Grace Church
Paul's Odyssey II #12 - Corinth (Part 2)
Part 2 of a 3-part study of the life and ministry of Paul. This summer segment will focus on Paul's Second Missionary Journey.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
July through September our series is entitled: Paul's Odyssey II
Odyssey means "a long and adventurous journey or experience". It is the second of a three-part series about the life and ministry of Paul. The text for these three months will cover Acts 15 - 18, Paul's second missionary trip.
Odyssey means "a long and adventurous journey or experience". It is the second of a three-part series about the life and ministry of Paul. The text for these three months will cover Acts 15 - 18, Paul's second missionary trip.
We have been tracking the Apostle Paul and his team as they left Antioch in Syria and headed westward under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Last week we looked at Paul's arrival and ministry in the city of Corinth, Greece.
We saw Paul walk into a situation that was just a bit over the top for him in every way imaginable. He was worn out, gun shy, and out of his comfort zone. But God was aware of this and brought a married couple by the name of Aquilla and Priscilla into his life who he stayed with and likely lead them to Christ.
Paul saw fruit from his labor as people came to faith and a church was born.
The Lord himself encouraged Paul, promised him protection, and provided hope by telling him that within Corinth were many others open to the Gospel.
Last week we looked at Paul's arrival and ministry in the city of Corinth, Greece.
We saw Paul walk into a situation that was just a bit over the top for him in every way imaginable. He was worn out, gun shy, and out of his comfort zone. But God was aware of this and brought a married couple by the name of Aquilla and Priscilla into his life who he stayed with and likely lead them to Christ.
Paul saw fruit from his labor as people came to faith and a church was born.
The Lord himself encouraged Paul, promised him protection, and provided hope by telling him that within Corinth were many others open to the Gospel.
We are not much different than the Apostle Paul. Good news and encouraging words tend to pick up our spirits and energize our soul.
Proverbs 25:25 [NLT]
Take some time around your table to talk about how you have personally encouraged someone this month...or how someone has done that for you.
Later, Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica about encouragement as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 25:25 [NLT]
Take some time around your table to talk about how you have personally encouraged someone this month...or how someone has done that for you.
Later, Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica about encouragement as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
This short passage of Scripture really helps us to understand the historical accuracy of Luke's writing in the book of Acts.
Acts 18:11-12a
Here we learn about a guy named Gallio who was proconsul (a civil governor) of the area of Achaia.
Paul stayed here in Corinth for 1 1/2 years and it was a relatively productive and quiet time of ministry in which the Corinthian church was established.
Acts 18:11-12a
Here we learn about a guy named Gallio who was proconsul (a civil governor) of the area of Achaia.
Paul stayed here in Corinth for 1 1/2 years and it was a relatively productive and quiet time of ministry in which the Corinthian church was established.
People tend to say that church is a bunch of "holier-than-thous" or "hypocrites." A biblical church is a collection of people who are in process...making progress...and don't claim perfection.
Paul wrote about this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 [NASB]
Paul wrote about this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 [NASB]
Religion doesn't change a person's life. But a relationship with God can bring new life to a person, to a marriage, and to a family. One must repent from their living apart from God's authority and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
We can understand the Gospel (Good News) in four words:
1. God created mankind for a RELATIONSHIP.
2. Mankind RUINED our relationship with God and with each other (sin).
3. Jesus came to RESCUE us and paid the penalty we owe for our rebellion.
4. Individuals must choose to RECEIVE Jesus as our Lord and Savior or slap His hand away and bear the penalty of our rejection of our Lord and our personal sins.
Romans 6:23
We can understand the Gospel (Good News) in four words:
1. God created mankind for a RELATIONSHIP.
2. Mankind RUINED our relationship with God and with each other (sin).
3. Jesus came to RESCUE us and paid the penalty we owe for our rebellion.
4. Individuals must choose to RECEIVE Jesus as our Lord and Savior or slap His hand away and bear the penalty of our rejection of our Lord and our personal sins.
