Believe
Holy Week & April 2021
Don't Turn Back (11AM)
April 25, 2021 • Curt McFarland • John 21:15–19
This morning we continue with the post-Easter (resurrection) stories of Jesus. On this occasion Jesus met seven of His closest followers on the shore of Lake Tiberius (also known as Lake Galilee). In the background fish were cooking over a charcoal fire. This was the “breakfast encounter.” How amazing is it, after the life-changing event of Easter, that Jesus took time to have breakfast with friends (He even provided the main course for the meal). In the aftermath of the greatest of all miracles (THE earth shattering, history altering, life conquering death miracle) that first Easter morning you might imagine Jesus had important people to see, important things to do, a world of hurting and broken people to heal and save. Once again we see God’s heart. While all of human history pivots on what happens that first Easter, Jesus took time to eat breakfast with a group of friends. His relationship with them, and His relationship with us, were and are top priorities. They were, we are, on God’s heart. He sought them out. He seeks us out. He provided for them. He provides for us. And, in this story, He will patiently, and with a generous dose of love, restore a broken man, a failed ministry, a fragile life. Jesus did that for each of them on the shore of that lake. He does the same for each of us right now and right here. He’s calling … Breakfast is ready! Where and how are we (you) encountering Jesus in the weeks, months, and years after Easter?
Don't Turn Back (9AM)
April 25, 2021 • Curt McFarland • John 21:15–19
This morning we continue with the post-Easter (resurrection) stories of Jesus. On this occasion Jesus met seven of His closest followers on the shore of Lake Tiberius (also known as Lake Galilee). In the background fish were cooking over a charcoal fire. This was the “breakfast encounter.” How amazing is it, after the life-changing event of Easter, that Jesus took time to have breakfast with friends (He even provided the main course for the meal). In the aftermath of the greatest of all miracles (THE earth shattering, history altering, life conquering death miracle) that first Easter morning you might imagine Jesus had important people to see, important things to do, a world of hurting and broken people to heal and save. Once again we see God’s heart. While all of human history pivots on what happens that first Easter, Jesus took time to eat breakfast with a group of friends. His relationship with them, and His relationship with us, were and are top priorities. They were, we are, on God’s heart. He sought them out. He seeks us out. He provided for them. He provides for us. And, in this story, He will patiently, and with a generous dose of love, restore a broken man, a failed ministry, a fragile life. Jesus did that for each of them on the shore of that lake. He does the same for each of us right now and right here. He’s calling … Breakfast is ready! Where and how are we (you) encountering Jesus in the weeks, months, and years after Easter?
Don't Look Back (11am)
April 18, 2021 • Bill Williamson • John 21:1–14
As we see the beginnings of Spring, and with more and more vaccinations being given, “hope springs eternal”. However, we are not out of the woods. As a country, and as a city, we are still in a holding pattern. I want to encourage us to continue using this time to draw closer to God, to lean fully upon Him, to trust that He is sovereign and in control and His plans are for a hope and a future, even if we don’t know what that future may look like. Let us constantly fix our eyes on Christ. Let us fully pay attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit and engage in what God is doing in the midst of the storm. For now, join us this Sunday as we continue to discuss what it means to “Believe”, looking at John 21.1-4: “Don’t Look Back”.
Don't Look Back (9am)
April 18, 2021 • Bill Williamson • John 21:1–14
As we see the beginnings of Spring, and with more and more vaccinations being given, “hope springs eternal”. However, we are not out of the woods. As a country, and as a city, we are still in a holding pattern. I want to encourage us to continue using this time to draw closer to God, to lean fully upon Him, to trust that He is sovereign and in control and His plans are for a hope and a future, even if we don’t know what that future may look like. Let us constantly fix our eyes on Christ. Let us fully pay attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit and engage in what God is doing in the midst of the storm. For now, join us this Sunday as we continue to discuss what it means to “Believe”, looking at John 21.1-4: “Don’t Look Back”.
Believe It Or Not (11am)
April 11, 2021 • Bill Williamson • John 20:24–31
As we move into Spring, we will continue to consider what it means to BELIEVE. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10.9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and BELIEVE in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Throughout the month of April, we will continue in chapters 20 and 21 in the Gospel of John. John 20.31 says: “These are written so that you may BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” In a society and culture where the Church is being considered “non-essential”, it’s an opportunity for God’s people to proclaim: “We Believe!” In a society and culture where Christians are being challenged and confronted about what they believe, and perhaps even questioning their own faith, we need to be reminded of the words to Thomas, one of His disciples: “Do not disbelieve, but BELIEVE.”
