinners. A. While Jude 1:7 tells us Sodom and Gomorrah will stand as the example of God's judgment on a wicked world,... B. It will also stand as a mark of his mercy for his covenant people. We see this through the Moabitess, Ruth, grandmother of Jesus. C. Jesus calls those saved, like Abraham, to: Abide in the Lord, Serve our faith family, Serve a lost world through intercession. D. When judgment day comes, will you be like Abraham--no worries? How--saved by the skin of your teeth but a horrible legacy? Sodom--lost forever apart from your Creator? CONCLUSION Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life. Matthew 7:24-27 feels like it's written to the lost. And it certainly can be applied that way. But I now think it's written to the believer. As Jesus wraps up his Sermon on the Mount, he ends with how a follower of his should apply all that he has heard--not for salvation but for fruitful living. John 15:16 says... God chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last. That means he chose you to live a fruitful, influential, peaceful, transformative life. One that leaves people praising God at your funeral instead of searching for kind things to say about you. Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES The Legacy of Abraham This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part: “God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments: This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham. First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit... Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ... Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY) Claude.ai

  7. Apr 12

    Are You Leading People to God? | Genesis 18:16-33

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Are you leading people to God? Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 NIV 2 Peter 2:6-10 Hebrews 13:2 Ezekiel 16:49 1 Cor 3:10-15 Luke 17:31-38 Jude 7 Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Opening Illustration ( Rowan Atkinson, a legendary icon of comedy, television, and cinema, has left even the world’s richest and most powerful figures stunned—not just with his words, but with decisive action. https://substack.com/@ajw3477/note/c-213026215?r=ogd8w&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action At a glamorous red-carpet gala in Los Angeles on December 20, attended by film moguls, tech billionaires, and Hollywood’s most elite stars, Rowan Atkinson took the stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. But instead of offering a conventional acceptance speech, he chose a moment of truth—direct, fearless, and deeply human. He did not thank the Academy. He did not reminisce about Mr. Bean, Blackadder, or decades of global laughter. Instead, Atkinson looked straight into the audience of wealth and influence and declared: “We sit here surrounded by diamonds and artistic glory while the world outside is falling apart. If your voice can move millions and you choose not to use it for those who have no voice, then you are not creating change—you are creating noise.” The room fell into complete silence. Film executives and invited guests sat motionless, struck by the weight of his words. He continued, unwavering: “If you have more than you need, it no longer belongs only to you. Your responsibility is to lift up those who are still beneath you.” And he did not stop at words. That very night, Atkinson announced that all profits from his archived works and future creative projects—estimated at 160 million USD—will be donated to fund children’s health initiatives, climate action programs, and arts education for underprivileged youth. His message was unmistakable: “Legacy is not built on what you earn. It is built on what you give.” In an era when celebrities are often dismissed as hollow symbols, Rowan Atkinson delivered a powerful reminder to the world: true impact is not created by applause, but by easing the suffering of others. Context (Opening Paragraph) Abraham has been entertaining 3 strangers at his tent for most of the day. Two of them are about to leave and head to Sodom to investigate the outcry against the wickedness of that city. They will assist the Lord in deciding the fate of the city. In the meantime, Abraham will have a conversation with God. He will intercede on behalf of those wicked citizens. Abraham will model for us how we are to live so that our lives make a real difference in the world. Just like the affluent were challenged to do by Mr. Bean. Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. OUTLINE (Genesis 18:16-33) I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18) Blessed to be a blessing, Abraham... A. Welcomed the stranger. #hospitality #love #care #lead (1-15) Qualified elders are required to be hospitable. Biblical hospitality is primarily geared towards strangers. B. Taught his household. #instruction #education #discipleship #feed (17-19) Qualified elders are to be able to teach the word. We start discipleship with our immediate family members and work out from there. Abraham was like the mayor, CEO and pastor of 1,000 people. Ultimately, he would bless the world. C. Interceded on behalf of Sodom. #mercy #intercession #prayer #mission #protect (16, 20-33) To intercede means to stand in the gap on behalf of others for their good. To intercede spiritually means to stand in the gap between them and God for their good. This is key to being an effective missionary. CONCLUSION My freshman year at college, when I was sitting in that auditorium at the end of the Christian concert, with my Christian friends, thinking I was a Christian the whole time, I heard the gospel message preached clearly for the first time. At that time, more than any other reason, I was drawn by the idea that I could make a real difference in this world. It just required surrender rooted in faith that God through Jesus Christ could use me to make some of that difference our world needed. So I stood and trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior believing that his way of making a difference in our world was the best way...maybe the only way. Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. So, Welcome the Stranger. Teach your household. Intercede for the world. Are you leading people close to you to God? Are you welcoming people into your life? Your home? Are you teaching your household how to be salt and light by doing what is right and just? Are you actively and prayerfully interceding on behalf of lost people around the corner? Around the world? Are you leading people close to you and far from God to God though Jesus? Pray Questions (Write this down) What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES The Legacy of Abraham This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part: “God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments: This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham. First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit... Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ... Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY) Claude.ai

