Are we followers of Jesus Christ? Or are we involved more in "churchianity" than Christianity? Our lives are solely and wholly devoted to following Jesus. In all we say and do, we must glorify the name of Jesus. During this tempting time of deals and thrills, remember who and whose you are.

We begin the season of Advent with "Simple Christmas". Over the next four weeks, we will discuss how we can all get back to the basics of the faith. Hopefully we can all choose the holy and righteous path, instead of the worldly path.

We are a thankful people. God has magnificently blessed us in amazing ways. Do we thank Him? Are we thankful? Today, we open our hearts and souls and share our thanks to God and each other. We are a thankful people.

We are rooted and grounded in the love of God. As the Body of Christ, we are a church family. We find unity through belief in Jesus Christ and our love of God and neighbor. We are called to reach out and share the Good News in word and deed. Join us on this journey and be committed to transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

The light of Christ will shine deeply into your soul if open to Him. Do not shut Him out of your daily life, let Him in! We grow in Jesus through a daily walk of faith. Walk with Him and invite others on the journey. In Christ, we find our true purpose and share the love of God in word and deed.

Everyone will eventually plant themselves somewhere. There are a myriad of options after home and school/work. What is your third place? For many, it used to be church. But now church seems to be an "option" instead of a priority. We are a place where people can belong, be loved and be themselves. Make church family a priority and you will never regret it.

When our past causes us to feel we are somehow cursed or unworthy of Grace, the tendency is to take those doubts to the extreme. Our Heavenly Father, cleared the path to better relationships - here and for eternity. Throughout the Bible, we are told of unlikely heroes that over-came their past. Today, we'll discuss how we can be equipped to help diffuse the myths and open others to the love and mercy found through knowing Jesus Christ.

What if we all chose to slow down and listen closer to the voice of God? We would be more loving, compassionate, caring and less stressed! When we seek after the Lord and gather weekly in worship, our lives have great meaning and hope. Be full, present and open to the word of God. Be connected to Him and each other.

Jesus Christ established the church. Jesus talked numerous times about giving and sharing our blessings. And yet, for some reason, people get very upset with churches when we talk about money. Sadly, it's probably the way churches talk about money that upsets people. Here at Grace we don't use guilt or shame. We offer a path and light the way for those seeking to grow in their faith. No judgment, just a light.

What is our obligation and calling to serve others? It is a personal choice, or is there a larger purpose involved? The church today needs to be on the front lines of serving our neighbors. Our neighbors can be down the street, in the city or around the world. We have numerous opportunities to serve here at Grace, but do not be limited by those experiences. Chart your own course as well.