For your own good, I encourage you to etch out 38 minutes and 43 seconds in the very near future and treat yourself to this help.
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Pray. Ask the Lord to bring several unconverted friends' names to your heart. Pray earnestly for their salvation.
Invite your friend(s) to come to church with you at least one Sunday between March and May. Preferrably more than that.
The preaching pastors are committing to the body to be seeking the Lord's face to preach as clearly and simply the whole gospel each Sunday, including the bible's instruction for how one must respond. Pray for us!
When you invite your friend to church, arrange also to host him/her/them for lunch the Sunday they attend.
Invite a fellow Grace member/family to join you for lunch to help with meal preparations, build a new relationship, pray, and to help commend Christ during the lunch conversation. Don't let living far away stop you from being involved. Talk to someone else in the body, and figure it out together.
Launching from the morning's sermon, or however you can get there, turn the conversation toward the gospel. Explain God's Jesus-centered saving truth. Welcome questions and dialogue. Lovingly call for repentance and faith. Seek to arrange 4 to 5 times in the next 2-3 months to read the gospel of Mark (independently) and talk about it (together).
Repeat the entire process until God says stop (i.e. When you get to heaven).
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Peter Jeffery quoting Spurgeon in Bitesize Theology,
Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great suject of the Deity. Would you lose your sorrow? Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godheads's deepest sea; be lost in his immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.
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"My soul, wait in silence for God only..." - Psalm 62:5.
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If the Lord wills, Christ's immutability will be our theme this coming Sunday at Grace.
That's because God the Father gives us a window into His own delight into the Immutability of God the Son in Hebrews 1:10-12. Marinate your soul...
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“Let us mark…how Christ indicates that when His joy abides in us our joy is full (John 15:11).
Joy depends much less on what we have, than on what we are. You may give me this and that, and everything that can be thought of, yet in my soul there be no wave of joy.
But change me inwardly; make me like Jesus; let me, like Him, hate wickedness and love righteousness with the whole force of my nature; let me abide, like Him, in the Father’s love; let my heart, like His, flow over with loving feelings on every side; let me, like Him, delight in doing God’s will, and in finishing, day by day, the work given me to do; let me, like Him, live in expectation of the glory that is to be revealed when He appears with His holy angels, when His redeemed are all gathered from east and from the west, from the north and from the south; then shall not my joy be pure, deep, and real? Shall my joy not even now be unspeakable and full of glory?”
William Garden Blaikie’s, The Inner Life of our Lord, 97-98.
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When the vantage point of our prayer is lined up with Christ's worth, we will quickly find more expectation in our praying and true transformation in our lives.
Prayer can be empty, and often is, but it doesn't have to be. We should expect our Father's...
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“The lighter forms of joy, when they involve no sin, need not be banished from our life—bodily recreation, social mirth, lively books and lively conversation. But their place will be secondary; the great fountain will be Christ’s fountain. Nay, we will be jealous over ourselves with godly jealousy, lest we so drink of lighter joys of life as to spoil our relish for the deeper river that makes glad the city of our God.” - William Garden Blaikie, Glimpses of the Inner Life of our Lord, 98.
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Long-term Haiti relief plan in place
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As you ready your soul to join God's
people in worship, I encourage you to marinate in our sermon text,
Hebrews 1:7-9. As you're in those verses, ask the Holy Spirit to work
powerfully among us for true conversions and Christian growth.
Reckon with four God things said about Jesus in these verses...
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The answer is "All too easily."
We are professional sinners. All of us. We will use anything and everything as a means of avoiding God.
Would the words "fresh encounter" accurately describe your current fellowship with Jesus? Notice, the question isn't...
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So, which is it? Is the Christian dead or alive? It depends. The Bible says we are both.
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I pass along this illustration from Ray Ortlund Jr's guidebook on modern revival, When God Comes to Church,
with the ambition of provoking all who will read it to seek to apprehend
more of Christ. Or, as the Apostle Paul said...
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In an inexplicable way, God's incomprehensible truth "makes sense" to the Christian. This is not to suggest that anyone, other than God, fully grasps His revelation.
Think, for one example, of the fact that every Christian "understands" and believes in the Trinity!?!
Before labelling me a heretic for the post's title, reckon with...
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God the Father commanded all of the angels to direct their worship toward Jesus during His incarnation. That's the sum of Hebrews 1:6, and it has profound implications for our understanding of Jesus, and it must inform our response to Him. Are you a worshipper of Jesus Christ?
I believe that God created man to join the angels in the ceaseless worship of Jesus. If you belong to Christ, you will one day soon be welcomed into that very experience, the glories of which will never end.
The gospel is inexhaustible. We are saved by Jesus and instantaneously granted the ability to appropriately worship the Triune and only God forever.
That's a snapshot of where we're headed on Sunday.
The best means I can think of to prepare your soul for being under God's Word with the people of Grace this Sunday is to worship Jesus now.
See you Sunday, Lord willing, Phil. 3:3 (look it up)
Jordan
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Tracy and I are registered and ready. Hope you can make it, too.
Registration Deadline: This Thursday, February 4!
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Jubilee is the next church set to spawn from the TCT vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church. You can click here to listen, read, or watch John Piper and John Erickson (Pastor, Jubilee) tagteam to explain the vision. In his segment, Piper includes a brief history of Bethlehem's 185 years of church planting, including Grace Church.
Pray for Jubilee. Pray for many more churches to emerge in the days ahead!
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"If God were your Father, you would love Me." ~ Jesus Christ (John 8:42).
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Be praying for our guest preacher, Bro. Steve Smith, and all who will attend Grace this coming Sunday. Steve is my father-in-law, and to the little people who live under my roof, he's better known as "Pawpaw."
Steve wouldn't want me to publish this, but he doesn't even know how to turn on the internet, so I'm safe :).
Steve is the most godly man I know. I've watched him for the past 17 years...
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Tomorrow another Christian event will happen. What will be the effect 100 years from now? A revived people of God? I pray so.
In our day of churchy program-driven fluff, I found the Tennessee Baptist Convention's e-invitation for "Heart-Cry for Revival" very refreshing!
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Sunday I preached on the theme that He Who is Christ's Father is
also the Father of all who come to Him through Christ. Astonishing
reality! Oh to live more in its light!
In clear connection, a dear sister in our congregation sent Spurgeon's entry from today's Morning & Evening as a further application of this truth. Amen! I couldn't help but post it here for you all. Enjoy!
Morning, January 26
Matthew 6:26 - "Your heavenly Father"
God's people are doubly His children, they are His offspring by creation, and they are His sons by adoption in Christ. Hence they are privileged to call Him, "Our Father which art in heaven." Father! Oh, what precious...
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Ever wonder what a perfect father/son relationship would look like? Look no further than God the Father and the Lord Jesus!
In our text for tomorrow morning's sermon, we will seek to see three things and to be impacted eternally by them:
Pray that we would go hard after God tomorrow, and that He would draw near to us!
See you in the morn, Lord willing ~ John 15:9,
Jordan
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Those were Ray Ortlund's dad's dying words to him.
Related: I've heard so many pastors talk about committing church infidelity because, "ministry became a mistress."
I'm sure that your pastor is very susceptible to that same sin. Pray for him today. Encourage him to have consistent time with his family. Expect it. Settle for nothing less. Thank you for praying just that for me, as well as the other pastors of Grace Church!
Yes, Mr. Orlund, Jesus is everthing!
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Dear Christian (who hasn't felt God draw near in a long time),
Can you remember what it used to be like? Do you reminisce of a day gone by when God's manifest presence was the atmosphere in which you lived? What's changed?
Have we moved beyond the intitial passion to taste God through His Word and beyond a fervency in prayer because we've gotten more sophisiticated in our idea of godliness? If so...
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I'm gearing up to preach on the theme of intercessory prayer tonight for my final meeting with Worden Baptist. I was encouraged and exhorted when I came across Spurgeon's counsel via today's timely First Importance post:
"Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see his promises put in circulation; [God] loves to see his children bring them up to him, and say, Lord, do as thou hast said. We glorify God when we plead his promises." - Charles Spurgeon, Morning & Evening, January 15
Would you plead one or more of God's promises for those of us who will gather tonight?
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As I've been preaching away this week I've emphasized that Christians must strive to know God on the basis of His revelation of Himself, rather than according to our own imaginations.
As a result, an excellent question came via email from one of the listeners regarding where to look to find such texts. I thought others might want to treat themselves to the richest of fare by mining and meditating on similar texts. If so, here's my reply:
Dear __________,
Excellent question! I'm encouraged that you thought to ask.
You may have been able to track down many of God's Self-descriptions in Scripture using a quick concordance search, or some means of online search? Oftentimes, though, this will exclude many other important references (Because the verse may not include our search words; "Thus saith the LORD", etc)...
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Pray for God to speak to you. Then, take 2 minutes to watch this video that should shape the rest of your life.
ht:tc
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Would you please say a brief prayer right now over those who will be part
of the special meetings I've been invited to preach this week at Worden
Baptist Church in Bald Knob, AR? In particular, would you pray the
words of Psalm 85:6:
Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
Please pray also for their pastor, Bro. Jerry Goodwin, who went to the Emergency Room around 1:30 this morning with extreme nausea, and was diagnosed with vertigo. He was advised by his doctors to remain home for rest the remainder of the week. As a pastor myself, I know it will be doubly burdening for Jerry to miss worshipping the LORD with the congregation he so dearly loves and serves.
Thank you,
Jordan
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Every person's lineage reaches back to our first parents, Adam and Eve.
Every person has been thoroughly infected with Adam's sin. Therefore, apart from Christ, we are at enmity with God and with one another.
In mercy, God sent the perfect Man to redeem sinful men. "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
Before us stands the fixed future reality that heaven will be populated with men and women who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. God will save His people and will fulfill all of His promises to them through Jesus, including eternal life. The heavenly population will be comprised of all types of men. Not men that are fundamentally different than one another -- for we are all human, and we are all sinful. But men from every corner of God's earth -- those from every "tribe, tongue, people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).
In heaven what began to dawn at Pentecost will be fully consummated. The curse of Babel will be wholly reversed. Man will have God as his everlasting treasure, not through his own self-effort, but through the gospel condesencion of our Loving God applied immediately to every inhabitant by the Holy Spirit.
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Thought I should post this email from the IMB's response team:
Southern Baptists mobilize to help earthquake victims
Southern Baptists are mobilizing to assess disaster relief needs after the largest earthquake in more than 200 years rocked Haiti the evening of Jan. 12.The initial Southern Baptist disaster relief effort will be led by Florida Baptists, who have had ministry relationships in Haiti for more than 20 years and currently have six staff members who live and work in the country, said Jim Brown, U.S. director for Baptist Global Response, a Southern Baptist relief and development organization. The International Mission Board does not have long-term personnel stationed in the country.
Initial funding for the relief effort will be provided by the IMB’s disaster relief fund. You can contribute to the disaster response effort at gobgr.org.
