Grace Church
Just Three Words - "Come On In"
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
We are in a five week series called "Just three words."
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much - we thoughtfully considered saying "thanks so much" to God in seven different areas of our life.
Week 5: Come On In - Today!
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much - we thoughtfully considered saying "thanks so much" to God in seven different areas of our life.
Week 5: Come On In - Today!
The intent of the series is to point out that communication is most effective when it is clear, concise, and consistent.
The Bible has presented hundreds of messages using Just Three Words in very powerful and memorable statements.
John 13:34-35
The Bible has presented hundreds of messages using Just Three Words in very powerful and memorable statements.
John 13:34-35
Today our theme is another simple phrase - "Come On In"
The phrase "Come In" is similar but different in meaning. Just as is the phrase, "Come On Down".
Come In, by itself, suggests giving permission to somebody who wants entry – like a person who might knock at your door. You might say the phrase willingly after carefully scrutinizing the situation. Or you might say the term casually, without any real investigation or concern, or even antagonistically.
Come On Down, is similar as it implies a change of location.
But the phrase "Come On In" is fundamentally different.
The thought is to join in on what is happening inside of a barrier that is keeping people apart, separated, or removed from those who are on the other side. It implies an invitation that requires participation.
The phrase "Come In" is similar but different in meaning. Just as is the phrase, "Come On Down".
Come In, by itself, suggests giving permission to somebody who wants entry – like a person who might knock at your door. You might say the phrase willingly after carefully scrutinizing the situation. Or you might say the term casually, without any real investigation or concern, or even antagonistically.
Come On Down, is similar as it implies a change of location.
But the phrase "Come On In" is fundamentally different.
The thought is to join in on what is happening inside of a barrier that is keeping people apart, separated, or removed from those who are on the other side. It implies an invitation that requires participation.
Our text this morning is found in Acts 2.
This chapter takes place in Jerusalem on the Jewish festival of Pentecost (or the Feast of Weeks), some 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus.
Here are some of the words of the Apostle Peter: Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-41
This chapter takes place in Jerusalem on the Jewish festival of Pentecost (or the Feast of Weeks), some 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus.
Here are some of the words of the Apostle Peter: Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-41
Historically, Pentecost was one of the three major religious events that affected the people of Israel. These demanded an annual journey to Jerusalem for all able-bodied Jewish men. On this day there would have been tens of thousands of people gathered in celebration.
For Jewish people, the Festival of Pentecost had a three-fold meaning:
1) a Celebration of their wheat harvest – fulfilling God’s promise to provide for them,
2) a Commemoration of the giving of the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and
3) a Corporate gathering that demonstrated their national identity as God’s people.
For Jewish people, the Festival of Pentecost had a three-fold meaning:
1) a Celebration of their wheat harvest – fulfilling God’s promise to provide for them,
2) a Commemoration of the giving of the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and
3) a Corporate gathering that demonstrated their national identity as God’s people.
God used this event to fulfill an O.T. prophecy of Joel, in pouring out the Holy Spirit upon all people, thus signaling that Jews and Gentiles alike were invited to be part of God’ plan of salvation. It also fulfilled the New Testament teaching of Jesus who said He would send the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower anyone who would entrust their lives to Him.
In effect, God was saying, "Come On In".
The Lord was inviting Jews and Gentiles into His family, The Church.
The invitation to be part of God's family really connected with those who were listening. They saw similarities with their own traditions.
The Lord was inviting Jews and Gentiles into His family, The Church.
The invitation to be part of God's family really connected with those who were listening. They saw similarities with their own traditions.
Come On In is God's invitation to us.
God created us for a RELATIONSHIP with Him and with others.
Mankind brought RUIN to that relationship by rebelling against God's authority, and it has affected our nature, our world, and our future.
Jesus carried out God's RESCUE plan and died for the sins of humanity.
Each of us must RESPOND to God's invitation to be part of His family.
God created us for a RELATIONSHIP with Him and with others.
Mankind brought RUIN to that relationship by rebelling against God's authority, and it has affected our nature, our world, and our future.
Jesus carried out God's RESCUE plan and died for the sins of humanity.
Each of us must RESPOND to God's invitation to be part of His family.
Our response is described throughout the Bible in Just Three Words...
REPENT AND BELIEVE
Repent - turn from our rebellion against God and His authority and the desire to live independently and contrary to His will.
Believe - entrust our life to Him alone and desire to live differently.
People often pray and commit their life to God, but simple words don't save a person, it's a complete desire of the heart. The reality of the words is seen by their daily actions and direction of their life.
