"Growing In Grace" - a Podcast of Gracehills Church

Discipleship in Every Season – Growing in Grace and Truth

In this episode of Growing in Grace, we dive deeper into what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. Discipleship isn't just about learning—it's about transformation. We'll explore how God's grace equips us to grow in faith, follow Jesus more closely, and disciple others in every season of life.

Join us as we discuss:

• How discipleship goes beyond Sunday and into daily life.

• The importance of community, accountability, and spiritual disciplines.

• Practical ways to invest in others and live out the Great Commission.

If you're looking to strengthen your walk with Christ and help others do the same, this episode will encourage and challenge you to take your next step in discipleship!

Episode 23: The Power of Gathering – Why the Church Matters

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon dive into the importance of gathering as a church, reflecting on Acts 2:36-47 and the foundational role of biblical community. They discuss why the Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation, using the analogy of a coal removed from fire growing cold to illustrate how faith can weaken apart from the church.

Key topics include:

Who is the church? Understanding our identity as the body of Christ.

What does the church do? Exploring the core functions of teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

Why do we need the church? Addressing the dangers of "lone wolf Christianity" and how isolation can lead to spiritual stagnation.

How do we engage beyond Sunday? Practical ways to deepen involvement, embrace accountability, and build authentic relationships.

If you've ever wondered why gathering with other believers is so crucial—or if you've struggled with church involvement—this episode will encourage and challenge you to rethink the role of church in your life.

Tune in and rediscover the beauty and purpose of biblical community!

Episode 22: Reaching Muslims with the Love of Christ – A Conversation with Samya from Call of Love Ministries

In this special episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon sit down with Samya, co-founder of Call of Love Ministries, to discuss the powerful work of reaching Muslims with the gospel. Samya shares her incredible testimony of growing up in war-torn Lebanon, overcoming deep-seated fear and hatred, and discovering God's calling to love and serve the Muslim world.

The conversation dives into:

• The origins and mission of Call of Love Ministries, which delivers God's message of hope to Muslims globally.
• How media and technology are transforming evangelism, reaching millions in closed Islamic nations.
• The cultural and spiritual barriers that Muslims face in coming to Christ.
• Powerful testimonies of lives being transformed by the gospel, including underground church movements in hostile regions.
• Practical ways Christians can engage with and share Jesus' love with Muslim neighbors.

This episode is an eye-opening and inspiring discussion about God's heart for the Muslim world and how every believer can play a role in the Great Commission.

Tune in to hear how God is moving among Muslims and how you can be part of His mission!

Episode 21: The Great Commission – Why Every Church Must Be All In

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon are joined by special guest Kevin McGhee, a missionary with Converge, to discuss why missions and the Great Commission are essential for every church. Kevin shares powerful insights on the global need for the gospel, his work with the Deaf Catalyst Team, and how churches can develop a strong missions vision.

The conversation explores four key reasons why Christians should be fully committed to the Great Commission:

1. Jesus is coming back with rewards.
2. Death will be no more.
3. Jesus loves everyone, everywhere.
4. Jesus is worthy of worship from all people.

Kevin also challenges listeners to think differently about generosity, sharing eye-opening statistics on global giving and how small sacrifices can have an eternal impact. Whether you're new to missions or looking for practical ways to engage, this episode will inspire you to live with a greater sense of urgency and purpose.

Tune in for an engaging and challenging discussion that will equip you to take your next step in living out the Great Commission.

https://www.converge.org/missions/become-missionary

https://www.converge.org/missions/global-prayer-networks

Episode 20: The Heart of Giving – Stewardship, Generosity, and Trusting God

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon wrap up the Commands of Christ series by diving into one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of faith: giving. Building on the latest sermon at Gracehills Church, they explore biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and financial obedience.

Pastor Brandon unpacks the difference between ownership and stewardship, explaining that everything we have belongs to God and is entrusted to us for His glory. They also discuss Jesus' teachings on money, the dangers of materialism, and how trusting in God's provision allows us to move from fear to faith in our finances.

