Grace Hill Church - Collierville, TN

In a world overflowing with choices, allegiances, and competing voices, what does it mean to confess, "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"? This week, we explore the first article of the Nicene Creed and the invitation it offers us to re-anchor our lives in the one true God. Left to ourselves, we are prone to create idols, good things turned into ultimate things that eventually collapse under the weight of our hopes. But the Creed reminds us: there are not many powers to trust, only One, and He is enough. If you've ever felt scattered by the noise of modern life, or frustrated by the ways lesser allegiances have hollowed out much of the church's witness, you're not alone. This message offers both a warning and a hope: we don't have to keep building altars to things that can't save us. We can find our way back to the Source, the Sustainer, and the only Savior who will never fail. Join us as we uncover the grace, strength, and security that come from trusting the One and Only God.

Primary SourcesWhat is a Christian Anyway?- Glenn PackiamThe Nicene Creed- Kevin D. YoungThe Nicene Creed: An Introduction- Phillip CareyPracticing Christian Doctrine- Beth Felkner-Jones

In today's teaching, we return to the empty tomb in Luke 24 to rediscover the power of Jesus' words when everything else feels lost. Through the stories of Bonhoeffer, Polycarp, and the women at the tomb, we're reminded that resurrection hope doesn't begin when everything is fixed—it begins when we remember what Jesus has already said. If you're feeling weary, uncertain, or walking through a valley, we invite you to cling to the unshakable promises of the Risen Christ.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem not as a coming king, but as THE King—humble, unexpected, and unlike anything the crowd hoped for. In this teaching, Jason unpacks how the colt, the cheers, and even creation reveal who Jesus truly is. But five days later, the same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” cries “Crucify him.” Why? Because Jesus refuses to be the King we want—He insists on being the King we need.

Kara's message this week is from Luke 15-- the story we know as the Prodigal Son. But it's not just a story about one lost son. It's a story about two very different kinds of people-- both equally in need of grace. Kara's message will challenge your assumptions, soften your heart, and help you experience the grace of God in a deeper way-- not just so you can receive it, but so you can mirror it. Because grace isn't something we hoard... It's something we pass on. If you've ever wondered how God could welcome certain people... or if you've ever doubted that He could still welcome you-- this message is for you.

In today's teaching, Jason dives into the concept of courage, drawing inspiration from the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Much like the lion, many of us know courage is necessary in our lives, but we often struggle to find it. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem in Luke 13 serves as a powerful example of courage in the face of threats, bullies, and the unknown. Through examining Jesus' responses to the threats from Herod, His confrontation with bullies, and His embrace of sacrifice despite the future pain ahead, Jason challenges us to reflect on our own courage. He reminds us that real peace requires courage, and that God is always on the side of the oppressed. Will we choose to be peacekeepers or peacemakers, embracing the courage that Jesus modeled for us?

Who are the people we gravitate toward? And who do we tend to overlook? In today's teaching, we examine Jesus' radical teaching in Luke 6:17-26 to see who is truly blessed in the kingdom of God. While the world values success, wealth, and influence, Jesus flips the script—declaring the poor, the hungry, and the persecuted as blessed. We'll explore how this challenges our natural biases, the way we interact with others, and how we can mirror Jesus' upside-down values in our own lives. Are we willing to step outside our comfort zones to love and engage with those society often dismisses?

Today's teaching focuses on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in Luke 4:1-13. Temptation is something we all face, and whether we give in or stand strong, the consequences are real. But how did Jesus resist temptation? And what can His example teach us about standing firm in our faith? Join us as we learn how to mirror Jesus' overcoming of temptation and find strength to resist the forces that try to lead us astray.

This week we are exploring how the voices and influences in our lives—whether they be from social media, newsfeeds, political affiliations, or even friends—shape our worldview and ultimately guide our paths. We are looking at Luke 6:39-49 to help us reflect on how following the wrong voices can lead us into destructive patterns, and how critical it is to intentionally examine the voices that we listen to daily. We hope today's teaching encourages you to take a closer look at the voices shaping your own life and take practical steps toward following Jesus more intentionally.