The North American Mission Board’s disaster relief office is organizing an emergency consultation with state disaster relief directors to coordinate response to the catastrophe, Brown said. Disaster relief teams in Mississippi and Kentucky are on standby for immediate response.
An assessment team is being organized by Baptist Global Response, IMB, NAMB and state convention disaster relief directors to enter the country as soon as possible, Brown said. They will work with Haitian Baptists to identify immediate needs that must be addressed and will draft mid- and long-term plans for an ongoing relief effort.
The 7.0 magnitude tremor hit 10 miles from the center of Port-au-Prince, a city of 3 million people, at around 5 p.m. Jan. 12, according to news reports. One source said the quake could be felt more than 200 miles away. The earthquake triggered a tsunami watch for Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Multiple strong aftershocks continued to rock the country after the initial tremor, said David Brown, who with his wife, Jo, directs BGR work in the Americas. Reports from inside the country indicate infrastructure and many buildings suffered catastrophic damage. The main airport is closed; power and communications are down and security is a serious concern. Specialized search and rescue teams and military units from several countries are being rushed into Haiti to help secure the situation and begin relief efforts.
Apart from donating to the disaster relief effort via gobgr.org, you can help greatly by joining in focused prayer for Haiti’s 9 million people, more than 80 percent of whom live below the poverty line, said David Brown.
“Please pray for us as we assess and monitor the situation in Haiti after the 7.0 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks this evening,” Brown said. “The initial information indicates 2 million people in Port-au-Prince are directly affected. Please pray for victims and their families. Pray for wisdom as responses are initiated.”
The situation in Haiti is very fluid and additional information will continue to flow in on a daily basis, Brown said. Updates will be released as new information becomes available.
Prayer updates will also be available.
Pray for an opportunity to commend Him Whom you cherish. Take it when God provides (which often means seeking to make the opportunity happen).
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Kindling for your prayer-fire:
| Date | Sermon Text | Sermon Title | Preacher |
| 1/3/10 | 1 Corinthians 1 | Christ: The Power & Wisdom of God | Nathan Sawyer |
| 1/10/10 | 1 Peter 2:9-20 | The Sanctity of Human Life | Bryan Smith |
| 1/17/10 | Romans 1:1-6 | The Gospel & Ethnic Harmony | Bryan Smith |
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Another fantastic Christmas poem from Kurt Strassner!
Excerpt from the conclusion:
So learn the truth of Bet It’s not the food that’s on your plate; Nor if your body’s strong and whole. The bread of God is for your soul!
hl’em’s gate.
Thanks brother!
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Hebrews 1:5 quotes Psalm 2:7 to make the point that Jesus (not angels) is the Son of God.
Because of the author's quotation, our primary text this coming Lord's Day will be the second Psalm. I highly encourage you to steep your soul in this magnificent chapter!
John Calvin summed up Psalm 2 this way:
"Let this, therefore, be held as a settled point, that all who do not submit themselves to the authority of Christ make war against God."
Suffice it to say that fighting against God is a very very bad idea.
To join God's side, one must "Kiss the Son", and "take refuge in Him" (Psalm 2:12). Be doing that and your heart will be warm for worship this Sunday, and beyond.
~ Jordan
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There's only one human who has never been ashamed of God. His Name is Jesus.
Hebrews 2:12 tells us that Psalm 22:22 applies to Jesus, Who, on the cross, sang God's praise in the midst of the people. There was never a more unashamed expression of love to God as was given by Christ in His dying hour.
The video below reminded me of Christ's shamlessness to live at all times for the glory of God in any and every circumstance. Oh that we would become more like Christ in that respect! (The message gets stronger at 3:33).
ht: keith blessing
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REVELATION 5:5-6
As our annual Christmas gift from church...
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The title to the post is the final line of this very short video. Hebrews 1:3 teaches that Jesus upholds everything seen in this video (and all else) by the word of His power. Take two minutes to watch and be humbled.
HT:tc
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On the opening page of Grace Church's latest Prayer Directory, the elders ask the following question:
"What might God do in and through our little flock if we were to faithfully intercede for one another?"
Our high-expectation follows...
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Little cupids perched on the mantel seem to be a far cry from the awesome angelic beings of Scripture.
Consider the prominence and power attributed to angels in God's order:
We could generate a very long list from Scripture citing the angels' prominence and power. But...
The main point of Hebrews 1:4-14 is that Jesus is superior to every angel in every way, and even, all of them combined!
See you Sunday, Lord willing
Jordan
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Looks like the GC blog wasn't high enough profile for our friend. You can read the Commercial Appeal cover article here.
Excerpt:
"...Admitting he is addicted to crack...
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"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only True God, and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent." - John 17:3
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As a three-year-old church plant, Grace Church has been unusually blessed to have been able to meet in the same location since our first meeting.
Most new churches are accustomed to bouncing from place to place...often! One of our sister TCT churches has moved eight times in five years. One of their pastors recently told me that their motto is, "If you can find us, you can worship with us."
If you were at Grace yesterday morning, you experienced our (good and growing) predicament. We need more space.
You have the solution? Let us know.
But...before flooding us with the address of every vacant property you've ever seen in Memphis, push it through this filter:
Our desire is to be (1) As close to the river as possible, and (2) as close to the North end of Downtown as possible.
All Osteen jokes aside, that means we're wanting to be as close to the pyramid as possible. Got a key?
Please pray with us about this good dilemma. We trust that our Lord will both guide and provide.
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Why is there a picture of Boggle in the worship-prep post?
There were 33, 34, 36, 37, 38. Let me explain.
Round One: Last summer my family was on vacation in St. Louis...
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Take note of a few important features on our newest church card (Click to view larger, or print).
The elders are encouraged to be leading Grace Church toward weekly observance of The Lord's Supper beginning January 2010...
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Keep up with Grace's upcoming events.
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Who knew? Looks as if Justin was willing to write the prelude to this week's "worship prep" post for us. Justin's advice is simple, and when applied with worship and prayer, life-changing.
Here's his chart from Hebrews 1:1-2a:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son
| Who? | God | God |
| What? | spoke | spoke |
| When? | long ago | in these last days |
| How? | at many times, in many ways | (in one decisive way)* |
| To whom? | our fathers
[OT patriarchs] |
us
[New Covenant people] |
| By whom? | the prophets | his Son |
So, take a look already!
Now see if you can find all 37 unique descriptions of Jesus in chapter one!
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Grace Church,
May it never be (accurately) said of us that we are/were a prayerless people. For a sustained life of prayer though, we must have solid grounding in God's revelation.
What you'll find below isn't very technical or novel, but its sure has helped me to want to grow more as a true Christ-like intercessor. Perhaps you'll be encouraged by these thoughts too...
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No one does missions perfectly. But that's no excuse to refrain from supporting the work of those who are imperfectly making an attempt.
A Personal Challenge
Unless you can develop and execute a better plan between now and this Christmas to accomplish the following list, I want to strongly encourage you to pray about how sacrifically the Lord would have you support global missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Here's a sampling of where the funds will go (100% of the LM offering goes toward the work of cross-cultural missions)
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Our attention in Sunday's sermon will be devoted to the final phrase
of Hebrews 1:3, which describes God as "the (enthroned) Majesty on high."
Pray also for Pastors Bryan & Nathan who will be preaching at Calvary Baptist on Sunday AM & PM respectively.
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This Thanksgiving morning I was reviewing memory in Hebrews.
As I was doing so, the Lord dealt with my heart in several fresh and kind ways that prompted spontaneous thanksgiving for the people of Grace Church...
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I've been preparing a series of short posts on Grace's newest international missions partnership -- this time, India. (I haven't forgotten that I still owe a Nigeria update too! Stay tuned).
First, though, it seems helpful to me to re-introduce Grace's vision for local and global missions.
Although this post is more lengthy than most, I hope our church members will read it with care, prayer, and a heart for engagement in healthy discussion that will sharpen our understanding and heighten our involvement in God's glorious work.
Because of the teaching of the New Testament, Grace's primary "spreading" efforts for our city and for the unreached world are one
and the same. That is, our goal is to see local churches strengthened,
and new churches planted...
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for Vision and Ministry Strategy for the Members of
Sunday November 22, 2009
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Lord willing, this coming Sunday Grace Church will be focusing on the truth that "Jesus made purification for sins" (Hebrews 1:3).
In his systematic theology, Wayne Grudem has some helpful questions for application regarding Christ's atoning work. Enjoy, and proceed with care...
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A true update to come soon, but for now, on behalf of the team, I want to express thanks for all who faithfully prayed for us while we were in India.
The Lord Jesus is powerfully at work in this country which boasts 1/5 of the world's people!
John 3:30, Jordan
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Lord willing, a four-person team from Grace will be leaving tomorrow morning for ministry in Hyderabad, India. Please pray for our team, and for those they will seek to serve.
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This Sunday and next, Pastor Bryan will be preaching on Christian conversion. The first sermon will focus on faith, the second on repentance.
Here's a great couple of Sunday's to invite a co-worker, family member, neighbor, fellow gas station fueler, mayor, grocery store check-out person, waitress, classmate, barber, mechanic, meter reader, pizza delivery guy, trash collector, doctor, telemarketer, store greeter, random pedestrian, the person in the parking garage ticket booth, barista, mailman (or lady), or someone like that.
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The comme
rcialism of Christmas is already upon us. Don't be hypnotized.
The shiny things on the shelves in the store aisles, or online, will be carefully wrapped in the package of necessity. "You need this. He needs that. She should have those...
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In the physical sense, it's only obvious that being hungry proves the
existence of our appetite. Hunger is your appetite's voice. And it will call out until its desires are met.
It's similar but not exactly the same in the spiritual sense.
Physically, when we are hungry, we satisfy our appetite by eating until we no longer hunger. We eat to get full so that our appetite is turned from hunger to satisfaction.
That's not how it works for the Christian's spiritual appetite.
When Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied," (Mt. 5:6) He was not showing that we should momentarily nibble on God's provision for us in the gospel until we no longer sense our need for righteousness. Jesus is showing that the evidence that we are hungry is that we are being satisfied. This satisfaction comes through feasting upon Christ.
Spiritual satisfaction, unlike physical, comes as we are hungry and thirsty for righteousness...
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Dear Anxious Inquirer after salvation,
Please read Charles Spurgeon's testimony carefully. I will be reading it to Grace Church this morning.
Sincerely, in Jesus, John 3:30
Jordan Thomas
Personally, I have to bless God for many good books; I thank Him for Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul; for Baxter's Call to the Unconverted; for Alleine's Alarm to Sinners; and for James's Anxious Enquirer; but my gratitude most of all is due to God, not for books, but for the preached Word,-and that too addressed to me by a poor, uneducated man, a man who had never received any training for the ministry, and probably will never be heard of in this life, a man engaged in business, no doubt of a humble kind, during the week, but who had just enough of grace to say on the Sabbath, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth."
