Grace Church
#2 - In the Home of the Multitudes
The Dining with Jesus series will give you practical teaching in Biblical hospitality and equip you to open your door and build relationships with those in your church and community.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
This month our series is entitled Dining with Jesus and will run through Easter Sunday (March 31st).
We are using the book of Luke to look at a few times that Jesus connected with people over meals and to gain some insights about hospitality.
We are using the book of Luke to look at a few times that Jesus connected with people over meals and to gain some insights about hospitality.
This month you'll learn that Jesus Opened the Door of His life to more than His family. He was accepting, loving, and inviting toward those whom He crossed paths with.
Dining with Jesus will...
- Enlighten you to see the difference between Biblical and cultural hospitality
- Encourage you to live more relationally with those in our church and community
- Equip you to live more like a Christ follower, and less like a church person
Dining with Jesus will...
- Enlighten you to see the difference between Biblical and cultural hospitality
- Encourage you to live more relationally with those in our church and community
- Equip you to live more like a Christ follower, and less like a church person
Have you ever come to the point when you were exhausted? Maybe physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially and you just wanted to get away from it all?
How do you handle it? What have you done?
Take a few minutes to talk about this. Share solutions, don't just dwell on the problems.
How do you handle it? What have you done?
Take a few minutes to talk about this. Share solutions, don't just dwell on the problems.
Our text today is Luke 9:10-17. Before we get there, let's look at some of the events leading up to it.
- Jesus had been traveling throughout Galilee
- He and the disciples were teaching, preaching, healing, raising the dead, dealing with demons, etc.
- Mark 6:30-33 provides a few insights into the setting of our text
- Jesus was taking "the boys" away for some rest and relaxation but something happened...people!
- Jesus had been traveling throughout Galilee
- He and the disciples were teaching, preaching, healing, raising the dead, dealing with demons, etc.
- Mark 6:30-33 provides a few insights into the setting of our text
- Jesus was taking "the boys" away for some rest and relaxation but something happened...people!
This morning we're looking at Luke 9:10-17. It is known as Feeding of the 5000. Our series theme is Dining with Jesus and in this passage, we see Jesus and His disciples having a meal at the Home of the Multitudes. This home is nothing fancy...it's the outdoors, on the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee.
The people have gathered here, and for the moment, it is home for them. They are about to have a giant picnic meal.
Luke 9:10-11a
The people have gathered here, and for the moment, it is home for them. They are about to have a giant picnic meal.
Luke 9:10-11a
There are many ways to look at and many lessons that we can gather from this story but today we are just dealing with the idea of Jesus and the disciples being exhausted and how they were able to take advantage of an unexpected happening to Honor God and Help People.
Some of the greatest opportunities to see God at work come when we least expect them or least desire them. We just have to be willing to Open the Door and let God use us!
Some of the greatest opportunities to see God at work come when we least expect them or least desire them. We just have to be willing to Open the Door and let God use us!
Before any big event, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. This is also the case here. There are practical steps that Jesus takes that lead to the miracle that occurs.
1. Jesus lived His life missionally.
Luke 9:10b
This simply means He understood that life wasn't about Him. His whims, plans, and even desires were secondary to the over-riding purpose of God. What do you use to remind you of His Lordship and your submission?
1. Jesus lived His life missionally.
Luke 9:10b
This simply means He understood that life wasn't about Him. His whims, plans, and even desires were secondary to the over-riding purpose of God. What do you use to remind you of His Lordship and your submission?
2. Jesus was aware of the opportunity that His Father presented Him.
Luke 9:11a
How often do you really see the people around you? Take some to "people watch." Look into their eyes and pray as God leads you.
Luke 9:11a
How often do you really see the people around you? Take some to "people watch." Look into their eyes and pray as God leads you.
3. Jesus was moved with compassion, which resulted in action.
Matthew 14:14 and Mark 6:34
Biblically, compassion is a gut feeling or feeling deep in the heart that compels a person to DO SOMETHING for another. This week when you hear of someone's plight...DO something tangible.
Matthew 14:14 and Mark 6:34
Biblically, compassion is a gut feeling or feeling deep in the heart that compels a person to DO SOMETHING for another. This week when you hear of someone's plight...DO something tangible.
4. Jesus initiated the relationships.
Luke 9:11b
Statistics show that if church-goers will take time to develop relationships within their church, they will develop the relational skills needed to really connect with those who haven't yet begun a relationship with the Lord.
Before you leave today, get to know someone!
Luke 9:11b
Statistics show that if church-goers will take time to develop relationships within their church, they will develop the relational skills needed to really connect with those who haven't yet begun a relationship with the Lord.
