Grace Church Peoria Audio

Easter Sunday 2012

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0700

> 11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. > > -- Matthew 27:11-15 (ESV) ## 1. Easter matters because our lives are full of chaos > All human beings are on a search somehow someway to find that solid rock on which to stand. That one thing they can bank on. That one thing that will keep them upright when the storms of life are raging. That one thing that will give them security when nothing else does. That one thing that gives them courage to face what they what they wouldn’t otherwise want to face. That one thing that will keep them safe. Everyone is searching for that solid rock. No human being enjoys the feeling that he is living in the sinking sand of unpredictability, disappointment, and danger with no rock to reach for and stand on. > > -- Paul Tripp > 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. > > -- Romans 5:7-8 (ESV) > Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. > > -- Acts 2:22-23 (ESV) > 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. > > -- Acts 4:27-28 (ESV) ## 2. Easter matters because death pursues us relentlessly. > 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. > > -- Acts 2:23-24 (ESV) > Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” > > -- Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV)

John 12:12-36

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0700

## 1. The King has come ## 2. The King must die

Exodus 3:15-4:17

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Exodus 3:1-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700

> nothing less than the transcendent essence and cause of the universe, on which everything depends, and alone subsists. > > -- Gregory of Nyssa ## God is a holy God. ## God is a covenantal God. > Abram: > > 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. > > -- Genesis 15:13-14 (ESV) > Isaac: > > 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. > > -- Genesis 26:2-4 (ESV) > Jacob: > > “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” > > -- Genesis 46:3-4 (ESV) > I am truly He who exists and I who will be dynamically present then and there in the situation in which I am sending you. > > -- Walt Kaiser > 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” > > -- John 8:56-58 (ESV)

Exodus 2:11-20

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Exodus 1:1-2:10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700

## Exodus is relevant > 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 > > 10:1 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. ## Exodus is important ## Exodus points to Jesus > John 5:45-47 > > Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” > Genesis 1:28 > > And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” > Galatians 3:16 > > Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 1. God’s sovereign over the threats in your life 2. God’s working for His glory even when you don’t know how 3. God’s plan for your life can be trusted because He has proved His methods.

Love Wins, Part 3 | 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0700

# Responding to this love > 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. > > Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. > > -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (ESV) ## A. The importance of love 1. Powerful spiritual gifts alone? 2. Sacrifice alone? > Hate is impatient and unkind; hate is jealous and proud; hate is arrogant and rude. Hate always insists on doing things its way; hate gets upset over every offense and keeps a close record of every wrong. Hate does not delight to see good things, but rejoices when people screw up or get what’s coming to them. Hate complains about anything, is cynical about everything, has no hope for anyone, and puts up with nothing. > > -- Kevin DeYoung ## B. The Characteristics of Love 1. Patient and Kind 2. Not envious or boastful 3. Not arrogant or rude 4. Not insisting on its own way 5. Not irritable or resentful 6. Not rejoicing in wrongdoing, but in the truth ## C. The Call of Love 1. Bears all things 2. Believes all things > The whole scope of the connection here requires us to understand this of the conduct of others. It cannot mean, that the man who is under the influence of love is a man of "universal credulity;" that he makes no discrimination in things to be believed; and is as prone to believe a falsehood as the truth; or that he is at no pains to inquire what is true and what is false, what is right and what is wrong. But it must mean, that in regard to the conduct of others, there is a disposition to put the best construction on it; to believe that they may be acting from good motives, and that they intend no injury; and that there is a willingness to suppose, as far as can be, that what is done is done consistently with friendship, good feeling, and virtue. Love produces this. > > – Barnes 3. Hopes all things 4. Endures all things ## Putting this love into action  > Happy the man who has this heavenly fire glowing in his heart, flowing out of his mouth, and diffusing its warmth over all with whom he has to do! How lovely a thing would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more actuated and animated by this divine principle, A new commandment give I to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples. > > -- Matthew Henry * It may look good on the outside, but without love, it is worthless * We cannot do it ourselves, only His love can transform us * Nothing will stimulate our love more than remembering His work on the cross

Love Wins, Part 2 | Romans 8:35-39

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0700

## 1. The trials of life ## 2. The trials of faith > “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. > > -- Matthew 5:11-12 > Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. > > -- 1 Peter 4:12-16 ## 3. The trial of poverty ## 4. The trial of death > ... with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. > > -- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 > We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. > > -- 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 > God stoops to tell us the Christ is not fickle. The Lord leaves heaven and comes down to earth; He allows Himself to be led to the judgment hall where He is buffeted and spat upon. He walks to Calvary and permits men to nail Him to the cross. From that cross He cries out, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We see these things happen and He tells us that they have happened for us. What depths of sin there are in the human heart that we can see such love and then doubt its permanence. > > -- Donald Barnhouse > As it is written, > “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; > we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” > > -- Romans 8:36 > In God we have boasted continually, > and we will give thanks to your name forever. > > -- Psalm 44:8

Love Wins, Part 1 | Romans 8:31-39

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:12:00 -0700

Romans 8:31-39 “The cross is the great fixed, unmovable declaration of God‘s love.” -- Tim Chester ## 1. The gospel establishes God’s love for us > “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” “No one is good, no not one. No one understands, no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, no one does good, no not one.” > > -- Romans 3 > 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. > > -- Romans 1:18 > “….hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. > 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” > > -- Romans 5:5-8 > Who delivered up Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy – but the Father, for love! > > -- Octavius Winslow ## 2. The gospel assures us that God is our ultimate protector > Yet those that be against us, so far are they from thwarting us at all, that even without their will they become to us the causes of crowns, and procurers of countless blessings, in that God’s wisdom turns their plots into our salvation and glory. See how really no one is against us! > > -- Chrysostom ## 3. The gospel assures us that we are justified and forgiven ## 4. The gospel overwhelms us with the promise of His constant intercession > (Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. > > -- Hebrews 7:25

