Grace Church
#1 New Year, Same God
We hope you are looking forward to this new year with all of its challenges and celebrations and are grounded by the important constants in your life.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Our January sermon series is, "New Year, Same _____."
The idea is that while we are out with the old and in with the new, there are some constants that never change year to year. Today our title is New Year, Same God.
The idea is that while we are out with the old and in with the new, there are some constants that never change year to year. Today our title is New Year, Same God.
God desires us to know and understand who He is. He wants a sincere relationship with us based on His attributes and character qualities.
Take a few minutes to talk with the people around you. Come up with some of the attributes or qualities we use to describe God.
Take a few minutes to talk with the people around you. Come up with some of the attributes or qualities we use to describe God.
Diamonds have what are referred to as facets. Each facet forms a side or edge of the whole diamond. The simple definition of a facet is "a window into the diamond."
Just like facets, the attributes we have just talked about provide an insight or window into who we see God as. And just like diamonds, these "God facets" can affect the reflection and appearance of God in our own lives and how we are viewed by others.
Just like facets, the attributes we have just talked about provide an insight or window into who we see God as. And just like diamonds, these "God facets" can affect the reflection and appearance of God in our own lives and how we are viewed by others.
Today we'll look at just 3 constant attributes of God as we start out 2024.
God's fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
1. The FIERCENESS of God
Joshua 7:19-21
God loves us, and in loving us, He will correct the sinful nature inside each of us. Just like a parent, He understands that correction is necessary.
As we look at the story of Achan, it reminds us of the penalty of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23a).
We see two truths illustrated:
1. Sin is never an isolated event, it always has a ripple effect that touches others.
2. We can always be sure that our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:23).
God's fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
1. The FIERCENESS of God
Joshua 7:19-21
God loves us, and in loving us, He will correct the sinful nature inside each of us. Just like a parent, He understands that correction is necessary.
As we look at the story of Achan, it reminds us of the penalty of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23a).
We see two truths illustrated:
1. Sin is never an isolated event, it always has a ripple effect that touches others.
2. We can always be sure that our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:23).
2. The FORGIVENESS of God
Matthew 18:21-35
God is also a god of forgiveness.
The word forgive means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone we seek their forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. Forgiveness is an act of love, mercy, and grace.
The Bible is clear that because we are sinners, we all need forgiveness from God (Acts 13:38).
Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive others.
Our reading in Matthew points out two important things:
1. We should ask for forgiveness when we do wrong.
2. We should forgive others when they wrong us.
Both are equally important in God's eyes.
Is there someone you need to forgive today?
Matthew 18:21-35
God is also a god of forgiveness.
The word forgive means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone we seek their forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. Forgiveness is an act of love, mercy, and grace.
The Bible is clear that because we are sinners, we all need forgiveness from God (Acts 13:38).
Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive others.
Our reading in Matthew points out two important things:
1. We should ask for forgiveness when we do wrong.
2. We should forgive others when they wrong us.
Both are equally important in God's eyes.
Is there someone you need to forgive today?
3. The FAITHFULNESS of God
Ruth 1:16-18
Our final attribute is faithfulness. To be faithful is to be reliable, steadfast, and unwavering.
Let's look at the story of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi is a widow living in a foreign land with her two daughter-in-laws. Having lost her husband and both sons, the 3 women are left with just each other. Naomi decides to return to her native town of Bethlehem and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, is so faithful to her that she follows Naomi there.
Who has demonstrated faithfulness to you? Who would say the same about you?
Ruth 1:16-18
Our final attribute is faithfulness. To be faithful is to be reliable, steadfast, and unwavering.
Let's look at the story of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi is a widow living in a foreign land with her two daughter-in-laws. Having lost her husband and both sons, the 3 women are left with just each other. Naomi decides to return to her native town of Bethlehem and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, is so faithful to her that she follows Naomi there.
Who has demonstrated faithfulness to you? Who would say the same about you?
Application:
So now that we've taken a look at these 3 attributes of God, how do we use them in our everyday life?
1. Living obediently turns away the fierceness of God's wrath.
Joshua 7:24-26
We have a choice, are we going to stir up the fierceness of God's wrath or are we going to obey Him?
So now that we've taken a look at these 3 attributes of God, how do we use them in our everyday life?