In this episode of Grace Hill Church's podcast, we explore one of Jesus' most challenging commands: love your enemies (Luke 6:27-36). This radical, self-sacrificing love isn't based on feelings but on action—breaking cycles of retaliation and mirroring Christ's heart. In a culture driven by division and outrage, Jesus calls His followers to embody costly love, not the cheap, conditional love the world offers. Tune in to this week's teaching to consider the life-changing power of loving your enemies—because in doing so, you'll never look more like Jesus.

Ancient views often linked suffering to divine judgment: poverty, captivity, blindness, and oppression were seen as consequences of sin or divine abandonment. But today, we see how Jesus challenged this in Luke 4: 18-27 by proclaiming Himself as the one who came to set the oppressed free and bring healing to all— not just the chosen few. His message was initially met with applause, but this soon turned to rage as He shared Biblical stories that confronted their assumptions. Jesus' radical inclusivity remains just as challenging today. Join us for this powerful teaching on the messy, missional mercy of Jesus and how we are called to live it out today. *In this episode, we address real-life examples of mercy in action—stories of outreach, justice, and love in our communities. Some of the stories have been removed from this version of the teaching out of respect for their privacy.*

 In this conversation, we'll reflect on how the light of Jesus guides us in three key areas:1. Spiritual Formation over Ideological Formation – Choosing to be shaped by God's truth instead of cultural trends.2. Embrace over Exclusion – Reflecting Jesus' inclusive love, welcoming people of all backgrounds into our community.3. Jesus over Everything – Ensuring that Jesus remains the center of our lives and the light we reflect.

In this special Christmas Eve teaching, we dive into the timeless longing for a Savior. As we await gifts and gatherings, there's a deeper ache in our hearts for something—or Someone—to break through the darkness. Join us as we reflect on Isaiah's ancient prophecy of a child who will bring light to our world and salvation to our souls. From the unexpected vulnerability of a newborn to the powerful victory of the cross, we see how Jesus is the true Savior who fulfills our deepest desires.

Dec. 8th. 

Living with Hope in Uncertain Times: A Look at Luke 21In this Advent season, we often focus on the sweetness of Christmas—on the birth of Jesus, the infant in the manger. But in today's episode, we turn to a very different part of Scripture: Luke 21. This chapter takes us beyond the peaceful scenes of Bethlehem and into a challenging, sobering glimpse of the future. Jesus, speaking to His disciples, warns of impending chaos—the destruction of the temple, false messiahs, wars, environmental disasters, and persecution. It's a dark picture, yet it holds a message of hope.As we face the uncertainty of the present, fear often becomes a powerful force in our lives. From media that preys on our anxieties to cultural pressures that stir up dread, it's easy to be overwhelmed. But Advent invites us to shift our focus. It calls us to look forward—to a promised future, even amidst present trials. Just like the progression of light in a sunrise, Advent points us toward the hope that the darkness is not the final word.In this episode, we explore how we can live with hope, even in the face of fear.   Through the lens of Jesus' teachings, we discuss:Hope amid institutional failure.Hope when false saviors ariseHope during times of war and political instabilityHope through natural disasters and environmental calamitiesHope despite persecution and loss of religious safetyJoin us for this powerful reflection on living with hope during Advent, as we look to the future with expectation and trust in the promises of our coming King. 

Primary Teaching Sources:Foster, Richard. Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. HarperOne, 1992.Kinder, Derek. Ezra and Nehemiah: The Old Testament Commentary Series (TOTC). InterVarsity Press, 1984.Bird, Michael F. Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction. Zondervan, 2013.Keener, Craig S. The Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Lament is a universal part of the human experience.  Life's challenges—whether health, financial, relational, or mental—can overwhelm us, but how can we navigate through these hardships in a way that can brings healing and purpose?   In today's teaching, we will draw from the book of Nehemiah to see how lament can lead us from heartbreak to hope. If you are currently walking through hardship and would like someone to pray for you during this time, please visit our website: www.gracehill901.com.  We would be honored to pray for you.  

