Grace’s Latest Messages
Getting Ready to Go (Mark 1:9-15)
The last time I was at Disneyland with my kids, I noticed a popular t-shirt among other parents: it read, "Today is a Core Memory Day."
What a comforting thought for a parent: I can control the core memories for my kids, and today's (exceptionally expensive) day at Disneyland will be one of them.
Now, I'm skeptical that we have such control of what memories our kids internalize (not that I told any Disneyland stressed-out, t-shirt-wearing parents that), but I do agree that we all have experiences that play a major role in our lives going forward.
This week at Grace, we're looking at two foundational events of Jesus' identity - his baptism and temptation in the wilderness. Both were necessary, but they couldn't have been on further ends of the emotional spectrum. In the first instance, Jesus hears the voice of God declaring His love and approval over him. In the second, it is the voice of Satan who attempts to persuade Jesus of God's neglect toward him.
Both of these events were essential in establishing Jesus' ministry, and both give us a profound reason to trust Jesus' goodness in our lives today.
Looking forward to talking with you about it this Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
- Mark 1:9-15
The Beginning of the Gospel (Mark 1:1-10)
Mark 1:1 - "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
This week at Grace, we begin a new, year-long study in the Gospel of Mark.
Why Mark? Because we all need to be continually reminded about what Jesus is like, or else we will start to imagine a warped form of him, remade to fit our biases, fears, and preferences, rather than the One who is.
Mark is the shortest and almost certainly the oldest of the four gospels. Written by John Mark probably about 30 years after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, it represents the teaching and memories of Peter. The book begins with the thesis statement about Jesus' identity: he is the Christ, the Son of God, and then unfolds the proof of that for the next 16 chapters, culminating with a Roman soldier professing the same truth at the foot of the cross: "Truly this man was the son of God!" (Mark 15:39)
Throughout the next year, I pray that you and I would be continually struck with awe over the same realization: Jesus is God with us.
Looking forward to going on this journey through Mark with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
- Mark 1:1-10
The World We All Want: New Creation in the Garden City of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-5 & 22:1-6)
This week we conclude our Garden Tour titled, “A Tale of Three Gardens.”
Our first stop was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3) where we witnessed God’s great power and creativity in all that He made. This, unfortunately, was followed by our horrible fall.
Our second stop was in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) where we heard our Savior cry out to God in anguish as he contemplated having to drink “the cup” of God’s wrath. Because he did, we don’t have to. Because of Jesus, we can make our way to the third and final garden.
The Garden City of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22) is unlike any place we’ve ever seen. It’s almost too good to be true. Almost.
You won’t want to miss this Sunday as we’ll be spending time reflecting on where we’ve been and anticipating – with great joy – our final destination.
Also, it’s our final service on the lawn (at 9:30) before we head back inside and kick off Advent. I hope to see you at one of the services.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
- Revelation 21:1-5, 22:1-6
He Gets Us: Redemption and the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)
I’m not much of a garden-type person.
I don’t like Olive Garden. I mean the breadsticks are great, but that’s about it.
I’ve not been to Madison Square Garden. I like basketball, but not enough to travel to the other side of the country.
I’ve been to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB, but only because I officiated a wedding there one summer.
Like, I said, not much of a garden-type person. But there are 3 gardens which have all my attention:
1) The Garden of Eden, 2) The Garden of Gethsemane, and 3) The Garden-City of New Jerusalem.
We spent some time in the Garden of Eden last week, where we witnessed God’s glorious Creation (and we thought to ourselves, “what a wonderful world”) and also humanity’s terrible Fall. That was Genesis chapters 1-3.
Next week, we’ll land in the Garden-City of New Jerusalem where God’s New Creation (Revelation 21-22) shows us what the original creation ought to have been like forever, that is, before we got involved.
This week, in the Garden of Gethsemane, we’ll see Jesus wrestling with the will of God as he does what is necessary to get us all from Garden #1 to Garden #3.
Read ahead (Matthew 26:36-46) for your own instruction and appreciation of Jesus.
There are 3 departure times for our Garden Tour – 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM. No reservations are necessary. Hope to see you soon.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
- Matthew 26:36-46
It was Paradise…Until it Wasn't: Creation and Fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 31)
Even if you’ve not read it, you’ve probably heard of the book A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The story is set in the late 18th century against the backdrop of the French Revolution. London and Paris are the Two Cities Dickens writes about. I’ve not read it, but according to the peer-reviewed, award-winning, surely in the running for a Nobel Prize - Sparknotes.com - we read: “Dickens asserts his belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on a personal level and on a societal level.”
That’s a big claim. “The possibility of resurrection and transformation” of both persons and society? Sounds familiar, don’t you think? In fact, the very first line of the book sounds familiar too.