The books were good, but the man was better...
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The Wikipedia entry for this says:
Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading, or "holy reading," and represents a traditional Christian practice of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God and to increase in the knowledge of God's Word. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray and even sing and rejoice from God's Word, within the soul.
There may be some other kooky things that I'm unaware of about this teaching, and if so, I'm not advocating for that stuff. But if its only what the paragraph above advocates, then I'm absolutely all for it.
Meeting with God by hearing from Him in the Bible. Yes! I'm for that. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what I was trying to promote in last week's sermon!
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To man, Jesus is the visible invisible God -- "He is the radiance of God's glory" (Hebrews 1:3). To God, Jesus is exact holiness of heart -- "He is the exact represenation of God's nature" (Hebrews 1:3).
That's where we're headed in Sunday's sermon. Contained in these two truths are the foundation of all that matters and all that truly helps.
Pray with all your might that God would meet us and work powerfully among us this coming Lord's Day. Here's the best way you can be preparing your heart:
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Many thanks to our brother Ben Bailey who recently made Grace's sermons available through podcast.
For those with nursery worker duty, the sermons are typically up for you to be able to listen well before your mid-week Grace Group application talks.
Click here for the podcast link. Or, click the logo in this post.
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As a compliment to our journey through Hebrews, I'm sharing a few of Clyde's poems from time to time that fit with the truths we're contemplating on Sunday's (Here's the first one I shared).
Here's the second installment, which has been posted a few times previously. Make it your prayer. Enjoy!
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If you are hungering to delve more into seeing Jesus in all the Scriptures, the passages below would be a great place to begin spending time in meditation/memory.
As you think and pray over what these texts have to say about Jesus being revealed in all of Scripture, you will want to branch out into cross-references...until you have included every verse in the Bible.
What other texts come to mind?
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Those who've been around Grace any length of time know that we're
not the biggest on "how to" sermons, although we pray that every sermon is immensely practical. Kent Hughes said it well, "Christ is the most practical thing on earth."
We're decidedly a verse-by-verse kind of people. This week, however, will be sort of unique, though I pray completely expositional.
Because we want to be "doers of the Word, not hearers only," we'll be taking a dozen or so of our sermons throughout Hebrews to focus primarly on life application.
Because the opening verses of the Hebrews begins with the exclaimation, "God spoke," we will use this Sunday's sermon to focus on "How to Hear from God." There's nothing more important! As someone has said, "We need to hear from God more than He needs to hear from us." The question is, are you hearing from Him? If so, how? If not, why?
Einstein said, "I want to know God's thoughts...the rest are details." If only Mr. Einstein would have peered into the pages of the Bible with a repentant heart and a desire to see the Lord Jesus Christ! Instead, he wrote:
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One of the most precious promises in all of Scripture is found in John 14:21. Jesus speaking:
"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."
Looking to Jesus is the Christian's chief duty, and also his highest delight. Better still, Jesus is more ready to make Himself known than anyone is to find Him.
In the verse Christ gives two conditions which lead to one consequence, which is ultimately rewarded by the fulfillment of three magnificent promises...
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Application Questions for Hebrews 1:1-3
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One Person perfectly
communicates God to man. One Person will rightfully inherit all things. One Person sufficiently represents man before God. And all three
perfectly meet in One Person. His Name is Jesus!
That's the main message of the opening three verses of Hebrews, and will be our theme this Sunday at Grace.
Warm your heart in His presence by meditating on Who He is, and thanking Him for what He has done.
See you Sunday, Lord willing.
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Having considered several worthy options, the elders have agreed that this year's Christmas sermon from yesteryear will once again come from the pulpit of Jonathan Edwards, a message entitled, The Excellency of Christ...
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My father in the faith & discipler, Clyde Cranford, was riddled with serious illnesses, especially the last ten years of his life. His struggle became a blessing to many in a variety of ways. How so?
When Clyde couldn't sleep because of physical discomfort, he would lie awake and pray, and think, and sometimes write. In his final year on earth, really in a matter of a few months, he wrote a collection of poems that he titled, In the Night Watches, because that's when they came to him.
As
a compliment to our journey through Hebrews, I'll share a few of
Clyde's poems from time to time that are fitting with the things we're
contemplating. Here's the first. Enjoy!
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For this community outreach event! 
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I absolutely love telling my kids that I love them, and do so several
dozen times per day (easily!), never having to make conscious effort to
remind myself to express this love.
Recently I was analyzing why it is that I gush out my expressions of love so often on my children, and deeper, why I seem to get so much joy out of it (you start doing that weird sort of thing about six weeks deep in a sabbatical when you can't digest another line of another commentary).
At the root, our expressions of love toward those we love is owing to the fact that it gives us great joy for them to know that we love them, and therefore it brings us great joy to remind them often of this love. We want them to know they are loved. Then we want them to know it again. Then, once more. Then, a few more times...
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The plan is to overview the message of Hebrews this Sunday. In short that would be, "Look to Jesus."
As a heart primer for Sunday, I would like to encoruage you to consider (maybe write down) what it would practically look like to heed that counsel. Meaning, what is the fleshing-out of "look to Christ"?
When it comes to marital challenges...
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So, this week is going to be a little unique. Read through Hebrews at least once if you can. Show up with a ready heart.
See you Sunday, Lord willing.
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Benson Comissioning Service
October, 4 at 6:00PM
Bridges
You
Jesus deserves all of the worship from every Eastern European
Come be part of this special occasion with the Grace family!
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Thanks to all who prayed for Bryan and I during our trip to Nigeria.
We made it home to our (much missed!) families last evening. A more informative post of the (indescribly wonderful) trip will come soon. For now, it's off to MN to fellowship with good friends, enjoy the quarterly meeting with fellow TCT pastors, and attend the DG conference.
Continue praying for Kirk who will begin his return from E. Europe later tonight (I think).
"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples" - 1 Chronicles 16:24
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As a little "'bout to be slow on the blog for a while" gift, here's two videos I shot yesterday at my house.
In the video with Robert, there's some obvious "leading the witness" going on as you'll see, but the L O N G talk we had beforehand was anything but coerced, and Robert repeatedly nailed the gospel! He was reluctant to speak to the camera, and finally obliged after a lot of pleading from me. I told him many would be blessed as a result. You're proof.
As for Caleb...well...just doesn't get much better than that! Looks like Grace finally found a Pastor for Worship! Enjoy!! And please pray for us!
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Lord willing, our good friend Anthony Mathenia (twitter, blog)
will be preaching at Grace the next two Sunday's, and will be covering
the entire book of James. His sermons are divided up as the book
naturally lends itself to division:
Steep your soul in the text daily (takes about 15 minutes to read the entire epistle), and pray fervently for God to speak to you, and all who will gather with Grace.
Also, please pray diligently, moment by moment throughout each day, without ceasing, for two church-impacting trips taking place during the next two weeks:
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For these reasons, and more, you can find help via Grace's twitter feed, where we'll be supplying regular exhortations for the heart, and reminders about upcoming events. There's some thoughts there already from which you might profit?
It can be found in three places:
As I tell my kids, now you know.
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Dear Grace Church,
Thank you for allowing me to have a sabbatical for the past eight weeks. The time was rich indeed! Thank you for praying for me during those days. Keep it up...
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Remember that Grace will not be meeting in Memphis this coming Sunday, September 6. Lord willing, we'll see everyone back at Bridges on Sunday, September 13 with a ready heart to worship our Lord Jesus.
On our newest church card you will find the weekly sermon texts and titles, the weekly corporate prayer texts, along with other pertinent information between now and December 6.
You may view or print the card by clicking here.
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Click here to view larger, or to print (PDF).
Directions: Mix weekly in heart with fervent prayer as a weapon to ready your hearts each week for corporate prayer and worship!
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Something eternally seismic happened at the cross of Christ, and the empty tomb.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "purchased for God from every tribe, tongue, people and nation" a redeemed church. Those who were formerly alienated from God, and therefore, His enemies, were bought with the invaluable blood of Jesus--God's own Son, and infused upon converstion with the capacity to bring glory God's great Name!
The saving work of Jesus is so significant and powerful and life-tranforming that the Scripture says that "the church" will redound the same degree of glory to God "forever and ever" as Jesus--His own perfect and glorious Son--has always and will always bring to Him.
Or in one simple phrase, as Sunday's sermon text puts it,
"To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
The parrallelism in that verse is nothing short of amazing.
Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday, with a ready heart! John 3:30
jt
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Yesterday was a top seven day in my life. Or, to use the golf scoring system, it was a top-three day! The order goes like this:
The reason I'm publicly gloating over our daughter's birth...
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We're told in Hebrews 1:9 that God the Father spoke in Psalm 45:6-7 of the Lord Jesus saying, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated lawlessness."
Two tremendous affirmations are made by God the Father in this statement concerning Jesus...
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Click here to follow their blog. Here's the upcoming schedule:
Of course, you will want to read the entire post, and keep up with additional posts.
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Many thanks to the person who was willing to share this story of God's saving grace:
Amazing...God's providence, that is.
I was having an imaginary conversation with an imaginary unbeliever on my 30-minute commute to work today with hopes that I might be better prepared to testify of the real Christ to a real person someday.
My story goes like this...
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When co-teaching a series of lectures with Edmond Clowney on Christ-Centered hermeneutics, Tim Keller put God's one way of salvation well; "While there are many ways to Jesus, there is only one way to God."
Jesus is God. And He is the only way to a saving relationship with God the Father (John 14:6). The Lord's endless creativity is seen in the manifold ways He draws people to Jesus, so that they can then be brought safely to God.
We would love to hear your testimony of how you came to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Wherever you are in the world, "refresh our hearts in Christ."
Let us know through the comments how you came to faith in Jesus. Since our comments have to be moderated due to heavy spam, we'll pull out your story after you submit it and post it here on the blog.
Perhaps your story of coming to Jesus for salvation will be one of God's "many ways" to bring someone else to Jesus, and to a saving relationship with Himself!
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"You shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21
As you prepare your heart for worship tomorrow through the preached Word of God, ask yourself three questions from this verse:
Pray with all your heart that people will be converted tomorrow under the preaching of the gospel! Pray that your heart, and the hearts of all who will gather with us, will be "fertile soil" for the Word and will of God to be received with much joy.
See you tomorrow morning, Lord willing.
jt
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What about falling 50 feet from a rope when you are 17 years old and
breaking your back? How can you then say, "In the very accident, [God]
was showing me His very kindness and care."
What about "taking a spill" many times after that because of your partial paralysis and trying to "get back up" in a way that will show to those who watch that you believe, "...even that, I consider to be part of God's love to me."
Watch Mark Talbot's short video...
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In
May 2009, Tyler began a one year Pastoral Apprenticeship with Grace
Church. The program is designed to give the apprentice a focused year of
guidance in three areas: (1) personal holiness, (2) exposure to pastoral ministry, and (3) theological
development.
