Grace Bible Church

This week, Eric continued The Process by inviting us to face the reality of the world we live in—it's tragic. From Jesus' words in Luke 13 to Paul's groaning in Romans 8, Scripture doesn't shy away from pain. Yet instead of escaping into control or apathy, we're called to feel. Eric and reminded us that our emotions are a gift from God for living in a fallen world. The 8 core feelings—hurt, lonely, sad, anger, fear, guilt, shame, and glad—aren't the enemy; they're the way into real life. The tragedy of life isn't the end of the story—but ignoring our hearts is. If you want to walk in the light, you'll need to walk in the truth of what you feel.

This week, Eric kicked off a new series called The Process: Living Fully in a Tragic World. It's personal, practical, and deeply spiritual. Drawing from Proverbs 4:23 and Chip Dodd's Voice of the Heart, we explored how emotional honesty is essential for spiritual maturity. Jesus Himself felt all eight core emotions—and lived fully in the midst of a tragic world. The journey toward emotional and spiritual wholeness begins with naming what's really happening inside of us. If we want to guard our hearts, we need the right tools. And it starts by learning to feel what we feel. 

This sermon emphasizes that God created each person on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purposeful design—regardless of their situation or status in life. Using the letter of Philemon, it explores how the Gospel transforms relationships, identity, and how we live. Paul urges Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus, a former servant, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. The message challenges listeners to live by Kingdom values rather than cultural rights, and to let the sharing of their faith become effective through reconciliation, forgiveness, and recognizing their identity as saints in God's Kingdom.

Ryan invites us to take a fresh look at the local church—what it is, why it matters, and how it fits into God's bigger story. Acknowledging common frustrations with church, especially when it feels irrelevant or inconsistent, Ryan explores why serving and investing the church is still worth our time and commitment. This goes beyond duty or tradition to something rooted in grace. If you've ever questioned the value of church, this message is for you.

This week in Say Yes, Eric showed how your unique gifts and wiring matter deeply to God—and that your life finds purpose when you align it with his kingdom. Drawing from Jesus' parable in Matthew 25, we learned that the point isn't “use your gifts or else,” but rather an invitation to live a life of meaning, shaped by a generous God. When you believe that God made you on purpose, for a purpose, with a purposeful design, you can stop striving and start living faithfully right where you are. That's the invitation: Say Yes to God's kingdom purpose in your life.

We kicked off our Say Yes series by challenging the cultural obsession with self-esteem. Eric showed us that while encouragement is good, building your value on talents or achievements leads to insecurity. Instead, Jesus offers something deeper—self-worth rooted in your identity as a loved and created child of God. You were made on purpose, for a purpose, with a purposeful design. This truth reshapes how we view ourselves and our calling. And for many, living this out starts by saying “yes” to serving others—especially the next generation. Self-worth leads to purpose, and purpose leads to action. Say yes.

We kicked off our Say Yes series by challenging the cultural obsession with self-esteem. Eric showed us that while encouragement is good, building your value on talents or achievements leads to insecurity. Instead, Jesus offers something deeper—self-worth rooted in your identity as a loved and created child of God. You were made on purpose, for a purpose, with a purposeful design. This truth reshapes how we view ourselves and our calling. And for many, living this out starts by saying “yes” to serving others—especially the next generation. Self-worth leads to purpose, and purpose leads to action. Say yes.

On Easter Sunday, Eric shared the story of Mary Magdalene—who was the first to see the risen Jesus. But she didn't recognize Him until He said her name. In that moment, everything changed. Our names carry meaning. They represent our stories, our identities, and our deep need to be known. The power of the resurrection is personal: Jesus calls each of us by name. Will we turn toward Him? Easter isn't just about a theological idea. It's about an encounter with the living Christ—who knows your name and invites you into new life.

On Easter Sunday, Eric shared the story of Mary Magdalene—who was the first to see the risen Jesus. But she didn't recognize Him until He said her name. In that moment, everything changed. Our names carry meaning. They represent our stories, our identities, and our deep need to be known. The power of the resurrection is personal: Jesus calls each of us by name. Will we turn toward Him? Easter isn't just about a theological idea. It's about an encounter with the living Christ—who knows your name and invites you into new life.

It is common to get stuck on a rollercoaster of being certain in our faith one day and then questioning everything we think we know about God when something hard happens. When we choose to turn away from God in the suffering, we suffer as one who has been abandoned, versus when we choose to turn towards God in the suffering, we suffer as one who has faith, as Jesus did while He was on the cross. Jesus turned towards His Father, crying out to Him in the midst of His pain, and we can do the same, leading us into greater intimacy with our Father. 