2 Corinthians 13:11-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0700

# 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 > Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. > > The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ## BE ONE IN SPIRIT > Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. > > -- 2 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) > 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. > > -- 2 Corinthians 2:3 (ESV) > sorrowful, yet always rejoicing > > -- 2 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV) > I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. > > -- 2 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV) ## BE ONE IN PURPOSE > “(It) denotes inner strength, whether of the community (οἰκοδομή) in its organic relationship, or of the character of its members, i.e., their maturity as Christians (2 Corinthians. 13:9).” ## BE ONE IN CARE > Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. > > -- 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ## BE ONE IN DOCTRINE ## BE ONE IN FELLOWSHIP

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0700

# 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:10 (ESV) > For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. > > 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. > > Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. ## 1. The test of repentance: Are you repenting from known patterns of sin? (20-13:4, 6-8) ## 2. The test of submission: Are you living under God’s authority? (v20-13:4) Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV) > A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. Numbers 35:30 (ESV) > If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (ESV) > For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:11-19

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0700

# 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 > 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong! > > 14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps? > > 19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. (ESV) ## If you want to see relationships damaged in the body of Christ, forget what unifies you in the first place. ## If you want to see relationships damaged in the body of Christ, judge the motives and actions of those around you ## If you want to see relationships damaged in the body of Christ, cultivate unfounded suspicions in others.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0700

> And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. > > -- Hebrews 10:26 (ESV) ## To preach the word is to preach > It is demanded, then, that heralds deliver their message as it is given to them. The essential point about the report which they give is that it does not originate with them. Behind it stands a higher power. The herald does not express his own views. He is the spokesman for his master. > > TDNT ## To preach the word is to preach God’s Words > 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. > > -- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) > Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. > > -- 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) > Don’t you know, young man, that from every town and every village and every hamlet in England, wherever it may be, there is a road to London? So from every text of Scripture there is a road to Christ. And my dear brother, your business is, when you get to a text, to say, now, what is the road to Christ . . . for the sermon cannot do any good unless there is a savor of Christ in it. > > -- Charles Spurgeon ## To preach the word is to preach Christ > In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit > > -- Ephesians 1:13 (ESV) For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. -- 1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV) ## To preach the word is to call believers to Spirit-filled obedience in Christ. > The Lord will use what little we have. But His blessing ultimately is the key to our preaching rather than our abilities. Church history furnishes us with grand illustrations of this fact. I think, for example, of the court preachers of Louis XIV’s day. In mid-seventeenth century France, that court was as decadent and depraved as any kingly court ever was. Yet all the while, it professed earnestly its Christianity. For its appointed preachers it had Jean Massillon and Jacque Bossuet. Theirs were some of the greatest preaching ever produced in the history of the church. > > It was not only some of the most eloquent and powerful oratory ever heard. It was pious and blunt, intensely earnest, unafraid, and for seventeenth-century Catholicism, it was highly evangelical. This is the same Jean Massillon, you may remember, who when appointed to preach Louis XIV’s funeral sermon ascended into the high pulpit of Notre Dame, surveyed the great congregation, including the crowned heads of Europe, and forever honored the office of preacher by saying to them, “In the hour of death, only God is great.” > > And what was the consequence of that bold, courageous, evangelical preaching? Nothing. The Spirit did not blow on that occasion. But a few years later, in Cambuslang near Glasgow, Scotland, there was a minister named William M’Culloch. He was so bad a preacher that he was nicknamed “the ale preacher” because when he got up to speak, all the men left for the pubs. His own son says of his father, “He was not eloquent. He was very different from the popular orators of his time.” After being licensed, it took him nine years to get his first pastorate. But it was upon these ineloquent, poorly constructed, poorly delivered sermons that the Spirit of God fell in 1742 and produced such a spiritual awakening in Scotland such as has not been known since. He was no Massillon, but it was not M’Culloch’s gifts that were the key, but the Spirit 1. Come eager to hear from God 2. Ask for His Spirit to take the sermon and speak it to your heart. 3. Take notes 4. Obey in the power of the Spirit.

Colossians 1:9-16

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0700

# The Gift of Prayer > 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. > *Colossians 1:9-14 (ESV)* ## Prayer Re-orients ## Prayer rejuvenates ## Prayer rejoices > How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, > Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! > What more can He say than to you He hath said, > You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled? > > In every condition, in sickness, in health; > In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth; > At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, > As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be. > > Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, > For I am thy God and will still give thee aid; > I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand > Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. > > When through the deep waters I call thee to go, > The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; > For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, > And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. > > When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, > My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; > The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design > Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. > > The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, > I will not, I will not desert to its foes; > That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, > I’ll never, no never, no never forsake ## Application ### Walk in God’s will by talking to God * Pray to know the will of God * Pray to access the power of God * Pray to know God ### Ministry for: * Those who have lost faith in the power of God * Those who want to grow in the practice of prayer

Psalm 119:9-16

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Matt 1:18-25

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -0700

# God’s surprising plan # God’s planned surprise Kevin DeYoung: > Jesus was a common name, like Jim or John or Jerry. When Mary and Joseph called their son Jesus, there were no prayers in his name. No one used it as a swear word. No one sang songs about this name, just like there is no religion I am aware of that sings songs to Jim (except that he’s not to be messed around with). We don’t name our sons John with the expectation that over the next 2000 years 8 billion people will pray in his name. We don’t croon, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, there’s just something about that name!” Kevin DeYoung: > More than a great teacher, more than an enlightened man, more than a worker of miracles, more than giving us meaning in life, more than a self-help guru, more than a self-esteem builder, more a political liberator, more than a caring friend, more than a transformer of cultures, more than a purpose for the purposeless, Jesus is a Savior of sinners.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -0700