Romans 6:23
Because there was a new governor just installed, Paul's Jewish enemies thought they could bully the new kid on the block into silencing the Christian movement. They used a show of force and distorted the truth.
Acts 18:12b-13
Acts 18:12b-13
The reality is that Judaism was a protected religion under Roman law and Gallio was smarter than they thought.
He ruled that what Paul was doing wasn't against the law.
The truth is that Paul had been presenting Jesus in a Jewish synagogue, teaching from Jewish scriptures, and claiming that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah.
Acts 18:14-15
He ruled that what Paul was doing wasn't against the law.
The truth is that Paul had been presenting Jesus in a Jewish synagogue, teaching from Jewish scriptures, and claiming that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah.
Acts 18:14-15
A famous Bible commentator, F.F. Bruce wrote “Gallio’s rule meant in effect that Paul and his team, so long as they committed no criminal violations, they continued to share the protection which Roman law granted to the practice of Judaism … It meant that for the next decade … [until the next emperor Nero reversed this policy] the gospel could be proclaimed in the provinces of the empire without fear of coming into conflict with Roman law.”
Acts 18:16-17
The meaning of verse 16 is that his authority was like a parent sending their kids to their room.
As they were pushed and shoved by the Roman guards away from the presence of Gallio, the crowd lost it. Many of the Jews were upset with their new synagogue leader, Sosthenes, who made the case against Paul. They were likely upset that Paul was bringing so many Jews to faith and were upset with Sosthenes for bungling their case and making them look stupid. Later in 1 Corinthians 1:1 we learn that Sosthenes becomes a Christian and was with Paul in Ephesus.
The meaning of verse 16 is that his authority was like a parent sending their kids to their room.
As they were pushed and shoved by the Roman guards away from the presence of Gallio, the crowd lost it. Many of the Jews were upset with their new synagogue leader, Sosthenes, who made the case against Paul. They were likely upset that Paul was bringing so many Jews to faith and were upset with Sosthenes for bungling their case and making them look stupid. Later in 1 Corinthians 1:1 we learn that Sosthenes becomes a Christian and was with Paul in Ephesus.
Here are a few key takeaways:
1. Encouragement is a much-needed skill for today's world.
Hebrews 10:25
One author has defined encouragement as "The act of influencing or infusing another with renewed courage, resolve, or hope."
1. Encouragement is a much-needed skill for today's world.
Hebrews 10:25
One author has defined encouragement as "The act of influencing or infusing another with renewed courage, resolve, or hope."
Practical Tips for Encouraging One Another
https://www.dwellcc.org/teaching/1256/bible/1-thessalonians/5/gary-delashmutt/2001/encouragement2. Transformation is evidence of true-life change.
Philippians 3:7-14; Hebrews 12:1-2
When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within each of us. He is the energy source to be and live differently.
Philippians 3:7-14; Hebrews 12:1-2
When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within each of us. He is the energy source to be and live differently.
3. The Gospel is God's gift to humanity.
Romans 6:23
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Salvation is a gift that people receive by the faith God grants them. We have the calling to be "gift-givers."
Romans 6:23
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Salvation is a gift that people receive by the faith God grants them. We have the calling to be "gift-givers."
Giving Link
Giving at Grace Church We don't talk a lot about giving tithes and offerings here at Grace but we share information periodically that will help you as you give to the Lord's work. If you are interested in a year end giving record for tax purposes: 1. You must use a Grace Church giving envelope and your name must be written on it. Envelopes can be placed in the bins near the doors at the back of the auditorium. 2. If you have an envelope pack now and there are left over envelopes, feel free to use what you have. (The notation of 1st Sunday, 2nd Sunday, etc is for your benefit only and is not used by the church.) 3. Envelope booklets are available in the Lobby at the Information Board whenever you need them. 4. You are always able to access your giving record via Breeze. If you need a link to set up your Breeze account click HERE. If you are currently giving through the Grace Church envelopes, financial statements will be emailed to you at the end of January.
If you do not need giving records, but want to give to the Lord’s work at Grace: 1. Tithes and offerings are collected in the bins near the doors at the back of the auditorium. 2. Envelopes can be used but are not required.