  8. Apr 5

    Can God Really Restore What's Broken? | Genesis 1:31-3:15

    eries: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Can God really restore what's broken? Scripture: Genesis 1:31-3:15, John 19:38-20:1-18 NIV Bottom Line: Because of the cross and resurrection, what was broken by sin can be restored by Jesus—if we repent, believe, and receive Him. In fact, it will be restored for the Church. The real question today is will it be restored for you? INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION Marvel Universe “If you’ve ever watched the Marvel movies, you know they’re not just random, disconnected stories. At first, it feels like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor—they all have their own separate plots. But as the story unfolds, you realize… it’s all connected. Every movie is part of a much bigger story that’s building toward one climactic moment. The Bible works the same way. It’s made up of dozens of books, written over centuries, with different people and settings—but it’s telling one unified story. And that story moves from creation… to brokenness… to redemption… to restoration. Today, we’re going to step into two scenes in that story— two gardens— and see how everything connects… and how it connects to your life.” OUTLINE (With help from ChatGPT) I. Name the room: “We Know Something Is Broken” Some of you walked in here celebrating...others are carrying heavy burdens • Loss (recent deaths) • Marriages under strain • Financial anxiety • Health struggles • Relationships in crisis “You don’t need a theology degree to know something is wrong with the world… you just need to live in it for a while.” “The Bible tells one story that explains all of it—and offers one solution that can heal it.” II. Eden: Where brokenness began (Genesis 1:31-3:15) God designed life to be good and whole (Genesis 1:31-2:25) Sin shattered what God made whole. (Genesis 3) • Relationship with God → broken • Relationship with each other → broken • Relationship with self → broken • Relationship with creation → broken Tie directly to today: “Every funeral, every divorce, every anxiety… traces back to this moment.” Share the 3 Circles here--Link: https://youtu.be/5W8ynRMr59k?si=6FZMytsIOhLmbQib “So the question is not: Is there brokenness? The question is: How do we get out of it?” III. Cross/Good Friday - Jesus enters our brokenness on the cross (where sin was paid for) Bring them to the cross. • Jesus doesn’t ignore brokenness—He enters it • He carries: • Our sin • Our shame • Our suffering IV. Resurrection/The Garden Tomb - Where restoration begins (John 19:38--20:1-18) Jesus didn’t just die—He rose to restore. • The tomb is in a garden • Mary mistakes Jesus for the gardener (John 20:15) That’s not accidental. “In Eden, humanity lost the garden. In the resurrection, the Gardener begins restoring it.” Tie her in personally: • Delivered from demons → deeply broken • At the cross → grieving • At the tomb → confused • Encounters Jesus → transformed Key moment: “Jesus said her name—‘Mary’—and everything changed.” V. Connect to OUR Story “Some of you feel like your story is too far gone…” Apply specifically: • “Your marriage…” • “Your past…” • “Your regrets…” • “Your grief…” Then: “If Jesus can walk out of a grave, He can step into your situation.” Name their pain again—but now with hope: • Grief → “Death is not the end” • Broken marriages → “God restores what seems beyond repair” • Anxiety → “You are not alone in the garden” • Shame → “Jesus already carried it to the cross” Power line: “The same Jesus who called Mary by name is calling your name today.” VI. Call to Respond A. REPENT Turn from sin and self-rule B. BELIEVE Trust what Jesus did on the cross and resurrection C. RECEIVE Surrender to Him as Lord and Savior Tie to Romans 10:9–10 VII. How baptism fits “Earlier in the service, you saw people baptized— that’s a picture of this very thing.” Tie to gospel: “Buried with Christ… raised to new life.” Then pivot immediately: “But baptism doesn’t start the story—Jesus does.” VIII. Closing Image Bring it back to gardens: “We lost everything in a garden… Jesus paid for it on a cross… And in a garden, He began making all things new.” Then: “The question is not: Is restoration possible? The question is: Will you come to the Gardener?” John 15:1-5 "my Father is the Gardener" As we move to celebrate the cross and resurrection through the Lord's Supper, where he instituted a perpetual reminder, we pause to confess our sins to a holy God, repenting of those sins, believing Jesus forgives and saves, and receiving the gift of salvation by grace through faith in him alone. Questions (Write this down) What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Pray DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES Introduction (long version, but here it is stream of consciousness) Marvel Studios turned their company around when they began making superhero movies. (Tell this story briefly how they went