Grace Bible Church » Sermons http://grcbible.org Weekly sermons from Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA. For more information visit www.grcbible.org. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:04:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Copyright Grace Bible Church ryanwentzel@grcbible.org (Grace Bible Church) ryanwentzel@grcbible.org (Grace Bible Church) sermons 1440 http://grcbible.org/images/gbc-rss.jpg Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org 144 144 Weekly sermons from Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA. For more information visit www.grcbible.org. sermons, church, Bible Grace Bible Church Grace Bible Church ryanwentzel@grcbible.org no no Copyright Grace Bible Churchsermons, church, BibleReligion & Spirituality/ChristianityReligion & Spirituality/SpiritualitySociety & Culture/Personal Journalsgrcbible/sermonshttp://feedburner.google.com Bless the Lord http://grcbible.org/2012/04/22/bless-the-lord/ http://grcbible.org/2012/04/22/bless-the-lord/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:00:30 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=772 One well know author writes, “People today are looking to the Bible for answers to questions it does not consider most important”, meaning that many are most concerned about how they can be more successful, happy, and prosperous; or how they can get rid of stress, worry and fear. Our greatest need is to better know and worship God. Psalm 103 encourages us to praise God for His lovingkindness to His people. As we draw near to God in this way our problems (which cause stress, worry and fear) diminish and we experience the joy and fulfillment for which our hearts long.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/04/22/bless-the-lord/feed/ 0 0:41:55 One well know author writes, “People today are looking to the Bible for answers to questions it does not consider most important”, meaning that many are most concerned about how they can be more successful, happy, and prosperous; or how they can get[...] One well know author writes, “People today are looking to the Bible for answers to questions it does not consider most important”, meaning that many are most concerned about how they can be more successful, happy, and prosperous; or how they can get rid of stress, worry and fear. Our greatest need is to better know and worship God. Psalm 103 encourages us to praise God for His lovingkindness to His people. As we draw near to God in this way our problems (which cause stress, worry and fear) diminish and we experience the joy and fulfillment for which our hearts long. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Epitaph of a Faithful Man http://grcbible.org/2012/04/15/epitaph-of-a-faithful-man/ http://grcbible.org/2012/04/15/epitaph-of-a-faithful-man/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:00:36 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=768 http://grcbible.org/2012/04/15/epitaph-of-a-faithful-man/feed/ 0 0:48:10 Epitaph of a Faithful Man 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Doubting Thomas is Transformed into Believing Thomas http://grcbible.org/2012/04/08/doubting-thomas-is-transformed-into-believing-thomas/ http://grcbible.org/2012/04/08/doubting-thomas-is-transformed-into-believing-thomas/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:53 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=764 This Sunday’s sermon will be from John 20 in which Thomas is transformed from a doubter to a believer.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/04/08/doubting-thomas-is-transformed-into-believing-thomas/feed/ 0 0:39:52 This Sunday’s sermon will be from John 20 in which Thomas is transformed from a doubter to a believer. This Sunday’s sermon will be from John 20 in which Thomas is transformed from a doubter to a believer. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no The Triumphal Entry http://grcbible.org/2012/04/01/the-triumphal-entry/ http://grcbible.org/2012/04/01/the-triumphal-entry/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=760 When I was a child I remember hearing a friend describe how in their church, on Palm Sunday, everyone was given a palm branch as they walked into the chapel and then they got to wave it.
I remember thinking that my friend’s church must be cooler than my church.

Don’t worry (or get your hopes up), we won’t be handing out palm branches on Sunday morning. But we will join the multitudes throughout history in praising Jesus, the Messiah and the Son of David, who entered Jerusalem to deliver His people by being our Passover lamb.

The triumphal entry is one of the few events which is recorded in all four gospels. This event also looks back to Psalm 118, from which the crowds were quoting as they cried, “Hosanna!”, and to Zechariah, who foretold a King of peace Who would ride on a donkey.

We will first go through Psalm 118 to see how the psalmist reflected upon:
1. God’s past deliverance through Moses (which is remembered in the Passover which was about to be celebrated).

2. God’s present deliverance (when the Psalm was written) through the king of Israel.

3. God’s future deliverance through the Messiah (which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus).

Then we will expound John 12:9-19 in order to consider and evaluate the different perspectives on Jesus’ prophecy fulfilling entry into Jerusalem – the crowds, the Jewish leaders, and Jesus Himself.