Please be praying for Tyler, and for the pastors as we pour into him!
By the looks of this picture, it's clear that he's having fun!
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On the Day of Pentecost Peter stood before thousands of folks from all over the place and preached that David wrote Psalm 16, "Because he was looking forward to the resurrection of the Christ" (cf. Acts 2:31).
Lord willing, in this coming Sunday's sermon we will be seeking to peer into Christ's glory in, through, and during the life and writings of David. I covet your prayers. And I look forward to worshipping with you!
See you Sunday!
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Summer is a great time for many. What will this summer be remembered for when you look back?
Imagine: Even if you had big plans to enjoy a long-anticipated vacation, nothing would be greater than someone introducing you to Jesus for the first time. That would make for the greatest summer ever!
You'll be able to come up with plenty of ideas to commend Christ. Here's a few simple thoughts that come to mind that may get your juices flowing. More, it may lead to your great joy of being able to lead someone to faith in Jesus this summer!
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That would be a great (and telling) goal for all of us. Justin Taylor wrote:
"...wouldn't it be great if those who knew us best could honestly say, "It is so easy to edify him. It doesn't take much. It doesn't need to be the best sermon ever preached or the most excellent song ever composed or the most powerful book ever written or the most theologically eloquent statement ever uttered. Just the simplest truth was enough to refresh his heart in Christ."
Read the rest of his post.
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I thought it might be helpful to supply the upcoming sermon texts here so you can prepare your heart for the Word each week. My sickness a few weeks ago has pushed back the remaining sermons in our series one week each.
I look forward to worshipping Jesus with you this coming Lord's Day!
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Moses' was a remarkable life.
More remarkably, all of these events in Moses' life were designed by God to manifest the magnificence of Jesus Christ.
Lord willing, God's revelation of Jesus in the days of Moses will be our focus in tomorrow's sermon. I covet your prayers. I'm praying for you.
jt
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Last evening, Rick Cupples, one of Grace's elders, urged the other elders to "pester God" through intercession for several pressing needs in the body. I'd like to invite all who read this blog to join us in "giving God no rest" regarding one of these needs.
There's a family in our congregation that has been approved to serve as missionaries through the International Mission Board. The only thing left between them and the mission field is the sale of their house. The catch is that for them to be "on schedule" the house needs to sell in less than two weeks! Let us "wear God out" by "calling on Him day and night" to work for His glory!
No, we don't presume to know for certain the Lord's timing in this matter. Until this deadline passes, however, we beseech you join us in praying fervently for God to sell their home!
Rick also reminded us that the Great Commission is God's Great Commission. He must therefore be the One who sees to it that it is accomplished. The work is His, the joy is ours. Thank you for praying with us!
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That's how the people of Grace Church have defined our reason for existence. This video expresses the truth well. Watch it!
HT: DG
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...and the entire series is slated be just nine parts long!
As of this morning, we've made it through the life of Abraham. Not necessarily light-speed, huh?
Genesis is "the book of beginnings." Much, if not all, that is foundational to our understanding of God, and His Christ-centered plan to redeeem sinners, finds its origin in the book of Genesis. Steep your soul in the pages of Genesis!
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As parents we are desperately needy (usually more often than we're
aware) for God to enable us to point our children toward Christ by being accurate reflections of Him.
Not even Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of Jesus, set the example perfectly. We're all flawed, and we all need help. As we seek the Lord's face, He will provide...
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In one week's time, I attended two Christian concerts. I think that doubles my life-long total.
Last Friday, several Grace folks took 15 inner-city boys to the Don't Waste Your Life tour concert, and last night I joined another crew of Grace Church-ers at the Shane and Shane concert.
Needless to say, they were very differnt approaches, but both pointed clearly to the Jesus of the Bible.
I guess you can tell which picture is from which concert?...
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Admittedly, I often feel that being busy equals being productive. Biblically, the exact opposite is often the case.
Those who know me know that I'm a "do-er." I like "getting things done." I even read a book by that title last year! So when I'm home in bed due to sickness, I
often feel that I'm "wasting time." But the Lord has His ways of
slowing us down, and reorienting us on something more important.
While I've been home (literally "still" for hours on end), the Lord has been reminding me of my neglect to pray diligently that the unreached peoples of the world would know of God's glory and saving power through Jesus Christ. To be honest, I've been sorely unfaithful in intercession for the nations (The bible calls prayerlessness "sin"!)...
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That's the title of Voddie Baucham's sermon that I read yesterday morning. It is an excellent call to every believer whether single or married. Highly recommended! Here's the PDF when you have time to read it yourself.
As I read, I rejoiced over God's kindness to Grace Church. Though we're a small congregation, we've been blessed with many children. Oh that He will grant us the grace to be faithful with our calling to evangelize and disciple them well!
Here's a few quotes to whet your appetite!
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While home sick this morning instead of worshipping with GC, I prayed for God to move in power through Romans 10, and read a sermon by Voddie Baucham.
Anytime we have to miss church, or are assigned to work in the nursery, let's seek to listen to the sermon online (or your techno audio gadget) as soon as we're able...
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Abraham lived roughly 2000 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Yet, according to Jesus, Abraham saw Christ's day, and upon seeing Him, was glad. How so? Because, "before Abraham was born," Jesus IS...
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Now that Grace Church has walked through the first four parts of our current nine-part series titled, "Toward a Christ-Centered Theology of the Bible," I thought it might be helpful to give a brief word of review to help us all know where we've been, and to peek forward to where we're heading.
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Christmas and Easter are easily the two most popular dates in the Christian Church. Tommorrow represents another important, but far lesser known date - Ascension Sunday.
Christ ascension is important to our salvation because He, "...will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Christians are looking for the physical, bodily, return of Jesus Christ!
Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after His resurrection from the dead, which means He would have ascended on a Thursday. Throughout history though, since churches have met on the Lord's Day, they've celebrated Christ's ascension the following Sunday, which this year, is tomorrow.
Think about the significance of Christ's ascension in the following verses...
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As those who are preparing to attend Grace Church tomorrow morning seek to ready hearts, here are a few suggestions.
See you in the morning, Lord willing
(Please also pray for me this afternoon. I'll be preaching at a special event at the truck stops in West Memphis. For those who might not know, West Memphis, AR is truck-stop capitol of the world -- Being the city where Interstate's 55 and 40 intersect).
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Grace Church has been exponentially blessed by the prayers, love,
support, and encouragement from many other churches, individuals, and
organzations.
This week the people of Grace sent specific words of thanks to them. Now, I want to express public gratitude to the Lord for them as well.
In these first two-plus years of our existence, Grace Church has been enabled to come this far because of God's kind provision in answer to your prayers, and through your generous support. Thank you all! "May the Lord indeed bless and keep you..."
Below you will find summaries of how several churches and organizations have blessed us. These summaries were also displayed last Sunday for the people of Grace so they too could join in giving God the glory for the ways He's used each of them to serve and support us.
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How in the world can I know what's going on at Grace Church?
Fair questions...
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Immediately after Sunday's sermon, Jim Suggs and I were talking about the immutability of Christ's divine nature.
One truth that landed on us heavily is the good news that we can be saved because Jesus is God, and therefore He doesn't change! See Malachi 3:6 compared with Hebrews 13:7. Amen!
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Eternally significant things have happened in prison--like the writing
of books of the Bible (Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon)!
Although the biblical canon is complete, God is still doing great things in prisons across the world...
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Lord willing, this Sunday Grace Church will be considering the many ways the Bible reveals Christ from eternity past.
I hope you will be able to join us, and will prepare your heart to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures...
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While we coast through life, our physical body serves us incessantly. Ligaments holding bones in place, veins transporting blood to each
part, bones keeping structure supported, lungs receiving and
discharging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
And all of this, most of the time, while we are completely unaware of the variety of the ways our body serves us...
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An important truth to realize is that Jesus believes the entire Bible is about Jesus (e.g. Luke 24).
In order to get a grasp on the Bible, we must see it as one Book. As we see the Bible as one book with One Author, we find its unifying theme. His Name is Jesus!
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Please pray for those who are planning to go this weekend. There's still a few spots left if you are interested. If so, let us know. Here's your prayer list...
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The blog has been a bit slow lately due to our Pastor's Pray & Plan retreat, Treasuring Christ Together Church Planting Network meetings in North Carolina, and a great anniversary get-away with my bride :).
Just wanted to put something up here so the world wouldn't think the pastor's retreat was in Hawaii!
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Once again the elders will be taking a few days together to seek
the Lord and His direction for Grace Church. Please pray for us this weekend!
One brave elder will remain home to preach Sunday (We're all praying for you Rick! And we're eager to hear your sermon once it's posted).
May the Lord be pleased to sqeeze out of each moment the maximum eternal profit! Thank you for your prayers. We'll be praying for you as well.
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Many have found the profit of reading books in community. Not necessarily reading the book aloud together, but discussing and processing what you have read with others who are reading the same material.
Such investment will round your apprehension and develop your ability to articulate and apply the good of what you've read...
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We invite you to join the people of Grace this week as we walk with Christ to the cross.
Each day you will find selected readings on this guide that show the events that happened in Christ's life during the week leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection.
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Thank you ladies for allowing me to walk with you through our Lord's Sermon on the Mount for this year's retreat. Thank you to all who prayed. Christ is King.
Pastor Jordan
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Men,
Let's hold up the ladies in prayer this weekend as they are gathering to seek the Lord's face in Matthew 5-7. Here's the registration list...
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"Readers can gain the 'full advantage from the gospel' only when they 'connect it with the ancient promises.'" - John Calvin (The Sermon on the Mount Through the Centuries, p. 142).
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"Scripture interprets scripture!"
"If one looks more closely at the way he works, it becomes clear that his interpretation is driven by a kind of interior guidance system powered by the Scriptures. A key to Augustine's exegesis is to be found...in the maxim Scriptura scripturam interpretat. He never proposes an interpretation of a biblical text without citing another biblical text. That means, of course, that by our standards Augustine is cavalier about historical setting, literary context, or social world--the topics that excercise contemporary biblical scholars. He reads the Bible as a single book and what one scriptural writer says, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament, is fair game for interpreting what occurs in another part of the Scriptures." (The Sermon on the Mount Through the Centuries, p. 56)
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God
has been at work in the lives of Theopolis Lyons and Deirdre Lathan,
two friends from downtown Memphis that the Lord has recently connected
to Grace Church.
Theopolis and Deirdre want all of the Grace family and friends to know you are invited to celebrate with them as they exchange covenant vows of marriage.
Calvary Baptist Church, West Memphis, Arkansas
3 o'clock in the afternoon, this Saturday, March 28th
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"The Doctor," is the way many referred to, and still refer to, the
great preacher, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who was formerly pastor of
Westminster Chapel, London, now in heaven.
In preparation for our upcoming women's and men's retreats, I'm walking through Lloyd-Jones' sermons on Matthew 5-7. Can someone say "sledge hammer!" (Contrary to the look of his photo, his sermons make it appear that he was a divinely happy man). I digress...