from near bankrupcy to box office success through the risk taking of Kevin Fahge and the first Iron Man movie) The idea became a series of movies (22?) that fit under the banner of phases 1-4 of the Avengers. (?) What makes this franchise pretty unique is that all 22 of these movies fit into a larger story arc that covered many (15 years?) years. Each superhero origin story and sequel contributed to the meta-story arc resulting in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. Why do I share this with you? Because it is very much like what the Bible represents in it's library of 66 books with dozens of origin stories all pointing to the meta-story arc from Genesis 1-2 through Revelation 21-22. The story: Creation-->Fall-->Redemption-->Restoration. As I was preparing for today, I ran across this quip by author Leonard Sweet: "How can a church silence or stifle the voices of women when you can't tell the story of Holy Week without hearing the voices of women?" I'd already been considering the 2 gardens--2 women idea when I read that and sensed God confirming my direction. As I was trying to decide what to preach this Easter Sunday, I seriously considered continuing through our Genesis series. But Sodom and Gomorrah. Not your typical "Positive and uplifting" Easter fodder. Earlier that week, my wife gently suggested that it might be good to preach a resurrection sermon on resurrection day. Ha! So, believing that that was from the Lord, I pivoted to John 20:1-18, dipping back into that deep well of truth John writes about so well. And there I found a woman. Mary Magdalene or Mary from the town of Magdala. Tradition says she was a prostitute, though scripture does not back that up. However, she was demonically possessed. In Mark and Luke we read where Jesus delivered her from not 1, not 2 but 7 demons. She was thoroughly and completely enslaved to demons. Is anything too difficult for God? She then begins to follow Jesus, though women were not permitted to be disciples formally. She was apparently a woman of some means. She followed Jesus and supported his ministry both financially and personally with all her time. She was as devoted as any of the twelve disciples were. In John 20, we find her devotion unwavering as she approaches the tomb early Sunday morning. It's before dark as she heads to the tomb. Hence, many participate in sunrise services every Easter. At some point, 3 other ladies join her at the tomb. And none of them know how they'll actually get into the tomb with a giant bolder rolled in place to keep people out. Yet here she is. Here they will gather. But let's focus on Mary of Magdala. In a garden. Joseph of Arimethia's tomb was in or near a garden. In fact, when Mary sees the resurrected Jesus at first, she thinks he's the gardener (v. 15). What was lost in the Garden of Eden will begin to be restored at the tomb in another garden...a garden near Golgotha, the place of the skull. And if you think it's weird to have a garden close to tombs, think about cemetaries today. We cultivate gardens with flowers around them headstones and around the grounds. We want people to rest in a beatiful place symbolic of the most beautiful place they will (hopefully) end up in...the new heaven and the new earth. We'll go back in time another 2,000 years to another garden and another woman. Eve, in the Garden of Eden, will disobey her father. She'll crave, take and then eat a piece of forbidden fruit, share a piece with Adam, and thrust humanity into darkness. We'll see the Fall of humanity in that moment where brokenness on earth began. We'll also see a promise made by God to Adam and Eve. A promise that the "Seed" of Eve will make things new again. Will reverse the curse and re-establish a new garden and a new city. We'll begin to see that we're in a meta-story. One that began with Creation that was good. (Genesis 1:31) We are in the part of the story between Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22. The bookends, if you will, of this meta-story. Z Brokenness begins in Genesis 3. Restoration begins in John 19-20. The Bible tells one story that explains all of it. Good to broken to

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God treasures us. God loves people! Forgiven by God, we get to love him back. One way we do this is through loving other people in Jesus' name. After all, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." We are leading our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play. Our church leaders’ job is to encourage, equip and empower our people to do this each week starting at home and working outward from there. Our aim with this podcast is to encourage, equip and empower our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play for this reason. We believe God is on the move in Charleston. It is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country and we are blessed to be in the middle of it!

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