Today, we are studying Nehemiah's heartfelt response to a broken world.  It's the year 430 BC, and Nehemiah is serving as a cupbearer to the Persian king in the capital city of Susa. The exiles have returned to Jerusalem, but the city's walls are still in ruins, leaving the people vulnerable to attack.  Nehemiah, though miles away, hears about the devastation and is deeply moved. He could have stayed in his comfortable life, but instead, he chooses to intercede, to pray earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem.    

Join us on our podcast as we continue series " The Heart Of The Church" with this episode on Listening. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and walked away feeling like you were really heard and understood? As humans, listening is important, but as followers of Jesus, listening to others is vital. Don't miss this insightful conversation that will draw you closer to Jesus and the lost. For more information about Grace Hill, visit our website www.gracehill901.com. We meet Sundays in the heart of Collierville,TN at the Sanctuary on The Square.

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Teaching Text: Luke 5:27-3227 After that He went out and looked at a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 And he left everything behind, and got up and began following Him.29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling to His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.” Primary Sources:Fighting Shadows- Jon Tyson and Jefferson BethkeFor Everyone (Matthew and Luke)- N.T. WrightLuke: An Introduction and Commentary TNTC- Leon Morris

Outline:1. Reveal Yourself to Us, God (1-2): A plea for God to dramatically reveal Himself, tearing through the heavens, and making His name known to the nations. Seeking God's presence in the midst of uncertainties. 2. Remember God's Good Deeds (3-4): Recounting the awesome things God has done unexpectedly. Reflecting on personal experiences of God's unexpected goodness and relating them to Psalm 77. 3. Remember Your Best Efforts Fall Short (5-7): Acknowledging our uncleanliness and the inadequacy of our best efforts. Recognizing the need to surrender to God's grace in our shortcomings. 4. Release the Future into God's Hands (8-9): Surrendering the future into God's hands, acknowledging God as the Potter and trusting in His control. A call to release worries about the future into God's care. As we journey through Isaiah's prayer, we unveil a resilient hope that thrives not in the absence of challenges but in the steadfast assurance of God's enduring promises. It's a hope grounded in the unchanging character of God, bringing light into the darkest corners of our lives. Join us in preparing hearts for Advent, cultivating a hope that endures beyond circumstances. Scripture References:Isaiah 64Psalm 119:18; Psalm 77; Proverbs 3:5-6Isaiah 63:91 Corinthians 1:3-9Numbers 6:24-26

  Scripture References: Malachi 3:1-6Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 54:7-8; Isaiah 29:13; Micah 6:8Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19Ephesians 1:15-23Numbers 6:24-26Episode Highlights: Anticipating the Messenger's Arrival: Reflect on John the Baptist preparing the way and the significance of waiting for Christmas.Allowing Our Hearts to Be Refined: Understanding God's refining fire and how it shapes us into vessels of grace.Pursuing Truer Worship: Exploring the call for genuine worship and its restoration through Jesus Christ.The Gospel Message: Unpacking the Covenant Messenger, the Refining Fire, and the Restoration of True Worship in the context of the gospel.Scripture Reflections: Isaiah 40:3, Isaiah 54:7-8, Isaiah 29:13, Micah 6:8, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 1:15-23, Numbers 6:24-26.Closing Invitation:Join us in preparing hearts for Advent—embracing anticipation, allowing refinement, and pursuing truer worship. The gospel unfolds the transformative power of Christ's coming, bringing fulfillment to ancient prophecies and redemption to our lives. May this Advent be a time of profound reflection and spiritual preparation. As we await Christ's second coming, may our worship be genuine and our hearts surrendered.

Philip Yancey once said, "Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less." In this captivating episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the profound nature of God's grace. We confront a universal problem—we often strive for satisfaction through experiences, material possessions, self-interest, community, and joy but find ourselves unfulfilled. Drawing wisdom from the parable of the prodigal son, we explore how grace is experiential, material, individual, communal, and joyful. Discover how the grace of Jesus transforms lives, offering the ultimate satisfaction we all seek.

