Faithful to the End

Graceway Church of Michiana

Here at Graceway Church of Michiana our desire is to glorify God by Exalting Him, Edifying and Encouraging one another, and engaging our community. Here you will be able to easily access Pastor Dave’s latest sermons as well as guest speakers at Graceway.

  1. 1d ago

    Life Matters

    Once again Moses develops the command "do not murder" with specific instructions for the people as they prepare to go into the land. The overarching theme of these instructions is the sacredness of life - Moses calls Israel to honor life. This is evidenced in a variety of ways, including refuge cities, witnesses in court, rules for war, purifying Israel when there is an unsolved murder, and not leaving a criminal exposed overnight. One of the more unusual instructions is not to move the boundary markers that have been established (19:14). This specific instruction addresses one of the primary points of contention and war among humanity down through history - the fight over territory, where land ends and a neighbor's land begins. Throughout this section, Moses clearly makes the point that Yahweh cares about life, even the lives of animals both domestic and wild animals, as well as trees! God cares about the lives of all he has created. We too must contemplate the value of life and honor it as sacred. Life is sacred, as believers, we must live that truth. Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

  2. 1d ago

    Complete Love

    As John continues, he transitions from a call to discerning the truth to reminding these believers of the necessity to love one another. John begins with the origin and source of genuine Christian love. God is the source, because God is love. It is essential for believers to love one another and there are natural results of loving one another, the way John calls believers to love one another here. There is also clear evidence when we are loving one another the way that we should love one another. Clearly, believers must love one another because it reflects God’s love for us and completes his love in us.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  3. Sep 28

    Discerning the spirits

    As John continues, he again returns to the theme of the incarnation of Jesus. This time, the doctrinal theme functions as a test for discerning between two individuals, both claiming to be controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This test comes down to the character and actions of an individual, do they align with the truth of the Holy Spirit at work in an individuals life. John is calling these believers to discern by evaluating what Scripture and the Holy Spirit say in comparison with the message of the individuals claiming to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is so important for us to understand so that we can more effectively discern even among those who are part of our churches. At times, those who claim knowledge or authority in the church do so wrongly and by doing so actually reveal they are not controlled by the Holy Spirit, but instead are controlled by their own fleshly, worldly desires and seeking to advance their own agenda. As believers, we must be discerning, testing genuine followers from imposters by their message and by their lives. 1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  4. Sep 14

    Righteous Leaders promote Righteous Living

    Deut. 16:18-18:22 As Moses continues to address the connection of the Ten Words of Yahweh for the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land, he addresses the role of leadership and the leadership roles that will lead Israel in the land. The leaders will be approved and chosen by the people, and the people are instructed to trust righteous leaders, leaders that promote righteousness among the people. Moses addresses judges, kings, priests and prophets in this section. Moses refers to a future prophet that would be like him. Peter and Stephen in Acts connect this prophecy to Jesus. Jesus fulfills this prophecy. Moses wants Israel to understand the right priority for its leaders and the people - pursue righteousness only righteousness. The people will pursue righteousness as they honor righteous leaders. These truths are still true for us today: honoring righteous authorities promotes righteous living, exalts Yahweh and reveals our commitment to Jesus. Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

  5. Sep 14

    Assurance for the Self-Condemning

    1 John 3:19-24 As believers, there are many times we can struggle with assurance. Our failures, struggles and sin all cause us to doubt our standing at times. We can often put too much emphasis on our performance, but the beauty of the gospel of Jesus is that your standing is never based on your performance. God accepts us on the merits of Jesus alone. God knows our own hearts better than we do and he knows our genuine longings. You can enjoy assurance, even when your own heart condemns you. God wants us to enjoy assurance in our walk with Jesus. As believers, despite our struggles and sin, we can enjoy confident assurance in Jesus.   1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  6. Sep 8

    Love in Action

    In this section, John again returns to the subject of loving one another. This concept of "love one another" is a distinctly Christian virtue, it distinctly exemplifies the love of Jesus for humanity while he lived among us. God displays his love for humanity from creation to the present. Here John calls these believers to love one another in action, don't just say you love one another, demonstrate your love for one another in loving action, in loving deeds. Love is displayed tangibly by helping to provide for the life-sustaining needs of others. This is the distinguishing mark of believers, as Jesus reminds his disciples, "by this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among one another." (John 13:35)  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

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About

Here at Graceway Church of Michiana our desire is to glorify God by Exalting Him, Edifying and Encouraging one another, and engaging our community. Here you will be able to easily access Pastor Dave’s latest sermons as well as guest speakers at Graceway.