This Christmas season – even amidst the stresses and difficulties we face – we have more to celebrate than baby Jesus in a manger. We believers have the light and life of Jesus in our hearts!
But we have the treasure of Jesus in earthen vessels, and people don’t always see the One we contain. So, how does the resurrection life of Jesus get revealed in us?
In this unique Christmas message, you’ll learn why bad things happen to good people and what God is doing in the middle of it all. You’ll be invited to view pain in a new and different way – against the backdrop of all that God is renewing in you.
Someday, the troubles we’re going through now will be expressed in no more than a single sentence in comparison with the glory revealed in us. But even now, we see glimpses of that glory as we fix our eyes on the invisible gift of God – the gift of Jesus Christ Himself given to us.
Check out this unusual Christmas message to learn why Christmas is about more than a manger!
Discussion Questions:
1. Read verse 4. How does this shed light on the false idea that God is blinding some people to the Gospel?
2. Read verse 5. How does legalism “preach ourselves” instead of preaching Christ?
3. Read verses 7-12. Notice the “we/us” and then the “you”? Why is this important? Is Paul talking about some sort of “dying to self”? Or is he referring to the physical persecution of the apostles? How can we know?
4. Read verse 15. Reflect on how it might be a beautiful theme verse for The Grace Church and for the message that we hold dear.
5. Read verse 16. How are we being renewed day by day?
6. Read verse 17. What perspective caused Paul to say the afflictions were “momentary” and “light”?
7. Read verse 18. What “unseen” things do you fix your eyes on? Give examples.
Crave – The Father’s Discipline
August 7, 2022
Discipline isn’t usually an attractive topic. Many of us have negative memories of being disciplined as a child and we therefore view discipline as something undesirable.
When we think of God’s discipline, maybe we fear it’s His reprimand of our sinful performance. And those of us living under grace may wonder where discipline fits into the Christian life.
In this message from Hebrews 12, I share a fresh perspective on God’s discipline and why we can view it as training for the future, not punishment for the past. You’ll be encouraged by God’s heart to coach and counsel you and begin seeing His discipline as an expression of His deep love for you!
The Tale of Two Ministries
July 31, 2022
The most popular message on the planet is the way of religion. It’s about rule-keeping, self-improvement, and trying to impress God in hopes of avoiding judgment.
While not as popular, there’s another way of relating to God. The way of grace is Jesus Christ in you, dependence on Him, and walking in confidence that you’re forgiven, righteous, and qualified.
In this message from 2 Corinthians 3, we’ll compare these two approaches to life and learn it’s not about what you do but what God did to transform you. Enjoy the beautiful freedom that comes from turning from the Law and choosing the way of grace!
The Truth About the Sabbath
July 24, 2022
God rested on the seventh day of creation and ordained a Sabbath day of rest for the people of Israel. And while Jesus brought in a new attitude and perspective on keeping the Sabbath, many still teach there’s a physical or spiritual rest we need to pursue.
In this message from Hebrews 4, we’ll see that rest for New Covenant believers isn’t about a day of the week or seeking a new spiritual experience. We don’t need to try to enter God’s rest because we’re already “in”! So take a deep sigh of relief, relax, and enjoy the truth about rest that can permeate your everyday life!
Here’s the Truth!
July 17, 2022
We live in a day of relativism, where everyone can have their own version of truth. People often decide what to believe based on the ideas and viewpoints that make them feel good.
But truth isn’t based on feelings, and it’s not negotiable. God’s perspective on the truth is what matters, and it’s His truth that sets us free.
In this message, we’ll discover what the Bible says about truth and the decisions we need to make as believers about where to set our minds. You’ll learn that truth is simple and easy to find because God has already placed it inside you!
God, Your Father
June 19, 2022
Reflecting on our earthly dads can stir up a variety of emotions. Whether it’s joy and celebration or pain and difficulty, it’s important not to let our human views of fatherhood cloud our understanding of God the Father.
The Father is good, and knowing His goodness is foundational to a healthy Christianity. From providing you an inheritance to equipping you for victory over sin, to never blaming or shaming you, He is for you and deeply delights in you!
In this message, you’ll see the many gifts the Father provides and why you can trust Him to counsel and comfort you through whatever life may bring!
The Truth About Accusation
June 12, 2022
As a Christian, you have an enemy working day and night to condemn you. From thoughts about past sins to accusations against your heart and motives, Satan wants you to doubt who you are and feel guilty about what you’ve done.