If you've ever wrestled with the concept of giving, struggled with financial anxiety, or wondered how generosity impacts both the local church and global missions, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement. Plus, hear about Gracehills' 60-day giving challenge and how you can take a step of faith in trusting God with your resources.

https://www.gracehills.church/give

Episode 19: The Lord's Supper – Remembering, Anticipating, and Living in Christ

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon dive deeper into the significance of the Lord's Supper, building on the latest sermon at Gracehills Church. They explore how communion connects us to the past, present, and future—remembering Christ's sacrifice, anticipating His return, and embracing His ongoing work in our lives today.

The conversation unpacks the historical context of the Passover and how Jesus transformed it into a new covenant, making Himself the ultimate Passover Lamb. Pastor Brandon also discusses the importance of approaching communion with reverence, self-examination, and a heart set on unity within the body of Christ.

If you've ever wondered why the Lord's Supper is such a vital part of the Christian faith, this episode will provide fresh insight and practical encouragement for how to participate in it with deeper understanding and gratitude.

Episode 18: Persevering Through Trials – Worship Over Worry

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon explore what it means to persevere through trials with worship, drawing from James 1. They discuss how followers of Christ should expect hardships, but rather than responding with worry, we are called to endure with joy, understanding that trials strengthen our faith and make us more like Christ.

Pastor Brandon shares personal experiences of navigating unexpected struggles, unpacking how worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's sovereignty. They also dive into Jesus' response to temptation, the power of community in seasons of hardship, and why asking "What is God teaching me?" is more transformative than "Why is this happening?"

If you're facing uncertainty, doubt, or difficulty, this episode will encourage you to embrace worship as your anchor and persevere with faith.

Episode 17: Love Without Limits – The Call to Radical Compassion

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon explore Jesus' command to love, diving deeper into the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. They discuss how true, Christ-like love transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers, challenging us to love without conditions.

Using real-life examples, including the incredible story of Daryl Davis—a man who befriended members of the Ku Klux Klan—Pastor Brandon unpacks what it means to love those who are different from us, even when it's difficult. They also discuss the modern barriers that keep us from loving others well, the risks involved in sacrificial love, and practical ways to be intentional in our daily interactions.

If you've ever struggled with loving someone who seems unlovable or wondered how to put Christ's love into action, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace a love without limits.

Episode 16: Go and Make Disciples – Answering the Call

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon dive into Jesus' Great Commission to make disciples, building on the recent sermon that highlighted John 4 and the Samaritan woman's transformative encounter with Christ. They discuss the challenges of discipleship and evangelism, exploring how to overcome fear, cultural barriers, and feelings of inadequacy when sharing the gospel.

The conversation includes practical tips for recognizing divine appointments, embracing intentional relationships, and breaking down modern cultural barriers to connect with others. Pastor Brandon shares inspiring insights on leading with grace and truth, living out the gospel in everyday life, and understanding our role in God's plan for salvation.

Whether you're new to discipleship or looking to reignite your passion for sharing your faith, this episode will encourage and equip you to boldly engage with others and live out your call to make disciples.

Episode 15: Teach Us to Pray – Aligning Our Hearts with God

In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon explore the foundational command of Christ to pray, diving deeper into the insights from Gracehills Church's latest sermon. Drawing from Matthew 6, they discuss the importance of approaching prayer with humility and sincerity, emphasizing that God cares more about the attitude of our hearts than the words we use.

The conversation includes practical ways to establish a consistent prayer life, address common misconceptions about prayer, and embrace it as an act of worship and joyful communion with God. Pastor Brandon shares personal reflections and tips to help believers move beyond seeing prayer as a duty and into a deeper, transformative relationship with God.

Whether you're just starting to build your prayer life or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode will encourage and equip you to align your heart with God's will through intentional and meaningful prayer.