2 Corinthians 12:1-10: > I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses—though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. # Don’t focus too much attention on pursuing spiritual highs # Receive every discouraging trial from God himself, for your good # Trust that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain Kent Hughes: > Whenever Christ says no to our desperate passionate pleadings, the ‘no’ is freighted with his perfect, compassionate goodness and love. Charles Spurgeon: > My grace,” says Jesus, “is sufficient for thee, “and it looked almost as if it were meant to ridicule my unbelief: for surely the grace of such a one as my Lord Jesus is indeed sufficient for so insignificant a being as I am. It seemed to me as if some tiny fish, being very thirsty, was troubled with fear of drinking the river dry, and Father Thames said to him, “Poor little fish, my stream is sufficient for thee.” I should think it is, and inconceivably more. My Lord seems to say to me, “Poor little creature that thou art, remember what grace there is in me, and believe that it is all thine. Surely it is sufficient for thee.” # Keep Christ’s glory at the center of your heart’s desire

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -0700

2 Corinthians 11:16-33: > I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! > > But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? > > If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. Augustus Caesar: > I have six letters from prominent people in Athens and Rome who extol my virtues. Three times I have spoken before imperial legates. Once I was received by Pompeii. Twice I have received honoraria beyond my peers. In every quarter I am esteemed.” 2 Corinthians 10:17: > Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. Kent Hughes: > You are so brilliant that you put up with fools while they exploit you, but I was took weak to enslave you and devour your resources and ensnare you and lift myself up and abuse you. Shame on me! ## The boast of a fool Romans 9:4-5: > They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. ## The boast of a servant DA Carson: > "Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one. I have established more churches; I have preached the gospel in more lands and to more ethnic groups; I have traveled more miles; I have won more converts; I have written more books; I have raised more money; I have dominated more councils; I have walked with God more fervently and seen more visions; I have commanded the greatest crowds and performed the most spectacular miracles." Acts 9:19-25: > For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. > > 23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

2 Corinthians 10:7-18

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:00:00 -0700

2 Corinthians 10:7-18 (ESV): > Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. > > But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. ## Godly boasting has Christ and his gospel at its center Jeremiah 9:23-24 > 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 > 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” > > 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ## Don’t ignore what God has done in you and through you John Piper: > Paul means something that will change every part of your life. He means that, for the Christian, all other boasting should also be a boasting in the cross. All exultation in anything else should be exultation in the cross. If you exult in the hope of glory, you should be exulting in the cross of Christ. If you exult in tribulation because tribulation works hope, you should be exulting in the cross of Christ. If you exult in your weaknesses, or in the people of God, you should be exulting in the cross of Christ. > > Why is this the case? For this reason: for redeemed sinners, every good thing – indeed every bad thing that God turns for good – was obtained for us by the cross of Christ. Apart from the death of Christ, sinners get nothing but judgment. Apart from the cross of Christ, there is only condemnation. Therefore everything that you enjoy in Christ – as a Christian, as a person who trusts Christ – is owing to the death of Christ. And all your rejoicing in all things should therefore be a rejoicing in the cross where all your blessings were purchased for you at the cost of the death of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. ## You don’t have to find your approval in the references of man ## Don’t need to exaggerate your accomplishments

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:00:00 -0700

## The mature Christian leads with gentleness, but isn’t afraid to come strong ## The mature Christian plays within the rules of the game, but uses a different playbook Galatians 5:16-18 > 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ## The mature Christian battles with a purpose to win DA Carson: > He means something far more than debating: his weapons destroy the way people think, demolish their sinful thought patterns, the mental structures by which they live their lives in rebellion to God. Phillip Hughes: > Paul is referencing the citadels of sin in our lives – every high thing, every haughty thought, every action that forms a barrier to the knowledge of the living God.

Ephesians 1:3-6

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:00:00 -0700

##Our orphan crisis Marriane Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” John 8:39-47 Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Romans 8:6-7 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ## God's Adoption Plan 1. Not random selection, but handpicked by God 2. Not based on whim, but God’s eternal purposes 3. Not through an agency, but through Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-5 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. J.I. Packer: “God receives us as sons, and loves us with the same steadfast affection with which He eternally loves His beloved only-begotten. There are no distinctions of affection in the divine family. We are all loved just as fully as Jesus is loved. It is like a fairy story—the reigning monarch adopts waifs and strays to make princes of them. But praise God, it is not a fairy story: it is hard and solid fact, founded on the bedrock of free and sovereign grace. This, and nothing less than this, is what adoption means. No wonder that John cries, ‘Behold, what manner of love . . .!’ When once you understand adoption, your heart will cry the same. ”

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0700

## The God-honoring attitudes of giving * Give bountifully, not sparingly. * Give cheerfully, not reluctantly. * Give confidently, not fearfully. * We should not withhold from giving because of fear of future needs ## The God-centered basis of giving * God supplies the seeds. * God supplies the bread. * God multiplies the seed. * God increases the harvest. * God enriches us in every way. * God enriches you so that you can give to others ## The God-glorifying results of giving * God will be thanked. * The saints will be supplied. * God will be glorified. * The saints will be unified.

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0700

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5: > But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. > > Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. > > The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ## 1. Financial matters require spiritual leaders. ## 2. Great care ought to be taken to avoid ungodly perceptions in handling money. Kevin DeYoung: > Perception IS reality to the one who has the perception. ## 3. Follow through in giving makes collecting much easier ## So prayerfully ask yourself: 1. Have I been rocked by the vision of grace in the gospel? 2. Am I reflecting the lavish generosity of God in my giving? 3. Does my budget reflect God’s priorities in and through the church?

