Sermon Title: Limitless Power, Infinite Love

Text: Psalm 8

Date: 6/7/2025

Speaker: Ben Biles

Campus: Southwood

Matthew 9:35-38

1 Peter 1.1-5

1 Peter 1:13-21

Related Topics | grace, gratitude, holiness, hope, redemption, salvation

Hebrews 10:19-25

Matthew 16:21-28

The Lord desires to work in his people as well as through them.
Through examining Jonah's story we can see both of these truths and begin to apply this in our own life.

This morning
we're studying a moment in the life of Abigail, who sets an example of how to live with humility while pursuing God's wisdom.

This morning
we're studying the life of Isaac to better understand how God keeps His promises because He alone is good.

Throughout the Bible, God commands his people to not fear. If we are honest, we frequently let fear be the primary factor in our decisions, especially when they involve stepping into the work that God is doing. In Exodus 3 and 4, God meets Moses' deepest fears with deeper truth: truth of his promises, power, and provision.

This morning
we're studying a pivotal moment in the life of Elisha to better understand purpose and practice of making disciples.

In the story of Job, we find a man blessed by God, enriched both spiritually and materially. However, when he loses it all, he seeks after meaning and understanding for all his pain and suffering. The question put to us by the book is this: will we trust God and in his sovereignty even when we experience profound hurt? As believers, we understand that we live in a broken world filled with injustice and suffering, but we believe in a God who offers life and gives us hope in a complete redemption and restoration.

This morning
we're studying the spiritual discipline of fasting to better understand what it is and how it should work in the Christian life.

This morning we're studying the crucifixion of Jesus in Luke 23 to understand how Christ's sacrifice secured our forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope

God loves to rescue hopeless sinners…and all of us are hopeless sinners who need rescuing. In Luke 15, Jesus told three powerful stories to illustrate the lavish and remarkable nature of God's mercy and grace to the most desperate of lost sinners.

Some investments simply don't work out – they decline in value or disappear altogether. In fact, from the Bible's point of view, all earthly wealth will ultimately lose all of its value unless it is converted into something of eternal value – PEOPLE. God loves people because people are made in His image, and they will all live forever, with Him or apart from Him. So invest your life – your treasure, your time, your talent – in helping people find and follow Jesus.

This morning
we're studying Jesus' works and parables in Luke 14 to better understand how God's invitation to salvation inspires our compassion, humility, and urgency.

Jesus' disciples preached and performed miracles, but they didn't ask Him to teach them how to do those things; they asked Him to teach them to pray. In response, Jesus teaches about what we should pray for, how we should pray, and who we pray to.

This morning
we're studying the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 to better understand how God's compassion compels our action.

This morning
we're studying Luke 9-10 to better understand the requirements and results of our mission as disciple-makers.

We believe that discipleship to Jesus is critical to a greater experience of life. It brings joy & peace. It brings fulfillment & satisfaction. When Jesus calls us into discipleship, we are drawn into the person of Jesus and given purpose. We are sent out on his mission and filled with his Spirit. We believe this is the life for which we were made, but will we choose to go and live this life?

This morning
we're studying Luke 7-8 to better understand how Jesus calls us to examine and enrich the soil of our hearts.

This morning
we're studying Luke 6 to better understand how Jesus radically redirects our attitudes and actions in life.

This morning
we're studying Luke 4-6 to better understand how we should respond to the revelation of Christ.

This morning
we're studying Luke 3-4 to better understand how Jesus deserves our devotion as our savior, God's Son, and the suffering servant.

This morning
we're studying Ephesians 2.1-10 to better understand how we are saved by God's work for God's work.

For new Christians and seasoned Christians alike! Learn how

Jesus delivers us from the dilemma of the law.

With the New Year comes dreams, goals, and resolutions, but as we pursue these things, what are we looking for? Is it fulfillment, satisfaction, financial
stability, status, or something else? The same question could be asked about church. When we come to worship God, what are we seeking? Are we coming to church because of the tradition we were taught, or because the Bible says we should, or because we're genuinely
curious about Jesus and we want to know him?

In John 1:35–42, two men wrestle with this same question as Jesus asks them, "What are you seeking?" How will we respond to this question ourselves? The hope is that we will seek to know Jesus more by accepting
his invitation to follow him and learn from him, and as we do, we will invite others to know and experience Jesus for themselves.

This morning
we're studying Luke 2:1-20 to understand how the good news of Jesus Christ began to multiply.

The
angel Gabriel appears to
announce of births of John and Jesus, breaking God's 400 year silence with the nation of Israel. We see that God always fulfills his promises, even if it takes longer than we expect. The hopes of the nation would be realized in Jesus the Messiah, who has come to be the king promised to David long ago. Like Zechariah and Mary, our response to his deliverance of this good news warrants our praise.

This morning
we're studying Acts 20 to understand how the greatest legacy is centered on God's glory, Christ's Gospel, and our neighbor's good.

Sermon about Solomon's key word used 38 times--meaningless, futility, vanity. What does the word really mean and how does that inform our lives today?

This morning we're studying Acts 17 to understand how the Church points people to Christ in every cultural context.

Today we're studying Acts 16 to better understand how we can trust the Lord in all circumstances.

This morning we're studying Acts 15 to understand how the Church extends the grace of God to one another.

This morning we're studying Acts 12-14 to understand the practices of a church that multiplies.

In Acts 10, God sends Peter to share the gospel with a Roman centurion named Cornelius, who would be the first Gentile to believe in the Gospel. We see a new development in God's plan for the redemption of his people. He is bringing Gentiles into the church to join the Jewish believers. Peter has to set aside his old way of thinking as God transforms his perspective on who God truly cares about: all those made in his image. As the church, our mission is to continue spreading the gospel in every nation as we embrace the beautiful diversity within God's family.

Jesus selects one of the greatest enemies to the Gospel in order to make him the main apostle to the Gentiles. The immediate transformation of Saul, who we will come to know as Paul, points to the overwhelming power of the Gospel to change lives.
This shows us that
no one is too far from God's salvation and gives us hope that anyone can be used by God.

This morning we're studying Acts 8 to understand the disciplines and direction of Philip the Evangelist.

This morning we're studying Acts 6-7 to understand the priorities and practices of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Through the power of Jesus' name, Peter and John heal a man who has been unable to walk since birth. This miracle is a physical demonstration of the spiritual reality that God heals broken and hurting people by providing them with salvation through Jesus Christ. Just like this newly healed man, we also are living evidence of God's power to give eternal life to those who are spiritually dead.

This morning we're studying Acts 2:36-42 to better understand how we should respond to the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This morning we're studying Acts 2 to better understand the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

This morning we're studying Acts 1:1-11 to understand how the Gospel continues through God's people and by God's power towards God's vision until God's victory.

Today we are studying three Biblical illustrations for the Church to understand God's purpose for His people.

The Lord is our shepherd through all moments, whether good or bad. Sometimes the Good Shepherd leads us through dark valleys, but He is always with us.

When
we're
unified
(as a church family,
with
friendships, in marriage, etc.), we can enjoy God's incredible blessings.

Today we are studying Psalm 2 to better understand how we can rest in God's rule.

Today we are studying Psalm 22 to better understand how we can confess our despair & celebrate God's deliverance.

Who, or what, do we turn to in the midst of pain
and suffering? What do we do when that pain and suffering seems to never end? Join us as we look at the life of David in Psalm 13 where


David gives us a framework for how we can learn to lament well through our
suffering.

Where, or who, do we run to in times of crisis? Where do we choose to place our trust and confidence? Oftentimes, we look to things that promise to bring us high only to leave us low. In Psalm 16, we see a picture of David's unwavering confidence in the Lord
in the midst of a crisis he is facing. It is in the presence of hardship that David displays his trust through his devotion to God, his dependence on God, and his delight in God. In this Psalm, David gives us a template for how we too can have confidence in God regardless of what we are going through.

Today we are studying Psalm 51 to better understand how God provides forgiveness, correction, and restoration for His people.

Today we are studying Psalm 105 to better understand how God provides our identity, security, and trajectory.

Have you ever been asked, "How was worship?" after a church service? Our answer to that sort of question reveals a lot about what we understand worship to be and what God's desires are for our worship. Psalm 50 is a startling vision of God's displeasure with the worship practices of Israel, and challenges the people of God to worship genuinely and obediently.

In Psalm 103, David directs our worship to a God who rescues sinners from their desperation in order to bless them with his love and grace. Though he would be just in issuing judgment, he forgives in order to bless. When we come into his presence, we are overwhelmed by his love.

Today we are studying Psalm 1 to better understand God's direction for our practices, perspective, and priorities.

Today we are studying Psalm 8 to better understand the greatness of God.

We are all looking for an experience of life that is ultimately satisfying, yet we often look for that life in the wrong places. While the world promises much, we are often left unfulfilled, unsatisfied, and disappointed. Instead, Jesus promises a kingdom that will provide for all the needs of our hearts and soul. As believers, this identity transforms what we value and what we make our lives about in the present while we await a glorious future.

