Grace Community Church Bartlesville

The central event in human history is the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Even in our increasingly secularized culture, we split time into two categories: before Christ (BC) and the Christian era (AD). Likewise, the central event in our lives, personally, is the moment we came to understand the astonishing love of Jesus who suffered for us on the cross. As believers, it’s our privilege to continuously contemplate the mysteries of this historic and transforming act. This morning, as we prepare for Easter 2020, we want to see the power of contemplating the cross and how we can enter into this life-giving discipline.

Did you know there were likely two “Jesuses” standing before Pontius Pilate? Today marks the second week in our Cross Connections series. In it, we will be examining various characters at the end of Christ’s life. This week, we look to a man named “Jesus, son of Abba” (Matt 27:16)— or as you may know him, “Barabbas.”Matthew intentionally highlights a confusing similarity between Christ and Barabbas in order to pose a question that matters to us: “Which ‘Jesus’ do you want (The Christ of Scripture, or the one who merely fits your preferences)?

This morning we begin a new series in preparation for Easter called Cross Connections. In it, we will examine the characters who appear in Jesus’ passion story, both his enemies and friends. All these characters appear in the story for a reason, and we’ll attempt to see ourselves in these people. How did they respond to Jesus? Who responded in faith? Who responded in unbelief, and what can we learn? The central theme in this series is that the cross lies at the center of who we are as followers of Jesus. Therefore, each moment, we face a choice: 1) receive Jesus’ work on the cross and grow or 2) resist and shrink back. We begin by looking at the story of three enemies.

This is the last week in our series called Transforming the Next Generation. Today marks the day we have the privilege of committing to the vision God has given to our church. To help us consider this commitment, I take us to Matthew 14, to the story of Peter walking on water in a storm. I believe the kind of faith we need for a decision like this is the kind of faith Peter mustered when he approached Jesus on the roiling waves.

As we begin to grasp the principles of regular proportional grace giving, the act of giving increasingly becomes an act of joyful worship.

In our series called Transforming the Next Generation, we are looking at the next season of our ministry. Over the next several years, we seek to excel in transforming the lives of children and youth in our church. Hence, we are setting forth reasons for why we seek to create new space on our property to facilitate this. As we think about our finances, it’s important to remember who owns the things that we possess. Do we own them? Or does God own them? This morning, we want to explore this topic. To do this we’re going to look at two Psalms of David and a Parable of Jesus to look at reasons God is the rightful owner of all things and what we should do about it.

This is week two in our series Transforming the Next Generation. Our desire in this series is to explore how GCC might be an agent in transforming the next generation of children and youth in our city. Last week we looked at the reality that God loves to pour out his Spirit on young people, empowering them for influence. He did this with Daniel and his friends. This week we look at the context where transformation takes place: physical spaces...all types of physical spaces...even buildings! God loves to manifest his presence in places that are set aside for his use.

This week we begin our new series called Transforming the Next Generation. At Grace, our overall ministry mission boils down to one word: transformation (2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2). We love seeing people encounter breakthroughs. We love seeing Him change lives. In the next season of our ministry we especially want to excel in seeing God change the lives of our children and youth. Consequently, in this series, we are laying out the reasons why we seek to create new space on our property and the ministry we hope to take place there. In Daniel 1-2 we get a picture for how families might fuel a God-centered transformation in the next generation.

As Jesus is on his way toward Jerusalem, he passes through Jericho, and one of the least likely people in the entire nation comes to Christ: Zacchaeus. People are shocked that this chief tax collector would be interested in spiritual things, much less place his faith in Christ. Seeing this as a good teaching moment, Jesus tells a story about the importance of seeking those who desperately need Him. As we move into this New Year, let’s commit to this same value at GCC: seeking to share the good news with a world that desperately needs life from the risen Christ.

There are certain dangers in preaching New Year’s sermons. For one, we often come out of the holiday season feeling tired, sick, and conscious of our credit card bills. Hence there is the risk that the invariable call to “resolutions”—will seem like yet another burden piled on to weary people with no help to lift the load (Matt 23:4–5). It’s time for a change.What if we shifted the focus this year from mere “resolutions” (on dieting, exercise, time management) to what Scripture calls the fruit of the Spirit?

