Grace Church International

What is your favourite part of Christmas? Many people enjoy the lights, songs, treats or presents. But none of these are the true meaning of Christmas. When we look back to the first Christmas in Luke 2, we find the shepherds and Mary give us an excellent example to follow in order to understand and keep the most important part of Christmas. The post Luke 2:15-21: Child, Go to Jesus first appeared on Grace Church International.

The Lord delights to use natural or normal means in order to bring about His glorious and eternal ends. What does not appear to be much on the surface, like a husband and wife travelling to Bethlehem for a census, is actually the eternal plan of God for the salvation of humanity. In this passage, we see God bringing about His eternal plans through the most unlikely characters and we also learn a lesson from the message of the angels. The post Luke 2:1-14: Bad Beginnings and Glorious Ends first appeared on Grace Church International.

What would you do if an angel appeared to you, gave you a message, and then you saw two distinct miracles accomplished before your eyes? Zechariah experiences this and his response was to break out in a poem or song of praise to God. Let us see what we can learn from this song of praise. The post Luke 1:67-80: God Visits His People first appeared on Grace Church International.

For the Christian, knowing that Jesus is returning, how do we prepare for His coming? In the final verses of Matthew's Gospel, we see the answer. What does Jesus command as the Christian's plan of attack? To go and make disciples. Consider with us what this means and how Jesus says to accomplish it. The post Matthew 28:16-20: Getting Ready – The Plan of Attack first appeared on Grace Church International.

The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the central point of Christianity. But many are unaware of just how central this belief is for Christians or the many reasons why Christians believe something that is so extraordinary. Matthew helps show us the “why” and the “how” of the resurrection. The post Matthew 28:1-15: This Changes Everything first appeared on Grace Church International.

In His death, Jesus took our sin and the curse of sin on Himself. As He did so, He fully payed the price so that we could have direct access to and a relationship with God the Father through Jesus. Matthew helps us to understand how this happened by detailing the last moment's of Christ's life on the Cross. The post Matthew 27:44-66: How the Brutal Death of Jesus is Good News first appeared on Grace Church International.

Many people who are familiar with Jesus and His death on the cross are unaware that His death is linked to the oldest prophecy ever recorded in human history. But His death is not just linked with the oldest prophecy but with many other prophecies as well. Matthew points five of them out for us in this passage and gives us the meaning as well. The post Matthew 27:27-44: The Oldest Prophecy Fulfilled first appeared on Grace Church International.

What is the difference between being innocent and being guilty? In this passage, we see the difference on full display. Additionally, we also see Jesus contrasted with several other individuals. What is the point of all of this? It shows us, with great clarity, why Jesus came and the meaning of His death on the cross. The post Matthew 27:15-26: The Innocent and the Guilty first appeared on Grace Church International.

We are changed by Christ, however it's hard to live the Christian life in our hostile world. How do we live out our changed life in holiness, and in our response to the world? The post 1 Peter 4:1-5: Living as Changed People in a Hostile World first appeared on Grace Church International.

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, and even though they were living lives reflective of the call God had placed on their lives, Paul urges them to do even better. In Paul's first exhortation, he urges his readers to live lives free from sexual immorality. But he doesn't stop there, he gives practical ways how to do this and key reasons they should be motivated to live this way. We live in a world that endorses and encourages sexual […] The post 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8: Man's Way vs God's Way first appeared on Grace Church International.

Christians are called to abandon their old sinful way of life and to live a life that is distinctly holy. While this may seem like a daunting task, Paul reminds the Ephesian church that not only is it possible, but also necessary. Why? Because when a person becomes a Christian, God Himself gives them a new nature, one that desires and is able to please God. The post Ephesians 4:17-32: Old & New first appeared on Grace Church International.

Christians are called to love people in a way that's different to the rest of the world. The apostle Paul says that our motivation to do so comes from an understanding of the present time. This passage unpacks for us what this time is and what difference it makes to how we live. The post Romans 13:8-14: Night & Day first appeared on Grace Church International.

Death is an uncomfortable subject, and most of the time we do our best to avoid even mentioning the word. But the reality is that we will all die one day, mostly likely at a time unknown to us. What can we do to prepare for the inevitable? The Bible tells us that there is a way to die well. The post Ecclesiastes 9:2-12: How to Die Well first appeared on Grace Church International.