“It was the best of times” sounds like Genesis 1-2.
“It was the worst of times” sounds like Genesis 3.
Isn’t it amazing how all good stories have elements of The Great Story…The Story of God in the Scriptures?
This Sunday we’ll begin a 3-part series called, A Tale of Three Gardens. Yes, I stole and modified for the title.
We’ll start in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3)
Then we’ll join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26)
Finally, we’ll end in the Garden-City of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22)
I hope you can join us this Sunday at our first stop on the Garden Tour!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
- Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 31
Unity Beyond Expectations (Acts 28:11-16)
This week at Grace we'll be finishing our series in Acts. The book ends with a fulfillment of how it began: Jesus told his disciples that they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (1:8), and Paul arrives in Rome prepared to do just that.
Now, we might expect Paul to be blazing new ground alone, but that isn't the scene that unfolds. Instead, when Paul arrives in Rome he is met by a contingent of Christians who have been waiting for him and are eager to support him.
Luke notes the impact this had on Paul: "On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:15b)
Christian unity can have the same impact on us: when we discover the existence of other Christians we have a reason to be thankful to God and can draw courage from their presence.
I'm looking forward to doing that with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep this Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends!
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
- Acts 28:11-16
Unity and Personal Responsibility (Acts 21:1-14)
How can we be unified with other Christians when we disagree with their choices? If we're convinced that they are ignoring what is the best path forward, can we (and should we) move forward together?
This week at Grace, we'll be in Acts 21:1-14. In this passage, Paul is confronted by Christians (some he knows well, some he's just met) who warn him that his path toward Jerusalem will lead to his demise. They have good reason to be concerned, and the rest of Acts prove them to be right. Paul, however, refuses their warnings. They agree about the risk; they disagree on what the risks mean.
I've wondered what would have happened if Paul had given in to the expectations, fears, and warnings of his friends by dodging trouble. Would they have ended up more unified if Paul had given in to what other people wanted for him? Or would the resentment that followed have destroyed the very unity they thought they were protecting?
Looking forward to looking at this with you all on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
- Acts 21:1-14
Unity and Generosity: The Macedonians, the Messiah, and Me and You (Acts 20:1-6, 2 Corinthians 8 + 9)
This Sunday, as we continue our study on the theme of unity in the book of Acts, we’ll be considering how generosity toward our brothers and sisters in Christ promotes the cause of unity.
Do a little exercise with me.
Let’s take 2 minutes of uninterrupted time and think, “how might generosity promote unity in the body of Christ?” It’s not immediately obvious, I don’t think, so let’s think hard together for the full 120 seconds.
Are you ready?
The clock starts…now!
[2 minutes of uninterrupted thoughtfulness]
Alright. What did you come up with? What’s that? I can’t hear you. I have an idea. Join us on Sunday and you can tell me then.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Pastor Tim
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints - 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos: Unity Through Humility (Acts 18:1-11, 24-28)
This Sunday is the first week of public worship services for our friends at Branches Church of Humboldt, led by our former worship pastor, Justin Fox. We're so excited for them! Would you please pray for their launch this weekend?
Bringing a new church to a community should be a thing to celebrate, but too often it can feel threatening or invasive to already established churches.
That's why this week's passage from Acts 18 is so refreshing. In it, we meet Priscilla and Aquila, a remarkable ministry couple who have been through enormous difficulties for their faith. When we meet them in Corinth, they've already been exiled from Rome because of Christ, yet are continuing to serve and lead the church in Corinth - before, during, and after Paul's time there. Then, another charismatic leader rolls in - Acts 18 describes what happened when a brash and ill-informed minister named Apollos comes to town.
But rather than let envy or rivalry get in the way, Priscilla and Aquila delight in Apollos' success, help him to grow and advocate for him in the future.
It's amazing what can happen when we don't care who gets the credit.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
- Acts 18:1-11, 24-28
Unity When You Don't Agree (Part 2) (Acts 15:36-41)
Last Sunday, we looked at the first part of Acts 15, where people strove for unity through dialogue, compromise, and prayer. It was a pivotal and magnificent moment in the history of the early church, when they stayed unified even through a massive cultural and theological shift.
This week at Grace, we're looking at the last part of Acts 15, where none of that happens, and the result is that two godly, mature Christians (Paul and Barnabas) separate from each other over something that seems so small in comparison.
How could unity be shipwrecked on such a small rock?
Looking forward to examining this short and sobering passage with you this Sunday, and learning from its example for us today.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
- Acts 15:36-41
Unity When You Don't Agree (Part 1) (Acts 15:1-35)
If you've been around churches for a while, you've probably heard of congregations splitting over foolish and superficial things, like the color of the carpet, the start of the service time, or where items are on stage. Whether these stories are apocryphal or not, I'm not sure; I'm grateful to have avoided the first-hand experience of a church split like those in my lifetime. But the reason they ring true for many of us is that we know how selfish and petty people can be (and, if we're honest, how selfish and petty we can be).
