Sherie Turner brings a word from the Lord this morning and the story of David and Goliath. While it may be familiar text to us, Sherie brings a new perspective as well as her zeal and passion to what we need to understand about our own faith through David’s.  She reminds us that when we go into battle, we must not put on the wrong armor before we face our giants.

Happy New Year! And God bless!

Contrary to his own thoughts and habits, Pastor John discusses a number of New Year's Resolutions he feels the Lord has given the body, He has given us. Going to Romans 12:9-21, Pastor John outlines several resolutions, or commands, the Lord gives us, and are necessary, to help and benefit us.

Merry Christmas from Grace Assembly!

Going to Isaiah 53 and 55, Pastor John reminds us of the gift beyond the birth of Christ that Jesus gave us. He then encourages us that despite how hard the season may be, whatever we may experience, or whatever we may feel,  for a host of reasons, the greatest gift we can give the Lord is our heart and life.

Today's service begins with Katie and Landon Allen dedicating their baby Hayden to the Lord.

Then the children start worship with a couple of songs offered to the Lord.

Speaking from his heart, Pastor John goes to a familiar scripture to pour out what he believes the Lord wants for us. For this upcoming year and forever.  The Lord loves us and wants our love in return. So answer the question - what do you love about Jesus?

Today's message was given by  Pastor Roy "Buddy" Denton and his wife Cheryl. They take us from the birth of Jesus, to His death, and His glorious resurrection.  As imagined and  told from His mother Mary's point of view.

Starting in Mark 7:1-13, Pastor John looks at the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time and how they put their traditions, interests and thoughts above the things God does. But before we get too hard on them, the pastor asks us if there are things we are opening the door to and causing chaos in our lives.  Are we putting our feelings, thoughts, or experiences over the Word of God?

So what is it we may be elevating above what the Lord commands?

Pastor John starts with a brief explanation of what baptism is and isn't to the believer, giving three reasons we are baptized:

- It is commanded by Jesus;

- It demonstrates we are not  ashamed of Jesus;

- It proceeds committing to Christ and His people.

We then celebrate the testimony of faith when the following people were baptized during service:

     Kaitlyn Clevenger

     London Echevarría

     Caleb Ferrell

     Michelle Hollis

     Cindy Matamoros

     Angelo Vasquez and

     Bob Miller (Angelo’s grandfather).

Looking at scripture and current events, Pastor Les Lawrence demonstrates how we can see the Lord's promises being poured out even now on Israel and what we should be doing now.

Oh no! Today Pastor John talks about giving money to the work of the kingdom!

But don't draw up! It's not about increasing staff salaries or expanding the facility and programs. It's really about honoring the Lord, His word, and His promise to bless us, to prosper us.

Instead of giving out wildly,  Pastor John warns us our generosity should be tempered with Godly wisdom, discernment, and clarity.

Light will never be overcome by darkness. And He is the true light. So don't process life through our failures; process it through the Word and Truth of God and in His light.