REPENT AND BELIEVE
Repent - turn from our rebellion against God and His authority and the desire to live independently and contrary to His will.
Believe - entrust our life to Him alone and desire to live differently.
People often pray and commit their life to God, but simple words don't save a person, it's a complete desire of the heart. The reality of the words is seen by their daily actions and direction of their life.
Come On In implies not only a change of location but a change of devotion.
- God calls people to leave their life of sin and come to a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus as their Savior.
- God calls people to leave their affection for this temporal world and focus on the eternal world He has as “their forever destination.”
- God calls people to leave their lifestyle of selfishness and individuality for a lifestyle of selflessness and community.
- God calls people to leave their life of sin and come to a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus as their Savior.
- God calls people to leave their affection for this temporal world and focus on the eternal world He has as “their forever destination.”
- God calls people to leave their lifestyle of selfishness and individuality for a lifestyle of selflessness and community.
The words of our faith need to be compared with the Words of God's Scripture.
In Acts 2:42-47 we see a good description of what the lifestyle of a true follower of Jesus should look like.
There are many ways to describe these verses but we'll use Just Three Words one final time. This week read these verses and compare your life.
In Acts 2:42-47 we see a good description of what the lifestyle of a true follower of Jesus should look like.
There are many ways to describe these verses but we'll use Just Three Words one final time. This week read these verses and compare your life.
First - Our ongoing MATURITY.
Acts 2:42-43
Acts 2:42-43
Second - Our ongoing MINISTRY.
Acts 2:44-46a
Acts 2:44-46a
Third - Our ongoing MISSION.
Acts 2:47b
Acts 2:47b
Grace Church Website
https://gc3.org/Giving at Grace
https://gc3.org/pages/giveFind us on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurchMIBreeze Directory
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.breezechms.com/r/dashboardCJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order
Skip the line and order your latte ahead of time!
https://gc3.org/pages/cjs-orderGrace Church has an App!
Access messages, prayer posts, news & events, Breeze login, and more! Use the link below to download the Grace Church app through Tithely. This is an easy way to access all of the most important things found on our website or even get to the website itself. Once you download the app it will ask what topics you would like notifications for so that you won't miss out on any information that is shared. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) or Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org).
https://tithely.app.link/gc3Join a H.O.M.E. Group
Life is better lived in community with one another. As Christ followers, we know that being in community helps us tremendously as we learn and grow in our faith. Grace Church offers H.O.M.E. Groups that help us do just that! These groups meet from September to May in homes throughout our 4 county region. H.O.M.E. Groups guide us in four key areas: Hospitality, Obedience, Ministry, and Evangelism. It is our hope that everyone be able to experience life lived in community through a H.O.M.E. Group! If you have questions or want help finding a group that is right for you, contact the church office (grace@gc3.org). You can learn more and sign-up using the link below.
https://gc3.org/pages/h-o-m-e-groupsMeet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month 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).
Grace Wear 2025
You Can Order from Courtside Today!
We have a whole new line of shirts available to order from Courtside Screen-Printing and Embroidery. You can see all of the t-shirts, long sleeve tee's, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and more when you visit the online store at the link below. All questions should be directed to Courtside; their contact information can be found at the bottom of their page.
https://gracechurch-2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/Grace Church Anniversary
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch today after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
Bible Reading Plan 2026
Pick up a Harmony Study booklet on Sunday after church!
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org).
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org).
Christmas Card Exchange
If you have interest in sharing Christmas Card greetings with your Grace Church family, you can drop your cards at the Welcome Kiosk now through December 21st. The Welcome Team will be sorting the cards and distributing them to families on Sunday mornings. Contact Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org) if you have any questions.
Barry County Cares is Seeking Donations
As Don Wiser shared on Sunday, Barry County Cares has a list of personal care and household items that are needed as they help to meet needs that arise in the Barry County region. If you are able to purchase any of these items, they can be placed in the designated bin in the lobby anytime during the month of November.
* Toothbrushes
* Toothpaste
* Deoderant
* Hand Soap
* Body Wash
* Laundry Detergent
* Dish Soap
* Toilet Paper
* Paper Towel
If you would like to learn more about who Barry County Cares is and how to support them, you can contact Don Wiser (donaldwiser@rocketmail.com) or visit their website at the link be
https://www.barrycountycares.org/Birthdays and Anniversaries we're celebrating this week:
Monday, December 1st - Arianna Noteboom
Tuesday, December 2nd - LuAnn Campbell
Wednesday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers
Tuesday, December 2nd - LuAnn Campbell
Wednesday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers