Grace Bible Church Columbia, MO Podcast

Jesus and the Adulteress Woman - The Prodigal Daughter - John 8:1-11

July 14, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 8:1–11

She was caught in the act of adultery, dragged by force into the Temple courts, humiliated by her sin, separated from anyone who might protect her, judged and sentenced to death without trial by self-righteous religious leaders, and placed before the King of Kings who is pure and holy. This is how the apostle John describes the scene of one of the best known and emotional accounts of Scripture. This story reads like modern soap opera with immoral activities in which the rich seem to escape while the less fortunate are punished (remember she was caught in the act, but only the woman was brought to judgment – where is the guy?) The key to this incredible story is what happens when a sinner is placed at the feet of Jesus. This is the place where every person who calls themselves a follower of Christ has been and needs to go more often. It is also the only place every person can go to experience the incredible promises of forgiveness and eternal life. Join me Sunday as we stand off to the side and witness through Scripture the humiliation of the proud and the restoration of the humiliated! Only Jesus could do that! For her and for us. Pastor Mike

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman - Exceptional Jesus - John 4:7-29

July 7, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 4:7–29

Sunday in our combined service I will be looking at the conversation Jesus has with the woman at the well in Samaria. Jesus was so compassionate and merciful – what a great example of evangelism! I am in Africa right now and Matt and I will be sharing in the 9am hour what God is doing through Grace here in Liberia – great stuff! Please make every effort to share the 9am time as well as the woman at the well who meets an Exceptional Jesus – see you Sunday, Pastor Mike in Liberia

Jesus and Nicodemus - John 3:1-21

June 30, 2024 • Bret Barrier • John 3:1–21

Dear Church Family, I am looking forward to preaching this Sunday about Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus. I will start by pointing out the importance of the meekness and humility that brought Nicodemus to Jesus. Then we will explore the profound mystery Jesus reveals about the need to be spiritually born again before one can see and enter the Kingdom of God. Finally, you will see that being born of water and Spirit is the only thing that can deliver you from the darkness and condemnation of sin and bring you into the light and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although applicable to everyone, Jesus’s message to Nicodemus was also very personal, so I plan to share part of my own testimony of faith with you as well. If you know someone who needs to hear the message of the gospel, please invite them! And please pray for this week’s message. Pray that those who need to hear it will be able to, and that I will be able put my own pride aside so that the Holy Spirit has the reigns to effectively minister the words of Jesus to each listening heart. In Christ, Bret Barrier

Jesus and Nathanael – The God Who Sees Us - John 1:45-51

June 23, 2024 • Denis Garijo • John 1:45–51

“Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” This Sunday, we have the privilege to “Come and See” Jesus's first conversation in the Book of John - Jesus talking with Nathanael, one of his disciples. This conversation transformed Nathanael from a spiritually blind man seeking the truth to a follower who found the Messiah and would see great things. Sunday, we will have an opportunity to learn from this conversation and how to apply what Jesus taught in our lives. “By these words our Lord meant that his perceptions would become more vivid. Believest thou? Thou shalt see. If we demand to see first we shall never believe; but if we are willing to believe we shall by-and-by see.” Charles Spurgeon Your prayers are deeply appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there. Denis Garijo

Conversation with Jesus about His Father - John 8:48-58

June 16, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 8:48–58

“To deny Jesus as God is to deny the very Word of God!” In the many conversations Jesus had that are recorded in the Gospels, few rival the honesty and depth of His interactions with the Pharisees in John 8. This passage is especially poignant since this is Father’s Day and the Pharisees put the questions in the context of Abraham as their Father. Instead of being embarrassed, Jesus uncovers their blindness and true identity - unbelievers. The Pharisees are unable to understand Jesus’ Gospel and that He was sent by the Father. His was not a self-initiated mission. They were so convinced by their preconceptions that they couldn’t hear what Jesus was saying. They are so wrapped up in their biased thinking that they can’t catch the truth of Jesus’ teachings. They are likewise clueless as to His origin, identity, and redemptive purpose. Sunday I will take this conversation and walk us through 3 Questions, 3 Answers, and share the 3 Lessons that Jesus gives us about His Father. Join us for a great lesson on who Jesus was and who sent Him! See you Sunday, Pastor Mike “We must either worship Christ as God or despise or pity Him as man.” John Gerstner

Conversations with Jesus - John 3,4,10

June 9, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 4, John 10, John 3

“It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God.” J. Oswald Sanders Jesus met all kinds of people. He dined with the rich, took time with the outcasts, had compassion for those who lived in sin, and helped the poor and needy. The one constant in every conversation with Jesus was how He lovingly and kindly always moved the conversation from where He met them to where they should be in faith. Jesus met with the curious in Nicodemus and the devious in the Samaritan woman and the hateful in the Pharisees – yet in each encounter we find an open and sincere conversation – not railing or berating or debating but loving! At every level of society, Jesus spoke the right words at the right time. Sunday we will listen in to 4 conversations Jesus had and see how He listened, how He spoke and how He cared! When I think about the conversations of Jesus I see how He was the embodiment of Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” The very Son of God humbled among men listening to their problems and caring for their souls – we must do no less! See you Sunday, Pastor Mike “Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him.” J. Oswald Sanders

