Grace Community Church: Painted Post, Corning

God's sovereignty extends to all authorities, including political leaders, as they are established by Him. Christians are called to submit to these authorities, recognizing them as God's servants, even in imperfect or oppressive regimes. This submission is not a passive acceptance but a call to live out one's faith, countering evil with good and going above and beyond what is required. Christians should obey authorities unless it conflicts with their conscience and God's commands. While rebellion is not God's way, Christians can respectfully resist evil and advocate for justice through peaceful means like voting, protesting, and running for office. Ultimately, Christians should strive to be good citizens and witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Peter confronts the crowd about their guilt in crucifying Jesus, emphasizing that God raised him from the dead. He highlights that time, good works, and minimizing guilt cannot remove it. Repentance and baptism in Jesus' name are the path to forgiveness and the Holy Spirit, cleansing us of all sin.

Genuine love, as taught in Romans 12, is authentic, generous, empathetic, humble, and persistent in doing good—even in the face of conflict—leading to healthy, God-honoring relationships.

A call to wholehearted, fervent service to the Lord that flows from genuine love, strengthened by enduring hope, patient perseverance, and constant prayer—even in the face of trials.

In view of God's mercy, genuine love—rooted in the Spirit and expressed through moral clarity, affection, honor, and action—rejects evil, clings to good, and seeks the best for others by standing firm for righteousness and embodying Christlike compassion.

Living with a view of God's mercy means daily orienting our lives toward the transforming power of Christ's love, offering ourselves fully to Him in worship—not out of fear or legalism, but in grateful response to His unshakable grace.

“Life That Can't Be Killed” proclaims the victorious hope of the resurrection found in 1 Corinthians 15, celebrating Jesus' defeat of death and the promise of imperishable, glorified bodies for all who trust in Him.

This message explores the profound intersection where God's redemptive plan to save humanity through Jesus' death met and triumphed over the darkest and most evil intentions of man, showing that even the devil's schemes can be used to fulfill God's sovereign and loving purposes.

“In Search of a Meaningful Life” explores Solomon's honest and often painful quest in Ecclesiastes to find lasting meaning in a world that feels like vapor—ultimately discovering that true purpose isn't found “under the sun,” but in remembering and revering God, who gives eternal significance to our fleeting lives.

God redeems and restores broken lives, transforming "burnt stones" into living stones for His kingdom, just as He used Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem's walls despite opposition and past devastation.

God walks with us through life's fiery trials, refining our faith and removing the "smell of smoke"—bitterness, fear, and pain—so that we may emerge not only blessed but also as a blessing to others, spreading the aroma of Christ in a world filled with hurt.

n the message "From Burnt to Blessed Part One," Pastor Allen Snapp reflects on how David, after his city of Ziklag was burned and his family captured, found strength and encouragement in God, offering a model for overcoming life's trials, whether big or small, through faith and trust in God's guidance and power.

The message emphasizes that life's direction matters, but who we journey with—especially our relationship with God—is far more important, as true fulfillment comes not from reaching a destination but from walking closely with Him.

In Judges 16, after being captured and humiliated by the Philistines due to his betrayal by Delilah, Samson's hair begins to grow back, symbolizing the potential for renewed strength and God's enduring presence in his life.

The Pursuit of God is a profound exploration of the deep longing for a personal and intimate relationship with God, emphasizing that true faith is not just intellectual belief but an experiential communion with God.

“"The Momentum of Hope" explores how, through the unwavering faith and actions of Ruth, and Naomi's, their hopelessness transforms into confidence and hope, illustrating that hope begins with seeing God's kindness, risking faith, and patiently waiting for God's provision.”

In 2 Kings 5, Elisha's servant Gehazi, driven by greed, deceitfully accepts gifts from Naaman against God's will, leading to his punishment with leprosy.

When we feel spiritually dull or ineffective, like the prophet who lost his axe-head in 2 Kings 6, we must seek help, return to where we lost our passion, and stretch out our faith, trusting God to restore our cutting edge for His work.

God will not be propped up by human strength, but through Christ's grace and obedience to His Word, we are made holy, upheld, and blessed to carry His presence in our lives.

"Monumental Moments: Remembering from the Middle of the Miracle!" is a sermon that highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and community in overcoming obstacles, drawing parallels from the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River to remind believers to trust God's presence and power in every stage of life's journey.

"The Power of Kingdom Priorities" emphasizes trusting God over anxiety, prioritizing His kingdom above all else, and aligning our lives with His purposes to experience peace, provision, and a greater capacity to love and serve others.

"3 Good Investment Tips for 2025" emphasizes spiritual growth through investing confidence in Jesus, finding value in both life's highs and lows, and making daily strides toward a brighter, God-centered future.

In this reflection on Christmas, the "life" of Jesus is explored as the source of all creation, the giver of abundant life, and the means to eternal life, inviting us into a relationship with God that brings healing, belonging, and hope.

In this first part of the Christmas series, we explore how Jesus, the light of the world, pierces the darkness of fear, distress, and spiritual gloom, offering hope, peace, and the guidance of a mighty, everlasting Savior.