1. Living obediently turns away the fierceness of God's wrath.
Joshua 7:24-26
We have a choice, are we going to stir up the fierceness of God's wrath or are we going to obey Him?
2. When we forgive like God has forgiven us, everyone is blessed.
Ephesians 4:32
When we think about those people who have wronged us, we should pray for them often. If God leads you, sit down with them this week and forgive them.
Ephesians 4:32
When we think about those people who have wronged us, we should pray for them often. If God leads you, sit down with them this week and forgive them.
3. Faithfulness demands loyalty during good times and bad.
Is there someone you could come alongside this week who is struggling? Or is there someone in your life who has experienced something really good this week that needs to be celebrated? Either way, let God move you toward them as He did for us.
Is there someone you could come alongside this week who is struggling? Or is there someone in your life who has experienced something really good this week that needs to be celebrated? Either way, let God move you toward them as He did for us.
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/The Greenhouse Project
https://gc3.org/tgp/Lisa's Blog - Worship Moments
https://gc3.org/worship-moments/January/February Grace U Classes
Classes being offered this term are: Four Seasons of Marriage on Sundays 8:45 am begins January 7th. Freed-Up Financial Living on Sundays 9:00 am begins January 7th. Here's Grace on Mondays 6:30 pm begins January 22nd. Jesus on Mondays 6:30 pm begins January 8th. H.O.M.E. Group Training Thursdays at 6:30 pm begins January 18th.
https://gc3.org/grace-university/H.O.M.E. Groups
A few new H.O.M.E. Groups are starting soon! If you don't have a group, think about joining and sign-up at the link below. Jeff & Mary Burpee: Meeting on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at their home in Nashville beginning January 10th. Matt & Donita Firman: Meeting on Fridays at 6:30 pm at their home in Charlotte beginning January 12th. Nick & Jacki Van De Moortel: For young adults (post high school/college age) meeting on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. They gather at the church and at their home in Olivet on a rotation.
https://gc3.org/home-groups/Ken Ham in Charlotte
Charlotte First Baptist Church is hosting author and speaker, Ken Ham, on Sunday, January 21st at 5:00 pm. The event is free but you must register to attend at the link below.
Ken Ham is the founder/CEO of Answers in Genesis and its Creation Museum and Ark Encounter.
https://subsplash.com/firstbaptistchurch-mi/lb/ev/+57m3dtxLaugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Conference
Hey gentlemen! Looking for that last minute Christmas gift for your wife? Yes, I assume the ladies have already bought gifts for their men, but if not here is a great idea!
Jeff and Mary Burpee, and Aaron and Angie Walker are planning on getting several couples together to attend Laugh Your Way, a couples comedy event on March 8-9 in Taylor, MI. The speaker is Mark Gungor, one of the most sought-after speakers on love and marriage. Join us as he explores the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships with a comedic twist. The event is Friday 7-10pm, and continues on Saturday from 9am-12pm. We plan to have lunch together after the event to discuss what we’ve learned. For tickets or more information, use this LINK. See the Walkers or the Burpees if you have questions
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taylor-mi-tickets-664505222007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch2024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
Our 2024 church-wide Bible Reading Plan is underway! If you haven't already, you can pick up your 2024 Grace Journal in CJ's coffee shop. You can find an at-a-glance list of the reading each week at the link below. We are excited for you to grow in your faith as we read and study through the writings of Paul together!
https://gc3.org/bible/Courtside Grace Apparel
Did you know that Grace Church has a shopping link through Courtside Screen-printing for Grace apparel? You can check it out at the link below. There are more styles coming so be sure to check back again. Any questions should be directed to Courtside. Their contact information can be found at the bottom of the page.
https://grace2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/CJ's Gift Cards
You can now purchase CJ's Gift Cards in either $10 or $20 amounts at the counter in CJ's. These cards are good for anything purchased in CJ's (not for online purchases). This is a great way to bless someone as well as supporting the Samaritan Fund to help those in need in our community!
Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Saturday, January 6th - Jeff Fisher
Sunday, January 7th - Jenny Krauss
Wednesday, January 10th - Belinda Harwood
Thursday, January 11th - Holly Carpenter
Sunday, January 7th - Jenny Krauss
Wednesday, January 10th - Belinda Harwood
Thursday, January 11th - Holly Carpenter