What is the difference between true worship and mere external religion? We find the answer in the contrast between the high priest and Jesus in Matthew 26. In the answer, we find great help for how to live and respond to life's challenges today. The post Matthew 26:57-75: Religion Vs. True Worship – Jesus on Trial and Peter's Denial first appeared on Grace Church International.

The Bible tells us that even the worst actions of humanity ultimately play right into God's hands. When Jesus was betrayed, falsely arrested, snubbed, persecuted and ultimately killed, all of these actions were exactly according to God's plan. All that happened was for the purpose of fulfilling the Scriptures. The post Matthew 26:47-56: The Betrayal of Jesus – Playing into God's Hands first appeared on Grace Church International.

How can a person be willing to go through great discomfort, pain and trials with peace? Jesus shows how to do just that as He faced the greatest trial anyone has ever faced. From His actions, we can learn much of God, ourselves and how to respond in even the most challenging situations. The post Matthew 26:30-46: History, Predictions, and a Battle for the Ages first appeared on Grace Church International.

With the substitutionary death of Jesus, the Lord's supper becomes the Christian version of the Jewish Passover. In what Jesus did, He was fulfilling 1400 years of expectations, promises and prophecies. He was also giving the new church community, his followers, a means by which they could remember and respond to the sacrifice He would make for their sins. The post Matthew 26:17-30: The Last Passover and the First Lord's Supper first appeared on Grace Church International.

In this passage we see two contrasting understandings of who Jesus is and these result in two very different actions toward him. These understandings are representative of how all people view Jesus, in one of these two ways. Which view do you hold? The post Matthew 26:1-16: Plotting and Anointing first appeared on Grace Church International.

What is the last thing Jesus emphasizes in His final sermon before going to the cross to die? He said that when He comes again, he will separate and judge all the people's of the earth into two categories: the righteous and the wicked. But the Bible tells us that we all begin in the category of the wicked, so how can be move to become righteous? The post Matthew 25:31-46: The Ultimate Divide first appeared on Grace Church International.

Any financial investor can tell you that there is no such thing as a sure investment. Something can always go wrong. But what if there were a sure-fire investment that could not fail. In that case, a person would be a fool not to take advantage of the opportunity. In Matthew 24-25, Jesus tells us of a certain investment that is guaranteed by the all-knowing and all-powerful God – it cannot fail. The post Matthew 24:45 – 25:30: Kingdom Capitalism first appeared on Grace Church International.

Jesus, when speaking about His future return to earth, tells us that there is nothing left that must happen before He returns. Therefore, His followers should be ready at all times because they realize He could return at any time. How can you get ready? Jesus provides the answer. The post Matthew 24:32-44: Figs and Faithfulness first appeared on Grace Church International.

When asked by His disciples about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the World, Jesus answers. He gives both some general and some specific statements. But He also tells His disciples the purpose for this information.  This passage gives many important teachings and reminders to all who will take the time to consider it. The post Matthew 24:15–31: When Jesus Returns first appeared on Grace Church International.

Many people want to know what the future holds. The disciples were no different and they asked Jesus what was coming in the near and distant future. Jesus answered, but perhaps not in the way they expected. In the process, Jesus makes several prophecies or predictions and gives much hope for those who will listen. The post Matthew 24:1-14: What Does the Future Hold? first appeared on Grace Church International.

God cares both what we do and the source from which our actions spring. In this passage, Jesus gives further oracles of condemnation for the religious leaders who looked good on the outside but did not love God on the inside. But this was not just a problem for the religious leaders back then, we do not follow God inside and outside like we should either. But Jesus gives us hope and a remedy. The post Matthew 23:22-39: Woe to the Pharisees (Part 2) first appeared on Grace Church International.

Before leaving his disciples, Jesus gave them (us) a task to complete before he returns. That is to invest and put to work all he has given us in order to make a spiritual profit for the kingdom of God. Ultimately, we won't be assessed on the returns we made on the investment or on our accomplishments, instead we will be assessed on our trustworthiness and faithfulness. The post Luke 19:11-26: Parable of the Minas first appeared on Grace Church International.

The testimony of a young servant girl led Naaman to submerge his pride, seek healing from God, and eventually put his faith in the God of Israel. Today, many gospel workers seek to bring people to Christ through similar testimonies and by working in healthcare and compassion ministries. The post 2 Kings 5:1-15: The Lord Who Heals first appeared on Grace Church International.

In what is perhaps the strongest language Jesus ever used in His earthly ministry, He denounces the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. But in doing so, He also clearly explains the difference between Godly and ungodly leadership. The post Matthew 23:1-22: Woe to the Pharisees (Part 1) first appeared on Grace Church International.