In this inspiring episode, we journey through the profound concept of grace, exploring how it stands as a powerful game-changer in our lives. The episode opens by highlighting the common struggle of many: misunderstanding or underestimating God's grace. In a world that celebrates achievement and merit, grace often feels too good to be true, leaving us hesitant to accept it. The core problem is our varied ways of relating to God, either dismissing grace as unattainable or trying to earn it through our own efforts. The episode goes on to explain that grace is free to receive, offering an essential lifeline in our imperfections. The heart of the episode centers on the parable of the prodigal son. Three key insights into the father's grace are unveiled: The Father's Grace Was Waiting: The father's love and compassion were unwavering, even when his son was a long way off. The Father's Grace Was Immediate: The father didn't hesitate to embrace his son and celebrate his return. The Father's Grace Was Costly: A feast was prepared, illustrating the richness of God's grace. Listeners are encouraged to avoid dismissing grace as unattainable or trying to earn it through their actions. Tim Keller's quote underscores that God's grace is a free gift that we can never be too bad to receive nor too good to earn. The episode beautifully articulates that grace transcends our imperfections. It reveals that through Jesus and His sacrifice, we can freely receive God's grace. A transformative story is shared to illustrate this message. In conclusion, the episode emphasizes that God's grace is both costly and free, and it awaits everyone, ready to change lives. The podcast encourages listeners to embrace this priceless gift, emphasizing that God's grace is "more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the timeless parable of the prodigal son, exploring its profound lessons on grace and belonging. The episode begins with a compelling quote from Tim Keller, painting a vivid picture of two sons, one 'bad' and one 'good,' both alienated from their father, using him as a means to their ends rather than seeking a genuine relationship. The problem is universal: we all relate to God differently and sometimes bargain with Him, creating agreements that we hold up only if God meets our desires. But when life doesn't go as planned, we feel abandoned. The context is set with Jesus' ministry, where He associated with both 'sinners' and 'Pharisees,' paving the way for this powerful parable. In this episode, we will learn about the younger son, who says, "I want my share now." His journey is marked by self-centeredness and immediate gratification. Similarly, the older brother, bitter and resentful, declares, "You owe me." Both represent lost paths. The episode culminates with the profound message of the Gospel: where sin abounds, grace abounds even more; grace is found when we humbly confess our unworthiness, and with the Father, there is always a place back home.

In this episode, we explore the profound message of grace and belonging through a captivating parable. We begin with a striking painting, diving into its details and the emotions it evokes, setting the stage for our journey. The problem is universal – we all long for moments of "homecoming," where grace and belonging embrace us. We see this echoed in the stories of the 'sinners' and 'Pharisees' drawn to Jesus, and we realize that we, too, seek these elements in our lives. The context unfolds, revealing Jesus' association with 'sinners' and 'tax collectors,' much to the dismay of the religious elite. We delve into the significance of teaching, associating, and eating with these groups, emphasizing Jesus' incarnational love. The message is clear: Jesus teaches us to seek grace and belonging not through fleeting pursuits like pleasure, power, envy, or greed, nor through rigid religious rituals, but through Him. His death and resurrection offer lasting satisfaction and belonging, unburdening us from the fruitless pursuit of worldly desires. As we close, we invite you to confess and find rest in Him, discovering the ultimate satisfaction and belonging that only Jesus provides.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of our series, exploring how to navigate the fear and chaos that surrounds us. We begin with a touching story about a fearful child seeking comfort, highlighting the very real fears we all face today. From shifting societal values to concerns about religious freedom and political polarization, there's much that can cause anxiety. But, as we'll discover, the incarnation of Jesus is our guide in these turbulent times. The incarnation represents God's profound act of becoming fully human in Jesus Christ. It's a testament to God's love for humanity and His desire for reconciliation. Jesus entered the world of others, demonstrating love by stepping into their lives. We'll learn that, like Jesus, we should enter the worlds of those around us, showing love and compassion, even when we may not fully understand or agree with them. This requires us to hold onto our convictions while embracing others. It's a delicate balance, but one worth striving for. Moreover, we'll explore the tension of living between two worlds - the "already" and the "not yet." Just as Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world," we, too, must seek a kingdom perspective in navigating chaos. We'll wrap up by emphasizing that love must have a face, and the face of love is Jesus Christ. As we follow His example of love, patience, and kindness, we can make the incarnation our model for loving well. The episode concludes with a reminder from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 about what love truly means, and the importance of allowing Jesus' love to shine through us as we face the chaos of the world.