More information on giving can be found at the link below. As always, please contact the church office if you have questions (grace@gc3.org).
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/2024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
2024 Grace Bible Reading Journals are available in CJ's coffee shop. You can find an at-a-glance list of the reading each week at the link below and paper copies are available in CJ's.
https://gc3.org/bible/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 will be held today following 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).
August/September Grace U Classes
Here's Grace on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning September 16th;
Resolving Conflict on Sundays at 9:00 am beginning October 4th;
How We Got The Bible on Sundays at 9:00 am beginning October 13th;
First Impressions on Sundays at Noon beginning October 13th
https://gc3.org/grace-university/Wednesdays at Grace
To check out all of the Wednesdays @ Grace activities, visit the "Events" link at the website. We hope you'll join in on the fun!
https://gc3.org/events/Barry County Cares Donations
Barry County Cares could use donations of the following items which will be distributed to folks in need in Barry County. If you can help, drop items off in the church office.
Toilet Paper
Paper Towel
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toilet Paper
Paper Towel
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Trail Rally
Last year was the Road Rally; this year we're taking it out on the trails for the first ever Trail Rally at Grace Church! Form a team of at least 4 people but no more than 6 and get ready for fun challenges on Grace's 78 acres.
But first, we'll eat lunch together on the patio (or inside as weather permits). We ask that you contribute something for lunch if possible. Soup will be provided. If you'd like to come for lunch but don't wish to participate in the Trail Rally, that is fine too.
We ask that everyone sign-up using the link below.
Deadline to sign-up: September 29th
Don't miss out on this opportunity to invite a friend, build relationships, compete for prizes, and have a blast doing it together!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/rallyCamp Michawana Women's Retreat
Attention Ladies! The Camp Michawana Women's Retreat registration is open now. A handful of ladies from Grace Church are participating in the September 27th-29th retreat and we'd love for you to join us! Use the LINK below to learn more and register. When it asks if you are registering as an individual or as a group, click group and choose "Grace Church" from the drop down list. If you have any questions about the retreat, you can ask Sandy Schilz (rappingrama@gmail.com) or Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org).
https://michawanacamp.org/services/womens/Wood Cutting - Can You Help?
Wood Cutting on the Church Property on Saturday, September 28th, 9:00 am to Noon or whatever time you can lend.
Bring a chain saw if you have one and work gloves to help take care of some downed trees in the woods.
If you are in need of wood or have any questions, contact Ryan Hickey (ryan@gc3.org).
Bring a chain saw if you have one and work gloves to help take care of some downed trees in the woods.
If you are in need of wood or have any questions, contact Ryan Hickey (ryan@gc3.org).
H.O.M.E. Groups
Grace Church H.O.M.E. Groups have started back up! You can learn more or sign-up for a group at the link below.
https://gc3.org/home-groups/Mower Available Through Sealed Bid
Grace Church is accepting sealed bids (minimum $2,500) for a mower the church is no longer using.
2004 Simplicity Stallion ZT2561
25 HP
61" Cut
See Ryan Hickey for details (ryan@gc3.org).
Bid should be submitted to the church office no later than Noon on September 19th. Please include your name and bid amount on the inside of the sealed envelope with "Mower" written on the outside.
2004 Simplicity Stallion ZT2561
25 HP
61" Cut
See Ryan Hickey for details (ryan@gc3.org).
Bid should be submitted to the church office no later than Noon on September 19th. Please include your name and bid amount on the inside of the sealed envelope with "Mower" written on the outside.
Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Saturday, September 21st - Clarence & Ann Booth
Sunday, September 22nd - Nicole Orton, Ben Mater, Seth & Megan Noteboom
Thursday, September 26th - Tim Schilz
Friday, September 27th - Connie Neff, Cam Carpenter
Sunday, September 22nd - Nicole Orton, Ben Mater, Seth & Megan Noteboom
Thursday, September 26th - Tim Schilz
Friday, September 27th - Connie Neff, Cam Carpenter