Please read Psalm 118 and John 12:9-19 before coming to church on Sunday morning. You also would profit from reading Zechariah 9:9-11

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/04/01/the-triumphal-entry/feed/ 0 0:46:36 When I was a child I remember hearing a friend describe how in their church, on Palm Sunday, everyone was given a palm branch as they walked into the chapel and then they got to wave it. I remember thinking that my friend’s church must be cooler tha[...] When I was a child I remember hearing a friend describe how in their church, on Palm Sunday, everyone was given a palm branch as they walked into the chapel and then they got to wave it. I remember thinking that my friend’s church must be cooler than my church. Don’t worry (or get your hopes up), we won’t be handing out palm branches on Sunday morning. But we will join the multitudes throughout history in praising Jesus, the Messiah and the Son of David, who entered Jerusalem to deliver His people by being our Passover lamb. The triumphal entry is one of the few events which is recorded in all four gospels. This event also looks back to Psalm 118, from which the crowds were quoting as they cried, “Hosanna!”, and to Zechariah, who foretold a King of peace Who would ride on a donkey. We will first go through Psalm 118 to see how the psalmist reflected upon: 1. God’s past deliverance through Moses (which is remembered in the Passover which was about to be celebrated). 2. God’s present deliverance (when the Psalm was written) through the king of Israel. 3. God’s future deliverance through the Messiah (which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus). Then we will expound John 12:9-19 in order to consider and evaluate the different perspectives on Jesus’ prophecy fulfilling entry into Jerusalem – the crowds, the Jewish leaders, and Jesus Himself. Please read Psalm 118 and John 12:9-19 before coming to church on Sunday morning. You also would profit from reading Zechariah 9:9-11 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Extravagant Devotion to Christ http://grcbible.org/2012/03/25/extravagant-devotion-to-christ/ http://grcbible.org/2012/03/25/extravagant-devotion-to-christ/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:00:51 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=753 As we approach the season in which many remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, I decided to choose for this week and next week passages which lead up to these events.
Next week I plan to cover the triumphal entry (John 12:9-19), which will include an examination of Psalm 118, which was being quoted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

This week we will cover John 12:1-8 in which Mary anoints Jesus with very costly perfume, which He says is preparation for His burial.
We too are to be extravagant in our worship and service for Christ Who has done so much for us.
Some people, like Judas, don’t understand this, but Jesus acknowledges that there is nothing more important than honoring Him.

Please read John 12:1-8 before coming to church tomorrow. You may also want to read a parallel account in Mark 14.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/03/25/extravagant-devotion-to-christ/feed/ 0 0:43:57 As we approach the season in which many remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, I decided to choose for this week and next week passages which lead up to these events. Next week I plan to cover the triumphal entry (John 12:9-19), which will include [...] As we approach the season in which many remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, I decided to choose for this week and next week passages which lead up to these events. Next week I plan to cover the triumphal entry (John 12:9-19), which will include an examination of Psalm 118, which was being quoted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem. This week we will cover John 12:1-8 in which Mary anoints Jesus with very costly perfume, which He says is preparation for His burial. We too are to be extravagant in our worship and service for Christ Who has done so much for us. Some people, like Judas, don’t understand this, but Jesus acknowledges that there is nothing more important than honoring Him. Please read John 12:1-8 before coming to church tomorrow. You may also want to read a parallel account in Mark 14. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Your Comfort in our Personal God http://grcbible.org/2012/03/18/your-comfort-in-our-personal-god/ http://grcbible.org/2012/03/18/your-comfort-in-our-personal-god/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:00:55 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=749 This Sunday I plan to preach from Psalm 139 in which the psalmist finds practical comfort in the theological truths of God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.
These attributes of God become the basis for personal comfort and worship.

