Grace Bible Church » Sermons

God Speaks Through Creation

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:55 +0000

I plan to preach from Psalm 19 over the next two Sundays. C.S. Lewis called this the greatest Psalm in the Psalter.
Psalm 19 praises God for the two ways in which He reveals Himself. He speaks through general revelation in the creation (which we will cover this week) in verses 1-6.
He also speaks gloriously through His Word (which we will cover next week in verses 7-10). Finally, we are called to respond to the Lord’s revelation of Himself (verses 11-14).

Radical Grace for Rebellious People

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:00:47 +0000

No one likes to hear bad news, but often through it good can come. The same is true for the people of Judah. Their condition was far worse than they imagined, yet the Lord was willing to show them incredible grace. As we look at this passage tomorrow, we will be made aware of the sins that lie deep within our hearts, and be encouraged by God’s gracious work to remedy the situation through faith in Christ.

Please read Isaiah 1 before you come to service tomorrow.

The Sufficiency of the Scripture

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:01 +0000

Godlessness in the Last Days

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:00:13 +0000

Tomorrow morning, deo volente, I am planning to continue the series we began last fall in the book of 2 Timothy. The text will be Chapter 3:1-9. I have entitled the message Godlessness in the Last Days: Subtitling it: The Sins that Flow from the Love of Self. Here Paul gives Timothy the big “heads up” with concern to the behavior that characterizes the false teachers in the midst of the last days. I counted no less than 21 destructive behaviors, vices, and sins that mark out the conduct and mental attitude of those who are opposed to God’s Truth. While a bit of a sobering text, it is important that these things be discussed as we consider the reality of evil in these days between our Savior’s 1st and 2nd Advents. I would encourage you all to read the first couple of chapters of 2 Timothy in preparation for our time together in the Word tomorrow.

The Mission of Grace Bible Church

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:00:37 +0000

Many of us use the beginning of a new year as an opportunity to evaluate our lives and to make new resolutions.
At the beginning of 2011 the elders introduced a new mission statement for Grace Bible Church, which reflects our understanding of the Scriptural priorities for the local church.

Our mission is to build a community of gospel-centered people as we:
A. Worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24; Acts 2:42).
B. Serve one another by exercising our spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12:4-6; Eph. 4:11-16).
C. Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
D. Live out a biblical worldview in all spheres of life (Jer. 29:7; Mt. 5:13-16).

We thought it appropriate at the beginning of this new year that we evaluate the life of the church in light of our mission statement, which is what I plan to do in the Sunday morning sermon.
We also plan to use this opportunity to express how we, along with our deacons, plan in the coming year to invest our time, energy and the Lord’s money to advance our mission.

God has spoken in His Son

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:00:30 +0000

I will be preaching about the meaning of the incarnation from Hebrews 1 and 2 which proclaims that the coming of Jesus is God’s final and decisive revelation of Himself. The purpose of His coming was to make purification for our sins.

Brother Keepers

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:16 +0000

James’ final exhortations have to do with the life of the local church community. Last time we were told to confess our sins to one-another and to pray for one another.
This week James exhorts us to bring back those among us who have strayed from the truth. This ministry of rescue and restoration is not merely the responsibility of the leaders/Elders, but every believer is called to be a brother keeper. It is also important that we go about this ministry of rescue and restoration in a loving gentle way.
Great blessing results when wandering sheep are restored to the Lord’s flock.

Some of you might be thinking to yourselves, “it is almost Christmas. Why are we still in James?”
The message of the incarnation is about Jesus coming to rescue us from sin and to restore us to fellowship with God.

Community Confession and Prayer

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:00:15 +0000

When you hear, “confess your sins to one another” what comes into your mind. Those from certain backgrounds picture going into a small booth where they tell a priest about their sins with the hope of receiving absolution. Other might picture an AA/12 step meeting in which everyone takes turns describing their struggles with their addictions.