What the Lord's Been Teaching Me - Psalms 25:4-7

June 2, 2024

"Teach me your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you" What is God teaching me? So often as Pastor I am praying and meditating on what I feel the Grace Family needs the most from God’s Word – prayers, family, faith, fears, losses, temptations and so many more Scriptural themes from the Bible – yet how often do you hear from my heart about what God is teaching me? You have heard me say often that - “the day I cease to be a student I am no longer qualified to be a teacher!” I am still and intend to always be a student of God’s Word seeking God’s will. So, Sunday at our Summer Kick-off Picnic each of us as pastors will share a few minutes about what God is teaching us – I hope this will be encouraging – as Paul said: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12 “If I am to wholly follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I must forsake everything that is contrary to Him.” A.W. Tozer

Don’t Forget! - Daniel 5

May 26, 2024 • Mike Burt • Daniel 5

Our account of Daniel and Belshazzar begins with pride, arrogance and sacrilege – what could possible go wrong? Sunday I will take us through what happens to men when they disregard God and his memorials – the Temple vessels. Babylon was under siege when Belshazzar chose to throw a party for his officials, wives and concubines! Only great pride could summon this kind of disregard. This shows you a little more of Belshazzar’s character. He was arrogant. He was proud, and unafraid. Why was he so arrogant? Babylon was an impregnable city! Who cares if the Persians were outside? The city was protected by a double wall. The inner wall was 21 feet thick with 30-60 foot defensive towers every 60 feet along the wall. 23 feet outside of that wall, was the 12 foot thick outer wall. 65 feet outside of that wall was a moat, connected to the Euphrates river. The city could not be breached! And, they could hold out longer than an army surrounding them. The city boasted that it had an unlimited water supply, and enough food to feed everyone for over 2 years! And yet - The ancient Greek historian Herodotus relates that the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon by diverting the flow of the Euphrates into a nearby swamp. This lowered the level of the river so his troops marched through the water and under the river-gates. Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Memorials are shadows of promises made our kept – join us Sunday for this lesson from Daniel 5. Pastor Mike

SIGNS #7 – Resurrection of Lazarus - John 11:17-44

May 19, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 11:17–44

“If someone believes it is our faith that heals us and forgets that it is God who does it, we should ask that person how much faith Lazarus had.” Eric Metaxas Sunday is a narrative of contradictions – Jesus loves his friend but delays his trip. Jesus says he 'sleeps' then confirms the death of Lazarus but then promises that this will 'not be unto death'! He goes to the house to mourn but weeps only at the tomb – then calls out to his deceased friend and Lazarus responds! Mary and Martha are both deeply disappointed yet affirm complete trust in the Messiah. Through all of these seeming contradictions I will take us into this story and hopefully come away with a clear message – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! So what is our attitude? Do we cling to life as though there is nothing else? Do we fear death or face life in faith? I love what Richard Baxter (1615-1691) said: “I preached as never sure to preach again, And as a dying man to dying men.” That is us – a dying people giving hope to dying people! Come celebrate this hope Sunday! Pastor Mike

Women who met Jesus - John 2, 4, 7, 11, 19

May 12, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 4, John 7, John 11, John 19, John 2

“I learnt more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” John Wesley So many sermons have been preached about Esther and Ruth. I have done series in the past on both – and we have heard from Rahab and Hannah. Sunday I will turn out attention toward just a few that came in direct contact with Jesus and what was the result of each encounter. It is Mother’s Day so let’s hear from some of the women who met Jesus – women who came to see Jesus as Messiah – Savior – Lord – God! I cannot cover them all but I will do a few of my favorites – all from John. I originally thought I could cover 7 but as the weeks have progressed toward this Sunday 7 seems too ambitious (too long as well). What richness can we gain by studying the influence of women like Mary the Mother of Jesus or the sisters Mary and Martha or even Mary Magdalene? So, I will look at 5 and hopefully we can hear the words of Jesus to them and about them and they can be inspiring for our mothers on this Mother’s Day and everyone else too. See you Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day! Pastor Mike

SIGNS: #6 BLIND WILL SEE! - John 9:1-25

May 5, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 9:1–25

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” Isa 35:5,6 This is a favorite story of Jesus healing the man born blind and it gives us lessons not only about faith but also about prayer, hope, and humility. We are confronted with two groups -- a man born blind who is willing to trust one he has never seen and a group of men with sight who are unwilling to trust what they can see with their own eyes. The second group is a body of men well trained and schooled in the Law and Prophets – yet were not looking for prophecy! They were abusing the Law as they accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. The first man who was born blind did not spend the time in study or deliberation but accepted the ministry of Jesus without credentials and left his post of begging to journey to the Pool of Siloam without guarantee. He later blurts out those well know words, ‘this one thing I know – I once was blind but now I see!’. Sunday I will share this story and some of the Biblical backgrounds but in the end – we need to not trust only what we can see but put our faith the One who gives sight even to the blind! Join us this Sunday as the blind man is given sight and we will try to gain insight together! Pastor Mike