Today we are studying 1 Corinthians 6 to better understand how God's limitations for sex lead us to life.

God created humanity in His image, but sin has brought questions and conflict into our understanding of male and female. This morning we are examining how God's Word provides clarity and comfort for us as we strive to respond to this conflict with grace and truth.

Today,
we're studying God's design for our devotion in both singleness and marriage.

Today,
we're studying God's design for humanity as physical and spiritual beings who are broken by sin, yet redeemed by Jesus Christ.

Today,
we're studying the parable of the Compassionate Father in Luke 15, which reminds us of God's overwhelming grace.

As we close out our series in Paul's letter to the Romans, we read of Paul's greetings to various believers in Rome and a strong warning against false teachers. While it might be casually
brushed aside for being a list of names, Romans 16 actually gives us an inside look at a healthy, growing church actively participating in the Gospel mission. Through it we see three marks
of a healthy church: believers serving together in love, holding firm to the truth, and relying on God. As we seek to grow together as a church, our aim is to instill and develop in these three areas in order to more effectively showcase God's Gospel through how we love and serve others.

Today,
we're studying Romans 15, which encourages Christians to invite, invest, and intercede for the sake of Christ.

Today, we're studying John 3 which demonstrates how our identity in Christ determines our priority in life.

Today,
we're studying Romans 14-15.6 which explains how the Christian should remain devoted to unity despite disagreements.

Today,
we're studying Romans 13 which explains how the Christian should honor authority, love unconditionally, and live expectantly.

In Romans 12 Paul makes a transition from talking about Doctrine (Romans 1-11) to Duty (Romans 12-16). In this transition, Paul urges us to live in light of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ and how we can live a life that is sacricial to the Lord. Paul points us to the truth that what we believe determines how we behave.

Today,
we're studying Romans 10, which explains how God offers salvation by grace through faith for everyone.

Today,
we're studying Romans 9 which illustrates how God is faithful and trustworthy.

Today,
we're studying 2 Timothy to better understand how we fulfill our mission as God's people.

Today,
we're studying Matthew 16:21-28 to better understand how to invest our lives for eternity.

According to recent surveys, 6 in 10 adults feel too busy to enjoy life. As believers, our relationship with God is often neglected as we struggle with the chaotic pace of life and are overwhelmed by busyness. What we need is to find moments of solitude and silence in order to be still before God and rest in his presence.

Today,
we're examining how the Lord used Caesar Augustus according to Luke 2.

Today,
we're studying Romans 8:26-39 which provides believers with the security of knowing our eternal life is secure in God's love.

Today,
we're studying Romans 8:12-25 which provides believers with the hope of knowing that the Holy Spirit sets our identity, secures our inheritance, and strengthens our endurance.

Mondays are always hard! Transitioning from a weekend, especially a holiday weekend, back into the normal flow of the week can cause so much stress and anxiety. This morning we are taking a look at the early life of Jesus to see an alternative framework for how we view Mondays because Mondays matter to God.

Today,
we're studying Romans 8:1-11 which explains how and why Christians can and should live according to the Spirit.

Paul invites us into his own struggle in the Christian life, so that we can see how to faithfully struggle in ours.
And as we struggle, we - like Paul - can both grieve our sinfulness and give thanks to our savior.

Today,
we're studying Acts 8.26-40 which provides us with the evangelistic example of Philip listening to the Lord & following His leading.

Today,
we're studying Romans 7:1-13 which explains how the gospel transforms the power & purpose of God's Law in our lives.

Today,
we're studying Romans 6:1-23 which explains how the gospel defeats the power of sin.

Romans 5:12-21 shows us the big picture of God's redemption of all people. Though Adam's sin condemned all of humanity to death, God offers everyone the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This act of grace radically reorients us to the life God designed us to experience.

Today,
we're studying Romans 5:1-11 which explains how justification by faith brings joy in peace, suffering, and eternity.

Today,
we're studying Romans 4:1-25 which presents Abraham as an example of believing God's promise, receiving God's grace, and proclaiming God's glory.

Today,
we're studying Romans 3:21-31, which reminds us that the Gospel is good news because we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Today,
we're studying Romans 2:17-3:20, which reminds us that the Gospel is good news because salvation by works won't work.

Today,
we're studying Romans 1:18-32, which reminds us that the Gospel is good news because it redeems our wisdom, worship, and work.

Today,
we're studying Romans 1:1-17, which reminds us that the Gospel is good news because it solves our problems with identity, community, and self-sufficiency.

Today,
we're studying 1 Thessalonians 2, which encourages every member of the church to embrace their ministry.

Today,
we're studying John 1, which opens with a powerful description of who Jesus is & what He's done.

There is a natural rhythm between work and rest but it can very difficult to find a healthy balance between those 2 responsibilities in our life. Proverbs will highlight the great value of rest and we will explore why we struggle to rest, what rest actually is as God designed it, and how we can build in healthy rhythms of rest in our life.

We live in a broken world and we see brokenness all around us which can be overwhelming at times. While we know
and rejoice in the fact there will come a day when all things will be made right, what do we do now with the brokenness around us? God invites all those who trust and follow Him to be people of justice, to be light in this broken world so join us as we look at His invitation to live justly in this broken world.

Today,
we're studying Proverbs, which tells us that the wise worker lives with perspective, works with perseverance, and rests with purpose.

Today,
we're studying Proverbs that teach God's people about wise leadership.

Believers in Christ are called to love our enemies.
That love is not duty... it is an overflow of our love for God and His creation.

On average we use 7,000 words a day and with those words we can bring life or destruction to others. Join us this morning as we look at a framework for how we can use our words to bring life to others from the book of Proverbs and we'll see how we have a choice with our voice.

Today,
we're studying Proverbs that teach God's people about the need for Christ-centered community.

From the day we are born, we are dealing with the powerful emotion of anger. No one had to teach us how to be angry. Yet, if we never learn to control

our anger in a godly way, we could end up damaging the relationships around us. In the book of Proverbs, we see those that are quick to anger are usually proving their foolishness to everyone around them, but those that are slow to anger showcase the same character that God consistently shows us. When we remain in control of our anger, we are able to build honest, trusting, loving relationships with those around us.

Today,
we're studying Proverbs that teach God's people about how to wisely invest our wealth.

Today,
we're studying Proverbs that teach God's people about the naive, the foolish, and the wise.

In the Book of Proverbs, diligence is seen as a wise virtue worth pursuing. This morning we are going to discover how diligence can provide opportunities for Gospel-Centered living.

The book of Proverbs helps us distinguish between the path of the wise person and the path of the fool by pointing us to God as the foundation of wisdom. God has designed this world to operate in a certain way and when we lean into knowing him and his instruction, we are able to grow in wisdom and pursue the good life.

Today,
we're studying Matthew 6.11-15, in which Jesus teaches His followers to pray for God's provision, protection, and peace.

When we pray do we slow down to consider who we are praying to? Do we pray only in light of the here and now? Do we come with a hidden agenda, hoping to convince God to give us His stamp of approval? Jesus directs His followers to remember who they are praying to, to pray in light of eternity and to have an attitude of trust. While His followers' prayers might not always line up with this pattern, Jesus' instructions provide a pathway for growth.

Today,
we're studying Matthew 6:5-8, in which Jesus teaches His followers that their prayers should be personal & purposeful.

Today
we're studying John 20, which contains key questions asked by Jesus Christ.

Today
we're studying John 13.1-17, which displays Christ's model of servant leadership.

Today
we're studying James
5.13-20, which encourages us to rely on the power of prayer in all circumstances.

Today
we're studying James 4.13-5.11, which explains how we place our hope in God's promises.

We are constantly surrounded by advertising campaigns and various publications pointing us to the secret to a happy life. Yet, many of us, after years of striving, have little happiness to show for it. This is because we are made for something greater and cannot be satisfied by the things of this world. Instead, we find truth in Paul's letter to the Philippians which encourages believers to place their sense of identity and purpose in Christ. This leads to a joy far more abundant than anything else we can attain as his perfect righteousness secures for us a relationship with God which is ultimately soul-satisfying.

Today
we're studying James 4:1-12, which explains how we pursue unity with humility.

Today
we're studying James 3.1-8, which explains how our words set our course and reveal our source.

Today
we're studying James 2.14-26, which explains how a working faith saves believers from a wasted life.

James 2:1-13 warns us that partiality that grants honor to some people and withholds honor from other people leads to a confusion of the gospel, cruelty to the vulnerable, contradiction with God's choice, and ultimately conviction by the law of love.

Today
we're studying James 1.19-27, which guides believers in listening & living according to God's Word.

Today
we're studying James 1.13-18, which commands believers to resist sin's temptation and remember God's truth.

Today we're studying James 1:1-12 which shows us how our victory in trials depends on our values in life.