In today's insightful episode, we're diving deep into the timely topic of tribalism – how our differences can divide us, both in the church and in our world. Join us as we unpack Romans 14:1-13, exploring practical ways to pursue unity, resist judgment, and embrace a Kingdom-centered perspective. Get ready to trade tribalism for unity and become a community of grace and peace. Tune in now!

This series message content is largely based off of Pete Scazzarro's book, "Emotionally Healthy Discipleship."Buy the book HERE

Saint Augustine writes in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This is the reality. We search for a savior or a king, we will always be restless in that search until we rest in Jesus. Tune in this week as we hear from Pastor Jason in week 14 of our latest teaching series, "Encountering Jesus."

Join us for Week 13 of our 'Encountering Jesus' message series on gracehill901.com! In this episode, we explore the profound theme of rescue in the kingdom of God. Throughout Scripture, we see how God has consistently rescued His people through divine acts, individuals, or circumstances. In Mark 4, we encounter Jesus as the great rescuer, calming the storm and revealing His power over the chaos in our lives. Discover how the story of Jesus resonates with the need for rescue in our own hearts and learn how His presence is our ultimate peace in the fiercest storms. Tune in for a powerful reminder that Jesus not only rescues us but becomes our rescue.

Join us this week as we delve into an extraordinary encounter of Jesus with a man possessed by demons, as recorded in Mark 5:1-20. This powerful teaching from our 'Encountering Jesus' series sheds light on the transformative impact of authenticity and the profound message of grace. In this episode, Jesus sails across the Sea of Galilee to the Gerasenes region, a place populated by Gentiles with diminished knowledge of God. There, He encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit who lived among the tombs, displaying erratic and self-destructive behavior. The encounter with Jesus reveals the man's plight, the extent of demonic influence over his life, and how demons can manifest in individuals, causing muteness, blindness, and physical deformities. The demons identify Jesus as the Son of God and express fear of His judgment. As Jesus commands the demons to leave the man, they request permission to enter a herd of pigs nearby, leading to a dramatic demonstration of their influence, which terrifies the swine herders. Although the people of the region fear Jesus and beg Him to leave, the man who was once possessed desires to follow Jesus. However, Jesus knows his best path lies in sharing the mercy and healing he experienced. Thus, he is instructed to return to his hometown and proclaim how much the Lord has done for him, testifying to the transformation in his life. We will learn how God often calls us to minister to others out of what we were delivered from, finding purpose in our testimonies and extending the hope of the gospel to others. Tune in to this captivating episode of our podcast as we explore the depths of Jesus' power over demons and the mercy He extends to all who seek Him. Don't miss this incredible encounter that showcases Jesus' authority, compassion, and the profound change He brings into our lives. Listen now and be inspired by the transformative message of grace and the power of encountering Jesus.

Join us in Week 11 of the Encountering Jesus podcast as we delve into the issue of hypocrisy. Explore Jesus' scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and discover how we can overcome this subtle poison in our own lives. From fake purity to neglecting love and justice, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and offers a transformative path to genuine discipleship. Learn how Jesus' humility, love, and internal transformation can free us from hypocrisy and lead us to a life of authenticity. Don't miss this insightful episode that challenges our hearts and invites us to embrace true discipleship with Jesus.

Join us for Week 10 of our "Encountering Jesus" podcast at Grace Hill Church. In this episode, we dive into the captivating story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Discover the deeper meaning behind this encounter and its relevance to our lives today. We'll explore two significant temptations Jesus faced: questioning His identity and forsaking His allegiance to God. Through Scripture, we see how Jesus responds flawlessly, showing us the way to overcome temptation. Find encouragement in the truth that Jesus, through His triumph, seals our identity as beloved children of God and calls us to prioritize our allegiance to Him above all else. Don't miss this powerful episode as we navigate the timeless lessons from Jesus' wilderness experience.