SIGNS: #5 Walking on Water - John 6:15-21

April 28, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 6:15–21

“Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Augustine 'Walk on water' – a phrase common in English that refers to an accomplishment that is a miracle and nothing less. This became an idiom of doing the impossible. That is what Jesus did – the impossible! The disciples had witnessed the Feeding of the 5000+ and the crowds had seized on the wrong idea – 'let's make Him a king!' - not what Jesus intended. The desire for the Jews to throw off Roman rule was widely held – they hated Roman rule. Jesus did not come to be a political solution – He came to be a soul solution! Responding to the crowds, Jesus slipped away to a quiet place in the hills and the disciples made ready to return the fishing boat to its place in Capernaum. Unafraid and accustomed to night fishing, the disciples set out only to be confronted with a fierce storm making the home docks impossible. Knowing they were to meet Jesus there, they tried to row against the waves and wind but they were losing! Jesus walks out to meet them and deliver them. What can be learned from such an extraordinary event? It cannot be that we should attempt water walking – Peter did in the Matthew account and sank! Sunday I will take us to the Sea of Galilee and into the boat – not for swimming or walking lessons but for lessons of trust and faith. The effect of Jesus in our life should be the same thing He called out to the disciples from the stormy water – 'It is I; do not be afraid!'. We are like the disciples – working against the storm – praying for the storm to end – when all along Jesus is telling us to trust Him – lose the fear! Pastor Mike A miracle occurs at the bankruptcy of our efforts!

SIGNS: #4 Feeding 5000+ - John 6:1-14

April 21, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 6:1–14

This is one of the many stories I wish I could hear again for the first time! As a child to think that Jesus would notice me – to imagine that I might have something to contribute to the Gospel – to dream of seeing God do such an overwhelming deed in the presence of so many – I could be jealous of my childhood self to hear this for the first time! Yet, God intended this to be the only miracle included in all four Gospels – it is that big! Sunday I will take us to the grassy slopes by Galilee and unpack the story and show you that there is so much to learn from this that like the original picnic – there is sure to be leftovers. So many great characters – the little boy, Andrew, Philip, the crowd and of course Jesus. Such drama as the teaching of Jesus bottlenecked the Passover Crowds and rather than a steady stream of feast goers a mob had paused to hear Jesus teach – too big for any village to handle. Our custom of giving thanks for each meal before we eat comes from this account – ‘saying grace’ or ‘thanks’ should be our every meal practice. So many great lessons and just the one message – I will do my part to be ready – please read the text in all the Gospels and be ready for God’s blessings! Come with an empty heart to be filled – no basket is needed yet. See you Sunday Pastor Mike

SIGNS: #3 Lame will Leap! - John 5:1-17

April 14, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 5:1–17

“Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song.” Isaiah 35:5-7 MSG For 38 years the lame man hoped for a miracle – a healer – a cure – a recovery – a helper into the Bethesda pool. None was coming! During one of the feasts (Passover) Jesus happened by the lame man’s pallet of begging. Hopeless and helpless the man waited in desperation – then Jesus asks the most absurd question – ‘do you want to be healed?’ The man explains how this last desperate hope is futile since none can get him into the pool in time – doomed! Jesus quietly and kindly offers an alternative – He directs the man to stand – take his sick bed and leave the pool! By faith the man leaps and runs from the columns of Bethesda – healed! The story should be a happy ending to a depressing life but wait – there are those who were offended (sounds like today) about how Jesus did this and when Jesus did this. They missed the point that Jesus is Redeemer and Deliverer from sin and it's consequences. We will see three things for us to carry away as well – recognizing Jesus Authority – His Ability – His Affections. Come Sunday for the third miracle Jesus does to show His superiority over all Creation and the Savior of Sinners (like us!). See you Sunday – Pastor Mike

SIGNS: #2 Healing the Nobleman’s Heart - John 4:43-54

April 7, 2024 • Denis Garijo • John 4:43–54

“The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household.” John 4:53 In this beautiful story presented by the apostle John, we see how a nobleman found healing not just for his ill son but also for his own heart and household. When he approached Jesus, he was a desperate man trying to save his son from death. But after his encounter with the Son of God, not only was his son healed, but the Bible says that "he and his household believed." The sign of healing performed by Jesus, his interaction with the nobleman, and the fruit of believing in this story still resonate with us today, bringing hope and strengthening our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your prayers are deeply appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you there. Pastor Denis