In the midst of transitions, the people of God often must choose between passivity and bravery and this choice can determine the legacy of the next 10 to 20 to even 40 years!

Today
we are studying 2 Timothy 1, which explains the Christian's goal of sharing the gospel.

Today
we are studying Luke 1-2, which reveals why we are meant to experience and express the joy of Jesus Christ.

Today
we are studying Revelation 21-22, which reveals how God's people will enjoy his presence and provision for eternity.

Today
we are studying Revelation 20, which reveals God's eternal plan for both His people and His enemies.

Do you live a lifestyle of praise to the Lord? Join us as we walk through Psalms 146 as a template of how to live a lifestyle of praise to the Lord. In good times and bad times, we can be encouraged to praise the Lord!

Today
we are studying Revelation 19, which reveals how God's people are destined for paradise while His enemies are destined to perish.

Today
we are studying Revelation 17-18, which reveals why the people of God should reject false idols & wasted investments.

Today
we are studying Revelation 15-16, which reveals how God is righteous in His wrath.

Satan's greatest desire is to imitate God and steal the worship belonging to him. During the tribulation, Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet will form into a false trinity and establish their government and authority on earth. As they make war against the believers and blaspheme the name of God, they will lead many people into satanic worship. Only those that believe in Christ will remain faithful to God as they endure persecution.

Today
we are studying Revelation 12, which reveals how God's people don't need to fear spiritual attack thanks to God's plan, power, and protection.

Today we are studying Revelation 10-11, which reveals how God's Word provides comfort & conviction, God's witnesses receive power & persecution, and God's world faces ruin & restoration.

Today we are studying Revelation 8-9, which reveals how God's justice is revealed in the end of days.

In Revelation 6, we see a holy God beginning to re-establish his justice on earth. In his plan to finally restore his creation, he must first judge the world for their sin, and the seals judgments we see here represent the first of many judgments that usher in a time of unforeseen devastation. Yet even in judgment, God's grace remains for those that witness the judgment of God and turn to him for salvation.

Today we are studying Revelation 4-5, which reveals why God is worthy of our worship.

Today we are studying Revelation 2-3, which reveals how Jesus corrects & rewards those He loves.

Today we are studying Revelation 1, which explains how God's promises are secure in Christ's power and determine life's purpose.

Today we are focusing on Eschatology, which is the study of the end times, and we'll see that in the end God will fulfill His promises, save His people, and defeat His enemies.

Today we are studying passages from 2 Timothy that explain how we receive God's grace, follow God's Word, equip God's people, and reach God's world.

Today we are examining the reliability and canonicity of God's Word.

The Creator of all things has revealed Himself – in creation, through human conscience, through acts of history, through the incarnation of the Son of God, and through His written word.

Jesus Christ came to earth to die for the sins of the world. As the High Priest of heaven, he offers his own blood, dying in our place and paying

the penalty of sin for humanity. Through him, we come to know our Father.

Today we are studying what angels are, what they do, and how they demonstrate the power & love of our God.

Today we are focusing on God the Father & the ways He loves, reconciles, trains, and provides for His children

Today we are focusing on the Holy Spirit - who He is & what He does to Convict the world, Explain God's will, and Equip God's people for His work.

As believers in Christ, we are united by faith into a community called the church, which is both local and global. As the church, we are commissioned by Jesus Christ to spread the gospel through making disciples of all nations. We both this most effectively when we are engaged with serving each other in love and worshipping God with everything we do.

As we come to faith in God through the death and resurrection of

Jesus Christ, we are brought into the family of God. This community of faith is called the church and
is the fellowship of believers across time and place who are empowered and united by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the gospel of Christ.

Having been declared righteous when we trusted in Jesus for forgiveness of sins, we are now called to grow in righteousness. The book of Romans will reveal the foundation, expectation, and motivation for our sanctification.

Soteriology, the study of our Salvation, is one of the richest themes throughout the Scriptures. In fact, God provides us a series of different explanations (atonement, propitiation, reconciliation, justification, and redemption) for all that Christ's death on a Cross accomplished for us who have been saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

All humanity has been created in the image of God. Yet, the reality of sin has distorted our culture's understanding of race, gender, and sexuality.

We worship one God consisting of three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This God has always existed in perfect community and eternal love, and by his own will, extends that love outward toward his creation. Though we sinned against God, his love continues to reach out to us, offering reconciliation through the blood of the Son, by the Spirit, to the Father.

In John 21 we see how Jesus restores us in failure by providing forgiveness and purpose.

In Luke 24 we see how God's perfect plan provides us with hope beyond our expectations.

In John 11 we see hope Jesus provides beyond death.

Colossians
4:2-18
shows us how our lives reflect Christ in the way we pray, proclaim the Gospel, and partner with each other.

Colossians
3.22-4.1
shows us how Christ is our highest priority & authority in every role & responsibility.

Colossians
3:18-21
shows us how our families are transformed when we depend on Christ's direction.

Many of us have feel the effects of burnout encountered through our work-first lifestyle. When God designed humanity, he created us to work as a way to reflect his own image as a Creator God, but also to fill our lives with purpose and meaning. However, he also set the precedent for taking one day a week to rest and reorient ourselves to God. When we rest, we find ourselves more effective at what we do and fight off burnout.

Jesus is worthy of all of our worship because He has a better title and a better set of tasks than any idol in our lives.

Colossians 3.12-17 shows us how our relationships are transformed when we receive the Peace, Word, and Name of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:1-11 shows us how our relationship with Christ transforms our view of purpose, sin, and community.

Colossians 2:16-20 shows us how the false promises of legalism lead us into captivity & away from Christ.

After God sent the Messiah to provide redemption for humanity, Jesus ascended into heaven and charged his disciples with spreading the gospel message. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the disciples began that mission and then passed it down to the next generation. As the church, we have inherited that same mission and we now work together to show the world the love and grace of God through sharing this same gospel.

Colossians 2.6-15 shows us how to grow in our faith by remaining in Christ, rejecting false teaching, and rejoicing in God's victory.

Colossians 1.13-23 shows us how the preeminence of Christ should shape our perspective.

Colossians 1.1-12 shows us the surpassing value of Jesus Christ and His ability to make us complete.

Hebrews 10 shows us how to establish and experience Biblical community.

Persistent spiritual immaturity poses a problem to each one of us and to any church. How do we respond to it appropriately? How do different theological persuasions handle such a problem?

Though life can be difficult and cause us to despair, we have an incredible foundation of hope because of God's transformative resurrection power. He has brought us out of sin and death by giving us new life through the sacrifice of his Son. Even more, he invites us to participate in his mission of sharing this message of hope and life with the rest of the world.

As we remember the first advent of Jesus Christ, Micah 5 provides a glimpse of Christ's authority as the Son of David.

As we remember the first advent of Jesus Christ, Isaiah 7 reveals the grace of God in His willingness to provide miraculous signs for the sake of our faith.

As we remember the first advent of Jesus Christ, Genesis 3 reveals God's promise to conquer the sin that held humanity captive.

As disciples who make disciples, we can trust God to use our prayer, planning, and work to further His kingdom.

We are celebrating how God has transformed the lives of people in our church!

This next step in our discipleship series helps us identify
how to come alongside other believers as they grow in maturity

In Luke 6 we see Jesus model how to invest our lives with wisdom.

In Matthew 28 we see Jesus command His followers to make a difference by making disciples.

In Psalm 96 we see how the people of God should respond to His promises with worship, witness, and waiting.

In 1 Peter 5 we see the Church described as a flock in need of leadership, humility, and protection

As the church, we are the Bride of Christ. As such, we are eternally and perfectly loved by our Creator and set apart for a unique relationship with him. We live to follow in his example of love as we await our glorious and eternal future with him.

In 1 Corinthians 12 we see the Church described as a body that is interdependent by design.

In 1 Corinthians 3 we see the Church described as a temple belonging to God & boasting in Christ.

In 1 Peter 2 we see the Church described as a priesthood dedicated to the worship and work of God.

In Ephesians 1-2 we see the Church described as a family who enjoys peace with God and each other.

Over the course of Nehemiah's ministry, we see an example of how to build a community that thrives.

In Nehemiah 2 we see an example of confronting brokenness & choosing to build.

When it comes to the people of God, Nehemiah possessed a heart that broke, prayed, and risked everything.

In Hebrews 3 and Numbers 20 we see God's loving discipline displayed in the life of Moses.

In Judges 4, we see that courage is crucial for the followers of God.

We often wonder at why bad things happen to good people. Why would a good and powerful God allow that to happen? Through the book of Job, we see that even when we don't understand why God works and moves in a certain way, we can still trust in his infinite power and wisdom.

We tend to doubt that we are good enough for God because of all the guilt and shame in our lives. Yet, God rescues and redeems people from the darkest of places and invites them into his family and into his mission. The story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, highlights extraordinary faith of a woman who comes from darkness, but is saved by God's amazing grace.