In this message, I share how to resist the enemy’s arrows and what to remember next time you’re accused. You’ll find relief from condemnation as you celebrate how God truly sees you: forgiven, righteous, trustworthy, and perfect!
The Truth About Temptation
June 5, 2022
Temptation is a reality for all of us. Whether it’s lust, worry, addiction, or any sinful thought, there’s no shortage of ways the enemy seeks to drag us down and destroy us. When we give in, feelings of guilt and shame only make us feel worse.
So how do we say “no” to temptation? Is it through more willpower, imitating Jesus better, or something else?
In this message, I share practical, solid answers you can use right now when facing temptation. You’ll find hope again as you discover the truths – and choices – that will help deliver you next time you’re tempted!
Why Did Jesus Die?
May 29, 2022
It might seem like a simple question, but there are several theories in the Christian world about why Jesus died. Some say it was to conquer sin. Others believe it was to buy us back from the curse of the Law. Concepts like “atonement” and “penal substitution” are often part of the discussion.
In this message, I share three main reasons why Jesus died. You’ll be inspired by God’s love and the simplicity of the Gospel as you celebrate your new identity, your freedom from sin’s bondage, and your once-for-all forgiveness. The truth is they’re ALL part of Christ’s finished work on the cross!
Protect! Guarding the Church from Falsehood
May 22, 2022
Believers are warned in 2 John about opponents of the Gospel seeking to twist the truth about Jesus Christ. We see it today in people teaching that we need to do more, love more, and confess more to find peace with God.
But we don’t have a frustrated, angry God wishing we did better. We have the gift of God’s mercy and grace and His life inside us!
In this message, we’ll celebrate that we’re part of God’s forgiven, chosen people. You’ll learn the truth about your peace with God, and why you can be confident that you’ll keep His commands and have His truth in you forever!
Born Twice: Jesus Teaches the Teacher!
May 15, 2022
The term “born again” is pervasive in our culture, but do we really understand what it means? Some believe it’s about water baptism, church attendance, or maybe Bible knowledge. Even Nicodemus, a religious scholar we read about in John 3:1-21, was confused.
As Jesus explains to Nicodemus, being born again is about salvation – a choice to move from death to life. In this message, you’ll learn the invitation to eternal life is for anyone and everyone. It’s easy and light, and it’s as simple as turning toward Jesus!
God Delights in You!
May 8, 2022
On Mother’s Day, Bible passages like Proverbs 31 are often presented as a description of the ideal woman or Christian. It’s offered as a high standard that can leave us feeling like we don’t measure up.
But God doesn’t need you to aspire to be something or someone you’re not. He’s absolutely pleased with you and likes everything about you!
No matter what roles you play in this life, there’s no benchmark to meet as a believer. God is dancing over you and delighting in who you are. Check out this message and be awed by His love and praise for you!
Saved! Now What?
May 1, 2022
After salvation, it’s normal to wonder what comes next. We want to grow, and we’re often taught that growth comes from seeking more: more righteousness, more forgiveness, more sanctification. We’re told as we do our part, we become more pleasing to God.
But what if growing in your faith isn’t about doing or seeking more? What if the pressure’s off, and you already have everything you need for life and godliness?
In this message, I share what spiritual growth looks like in the life of a believer who understands their new identity in Christ. It’s not about what you’re doing but who you are. You’ll find peace and joy as you discover growth is simply learning and trusting in the finished work of Christ!
Grace Outside the Gate
April 24, 2022
For thousands of years, people have sought God’s favor through sacrifice, rituals, and religious traditions. But in Hebrews 13, we’re encouraged to let go of the past to focus on a new, radical way of living: by God’s grace.
In this message, you’ll receive your invitation to break free from popular religion and to take hold of something beautiful and life-giving. When you go “outside the camp” and embrace God’s abundant grace, you find strength, sustenance, and a brand new perspective on difficult circumstances!
Resurrection – His and Yours!
April 17, 2022
We find forgiveness and peace with God through Christ’s death on the cross. But there’s more to the Gospel than believing Jesus died for your sins. You can’t be born again without the resurrection!
Jesus rising out of that tomb demonstrates God’s power and victory over death. And yet it also carries a personal meaning for each of us.
In this message, we’ll learn why the resurrection is essential to being saved, enjoying rightness with God, and moving past the fear of death. You’ll see why being raised with Christ – both now and in eternity – can be such an incredible encouragement.
