Grace Bible Church in Hollidaysburg, PA strives to help people follow Jesus. The Bible guides us as we disciple others and demonstrate who God is and what He has done for us through Jesus.
Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 4-Resolve to Shine by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 3-Crown Him by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 5-Nailed to the Cross by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 6-The Heart of a Savior by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 1-Keeping Watch by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 7-It is Finished by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Station 2-Unforgettable Words by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
Pastor Lou Hileman 10-01-2023 gbclive.org/central
An Anchor for the Soul Hebrews 6:9-20 Bryan Kurty http://gbclive.org/central
Sermon Title: Social Justice Confusion Pastor Daren Ritchey http://gbclive.org/central
A Time For Every Purpose by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
The Christmas season is now in full force. It is a time of singing and joy. The carol we sang “What Child is This” was written in 1865 in England by William Chatterton Dix. That year William suffered a near-fatal sickness. This experience changed him completely. He experienced a spiritual awakening. He became an avid reader of the Bible and began to write hymns. He set the lyrics to this carol to the tune of “Greensleeves” a popular English folk song. The carol urges people to accept Christ. The word “laud” means to praise. One of the ways we praise Jesus is through songs. Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth who had also been blessed with a conception miracle though different from Mary's. God must have revealed the virgin conception to Elizabeth. (43-45) “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Mary broke into praise as the realization of was happening began to sink down into her soul. Mary did not actually sing as the Bible records that she “said” (46). The word means “to speak.” Mary's praise became a canticle, a hymn or chant typically with a biblical text. This has been labeled as “The Magnificat” from the Latin word translated “exalts” (46). It is truly the expression of Mary's heart. Her praise is filled with illusions and quotations from the Old Testament. Mary is a model believer whose gives us an example of biblical worship. Daren Ritchey
This morning we are seeing the angelic revelation to Joseph. God chose Matthew to reveal this account. This is Levi the tax collector. We saw that Luke's Gospel was written with the Greeks in mind. Matthew's Gospel was clearly written to convince the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah. Matthew's Gospel is filled with references to the Old Testament which are given as proofs. That Jesus chose a former tax collector is itself astounding (18). The two key words are “after” and “before.” Joseph knew that he was not the father. Daren Ritchey SERMON NOTES
We are beginning with Luke's account of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary of Nazareth. Luke wrote his Gospel around A.D. 60. He was not an Apostle or an early follower of Jesus. Luke was a companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke was a Greek. Luke is also the author of the book of Acts. Between Acts and his Gospel, Luke wrote 52 chapters, about 1/3 of the New Testament. Luke's two volumes are the most complete overview of early Christianity. He begins with the birth of John the Baptist and ends in Acts with the Gospel going to the capital of the Roman Empire. Paul called him “the beloved physician,” Colossians 4:14, which indicate that Luke was an educated man. Daren Ritchey
Two men are chiefly responsible from a human perspective for the fact that we are gathered together today as a local gospel preaching church. Those men are the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul. The book of Acts can practically be divided between them. The first half is principally about Peter and the second half almost exclusively about Paul. As you move into the book of Acts Peter is again the predominant disciple. He preached the great sermon on the Day of Pentecost which began the church age. The foundation of Christianity is historical. Daren Ritchey
The history of the church is the history of people most of whom remain anonymous. Such a person was Adam Wallace. Wallace was the parson of a church in Marbottle, Scotland. He was arrested in 1550 and brought to trial at Blackfriar's Church in Edinburgh. Wallace was set before a large panel of priests, bishops, archbishops, professors and civil authorities. He looked like a simple and poor man when he was brought in. His accuser was a man named John Lauder who was dressed in a surplice, which is in the form of a white tunic, and a red hood. Lauder was Scotland's Public Accuser of Heretics. The reformer John Knox wrote of Lauder's extreme cruelty. Foxe's Book of Martyrs tells what happened at Wallace's trial. Lauder began, “Adam Wallace, you are accused of the following heresies. First, you have taught that the bread and wine on the altar are not the body and blood of Christ after consecration.” Wallace replied, “I never taught or said anything but what I found in this book, which is the Word of God.” Other such charges were brought forth. Wallace was condemned to burn to death and the sentence was carried out. As he stood tied to the stake he called out to the crowd, “Don't be offended by my dying for the truth's sake. The disciple is not greater than his Master.” There are many such unsung heroes of the faith that we will meet in heaven. Paul in Romans 16 names a number of people that we find nowhere else in the Bible. There are many unnamed people “of whom the world was not worthy”, Hebrews 11:35-38. Two of the early Christians that we do know much about are Barnabas and Saul. We are considering certain principles for every disciple of Jesus. Teacher: Daren Ritchey
