Grace Church

The setting: The edge of the unknown (2:1) Providence defined: God’s subtle sovereignty (2:1-3).  Boaz’ character revealed: The heart behind the actions (2:4-7)   Big idea: God is always working behind the scenes in unseen ways  3 Ways God Moves Behind the Scenes God orchestrates 'coincidences' that aren't coincidental at all (:3)  God works through people who become his hands and feet (:4-14)  God directs our steps when we put in the work (:1-2; 11-14)   Next Step  CARE- Connect, Assist, Remember, Encourage This week “Assist” with a helping hand Run the errand your friend keeps putting off.  Fix a small household problem.  Watch the kids so they can breathe.  Help with a project they've been dreading.  Use your skills to lift their burden in some way  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read

Context: When everything falls apart. Historical setting: The dark days of the Judges (1:1)  Geographical Significance: From bread to emptiness (1:1-2)  Cultural Contrast: Running to the dark side (1:1-5).   3 Truths to Remember When Life Falls Apart 1. Sometimes life leaves us with no good options (:1-13)   Big idea: when life falls apart, remember it’s only chapter 1!  2. The only way forward is coming back to God (:7)  3. Spiritual friendship is a key ingredient to faith (:14-22)   Intentional Friend. I partner with God to build healthy relationships and restore broken ones.  Next steps  Come back for the whole series Practice the CARE Tool.  C - Connect: Give time and presence  A - Assist: Offer a helping hand  R - Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  E - Encourage: Speak words that build others up.   This Week: Focus on "C" – Connect with someone who is in their own “chapter 1.”   For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

FEAR IS A BARRIER TO OBEDIENCE Fear Exposes our Idolatry: Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14) Fear Reveals our Insecurity: Moses (Exodus 4) Fear Seeks Control: Jonah   BIG IDEA: Let your fear lead you to obedience.  FEAR IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OBEDIENCE Fear Increases our Trust: Joshua 1:6-9 Fear Reminds us of our Dependence: 2 Corinthians 12:9. “There are only two kinds of people in the world: the weak ones who make themselves available to God and the weak ones who don’t” -Greg Livingstone, missionary  Fear Leads us to Humble Submission: Isaiah 6:8; Mary (Luke 1:38; Jesus (Mark 14:36)  Next Steps:  A Savvy Follower says, “I discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time and in the right way.” What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?  For more information on partnering with local and global missions partnerships and opportunities, please visit whoisgrace.com/missions. 

Big Idea: You have been reconciled; now you are responsible.  We must become new creations in order to experience and offer reconciliation. -Individually (2 Cor 5:17). “I once was ______. I met Jesus. Now I am ______. -Cosmos (2 Cor 5:18-19). Church. Humanity. Creation.  Where have you felt the freedom and joy of being a new creation in Jesus? Where have you struggled to be the new creation that you already are? Consider asking the same questions concerning your family, church, workplace, country, etc…  We (as individuals and as a Church) are Jesus’ ambassadors.  -An ambassador is a direct representative of the king or executive. Ambassadors are meant to bring about conversation, friendship, goodwill; form and maintain alliances. -Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ representatives here on Earth.  Do people experience the real Jesus through your words and actions? Where have you excelled as an ambassador for Christ? Where have you struggled?  “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good

Big Idea: The Great Commission is lived out through Gospel Partnerships.  Three Pillars of Gospel Partnerships -Prayer (Phil 1:3-5) -Resources (Phil 4:16; 18) -Relationship (Phil 4:14-15)  Which pillar comes more naturally to you? Which one is more difficult? How do you think God is calling you to support His global work?  Three Roles of Global Missions -Go (Acts 10:19-20) -Welcome (Acts 8:26-40) -Send (Acts 13:1-3)  Which role is God calling you to in this season? Do you foresee God calling you into a different role in the future?  “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14)  What is your first reaction when you read this Scripture? In light of these words from Jesus, is there any specific action that you should take?  Next Steps: 1. Consider taking the Perspectives class. (email brittney@whoisgrace.com for more information) 2. Check out whoisgrace.com/missions and explore other steps such as: -Have you

Big Idea: Rather than retreating, fighting, or just blending in, we will join Jesus in reaching those who are not yet reached.   4 things a relationship with Jesus affects in you PROXIMITY: It affects where you go (:16-17)  COMPASSION: It affects how you feel (:16)   PERSPECTIVE: It affects what you see (:16)   ENGAGEMENT: It affects what you do (:17-20)  Next step: Identify and confess your personal barrier to reaching unreached people.  Proximity problem  Confession: "God, I admit that I've stayed in my comfort zones instead of going toward people who need Your love."  Step: Identify a specific place or group of people you usually avoid. Set a specific time this week to intentionally go there and begin forming just one authentic connection.  Compassion problemConfession: "Lord, I've become numb and apathetic toward lost and hurting people. I don't feel what you feel anymore."  Step: take a prayer walk or a prayer drive and pray specifically for each house or business you pass.  Perspective problem Confessio

God’s Story Tool 5 Movements of God’s Story: Creation- Fall- Redemption- Mission- Restoration  3 Questions: What is God’s Mission? (Luke 24:44-49) What is the Church’s Mission? (Acts 1:8) What is my Mission? (John 20:21) Big Idea: God’s Mission is your mission.  Next Steps:  Commit to this sermon series Ask God, “What is my mission?” 