The title of this post is a quote from Lloyd-Jones' introduction to the second of his volumes dealing with the Sermon on the Mount.
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Yesterday I wrote a five-sentence update about Grace Church for Bethlehem's worship bulletin. Those who know me, know that I have a hard time saying anything in five sentences or less, let alone a two-year update!
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What are some themes you'd like to see touched on through the GC blog?
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A dear brother in our congregation, Brandon Sheridan, is suffering from a rare blood disorder. Please join us in prayer for he and his young family.
Recently Brandon wrote an urgent appeal for our church to be the church for his family during this trying time:
"Starting next Tuesday, I will begin another round of chemotherapy...We are thankful for your prayers and your encouragement!!
Grace Church I implore you, as did our beloved pastor, to come along side and ”one another” the Sheridans. I long for the LORD’S grace in your life!! We need you Grace Church Family; with the affection of Christ Himself we LOVE YOU!"
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We've been a bit slow on the blog around here lately. In part that's been because we have been out in our community for the past three days commending Christ to our neighbors.
We are thankful to the Lord that the team from Shade's Mountain came to serve alongside the folks of Grace this weekend in Uptown. We are also thankful that the Lord answered our prayers for good weather during all of the outdoor events. Here's a few recap thoughts from the weekend, in radom order...
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We praise the Lord that Laura was able to go home on Saturday, and has been feeling well. She has been back to see her blood specialist, and is awaiting the results of the tests taken then. Thank you all once again for your prayers!
The Lord reigns!
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Joel and Laura thank you all for your prayers.
Overall Laura is doing well.
Yesterday there was talk about being discharged today, but the doctors have decided to keep Laura at least through tonight (Friday) because of the current parasite count in her blood, and because the malaria continues to cause symptoms (mainly fever). As an added item for prayer, one of the side-effects of the medication is an almost total loss of hearing. Pray for God's peace.
The Minton's also recounted a sweet time they shared together in 2 Corinthians last evening, as they were praising the Lord for His pleasure to demonstrate His strength in their weakness. The Lord provided an assurance to both Joel and Laura's hearts that His purposes are always for their good.
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Dear Church Family and Friends,
Please be praying for Laura Minton who has been diagnosed with malaria,
and is being cared for at Baptist East Hospital. She too, as you may
remember, was on the same trip to Nigeria where Kelly contracted malaria.
Laura is feeling well, and her parasite count appears to be low (a good
sign). The doctors have started her on a seven-day prescription regimen
with hopes that she could return home as early as Friday of this week.
We will keep you updated as new information comes.
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As was mentioned a couple of week's ago, the elders are eager to receive recommendations from the congregations for the office of deacon.
Members of Grace, don't hesitate to let your elders know who you see among us (1) already serving like a deacon :), and (2) who appears to be qualified biblically to serve in the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:8-13).
We'll allow several weeks, or perhaps a couple of months. But, as you pray about the matter, we're happy to hear your thoughts sooner rather than later.
May the Lord build His church!
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There's a lot going on in March around Grace. Here's a quick glance to help keep all our ducks in a row.
The elders have done a bit of sermon shuffling since we published the most recent church card. To prepare your heart for the preached word, here are the texts for the remainder of the month.
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We trust that your household will have a sweet time of worshipping our Great God, and we will see you next Sunday, Lord willing.
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Lord willing, this coming Sunday, Grace will take a one-week break from our journey together in Colossians in order to consider what the bible has to say about deacons--An important aspect of every church's health.
The elders feel that this sermon needs to come now in the anticipation of moving toward identifying deacons in our congregation, and officially recognizing them as such. Would you pray with us that we would all be sensitive to the Lord's will in this important matter?
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Thanks to everyone for keeping others informed while I was incoherent. I honestly can't remember much for about 3 days. I do know I am thankful for my family who have laid everything aside so I may seek my health again. Which this "simple thank you" does not do justice for my gratitude...
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To catch the thrust of the vision, take a moment to read the entire entry to this (very soon!) upcoming Grace event!
And when you read, help us out with both requests.
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We've added the "First Week" reminder to our monthly events tab. Let's be faithful to commend Him Whom we cherish!
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"Pour out Your wrath on the heathen that do not acknowledge You--and on the families that do not call upon Your name!" Jeremiah 10:25
We wonder how many of our readers have seriously pondered these awe-inspiring words! Observe what fearful threatenings are pronounced against those who disregard family worship! How unspeakably solemn to find that prayerless families are here coupled with the heathen, who do not acknowledge the Lord.
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Sunday afternoon our small group took up a specific prayer request for each other. Namely, that we would pray that each one of us would take advantage of the opportunity to share the entire gospel with an unconverted person before our group cycle ends in May. Oh to see many people born again in the next few months!
Would you join us in praying this for each person in each Grace Group?
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From Angie Smith's Facebook Post (Kelly's sister)
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We're all touched by pain. No exceptions. Often the wounds are deep. Sometimes the challenges we face will substantially alter the course of our life. Even for those who are "less buffeted" by trials, one of the inescapable consequences of living in a fallen world is unavoidable collision with hurt.
When the trials come, how do you respond? I've been helped by two recent examples the Lord has put before my eyes.
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Please join us in prayer for Kelly Rodgers, a young lady in our congregation.
Earlier this week Kelly was diagnosed with malaria.
In the last 24 hours her condition has worsened and the doctors have transitioned her to the ICU. Thank you for praying!
In the Name of our Able God!
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I shared last week about Anthony's computer being stolen in Ethiopia. Apparently, stealing preacher's computers is a tradition this time of year in Africa? Pray that the theives would be converted as they filter through the God-saturated information on these machines. Here's another report of computer theft in Africa from a good friend of Grace Church:
Brother Jordan,
How are you today? I came back to school in Kenya last Wednesday. My last semester's result is very good. Thank you for all your support.
The sermons from this year's Christian Life Conference at Second Presbyterian in Memphis were a spiritual banquet.
I was especially helped by two of Sinclair Ferguson's messages:
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Pastor Nathan will begin a sermon series through Colossians this morning. His summary:
Come prepared to meet our Lord in His Word...
each week!
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This year is the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birthday.
Calvin was a man mightily used by God in the days of The Great Reformation. He is also a man caricatured in modern days by many as a theological lunatic. In actuality, though, Calvin was a faithful preacher and expositor of Holy Scripture (I find it especially difficult to listen to people hurl theological rocks at a man who wrote commentary on almost every verse of the Bible, when many of the same critics have not even read the entire Bible! Hmm?).
Dear Mr. President Obama,
Watch at least the first 10 minutes or so of this John Piper video. Please.
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D.A. Carson on the wrath of God:
“To speak faithfully of the wrath of God, very often what we most urgently need are tears. A few years ago on a radio talk show with a large audience in Chicago, the host asked several guests to discuss whether anyone could be saved apart from Jesus. Three pooh-poohed the idea in graphic terms. The fourth was a Jewish-Christian believer on the faculty of Moody Bible Institute. His ethnic background was known by everyone there, so when it was his turn to speak, the host baited him by asking him if he thought his fellow Jews could be saved apart from Christ. This Christian brother began to weep, and then to sob quietly, uncontrollably. After a minute or two, the host said that he had never heard a more compelling reason to become a Christian. So we teach the wrath of God, for faithfulness to Scripture demands it; and we follow Jesus and learn to weep over the city.”
(From: D. A. Carson, “The Wrath of God,” in Engaging the Doctrine of God, ed. Bruce McCormack, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008), 63.)
May God increase our tears, love, and action for the lost and hurting!
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"Clearly no man should preach unless he has felt that God has given him a message. It is the business of any man who tries to preach and expound the Scriptures to wait upon God for leading and guidance."
Martin Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, p. 5
Update from Kurt (read the whole thing)
Hello everyone,
I apologize for being so long in updating you. As you read on, you will discover why we have had limited internet access. For you PRBCers (Kurt's church) ... here is an email with four points.
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Part of the reason I gravitate toward men like John Piper is because when you prick them, they bleed Bible. Pick the theme, pick the issue, or the topic. Biblical truth informs the way the godly look at the world. Here's an example related to the current economic "crisis."
Could you rattle off all of these verses in any situation on the spot? If not, why not? Too old? Piper is 63 (I think. Birthday was last week).
Many bloggers have listed their top 10 reads from 2008. I even won one person's stack!
Instead of listing 10 and no one actually reading them, I thought I would list my favorite one from last year. If only one of you will find it and read it, I would feel that this post is worth the time it took to type it!
For an endorsement that carries much more weight than mine, Jonathan Edwards had this to say about the book that had the most impact on my life in 2008:
"...it is much better than any other book in the world."
That's coming from a guy who wrote 60,000 pages!!
Go find this book. And read it. The Soli Deo Gloria printing is only 114 pages with big font and average margins. You can read this book!
A Treatise On Regeneration - by, Peter Van Mastrict.
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On behalf of the other brothers, a sincere "thank you" to all who
prayed for us as we were away seeking the Lord's face, asking for His
direction for the next months of Grace's life, and enjoying one
another's company during this weekend's Pastor's Pray & Plan. It
was a sweet time of fellowship and even deeper bonding and unity. Thank
you again for praying!
Between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, we were sustained by the Lord to engage in approximately 30 hours of intense prayer, devotion, planning, and discussion.
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From Kirk:
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“One of the gravest perils which besets the ministry is a restless scattering of energies over an amazing multiplicity of interests which leaves no margin of time and of strength for receptive and absorbing communion with God.”
- Andrew Bonar
HT: Gospel Reminders (A fantastic blog to bookmark, RSS, or whatever you do to intentionally make the internet a weapon for serving your soul!)
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The weekend the elders will be away for a "Pray and Plan" retreat. We're not taking a break from you, but a break for you. We're going away for several days to seek the Lord's face in an extended way on behalf of Grace Church.
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Two Foundations seminars will be coming soon. If you are interested
in learning more about Grace, or interested in pursuing covenant
membership, please let us know if you will be joining us for either seminar.
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I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't take a few seconds to drop their name in this hat? Lest you vacillate, remember someone out there has to win stuff like this :)
One of the most amazing things to ponder about the Christian life is that God hears and answers your prayer! Staggering!
For those who are covenant members of Grace Church, I wonder if you can feel the effects of being prayed for more often?
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Jim's
sermon yesterday--"A God-Centered Vision of Vocation"--was remarkable. Once it is posted on our site, you
will serve yourself well to have a careful listen (might be a week or so before it's up?).
I'm planning to try to snag a copy of the book Jim referenced several times, and thought others might also want to track it down too. Here it is: God at Work.
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Read Ray Ortlund's "Going Into 2009 List" of thankfulness and concern.
HT: Justin Taylor
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Popular Christian author and speaker, Ravi Zacharias, will be in Memphis at HighPoint Church Saturday evening January 3rd at 6PM.