Unity seems like an easy thing to be for, until it comes to giving up something for the sake of unity. When it's a preference for time, carpet, or arrangement, that seems like an easy exhortation to choose unity over personal preference. But sometimes unity involves deeper questions.
This week at Grace, we're continuing to look at the theme of unity in the books of Acts. In chapter 15 we come to an inflection point, where the move toward inclusion of the Gentiles will either be formalized or rejected. In this case, what the early church leaders decided was not worth dividing over was the necessity of circumcision, which had been the mark of the covenant for Israel for 2000 years.
Acts 15 is a significant passage for a whole host of reasons (it shapes our view of how the church is ordered, how to understand biblical and ecclesiological authority, and missiology, etc), but we're going to focus this week at seeing how the gospel created and maintained the unity of the church, both then and now.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
- Acts 15:1-35
Fanning the Flames of Unity (Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3)
I was on a bike ride with my cycling club last weekend. As we were riding northbound on PCH, the pace started to pick up to what I'll describe as "spicy," and an impromptu race broke out. I found myself at the front of the peloton, a position near impossible to win from. But, I threw caution to the wind and committed myself to this inconceivable effort.
I stayed up front for what seemed like an eternity, mentally and physically fading. My friend noticed my wavering form, and rather than hurling judgments about my position in the race; he shouted encouragement to keep going. He stoked the fire inside of me that had begun to burn out.
I realize that a bunch of middle-aged men encouraging each other while wearing spandex might be trite - but what would happen in the body of Christ if we adopted my friend's attitude? That's what Barnabas did with a church in Antioch in Acts 11.
This week at Grace, we'll see Barnabas living up to his nickname, "Son of Encouragement," and how he fanned the flames of one of the most important churches in history.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Chris
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
- Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3
Unity Comes From the Heart (Acts 10:34-43)
This week at Grace we’re looking at Acts 10, where Peter is challenged by a vision from God to see all people without partiality, as God sees them.
I’ve been thinking about this passage in light of all that Peter has already been through - how Jesus interacted with kindness toward Samaritans and Gentiles, how the Spirit came at Pentecost with a variety of languages, and how the Spirit came on Samaritans (in chapter 8). It makes you wonder how much Peter's own views had already shifted. Yet, apparently, they hadn't shifted enough.
You've probably noticed the double standard we have as people: we tend to judge ourselves by what we meant to do, but others based on what they actually did. It's true in driving ("I didn't mean to cut him off, why is he mad?"), in reaching out to people in their pain ("I would have helped if they would have asked"), or in marital conflicts ("She knows how I feel about her"). I wonder if some of that is at play for Peter, too, excusing his lack of evangelism toward the Gentiles with an explanation of his heart rather than a sober analysis of his actions.
Let's talk this Sunday at Grace about both the heart and our actions, and how they can contribute to the unity Christ creates between us.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
- Acts 10:34-43
For the Sake of Others (Acts 6:1-7)
I remember a random season in my life where it felt like my minivan was always breaking down. It felt like every week there was something new to repair and after fixing whatever problem was ailing our vehicle, it was only a matter of time before that dreaded “check engine” light turned on. We then proceeded to head over to the mechanic for yet another costly repair.
The ironic thing about the whole situation was that one of my best friends is a mechanic, and when he had heard about all of the woes that our family went through having to do repair after repair, he told me, “I wish you asked for help!”
“I didn’t want to inconvenience you or take advantage of you” I replied rather embarrassingly.
“Jason, we’re friends, I want you to inconvenience me… I know how to fix cars… I wish you would take advantage of our friendship!”
Not everyone may have a friend like this, but when we think of the church as a family and as a group of believers who are united under the life and example of Christ… how do we present our needs to one another? Are we willing to be inconvenienced in order to help a friend or loved one in our church family? Are we willing to listen to and address the needs of those who feel marginalized within our community?
This week we’ll be looking at Acts chapter 6 and how a group of people with a tremendous need that went unmet ultimately lead to a boiling point. In our message this weekend we’ll be taking a look at how we can posture ourselves as a family of believers to commission one another to care for the needs of those in our community who are hurting, feel unseen, or left out.
Looking forward to breaking open the Word with y’all this Sunday!!
Blessings!
Jason
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
- Acts 6:1-7
The Value of Unity (Acts 4:32-37)
What is the value of unity? What would it be worth it to you to be a part of a unified community?
I can't give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that a lack of unity (whether it is defined as active backbiting or passive apathy) is at the core of what drives many pastors out of ministry, missionaries off the field, and members away from churches.