James is not telling us to confess our sins to a human priest, but to one another in the church community. The purpose is that we can help each other, especially by praying for one another.
For what James is describing to happen, the church community must consist of humble, loving people who are willing to be vulnerable with each other.
We also need to be careful to confess our sins to one another in appropriate ways and in proper settings.

We also are to pray for one another, realizing that our prayers are powerful. James teaches us that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James uses Elijah as an example of a righteous man who prayed effectual prayers so that we will be encouraged to pray for one another.

Are you in the habit of confessing your sins to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Does anyone really know you?
Are you praying for us, especially in our spiritual struggles?

As we pray, we can trust God to do more than we could have imagined (Eph. 3:20-21).

Pray in All Circumstances

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:00:23 +0000

Sometimes you may come to church wondering if the sermon is for you.
Our text this week speaks to each of us.

Are you suffering?
Are you cheerful?
Are you sick?

The answer in every situation is to turn to God in prayer.
Prayer is mentioned in each verse from James 5:13-18.

While the answer to the first two questions is simple (v. 13), the answer for the sick person is one of the most challenging texts in James.
The sick person is to call for the elders who are to pray for him and anoint him with oil.
The Roman Catholics use this text as the basis for their unbiblical sacrament of extreme unction for the dying.
Some Pentecostals and charismatics use this as the basis for their belief that healing will always take place for those who have enough faith.
Should we still call for the elders when we are sick? What is the significance of the oil? How should we explain when healing doesn’t take place?

Let Your “Yes” be “Yes”

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:00:09 +0000

What would you say is the most widespread and destructive moral problem in our day?
Many would say the breakdown of the family with a rejection of biblical morality.
Perhaps the most pervasive moral problem is the sin of lying.
The present financial crisis is largely the result of lies and deception at every level from giant banks to individual borrowers.
As we anticipate next year’s elections many have become cynical, having concluded that all politicians are liars who will say anything to gain and keep their power.
Many on “Black Friday” stood for hours in long lines, only to find out that the stores didn’t have nearly enough supply of the bargain items to meet demand.
People break their marriage vows. They perjure themselves in court.

Truth is a significant kingdom issue. God is true and cannot lie (Titus 1:2 John 14:6).. Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Your integrity reflects to whose kingdom you belong.
We have who have been brought forth by God’s Word of truth should reflect God’s nature as we live with integrity (James 1:18).

James, echoing Jesus, declares that we should not use manipulative oaths to deceive others. Instead our “yes” should always mean “yes” and our “no” should always mean “no”.

We will address several issues including:
Whether it is ever right for a Christian to swear an oath or to make a vow.
Why people lie.
How subtle our lies can be.
What biblical integrity looks like.
How liars can be transformed into people of integrity.

I would encourage you to read James 5:12 and Matthew 23:16-22.

Be Patient

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:00:58 +0000

Have you ever asked yourself, in the midst of suffering, “Why doesn’t God do something?”
James’ readers might have been asking such questions as they were living as exiles and were being horribly oppressed by the rich and powerful (5:1-6).
James encourages them (and us) to patiently endure in light of the fact that the Lord is coming soon. James’ teaching is an example of how the primary purpose of biblical teaching about future things (eschatology), is not to encourage speculation and disputation among believers, but to encourage us to patiently endure the hardships of this life as we pursue holiness.
James reinforces his teaching with powerful examples of those who patiently endured.

I know that many of you are in the midst of trials and my prayer is that the glorious expectation of the Lord’s return will encourage you to remain steadfast.

Shepherd God’s Flock

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:00:59 +0000

Because we are planning to ordain Craig Marshall as an Elder of Grace Bible Church, we will be taking a break from James (and I am really excited about the next passage 5:7-11).
I will be preaching from I Peter 5:1-5 and I Timothy 4:12-16 about the call of God upon the Elders and members of the church.
I will explain why we are convinced that Scripture teaches a particular structure for Christ’s church which is to be led by a plurality of qualified gifted elders, assisted by deacons, with every member engaged in the work of ministry. We pay special attention to the responsibilities of our elders to shepherd God’s flock in a Christlike way, and to how members should support their leaders.