In Genesis 26, the life of Isaac illustrates the faithfulness of God even in our failure.

In Judges 11, the life of Jephthah illustrates the spread of humanity's sin and the abundance of God's grace.

2 Kings 2 gives us an example of how to faithfully follow God while raising up other faithful followers.

Joshua's life is one of lifelong, faithful obedience to God's calling. Tasked with conquering the Promised Land for the nation of Israel, Joshua goes to war. However, he knows to not rely on his own strength, skills, and strategies, but instead trusts in the promise, power, and presence of God to earn the victory. Studying Joshua's faithfulness gives us a glimpse into a life lived faithfully to God's mission.

In 1 Samuel 25, the life of Abigail how to show grace & seek God in every situation.

The normal human tendency threatens our joy and contentment in God's work in our lives.

In a season where disappointments
seem to hit harder and more often, how should God's people respond to disappointment? By looking at the life
of Elijah we can see how our disappointments can drive us towards a dependence on God.

Our God loves to hit a home run with a crooked stick - a man or woman who's weak, broken, and struggling yet who will trust and obey Him.

Jesus told us that the truth will set us free, yet so many of us, especially parents, struggle under the burdens of comparison, fear, guilt, and busyness. Discover true and lasting freedom from each of these burdens from God's Word.

Faith is the essence of the Christian walk. But what is faith? How do we find faith and grow faith? And what if we struggle with doubt or disbelief? Discover the answers to these questions from the example of Abraham whose faith led to both relationship and reward.

We are often proclaiming the greatness of the things we value. From favorite restaurants, to sports, to movies, and everything in between, we are constantly talking about greatness. When it comes to our relationship with God, we proclaim His greatness through our worship both in words and in our actions. Through worship, we experience His wonderful blessing in our lives.

Fear always gives us a choice. We can trust God and seek His deliverance, or we can take matters into our own hands. Four failures in Abraham's life show us the results of depending on ourselves in moments of trial, and train us to respond to our fears and anxieties in a better way.

If you've ever felt unworthy of God's love or unsure of why God has blessed you, Abraham's life provides the answers. In choosing an idolatrous man for the Bible's greatest promise, God shows His great love for the unworthy, and teaches us that we are blessed to be a blessing to others.

How do we know that the story about Jesus rising from the dead isn't just the greatest conspiracy theory ever told? How do we know it really happened? Delve into the STRONG evidence God has given us for Jesus' resurrection and find the confidence and hope that can see you through the pain and struggles of life.

In James 1, we find why and how we should face trials with the correct perspective.

Our money not only provides a window to what we worship (and value) but it also can provide a window to what we worry about in our lives.

What is communion all about and why do we take it so seriously? Discover the meaning and significance of this unusual ceremony, and find out how to celebrate it in a way that delights God rather than angers God.

Who leads the church? Jesus, of course! He established the Church and is our one and only King. But He leads His church through a group of elders, called to serve with His same humility and courage as they direct us, provide for us, and protect us.

Few days will ever be as important as the day of your baptism. While it doesn't save us, it does celebrate the salvation we've already received through faith alone in Jesus, and it does change us and mark us publicly as followers of Jesus and members of His church.

In a deadly arctic freeze on top of a global pandemic, we find ourselves much like Paul in Acts 27, tossed and beaten by a storm he neither chose nor caused. Though we cannot control life's storms, if we will trust the God who can, we can find the heroic strength we need to remain hopeful and helpful no matter what life throws our way.

Outside of church we hardly ever gather in public to sing songs together. So why do we sing in church? Discover the life-changing benefits behind this unusual exercise that blesses God and blesses us.

Does the church still matter to the world at large, or has the world moved on past us? The answer is found in the darkest of places: the inescapability of our death. There is only one solution to that tragic problem, the timeless good news of the gospel which is the greatest gift we can give this world and the ultimate reason we still matter.

Is it possible to live the Christian life alone? Is “Jesus and me!” enough, or do we need the community of the local church in order to survive as Christ's followers? Discover the four-fold power and significance of community in your walk with Jesus.

Does the Church have anything to say in the midst of the division, chaos, and strife that marks our world today? Scripture tells us that the answer is, “Yes!” The Church is called to be an island of unity in a sea of division.

This has been a difficult and troubling week. Many of the things we have clung to for stability in this world are failing us. So where can a follower of Christ find true, lasting security? How do we know that the promises of God won't fail us like so many other things have?

When Christmas isn't all we had hoped it would be, we can find peace and perspective in the humiliation of the Son of God who's love for us knows no bounds.

In our culture the holiday season typically sees an increase in stress, anxiety, missed expectations and frustration. Now add in a global pandemic and this season could be even more difficult than previous
years. When Jesus' birth was announced to the shepherds, the angels said they are bringing news of GREAT joy. So how do we cultivate great joy in our life as we celebrate the birth of our Savior?

God has provided a vaccine to protect our hearts from the bitterness, jealousy, and hatred so common in our culture. But it is a vaccine we need every day, many times a day… a vaccine called gratitude. Learn to practice this crucial habit, and life will never be the same!

Throughout Paul's letter to the Galatians he has made the point that following our flesh – manifested by legalism or lust – leads to death, but God's Spirit creates life within us. Yet for many us the Holy Spirit seems mysterious. But the Spirit can be known, and it is by following God's Spirit that our lives are transformed so that by His power we are more and more shaped into the image of Jesus.

Our spiritual maturity grows as we walk by the Spirit and He fills our lives with more of His fruit. But what will that actually look like? In other words, how do we measure whether or not we are growing in spiritual maturity? Paul gives us three markers of spiritual growth - service, humility, and perseverance

There is a battle going on in your life every moment of every day between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The pursuit of the flesh is filled with self-centeredness, legalism or lust while the Spirit leads to walking in love. So how do we walk in the Spirit and allow the Lord to transform us to live a life filled with love for others?

We all want to live free, but there is only one way to find true freedom, and it's not at all what our world expects. So many believers end up living like slaves because they fall into the snare of either legalism or lust. Discover the one and only path to true freedom… the path of love.

No matter your career or stage of life, your job description as a Christian is to make disciples of Jesus among all nations. Discover how to partner with us at Grace Bible Church to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

We live in a world dominated by anger, hatred and division. But we who have trusted in Jesus are one in Christ. That is true whether we act like it or not. If we will put forth the effort to grow in unity and love we will show the world the truth of the gospel. So how can we grow in loving unity even in the midst of so many disagreements and factions pulling us apart? Discover five steps to growing and protecting the unity of the body of Christ.

What labels define you? Do you find your identity in your job, your marital or family status, your race, your gender, your political party, your abilities, or something else? All of those labels have meaning, but the Scripture tells us that the most important labels we wear, if we have trusted in Jesus, are “Sons” and “Heirs.” Understanding our identity in Christ has the power to liberate and to transform us.

What if you died tonight and stood before God and He asked you, “Why should I let you in to heaven?” Are you ready to answer that question? There is only one answer that results in salvation, and it has nothing to do with our virtue or good deeds. It's all about faith in the virtue and good deeds of Another.

Legalism is a battle that never goes away. If Peter and Barnabas can slowly drift back into the tenants of legalism then all of us are susceptible. So how is one right with God and how can we combat this dangerous idea of earning God's grace?

For the past 55 years, Grace Bible Church has been helping people find and follow Jesus, both in Bryan/College Station and around the world. We have a passion for the Word of God, the gospel of grace, the power of students and families worshiping together, and the call to overseas missions. For the past two years, our Every Knee initiative has allowed us to take the next steps toward our unique vision as a church. We are grateful to God for how far He's brought us, and excited about what still lies ahead.

The greatest thing in life is free. Freedom
from
sin and death and freedom to enjoy a life full of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self-control is found through faith alone in Jesus alone. That's the gospel, the good news, that we are believe, live, and share. Discover how!

The apostle Paul reminds us that the gospel is on the move and will not be stopped.

Forgiveness is hard when the hurt is deep. Yet
your ability to forgive those who hurt you will
impact your quality of life now and in eternity as much as almost anything else. Discover how to let go and move forward.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 shows us how God's grace is paramount and sufficient for all.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor, not only to those who live on our streets, but also to those who live in our local community? Is it worth the effort for us as followers of Jesus to alter the patterns of our lives to connect with our neighbors? Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan timelessly answers those questions for us.

God loves the nations and people from other nations who live among us, and so should we. He expects us to care about them and share our good news and our abundant resources with them so that they might know His abundant love. Discover how to cultivate a heart of love for people from every nation on earth.

We all face conflict in the course of our relationships whether with family or friends or even in the workplace. If we can avoid a series of key pitfalls and embrace a series of key behaviors, then conflict can become an opportunity to grow our relationships.

Outside of our relationship with Jesus, no relationship in life is as formative as the relationship between a parent and child. It begins before birth, experiences the greatest amount of change over one's life, and when we're in the roll of parent, demands more time and energy than any other relationship we'll ever experience. So how can we do better, both as children and as parents, in this all-important relationship?