So, if unity is that important, what value would we place on it?
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in the book of Acts looking at the topic of unity and looking at how it expresses itself in the financial lives of the early church. Specifically, we'll look at Barnabas (nicknamed the "Son of Encouragement") and what drove his passion and practice of generosity with others.
And before you say, "Oh we're talking about money at church; I think I'll skip it," please think about it. Acts 4:32-37 isn't really a passage just about money. It's a passage about where our hearts, what defines our connections to each other, and what we give our lives to.
Looking forward to opening up the Scriptures with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
- Acts 4:32-37
Practicing Unity (Acts 2:42-47)
Last Sunday at Grace, Pastor Tim challenged us with this question:
"Do you really want unity?"
(If you didn't hear Tim's message, you can find it on YouTube, Facebook, or on our sermon podcast).
"Do you really want unity" seems like an obvious question. After all, who wants to be a part of a church that's divided, distant, or cliquish?
But it's easy to look at the history of Christianity to see how rare unity is. And not only hundreds of years ago but in our own day and in our lives; we can all testify to the unfortunate rarity of unity.
It's tempting to give up the hope of unity as a good at all, choosing instead to focus on lesser goals that are more attainable.
So, why keep chasing unity? Because it glorifies God. That's what we see in Acts 2:42-47. It's an idealistic picture of the church - everyone is together, sharing, caring for each other, growing together, and reaching people for Christ.
When Christians function as we should, God is glorified.
So, how do we contribute to the unity of the church? What can you do to be a force for unity and the glory of God?
Let's talk about it on Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
- Acts 2:42-47
Maintain What God Has Made (Acts 2:1-11)
In his great book, One Blood: Parting Word to the Church on Race and Love, Christian minister and civil rights leader, John Perkins, writes: “There is no institution on earth more equipped or more capable of bringing transformation to the cause of reconciliation than The Church.”
The Church is to lead when it comes to unity. In fact, because of God’s empowering we are, in the words of Perkins, more equipped and more capable than any other institution on earth. What a high calling we have.
This Sunday, as we continue in our series on unity, we’ll be spending some time at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11), then we’ll jump back 2,000 years or so earlier to consider a high tower that caught God’s eye in a place called Shinar (Genesis 11:1-9) and then we’ll jump forward, past Pentecost, to the city of Ephesus (Ephesians 2:11-22). We’ll be covering a lot of ground so read ahead if you can. My hope is that God will use this Sunday, and our whole series on unity, to fulfill the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23. That we might be one.
Looking forward to our time together!
Pastor Tim
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
- Acts 2:1-11
United by Jesus (Acts 1:12-26)
This week at Grace we're beginning a new series in the book of Acts. For the next three months, we're going to trace how the early church lived out Jesus' mission in unity. We won't cover every passage in Acts, but I think you'll see how often the tensions of ministry in a fallen world could have pulled Jesus' disciples apart in those early years and how significant it was for them to stay together.
This isn't to say Acts is an idealistic picture of unity. There are times prejudice, selfishness, and overlooking others created conflict among the early Christians. How they responded to those situations can help us today, too.
We'll begin in Acts 1 with an odd passage about the appointment of Judas' successor, Matthias (Acts 1:12-26). It comes between two of the most famous and impactful sections in Acts (Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost), and sometimes is overlooked. But this passage has a lot to tell us about what it means to be unified in mission together, respond to disappointment in community, and live with humility before each other.
Looking forward to working through this new series with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
- Acts 1:12-26
Doubt in Light of the Gospel (Psalm 73:18-28)
What good can come out of doubt?
We often think of doubt as a problem to be solved. Maybe there are some instances where that is true. But I think Psalm 73 shows the opportunities that come from doubt.
This week at Grace, we'll be finishing our series in Psalm 73. The last half of the Psalm focuses on how Asaph's perspective (on God, on his neighbors, and on himself) changes as a result of his wrestling with doubts.
I hope that as we finish this wonderful Psalm you'll see how God desires for you to grow in faith during seasons of doubt.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
- Psalm 73:18-28
The Impact of Doubt (Psalm 73:10-17)
How do our doubts impact one another?
I'd like to think that my faith is immune from the wanderings of people near me. My faith is based on a personal decision to follow Jesus, not the crowd around me.
I'd also like to make myself irresponsible for the ways my doubts negatively impact the faith of those who are impressionable. After all, don't they have to make their own decisions?
In some ways, this is true. But Scripture also shows how interrelated our faith is. This week at Grace, we'll be continuing our series on doubt from Psalm 73. We're going to talk about how Asaph handles the doubts of his neighbors and what he does (and doesn't do) with his own doubts.
Looking forward to talking about this important Psalm with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.
And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
- Psalm 73:10-17