The Apostle John is the author of the Gospel of John. He states his purpose for this Gospel in John 20:31. John's purpose is to prove this by bringing forward a number of witnesses beginning with John the Baptist. God had a distinct purpose for John's life. Daren Ritchey
Moses was God's appointed leader for God's appointed time. The book of Joshua begins with these words (1) “After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD...” Seventeen times Moses is called by this title. Moses has been the central figure from Exodus through Deuteronomy. Now God's purpose for Moses was completed, Ecclesiastes 3:1. The word “season” means an appointed occasion. As there are seasons in nature there are seasons in life.
Gospel Shaped Mission - Titus 3 (Part 6 of 6) Main Idea of Sermon: We must do good to others because of God's goodness to us. Theme of Galatians: God's grace, revealed in the gospel, leads to godliness in the lives of His people.
The chief characteristic of Sardis was that it was a city given over to extreme decadence. Jesus makes no mention of persecution from without or heresy from within the church. Sardis was the church of the living dead. Daren Ritchey
Life Lessons from Philip - Tim Kroll Helios Project
Two characteristics of the vision of Jesus are particularly appropriate for this church. We saw in chapter 1 that brass symbolizes judgement. Jesus' penetrating omniscient gaze examines the church of Thyatira. Jesus reminds them that 'I am He who searches the minds and hearts'. In 1:13 Jesus is seen as 'one like the Son of Man'. This emphasizes Jesus' intercession as the God/man. Now Jesus identifies Himself as 'the Son of God'. This title expresses Jesus' deity and absolute authority. Jesus is a loving Savior and a holy judge. -Daren Ritchey
The letter begins with a focus upon judgment (12). The sword of Rome was the symbol of Roman power and authority. Jesus was reminding the Christians in Pergamum that He possesses all authority not Rome, the Emperor, or the proconsul, Matthew 28:18. Jesus knows the challenges that each of His disciples face (13). It is not certain what “Satan's throne” was. It could possibly refer to the temple of Zeus. It may be the general fact that the city was given over to pagan worship. Satan is not omnipresent. It may also be a reference to the temple of Asklepios, the god of healing. Those seeking healing were placed in a room with harmless snakes covering the floor. They slept there in the dark as the snakes slithered over them giving healing powers. This pagan custom came from the old serpent himself, Satan. Note that Satan's throne is not in hell, 1 Peter 5:8-9. Daren Ritchey
Special Guest: Vernon Brewer of World Help Vernon Brewer is the founder and president of World Help, a faith-based humanitarian organization that serves the physical and spiritual needs of people in impoverished communities around the world. Vernon is also the author of The Forgotten Children: Hungry. Hopeless. Running for their lives., Why? Answers to Weather the Storms of Life, Children of Hope: Be touched. Be inspired. Be changed., Defining Moments: A journey to the ends of the earth and back, and causelife: water equals life. His incredible life experiences, combined with his passion for the unreached peoples of the world, make him an energetic and compassionate leader. His strategic thinking and emphasis on partnership has breathed new life into the mission world and provided innovative ways to partner together and accomplish more for the Kingdom of God. "I wish that all Christians could see the world as I have seen it . . . to actually see firsthand the masses of hurting people, the hungry and orphaned children, the displaced families, the lepers, the poor, as well as experience the smells and sounds. But even more than that, I wish for you to see the world through the eyes of God." Vernon has conducted international evangelistic campaigns and rallies in over 67 foreign countries worldwide, as well as numerous leadership training conferences in Uganda, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Romania, and Russia. In addition, he has personally taken more than 4,000 people to the mission field. He has led over 500 local church evangelistic rallies, and has lectured on 30 college and university campuses. He has spoken to over 1 million teenagers in public high school assembly programs and is a frequent speaker at camps and conferences. Vernon lives with his wife, Patty, in Forest, Virginia. He has four married children, three daughters and one son, and six grandsons.
