Grace Church
Make A Difference - #3 In Your Church
God has given us everything we need to make a difference in our life, family, church, community, and world.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Our theme for the month of October is Make a Difference.
It's pretty simple to understand, but seemingly difficult for people to carry out. It requires a desire to reorganize one's life around kingdom priorities, and a willingness to live life with an eternal perspective and not an earthly one.
It's pretty simple to understand, but seemingly difficult for people to carry out. It requires a desire to reorganize one's life around kingdom priorities, and a willingness to live life with an eternal perspective and not an earthly one.
The idea of our theme for this month is taken from Jesus's words in the Sermon on the Mount. There He challenged His followers to live differently. To live as those who had refocused their lives around God and His priorities. To live as though Heaven was their home and they were on a mission for the Lord while living life on this earth.
Matthew 5:14-16 [NLT]
Matthew 5:14-16 [NLT]
Jesus is talking about making a spiritual difference in people's lives...the kind that results in people being saved and changed.
"God has to do something in you before He can do something through you!"
Before you can say you are making a difference, you must figure out if a spiritual difference has been made in your life.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Two examination questions:
- Have you been saved? Repented, Asked God to forgive your sins, Accepted Jesus as your Lord & Savior?
- Have you changed? Some examples: your desire to sin has lessened, your love for others increased, your passion to serve God has intensified, your lifestyle is becoming more conformed to that of Jesus.
"God has to do something in you before He can do something through you!"
Before you can say you are making a difference, you must figure out if a spiritual difference has been made in your life.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Two examination questions:
- Have you been saved? Repented, Asked God to forgive your sins, Accepted Jesus as your Lord & Savior?
- Have you changed? Some examples: your desire to sin has lessened, your love for others increased, your passion to serve God has intensified, your lifestyle is becoming more conformed to that of Jesus.
Today's message is about making a difference in your Church.
The concept of church is misunderstood today by both those who do and don't attend. We should not view it as a secular or social organization, but as a spiritual organism.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Ephesians 1:22-23a
Christians are a part of Christ's body and these verses teach the fact that we all have gifts and responsibilities to use to Honor God and to Help Others.
The concept of church is misunderstood today by both those who do and don't attend. We should not view it as a secular or social organization, but as a spiritual organism.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Ephesians 1:22-23a
Christians are a part of Christ's body and these verses teach the fact that we all have gifts and responsibilities to use to Honor God and to Help Others.
One of the problems with many in the North American Church is that they don't think they need to attend church or participate with other Christians. Just like in marriage, we love our spouse and participate in the union God has created (or we should). A Godly marriage is a picture of what the Church is. It is a creation of God and a blessing to us so that we can grow together for His glory.
If we desire to be obedient to God and make a difference in His local church, then we will embrace the responsibilities that are taught in the Scriptures.
If we desire to be obedient to God and make a difference in His local church, then we will embrace the responsibilities that are taught in the Scriptures.
We'll use a hand to point out just 6 responsibilities each Christian has to the church. If we put these into practice, we'll MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
1. Love WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
John 13:34-35
1 Peter 4:8
1. Love WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
John 13:34-35
1 Peter 4:8
2. Grow PERSONALLY.
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2:42-47
3. Play NICELY.
Philippians 2:3-4, 14-15
Treat people as though they were Jesus but also as if you were Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-4, 14-15
Treat people as though they were Jesus but also as if you were Jesus.
4. Give GENEROUSLY.
2 Corinthians 8:7
2 Corinthians 8:7
5. Serve FAITHFULLY.
1 Corinthians 4:2
1 Corinthians 4:2
6. Share the Story CONTINUALLY.
Acts 8:4
Acts 8:4
The Apostle Paul would often reminisce about those people in the churches he helped start. At the end of a number of his books/letters he would actually write a short word of encouragement, blessing, or thankful thought to very specific people.
Philippians 1:3
Philippians 1:3
Difference Maker Declaration:
I was made for more than watching.
I have a history-changing, difference-making, life-giving, Spirit-empowered legacy to leave behind.