1 Peter 1:3-9

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0700

1 Peter 1:3-9 > 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. # There are good reasons to hope as a Christian 1. Our living hope is an unchanging inheritance 2. Our living hope is a secure inheritance 3. The Father caused our birth into this living hope John 3:16-18: >For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 4. Living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection, vs 3 # Christians can hope even in the midst of suffering 1. Suffering is just for a little while, vs 6 2 Cor 4:17-18: > For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2. Suffering proves our faith genuine 3. Suffering brings glory to Christ # Is this hope in you? 1. Is your love for Christ growing deeper regardless of trials? 2. Is your faith in Christ amplified during hardship? 3. Is your joy in Christ increasing as your faith grows? Romans 5:3-5: > More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 6:1-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Romans 5:17: > For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. ## 1. You are united with Christ in his cross (You don’t have to sin) ## 2. You are united with Christ in His resurrection (You have new power to live holy) ## 3. You must believe that what’s true about you is actually true (Think like you are) Hendrikson: > What has been established, namely, that believers are principally dead to sin and alive to Christ, must become the abiding conviction of their hearts and minds, the take-off point for all their thinking, planning, rejoicing, speaking, doing. They must constantly bear in mind that they are no longer what they used to be. Their lives from day to day must show that they have not forgotten this. ## 4. Stop sinning and live righteously! (Live like you are) John Piper: > “But what is this (presenting)? It is preferring. To choose is to prefer one thing over another thing. If God is to get the glory in our choosing against sin, it must be because we regard God and what He is and promises as preferable. Choosing is finding one thing preferable to another thing. So you can describe the battle at this point in negative terms: Say no to the Judas-desires of sin on the basis of what God has done and who you are in Christ. You are dead to sin and its desires; they do not look preferable. Or you can describe the battle positively: When sin sends in his Judas-desires to tempt you, prefer God and his work and his ways and promises. See God as preferable to the fleeting pleasures of sin. You are alive to God and He looks preferable. If Satan attacks with deceitful desires, counter them with reliable desires that will not let you down, and that lead to everlasting joy” ### Do not present your members to sin ### Present yourselves to God

2 Corinthians 8:8-15

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0700

# 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 “Our Lavishly Generous God” > I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” > > (2 Corinthians 8:8-15 ESV) ## Be stirred up to give by the earnestness of others ## Be stirred up to give by the gift of Christ Himself ## Be stirred up to give more than good intentions > You’ve heard “It’s the thought”? Sometimes its NOT the thought that counts. You may have good intentions, but if the thought is going to count, then actions have to speak louder than words. What you desire to do must actually be match with the doing. > > -- Kevin DeYoung > 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first” > > (Matthew 21:28-31 ESV) ## Be stirred up to give in accordance with your means ## Be stirred up to give on the principle of equality > So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. > > (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:00:00 -0700

# 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 > [1] We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, [2] for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. [3] For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, [4] begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—[5] and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. [6] Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. [7] But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. > > [8] I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. [9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. [10] And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. [11] So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. [12] For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. [13] For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness [14] your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. [15] As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” > > --2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (ESV) > Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. [2] On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. [3] And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. [4] If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. > > -- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (ESV) ## They weren’t rich — but they gave in the affliction of their poverty ## They didn’t give as little as possible — they gave until it hurt ## They didn’t give out of obligation — they gave freely out of joy > Such is the grace of giving. It is not dictated by ability. It has nothing to do with being well off. It views giving as a privilege. It is willing. It is joyfully enthusiastic. > > -- Philip Hughes ## They didn't give accidentally — they gave intentionally in response to grace ## Is the generosity of God to you in Christ transforming your heart to give?

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:00:00 -0700

> Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. [3] I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. [4] I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. > For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. [6] But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, [7] and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. [8] For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. [9] As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. > For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. [11] For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. [12] So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. [13] Therefore we are comforted. > And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. [14] For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. > -- 2 Corinthians 7:2-14 (ESV) > For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. > > -- 2 Corinthians 2:1-4 (ESV) > 12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. > > -- 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ESV) > Worldly grief is an expression of regret over opportunities lost, your difficult present circumstances, or personal embarrassment. > > -- Kevin DeYoung ## 1. Godly grief begins by seeing sin as against God > 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned > and done what is evil in your sight, > so that you may be justified in your words > and blameless in your judgment. > > -- Psalm 51:4 ## 2. Godly grief begins to hate sin more and more ## 3. Godly grief turns and runs away from sin > Repentance is a pure gospel grace. The covenant of works admitted no repentance; there it was, sin and die. Repentance came in by the gospel. Christ has purchased in His blood that repenting sinners shall be saved. The law requires personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience. It cursed all who could not come up to this: “Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. It does not say, “he who obeys not all things, let him repent, but let him be cursed.” Thus repentance is a doctrine that has been brought to light only by the gospel. > > -- Watson ## Application Questions 1. Do you see your sin as against God? Or against a standard? 2. Does your heart grieve your sin? Or are you just sad you got caught? 3. Where is God’s Word calling you to repent? To turn and run away from your sin? 4. What are going to do to respond to God today?

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:00:00 -0700

## Because you’ve been made new, you should live new > 9 You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited, the crop that you have sown and the yield of the vineyard. 10 You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. 11 You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together. > -- Deuteronomy 22:9-10 > 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. > -- 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 ### What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? ### What fellowship has light with darkness? ### What accord does Christ have with Belial? ### What portion does a believer have with an unbeliever? ### What agreement has the temple of God with idols? > In this passage the prohibition against being “yoked together” with unbelievers forbids not mere association or even acceptance of help (cf. Luke 9:50, but also 3 John 7), but rather the giving up of control over one’s activities and the loss of freedom to act in obedience to God for these restraints are what is implied in the metaphor of being “yoked” together. > -- Wayne Grudem > The metaphor of the yoke which Paul uses here shows that he is thinking of close relationships in which, unless both parties are true believers, Christian harmony cannot be expected to flourish and Christian consistency cannot fail to be compromised. > -- Hughes > Any action that would cause the believer to link up with the world in thought or act must be avoided. > -- Ralph Martin **Because God has given his gospel promises to you as a new creation, live new.** ## What are His holiness-inducing promises? 1. God draws near in intimacy to us > [11] I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. [12] And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. [13] I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. > -- Leviticus 26:11-13 (ESV) > 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. > - Ezekial 37:26-27 (ESV) > And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” > -- Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV) 2. God has adopted us, joining us to Him ## Three Questions: * Have you been made new? * Where are you unequally yoked? * Do you believe these promises?