God gave us the desire and ability to connect with others in our various workplaces. What does it look like to not just have a testimony but live one at work?

We all want to have good friends, and we all want to be good friends. God gave us that desire for friendship; we were not meant to walk alone. What does it mean to be a good friend, though? What sort of people should be in our inner circle? What sort of friends should we strive to become? The Bible says a lot about friendship, especially in the book of Proverbs. How can find friends and become friends who reflect the character of Jesus?

If you want relationships that will help you know Jesus better and become more like Him, then there is no better place to be than the Church! The Church is God's family, united with one another in Jesus by the Spirit. The Church needs you and you need the Church. We each have a unique role to play as we seek to love one another and to reflect Jesus to the rest of the world.

We all want good relationships. We all need good relationships. We were all designed in God's image for deep and lasting relationships. Yet none of our relationships work perfectly, and some are downright disastrous. There is hope, however! In the love of our Trinitarian God and in the wisdom of His Word, we find proven principles and supernatural power to restore and grow any and every relationship.

The call of God upon Joshua and his generation created a crisis of courage initially for them. But God's promises, presence, and power provided them a cause for courage as they focused and followed God's word.

Disappointments and hurts are inevitable yet even in the midst of them God can, and does, bring hope.

Discover six words that encapsulate the true meaning and significance of Christmas.

It is human nature to forget God's goodness in our lives. We fixate on the negatives instead of the positives, which leads us towards disbelief and disobedience. But there is another option. Discover how to create a new habit of REMEMBERING; a habit that will inspire faith and obedience for you and your children.

God shows his protection and deliverance of Israel through the most unlikely of things... a talking donkey and a half-prophet.

How do we build great communities, churches or families? It all comes down to how we build into our relationships. Join us as we look at how Paul challenges the Thessalonians to build a healthy church.

God calls His people to risky obedience in situations that fill us with fear. While we can't control that legitimate feeling of fear, we can control what we focus on and who we listen to, and that choice carries eternal consequences. Discover the secret to courageous faith in the face of fear!

God gave Israel a rhythm for worship - daily, weekly, annually and generationally - because all of life is intended for worship. We get out of rhythm when we listen to another song - life is food, or houses, or career, or sex, etc. We get back in rhythm when we consciously, actively seek to praise God through all that we say, do, think and feel because He is worthy of our entire lives.

God's plans are precisely followed to build the Tabernacle: a dwelling in the very midst of His people demonstrating His passion to be with us and vividly foreshadowing Christ's atoning work.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "holy"? If you're like most people, you probably think of words like, "boring" and "self-righteous." The Bible tells us, though, that holiness is anything but boring, and it is definitely not self-righteous. Instead, holiness means that we are reserved for a special purpose, to know and to represent the character of God. Nothing could be more important, and nothing is more difficult to do! How can we be holy people when the world around us, and even our own hearts, are full of sin and rebellion?

Your work matters as much to God as your church attendance because God created you to work. Discover what God's Law says about your vocation.

What fool would make a statue of a calf and worship it? Turns out, it's us! We are as prone as the Israelites to try to reduce our God to an idol we can control. Let us learn from their failure and pain to turn from our golden calves and cling to the only God who Saves.

Rules without relationship bring rebellion. But, a relationship without rules brings frustrations. God sets the 10 Commandments to separate a people to himself and bless their lives. However, the rules reveal our hearts.

Even though we often find yourselves in the messy middle of life where the reality of life's circumstances haven't at all lived up to our initial expectations and hopes, Exodus 15-18 teaches us that God can heal our bitterness, refresh our fatigue, provide our satisfaction, overcome our adversaries, and spread our burdens. In fact, the greatest miracles of God may actually be right in the midst of the messy middle of life as He shapes and prepares us internally for what He will later do externally.

Witness the awesome power of God delivering His people from slavery and death, and discover two tools to help us remember our own deliverance in Christ.

Mankind's sin and rebellion prove no match for God's severe mercy. Discover four surprising lessons from this tragic account of God's battle with the king of Egypt.

Moses was called by God, just as we are called by God. The details may differ, but the fundamental idea is the same. And just like Moses, most of us struggle with insecurity, fear, and unwillingness when the call comes. Discover God's solution to Moses' inadequacies and ours as well.

Exodus tells us the story of a great God named YHWH and His chosen people, Israel. They were chosen to be a Kingdom of Priests, blessed to be a blessing to the world. That same calling now resides with us, the church, a new kingdom of priests called to bless the world with the knowledge of our great God's power, presence, and faithfulness.

Every week, we preach that salvation is by faith alone. But in this passage, James tells us in no uncertain terms that faith without works can not save us. How do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory statements? How do we even approach a passage as challenging as this?

Nehemiah demonstrates how to have a transformative impact within a community.

Romans 8:28 is often used to comfort those in the midst of trial, to encourage them that everything will work out alright. Is this an accurate understanding of the passage? What does it mean for Christians to affirm that God will work all things together for good?

Does God promise parents that if we raise our children properly, they will grow up to be God-fearing adults? How do we respond to those whose experiences do not match that expectation? Proverbs 22:6 is one of the most commonly quoted verses about parenting. We will examine its meaning and how to apply it properly.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says that if God's people will humble themselves, pray, and stop disobeying Him, then He heal their nation and bless it. Does this promise apply to the United States? Does it apply to the church in the United States? As we continue our (Mis)Understood series, we will examine whether God has promised to respond to our prayers by giving us material prosperity and national revival.

Do not judge is one of the most widely quoted phrases in the entire Bible. But does it mean what we think it means? Is it ever acceptable to judge people? If so, when, and for what? As we begin our (Mis)Understood series, we will shed some light on this widely misinterpreted verse.

Like so many of us, Peter struggled and fell when life failed to live up to his expectations. But he avoided the oh-so common trap of bitterness, and came back stronger than ever. Discover how you can do the same when life lets you down.

Ever struggle with fear, anxiety, or discouragement? Then you're in good company with Timothy, and the advice in this passage can help you just as it helped him to "fan into flame" the POWER, LOVE, and SELF-CONTROL of God's Spirit who lives in us.

Barnabas shows us that encouragement begins with generosity, and culminates in truthful presence.

Until we learn to stop and be still, we will always lack the perspective to see well and the passion to love well. Thankfully, Jesus promises us a rest from all of our hurry and haste if we would only experience the gift of rest He offers to us!

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas provide us a beautiful example as to how to respond to the opinion of the crowds when they love us and when they hate us.

In Acts 6-7 God uses Stephen's self-denial to disrupt the world.

God loves the underdog! See how Jesus breaks every taboo to reach, redeem and transform a used and abused woman into a hero of the early church.

God calls people to be on his mission in the world. Join us as we look at Paul's call to preach the Gospel and learn how we too are called into the same mission.

The formation of Philip's character was foundational to his mission.

There are people who have left a mark on our lives that have made us different. More than that, there are women in our lives who have made us into the man or woman we are today. Join us as we look at how to be great spiritual influencers.

The first century church practiced radical generosity. Having been freed from the debt of sin by the sacrifice of Christ, they experienced joy in sacrificing for one another and for the cause of the gospel throughout the world. We want to be that kind of church for our generation.

Jesus gave His church a mission to accomplish: be witnesses of His love and salvation through the power of the Spirit to all nations on earth till He returns. This timeless mission is our mission today, as a church and as individuals, and it's the motivation behind our Every Knee initiative.

The church stands or falls on the truthfulness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is either the greatest miracle ever, or a malicious hoax. If it's a lie, we are still dead in our sins and without hope. If it's true, then we can have forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus. Are you still doubting, or are you convinced? Here's the five reasons why I believe.

The story of Barabbas is also our story: we are guilty, and deserving of the consequences of our sin, but Jesus took the punishment that we earned. He became our substitute, standing in our place, and now believing in Him we have freedom forever.

Jesus promised He wouldn't leave His followers alone when He ascended into heaven. True to His Word, He's given us the Holy Spirit who works with infinite, supernatural power in and through us, enabling us to live truly heroic lives.

When we ask God to make us more like Jesus, do we actually know what we're asking for? In this famous account, Jesus sets a costly example of sacrificial service for all who would follow Him.

Jesus rarely got angry and never aggressive, with one exception. When worship is interrupted by the din of business, Jesus pulls out a whip and shows us how much He cares about His Father's honor. Are we honoring His Father like He did? Are we helping others do the same?

When we sin, we face a choice: hide it or confess it. One brings sorrow; the other brings blessing. Discover the way to a blessed life.

God's timing is not always easy to follow. We have all encountered setbacks, struggles and barriers in life. Join us as we look at how to overcome the barriers to faithfulness through the life of Caleb.

There is no higher privilege or calling than to worship and serve the one, true God. Are we giving Him the honor due to His name?

Four key truths you need to know so that comparison won't steal your joy.

