Grace Church
#3 New Year, Same Mission
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 phrase "time marches on" communicates the idea that all of life changes and the things of this world do not remain the same. This month we're talking about some things in the Bible that should stay the same even though time marches on.
The first week was New Year, Same God. We looked at the character of God, specifically His fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
The second week was New Year, Same Commands. We looked at the command in the Bible to Love God and Love people.
Today our title is New Year, Same Mission.
The phrase "time marches on" communicates the idea that all of life changes and the things of this world do not remain the same. This month we're talking about some things in the Bible that should stay the same even though time marches on.
The first week was New Year, Same God. We looked at the character of God, specifically His fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
The second week was New Year, Same Commands. We looked at the command in the Bible to Love God and Love people.
Today our title is New Year, Same Mission.
The word mission refers to "any important goal, purpose, task, or duty that is taken on and accompanied by a strong conviction to see said cause completed."
We see this word associated with the military, business, education, sports, civil service, and also in the world of entertainment (example: Mission Impossible).
The word mission is religious in origin and comes from a Latin word that means "to send."
We see this word associated with the military, business, education, sports, civil service, and also in the world of entertainment (example: Mission Impossible).
The word mission is religious in origin and comes from a Latin word that means "to send."
The word mission captures the essence of the Christian life.
John 20:21
In the 4 gospels and the book of Acts, Jesus stirs the hearts of His followers with words about mission; much like a coach giving a locker room talk before the big game.
John 20:21
In the 4 gospels and the book of Acts, Jesus stirs the hearts of His followers with words about mission; much like a coach giving a locker room talk before the big game.
The passage that most clearly outlines this mission is found in Matthew 28:18-20.
At this point Jesus has been crucified, buried, and risen. He has made numerous post-resurrection appearances to different individuals and groups.
Jesus gathered His followers back in Galilee on a mountain and He gives one of the most concise and clear messages of His life...the ultimate locker room talk.
At this point Jesus has been crucified, buried, and risen. He has made numerous post-resurrection appearances to different individuals and groups.
Jesus gathered His followers back in Galilee on a mountain and He gives one of the most concise and clear messages of His life...the ultimate locker room talk.
The mission that Jesus gave was not new. It was a summation of how He had lived His life and of all the words He had spoken.
- The mission provided eternal purpose to those who love God and seek to please Him.
- The mission released them from conformity to this world to become what God had created them for.
- The mission re-oriented the lifestyle of those who He had forgiven and saved.
- The mission centered their life and everything else rotated around it; providing opportunities to carry out Jesus' plan of reconciling humanity to God.
- The mission communicated urgency. It demanded loyalty. It instilled fervency.
- The mission is where they served everyday they were alive, it's what they sacrificed for, and what they were rewarded for in heaven.
- The mission provided eternal purpose to those who love God and seek to please Him.
- The mission released them from conformity to this world to become what God had created them for.
- The mission re-oriented the lifestyle of those who He had forgiven and saved.
- The mission centered their life and everything else rotated around it; providing opportunities to carry out Jesus' plan of reconciling humanity to God.
- The mission communicated urgency. It demanded loyalty. It instilled fervency.
- The mission is where they served everyday they were alive, it's what they sacrificed for, and what they were rewarded for in heaven.
The Mission:
#1 - The AUTHORITY
Matthew 28:18
The entire Gospel of Matthew stresses the authority of Jesus Christ. This verse says He has ALL authority.
#1 - The AUTHORITY
Matthew 28:18
The entire Gospel of Matthew stresses the authority of Jesus Christ. This verse says He has ALL authority.
#2 - The ACTIVITY
Matthew 28:19-20a
The core command in this passage is to "make disciples."
To accomplish this activity, there are 3 necessary actions we must take:
1. GO...literally, "While you are going" We are to be story tellers - of God's Story of Jesus and our story with Jesus!
2. BAPTIZE...The word implies "identifying with." A person's thoughts, beliefs, emotions, habits, and relationships must slowly change to reflect the character of God and not this world.
3. TEACHING THEM TO OBEY...This means active obedience whereby a person applies truth to their life, which will result in a new lifestyle.
If you are a disciple you will make disciples...church goers and casual attenders will not.
Matthew 28:19-20a
The core command in this passage is to "make disciples."
To accomplish this activity, there are 3 necessary actions we must take:
1. GO...literally, "While you are going" We are to be story tellers - of God's Story of Jesus and our story with Jesus!
2. BAPTIZE...The word implies "identifying with." A person's thoughts, beliefs, emotions, habits, and relationships must slowly change to reflect the character of God and not this world.
3. TEACHING THEM TO OBEY...This means active obedience whereby a person applies truth to their life, which will result in a new lifestyle.
If you are a disciple you will make disciples...church goers and casual attenders will not.
#3 - The ABILITY
Matthew 28:20b
The word "surely" is a command that implies keeping our eyes riveted, not wandering around. Jesus is our Rabbi. He does not follow us. He leads, we follow!
Matthew 28:20b
The word "surely" is a command that implies keeping our eyes riveted, not wandering around. Jesus is our Rabbi. He does not follow us. He leads, we follow!
This is a New Year, but the Mission has not, can not, will not change.
We are to make disciples. We will make disciples.
"Do or do not. There is no try."
We are to make disciples. We will make disciples.
"Do or do not. There is no try."
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/Here's Grace Class
Here's Grace will take place on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning January 22nd and going through February. This class is for anyone who calls Grace Church their home and has not taken the class. Here's Grace is required for church membership. Child care will be provided.
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/Laugh 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/Meet and Greet
Coming soon...a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church and have never attended one before.
This will take place on Sunday, January 28th right after the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
This will take place on Sunday, January 28th right after the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
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/Annual Helping People Rummage Sale
Our annual church-wide rummage sale will take place on Friday evening, February 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm AND Saturday morning, February 24th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Visit the link below to see how you can be involved!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/96c1ca8011CJ'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 20th - Linda Cheadle
Sunday, January 21st - Aubree Bond
Monday, January 22nd - Dawn Gwillim
Tuesday, January 23rd - Owen Bolinger
Wednesday, January 24th - James Berry
Sunday, January 21st - Aubree Bond
Monday, January 22nd - Dawn Gwillim
Tuesday, January 23rd - Owen Bolinger
Wednesday, January 24th - James Berry