The Jewish people were given 613 laws from God. The religious leaders seek to trick Jesus by asking him which of those laws was the greatest. But Jesus' response is not what they expected and they are unable to argue with his response. He then turns the tables on them with his own question which is about the Messiah. What is the greatest commandment and who is the Messiah? Hear how Jesus answers these two vitally important questions for us. The post Matthew 22:34-46: The Greatest Commandment and the Question of the Messiah first appeared on Grace Church International.

The Jewish people were given 613 laws from God. The religious leaders seek to trick Jesus by asking him which of those laws was the greatest. But Jesus' response is not what they expected and they are unable to argue with his response. He then turns the tables on them with his own question which is about the Messiah. What is the greatest commandment and who is the Messiah? Hear how Jesus answers these two vitally important questions for us. […] The post Matthew 22:34-46: The Greatest Commandment and the Question of the Messiah first appeared on Grace Church International.

How does Jesus respond to an absurd question that has an important point? He does so by pointing out the flaw in the question, pointing back to God's Word, and pointing ahead to show how God's Word helps us now. In such an instructive encounter with the religious leaders of His day, Jesus has much to teach us in this section on life, death, afterlife and God's Word. The post Matthew 22:23-33: The Resurrection of the Dead first appeared on Grace Church International.

What happens when the religious leaders flatter Jesus and ask him a trick question? The answer: with one question and one statement of his own, Jesus shows the entire debate, as well as the religious leaders, to be ridiculous. In so doing, Jesus also clearly shows that God's Kingdom takes priority over earthly kingdoms. Although short, such a passage has much to teach us today. The post Matthew 22:15-22: Paying Taxes to Caesar first appeared on Grace Church International.

The religious leaders continue to harass Jesus during the last week of his life before going to the cross. How does he respond? He tells them three parables to confront and expose the religious leaders. This third parable concerns a wedding banquet and those who are invited. Yet all is not as it appears as the parable makes clear. It quickly becomes apparent what God demands of the world He made. The post Matthew 22:1-14: The Wedding Feast first appeared on Grace Church International.

What is our unity centred around? And what is our goal as a unified people? In the book of Ephesians, we see that Christ unites us as one new multiethnic family; and gives us gifts to build up the body so we can maintain and attain unity in the faith. In this sermon we explore what this looks like in Paul's day and in our day as Christians in 2022. The post Ephesians 4:1-16: Maintaining and Attaining Unity first appeared on Grace Church International.

Christianity claims to be based on a historical fact – the bodily resurrection of Jesus. But how does His resurrection practically help Christians today? The Apostle Paul answers that question for us. He explains what it means to be “risen with Christ” and the results of such an experience. In his explanation, we see why the resurrection is so vital and necessary and how it can help us today. The post Ephesians 2:1, 4-7: Hope for You (Part 2) first appeared on Grace Church International.

What often happens after several successes in our lives? The Jewish people experienced God's unique protection, His provision to help them rebuild Jerusalem and His guidance as they re-established proper worship. Yet they quickly forgot to follow their commitments. We often struggle to keep our promises to God and to follow His ways. Because of this, God brings individuals, like Nehemiah for the Jewish people, to call us to “Come Back to God!” The post Nehemiah 12:27 – 13:31: Come Back to God! first appeared on Grace Church International.

How does someone dying almost two thousand years ago help me today? Many people wonder about just this question when it comes to Jesus death. On Good Friday, we consider what the death of Jesus actually accomplishes by consider the words of Paul. He tells us God's diagnosis of humanity, the consequences of that diagnosis and then the remedy that Jesus provide and how it works. The post Ephesians 2:1-4 & 11-19: Hope for You (Part 1) first appeared on Grace Church International.

How can a person follow God? What does it mean to start again and try to follow God's commands? This is what the Jewish people experienced after returning to their land. Yet, despite their best efforts and many good intentions, what they tried was ultimately not enough. As this part of their history is considered, it will become clear where they did well and where they fell short. The post Nehemiah 10 – 12:26: Following God Today first appeared on Grace Church International.

How can a person be made right with God? This is a vitally important question because the Bible teaches that all humans are naturally disconnected from God because of our sins and behaviour. But what can be done about such a situation? The Jewish people, in the book of Nehemiah, help us to see the answer to that question. In the process, they will experience  both sorrow and joy, but the experience will allow them to be made right with […] The post Nehemiah 9: Remembering and Confessing Sin first appeared on Grace Church International.