Grace's new church card will be available at church beginning tomorrow. Prepare your hearts to meet Christ in Colossians!
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Advent - Peace from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo
.
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Wow! Just yesterday I told someone, "I never win those drawing things." God's humor! Me like :). Thanks Trevin!
Here's an excerpt from Kurt's annual Christmas poem that he writes for his church. This poem is entitled, "The Day I Leapt for Someone Else."
“I’m not the Christ; I am not He.”
So let my voice drown in the sea
Of waves that crash upon His shore;
Of Christward praise forever more.
I publish this from east to west:
"He must increase, I must be less."
Worship as you read the whole thing!
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During Advent I've been reading Isaac Ambrose's section on the Incarnation of Christ in his insightful work, Looking Unto Jesus.
Below are just a few nuggets from the absolutely loaded pages! Some are
quotes, some are summaries of Ambrose's thoughts.
Enjoy!!
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Here's part of an email exchange I received yesterday:
Hey all, Just learned that CAS has biracial twins that are due anytime, and they don't have a family. They need a family that is homestudy ready! Know anybody??
Then, I fired back, "How would an interested couple get the ball rolling?"
Make the time to watch them all!
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Some ministries in the church have a "romantic" edge to them. An attractiveness. They have appeal. They are the roles that carry some inherent sense of affirmation. It feels good to feel appreciated. That's not necessarily wrong. Though, we should always find our identity only in Christ.
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We've recently updated the "elder" page on our site since the addition of our two newest elders. Please pray for us!
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After seeing the previous post, my good friend and a fellow pastor, Cody McNutt, in Louisville, KY sent a link to this video:
Hey Cody and Sally... congrats on the arrival of little Laine!
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Watch this video. Pay careful attention after the 2:20 mark...
In case you are planning to skip this short video, first swallow this quote from it:
"...I've always said I don't respect people who don't prosyletize. I don't respect that at all. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever... And you think that it's not really worth telling them [about Jesus] because it would make it socially awkward... how much do you have to hate somebody to not prosyletize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible, and not tell them that?"
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Thanks for posting the great hymn from Horatius Bonar! Here's another great one from Frank Houghton concerning Christ's Incarnation that has been swirling in my heart since it appeared before me in the advent devotional guide I repped a while back:
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
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My heart is stirred yet again after reading Edward's manuscript this morning for the umpteenth time this month. In the first preparation post for this coming Sunday, I described the famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," as devestatingly helpful. Is that a strange concept for you? I hope not.
Before you or I will ever come to Jesus, we must feel our need. We must feel devestated...with no place else to turn. We must be stripped bare of our pride before we will let go of the notion that we are able to earn God's favor, and emptied of the self-rigteousness that makes us feel as if we don't need His favor.
The need is present if we feel it or not. As we sit under the preaching of the truth of Scripture, our need for Jesus is pronounced. We hear it. We feel it.
When we realize how impoverished, how needy, we are, we will come empty-handed to Jesus. And when we come, He will save.
See you Sunday, Lord willing.
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We hear that that the "fire and brimstone" preachers are all about hate, and no love. What could be more loving than God sending someone to plead with us to avoid imminent destruction and telling us how to find escape?
Sunday, Jonathan Edwards will be the guest preacher at Grace Church and will love us in exactly that way!
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Because this will be the Sunday before Christmas, this week is unique. Because I'll be preaching an old old sermon, that makes things even more interesting. In that light, I'll be sharing multiple preparation posts.
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Nathan Sawyer emailed today asking if I would post the prayer I led in the service yesterday after we sang, "O Come Let us Adore Him." Here 'tis:
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I
am scheduled to speak Saturday night, and would appreciate your prayers
beforehand (or afterward, that the Word would bear much fruit). Thank you!
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The first three pictures are of Pastor Correct (planting in the bush) and Pastor Mammon (planting in the city), the two church-planters being supported by Grace. Pastor Mammon is the one pictured with his family.
The fourth picture is of Pastor Nathan and Pastor Ephraim, Grace's God-given "man of peace" who has been indescribably helpful as we've sought to join the Lord's work in Nigeria.
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Realizing there are many of you who read this blog but do not attend Grace Church, I thought some of you might be interested in knowing what our Sunday gathering place and people look like.
Lots of churches give away cheesy stuff to draw in the crowds. This Christmas we're giving away cute little dudes.
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Rick's sermon last Sunday was phenominal. If you missed it, you will serve your soul well to have a listen.
There's something indescribably wonderful about sitting under someone's preaching who describes God to us. When someone knows God well and talks to us about his God, it is obvious that he is speaking of One and with Whom he has an ongoing relationship.
Far different than speaking about One that is distant and unknowable, the refreshing waves of His enjoyed nearness are the incessant overtones of the message. That's Rick's preaching. Nothing fancy. No bells or wistles. Just God. His God. The One true God, and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent.
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Family traditions are great. Even little things "the way we always do it" can make for sweet memories generation after generation. If you don't already have a tradition for family devotions in your home during Advent season, let me encourage you to begin this year.
The resource I'm linking below is the one our family is following this season. It is a ready-made guide for this year's Advent season. Those who are more creative than me might have fun crafting your own guide. Be intentional. Be Christward. Be worshippers. Be joyful. Behold the One, the Son, of God.
How will you display that Christ is King in your heart and your home during this season?
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During morning devotions today, Andrew gave two insightful responses to the chatechism.
The first answer is cute. The second answer is correct!
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Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote:
“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me. " - Robert Murray M’Cheyne, ed Andrew Bonar (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth: 1960), 179
One of our new elders, Rick Cupples, will be preaching this Sunday. Pray for him. Pray for us all. Pray that we will be imitators of our praying God.
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The ultimate reason to be thankful: God remains faithful... to Himself... forever!
"God is the one Being in the entire universe for whom self-centeredness, or the pursuit of his own glory, is the ultimately loving act. For him, self-exaltation is the highest virtue. When he does all things "for the praise of his glory," he preserves for us and offers to us, the only thing in the entire world, which can satisfy our longings. God is for us, and therefore has been, is now and always will be, first, for himself. I urge you not to resent the centrality of God in his own affections, but to experience it as the fountain of your everlasting joy." - John Piper
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2 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB)
Praying with you that our Thanksgiving will be Godward and that Christ's aroma will rise from us in "every place."
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Excerpt:
"Be informed that we will cut your heads and leave your dead bodies with no organs and no heads in your stores and houses. We know your houses and we know your family. We will kill you one after the other. Depart the Muslim areas."
Read the whole thing.
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Click here.
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The Nigeria team is home safe. We're looking forward to hearing the report of the Lord's work among the Hausa. Soli Deo Gloria!
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"We are back from bush...everything went well. thank u for praying...look forward 2 seeing each of you soon Lord willing."
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JC Ryle's Sermon, "Duties of Parents" is an excellent read! I'm planning to lean on portions of it Sunday.
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As I'm preparing for Sunday's sermon, I was reminded of a post I saved a while back...
From Anthony Carter:
Most of you know that my wife and I homeschool our children.
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Black Friday is a product of, and contributing factor towards, Christless American consumerism. The Advent Conspiracy is an attempt to fight the cultural sin that sweeps away millions into into its ocean of stupid debt. Join the conspiracy!
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Some people say big things about things are actually small. They overexaggerate. But then, sometimes, people don't overexaggerate. They are spot-on. Like when Tozer said in The Knowledge of the Holy, "Every man's greatest need is a greater view of God." That's true. That's not wow-factor talk. Nothing is more important than God. Nothing is more needed than knowing Him through Christ.
That lead me to suggest a great Christmas gift. Samuel Rutherford's The Loveliness of Christ. Get it. Give it away. It's not a 'normal book'. It can be read in about 1 hour.
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“The cost for the recipient of God’s grace is nothing - and no price could be higher for arrogant people to pay.”
- Dan Allender, as quoted in Gospel Transformation
HT: FI
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"This is Nathan again. All is well and we are very much encouraged in the Lord. We are set to leave for the bush tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers and your family sends their love."
A couple of attempted explanatory notes:
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Continue praying fervently for the Nigeria mission team. Remember that tonight (Tuesday) they will begin sleeping in the "bush" (three nights). This, I trust, will be tremendously profitable in the advance of meaningful partnerships and the expanse of the gospel.
Please
pray also for today's TCT Network meeting that I'm a part of in
Minneapolis. This meeting (all day yesterday and today) has been
devoted to dreaming, planning, and praying through the Lord's
intentions to use us to become a church planting movement. So far today
we've heard visions from planters aiming at planting reproducing
churches in St. Paul, San Deigo, and South Africa (and reaching into
the pre-modern portions of the African Continent).
Oh Lord, let the nations rejoice and be glad in Jesus!
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"This is Nathan Sawyer...we have arrived in Nigeria and are awaiting our luggage...not sure how much we will be able to communicate...thx for your prayers."
Amen. May Jesus be embraced by, and advanced through, the team!
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The Nigeria mission team leaves tomorrow evening (Friday) and is scheduled to return next Sunday, November 23.
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Check out all five parts...again and again! (start at the bottom and work up)
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The sufficiency of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, is the theme of the current meetings at Grace, and He is the theme song of all who know Him as Lord. From the far-reaching corners of the expanse of galaxies, to the intricate detials of sub-atomic particles, Christ sustains everything, and everyone, by the word of His power.
Oh my soul, can He not fill you with His limitless sufficiency?
If you are in the Memphis area, I hope you will join us Wednesday evening at 6:30PM at Bridges for the final (application) sermon in the series, "The Majesty & Glory of Jesus Christ."
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Come join Grace any evenings this week you're able. Hope to see you tonight. We're meeting at Bridges (our normal spot).
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With a praying heart for God's Self-revelation, gaze upon the beauty of Christ in the Word. Here are the songs that will be used in corporate worship tomorrow morning:
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Nine and 1/2 reasons Grace is hosting "The Majesty and Glory of Jesus Christ" Services beginning this Sunday morning through Wednesday evening (details here).
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Ligon Duncan will be at Riveroaks Presbyterian Church in Memphis
Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9 as the guest speaker for their
Reformation Conference. I strongly urge you to attend!!
It looks like the two Saturday sessions will be at 5:00PM & 7:00PM
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Please join the countless army now praying for my good friend, Scott Attebery, who will be burying his wife, Jill, today (details here). Scott is continuing well, by the grace of God. Today will be especially tough for him.
The church Scott serves as pastor, Wyatt Baptist in El Dorado, has asked that I come back this weekend to preach Sunday morning. I covet your prayers as I prepare to do so.
O DEATH WHERE IS THY STING
A quote from Edward Payson's, Legacy of a Legend."The power of death, the last enemy, is destroyed, as it respects all who believe in Christ. Instead of being the jailer of hell and the grave, he is now, as it respects Christ's people, the porter of paradise. All he can now do is to cause them to sleep in Jesus, release their immortal spirits from the fetters which bind them to earth, and deposit their weary bodies in the tomb, as a place of rest, till Christ comes at the last day, to raise them incorruptible, glorious and immortal; and reunite them to their souls in a state of perfect, never-ending felicity."