The Goal of Godly Conduct

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:00:33 +0000

I have entitled this message The Goal of Godly Conduct. In this section is that famous language of “vessels . . . some for honorable use, some for dishonorable use.” Come tomorrow prepared for some reminders of the type of behaviors that accurately describe the make up of these two types of “vessels.” Both Godly and un-godly conduct is described in this text: things that you and I commonly struggle with. I am hopeful that the Lord would be pleased to once again use His powerful Word for the good of our souls, changing us to look increasingly like Christ, using us for good in the lives of those as yet without Him.

Please read the second chapter of 2 Timothy in preparation for the preaching tomorrow.

Approved Workmen

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:00:53 +0000

Our text will be Chapter 2:14-19 which contains that familiar exhortation of Paul to Timothy to “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.” The title is obvious, jumping right out of our text: Approved Workmen.

Please pray that the Lord would use this text for the good of our souls. It warns us to avoid worldly and vain discussions, which can be costly to our own and others souls, and to hold on to the settled truths of the Word: God’s “firm foundation.”

Money Talks

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:00:19 +0000

The final chapter of James’ epistle begins with the strongest condemnation of the unrighteous rich which can be found in the New Testament.
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.”
James almost sounds like a protestor at the “occupy wall street” rally.

James is not condemning all wealthy people, but those who are guilt of hoarding, fraud, extravagance and oppression.

Given that James is writing to a poor congregation, some have wondered why James would speak to the rich this way, since few of them would read his epistle.
James, following in the style of the Old Testament prophets, pronounces God’s judgment upon those who oppressing His people.
We His people should not envy the unrighteous rich, but rather wait upon God to bring justice.
We also need to be warned not to follow in their footsteps.

Knowing God’s Will: Part 2

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:00:27 +0000

This Sunday, the Lord willing, we will complete our study of God’s will from James 4:13-17.
Last time we saw how the Bible speaks of God’s will in two different senses: His moral/revealed will (James 4:17) and His sovereign will (James 4:15).
We also saw how some believers get into trouble by trying to go beyond God’s revealed will (Deut. 29:29) into the secret things of God.

This week we will look positively at how God guides us through His Word, through godly counsel, by the Holy Spirit and by prayer.
We will also see that there are many situations in life in which God’s revealed will allows us freedom to choose among valid options.
Finally we will again be reminded that we must submit our decisions to God’s sovereign will.

Past Truths, Present Realities, and Future Promises

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:00:05 +0000

In this text, Paul continues his encouragements to Timothy, his discouraged younger brother in the faith. He does this in three ways: The first is by going back to the foundational truths of the faith, with particular attention paid to Christ’s Person and Work. He then spends time unpacking what at times can be the difficult realities of faithfully living out that faith, concluding with a look at the future consequences associated with faith and unbelief. This is a strong gospel text, and I would invite you to ask unbelieving family and friends to attend with you. By God’s grace they will hear the truth.

Knowing God’s Will: Part 1

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:00:22 +0000

Each of us faces major decisions regarding education, family, vocation, finances, relationships, etc. How can we know God’s will for our lives?

James 4:13-17, at which we began to look last week, speaks of God’s will in two different senses. James 4:17 speaks of our responsibility to act according to the moral will of God — the good we know He wants us to do (God’s commands). James 4:15, on the other hand, speaks of God’s sovereign will — we should make our plans realizing that God may or may not allow them to work out as we hope and expect.

Is there some third aspect of God’s will – some kind of ideal which goes beyond what the Bible reveals about God’s moral will, while not necessarily being His sovereign will ? For example, God’s moral will says we should only marry a godly believer. God’s sovereign will as determined whom we will marry. But should a single person be looking for mystical guidance, beyond Scripture, trying to find the special someone God has just for them. The same question can be raised for questions of finances (should I buy a house? If so which one? When?), vocation, education, etc. If one is to seek such guidance, how should he go about it? Should he put out a fleece? Wait to feel led? Expect a dream, a vision, or a word from God? Cast lots?