Beware of the Extremes  The Fearful Rejection The Utopian Embrace  Big Idea – Personhood flows from the breath of a personal God.   6 Soul-Sustaining Breaths in an AI World Breathe AWARENESS by preparing for dramatic global changes.  Breathe GRATITUDE by celebrating innovation and human ingenuity.  Breathe DISCERNMENT by recognizing the pull toward idolatry and sin.   Two opposite sinful tendencies  PRIDE & SLOTH Breathe TRUTH by resisting secular ideologies.  Breathe CONNECTION by prioritizing real relationships. Breathe LIMITATIONS by leaning into your humanity.  God’s PERSONAL NATURE is the Source of Genuine Connection.   Next step: Pray 3 Breath Prayers  “I am known by name”  “I am loved by choice”  “I am created for connection”  Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

The Two Sides of our Societal Sexual Frustration.   The Cultural View: Sex Positivity and the Promise of Freedom.   The Church's Struggle: Fear, Fixation, and Hypocrisy.   Big Idea: True sexual wholeness comes by embracing God’s design.  Thinking Christianly about Sexuality and Gender 1. Our Sexuality Reflects God’s Image, Purpose, and Design.   God's DESIGN is the Framework for Human Flourishing.  God created.  God created humanity,  God created humanity in His image.  God created humanity male and female God created male and female for covenant relationship.   2. Sexual Morality Honors the Body as God’s Good Creation.  Christianity views personhood holistically: body and soul form an integrated unity.  Secular personhood theory promotes a two-level dualism that separates body from person,   3. Our flourishing comes from following God’s plan, not our feelings.   4. The church must be a beacon of compassion and clarity to the sexually broken.   Next step:  Pick one aspect of your sexuality and choose to do it

Big idea: If you really want to care about the environment, you need to know Jesus. And if you say you know Jesus, you really need to care about the environment.   Thinking Christianly about the Environment When We Recognize That Creation Belongs to Jesus... We Remember That We're Stewards, Not Owners  We Value All Creation While Honoring Humanity's Primary Place in It.  We Balance Dominion with Care.  We steward the Creation as an Act of Love and Worship.  We are Motivated to Join in God's Restoration Story.  Next Step: Audit your Creation Stewardship Habits  1. Food Waste 2. New Purchases  3. Transportation  4. Creation Appreciation   CHARACTER QUALITY OF GOD:  God's CREATIVITY is the Blueprint for Abundant Living.  For more resources, visit whoisgrace.com/read  

The Christian Conundrum: “competing Biblical obligations.”   Some important distinctions:  Ancient vs. Modern Biblical Principles vs. Specific Policies Immigrants vs. Refugees National Policy vs. Local Responsibility  Big Idea: What if immigration was not a threat, but an opportunity to make disciples of all nations?    3 Ways to Think Christianly About Immigration God has always commanded compassionate provision for the displaced. God establishes government to maintain order and promote flourishing for its citizens.  God JUSTICE is a Refuge for the Vulnerable.   Biblical justice = equal treatment whether through punishment or protection.   Next Step:  Volunteer to help local immigrants and refugees.  Visit serverie.com  U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants  Catholic Charities  Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read 

Reclaiming the Christian Mind  Your Mind is a Battlefied of Ideas Abiding in His Word = 1) Holding to his teachings, 2) Living in union with Jesus himself  Big idea: Thinking Christianly places God's truth above cultural narratives.   The Rise and Fall of Secularism.   The Story of Secularization in 5 Chapters:  1. The Enlightenment (17th-18th C) - Reason over Revelation.  2. The Industrial Revolution (18th – 19th C) - Progress over Providence 3. Darwin's theory of Evolution (late 19th C) Nature over Creator.  4. Psychology (late 20th C) - Therapy over Theology.   5. Post-Christian Secularism (Present) - Self over Surrender.   The False Dichotomy: King Without Kingdom, Kingdom Without King  God's Sovereignty: The Unshakable Foundation  Next step  Every morning: scripture before phone For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

Big Idea: Your failures are not the end of the story if you're willing to meet the risen Christ.   Three Ways We Fail We fail to SHOW UP We fail to WISE UP We fail to STEP UP JESUS NEVER FAILS!  Come and meet the risen Lord Take a spiritual step at whoisgrace.com/next 

