Grace Community Church Podcast

As we wrap up another Christmas, let’s look back on 2008, consider how blessed we really are, then re-check our attitude towards another year.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Philippians 3-4, Thankful, Gratitude, Contentment, Renew, Change

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Jesus entered the world to bring us hope.  He came to save us from ourselves.  In a messed up world, more than ever, this Christmas we need Jesus to save us!

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 1:18-25, Jesus, Savior, Sin, World, Hope, Salvation, Forgiveness, Christmas

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

The Christmas story not only introduces us to the person we worship.  It also teaches us how to worship.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Luke 2:8-20, Christmas, Worship, Shepherds, Praise

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

During Christmas we are all consumed with giving gifts. The greatest gift we can give our kids or grandkids is to be a spiritual influence in their life.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Christmas, Family, Kids, Teens, Faith

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

What we think we deserve and what God gives us is not always the same.  What we think others deserve and what God gives them is never the same.  In this message, we'll discover God's value system is much different than our own.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 20:1-17; Luke 17:20-21l, Punishment, Consequences, Grace, First, Last, Vineyard, Workers, Parable

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

The Kingdom of Heaven is a term Jesus used often, but one we seldom understand.  If we ever get a picture of what Jesus is trying to teach us, it will change everything about how we live our life.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 13:31-32, Matthew 13:44-46, Mustard Seed, Kingdom, Hidden Treasure, Jesus

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Watch the news long and you'll become afraid.  The economy is impacting all of us.  Will it impact Christmas?  Should it?  How should we as believers approach Christmas this year in light of the current economic situation?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 6:24-33, Christmas, Money, Worry, Fear, Trust, Economy, God

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Ever feel like you must be the weirdest guy on the planet?  Or wish that everyone else could be more like you?  No matter which extreme most fits you, the answer is the same.  Join us as we seek to accept and embrace the unique personality God has given each of us.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Psalm 139:13-16, Unique, Personality, Creation, Weird, Wonderfully Made

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

God says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  What’s the deal?  If I’m so wonderful, why do I spend so much time trying to be anyone but me?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Psalm 139, 1 Samuel 8, Creation, Self-esteem, Confidence, Unique, Individual, Life

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

“So many of us struggle in marriage as a result of ineffective communication strategies.  We muddle through misunderstandings and assumptions with our spouse and often fail to resolve conflicts in healthy ways.  Today’s message will bring clarity to the confusion of marital communication.   Dr. Hughes presents four strategies for effective communication.  Husbands and wives carry a great responsibility to love each other well.  These proven strategies will only help us better love and communicate.”

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

No matter how real our faith stories ares to us, being able to communicate those stories to others is a challenge.  What is the right way to tell someone about who Jesus is and what He can do for him?  Is there a right way?  Today, we’ll look at an old story to gain new insights into telling our stories.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Acts 8:26-39, Philip, Ethiopian Eunuch, Witness, Testify, Testimony, Evangelism

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

 Sharing our faith today is different because of culture changes; yet it is still our command from God.  Let’s watch as Jesus encountered the culture, but was able to share His story with others.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Luke 19:1-10, Salvation, Faith, Evangelism, Relationships, Jesus, Zacchaeus

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

What does Jesus' body look like?  I think Operation Serve answered that question for us.  Join us as we celebrate how God used us to reveal Himself to our city.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  John 13, Operation Serve, Service, Body of Christ

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Ever thought that the Bible is just for preachers or for Sundays?  You're not alone.  The Bible has been misinterpreted, abused, and ignored...by followers of God!  In this message, we'll discover why Scripture is important and how to apply it to our lives.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Nehemiah 8 & 9, Bible, Scripture, Authority, Hermeneutics, Ezra, Nehemiah

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Learning how to pray is one of the most critical steps for a believer to achieve, yet for many of us it seems to be something most believers struggle to do well.  What can we learn from Hezekiah that can help us learn "how to pray"?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  2 kings 18-19, Prayer, How to Pray, Hezekiah, Faith, Trust, Strength, God, Honesty

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Most of us approach prayer like we're at the mall sitting on Santa's lap.  We might be surprised to find out that prayer is less about a wish list and more about honesty.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Genesis 4, Prayer, Dependence, Honesty, Cain, Seth, Enosh