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 on the grace we receive in the Gospel and the effect it must have on our life. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. -- 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 1. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE TRULY WALKING IN GOD’S GRACE NEGATIVE: Grace does not turn liberty into license for sin What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. -- Jude 1:4 POSITIVE: Grace causes us to love Christ more and love sin less Twas grace that taught my heart to fear – And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. -- Titus 2:11-14 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard… -- Colossians 1:21-23 2. DON’T PUT ANY OBSTACLES IN THE WAY FOR OTHERS TO BELIEVE 1. Endurance in Trials 2. Character 3. Conduct 4. Paradoxical hope

Baptism

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Baptism. 1. It points to the regenerating life given to us in Christ. 2. It points to our union with Christ 3. It points to our sins being washed away in Christ 4. It proclaims our unity with other believers

Biblical Eldership

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Biblical Eldership and implications for Grace Church. 1. The call: Qualified men to lead the church as shepherd elders 2. The task: Elders are to serve the congregation with the Word of God 3. The qualifications: 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 4. The team: Elders are to serve in plurality

Psalm 27

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Psalm 27 on the confidence we have in God. 1. God's protection is our true security 2. God's presence is our true joy 3. God's grace is our true need

Psalm 100

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Steve Shank preaches from Psalm 100.

Psalm 139

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Todd Spencer preaches from Psalm 139 on God's Attributes revealed in this Psalm. God Knows Everything (v1-6) God Is Everywhere (v7-12) God Is All-Powerful (v13-18) God is Perfectly Just (v19-24)

Psalm 2

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Jason Hansen preaches from Psalm 2.

Genesis 50:15-26

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 50 on God's sovereignty in the life of Joseph and his family. 1. Ground your understanding of God, His wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty in the cross — not in your crisis. 2. Let the goodness of God in the gospel shape your view of suffering and of grace.

Genesis 45-46

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 45 on God's Sovereignty. - The power to forgive begins with a big view of God. - Big purposes lie behind God's sovereign plans.

Genesis 43-44

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 43-44 on God's sovereignty, tests, and repentance from the story of the life of Joseph and his brothers.

Genesis 42:1-26

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 42:1-26 on the life of Joseph.

Genesis 40:1-41:57

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 40:1-41:57 on the sovereignty of God in Joseph's life. God's sovereignty helps us take the long view of His purposes and timings.

Genesis 39:1-23

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 39 on God's sovereignty in Joseph's life as he lives in Potiphar's household.

Genesis 37

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 29 May 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Genesis 37 on God's Sovereignty in Joseph's life and the lives of His people.

John 17:20-23

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 22 May 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Rich Richardson preaches from John 17 on the important of Community as believers.

2 Corinthians 5:21

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 15 May 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:21 on the great exchange of our sin for Christ's Righteousness Our Debt 1. Christ was innocent 2. It was for our sake that Christ died 3. God made Christ sin for our sake God's Gift Our Response 1. Before you look at your problems, look up 2. Before you look at your sin, look up 3. Before you look at others' sin, look up

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 on the reconciliation we have in Christ. 1. IN ORDER TO BE MADE NEW, WE MUST FIRST BE RECONCILED WITH GOD 2. GOD RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF THROUGH CHRIST 3. GOD CALLS US TO BRING RECONCILIATION TO OTHERS IN CHRIST

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 01 May 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 on the new creations that we are in Christ. 1. New Kingdom 2. New Person 3. New Perspective

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 -- Easter

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 on the Resurrection of Jesus and the need for Salvation. 1. THE DIAGNOSIS: You need to be saved. 2. THE REMEDY: The Gospel

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 on Two Great Motivations for Living The Christian Life. The fear of the Lord drives us to courageous witness. 1. It drives us to share the gospel. 2. It drives us to walk with integrity. 3. It drives us to care for people patiently The love of Christ compels the Christian to radical servanthood. 1. Jesus died in the place of sinners 2. His death transforms what it means to live

Ephesians 6:10-13

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Scott Maxwell preaches from Ephesians 6:10-13 on the strengthening of the believer. 5 Questions to explore the nature of our spiritual struggle: 1. What does God command of me in the face of my struggle, 6:10? 2. How am I primarily strengthened in the face of my struggle, 6:11a? 3. What is God’s goal for me in the face of my struggle, 6:11b? 4. Can you be more specific about whom I am standing against in my struggle, 6:12? 5. Do I feel Paul’s urgency and emphasis to stand firm, 6:13? Application: Be aware that your anger can become the devil’s opportunity (or scheme), Eph 4:26-27; 6:4.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 on Source of our Hope and the temporariness of our life here on earth. - The promise you have as a believer is that the house of your dreams is awaiting you in Heaven. Two evidences that show us that we are believing the Resurrection Hope: 1. You long for redemption 2. You live to please Christ

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 on the Weight of Glory. 1. God is at work to renovate your soul 2. Your best life is yet to come 3. Your eyes work best when they are closed

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 on Endurance in the midst of suffering. 1. Endurance in suffering shows off the power of God 2. Endurance to press on comes from knowing your future

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 on how to survive the ministry that Christ has called us to. Overcoming Temptation with the Gospel 1. There is the temptation to just give up 2. The second temptation is to change the methods of our ministry 3. The third temptation is to doubt the success of our ministry 4. The fourth temptation is to make ministry about you.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 on the impact of the gospel on the way that we suffer. Christian - Don’t Lose Hope - The First Temptation That We Face Is To Just Give Up - The Second Temptation Is To Change Our Methods