I encourage you to read Psalm 139 before coming to church tomorrow.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/03/18/your-comfort-in-our-personal-god/feed/ 0 0:43:46 This Sunday I plan to preach from Psalm 139 in which the psalmist finds practical comfort in the theological truths of God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. These attributes of God become the basis for personal comfort and worship. I enco[...] This Sunday I plan to preach from Psalm 139 in which the psalmist finds practical comfort in the theological truths of God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. These attributes of God become the basis for personal comfort and worship. I encourage you to read Psalm 139 before coming to church tomorrow. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no The Work of the Preacher: The Markers of the Faithful Minister http://grcbible.org/2012/03/11/the-work-of-the-preacher-the-markers-of-the-faithful-minister-2/ http://grcbible.org/2012/03/11/the-work-of-the-preacher-the-markers-of-the-faithful-minister-2/#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:49 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=743 http://grcbible.org/2012/03/11/the-work-of-the-preacher-the-markers-of-the-faithful-minister-2/feed/ 0 0:43:18 The Work of the Preacher: The Markers of the Faithful Minister 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Blessed Forgiveness http://grcbible.org/2012/03/04/blessed-forgiveness/ http://grcbible.org/2012/03/04/blessed-forgiveness/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:00:34 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=721 For the past few weeks we have been enjoying some of the Psalms. I personally have been blessed to see how God helps His people in their various struggles.
This week I plan to preach from Psalm 32.

Psalm 32 is like Psalms 42 and 73 in that the author has a great difficulty – injustice (73), despair due to hard circumstances (42), and then finds the solution as he draws near to God.
The difference in Psalm 32 is that the Psalmist’s difficulty (depression) is due to his own sin (David’s adultery and murder described in 2 Samuel 11).
The Psalmist (David) finds relief and mercy as he stops hiding from God (and deceiving himself) as he humbly confesses his sin.
This is a precious Psalm which offers hope of forgiveness to broken sad sinners.
This Psalm is also profound theologically as David powerfully describes the nature of our sin (sin, transgression, iniquity), the way that God graciously deals with our sin (forgiveness, covering, imputation), and how we receive forgiveness (by faith). In Romans 4, Paul quotes from Psalm 32 to help prove that justification has always been by faith alone.

Please read Psalm 32 before coming to church on Sunday. I would encourage the Bereans among us to also read Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 11-12.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/03/04/blessed-forgiveness/feed/ 0 0:48:17 For the past few weeks we have been enjoying some of the Psalms. I personally have been blessed to see how God helps His people in their various struggles. This week I plan to preach from Psalm 32. Psalm 32 is like Psalms 42 and 73 in that the aut[...] For the past few weeks we have been enjoying some of the Psalms. I personally have been blessed to see how God helps His people in their various struggles. This week I plan to preach from Psalm 32. Psalm 32 is like Psalms 42 and 73 in that the author has a great difficulty – injustice (73), despair due to hard circumstances (42), and then finds the solution as he draws near to God. The difference in Psalm 32 is that the Psalmist’s difficulty (depression) is due to his own sin (David’s adultery and murder described in 2 Samuel 11). The Psalmist (David) finds relief and mercy as he stops hiding from God (and deceiving himself) as he humbly confesses his sin. This is a precious Psalm which offers hope of forgiveness to broken sad sinners. This Psalm is also profound theologically as David powerfully describes the nature of our sin (sin, transgression, iniquity), the way that God graciously deals with our sin (forgiveness, covering, imputation), and how we receive forgiveness (by faith). In Romans 4, Paul quotes from Psalm 32 to help prove that justification has always been by faith alone. Please read Psalm 32 before coming to church on Sunday. I would encourage the Bereans among us to also read Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 11-12. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Why Do the Wicked Prosper? http://grcbible.org/2012/02/26/why-do-the-wicked-prosper/ http://grcbible.org/2012/02/26/why-do-the-wicked-prosper/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:00:36 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=716 Do the injustices in the world sometimes get to you? When we look at the news we learn that a Christian pastor in Iran has been sentenced to death for the crime of converting from Islam.
The courts are overturning the will of the people (and ignoring the will of God) by redefining marriage. Terrorists in Europe who are responsible for slaughtering hundreds of people are set free on technicalities (or for the sake of their human rights). We also face injustice in our personal lives – dealing with employers, banks, businesses and even family members.

The Psalmist confesses that when he observed the apparent prosperity of the wicked, he almost slipped and fell into doubting God’s justice. The Psalmist also tells us how he regained his balance by taking his eyes off of the earthly here and now and taking an eternal and heavenly perspective. When we face injustice we need to follow in his steps.