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Part of Grace's strategy is to serve.  It's the surest way to spiritual growth.  The reasons we serve are not out of church need as much as our relationship to Christ.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Luke 20:45-21:6, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 2:10, Service, Sacrifice, Giving, Grace, Jesus, Strategy

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Community Groups or, as some call them, small groups are a key part of the strategy at Grace to accomplish our vision.  Community groups are small groups of people who meet in homes to study God's Word and build true friendships.  Hear Pastor Ron explain why and how you can be involved in a small group Bible fellowship.  To view the photos mentioned during the sermon please visit Sermon Photos

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 5:32-37, Mark 6:30-31, Community, Community Groups, Small Groups, Fellowship, Friendship

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Ever wondered what the big deal with Sundays truly is?  Why is going to church that important?  In this message, we'll discover why the Church puts so much empasis on going to church.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  2 Chronicles 6-7, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 14-23-25, Worship, Assemble, Praise, Gather, Sunday Service

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

While our podcast ministry is on vacation, please enjoy this podcast messages from an early time at Grace.  We felt this message is important enough for you to hear again.

---

First in the sermon series "Faith Like a Child". Discovering the Wonder of having Faith Like a Child and how to get that Faith back when it is Lost.

While our podcast ministry is on vacation, please enjoy this podcast messages from an early time at Grace.  We felt this message is important enough for you to hear again.

---

We want to make wise decisions in our life, but it seems that something is always getting in the way.  What are the obstacles to wisdom in our life?  Continuing to play Jeopardy this week, phrasing some things in the form of a question, Ron encourages us to evaluate our life so that we can make wiser choices.

---

Scripture Reference:  Ecclesiastes 8-10

Jesus showed an incredible compassion towards someone who was being treated as a nobody by everyone else in his life.  Jesus calls us to show that same compassion to outsiders today. Sometimes we are that outsider and Jesus is willing to show us compassion too.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16, Jesus, Compassion, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, Love, Leprosy, Pain

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Even the most disciplined struggle from time to time with self-control.  We all know what it’s like to silently wonder, “What was I thinking?” In this message, we’ll uncover just what we were thinking!

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  1 Samuel 24, Psalm 57, Self-Control, Impulse, Trust, Desire, Temptation, Reaction

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Gideon had doubts that God could use him.  He was weak, unprepared, and afraid.  Gideon's story teaches us that God can use each of us for His designed purposes.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Judges 6-7, Courage, Fear, Doubt, God, Battle, Strength, Victory, Trust, Faith

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

This week's superhero is Esther.  Esther had to use courage to do what she was afraid to do, but by her obedience the nation of Israel was saved.

To follow the  Devotional Blog on Esther:  Click Here

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Esther 4:1-7, Proverbs 16:9, Esther, Courage, Obedience, God, Fear, Faith

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Everyone is a hero when there is no one to save!  When times get tough Some figures in history are obvious heroes.  But Esau?  What was so
super about him?  In this message, we'll cover the super huge issue of
forgiveness.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Genesis 33, Forgiveness, Jacob, Esau, Grudge, Bitterness

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Everyone is a hero when there is no one to save!  When times get tough and life unravels, we find out who the real heroes are.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Daniel 6:1-28, Daniel, Babylon, Lions’s Den, Rescue, Deliverance, Hero, Prayer, Consistence

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Every believer goes through periods of spiritual dryness.  What do we do when our relationship with Christ is not what it should be or even what it used to be?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  1 Kings 18,  Elijah, Spiritual Dryness, God, Faith, Fear, Doubt, Discipline

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

What is your legacy?  The Apostle Paul left a legacy of faith. Perhaps the greatest thing we can leave those who follow us is a spiritual heritage of faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  2 Timothy 4, 1 Corinthians 15:58,  Paul, Timothy, Legacy, Disciple, Mentor, Generation, Inheritance, Heritage, Faith, Spiritual

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

One of the reasons we have so much trouble handling death is that we do not understand life.  Today, we'll look at life from a new perspective.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  1 Samuel 1-2, 2 Samuel 1:23-24, David, Saul, Death, Grief, Memorial

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Children entering a marriage changes things.  It should change our focus, our passions, and how we spend our time.  Raising children who live out God’s plan for their life is one of the greatest challenges of our life, but one of the most rewarding.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Ephesians 6, Genesis 5, Judges 13, Marriage, Children, Kids, Parenting, God, Jesus, Samson, Delilah, Judges, Israel, Philistines