"God Never Gives Up on His People!" emphasizes that despite Israel's rejection of Jesus, God's promises to the Jewish people remain unbroken, and He continues to show grace and mercy to both Israel and Gentiles, calling us to stay humble in our faith and continue in His kindness.

In a world of bad news, the gospel offers the life-changing message that anyone who believes in Jesus and calls on His name will be saved, bringing hope, healing, and eternal life through faith in Christ.

In Romans 10, Paul expresses his deep desire for the salvation of his Jewish brethren, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through zeal for the law, and that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," regardless of their background.

This is a profound and thoughtful reflection on Romans 9, delving into God's sovereignty in salvation, human responsibility, and the dynamic between divine grace and human response.

"The Sending Heart of God" emphasizes God's passionate pursuit of the lost, tracing His mission from the Old Testament through the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, calling believers to live as 'sent' people, embodying and sharing God's love and hope in the world.

Paul emphasizes that nothing—whether trials, spiritual forces, or anything in all creation—can separate believers from God's love, which is secured through the work of Christ, not by human effort.

The sermon "Walking Through the Valley of Lament" reflects on the deep emotional and spiritual experience of lament, acknowledging the pain and struggle it brings, but ultimately emphasizing that lament is also a path to hope, grounded in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

"Predestined for Glory" emphasizes God's sovereign plan to conform believers to the image of Christ, ensuring their ultimate glorification through His unwavering love and purpose.

"Groaning with Hope" reflects the tension between the present suffering of creation and humanity under the weight of sin and corruption, and the anticipation of future glory and redemption through the hope of Christ, where all pain will give way to eternal joy.

The title "God's Purpose In Your Suffering" based on 1 Peter 1:3-9 emphasizes that through trials and suffering, believers' faith is refined and strengthened, leading to praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed.

"Living Without Condemnation" emphasizes that because of Christ's finished work, believers are fully freed from condemnation, empowered to live by the Spirit, and can walk in newness of life with no fear of guilt or rejection from God.

The message of "The Struggle is Real, the Savior is Real-er" is that while the ongoing battle with sin and human weakness is difficult and exhausting, through the death and resurrection of Christ, believers are freed from the condemnation of the law and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in the assurance of God's love, grace, and deliverance.

n Romans 6, Paul teaches that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers have died to sin and are called to walk in newness of life, leaving behind sin's hold and embracing the freedom and righteousness God has given them.

he message emphasizes the importance of planning in partnership with God's providence, teaching that while we make our plans, it is ultimately God who establishes the outcome, and thus we should commit our plans to Him, reflecting His nature as a planner and trusting in His guidance.

"Ask of Me and I Will Give You the Nations" reflects the dual nature of Christ's mission as both the Savior who reaches out to the broken with love and the exalted King who will one day judge those who reject Him, calling believers to share the gospel with compassion while recognizing His ultimate authority over all nations.

Psalm 91 assures believers of God's protection and sovereignty, encouraging trust in His power and presence through all forms of danger, whether physical or spiritual, and affirming that, while God may not always deliver us from trials, He will deliver us through them, providing ultimate safety and salvation.

"Psalm 90 reminds us of life's fleeting nature and the wisdom in cherishing each moment, as we live under God's steadfast love while recognizing the inevitability of our time on earth coming to an end."

The sermon explores the concept of God as the supreme King over all the earth, delving into the genres of psalms, particularly kingship psalms, and emphasizes the need for personal surrender to God's lordship, recognizing His authority and love amidst a world of conflicting kingdoms.

Psalm 118 is a powerful expression of thanksgiving, reminding us to choose gratitude daily for God's enduring love (hesed), His ability to transform our struggles into blessings, and His acceptance of us through Jesus' sacrifice.

The text underscores the power of remembering God's deeds to inspire faith and trust in His ongoing faithfulness and provision.

Psalm 146 emphasizes the importance of self-directed praise to God, highlighting that while other emotions like fear or doubt come naturally, praise must be actively stirred, as it shifts focus from oneself to God, serves as a powerful weapon in adversity, and is due to God's unique ability to save, His greatness in creation, and His goodness in justice and care for the vulnerable.

"The Death of a Dream" explores the theme of enduring faith and trust in God's promises, illustrated through the story of Abraham, who faced long delays and seeming impossibilities before God's promises were fulfilled, emphasizing that God's timing often brings life from what appears to be dead.

The message titled "What's Law Got To Do With It?" delves into the interaction between faith and law in the gospel, using the stories of Abraham and David to illustrate how righteousness is attained through faith rather than works, emphasizing that while the law is not abolished by faith, it is upheld and fulfilled through the grace of God.

"God's Righteousness Received by Faith in Christ" is that despite all humanity being guilty and unable to justify themselves through their actions, the righteousness of God is made available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, as God Himself becomes both the just Judge and the justifier of those who have faith in Him, emphasizing that salvation is not earned but received as a gift through faith in Christ.