Picture this: Jesus shows up at a wedding party, and disaster strikes when the wine supply runs dry. Can you imagine the embarrassment and shame the couple must have felt? But here's where it gets interesting. Jesus' mother, Mary, steps in and brings the problem to Jesus. Now, pay attention to the translation: Jesus responds with respect, addressing her as "Dear woman." There's a beautiful dynamic between a mother and son here. Mary knows Jesus can fix this, and she has confidence in him. So, Jesus takes six stone water jars used for ceremonial washing and turns the water into wine. The master of ceremonies is blown away, saying it's the best wine saved for last. Now, let's apply this to our lives. Our need isn't running out of wine at a party; it's the deep longing for hope, peace, and fulfillment. We try to find it in all the wrong places, but only Jesus can truly meet that need. He becomes the answer to our guilt, shame, and rejection. See, the water in the ceremonial jars symbolizes the old ways and burdens, while the wine represents the fulfillment and provision of Jesus. It's like a taste of something better, something greater. So, embrace the gospel message: we're flawed, sinful beings, but in Jesus, we're loved and accepted beyond measure. Experience the goodness of Jesus, and you'll see that He is so much better.

In this episode, we delve into a powerful encounter between Jesus and a royal official in Cana of Galilee, as recorded in John 4:43-54. As we explore the passage, we discover that Jesus' miracles were not merely wonders to be amazed by, but signs pointing to a deeper truth. We also reflect on the parallels between the official's desperate plea for his son's healing and our own experiences of seeking Jesus in times of need. Join us as we unravel the significance of true faith and the transformative power of believing in Jesus beyond His miraculous works.

Join us as we delve into the encounters between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. In this episode, we'll journey alongside the Samaritan woman, whose life was forever changed by a remarkable encounter. Despite societal boundaries, Jesus defied norms, reaching out with acceptance and compassion. His love knows no limits and touches even the most broken places within us. Her past no longer defines her as Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah. n this episode, we explore two pivotal aspects of Jesus's character. Firstly, Jesus emerges as a boundary breaker, defying social, political, and religious norms by reaching out to those despised by the religious establishment. Secondly, Jesus reveals Himself as a story changer, extending love and understanding to a woman burdened by her personal history. Witness the power of Jesus's transformative love that transcends boundaries and changes lives. As we journey through this episode, we'll explore the significance of geographic, ethnic, and gender boundaries that Jesus defied during His encounter with the Samaritan woman. Moreover, we'll discover how the revelation of Jesus's identity sparks a profound transformation in her life, leading her to become an evangelist sharing the good news with her village.

Join us for Week 5 of our podcast series, "Encountering Jesus." In this episode, we dive into a powerful encounter between Jesus and two of his closest friends, Martha and Mary. Explore the questions and emotions they wrestle with as they face the death of their brother Lazarus. Discover why Jesus delayed his arrival and how their faith is tested in the midst of grief. Jesus's profound statement, "I am the resurrection and the life," challenges us to rethink our understanding of life, death, and eternity. Through this relational encounter, we witness the unique power and love of Jesus that evokes a visceral response in all who encounter Him. Tune in and join us on this transformative journey of encountering Jesus in our lives.

Welcome to Week 4 of the "Encountering Jesus" series, brought to you by Grace Hill Church. In this episode, we dive deeper into the profound teachings from Luke 24, exploring the questions that both the disciples and we wrestle with in our lives when encountering the resurrected Jesus. What does it mean for us? How does it change us? Last week, we discovered that when we encounter Jesus, we begin to see that He is the center of a grander story, the cause of a greater hope, and the certainty of a gentler promise. Today, we focus on the latter. Certainty is often elusive in our lives. We've experienced broken promises and have let others down with broken promises of our own. We are tempted to find certainty in our careers, health, family, hobbies, or even politics. However, placing our certainty in anything other than Jesus and His promises will inevitably disappoint and leave us feeling defeated. But Jesus is different. He is the certainty of a gentler promise, a promise that is a gift we do not earn or deserve. He knew we would need help and reminders of His faithfulness, so He sent the Holy Spirit out of His love and mercy. The Holy Spirit comforts, guides, teaches, and helps us because Jesus loves us. He keeps His promises. Join us for this enlightening episode as we delve into the certainty of a gentler promise in Jesus. Discover how placing our trust in Him brings true rest, peace, and a hope that never disappoints.