The is the end of our five-week series called Naturally Supernatural. So far, I’ve argued that Jesus’ fullness extends to the entire universe generally and also to each of us individually. If we are encountering Jesus’ fullness, we can also grow the awareness of that fullness and walk in it. Today, we look at the outcome. As we walk in the awareness of his fullness, he uses us as a conduit of his kingdom power. We see that in the story of a humble woman who was healed in a synagogue.

The premise of this series that that encountering God’s presence and power can and should become the normal atmosphere of our Christian life. To walk in His presence and power is to encounter His kingdom rule. The more we sense that He’s with us, the more we notice His presence. But encountering His kingdom reign also means opening ourselves to His unconditional love. In the Jesus’ genealogy, Matthew connects God’s love to His kingdom power. Jesus’ genealogy is an invitation to dwell in the radical love of God. We see his love in 5 pictures.

Can you recall the first time you prayed fervently for something? A key theme of Advent is the need to pray and wait in hope, even if God’s supernatural answer seems slow in coming. Unfortunately, this posture of persistent trust can run contrary to our need for “proof”— and especially if we fear that hope may leave us crushed with disappointment. How can we develop a posture of supernatural trust in the midst of uncertainty? We will explore those themes today through the story of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the miraculous conception of John the Baptist.

Last week we began a short three-week series called Naturally Supernatural. I argued that Jesus’ fullness extends to the entire universe broadly, but it also extends to each of us individually. We are invited to encounter and walk in his fullness! This week we move from fullness to awareness. If we are encountering Jesus’ fullness on a regular basis, then we can grow in a greater awareness of that fullness. Sometimes this means we sense his love; other times awareness brings opportunities for ministry and more accurate prayer. I want to look first at the Old Testament picture of awareness.

This week we begin a five-week series called Naturally Supernatural. The core concept in this series is that walking in Jesus’ presence can and should be a normal way of life. We begin this morning with the big picture. Our encounter with Jesus’ presence starts with our understanding of his fullness. Because of his resurrection, Jesus’ fullness extends to the entire universe broadly, but it also extends to us individually and personally. We call this fullness his kingdom realm. Part of spiritual growth is embracing that fullness by faith and walking in it.

Peter has systematically written to believers in Asia Minor who were in the early stages of persecution. He writes to encourage them in their identity: They are resident aliens, under God’s eternal care, with potential for power. He then applies that identity into five areas of life. As he closes his letter, he provides four snapshots of what Christian spiritual maturity looks like. This final section of 1 Peter gives us a basic profile of a growing follower of Christ.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brothers to dwell together in unity!It is like the precious oil upon the head,Coming down upon the beard,Even Aaron’s beard,Coming down upon the edge of his robes.It is like the dew of HermonComing down upon the mountains of Zion;For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.

As Peter brings his book to completion, he addresses the leaders of the various churches in Asia Minor with a stirring plea: “Leaders, you must manifest strong spiritual leadership!” This is especially important because believers have a new identity: they are resident exiles on this earth. Therefore, this leadership must be a supernatural leadership. The surprising word picture he uses is the term shepherd. This was not a trendy or popular term in Peter’s day, but ironically this form of leadership is trending today. This morning, I want to give you a basic introduction to spiritual leadership.

Peter was present with Jesus when he taught about his second coming on the Mt. of Olives. It undoubtedly made a huge impression on him, because he alludes to this in both letters. In this section of his first epistle, Peter teaches the reality of the return of Jesus and the practical difference it should make in our participation in the body of Christ. Peter gives us three practical things that we should do in light of his return.

In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle sets forth our transformed identity. We are resident aliens under God’s eternal care, with the potential for multiplied power (1:1-2). In this section of his book (3:13-4:6), Peter applies our new identity to the problem of suffering. The intense persecutions of Nero haven’t climaxed yet, but serious opposition is heating up, and his readers feel the growing tension. In the first six verses of this chapter, Peter urges us to respond to suffering with courage. These verses certainly apply to persecution for our faith, but they are written more generally to invite courage in any form of suffering. How can we suffer with courage?