Awake the Lake- whoisgrace.com/awakethelake Vision: Imagine if, by 2035, a new dawn has arrived where 30,000 people have been mobilized to step into their kingdom, calling to bring gospel influence into the everyday places of life.Mission: Following Jesus as we live out God’s story every day, everywhere Dream Disciple Roles: Compassionate Storyteller, Savvy Follower, Embedded Influencer, Intentional Friend  Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply his work in the world.  3 Lessons for the Embedded Influencer from Joseph of Arimathea: Be aware: You have Influence. Beware: You are Influenced. Be prepared: God will call you out. BIG IDEA: Let Jesus be the greatest influence in your life.  Next Step:  As an Embedded Influencer, where has God placed me? As an Ordinary Hero, what is my next small step of obedience today? 

Big Idea: Jesus experienced the judgment day that we deserved,  3 powerful ways Jesus transformed our relationship with God on the cross:  1. As the Darkness Fell: Jesus absorbed God’s wrath (:33)  - When was the last time you truly reflected on what it cost Jesus to absorb God’s judgment for your sin?  2. As the Cry Echoed, Jesus endured God’s absence (:34-37)  - Jesus was separated from the Father so you would never have to be. How does knowing that change your perspective when you feel abandoned or alone?  3. As the Curtain Ripped, Jesus ushered us into God’s presence (:38-39).  - What barriers are you still keeping between yourself and God's presence, even though the curtain has been torn?   Next Step:  Practice Gratitude for the Cross.  For more series information go to: whoisgrace.com/mark 

3 Questions That Unveil God's Plan for the Guilty to Go Free  1. Are you the King of the Jews?Jesus answers, “I’m a different kind of King.” 2. Why aren’t you fighting back?  Jesus answers, “I wield a different kind of power.”  3. What shall we do with the king?  Why did the crowd choose Barabbas? The crowd chose Substitution.  Jesus answers, “I apply a different kind of justice.”   Next Step Respond to receive salvation Visit whoisgrace.com/next and choose “salvation”  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/mark 

Big Idea: Your greatest failures have both an origin story and a redemption story.   A Redemption Story: 5 Stages of a Spiritual Comeback.     Part I: Failure’s ORIGIN Story A PRIDEFUL ATTITUDE reveals early cracks in your spiritual foundation (Mk 14:27-29)  SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY leaves you vulnerable in critical moments (Mk 14:37-42)  Major denials usually follow a series of COWARDLY COMPROMISES. (Mk 14:50, 54)   Part II: Failure’s REDEMPTION Story. Genuine restoration prepares you for greater purpose than before. (John 21:17)  Your REDEEMED BETRAYALS become the source of renewed strength (Acts 5:29) Next Step: Tell your spiritual comeback story to someone this week.   Their name____________________________________ For more series resources visit www.whoisgrace.com/mark 

Context:  High Priest and the Sanhedrin  Confronting the Claims of Jesus: LIES (14:55-61a) TRUTH (14:61-64) Next Step:  If you’ve never considered that Jesus is telling the Truth, read Mark’s whole story and ask yourself- “what if this is all true?” If you know that you’re the one who was condemned and Jesus took your place, you may need to be confronted by the Truth again. Not only that you’re forgiven, but that He is the Lord to whom you surrender your will. Read Mark’s gospel as if for the first time. If Jesus is the Son of Man, the Son of God- how does this picture of Jesus compel me to live differently? For resources to help you, visit whoisgrace.com/mark. 

Big idea: It’s worth it to stick with Jesus    3 Lessons from Gethsemane When you lose sight of Jesus’ glory, you’ll start seeking a savior in personal gain. When you don’t count the cost of following Jesus, your only options are fight or flight. When you lose control in the light, you'll seek control in the shadows.  What do we learn, and how can we live differently based on Jesus’ reaction? Staying in communication with God is vital to our spiritual growth and health. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Severe testing has the power to turn hesitant followers into dynamic leaders James 1:1-4 There is a cost associated to both sticking with and abandoning Jesus Next Step: Examine your heart 

Big idea: Under pressure to abandon God, Jesus is both our model and our strength.   Lessons from Two Gardens: What is Revealed Under Pressure.   Pressure reveals your CHARACTER: Adam chose blame … Jesus chose prayer: Genesis 3:11-13 | Mark 14:35-36 Pressure reveals your CONNECTIONS: Adam chose isolation … Jesus chose community: Gen 3:8-10 | Mark 14:32-34 Pressure reveals your MASTER: Adam surrendered to his own will … Jesus surrendered to God’s will: Gen 3:1-6 | Mark 14:36b-42 Next Step:  Worship Jesus for 2 profound truths: for being our model in times of pressure because he truly understands our struggles.  for enduring his suffering to accomplish our salvation.  Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark