Grace Assembly Sermon Series

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.

Looking at John 14:1-31, Pastor John reminds us it's more that Jesu is in us and we are in Him than the miracles, signs, and wonders. We can get this backwards and lose our focus on simply loving Him.

Instead, we need to want what Jesus wants for us more than what we want from Jesus.

Pastor Michael Masambu visits today and hopes the word shared finds a place in our hearts and lays a foundation of victory in our  lives. Specifically, he reminds us three things:

We need to understand that God is faithful;

We need to rely on His faithfulness;

We need to rest in His faithfulness.

No matter what, we know we can trust in the Lord. So give up our way and let the Lord have His way.