It is common to get stuck on a rollercoaster of being certain in our faith one day and then questioning everything we think we know about God when something hard happens. When we choose to turn away from God in the suffering, we suffer as one who has been abandoned, versus when we choose to turn towards God in the suffering, we suffer as one who has faith, as Jesus did while He was on the cross. Jesus turned towards His Father, crying out to Him in the midst of His pain, and we can do the same, leading us into greater intimacy with our Father. 

Some of history's biggest breakthroughs—like the telephone, cars, and computers—were rejected at first. Even Apple was turned down. Jesus was also rejected, but his earliest followers came to see him as the cornerstone of history, fulfilling Psalm 118: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” God has declared that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of everything. How we respond to him is the most important decision we'll ever make.

Some of history's biggest breakthroughs—like the telephone, cars, and computers—were rejected at first. Even Apple was turned down. Jesus was also rejected, but his earliest followers came to see him as the cornerstone of history, fulfilling Psalm 118: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” God has declared that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of everything. How we respond to him is the most important decision we'll ever make.

This week, we wrapped up The Gratitude Economy series by looking at how our attitude toward money can wreck our faith. Like teaching a new driver to slow down towards a red light, Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 6 to avoid the trap of chasing wealth....it's not about how much you have, but how much you desire more. Instead, we're called to give first, save wisely, and live contentedly. When we prioritize gratitude-based generosity over money, our faith stays secure and our lives become a testimony of God's perfect provision. Have you chosen to be a decided and generous giver? If not, you can start here today.

This week, we wrapped up The Gratitude Economy series by looking at how our attitude toward money can wreck our faith. Like teaching a new driver to slow down towards a red light, Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 6 to avoid the trap of chasing wealth....it's not about how much you have, but how much you desire more. Instead, we're called to give first, save wisely, and live contentedly. When we prioritize gratitude-based generosity over money, our faith stays secure and our lives become a testimony of God's perfect provision. Have you chosen to be a decided and generous giver? If not, you can start here today.

This past Sunday, Eric continued The Gratitude Economy series with a powerful challenge: Are we “decided” givers or “emotional” givers? Looking at Paul's teachings in 1 and 2 Corinthians, we saw that true generosity isn't about reacting to emotions—it's about making giving a consistent, intentional priority. Paul instructed believers to give first, by percentage, and progressively as they were able. When we become “decided givers,” we're freed from financial self-deception and step into a life of generosity that overflows in thanksgiving to God. Generosity isn't just about what we give—it's about who we are becoming. Have you taken the step to begin your journey of generosity? The place to start is gracebible.church/give

This past Sunday, Eric continued The Gratitude Economy series with a powerful challenge: Are we “decided” givers or “emotional” givers? Looking at Paul's teachings in 1 and 2 Corinthians, we saw that true generosity isn't about reacting to emotions—it's about making giving a consistent, intentional priority. Paul instructed believers to give first, by percentage, and progressively as they were able. When we become “decided givers,” we're freed from financial self-deception and step into a life of generosity that overflows in thanksgiving to God. Generosity isn't just about what we give—it's about who we are becoming. Have you taken the step to begin your journey of generosity? The place to start is gracebible.church/give

This Sunday, Eric continued our Gratitude Economy series, showing how true transformation happens when gratitude leads to generosity. Using a PVC pipe illustration, he explained that spiritual growth requires both loving God and loving others—and that real gratitude always overflows into generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8 we saw that the Macedonian churches gave beyond their ability, not out of obligation, but because gratitude fueled their generosity. If we want to grow in gratitude, we have to grow in generosity—and that takes a plan. What's one step you can take this week?

This Sunday, Eric continued our Gratitude Economy series, showing how true transformation happens when gratitude leads to generosity. Using a PVC pipe illustration, he explained that spiritual growth requires both loving God and loving others—and that real gratitude always overflows into generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8 we saw that the Macedonian churches gave beyond their ability, not out of obligation, but because gratitude fueled their generosity. If we want to grow in gratitude, we have to grow in generosity—and that takes a plan. What's one step you can take this week?

Yesterday, we looked at the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17. All ten were healed. All were grateful. But only one expressed it. Eric taught us that unexpressed gratitude becomes ingratitude. It's not enough to feel thankful—we have to show it. When we don't, it can lead to entitlement, pride, and blindness to God's goodness.This week, let's not just be thankful—let's express it. To God. To others. Take the ‘WOW' challenge and see how often you can say ‘WOW' to something that you used to take for granted.

This week, we kicked off our new series, The Gratitude Economy, by exploring how deception around money and life can distort our thinking. James 1 reminds us that temptation and discontent come from within us, not from God. We often deceive ourselves by blaming God or focusing on what we lack rather than recognizing the good gifts He has given us. But there's a cure—gratitude. When we practice thankfulness, we fight deception and shift our perspective. Want to grow in gratitude? Try The Gratitude Game! (and if you didn't get one, stop by Guest Services next week to grab yours!) Watch this week's message and take a step toward a more joyful, content life.