Believe It Or Not (9am)
April 11, 2021 • Bill Williamson • John 20:24–31
As we move into Spring, we will continue to consider what it means to BELIEVE. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10.9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and BELIEVE in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Throughout the month of April, we will continue in chapters 20 and 21 in the Gospel of John. John 20.31 says: “These are written so that you may BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” In a society and culture where the Church is being considered “non-essential”, it’s an opportunity for God’s people to proclaim: “We Believe!” In a society and culture where Christians are being challenged and confronted about what they believe, and perhaps even questioning their own faith, we need to be reminded of the words to Thomas, one of His disciples: “Do not disbelieve, but BELIEVE.”
Christ Is Risen! (11am)
April 4, 2021 • Bill Williamson, Alex Rule, Curt McFarland • John 20:1–22
“Christ is Risen!” “He is Risen Indeed!” For centuries, on Easter morning, Christians worldwide have greeted one another with those words. This Sunday we will once again greet one another with those same words. We do so because it is what we BELIEVE. We believe that God raised Christ from the dead. This Sunday we also beginning a new sermon series: BELIEVE! Following the Resurrection of Christ, the disciples, the early church, and Christians throughout history, have stood firm upon the conviction of what they knew to be true. Many have had to face persecution for what they believe, and still stand firm in their conviction and faith that Jesus Christ died and rose again, knowing that one day Christ is going to return. It is no different for us today. As those who not only follow Christ, but who also proclaim the name of Christ above all names, we too face a very antagonistic and hostile culture. Our hope is in Christ. Our faith is in the Resurrection. This Sunday and throughout the rest of April we look at chapters 20 and 21 of John’s Gospel, as we profess and proclaim that we BELIEVE!
Christ Is Risen! (9am)
April 4, 2021 • Bill Williamson, Curt McFarland, Alex Rule • John 20:1–22
“Christ is Risen!” “He is Risen Indeed!” For centuries, on Easter morning, Christians worldwide have greeted one another with those words. This Sunday we will once again greet one another with those same words. We do so because it is what we BELIEVE. We believe that God raised Christ from the dead. This Sunday we also beginning a new sermon series: BELIEVE! Following the Resurrection of Christ, the disciples, the early church, and Christians throughout history, have stood firm upon the conviction of what they knew to be true. Many have had to face persecution for what they believe, and still stand firm in their conviction and faith that Jesus Christ died and rose again, knowing that one day Christ is going to return. It is no different for us today. As those who not only follow Christ, but who also proclaim the name of Christ above all names, we too face a very antagonistic and hostile culture. Our hope is in Christ. Our faith is in the Resurrection. This Sunday and throughout the rest of April we look at chapters 20 and 21 of John’s Gospel, as we profess and proclaim that we BELIEVE!
Redefining Power (11am)
March 28, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 19:28–48
This week, which we call Holy Week, is unlike any other. From the very beginning of His story Jesus has baffled us, challenged us, exposed us, loved us. What are we to make of Him? More importantly, what will He make of us? How we understand Him as He rides into this week, as we see Him redefine power, love, death, and life itself, sets us on a path that either draws us closer to God, or farther away. Each step He takes is intentional. Each act of love unstoppable. Each action and each word an invitation. From the beginning of this week to the start of the next there will be huge swings: from hopeful to hopeless and then Hope reborn, from adoration to hate and then Love reborn, from life to death and then Life reborn. Together, here at Grace, we are learning what it means to hold on, and hang on, to this Jesus!
Redefining Power (9am)
March 28, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 19:28–48
This week, which we call Holy Week, is unlike any other. From the very beginning of His story Jesus has baffled us, challenged us, exposed us, loved us. What are we to make of Him? More importantly, what will He make of us? How we understand Him as He rides into this week, as we see Him redefine power, love, death, and life itself, sets us on a path that either draws us closer to God, or farther away. Each step He takes is intentional. Each act of love unstoppable. Each action and each word an invitation. From the beginning of this week to the start of the next there will be huge swings: from hopeful to hopeless and then Hope reborn, from adoration to hate and then Love reborn, from life to death and then Life reborn. Together, here at Grace, we are learning what it means to hold on, and hang on, to this Jesus!