Revelation 22

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Jason Hansen preaches from Revelation 22 and the coming of Jesus. 1. As we wait for Him to bring us Home, we are to live in obedience to Him 2. As we wait for Him to bring us Home we are to Preach the Gospel 3. As we wait for Him to bring us Home we are to Trust in Him Alone

Philippians 2:5-8

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from Philippians 2:5-8 on Christ's example of humility. 1. Look away from yourself and look to God 2. Be ruthless against your own sin

2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (Pt 2)

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 on Becoming Like Christ. 1. The Pursuit of Glory (Change comes) 2. The Person of Glory 3. The Picture of Glory 4. The Promise of Glory

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 on Beholding the Glory of Christ. Beholding is Becoming. 1. Apart from Christ, we’re glory-blind 2. Through Christ, the Spirit gives us sight

2 Corinthians 3:7-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 on glory of Jesus' covenant. - The New Covenant is a ministry of the Spirit, not death - The New Covenant is a ministry of righteousness, not condemnation - The New Covenant is a permanent glory, not a fading one

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 on the importance of gospel ministry. - The effect of gospel ministry - The source of gospel ministry - The uniqueness of gospel ministry

Josh Vincent

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:00:00 -0700

Guest speaker Josh preaches on the difference between false spirituality based on works and true spirituality based on Christ and His death on the cross.

The Word

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the important of The Bible in the life of the believer. 1. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul 2. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple 3. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart 4. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes 5. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever 6. The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether

Vision 2011

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on what we hope to see God do in Grace Church during 2011. 1. Grow UP 2. Grow DEEP 3. Grow OUT

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - The Will of God

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Todd Spencer preaches from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 on the will of God.

Here’s the the diagram Todd used.

The Will of God

Intro: Can I know the will of God for my life?
Be Encouraged by the Sovereign Will of God
- In all things that have come to pass
- In all things that will come to pass
Be Submitted to the Moral Will of God
- In your actions
- In your attitudes
Be Reliant on the Spirit in Walking in the Will of God
- For those that are primarily emotional
- For those that are primarily intellectual
Be Wary of Misapplying the Will of God
- In avoiding “the appearance of evil”
- In cloaking actual evils with “the will of God”
Conclusion: We can know the will of God, and it will assuredly be accomplished in our lives!

The True Meaning Of Christmas

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the True Meaning of Christmas. 1. Utopia 2. Sin 3. Jesus Christmas is really about the gospel of grace for sinners.  Because of all that Christ has done on the cross,  the manger becomes the most hopeful place in a universe darkened with hopelessness. 

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 - As disciples we are always thinking Gospel. - The gospel is our confidence - The gospel is our message - The gospel is our qualification

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11

2 Corinthians 1:12-22

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 - The gospel makes a different kind of disciple. The gospel calls us to conduct ourselves with innocence The gospel calls us to conduct ourselves with integrity Questions To Consider: Is there anyone with whom you have not walked in openness? Is there anyone whom you have deceived and you need to make it right? Do you say Yes Yes and No No at the same time? Do you find yourself making promises you fail to keep? Is your word reliable?

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 - God Will Always Deliver. - God allows His saints to suffer deep affliction - God uses affliction to drive us to reliance on Him - God uses the prayers of His saints in bringing deliverance

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 on Suffering. 1. Our God is a comforting God. 2. Our God loves to comfort us in ALL our afflictions. 3. Our God gives us comfort not just for us, but for the sake of others. 1. It teaches us that affliction is not the enemy of God. 2. It commissions us to a ministry of comforting others in Christ

2 Corinthians 1:1-2

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas introduces us to 2 Corinthians. Why does Paul open his letter this way? 1. To establish that his words come with the authority of God 2. To remind the church of their exalted status in God 3. To greet the church before continuing the letter

John 21

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 21 on the sustaining work and power of Jesus for us. - The miracle of food - The mandate to feed 1. God doesn't use perfect people, but repentant people. 2. God has a role for every disciple. 3. It glorifies God when you embrace the role he has given you.

Ephesians 5:1

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Scott Maxwell preaches from Ephesians 5:1 on imitating God.

Romans 16:1-16

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Steve Shank preaches from Romans 16:1-16 on the example of the believers that Paul mentions in his greetings.

John 20

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 20 on The Resurrection of Jesus. - The resurrection proves that Jesus is The Lord - The resurrection grounds our peace and joy - The resurrection fuels our evangelism

John 19:17-42

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John John 19:17-42 on the crucifixion of Jesus.

John 18:28-19:16

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 18:28-19:16 on the trial of Jesus. - His election is no earthly election - His kingdom is no earthly kingdom - His glory is no earthly glory - His authority is no authority reign - His throne is no earthly throne

John 18:12-27

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 18:12-27 on Jesus' arrest and Peter's denials of Christ. - Peter's trial shows Man's faithlessness - Jesus' trial shows God's faithfulness Our Response: - Admit your sin - Look to Christ - Keep walking

John 18:1-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 18:1-11 about King Jesus. King Jesus is fully prepared, has absolute power, willingly submits, and willingly suffers. Therefore we must Marvel at the Atonement, Marvel at God’s Sovereignty and Power, and Marvel at God’s Love

Ephesians 2:1-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on our 1 year anniversary from Ephesians 2:1-10 on the Grace of God in the Gospel.

John 17:24-26

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 17:24-26 on how we must finish well.

John 17:20-23

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 17:20-23 on Unity in the Church because of and for the sake of the Gospel.

John 17:14-19

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 17:14-19 on how God makes us useful for the Kingdom. 1. He sets us apart by His word. 2. He sanctifies us through His word. 3. He sends us out with His word.