Peter begins his book by stating our identity in Christ (1:1-2). In his mind, we are resident aliens under God’s eternal care with potential for power. Peter then applies that identity to five areas of life: relationship with God, relationship with believers and relationship with the world. And then, in this passage, he begins to apply our identity to various forms suffering, ranging from common affliction to persecution. In 1 Peter 3:13-22 he provides us with a simple roadmap for handling opposition. Here are four signs along the way:

A grateful people are a giving people. Today, we explore how a posture of gratitude produces cheerful generosity in us. In 2 Corinthians, Paul invites his audience to think of their financial giving like a farmer sowing seed that will produce a great harvest for God’s kingdom. With that metaphor in mind, we will explore how we can sow more generously (and more cheerfully!) with the resources God has given us.

God has wired the human heart to show gratitude both as a way to encounter God and a way lessen the pain of life in a fallen world. However, the impulse to gratitude does not come naturally. It is a spiritual discipline that God asks us to weave into every moment of our lives (1 Thess. 5:17). We can do this when life is good (1 Thess. 1:2-3), when life is bad (James 1:2), and when life is confusing (2 Cor. 2:12-14). But does gratitude apply when we face the absolute worst that life can throw our way? And why would we even want to express gratitude? What would be the point? Two Old Testament prophets who went through life’s worst testify that gratitude was a key to their survival.

So far in our series on gratitude, we’ve seen that humans are wired by God for gratitude (wk. 1). Moreover, gratitude can become our worldview (wk. 2). But we must address the common enemies of gratitude (wk. 3). But, what about the frustrating and irritating common trials of life? None of us is immune from these, and when they come, it’s easy to build default responses that hinder gratitude. James gives us an immensely practical pattern for responding to trials in such a way that we will actually grow through them.

When life isn’t going our way, it’s easy to give into the enemies of gratitude, and there are many! But, Paul models for us that we have a choice: either we can give into those obstacles or we can choose courageous gratitude. In one of the most chaotic periods of Paul’s life, he chooses a gutsy thanksgiving. This morning, we want to explore his story and see how he confronts these enemies.

The Christian faith is unique among all the world religions; it is a faith in which gratitude is central to the story. The first Adam models gratitude (Gen. 3;20). The last Adam models gratitude (Matt. 26:27). Gratitude was highly valued in the Law (Lev. 712; Deut. 28:47-48) and then expressed abundantly in the Psalms (Ps. 111:1). In other words, the biblical pattern is that we should be grateful in all that we do (1 Thess. 5:17). As we continue in our series, I want to show you how gratitude can become the lens through which you see the world.

This morning, we begin our fall spiritual growth series. This year we focus on the prayer-discipline of giving thanks. We intend that this to be more than just a sermon series. Over the next six weeks, we hope you will express your gratitude on Instagram with #gratitudeatgrace, so that we get a visual idea of how God is blessing you and our church. This morning we start with the foundational idea. Adam’s statement to his wife in Genesis 3:20 suggests that we humans are wired by God to express gratitude. And if that’s the case, then we can and should make this a foundational discipline of our faith in Christ.

This periscope of Scripture was a crucial event for Jesus. It is the climax of five conflicts with the Religionists (Teachers of the Law and Pharisees). Our text teaches Jesus’ impact upon authorities and politicians. Ministry happens when the focus is on Jesus Christ!

Peter’s central idea is that followers of Jesus are resident aliens under God’s eternal care. Peter then applies that identity to six common areas of life. In 1 Peter 2:11—3:12, he applies our identity to our relationship with the world, specifically to non-Christian: a) government authorities, b) employers and 3) partners in a mixed marriage. In this passage, Peter tells Christian marriage partners how they might influence their non-Christian spouses to know and grow in Christ. Because this passage is so misunderstood, we need to begin with background.

Church tradition has not been for preachers to have “walkout music” after the fashion of baseball batters, politicians, or TV talk show guests. But if such a practice were instituted, the theme song for today’s message would be from “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. RESPECT is the posture that Peter says should characterize the church’s response to earthly authorities. But what does this respect look like in practice? And (more importantly) how does it differ from a full endorsement of sinful or abusive behaviors?Today, we’ll do the difficult work of parsing out what a respectful posture looks like toward rulers and authorities. And we’ll see why it matters for the mission of the church.

Peter’s central idea in his 1st letter is that we are resident aliens under God’s eternal care with potential for power. Peter then applies our identity to six specific areas. In the previous passage, Peter applied our identity to how we live and act with other believers (1:22—2:10). Now, beginning with this passage, Peter begins a new section: applying our identity to the world (2:11— 3:7). In the first two verses (2:11-12), he addresses the question, “How can we live our lives in the world in such a way that people are attracted to Jesus Christ?” In this short passage, Peter gives us two commands and then predicts an expected result.