Labor Day 2022………Where did the Summer Go? Intro ~ For the majority of Americans tomorrow is a holiday, a three day weekend. A paid day off. Most don't care what we are celebration, just that it's a paid day of. Labor Day ~ A celebration (which became a federal holiday in 1894) and appreciation for all the hard work put into growing our nation. And thankfulness for the unique rights and freedoms that we have as laborers here in the United States of America. So in the spirit of that definition.
The church in Smyrna is not found in the book of Acts or in the epistles. These verses contain the only biblical record of the church in Smyrna. The deity of Jesus (8) “These things says the First and the Last” God applied this title to Himself in, Isaiah 44:6. Jesus is revealed taking on this title Himself. He is the eternal One who transcends time and space, Colossians 1:17. Jesus is the eternal “I AM”, John 8:58. The humanity of Jesus (8) “...who was dead, and came to life” How could the eternal One die? Jesus took on humanity being born of a virgin. He died on the cross “for our sins according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:3. Jesus was buried but resurrected on the third day. The threat of death at any moment hung over every Christian in Smyrna. This would have been a real encouragement to them.
Titus 2:11-15 The gospel reveals grace that both rescues us and empowers us. Bryan Kurty
The church of Ephesus was founded by the Apostle Paul on his 2nd missionary journey. It became the foremost church in the province of Asia, Acts 19:10. These seven letters were to be read to every church including the entire book of Revelation. These letters are the last recorded verbal message from the risen Jesus. They are for every church in every age. Each letter follows a basic pattern. Daren Ritchey
The word translated as “revelation” is where we get the English word apocalypse. It means to disclose, to unveil, to reveal. The human author is John the Apostle (1-2). The word “shortly” means suddenly. The word “signified” means to make known by signs and symbols. Revelation contains more symbols than any other New Testament book. The only book that specifically promises a blessing (3). This is the first of seven beatitudes in the book. Why would Jesus send an unintelligible message to seven local churches? The word “keep” means to take it to heart to obey. The word “time” is kairos meaning a period of time which is the time of the end which is imminent. The rapture of the church begins this time.
We are privileged to live in the land of the free. We acknowledge that many have given their lives to purchase this gift of liberty that we enjoy. American citizenship is a precious thing. Jesus and the Apostles lived in the time of the Roman Empire. Their experience of civil government was far different than ours. Even so the Apostle Paul at times took advantage of his Roman citizenship in Philippi and later in Jerusalem. Paul was eventually imprisoned in Caesarea for two years. When he stood before the judgment seat he appealed to Caesar as was his right as a Roman citizen. God used Paul's citizenship to bring him to Rome to preach the Gospel. As Americans we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Heaven is referred to in scripture more than 500 times. This morning we are first considering the reality of heaven and then the relevance of heaven. The reality of heaven John 14:2-3, “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus taught that heaven is a real place. Daren Ritchey
What we know about hell primarily comes from the lips of Jesus Himself. Matthew 5:22, “But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.” Jesus began His preaching ministry with the Sermon on the Mount making reference to hell. Jesus spoke on hell more than anyone else. Jesus taught more on hell than He did about heaven. The term “hell” needs some clarification. Twelve times in the New Testament Jesus uses the word “Gehenna” translated “hell.” Gehenna comes from the Valley of Hinnom which was a deep ravine south of Jerusalem where Israelites would sacrifice children. It became a garbage dump that burned continually. Jesus used it as illustration of the real hell. Jesus also used the term “Hades..” Matthew 16:18, “...I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Healthy Church - Titus 2:1-10 - part 4 by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg