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Derek Webb has stated the point well in his song, 'A King & A Kingdom.' Even calling the notion 'one of the two greatest lies I've ever heard' (The greatest being, 'If you eat this fruit, you will not surely die').
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If you are a Christian today, it has a lot to do with the Lord leading Martin Luther to do a little hammering on October 31, 1517! Happy Reformation Day!
Yo, Martin. Sweet hat.
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In our FAQ section, we recently supplied a response to the frequently asked, "Why do you call it a 'God-centered gospel?'" Thoughts?
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That's the title of this week's sermon at Grace.
As part of Grace's ongoing church health series, and being strategically arranged at the end of the gospel of Mark--where we've seen the Great Disciple-Maker at work--Nathan Sawyer will seek to unfold from Paul's second letter to Timothy the biblical foundation and practical application for life-on-life discipleship. Pray for him. Pray for all who will hear.
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Grace Church, you are such a joy to pastor! Your pastors love you!
Disclaimer: Neither thought original with me.
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Here's some news and updates about the this Sunday's Community Reformation Service that I received today via email.
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As a follow-up to last Sunday's Sermon: (From FI)
“If you want rest come to Christ in Gethsemane, to Christ on Calvary, to Christ risen, to Christ ascended. If you want rest, O weary souls, ye can find it nowhere until ye come and lay your burdens down at his dear pierced feet, and find life in looking alone to him.”
- Charles Spurgeon, Rest, Rest
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The cross and tomb of Jesus. The locations where the two most important events in the history of the world were accomplished. We'll visit there Sunday, Lord willing. My prayer is that you and I are there now!
Suggestions to prepare your heart & your family:
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Update: Bring your chili in a crockpot (already hot, yo).
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Ten highlights from last night's church Member's Meeting:
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Received today...
thank you so much for your reply and prayers. by the grace of god vijay is doing well and good. we are hoping that to day he will be discharged. and after this we need to take him to heart and lungs specialist for compleate checkup so please pray for him continuesly and also pray that god will meet our all needs.
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Below is a portion of an email I received Sunday morning about two
hours before Grace's prayer meeting. My heart sunk. Strangely, in that moment, I was moved by the Spirit to reaffirm belief in the sovereignty and goodness of God. Vijay is a God-centered missionary to his own people in India. He loves
Jesus. I feel compelled to invite you all to join his team of
intercessors. Please pray...
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The cross and resurrection of Jesus are the focal events of the entire Bible (and history of the world!). God has always had this great expression of His glory and our good in mind.
Lord willing, this Sunday at Grace we will look deep into the heart of God through the lens of Mark 15. There, if our eyes are opened, we will see love that surpasses knowledge. Pray that we will know this unknowable love.
"Here is love, vast as the ocean; lovingkindness as a flood. That the Prince of Life, our ransom; shed for us His precious blood."
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Just read the sermon text (several times)...
The parrallel accounts would be helpful too:
See you Sunday, Lord willing.
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On behalf of the people of Grace Church, I thank God for you Rick and Jim! Such a sweet time this evening. Wow.
A fellow elder among you...
Jordan
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Have now been posted to our webstie. Happy devotional reading to all!!!
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Dan Cruver will be preaching on the theme: "The Beauties of Spiritual Adoption". Be warming your heart at the fire of God's adopting love for us (wow?!?!?!) as you prepare to gather with God's people this Sunday.
Also, pray for Pastor Bryan who will be preaching at New Beginnings Community Church where our friend Sam Murrell pastors. Pray also for Pastor Nathan Sawyer who will be preaching again at Unity Baptist Church.
Finally, make every effort to be part of Grace's first Elder Ordination and Installation Service this Sunday evening at 6PM. You may view the program below...
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Join us this coming Sunday evening, October 12, at Bridges at 6PM for a special ordination and installation service for Grace's two newest elders--Rick Cupples & Jim Suggs. You will not want to miss this special event in the life of Grace Church. This service is open to all.
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.- Acts 20:28
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Jesus wants us to have His joy in us that our joy may be made full. Therefore, we should seek the fullness of our joy in Jesus, in Whose presence is fullness of joy. That's Christian Hedonism 101.
A question... So, if I want you to have full joy in Jesus, and your joy in Him comes in part from serving me, then my self-service is not a sinful thing, right? Whatever the conclusion, I cautiously submit to you this thought from Thabiti:
Hey, have you prayed for or encouraged your pastor today? At the risk of sounding self-serving, could I suggest that every Christian church member consider one of their main ministries the ministry of encouragement for their pastors and elders. I received an email from one brother stating that he knew of over 20 pastors leaving the pastorate in one region of the U.S. I've had opportunity to interact with at least three pastors experiencing deep struggle. That doesn't include the normal battles for encouragement, joy, and perseverance that are just normal to pastoral ministry. So, have you prayed for your pastor(s) today?
HT:JT
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I am continuing to rejoice in Sunday's affirmative vote from the people of Grace Church proving the Lord's will to add Rick & Jim to the eldership team.
Here's an email I sent to the membership last week as a means of trying to help prepare us for Sunday's vote:
Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
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From the "events" list (on the left of this page)...
Grace's Fall 2008 Nigeria Mission Team will be gone November 14-24. They will be taking three tubs full of requested donations along with them. Between now and November 9th you have the opportunity to consider donating some of the items that our Nigerian friends have identified as their greatest material needs.
Pastors in Nigeria are in need of:
Because space is limited, please only bring these requested items. Crates will be set-up at church each week for people to bring these items. The last Sunday for you to bring these materials will be Nov. 9th.
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Our commission as Christians is to commend Jesus--the One we cherish--to the entire world. So...
It is my privilege to be this evening's guest speaker at a local Perspectives course. I covet your prayers. My assigned topic and the corresponding key qustions are:
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From the Faith & Ethics Commission website:
The 40/40 Prayer Vigil consists of 40 days of prayer from September 24 to November 2, 2008, culminating in 40 hours of around the clock intercession during the last 3 days of the Vigil. The Vigil focuses first on personal spiritual revival. It then covers an expanding circle of prayer concerns, from the church to the nation.
Instead of joining the thousands of arm-chair pundits lamenting the state of our nation, join the prayer challenge to seek the face of God for your own soul, your church, and your nation.
To get involved, check the 40/40 Prayer website for:
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Concerning the potential addition of two new elders in Grace Church--Rick Cupples and Jim Suggs--every
member is urged to continue diligently in prayer for the Lord to
confirm His will through the vote of His people this coming Sunday
morning.
Dear Rick & Jim,
On behalf of the current elder team, and the entire congregation, I want to issue a public "thank you" for the many ways the Lord has used the both of you to shepherd our souls. You have been "elding" us all apart from the motivation of officially holding the office of overseer. We would not be hard-pressed to list a multitude ways that our love for Christ has grown because of your influence on us. Thank you. We join you in looking upward in anticipation of receiving the unfading crown. May the Lamb Who was slain receive the reward of His sufferings!
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)
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Nathan Sawyer's House (599 Greenlaw Place, 38105).
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Jim Suggs and I have spent the last two days at the TCT church planter's network meetings. I love these brothers! Our times
together are always so remarkably fruitful. Our cups are jammed full of
blessings. Now, we are preparing to go to the Desiring God National
Conference to get filled up again. Wow.
The Psalmist prayed similarly:
12 How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
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Reminder: Dan Cruver will be preaching at Grace Church on October 12. The day before, he and Jason Kovaks will co-lead a seminar in Tupelo. Check it out here.
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We at Grace have come to love the truth that...
God's primary methodolgy for the global glorification of His Name, the edification and equipping of His saints, and the evangelization of the lost is the establishment of more Christ-exalting churches.
So pray for church planters. Pray for more of them to be thrust out into the harvest of the world.
Pray also for four specific church planters: Nathan, Joey, Justin, and Drew. They are in preparations to be sent out two by two from North Wake Church to the Washington D.C. area and to Tampa, FL. I have the joy of spending today with them in hopes of encouraging them in their great work.
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I pray that Grace Church will continue to advance in obedience to God's command that we "practice hospitality" (Rom 12:13).
Since the time the Lord allowed us to have that extremely profitable conversation late into the evening at Family Camp (Labor Day weekend) about our church's health (or lack thereof) I've been thinking and praying about writing this post. I pray that the spinoff from this brief exhortation will ultimately become a blessing to those who have yet to become part of Grace, but who one day will. May the Lord use these few thoughts for the spreading of His eternal joy.
...That Grace Church would get involved in a community-wide yard saleFiled under Grace Church
That's the answer to the chatechism question that my 7, 5, and 4 year old children recite almost everyday (The two year old simple says, "God").
The question is: "Can God do all things?"
Obviously there is a clear sense in which it would be accurate to say "All things are possible with God!" We certainly believe that! But there is also a sense in which the "all things" must be clarified with Biblical parameters. Can God do all things? To put it bluntly, a wrong answer would be, "Yes, God can do all things." There are things God cannot do.
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Its about 7:15 on Saturday morning. She walks up to the tables and
racks not really needing anything, just looking. You engage her in a
conversation. Soon into the talk you ask if there are any
ways you can pray for her. She briefly shares that her children are having a
hard time with their father. There, at the table, with her permission,
you pray for her family on the spot.
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Grace Church is only two-week's deep in our corporate prayer journey through Psalm 119. Thus far, we've prayed through the first 32 verses.
A few of the benifits of praying through a Psalm that have stood out to me in these first two weeks are:
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John MacArthur
As long as it takes to cover the passage adequately! I do not think the length of the sermon is as important as its content. At times I have preached fifty minutes and it has been ten minutes too long. Other times, I have preached an hour and twenty-five minutes and it has been just right. The important thing is to cover the main point so that people are convinced of its truth and comprehend its requirements. If you have nothing worthwhile to say, even twenty minutes will seem like an eternity to your people. If you are interesting, they will stay with you.
HT: A friend via email (who, about 5 years ago, would regularly listen to me preach for a long time :-).
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As part of an almost daily routine I checked the news early this morning, and caught only a small caption of the horrible train collission in LA. During today's sermon I mistakenly suggested that I thought the crash might have happened in Britain.
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"This chapter begins that part of Mark's Gospel, which describes our Lord's sufferings and death. Hitherto we have chiefly seen our Savior as our prophet and teacher. We have now to see Him as our High Priest. Hitherto we have had to consider His miracles and sayings. We have now to consider His vicarious sacrifice on the cross."
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Why would you ask? We at Grace are realists. While anticipating eternity, we are a people who live in the now. Nope, we're not "worried about tomorrow," much less November! That's fine and good, but there's a difference between worry and anticipation, right?
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An excerpt from the Life Choices website...