This week we will see what the Bible says about the two aspects of God’s will and how we are warned against going beyond what God has revealed in His Word.

The Peril of Presumptuous Planning

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:00:38 +0000

Do you have big plans? Do you plan to be married? To have kids? To buy a house? Do you plan for your kids to go to college? Do you plan to retire at a certain age?

Do you plan to be in church tomorrow?

There is nothing wrong with making plans. “The plans of the diligent lead to advantage” (Prov. 21:5).

But it is a great sin to leave God out of our plans.

James has been exhorting his readers to humble themselves before God (4:6,10) and has admonished them for playing God (4:12) when they judge others.

James admonishes those who think they can determine the time, the location, the duration, the activities and the outcome of their business venture.

They are guilty of leaving God out of their thinking both in their consideration of His sovereign will (He controls the future 4:15) and His revealed will (precepts/commands 4:17).

We must humbly say, “Thy will be done”.

I will see you tomorrow morning, DV.

Servants of Christ: Examples of the Christian Life

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:00:32 +0000

Rejoicing in Our Heavenly Hope

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:00:38 +0000

The attacks on American soil caused many of use to realize that this world is not an easy place to live. It is a striking reminder of the many difficulties, trials and challenges that we face in this life because of the effects of sin.
The believers in Peter’s day were also living in difficult times. Peter wrote to encourage them that they can rejoice in the midst of life’s trials because of their heavenly hope. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will look at 1 Peter 1:3-9, which shows us that this hope is not just a mere longing for better days to come, but it is a transformed view of all of life because of what God has done through the work of Christ.
I encourage you to read 1 Peter chapter 1 before coming to church tomorrow, and, if you are able, read the whole book so you can see how thoroughly Peter develops these ideas of hope in the midst of suffering.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:00:31 +0000

Jerry Bridges has written a book entitled, Respectable Sins, in which he addresses sins which are common (and almost accepted) among professing Christians. His list of “respectable sins” includes ‘sins of the tongue’ and ‘judgmentalism’ both of which James addresses in our passage this week. James also explains what motivates us to speak against and judge one another –our proud self-centered desires; and why it is so wrong to judge one another – we are guilty of playing God Who alone has the right to judge.

I have found this passage to be very convicting. I hope that God’s truth will be a blessing to you this Sunday.

Humbly Submit to God

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:00:10 +0000

James 4:7-10 is one of the hardest hitting passages in this epistle.

One might wonder how popular James would be if he were to preach in our day.

Preachers in our day often flatter their hearers. In our last text James called his readers murderers and adulteresses. In this week’s text James calls them sinners and double minded.

Many churches in our day are all about happiness and joy. James tells us to be miserable, to mourn and to weep.

Many popular preachers aim to build their hearers’ self-esteem. James repeatedly tell us that we must humble ourselves before God.

Others say that preaching should almost exclusively speak in the indicative of what God has done for us in Christ. James strings together ten imperatives exhorting us to active obedience.

The context of James’ exhortations is his concern for the quarrels and fights among his readers which are rooted in their proud worldly selfishness.

The cure for such conflicts is to humble ourselves before God.

The Law Leading Us to Christ

Grace Bible Church — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:00:23 +0000

An evening sermon from GBC elder Mike Kelley.

Jesus, Our Great High Priest

Grace Bible Church — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:00:20 +0000

In Hebrews 4:14-16 there is good news for weary Christians. We have a great high priest (Jesus) who has offered to God a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Our high priest’s greatness and grace motivate us to press on in the midst of temptations and trials. Because of who Jesus is and what he’s done for us we are welcomed into the presence of God where we find the help we need to persevere.