Revelation 11:1-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Rich Richardson preaches from Revelation 11:1-14 providing an encouraging reminder to believers that though we may have physical trials and hardships in this life, we will always be “spiritually safe.”

Galatians 6:1-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Aaron Dailey from Life Connection Church preaches for us from Galatians 6:1-10.

Psalm 4

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Josh Vincent preaches from Psalm 4 on Security vs. Insecurity. Real security is only found in trusting in God's covenant with us.

John 17:6-13

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 17:6-13 on Jesus' prayer to the Father to keep his disciples - and us.

John 17:1-8

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 17:1-8

John 16:16-33

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:54:00 -0700

Todd Spencer preaches from John 16:16-33

John 16:4-15

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 6:4-15 on the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:12-16:4

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on our Mission from John 15:12-16:4 - The mission is fueled by love - The mission will not be well-received - The mission will persevere

John 15:1-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on what it means to Bear Fruit as True Disciples from John 15:1-11

John 14:15-31

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on how we must live for Christ, from John 14:15-31

John 14:1-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 23 May 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 14:1-14 on how and why we can trust God.

John 13:31-38

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Christ's love from John 13:31-38 1. We must know His love 2. We must love like He does We are called to love because of Christ We are called to love like Christ We are called to love for the sake of Christ

John 13:1-30

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 13:1-30.

Ephesians 1:22-23

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 02 May 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Jason Hansen preaches from Ephesians 1:22-23 on the Church as the body of Christ.

John 12:44-50

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 12:44-50 on the implications of the salvation that Jesus provides. Through repentance and faith we are saved by God. Through repentance and faith we are saved out of Darkness. Through repentance and faith we are saved from Judgement. Through repentance and faith we are saved into Eternal Life.

Revelation 2:8-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Trey Richardson preaches on faith in suffering from Revelation 2:8-11.

John 12:35-50

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 12:35-50 on the Sovereignty of God in calling His own and our dependence on Him for every part of our Salvation. - We need our eyes opened to the glory of God. - We need our eyes shut to the glory of Men.

Luke 24 - Christ Is Risen!

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 08:30:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the resurrection of Jesus; the evidence and implications of the Son of God rising from the dead. - The conquering of Sin - The conquering of Satan - The conquering of Death

John 12:12-25

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 12:12-25 on the coming of Christ as King. - The King of Peace - The King of Paradox - The King of Promise "Are you walking in the light, in the promise of the gospel?"

John 12:1-11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Question we're going to ask today: "Are we as devoted to and affected by Christ as we should be?" What does it look like today for us to have extravagant devotion to Jesus? 1. Our devotion has to be motivated by what Jesus has done. - We remind ourselves of what Christ has done by meditating on his word. - What gets in the way of our devotion? Sin. 2. Our devotion is to a person. - Not to a cause, concept, idea, doctrine. - What gets your heart more excited than anything else? That's what has your devotion. - 3 things that compete for our love: - The World - Your work 3. Our devotion should be extravagantly expressed - Live for the eternal - Where would you have us give more devotion to you?

John 11:45-57

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 11:45-57.

John 11

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 11 on Jesus' raising of Lazarus and the resurrection hope that we have in Christ.

Romans 12

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Steve Shank unpacks Romans 12 for us.

John 10:22-42

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 10:22-42. "Who is Jesus?"

John 10:1-21

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches about our Good Shepherd from John 10:1-21. 1. Our shepherd intimately knows and leads us 2. Our shepherd provides us with Rest 3. Our shepherd protects us at all costs.

John 9

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:11:56 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Spiritual Blindness from John 9.

John 8:31-58

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 8:31-58. Abide in Jesus, and you will walk in Freedom. 3 ways in which Jesus sets us free: 1. Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin. 2. Jesus frees us from the household of Satan. 3. Jesus frees us from the sting of death. If your motivation in your heart isn't to draw glory to God, it will draw glory to your true Father, Satan.

Psalm 24

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Jon Payne preaches from Psalm 24 on the centrality of God. We need a Copernican revolution about God. God is the central, most important thing in the universe. 1. The World exists for the Glory of the King. 2. His people exist for His Glory. 3. His return exists for His Glory.

Risk

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Tim Lambros preaches from 1 Samuel 14:6 on how God uses the uncertainty of risk. While we face absolute uncertainty, God is the "coincidenter", working out our circumstances to their right end. God advances his purposes though the uncertainty of risk.

Prayer

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Prayer from Matthew 6:5-15 - Whatever you do, if you do it for the praise of men, that is your reward. - Jesus says, there is a better reward: "And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Close your door, pray in secret - that will reveal who you're praying for. Prayer is not a Christian duty. We gain Christ through prayer. 1. Don't pray religiously to get the favor of men. 2. Don't pray religiously to get the favor of God. We don't have to manipulate God to get him to answer our prayers.

Christ's Comfort in our Afflictions - 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Todd Spencer preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 on Christ's comfort in our afflictions. - The Gospel is universally applicable ointment to soothe our souls. - God's purpose in affliction is to bring comfort to us in Christ so that we can bring comfort to others.

Philippians 3:1-14

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on gaining Christ from Phil 3:1-14. What's the one thing you want in 2010? - Paul would say your goal should be to gain Christ, and nothing else. What does it mean to gain Christ? - If your'e not a believer, it means to become one. - If you are a believer, it means 3 things: - If you want to gain Christ, you need a steady commitment to pursue him. - If you want to gain Christ, you need a single minded focus. - If you want to gain Christ, you need to cultivate your hope in Christ. Commit yourself to growing in the knowledge of the Lord through reading His word. Commit yourself to memorizing the Word. Commit yourself to sharing in Christ's sufferings. Commit yourself to evaluating what you need to leave behind in 2010 that's eclipsing your joy. Tags: grace church, religion, sermon, jesus, christ, gospel, Philippians, resolution, new year, chris daukas, peoria, arizona, az, desire, surpassing, worth

The Christmas Story

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the hope that we need, found in the true Christmas story. 1. Created with Love 2. Destroyed by Sin 3. Hope regained by Christ

John 8:12-30

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Dauaks Preaches from John 8:12-30, answering the questions, "What is the truth about Jesus? And what will happen if you don't believe?"