Life Choices is committed to saving the lives of precious babies as well as the lives of their mothers, fathers, and family members. We know that life only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Help us make an eternal difference for the kingdom by Walking for Life and recruiting sponsors to ensure that the life-affirming work continues - John 3:16. We know that all of us are going to have to go the extra mile this year with the concerns of the present economy, but our Heavenly Father owns all the riches we need for abundant life - John 10:10. Thank you for serving and giving.
I deeply regret that I am just now blogging this year's Walk for Life event!! It is NOT too late to get involved. If you are free this Saturday at 10:00AM (or not!!) you can make a difference in the life of an unborn child (and his or her family!).
Call Beth McCalman at (901)388-1172 to find out how to obtain your pledge form before Saturday, or to let her know you will be registering at the event.
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Sent today from a friend in India (posted with permission):
Urgent Prayer Request:
Violent attacks against Christians in the eastern state of Orissa continued [for an] 11th day. There is a progom being carried out against Christians in the Indian state of Orissa by right wing hindu organisations led by Viswa Hindu Parishat (VHP) and the Rashtiya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) .
At least 16 people, mostly Christians were killed, churches destroyed and 10,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes as violence spread. One woman was burnt alive.
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Every congregation takes on a culture, or cultures, and that while keeping Jesus the gospel. As the love of God is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, there are certain irresistible repercussions (like loving our neighbor). May God grant to Grace a culture of adoption, not as the gospel, but as an expression of the gospel!
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I read the First Importance Blog almost everyday. It has been a great jolt from a brother or sister that aids my looking unto Jesus. Today's quote is a powerful summary of what Mark's gospel has been saying to Grace Church this entire year.
"Salvation is not a detached gift of God in some gracious and miraculous way bestowed upon man. Salvation is Christ, and to experience salvation is to experience Christ. It is not the experience of something, but of someone.
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Grace's "Church Card" contains lots of information in a small space. The card pictured contains important details for September thru December.
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Grace Church will NOT be meeting in dowtown Memphis this Sunday (Aug 31) due to our all-church retreat. But, I have a feeling that no matter how much we try to get the word out, someone (like a visitor that's never seen this website) will show up at Bridges ready to meet with the Lord and His people.
I'm asking a favor and offering a suggestionWould someone who's staying back in Memphis volunteer to hang out on the sidewalk at Bridges from 8:45-10:15AM to notify eager worshipers of our excursion?
And, for everyone else who'll not be joining us at the retreat, I would encourage YOU ALL to worship with New Beginnings and be blessed by worshipping as my good friend Sam Murrell expounds the Word of God. (And, for anyone who's not baptistically convinced, then I would encourage you to attend New Beginnings every week!)
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Watch John Piper answser this question. Be sure to watch the end of the answer...which is a simple explanation of the great end of the gospel = GOD!
Click here to see the short video.
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If you are one of the several people or families that have mentioned (or not told us yet) that you'll be driving to the retreat to join us for worship this coming Sunday (31st) please submit a contact letting us know (again!) so we can prepare enough food for everyone. Thanks!
You can click "read more" to see the Sunday schedule.
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Please Take Note
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Ever heard of Peter Van Mastricht? Me either. Until a few weeks ago.
Van Mastricht wrote a work called, A Treatise on Regeneration, which Jonathan Edwards--the greatest theologian America has ever produced--praised by saying, "...take [Van] Mastrict for divinity in general, docrine, practice, and controvery, or as a universal system of divinity, and it is much better than Turretin or any other book in the world, excepting the Bible, in my opinion." (Jonathan Edwards to Joseph Bellamy, Jan. 15, 1746/47).
If you're wondering, that would be a pretty high compliment coming from a guy who is not the least bit interested in flattering people.
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It was September 2005. Neither the city of Memphis, nor the name "Grace Church" had been made clear to Bryan, Nathan, or myself as the location or name of the church that we were called to plant. At the time, we knew we were called to plant a Christ-centered church together, we just didn't know where, or what it would be called. The Smith's and Sawyer's came to Minneapolis so we could meet with some of Bethlehem's staff, attend the Desiring God National Conference, and spend time praying, planning, and dreaming together. The fellowship was precious and priceless.
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Just as the worst part of any sin is what might have been had we obeyed, so the worst part of being spiritually hard of hearing is what glories we might have seen in Christ had we had receptive hearing to the gospel.
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I hope you are anticipating the upcoming cycle of Grace Groups. I trust that Clyde's book will be a timely study for our congregation.
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We're continually trying to update the Grace Church website.
This week we began adding responses to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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Grace Churchers... notice on the events tab (to the left) we have changed corrected the date (to the 24th) of the GraceKids Worker Orientation (and corrected the title from "Leader" to "Worker").
Basically, if you are on the "Spiffy Worker Spreadsheets" for GraceKids or Nursery, then you are urged to be at this orientation.
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On October 12, Lord willing, Dan Cruver will be a guest preacher at Grace Church. He will seek to unfold for us
the beauties of spiritual adoption. Pray for him, and for those who
will hear.
Dan recently wrote a tribute in honor of Maria Sue Chapman and his own son, Daniel. In his tribute, Dan clearly and biblically expounds the vision of the people of Grace Church. One line in particular stood out to me:
"We asked our God for grace. Grace to let Daniel go for His glory and Daniel's eternal joy."
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As far as discipleship is concerned, our first responsibility is to
our own soul, our spouse, and our children. Most of this takes place in the home, and
usually through informal settings that arise during "teachable
moments."
Tracy and I are encouraged and challenged by the families of Grace. We've seen several ways that parents have been thoughtfully preparing their children for corporate worship.
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For Pastors Only - Prayer of a Minor Prophet
By A. W Tozer
This is the prayer of a man called to be a witness to the nations. This is what he said to his Lord on the day of his ordination. After the elders and ministers had prayed and laid their hands on him he withdrew to meet his Saviour in the secret place and in the silence, farther in than his well-meaning brethren could take him. And he said:
O Lord, I have heard Thy voice and was afraid. Thou hast called me to an awesome task in a grave and perilous hour.
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Attempting to avoid the haughty presumption that we could see all that Christ sees in Scripture, we are well-served to remember that Christians have the same Spirit indwelling them as Christ has indwelling Him.
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I'm guessing that many of you have already come across this CNN article by Steven Curtis Chapman on the physical and spiritual beauties of adoption.
A striking opening line:
"...there are 143 million children in the world who have lost one or both parents."
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Syllogisms are arguments that lead to obvious conclusions. They work like this: If "A" is true, and "B" is true, then "C" must be true.
Would this syllogism hold up for every Christian?
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Other than a few details of the gory events, and providing sufficient
detail to evidence the verifiable historicity of the events, the
gospels have relatively little to say to us by way of spiritual
application of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. At times it
feels a little bit truncated to read the crucifixion chapters of the
gospels. The believing heart wants to see the application. Don't fret, that's what the remainder of the Bible is for.
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From "Counselor A":
"It was a joy for me to give them the truth about our ourselves from Scripture and then share the gospel and to see the LORD hit them with [His] truth. Also, the pleasure of driving to camp with one camper and talking, then with soft music playing, watch a little boy fall asleep in a quiet comfortable environment. I guess it really made me look forward to pouring in to my own son."
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Last week when Westminster was running a 50% sale, I used puppy-dog eyes and a little
sweet-talkin' that somehow convinced (not the norm!) Tracy to order
for me a copy of Thomas Shreiner's New Testament Theology. I feel like a kid in line at the ice-cream shoppe waiting for it to arrive!
As I'm anticipating its arrival, here are three questions:
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The Lord initiated HIs 'Triumphal Entry' (Mark 11:1-2) knowing that the Jewish leaders would seek to destroy Him as a result (Mark 11:18).
There was a shooting tonight (Wed) at the corner of 4th and Keel. It is our understanding that at least one person died.
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It was the Spring of 2001. D.A. Carson's, The Difficult Doctrine of
the Love of God was assigned reading for a seminary class. I didn't
realize how much I needed to read that book.
While praying about direction for future sermon series for Grace (And having leanings toward one on the love of God), I felt prompted to pick Carson's treatment up again and give it another read. It didn't take long to remember why I was so immensely helped by it the first time.
Take, for example, Carson's balanced explanation of the (oft-heated debate concerning the) Sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Carson makes the plea that compatibilism is the only biblical view.
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There is a God. You are not Him. That's theology 101.
The initial splash made from Oprah's commendation of Rhonda Byrne's The Secret has long past, but the waves left over from its wake are still present. What was it that made this book so alluring? In short, the same thing that makes every false religion alluring. In no uncertain terms, Byrne wants her reader to believe they are God.
Don Whitney has produced a masterful, precise, and challenging review of The Secret. Because every non-Christian worships a god of their own imagination (and therefore attempts to be God), I heartily recommend Dr. Whitney's review for your careful consideration as an equipping tool for your efforts to engage this generation's marketplace of ideas, which mocks worshippers of the One True God with the age old critique, "where is their God?"
A few days ago I read Sam Storms' personal statement of faith. His is an uncommon mix in modern evangelicalism no doubt. But, as he asserts, being different is not his goal. Being biblical is.
The
main reason we are taking larger chunks of Mark's gospel for our sermon
text each week as we near the end of his evangelistic tract, is mainly
because we want, as much as is possible, with the help of the Spirit in
saved sinners, to get ourselves into the same vein of thinking and
feeling as Mark himself as he draws nearer to his climax...which is
also the climax of all eternity.
Gear up, we are on the brink of the truly amazing... God dies... for sinners... be stunned!
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Please be in prayer for Grace Church's first annual Urban Boys Camp, July 21-23. This year's theme is John 17:3. We're looking forward to lots of fun, fishing, cooking, cleaning, and dealing with the challenges of having a group of inner-city guys out in the middle of nowhere. Especially pray for the four main sessions which will focus on biblical views of God, man, sin, and salvation. Soli Deo Gloria!
"And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." - John 17:3
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The people of Grace Church are being urged to do something monumental: Make a home for a child who doesn't have one.
"The language of adoption just litters the New Testament," said pastor Jordan Thomas.
Flipping through a well-worn Bible, he quotes: "In love, God predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ."
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Grace's summer Burning Heart groups have been a joy for everyone involved. Most groups have recently
completed their reading & discussion of Andrew Murray's, Humility.
As part of the Summer of Spreading Christ, I've asked one of Grace's members to point our blog readers to Jesus by sharing a few thoughts about the impact that Murray's book is having on his life. Our prayer is that the following thoughts will stir you to seek Jesus--The Humblest of All.
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Grace's Sunday sermon text will be Mark 10:1-12. The theme of the text, and therefore the sermon, is Christ's teaching on divorce and remarriage.
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Attention Grace Church Kids!!Did somebody say "bike race?" Parents, this will be a great way for Grace Church people to connect with others from the Uptown community.
This Saturday, July 19--Registration at 3p, Race at 4p. Prizes for everyone!
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