In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle has one central idea: believers have a new identity! We are resident aliens under God’s eternal care. This identity is eminently practical; it can and should be applied to every area of life. In the course of his book, Peter applies our identity to six specific areas. In the verses we explore today, he applies our identity to our role in the body of Christ. Because Peter progressively unfolds the purpose of the church in these 14 verses, the climax is in vss. 9-10. Therefore, we will start at the end, with the purpose, and then we’ll go back to the beginning.

What is holiness? Parents often tell their children to “be good,” but a command to “be holy” can seem sanctimonious or even unattainable. Who among us feels holy? Regardless of feelings, the Bible teaches that holiness is the character of God. And for that reason, it is the calling of God’s people. This week we explore what holiness looks like for regular folks, despite all our imperfections. In the end, holiness is a transformed identity that leads to a transformed life in the here and now.

How you describe your identity is very strongly correlated to your sense of resilience and your ability to weather the ups and downs of life. People who think of their identity in negative terms, tend to feel defeated when hard times come their way. Conversely, people who describe their identity in positive terms, respond with courage and hope when hardship comes. In the first section of his book, Peter describes the transformed identity we received when we came to Christ. By fully embracing this, we can be resilient in any hardship.

This week we start a new series in the epistle of 1 Peter. Jesus appointed Peter to be the leader of disciples during his ministry, and Peter continued to lead the apostles until he begins travelling far and wide to start churches in Asia Minor. This morning I want to introduce you to Peter’s life, give you an overview of his book, and draw some lessons at the end.

Imagine a single passage that touched upon the most painful and personal “hot-button” issues in existence: marriage and divorce, separation of parents and children, racial and religious tensions. These sort of passages (especially in the Old Testament) have led some people to believe that the God of the Bible is a bigoted and backward deity. While some religious persons have been led by wrong interpretations to take stances that are themselves bigoted and backward. Christian must face these challenges head-on. So today we turn to Ezra 9–10 to ask what we might learn regarding marriage, race, and the God of reconciliation.

Many of us live our lives with a firm division between the sacred and the secular, the spiritual and the mundane, the heavenly and the earthly. Our passage today will challenge that division. Because while it may sound boring on the surface (It reads with all the poetic beauty of an Excel spreadsheet!), it contains a weighty truth for the way we compartmentalize our lives. God doesn’t just need preachers and musicians; God needs bean-counters, administrators, and faithful delegators to lead people out of exile.

From the very beginning, the Bible makes it clear that God loves to be relationally connected to his people. We see examples of this in the OT with believers like Adam, Enoch, Moses and David. In the NT, we see God’s desire for relational connectedness in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus gathered disciples so they could be “with him.” After his resurrection, he promised to be “with us” to the end of the age. Even then, God’s desire is to be “with us” forever (Rev. 21). If this is God’s passion, how does a leader become the kind of person who disciples people into the presence of God? Ezra is an example of this kind of leader. We start with...

When the exiles returned from Babylon after 70 years, they were initially excited about all God was doing in their lives (Psalm 126). But then reality set in: They encountered many painful obstacles. The worst was the legal wrangling. So, they stalled-out into a comfortable lukewarmness. This is never a good place, and God raised up prophets to stir them back into a passionate walk with him. In this story, we see what we need to get from lukewarm to hot...from apathy to action.

If you have come back to faith after a season in the wilderness, people around you will take note. Some will be happy for you. Others will push back on your newfound commitment to Christ. They may lure you into compromise, or actively seek to dissuade you from your commitment, or shun you altogether. When opposition comes, we need to be ready with a plan. Let’s begin by looking at the kinds of opposition that might come.

Many people go through seasons where they fall away from the Lord. When they decide to come back to Christ, things are hard at first. In our culture, we’ve seen the rise of the “nones,” people who have no church. They have spirituality, maybe even a relationship with Jesus, and perhaps they attended a church at one point, but not now. When they come back to faith, things often seem awkward first and fraught with conflicting feelings. How does a person get right with the Lord after being in the wilderness for a short season or many years? The returning exiles demonstrate some basic steps to renewal.