God loves you! And He demonstrates this love not through pleasant circumstances, but through the extravagant provision of eternal life through the death of His Son.

Even though we may personally have lots of confusion and ambiguity about what heaven will be like in the future, the Scriptures clearly demonstrate that heaven will be concrete, contiguous, and compelling.

HOW and WHEN did God create the world, and how can we reconcile that with science? That is perhaps the most frequent question I've gotten over the years as a pastor! It's a good question, and we'll talk about it in depth, but we must never forget that Genesis 1 wasn't written to answer that question. It was written to tell us WHO created and WHY. Those are the questions that really matter in life, and God's answers will fill you with peace and joy!

Prayer allows us to ask God for anything. So what should we ask for? What should our priorities be in prayer for ourselves, our kids, our church, and our community. Discover Jesus' own six highest priorities in prayer from John 17.

We all want something great from Christmas, whether it the right gift or right feeling. But, the greatest gift has already been given in the gift of Jesus. Join us as we look at the greatest gift!

Literally hundreds of years before Jesus is born Daniel interprets a dream that haunts king Nebuchadnezzar. That dream describes the political climate that Jesus is going to be born into and how the Kingdom of God is going to grow.

Jesus' choice to be born in Bethlehem reveals a great deal about His values and His mission on earth, and shows us how to best celebrate this Christmas holiday.

Few things have as much impact on our daily lives as money. We spend the bulk of our waking hours earning, spending, saving, giving... or simply worrying about it. Discover what money can and can't do for you, and how to get the greatest value out of the money God gives you.

Stress is inevitable, especially during the holidays. But if we apply the four steps of God's Pathway to Peace in this passage, we can greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of stress in our lives.

Conflict is inevitable in our fractured world. But with these handful of biblical principles we can both reduce the frequency of conflict in our lives and effectively resolve the conflicts that do occur.

Paul portrays the spiritual life as a marathon and focuses the believer's attention on the finish line and the reward available for faithfulness.

How do I know I'm accepted? How do I know I'm all right? I can either live by achievement or receiving acceptance from God. Join us as we look at acceptance based living.

Imitation is unavoidable. We cannot help but imitate other people, whether consciously or unconsciously. All we can choose is who to follow. Discover five characteristics of ideal role models so you can follow the right people and become the right role model for others to follow.

All who have trusted in Jesus are called to grow in righteousness. But why should we, and how can we? Discover the answers to both questions in this short but profoundly significant passage.

God has done great things for us, in us, and through us since Southwood was founded ten years ago. Today, we give Him thanks and celebrate the lives He has changed.

When the church body is united in living like Jesus, the Gospel has fertile soil to spread. The greatest enemy of becoming like Jesus is self.

We who know Jesus have already received the greatest gift known to man. Now it is our duty to live worthy of that gift.

We all long for an unwavering purpose in life that can't be destroyed by life's challenges. Really living means we are really chasing a life with meaning. Join us as we look at how to Live!

There is a way to find joy even in the midst of suffering and persecution: learn to see life through gospel-colored glasses.

What we pray for reveals what we desire most. So, what is it that you pray most urgently for? If we follow Paul's example, the answer will be growth in love that is guided by wisdom. That need trumps all others for there is nothing more powerful than love for showing the world the beauty of Jesus.

All humans crave community and significance, and both can be found in joining God's mission of helping people find and follow Jesus.

The book of Philippians teaches us how to live as citizens of heaven in a fallen world, and it begins by revealing the new identity we have in Christ. We are His saints, His slaves, and His servant-leaders.

Our mission is to help people find and follow Jesus, and with Philip as our guide, we'll see how easy that can be. Walk with God, get out of your bubble, ask questions, share Jesus, and you can change the world!

The Weeping Prophet reveals the source of steadfastness and hope in a life of unimaginable difficulty: complete and unwavering TRUST in God who is completely TRUSTworthy...His trust IS the Lord.

At times it is difficult, perhaps even frightening, to live everyday life on mission. David demonstrates through the illustration of God as our Shepherd that we can confidently seize opportunities to live a life on mission and engage in spiritual significance in everyday interactions.

God designed marriage as a partnership for the completion of a divinely commissioned task.

Parenting can bring out the worst in us; but it can also bring out the best if we'll learn from Jacob's failures and follow his successes. No family on earth is beyond hope of redemption or beyond need of growth.

This lesson delves into the challenging passage of James 2 and the relationship between faith and works.

There are parts of our lives that are broken beyond our ability to repair. But there is hope because we have a God who can fix the unfixable. He can give you a new name just as He did for Jacob, and all you must do is cling to Him.

This lesson delves into the challenging passage of James 2 and the relationship between faith and works.

We're looking at the legacies left by Biblical figures. Through the life of Samson, we can better understand that God has Forgiven our Failures to Provide us with Purpose.

We're looking at the legacies left by Biblical figures. Through the life of Abimelech, we can better understand that instead of pursuing our own kingdoms here on this earth, God calls His people to pursue His kingdom first while trusting His perfect provision.

Was Jesus God, or was he a mere man? Does it matter This lesson tackles the heresies and misunderstandings surrounding the person of Jesus, and wrestles with the significance that God chose to live and die as one of us.

Leave a legacy that matters.

Is there an unforgivable sin we can commit that will eternally separate us from God? This lesson delves into the challenging words of Jesus toward the Pharisees in Matthew 12, and wrestles with the idea of an unpardonable sin as it relates to our salvation and spiritual walk.

We all face moments of crisis when a decision must be made. Esther faces such a moment, when she must decide to act to save her people at the risk of her own life. Join us as we look at the turning points we must all face.

Who is in control of the circumstances of life? When powerful people run the world in a dark way, who do we look to for help? God is in control through his divine providence.

The grace of God is powerful. Much like strong seasoning, it only takes a little bit to influence an entire culture. A few faithful followers of Jesus can make a big impact on the world around them. How, then, can we make the most of every opportunity to reflect and share the good news of Jesus Christ?

In both Gideon's triumph and tragedy, we discover how faith, or lack thereof, shapes our legacy.

Boaz generously extends grace to bless those within his city whose security has been shattered.

God will significantly utilize Hannah to shape so much of His redemptive plan throughout the Old Testament. Hannah stands out amongst other Old Testament heroes as God shapes her through the pain of waiting before we see her dedication in the offering and training of her son, Samuel.

Most of us want to become more generous, but find it incredibly hard amidst the responsibilities and temptations of modern life. Discover three practical steps that can grow your generosity and expand your impact on the world for the kingdom of God.

We all have idols - things we pursue and trust in to make life satisfying and safe. Very often these idols are revealed by how we spend our money. However, when we deliberately choose to sacrificially share from our wealth, we break the hold of idols over our hearts, and we find contentment, freedom and joy in God.

We all have idols - things we pursue and trust in to make life satisfying and safe. Very often these idols are revealed by how we spend our money. However, when we deliberately choose to sacrificially share from our wealth, we break the hold of idols over our hearts, and we find contentment, freedom and joy in God.

We all have idols - things we pursue and trust in to make life satisfying and safe. Very often these idols are revealed by how we spend our money. However, when we deliberately choose to sacrificially share from our wealth, we break the hold of idols over our hearts, and we find contentment, freedom and joy in God.

How does God want us to leverage our life? By utilizing our talents fully for the purposes of God.

Some investments simply don't work out - they decline in value or disappear altogether. In fact, from the Bible's point of view, all earthly wealth will ultimately lose all of its value unless it is converted into something of eternal value - PEOPLE. God loves people because people are made in His image, and they will all live forever, with Him or apart from Him. So invest your life - your treasure, your time, your talent - in helping people find and follow Jesus.

God is worthy of our worship. He is matchless. There is no one and nothing to compare with Him. And one of the most transforming ways we worship God is through becoming generous and joyful givers.

God is worthy of our worship. He is matchless. There is no one and nothing to compare with Him. And one of the most transforming ways we worship God is through becoming generous and joyful givers.

God is worthy of our worship. He is matchless. There is no one and nothing to compare with Him. And one of the most transforming ways we worship God is through becoming generous and joyful givers.

Approximately 1,985 years ago Jesus rose from the dead. But what relevance does that bit of history have for your life? According to 1 Corinthians 15, it's everything! His resurrection is the basis of our hope and the foundation of our future; and without it, Christianity is nothing but a waste of our time!

All of us are sinners who deserve eternal separation from God. Apart from God's intervention, we have no hope. On the first Good Friday, though, God intervened. His Son Jesus died in our place, taking the punishment for our sin.

Why did Jesus have to die? What did His death accomplish? We'll discover the meaning of Christ's death as we contemplate God's holiness and God's love, and see how they were reconciled on the cross.

