Our Common Spiritual Journey

Grace Covenant Baptist Church

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Our Common Spiritual Journey

Sermon Message

January 12, 2025 • Larry Skero Jr • 2 Corinthians 9, Ephesians 2—5, Hebrews 6:10

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In our spiritual journey together, we're called to embrace the responsibilities of being part of Christ's body. The apostle Paul's teachings in 2 Corinthians and Ephesians remind us of the transformative power of God's grace and our role in building His kingdom. We're encouraged to give cheerfully, not out of compulsion, but from hearts overflowing with gratitude. This act of giving isn't just about money; it's about dedicating our time, talents, and treasures to God's work. As we reflect on the mystery of Christ uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body, we're challenged to grow in wisdom, love, and spiritual maturity. How can we, in our daily lives, embody this unity and use our God-given gifts to strengthen the church and reach out to others? Let's commit to walking worthy of our calling, pursuing humility, gentleness, and patience, as we strive to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

A Year Of Maturity In Christ Jesus

January 5, 2025 • Larry Skero Jr • John 21:1–19, Matthew 26:30–75, John 20:26–31

As we step into 2025, we're called to embrace a year of spiritual maturity in Christ Jesus. This powerful message, centered on Matthew 26, reminds us of our human frailty and the importance of relying on God's strength. We see Peter's bold proclamation of loyalty, followed by his threefold denial of Jesus. This stark contrast between our intentions and actions serves as a humbling reminder that we too often make promises our flesh cannot keep. The lesson here is clear: we must be careful with our words and recognize our constant need for God's grace. As we pursue spiritual growth, let's focus on becoming doers of the Word, not just hearers. This year, let's challenge ourselves to be quick to listen and slow to speak, practicing the presence of God in every moment. Remember, our journey isn't about perfection, but about continual growth and dependence on Christ.

The Greatest Of All King, Jesus Christ

December 22, 2024 • Larry Skero Jr • Luke 2:1–24

As we explore Luke 2, we're reminded of the incredible humility surrounding Christ's birth. The King of Kings, born in a manger - what a powerful image! This story challenges us to examine our own pride and reminds us that God often works through the lowly and unexpected. The shepherds' encounter with the angels is particularly striking. Imagine their fear turning to joy as they received the good news! This narrative encourages us to be open to God's messages, even when they come in surprising ways. Mary's response - treasuring and pondering these events - invites us to cultivate a reflective faith, taking time to consider God's work in our lives. As we celebrate Christ's birth, let's ask ourselves: Are we growing in our affection for Jesus? Are we allowing His humility to shape our character? Let's embrace the wonder of Emmanuel - God with us - and let it transform our daily walk.

Understanding The Details Of The Christmas Story

December 15, 2024 • Larry Skero Jr • Matthew 2

In this powerful exploration of the Christmas story, we're invited to look beyond the familiar narratives and delve into the profound spiritual truths found in Matthew 2. We're reminded that God's ways are not our ways, as evidenced by the humble birth of Jesus in a manger rather than a palace. The journey of the Magi teaches us about true worship - these wise men fell to the ground in reverence before the Christ child, offering precious gifts. Their actions challenge us to examine our own posture of worship. Are we willing to humble ourselves completely before God? The story also reveals God's providence and protection, as He guides Joseph to flee to Egypt, safeguarding the young Jesus from Herod's wrath. This reminds us that even in times of danger and uncertainty, God has a plan for our lives. As we reflect on this biblical account, we're called to cherish and protect children, recognizing their value in God's eyes. Ultimately, this deeper look at the Christmas story invites us to worship Jesus as the true King of Kings, moving beyond cultural traditions to embrace the transformative power of Christ in our lives.