The Bible is arguably the greatest treasure of God's people, and yet we often take it for granted. The Israelites had been deprived of the word of God for a long time and they were hungry to hear from it. Their attitude and response has much to teach us about how we are to view the Scriptures. The post Nehemiah 8: The Re-birth of a Nation first appeared on Grace Church International.

What options does a follower of God have when faced with challenging circumstances? Nehemiah faced many such circumstances. These included attacks on his life, a kidnapping attempt, manipulation, character assassination and false accusations. Yet, he was able to remain strong through it all because of his God. By considering his example, we can learn how to do the same. The post Nehemiah 5:14-7:73: The Necessity of Persistence in Following God first appeared on Grace Church International.

How does a group of people push forward with God's work when they are exhausted, discouraged and under threat of violence? Nehemiah had just such a challenge to face as he sought to lead the people in continuing to build the wall around Jerusalem. Through observing how he led, we can learn many lessons about how to respond to the obstacles each of us faces individually as well as the opposition so many churches face today. The post Nehemiah 4:1-18: Sins Within and Attacks Without first appeared on Grace Church International.

How does a person persevere under difficult circumstances? How can they face opposition while trying to undertake an enormous project? Nehemiah gives us insight into just such a situation as he seeks to lead the Jewish people in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem despite opposition from within and without. Through this situation, we see teamwork, a common vision, determination and over it all, God's clear direction and power displayed – sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. The post Nehemiah 2:9 – 3:32: Moving Forward Despite Opposition first appeared on Grace Church International.

What do you do when deeply discouraged or disheartened? Where do you turn? The Christian is able to turn to God through prayer, but it does not end there. Nehemiah gives an excellent example of someone who was presented with a challenging and disheartening situation and then responded like any child of God should. His example with encourage and inspire. The post Nehemiah 1-2: Old Habits and New Beginnings first appeared on Grace Church International.

It is part of human nature to trust and boast in our own ability to do good. But our perception of our own good is because we tend to compare ourselves to the wrong thing. Paul reminds the Philippian church that a person's goodness and any earthly gain they've achieved are like rubbish compared to the infinite worth of knowing Jesus. The post Philippians 3:7-9: Pursuing the Infinite Worth of Christ first appeared on Grace Church International.

One of Jesus' most famous parables concerns different types of dirt. These various kinds of soil and how they receive the farmer's seed have much to teach us about what Jesus has come to do and how people in all ages should respond to Jesus. In which of these soils do you see yourself? The post Mark 4:1-20: The Parable of the Soils first appeared on Grace Church International.

What does Jesus have to do with the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles? We'll take a look at these holidays with Mark Landrum from ‘International Mission to Jewish People'  who will take us through their Biblical perspective and how they make a perfect picture of the Gospel: repentance, atonement and rejoicing in God's provision. The post Leviticus 23:23-33: The Gospel in the Autumn Feasts of Israel first appeared on Grace Church International.

The last two years have been difficult for all of us. There is a lot to be anxious about. Psalm 46 brings us words of hope and encourages us to refocus on God who is our refuge and strength. The post Psalm 46: Be Still and Know first appeared on Grace Church International.

The five solas of the Reformation include Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone and Glory to God Alone. These five solas are the good summary of the principles of the Protestant Reformed faith given to us in the Bible. In this passage, Paul emphasises Faith alone and explains the cause and means of a persons salvation and how they receive that salvation from God. The post Romans 3:21-28: Justification by Faith Alone – Sola Fide first appeared on Grace Church International.

Jesus uses an Old Testament picture in order to tell a story to the religious leaders. In so doing, He acts like an Old Testament prophet who gets the religious leaders to pronounce their own judgement or verdict against themselves for their sin of refusing God and His messengers. This is a strong and public confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders that teaches us much about God and how He chooses to work in human history. The post Matthew 21:33-46: The Parable of the Tenant Farmers first appeared on Grace Church International.

What does the incarnation, Jesus being born into the world, tell us about God? When Mary thought of it, she broke out into song and in her song, she reminds us of one of God's characteristics – His Faithfulness. But how is the faithfulness of God seen at Christmastime? Mary will help explain.

When Mary hears that she will give birth to Jesus, she breaks out in song and praise at the thought. One element of her song is the idea that God's unique wisdom is shown in what He is doing and how He is doing it. But what about Christmas shows the wisdom of God? The answer goes far beyond the first Christmas to all that came before and all that has come after.