Jesus, I ask You to work deeply in me and clearly through me as I pray, give, and go in Your love.
I am a Difference Maker.
I will live like a Difference Maker starting now.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
I was made for more than watching.
I have a history-changing, difference-making, life-giving, Spirit-empowered legacy to leave behind.
Jesus, I ask You to work deeply in me and clearly through me as I pray, give, and go in Your love.
I am a Difference Maker.
I will live like a Difference Maker starting now.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Website
https://gc3.org/Giving Link
https://gc3.org/giving/Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/cjs/Bible Reading Plan
We hope you are taking advantage of the 2023 Bible reading plan. This also includes devotionals from Pastor Josh each week. Paper copies can also be found on the resource wall in CJ's.
https://gc3.org/bible/The Greenhouse Project
https://gc3.org/tgp/Lisa's Blog - Worship Moments
https://gc3.org/worship-moments/H.O.M.E. Groups
Home Groups are underway but it's not too late to join! Visit the website to learn about what groups are available and when they meet. Unsure of what group might be a good fit for you? Contact the church office and we can help (grace@gc3.org).
https://gc3.org/home-groups/Trunk or Treat
Here's how you can get involved:
-Donate candy to be used during the event. There are totes in the center of the lobby to place the candy in.
-Sign-up to participate in the event taking place on Tuesday, October 31st from 5:30-7:00 pm. There is a paper sign-up on the central kiosk in the lobby or sign-up online at the link below.
-Pray for the event. This is a great opportunity for us to show God's love to families in our community. We will also be sharing a tract about knowing Jesus and an invitation to join us at Grace Church on Sunday mornings.
-Share the event on Facebook and help spread the word to your family and friends. Keep in mind that our rain location is the Nashville Fire Barn.
-Contact Jacki Van De Moortel (fishism0296@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/8bda2492Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and labels are available in the lobby. Filled boxes are due back to the display in the lobby no later than October 29th. If you would like to build a shoebox online, use the link below. Not familiar with Operation Christmas Child? Visit their website to learn all about this opportunity you have to share the Gospel with children and their families around the world.
https://sampur.se/48xhuezSamaritan Fund Pie Orders
Annual Pie Fundraiser for the Samaritan Fund at Grace Church:
Visit the link below to place your order. You can choose to pay online or pay in person with check (to Grace Church) or cash in CJ's. Pies are $18 each.
All orders should be placed on or before November 12th. Pies will be ready for pick-up on or before Sunday, November 19th.
Once again, Susie Butler is graciously making apple and cherry pies to sell with all proceeds going to the Samaritan Fund to help those in need in our community.
Have questions? Contact Susie Butler (nanaloveshugs@gmail.com) (517-852-1859) or the church office.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/c0bc8882780Grace Church Work Days
Each Saturday in October 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (or whatever time you can give). Contact Ryan Hickey (ryan@gc3.org) if you have questions.
We hope you will pick a Saturday in October to join us!
If you have them available, please bring: work gloves, wheelbarrow, hedge trimmer (or whatever you have to cut bushes and grasses).
We hope you will pick a Saturday in October to join us!
If you have them available, please bring: work gloves, wheelbarrow, hedge trimmer (or whatever you have to cut bushes and grasses).
Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Sunday, October 15th - Jacob Mater, Kyle Smith
Monday, October 16th - Sherry Snider, Sue Reid, Evelyn Nowicke, Londyn Wright
Tuesday, October 17th - Gary & Connie Neff
Wednesday, October 18th - Tori Jones
Thursday, October 19th - John Mater, Cynthia Coblentz, Trapper Reigler
Friday, October 20th - Paul Adrianson
Monday, October 16th - Sherry Snider, Sue Reid, Evelyn Nowicke, Londyn Wright
Tuesday, October 17th - Gary & Connie Neff
Wednesday, October 18th - Tori Jones
Thursday, October 19th - John Mater, Cynthia Coblentz, Trapper Reigler
Friday, October 20th - Paul Adrianson