Jesus asked a simple, direct, profound question nearly 2000 years ago, "Who do you say that I am?" That is the most important question any person will ever answer for it determines what we do in this life and where we go in the next life. As we study how the disciples and how Jesus' enemies answered that question, we discover that there is no middle ground with Jesus. He is either a liar who deserved to die, or He is the Word, the Lamb, the Messiah, and the King who deserves our unending worship and absolute devotion.

The goal of the Christian life is spiritual multiplication. Join us as we look how to do it well!

How do we deal with the reality that some people have greater opportunity to hear the gospel than other people? What about babies, or those who are incapable of understanding the gospel? What does the Scripture say about God's fairness and justice in saving men and women through Jesus? Can we trust Him?

The concept of hell is probably the most unpopular doctrine in Christianity. And yet, Jesus talked about hell quite a bit. What does the Scripture say about hell? Who goes there, and why? What is it like? And how can it be avoided?

Have you ever looked around you and thought, "The world should be better than this"? If so, you are really longing for heaven. When Jesus comes back, heaven will come to earth. We will have perfect bodies, perfect relationships, perfect surroundings, and perfect occupations. In the meanwhile, we place all of our hope in the promise of God's kingdom, and we share the good news that heaven is on its way.

Death is always a source of grief, and it always raises tough questions. Where do people go when they die? Is death permanent? Are heaven and hell real places? The Scripture tells us that death is our enemy, but Jesus has defeated it. Although we grieve, we can grieve with hope. Those who believe in Jesus can have assurance that they will live with Him forever. Not even death can defeat God's people, because Jesus has overcome it.

All sin is inherently addictive! Therefore, all of us need to know how to find hope and victory against the bad habits and sinful addictions that will, if left unchecked, destroy our lives. Discover both biblical principles and practical steps to aid in your fight for faithfulness.

Fear and anxiety are unavoidable in this precarious world. While some of us struggle with these only periodically, many others suffer daily with full-blown panic attacks and anxiety disorders. So how do you find hope and healing when fear and anxiety invade your life?

Sadly, following Jesus doesn't spare us from the discouragements of this life nor protect us from the possibility of depression. But there is good news. We can find hope even in our darkest moments. Here's how.

Loneliness touches all of our lives. So, how can we find genuine, enduring hope in the midst of crushing loneliness? And how can we help others struggling with loneliness?

You have a season God has given you. Own your today so you're ready for for what God is doing tomorrow.

On Christmas Eve we celebrate God's gift of a Savior. Discover why this gift trumps all others.

God is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is present in our immediate, daily needs - physical, emotional, spiritual - and also in our ultimate need of life that overcomes the grave. May we celebrate during this season that God is with us.

God is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is present in our immediate, daily needs - physical, emotional, spiritual - and also in our ultimate need of life that overcomes the grave. May we celebrate during this season that God is with us.

The key to making any relationship work is knowing how to communicate well when tensions are high. In this practical study we will discover principles from ancient scripture and modern research that will help us communicate well when things get tense.

You are at war whether you realize it or not, and your enemy is far more powerful than you. A master of deception, he will ruin your life if you give him the chance. However, through Christ, you can fight back. Discover how to put on your armor and win this fight.

The normal human tendency to compare can significantly threaten our capacity to give thanks in our life!

Out of reverence for Christ, we are called to submit to others in our homes and in our workplace.

Marriage is both amazingly good and amazingly hard! Strong marriages require continual sacrifice from both spouses as they fulfill the unique roles God has designed for each of them. Discover how to become the husband or the wife God has designed you to be.

We are called to be light in a dark world through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. But to be a light, we must flee the darkness by practicing the discipline of gratitude.

To draw people to Jesus, we must stand out from the world around us. Our lives should be characterized not by the selfishness, unkindness, and isolation so ubiquitous in our society, but by the forgiveness, truthfulness, graciousness, and selflessness of the Holy Spirit. Discover how to live a STAND OUT life.

Helping people find and follow Jesus globally.

Some days change everything. For our brothers and sisters in Christ being baptized today, this is one of those days.

Why go to church when you can listen to worship music and sermon podcasts at home? Because the local church is the hope of the world if, and only if, we each play our part by pursuing unity with one another and serving one another with the gifts Christ has given us.

Pray that we would know the love of Christ.

Life throws all sorts of curves our way. Join us as we see Paul shift his perspective away from the challenge to the purpose God has for his life.

Racism, class warfare, and political divisions run rampant in our world today, as they always have, fueled by the pride and fear within all of us. But there is a solution. In Christ we find a supernatural PEACE with God and with one another that is strong enough to heal all divisions, if we will simply learn to put it into action.

"But God..." is perhaps the greatest two-word phrase you'll find in scripture. We were dead in sin, slaves to Satan, and under wrath, unable to free ourselves. "But God" intervened through Christ and gave us life as a free gift. There is no better news to hear, believe, and share with a dying world.

You will never exhaust the riches of God's wisdom, glory, character, or plan. Therefore, class is never over for the follower of Christ. It is our joy and privilege to be every learning more about the hope, value, and power we have in Him.

When life gets hard, choose gratitude. Thank God for the infinite wealth of spiritual blessings He's given you. You were chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Spirit.

What is our purpose in life as individuals and as a church? Stated as simply as possible: we help people FIND and FOLLOW Jesus. Discover how to do that in your own life, and hear about how God is calling Grace Bible Church to do that in our community and our world.

Honesty with God allows me to experience God's forgiveness; the divine release from the baggage of my sin.

In long-lasting trials and difficulties, our best response is TRUST in God's steadfast love and unmatched power...and trials are the best means of growing that trust.

When you read the daily headlines, how do you feel? Frustrated? Powerless? Desparing? We consume news, bad news, about which we can do nothing. We can engage at a local level and have some influence, but not at a national or global level. Nevertheless, we have hope. "Jesus will reign" answers every troubling headline. It also instructs us how to live each day - in joyful submission to His rule in our lives and hope for His coming kingdom.

God is greater than anything we fear. He is always with us and promises salvation to the one who trusts Him. For that reason, He is our courage when we're afraid. For the person who trusts God, there is nothing to fear.

In the midst of our pain and suffering, we often feel misunderstood, alone, and completely out of control. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us, is everywhere with us, and has a perfect plan. As a result, we can trust Him in every situation.

Psalm 105 praises God for our shared identity as His people because there is always potential for incredible confusion over who we are, what we need, and how we should live.

Worship is so much more than singing in church on Sunday mornings. But to do it well, we need humility, knowledge, and inspiration. Discover all three in Psalm 113.

Psalm 90 is a psalm of trust in the Lord as our refuge and it encourages an honesty in our struggle.

God hasn't left humanity to stumble in the dark. He speaks to all of us in His WORLD and in His WORD, but to hear His voice, we must step off the treadmill of life and learn to listen.

We have a crucial need. There is a profound solution and a gracious response.

This life is rigged. It only works God's way. Follow His path and you will experience blessing, peace, joy and fulfillment. Follow the world and you will experience frustration, conflict and failure. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. Your choices, both small and large, will matter today and for eternity. So which way will you choose?

What do you do when life goes from bad to worse? Join us as we learn to have hope in the midst of life's trials.

Three biblical encouragements to strengthen any mom in the throes of motherhood, along with practical advice from a panel of four wise Southwood moms.

William Barclay said, "There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why." Discover the why as we study the last words of Jesus.

The risen Savior has victory over the world He rules.

Everyone suffers in this life. If you haven't, you simply haven't lived long enough. But when suffering comes, you can find strength by fixing your eyes on the PLAN and the PAIN of the cross.

That's not fair! How many times have you heard your kids say that? How many times have you said or thought that yourself?! We want life to be fair, but God wants something better. Discover the better-than-fair grace of God as we celebrate the resurrection of His Son which made that grace possible.

All God's commands can be boiled down to one, simple word: love. But what does it actually mean to love God and others? Discover both the crushing bad news and uplifting good news of one of Jesus' most famous statements.

Follow Jesus, the humble, sacrificial Servant as you strive toward true greatness. Set aside the world's definition of a great life, along with it's scheming and it's pride. Trust Jesus. He will exalt you at the proper time.

For better or worse we'll be on the internet and social media till death do us part. So we must learn how to live online as followers of Christ, and as parents, how to train our kids to do the same. Discover biblical principles and research-based practices to guide your online life. [PARENTAL WARNING: This sermon may not be appropriate for very young children. It is, however, appropriate and necessary for all children who are on social media or the internet.]

In accepting Jesus as the Christ, we are accepting the God who asks us to abandon self-satisfaction for the struggles of self-sacrifice.

As Jesus lays out the Lord's Prayer and tells us to pray "Thy Kingdom Come", by praying this we are anticipating, representing, and proclaiming the future Kingdom of God.

As Jesus lays out the Lord's Prayer and tells us to pray "Thy Kingdom Come", by praying this we are anticipating, representing, and proclaiming the future Kingdom of God.

Who gets to be in charge of your life, you or Jesus? That's a question we get to answer every day. When Jesus didn't look like or act like they expected, the leaders of Israel rejected Him. Will you learn from their mistake and trust Jesus as your King even when He doesn't fit your expectations?