On July 19, 2015, we dedicated our Vision 24:47 expansion project. That title comes from Luke 24:47. Because the mission of our church is missions namely the Great Commission. For the past seven years we have been able to expand our ministry in multiple ways with these facilities. This morning we are celebrating the fact that Vision 24:47 loan has been paid in full. We are actually celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling us to do this. God is the source, but He uses His people as the resource. God has truly done great things for us. God did great things for David and for Israel. Our passage this morning reveals timeless truths. God accomplishes His work through His people. As David approached the end of his life, he had a desire to build the Temple in Jerusalem. God forbid David to do this (28:2-3). God ordained that Solomon would be the one to build the Temple (28:6). God did allow David to contribute and gather major portions of the materials to be used
God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is also seen as the Father of Creation. However, the universal fatherhood of God over all people is not taught in scripture. Jesus purposely healed a lame man on the Sabbath day to create a confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders. Religion is the attempt of people to gain entrance into heaven by their own good works. Jesus begins with the words “My Father” (17). The theme of this section is the unity of the Father and the Son.
Life is about choices and choices have consequences. The Apostle Paul on his 2nd Missionary Journey left Antioch going north and west. Paul and Barnabas had a parting of the ways due to a disagreement over John Mark who had turned back from their First Missionary Journey. Paul now chose Silas to accompany him. Paul was retracing his steps from his first missionary journey but in the opposite direction. The Holy Spirit most likely led Paul to do this because there was a young man, he needed to meet in Lystra. That young man was Timothy, Acts 16:1.
Scripture: Titus 1:10-16 [part 3] Main Idea: Godly leaders who confront error are essential to the health of the church. Teacher: Bryan Kurty Part 1: https://bit.ly/3Q6NkFJ Part 2: https://bit.ly/3Nn5fXa
Dr. Gary Habermas Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics Liberty University School of Divinity Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. He has also done extensive research on the Shroud of Turin and near death experiences.
The Christians Peter was writing to were experiencing persecution as well as attacks of the scoffers and false teachers. Peter writes to encourage them that the day of God's justice will come. The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments will be fulfilled. Peter is focusing upon the final judgment of God upon this world (10). He is not here setting out a timeline. Other scriptures reveal more details concerning end time events. Some things are crystal clear such as the fact that Jesus is coming again bodily, physically displaying His glory. Daren Ritchey
Peter is writing to true Christians not nominal Christians. Twice he addresses these Christians as “Beloved” (1) and (8). The word is agapetos a term of Christian endearment. He says they have “pure minds.” In light of this lingering threat Peter tells them what they need to keep in the forefront of their minds.
The Ascension of Jesus Christ forty days after His resurrection is of great significance. Jesus' ascension is part of an early Christian creed that Paul quotes in 1 Timothy 3:16, “God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” The resurrection and the ascension in the apostles' preaching flowed together. Daren Ritchey
Each of the Gospels gives a unique perspective on the historical fact of Jesus' physical resurrection. A carefully crafted story manufactured by the Apostles would have never looked like this. Leon Morris, “The differences in the Gospels amount to no more than a demonstration that here we have the spontaneous evidence of witnesses, not the stereotyped repetition of an official story.” The entire superstructure of Christianity either stands or falls upon this historical fact. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is mentioned at least 104 times in the New Testament. It was the central theme of the preaching of the Apostles. It is no surprise then that Satan has continuously attacked the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins his outline of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is essential for any person's eternal salvation. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is central to God's plan of salvation. The Jews executed people through stoning. God had determined that His Son would die by crucifixion; Psalm 22 & Psalm 69. All four Gospels reveal details of Jesus' crucifixion. We cannot cover every aspect in a message.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