In this week's episode of "Encountering Jesus," we dive into a significant moment in the disciples' journey with Jesus just before his ascension. As we reflect on the disciples' encounter with Jesus, we can imagine the questions they must have asked themselves. What do we do with a resurrected Jesus? How does this impact our lives? What changes does this bring? These questions resonate with us today as well. In our modern Western context, we have often been presented with a shallow version of the gospel—one that reduces it to a ticket to heaven after death. However, there is much more to the gospel than just the afterlife. Renowned theologian N. T. Wright frequently emphasizes that as followers of Jesus, we should wrestle not only with what happens after we die but also with how we live in the in-between. The ascension of Jesus provides us with a crucial understanding of what we are called to do in this in-between period. Join us in this episode as we explore how encountering Jesus reveals a grander story, a greater hope, and a gentler promise. Discover the significance of aligning our lives with Jesus' story and finding our ultimate hope in him, which transcends all earthly uncertainties.

PRIMARY TEXT:Philippians 4:2-9 1 Corinthians 1:10Matthew 5:11 James 1:2-4 PRIMARY SOURCES:Markus Bockmuehl, The Epistle to the Philippians, Black's New Testament CommentaryJohn Hellerman, Following Jesus Christ (ed., John K. Goodrich)M. J. Edwards, ed., Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Ancient Christian Commentary on ScriptureDave Guzik, The Enduring Word CommentaryN.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters– Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon.N.T. Wright, Paul and His Letter to the PhilippiansLinda Belleville, Philippians: A New Testament Covenant CommentaryNijay K. Gupta, Living the King Jesus Gospel (ed., Gupta, Leach, Bates, Strait)  

PRIMARY TEXT:Philippians 3:18-21Romans 8:11John 13:34-35Revelation 11:15PRIMARY SOURCES:Markus Bockmuehl, The Epistle to the Philippians, Black's New Testament CommentaryJohn Hellerman, Following Jesus Christ (ed., John K. Goodrich)M. J. Edwards, ed., Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Ancient Christian Commentary on ScriptureDave Guzik, The Enduring Word CommentaryN.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters– Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon.N.T. Wright, Paul and His Letter to the PhilippiansLinda Belleville, Philippians: A New Testament Covenant CommentaryNijay K. Gupta, Living the King Jesus Gospel (ed., Gupta, Leach, Bates, Strait) 

Welcome to the Grace Hill Church sermon podcast! This week marks "Think Differently Week 8," and we are excited to feature a message by Randall Johnson, one of our elders, who spoke on Philippians 3:1-11. In his message, Randall explores the two paths to salvation taught by the world's religions: works and faith. While every other religion teaches salvation by works, Christianity offers a different path. Christianity recognizes that we don't have the ability to win God over by our goodness alone. We need someone to pay the penalty for our rebellion, and that someone is Jesus. Randall reminds us that false teachers may try to convince us that we need to keep the Law of Moses or submit to circumcision to earn God's favor. But Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, warns against putting confidence in the flesh. As followers of Jesus, we are truly circumcised when we worship by the Holy Spirit of God. Join us as we reflect on this powerful message and learn how we can embrace salvation by faith alone. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay up-to-date with our weekly sermons!

PRIMARY TEXT:Philippians 2:19-30James 2:1-4PRIMARY SOURCES:Markus Bockmuehl, The Epistle to the Philippians, Black's New Testament CommentaryJohn Hellerman, Following Jesus Christ (ed., John K. Goodrich)M. J. Edwards, ed., Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Ancient Christian Commentary on ScriptureDave Guzik, The Enduring Word CommentaryN.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters– Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. N.T. Wright, Paul and His Letter to the PhilippiansLinda Belleville, Philippians: A New Testament Covenant CommentaryNijay K. Gupta, Living the King Jesus Gospel (ed., Gupta, Leach, Bates, Strait)

For more information about our vision, please visit us at www.gracehill901.com/vision