Before you leave today, get to know someone!
5. Jesus spoke truth to them.
Luke 9:11c
Like Jesus was, be specific in your conversations. Life is short and we don't want to waste opportunities to talk about things that really matter in the scope of eternity. The Frontline class on Sunday nights will help you with this.
Luke 9:11c
Like Jesus was, be specific in your conversations. Life is short and we don't want to waste opportunities to talk about things that really matter in the scope of eternity. The Frontline class on Sunday nights will help you with this.
6. Jesus helped people in a practical way that met real needs.
Luke 9:11d
Do something for someone outside of your home and peer group!
Luke 9:11d
Do something for someone outside of your home and peer group!
7. Jesus modeled to His followers, and us, how to Open the Door.
Luke 9:12-17
The Lord took advantage of the opportunity to get into the lives of those around Him, always with the intent of bringing them into a closer connection with the Father.
This week, make an appointment to spend some time with a person outside of church...a meal at your home, a common place, or their home.
Then do the same with a person outside of church who you don't know that well...or even someone who is a total stranger!
Luke 9:12-17
The Lord took advantage of the opportunity to get into the lives of those around Him, always with the intent of bringing them into a closer connection with the Father.
This week, make an appointment to spend some time with a person outside of church...a meal at your home, a common place, or their home.
Then do the same with a person outside of church who you don't know that well...or even someone who is a total stranger!
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/Easter Egg Hunt Volunteer Sign-Up
Here are some ways you can get involved:
Donate candy! Candy can be placed in the totes in the lobby. We need lots! Make sure the candy is small enough to fit inside plastic easter eggs.
Sign-up to help on the day of the event at the link below. We need people who can help set-up, those who can greet guests and oversee an age group, or people who can help with clean-up.
Donate to this outreach event at the link below. We will be purchasing prizes to give away.
Come stuff the eggs with candy on Wednesday, March 27th at 6:30 pm in the lobby at Grace Church.
Share the event on social media and pray for the impact on families who attend.
If you have any questions, contact Tracy Nelson (gt_nelson@yahoo.com) or Jillyn Boldrey (jillynboldrey@gmail.com).
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/5483fa5514582024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
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/March/April Grace U Classes
There are several new Grace U classes starting up in March. We encourage you to think about taking a class to grow in your faith. If you want help in deciding which class might be best for you, contact the church office, we'd love to help! (grace@gc3.org). Use the link below to sign-up.
Classes being offered are:
Bible Essentials: provides you with a simple and applicable understanding of the Bible. Sundays 9:00-9:45 am beginning March 3rd. Child care is provided if you register by February 25th.
Christianity, Cults, & Religions: know what you believe and why regarding the Christian faith. Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm beginning March 11th. Frontline: gives practical training for sharing God's story and your story. Class dates and times to be announced soon. Love Works: gives a practical sampling of skills, tips, and stumbling blocks when it comes to leadership. Class dates and times to be announced soon.
https://gc3.org/grace-university/Classes being offered are:
Bible Essentials: provides you with a simple and applicable understanding of the Bible. Sundays 9:00-9:45 am beginning March 3rd. Child care is provided if you register by February 25th.
Christianity, Cults, & Religions: know what you believe and why regarding the Christian faith. Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm beginning March 11th. Frontline: gives practical training for sharing God's story and your story. Class dates and times to be announced soon. Love Works: gives a practical sampling of skills, tips, and stumbling blocks when it comes to leadership. Class dates and times to be announced soon.
Meet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet is Sunday, March 24th.
This takes place 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 takes place 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).
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!
Wintery Wednesday Events
Check out all the events happening at Grace Church including the Wintery Wednesday events at the link below.
https://gc3.org/events/Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Saturday, March 9 - Zack Whicker
Sunday, March 10th - Kelly Shaver
Monday, March 11th - Chuck Reigler, Easton Kauffman
Tuesday, March 12th - Emily Mater, Carl Bolinger, Aspen Yargeau
Wednesday, March 13th - Gene Shook, Lisa Sterkenburg, Kylie Lawless
Thursday, March 14th - Jimmy Coblentz
Friday, March 15th - Donita Firman, Ardie & Sue Reid
Sunday, March 10th - Kelly Shaver
Monday, March 11th - Chuck Reigler, Easton Kauffman
Tuesday, March 12th - Emily Mater, Carl Bolinger, Aspen Yargeau
Wednesday, March 13th - Gene Shook, Lisa Sterkenburg, Kylie Lawless
Thursday, March 14th - Jimmy Coblentz
Friday, March 15th - Donita Firman, Ardie & Sue Reid