John 7

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:00:00 -0700

"Who is Jesus?" - Chris Daukas preaches from John 7.

Behold the Lamb

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Rich Richardson preaches from Revelation on the viewpoint-shattering images that radially change our perspective on our own lives, problems, troubles, tribulations, and victories as we marvel at the glory of the Lamb who was slain.

John 6

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 6 on having the right kind of hunger, for the right kind of food. 1. What are you most hungry for, His provision or His presence? v1-26 2. Which are we most hungry for, the temporary or the eternal? v27-51 - They are looking to Jesus to have their needs met, rather than meeting with Jesus to see their true needs. - Are you hungering for the heavenly bread? Or are you hungering for the worldly food that perishes? 3. What are you hungering for the most? Your wisdom or his words? v52-71 - No one gets into heaven unless they feast on Christ. - Your way has to become His way. - Hunger is good because it reminds us that we need food. - Hunger is good as long as it's the right kind of hunger, for the right kind of food. - What are you hungry for?

John 4:46 - John 5:47

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on 2 Healings, 2 Miracles, 2 Displays of Power with 2 Totally Different Responses from John 4:46-John 5:47 Do you see Jesus rightly? Where have you raised your opinions to the height of God's word? Are you resting in Christ's finished work?

John 4:27-45

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas from John 4:27-45 on our call to reap the harvest. Do people see the light of Christ in you? Is your purpose and mission to fulfill God's mission in this world? Are you fitting God into your plan? Or are you fitting your life into God's plan? Do you believe that the harvest is ripe? How do we do this? - We must believe the gospel. - We have to go to the community. - Invest in people who are receptive.

John 4:1-26

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 4:1-26 on Jesus' call to come and drink of the Living Water.

Don't Underestimate Jesus

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Don't Underestimate Jesus Steve Shank exhorts us to not underestimate Jesus by examining 7 snapshots into who He is from Hebrews 1:1-4. 1. Jesus is appointed heir of all things 2. Jesus is the creator of the world 3. Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God 4. He is the exact imprint of His nature 5. He holds the universe by the word of His power 6. He made atonement for sins 7. He is ruling now with all authority - Where are you tempted to underestimate Jesus?

Acts 1:6-10

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Jason Hansen preaches from Acts 1:6-10 on the power of God in us and the purpose of God for us in evangelism.

John 3:22-36

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 3:22-36 on John the Baptist's example of humility. 1. The humble person acknowledges his dependency on God. - From Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. 2. The humble person understands their importance in relation to God. 3. The humble person finds joy in seeing Christ exalted. 4. The humble person sets their faith in Jesus.

John 3:1-21

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on what it means to be born again through the story of Nicodemus.

John 2:13-22

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on Jesus' cleansing of the temple. We examine Jesus' passion for true worship and his promise for a new temple.

John 2:1-12

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas explains the Bible's view of alcohol and the miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana. "You should be able to invite Jesus to your party without offending him with your license, or your licentiousness." Three Ways This Miracle Reveals Christ's Glory 1) Demonstrates Jesus' willingness to provide. 2) Reveals that Jesus is God. 3) Displays that Jesus transforms everything.

John 1:35-51

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 1:35-51 and answers the question for us: What does it mean to be a disciple? - Disciples Follow - Follow by faith - Follow with sacrifice - Disciples Go - Find others - Tell of what Jesus has done

John 1:19-34

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches from John 1:19-34. We examine the call of John the Baptist, in which we are called to Behold and Believe.

John 1:1-18

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas introduces John and summarizes the thrust of this gospel - That Jesus is the Son, whom we must revolve around. We look at 4 Truths in this passage that help us have proper view of Jesus: 1) Jesus is the Divine Creator 2) Jesus is the Divine Light 3) Jesus is the Divine Redeemer 4) Jesus is the Divine Glory of God

Look At What God Will Do

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the future of Grace Church and ultimately the Church as a whole. We look forward to fulfilling God's mission here on earth with lots of Grace, but long for the day when we see Him in Glory face to face.

Look At What God Has Done

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas helps us look back at what God has done, both for Grace Church and for The Church, for Believers in all of Redemptive History.

Foundations: Prayer

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of Prayer in our church. Prayer is a gift to the believer whereby we can come and relation with the God of the Universe. How should we approach prayer? How should we not approach prayer? Scripture answers these questions and sheds further light on the topic of Prayer.

Foundations: Repentance

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Jon Payne preaches on the foundation role of Repentance.

Foundations: Evangelism

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Rich Richardson preaches on the foundational role of Evangelism in our church. Sharing the gospel is not an option for believers any more than praying.

Foundations: Community

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of Worship in our church. We are all worshippers, it's just a question of what we worship. What captures your heart?

Foundations: Worship

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:02:24 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of Worship in our church. We are all worshippers, it's just a question of what we worship. What captures your heart?

Foundations: Holiness

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of Holiness in our church. All attempts to eradicate sin in our lives must start with an understanding of the work that Christ did on the cross, and our death and resurrection with him as believers.

Foundations: The Holy Spirit

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of the Holy Spirit in our church.

Foundations: The Bible

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the foundational role of the Bible in our church.

Foundations: The Gospel

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:00:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the fundamental role of the Gospel in our church.

The Great Commission

webservices@gracechurchaz.org (Grace Church) — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:30:00 -0700

Chris Daukas preaches on the universal calling to Go and preach the gospel, regardless of geographic locale.