This week, we kicked off our new series, The Gratitude Economy, by exploring how deception around money and life can distort our thinking. James 1 reminds us that temptation and discontent come from within us, not from God. We often deceive ourselves by blaming God or focusing on what we lack rather than recognizing the good gifts He has given us. But there's a cure—gratitude. When we practice thankfulness, we fight deception and shift our perspective. Want to grow in gratitude? Try The Gratitude Game! (and if you didn't get one, stop by Guest Services next week to grab yours!) Watch this week's message and take a step toward a more joyful, content life.

For the past four weeks, we've explored going Underground—allowing Sabbath to shape our lives. The question is, will you allow Jesus' presence and will to have deep access to your life by practicing the Sabbath? Remember, the Sabbath is a gift, not a rule! It is a day FOR us, dedicated to God, where we stop, rest, delight, and worship. What would it look like for you to try a Sabbath day in the next two weeks? Also, Eric mentioned two resources that might be helpful: the book Sacred Rhythms and the website practicingtheway.org. Let's embrace this Sabbath gift from God—together!

For the past four weeks, we've explored going Underground—allowing Sabbath to shape our lives. The question is, will you allow Jesus' presence and will to have deep access to your life by practicing the Sabbath? Remember, the Sabbath is a gift, not a rule! It is a day FOR us, dedicated to God, where we stop, rest, delight, and worship. What would it look like for you to try a Sabbath day in the next two weeks? Also, Eric mentioned two resources that might be helpful: the book Sacred Rhythms and the website practicingtheway.org. Let's embrace this Sabbath gift from God—together!

This week, Eric continued our “Underground” series with a message about the Sabbath. In a culture that insists, “You can have it all,” Eric challenged us to embrace our God-given limits and instead declare, “Jesus, YOU can have it all.” The Sabbath, a gift of rest and surrender, invites us to stop striving and trust Jesus with our lives. This week, consider: I you were to take a Sabbath, what could you stop to experience deeper peace and freedom in Christ?

This week, Eric continued our “Underground” series with a message about the Sabbath. In a culture that insists, “You can have it all,” Eric challenged us to embrace our God-given limits and instead declare, “Jesus, YOU can have it all.” The Sabbath, a gift of rest and surrender, invites us to stop striving and trust Jesus with our lives. This week, consider: I you were to take a Sabbath, what could you stop to experience deeper peace and freedom in Christ?

Ryan's message this past Sunday focused on the Sabbath as a way to resist the cultural forces of productivity, greed, and busyness. He highlighted how passages from Exodus and Deuteronomy teach rest as both a reflection of God's rhythm and a resistance to injustice and exploitation. Ryan encouraged everyone to start practicing Sabbath-rest this week and to reflect on the external and internal resistance we face when trying to rest.

Ryan's message this past Sunday focused on the Sabbath as a way to resist the cultural forces of productivity, greed, and busyness. He highlighted how passages from Exodus and Deuteronomy teach rest as both a reflection of God's rhythm and a resistance to injustice and exploitation. Ryan encouraged everyone to start practicing Sabbath-rest this week and to reflect on the external and internal resistance we face when trying to rest.

Eric continued the Underground series with a message about the Sabbath, a gift often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. Drawing from the Old and New Testaments, Eric explored why the Sabbath is not a command we're obligated to follow but an invitation to Stop, Rest, Delight, and Worship. Whether you're a longtime follower of Jesus or exploring faith for the first time, discover how the Sabbath can transform your heart and bring you closer to God. 

Eric continued the Underground series with a message about the Sabbath, a gift often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. Drawing from the Old and New Testaments, Eric explored why the Sabbath is not a command we're obligated to follow but an invitation to Stop, Rest, Delight, and Worship. Whether you're a longtime follower of Jesus or exploring faith for the first time, discover how the Sabbath can transform your heart and bring you closer to God. 

This Christmas Eve, Eric asked us, “What's Christmas all about?” On one level, it's about Jesus' birth. But it goes deeper—it's about God's presence with us and the gift of eternal life. Like a child missing Christmas by not turning around to see the gifts, we can miss God's presence in our lives. This season, pause and reflect: Are you spending time with Jesus to experience him with you? Christmas isn't just a day; it's an invitation to walk with Jesus, experience His love, and receive the gift of life that lasts forever.

This Christmas Eve, Eric asked us, “What's Christmas all about?” On one level, it's about Jesus' birth. But it goes deeper—it's about God's presence with us and the gift of eternal life. Like a child missing Christmas by not turning around to see the gifts, we can miss God's presence in our lives. This season, pause and reflect: Are you spending time with Jesus to experience him with you? Christmas isn't just a day; it's an invitation to walk with Jesus, experience His love, and receive the gift of life that lasts forever.