Grace Assembly Sermon Series

Since there has been a corporate fast, Pastor John first goes to Isaiah 58 to discuss false vs. true fasting. He then goes to Ephesians 4 to demonstrate what we were before Christ and what He is doing through His Spirit now in the Believer's life.

Today again starts with the celebration of three water baptisms. These include:

- Hayleigh Coats;

- Jonathan Coats;

- Aiden Hardy.

Pastor John then encourages everyone to a fast during the next week. He starts by reminding us the value of fasting and what our mindset should be during it. Pastor John then challenges us to read Isaiah 58 everyday during our fast.

Guest speaker Pastor Les Lawrence shares today in three different parts:

- Reviewing 6,000 years of history in 5 minutes,

- Sharing examples of God turning the page in history

- And using authority, cut the DNA of sin and any cords that still bind us.

Ultimately he shares how the Lord has and continues to turn the page in humanity. From sin to sanctification. From separation to redemption. From ourselves to Him.

Returning to Luke 1, Pastor John focuses on Zechariah and Elizabeth. Old and advanced, they appear to have forgotten their prayers for a child. But God never forgets our past prayers. Zechariah knew God's word but struggled even when an angel gave him a promise from the Lord.

We can be just like Zechariah but like him we are not forgotten. Instead, we need to learn to trust God and just take Him at His Word. After all, He is always faithful in word and deed.

Christmas can be hard for some of us and Pastor John identifies with this. He then encourages us to focus on the real meaning and beauty of Christmas through all our stress, anxiety, depression, and distractions. Go to Him and He will give us rest to our souls. After all, all things have been handed over to Him.

To get perspective about the season, Pastor John then goes to Luke 1 and points out that the Greatest has come. And like Mary we need to learn to respond, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Today, four people step out in faith and obedience as they honor the Lord’s command to repent and be baptized. Join us as we celebrate the actions of:

Melinda Gillespie

Jenna Leete

Dalton Colson

Zoe Colson

Pastor John touches on a subject that may be sensitive and controversial - money. He hopes to help clear up some misunderstandings about it. Ultimately, it's not about money or how we use it, it's about our hearts.

Pastor John speaks today about a spiritual battle that is raging today. When we pray for someone's needs, we know either God is going to act miraculously right now or He, in His wisdom, will have us wait.

Pastor John then reminds us the enemy listens to our prayers. And while he may act on them, Pastor John encourages us to understand that Satan cannot block our prayers. Instead the devil wants to wring every ounce of hope out of us.

Pastor John reminds us of one thing, one word - endure and asks us if we can believe when we don't receive? Remember, “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

Today's message and service is short and Pastor John takes a moment to point out something simple - what happens when we are thankful to the Lord

Pastor John starts in Luke 14 and serves nuggets - meat - from the word for us to chew on. The Lord calls us to communion with Him but are we too busy? What excuses do we hide behind? Pastor John reminds us that ultimately only one thing is necessary.