Jesus' miracles prove His authority and provide a preview of His kingdom.

Our Father's love knows no limits. As He has forgiven us, and because He has forgiven us, we can forgive others. And as we forgive, others experience the love of our Father through us. Let us then learn to forgive.

When Jesus returns He will turn the world upside down. What the world values now will not be valued then; and what the world dismisses now will not be dismissed then. Discover what to do now so you can have a life worth celebrating when Jesus returns.

Hate your brother... you're worthy of hell. Lust after a woman... worthy of hell. Withhold forgiveness... worthy of hell. In the Sermon on the Mount, the most famous sermon ever given, the bad news is so much worse than you ever imagined. And yet there is also good news that is better than you dared hope... if you just know where to find it.

Thousands of men had the right heredity to be the King of Kings; dozens of them had the opportunity; and yet only one passed the test of obedience. Jesus alone qualifies to be our King, and from Him we can learn how to pass the test of obedience in our own lives. Learn to fight temptation like the King!

Matthew's gospel presents Jesus as the One True King, the Sovereign over all. Will you follow Him, or will you give your allegiance to another? Will you follow Him, or will you choose to rule over your own life? He promises us fullness of life, a life that can be found in no other.

Just as God EMPOWERS and equips us to do things we could never do in our own strength, couples in healthy and thriving marriages can empower one another.

Couples who experience increasing levels of ONENESS and intimacy prioritize their relationship and see themselves on the same team.

Couples who learn how to regularly forgive and RESTORE are often playful, refreshed, energized and creative! These marriages demonstrate restoration and the breath of new life that God offers all people.

Blake answers a variety of questions submitted by the congregation dealing with theology, politics, church life, godly living, Biblical characters, and car repair.

To make it easier to access, here's time-stamps for each question so you can jump to what interests you:

1:19 Scrub radius

2:19 Immigration

9:55 Poverty

14:45 Racial reconciliation

18:09 Fake news

21:00 Liberal politics

23:10 Halloween

25:09 Sin and repentance

28:35 Homosexuality and the goodness of God

33:47 Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression

36:35 Moses in Exodus 4

37:45 Melchizedek

39:40 Age of accountability

42:46 Why I believe

God continues our restoration by calling us to seek the restoration of others.

The gift of eternal life outshines every other gift because it meets our most desperate needs, it satisfies us forever and came to us at infinite cost.

Angels are more beautiful, powerful, and ancient that we can possibly fathom, and yet throughout the Bible they are always cast in supporting roles. They are never the focus, and that says something profound about God and about you.

The shepherds are a surprising inclusion in the Christmas Story that highlights both God's value for the marginalized and our opportunity to share our faith in the Christmas season.

Continue our preparation for Christmas by celebrating the shocking obscurity, humility, and selflessness of the birth, life, and death of Jesus. He is our antidote for the insidious Kardashian-ism infecting and enslaving our culture.

Kick off the Advent Season by discovering six prophetic words from Isaiah 9 that will help you reconnect modern Christmas traditions with deeper biblical realities.

We live in a cycle of business but God created us for more than what we can produce. Join us as we look at how to create healthy cycles in the life God gave us to live.

We live in a cycle of business but God created us for more than what we can produce. Join us as we look at how to create healthy cycles in the life God gave us to live.

This year's contentious presidential election offers us two powerful opportunities to glorify God and impact the world. Discover how to vote and serve like followers of Christ.

Christian readiness is founded in knowing the purpose and provision we have received from God.

What is love and where can we find it? Discover the secrets of true, lasting love.

Every Christian feels inadequate at prayer. EVERY. CHRISTIAN! But there is hope! You can learn to pray better, bigger, and more consistency by learning from the best prayer warrior in history: God's Son, Jesus.

What did you expect to find in this life? Happiness? Success? Ease? Let God's realities shape your expectations and you'll find both peace and purpose in life.

In our constant struggle against temptation, it is important that we know what purity means, why purity should be pursued, and how to develop it in our lives.

You can become an expert in God's Word... and you must to be "approved" and "unashamed" when you see Jesus. All you need are a few simple skills to start reading, studying, applying, and ENJOYING the Word of God!

God wants to bless you with both enduring peace and inspiring purpose. Yet these are only possible for those who accurately understand the relationship between obedience and salvation. Discover the secret to peace and purpose.

Want to know how to live a successful life? Simply follow these four steps: be strong in grace, pass the baton, endure the pain, and run for the prize.

Some truths are worth dying for, and at the top of the list is the good news we call the gospel. Share it boldly and defend it zealously because in it death is defeated and life is proclaimed.

You can replace fear and despair with courage and hope if you will fan into flame the gifts, power, love, and discipline of the Holy Spirit. Discover how.

Our natural tendency is to make far too much of our disappointments in life and far too little of our blessings. Psalm 103 challenges us to flip that ratio around and focus on God's great power and grace. Discover the power of gratitude.

A thorough study of the end times will draw our hearts to worship God who is in complete control.

The purpose of sanctification is that God's people would be set apart to bring glory to Him and be a blessing to others.

In spite of our modern advancement, we still live in a Spiritual world in which we must engage in a Spiritual Fight.

You didn't earn eternal life, so you can't lose it. The greatest possession in the universe, life forever with God, is both free and secure. Can there be any greater motivation to live like Jesus and to live for Jesus?!

Are you saved? How do you know, and what does that question even mean? As we look deeper at one of the most important topics in Christianity, we'll discover that salvation is bigger, older, and freer than we ever could have imagined.

"Christ died for our sins," so the Bible tells us. What is sin? Why do we have it? How does it affect us? And why did the Son of God have to lay down His life in loving sacrifice because of it?

Who makes up the cast of the church? What determines the calling of the church?

In the image of Himself, God made us to reflect His character and represent His authority on the earth. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, but we are also fatally flawed. Only the work of God's Son can restore in us God's beautiful design and purpose.

How would you describe the God of the Bible to someone from another faith? That's not an academic question. What adjectives come to your mind when you think about God is, in the final analysis, the most important thing about you. Fuel your worship and refine your character by discovering the attributes of God.

The Triune God is unlike any other god. He is personal; He is relational; He is giving, sacrificing, and serving. He is love. He is Father, Son and Spirit - three persons and One God, all delighting in one another, and loving their creation in a manner far beyond any love we have ever experienced in this world.

The Triune God is unlike any other god. He is personal; He is relational; He is giving, sacrificing, and serving. He is love. He is Father, Son and Spirit - three persons and One God, all delighting in one another, and loving their creation in a manner far beyond any love we have ever experienced in this world.

What is the Bible and why is it worth your time? How do we know our Bibles are reliable if we don't have the original manuscripts? Are you really supposed to take the Bible literally? Why do we have these 66 books and not others? What do you do when you don't understand the meaning of a passage?

We're studying theology because God wants us to love Him with all our minds along with our hearts - because learning about God leads to knowing God, and knowing God is the goal of life. Today, we're focusing on The Holy Spirit - Who He is and What He does to enlighten our world, explain God's Word, and equip us for God's work.

There is so much more to Jesus than we can possibly imagine.

You are already a theologian whether you realize it or not, and you need good theology more than you may realize. Discover the connection between good theology and love, obedience, growth, perseverance, and parenting.

Biblical truth and practical advice to help you find freedom from feelings of guilt, fear, and isolation.

The brilliance of Christ shines in the life that He brings, the God He reveals, and the sin He exposes.

God wants His people to thrive, not just get by. If we will abide in Jesus by obeying Him, then God will graciously prune, produce, and provide all we need to flourish.

We are all followers. Therefore, the key to life is choosing the right person to follow! Discover why Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the only Person worthy to follow.

Do not let your heart be troubled by the pain, loneliness, and anxieties of this life. Jesus is your way to truth, your way to life, and your one and only way to the Father's house. All you must do is trust Him to get you there.

Hunger drives most of what we do in life... hunger not just for food, but for love, friendship, hope, peace, security, and significance. Jesus, our bread of life, offers to satisfy all these hungers and more if we'll simply come to Him in faith.

You're going to die, and there's nothing you can do about it. But there is hope because death isn't that bad for those who know Jesus, the source of life. He died to defeat death and rose to give us life eternal. As a result, death will be nothing more than a temporary discomfort that leads you to a better life.

God expects His people to act in ways that He has already modeled in the Gospel.

According to Proverbs 12.18, our words have the power to create incredible joy or incredible sorrow in the lives around us. We've all seen their ability to encourage or discourage; to fix a relationship or break it; to heal or destroy. So how do we avoid reckless words that cut like a sword and instead use wise words to bring healing?

Ecclesiastes raises many problems, and the worst one of all is death. Fortunately, the books of Isaiah and Revelation tell us that death is not the end of our story because a better life, a perfect life is coming. Discover the joy that awaits you when this life comes to an end.