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Have you ever considered that the Bible is a love story?  It's God's story of how He pursues us, stands by us, forgives us, and calls us His own.  Would it not be wise to examine that story to discover how to improve our own marriages?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Ephesians 6:26-27, Revelation 19:6-9, Marriage, Love, Romance, Faithfulness

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Finding Mr. or Mrs. Right can be a challenge.  So much so that we often settle for good, or even better, but we are too impatient to wait on the best.  In this message we will discover God's design for relationships and practical principles for dating.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  1 Kings 11, Relationships, Dating, Solomon, Marriage, Courtship

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

This Sunday we had a special guest, so no podcast will be released. If you don't know, Grace has a heart for God, for others, for children, and for some reason we've yet to completely figure out; we have a heart for Africa.  Today those loves came together when the Ugandan Orphan Choir shared the love of God in song and dance.  It was an amazing experience and a perfect living example for us to close out the "Let's Talk About Me" series. God truly was glorified and we were changed.  The choir had the largest single day of sponsorships in the history of the ministry.  For more information about this choir or to sponsor a child of your own go to Uganda Orphans Choir
 

The problem with selfishness usually finds its root in me.  If each of us look deep into who we are we will discover that what we really need is less of us and more of Jesus.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Matthew 23, Matthew 24:1-2, John 3:30, Selfish, Real Problem, Jesus, Answers, Give me Jesus, Disciples, Buildings, Main Thing, Pharisees, Teachers of the Law, Religious Leaders

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

What is it about pride?  Why does God despise and expose a sin that is so common and so harmless?  With the help of an Old Testament story and a New Testament song, we find our answer.

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Joshua 7-8, Philippians 2, Joshua, Achan, Ai, Humility, Arrogance, Pride, Philippians

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

We all desire to be noticed.  To step back and allow someone else to get attention or recognition is a struggle even for the most humble among us.  How do we know when we've crossed the line and become self-centered?

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  John 3:22-36, Selfishness, Self-centered, Servant, John the Baptist, John 3:30

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

Will NextGenerosity be something we once did at Grace Community Church or will it be a defining moment of determining who we are and how we will live in the days to come as a church?  There's much work to be done.  Let's do it!

---

Scriptures and Keywords:  Luke 10, Luke 10:30-36, Jeremiah 29:7, Jeremiah 33:8-9, Generosity, Time, Money, Grace, Campaign, NextGenerosity, Compassion, Good Samaritan, Neighbor, Generous, Giving, Church

---

To leave or view comments about this post please click on "Comments" to your right:

 
In golf, a "do-over" is called a mulligan.  Ever wish life had a "do-over?"  Sure you have.  We all have moments in life when we would like to start over.  Does God allow us a mulligan?  Let's find out.

Nothing is more powerful in our lives than relationships.  How do you know when you are in unhealthy relationships?  And how do you get out of them?  The answer may not be as complicated as you think.

The game of life is often like the game of golf.  We spent a lot of our time trying to navigate our way through the course.  One key goal is to avoid the bunkers! How do we keep from falling into the same sand trap and how do we get out once we land there?

Pastors Ron and Chad talk about Grace future.  In this final week of The Oscars series find out the “real scoop? of what’s next for Grace.

To see conceptual views of Grace Community Church's future building please click on Concept_Building_PDF

Simoniz treats cars that have lost their shine.  It makes them look new again.  No matter what's under the hood or how dirty the inside is, a "simonized" car shines!  Is it possible that instead of dealing with our real problems, we've just simonized ourselves?

Is it better to risk and fail or to live with the thought of what might have been? You might be surprised to find that God enjoys risk more than we do. and he love to challenge our faith in Him.

Some say born again. Some say saved.  Some say forgiven.  What does it really mean to be a Christian?  How can we share with others what we don't understand?

Is it better to risk and fail or to live with the thought of what might have been? You might be surprised to find that God enjoys risk more than we do. and he love to challenge our faith in Him.

Sometimes the greatest moments in our family happen randomly and unexpectedly. Let's make the most of these moments in 2008!

How can we take advantage of power contained within a moment? How can we make 2008 a year to grow closer to Christ? Let's learn from the Master.

At the start of a new year, most of us are thinking BIG.  Big dreams, big goals, and big plans.  But twelve months from now, it will be the small things that made the difference.