No-one was more unjustly treated than our Lord Jesus. Because it is the last Sunday of the month we will remember His death for His people as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
We also recall how through the resurrection Jesus was vindicated and exalted.

Please read Psalm 73 before coming to church. You may also read Psalm 37 (which has a similar theme).

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/02/26/why-do-the-wicked-prosper/feed/ 0 0:43:31 Do the injustices in the world sometimes get to you? When we look at the news we learn that a Christian pastor in Iran has been sentenced to death for the crime of converting from Islam. The courts are overturning the will of the people (and ignori[...] Do the injustices in the world sometimes get to you? When we look at the news we learn that a Christian pastor in Iran has been sentenced to death for the crime of converting from Islam. The courts are overturning the will of the people (and ignoring the will of God) by redefining marriage. Terrorists in Europe who are responsible for slaughtering hundreds of people are set free on technicalities (or for the sake of their human rights). We also face injustice in our personal lives – dealing with employers, banks, businesses and even family members. The Psalmist confesses that when he observed the apparent prosperity of the wicked, he almost slipped and fell into doubting God’s justice. The Psalmist also tells us how he regained his balance by taking his eyes off of the earthly here and now and taking an eternal and heavenly perspective. When we face injustice we need to follow in his steps. No-one was more unjustly treated than our Lord Jesus. Because it is the last Sunday of the month we will remember His death for His people as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We also recall how through the resurrection Jesus was vindicated and exalted. Please read Psalm 73 before coming to church. You may also read Psalm 37 (which has a similar theme). 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Thirsting for God http://grcbible.org/2012/02/19/thirsting-for-god/ http://grcbible.org/2012/02/19/thirsting-for-god/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:00:07 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=711 Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5.
These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression.
We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes his own spiritual drought, longing for God to satisfy his thirst.
He also describes his situation as being overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow.
Yet within this Psalm we find the answer to our despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones used Psalm 42 in the first chapter of his famous book, “Spiritual Depression”.
He tells us that a key to overcoming depression is to stop listening to ourselves (complaining and worrying) and to start talking to ourselves (about the hope we have in God).

Please read Psalms 42-43 before coming to church.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/02/19/thirsting-for-god/feed/ 0 0:39:33 Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5. These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression. We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes hi[...] Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5. These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression. We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes his own spiritual drought, longing for God to satisfy his thirst. He also describes his situation as being overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow. Yet within this Psalm we find the answer to our despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.” Martyn Lloyd-Jones used Psalm 42 in the first chapter of his famous book, “Spiritual Depression”. He tells us that a key to overcoming depression is to stop listening to ourselves (complaining and worrying) and to start talking to ourselves (about the hope we have in God). Please read Psalms 42-43 before coming to church. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no God Speaks Through His Word http://grcbible.org/2012/02/12/god-speaks-through-his-word/ http://grcbible.org/2012/02/12/god-speaks-through-his-word/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:00:58 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=707 This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19.
Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation)
This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His people through the Scriptures (Special Revelation) in verses 7-11, and then our response in verses 12-15.

As you read over Psalm 19 before coming to church consider the following questions:

Do you notice that the first six verses use the name God and verse seven and following use LORD. Why do you think that this is?
How are general revelation similar to each other? How are they different?
Where can you see the gospel in this Psalm?

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/02/12/god-speaks-through-his-word/feed/ 0 0:44:13 This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19. Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation) This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His peo[...] This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19. Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation) This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His people through the Scriptures (Special Revelation) in verses 7-11, and then our response in verses 12-15. As you read over Psalm 19 before coming to church consider the following questions: Do you notice that the first six verses use the name God and verse seven and following use LORD. Why do you think that this is? How are general revelation similar to each other? How are they different? Where can you see the gospel in this Psalm? 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no God Speaks Through Creation http://grcbible.org/2012/02/05/god-speaks-through-creation/ http://grcbible.org/2012/02/05/god-speaks-through-creation/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:55 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=702 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).

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/02/05/god-speaks-through-creation/feed/ 0 0:49:02 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 w[...] 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). 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Radical Grace for Rebellious People http://grcbible.org/2012/01/22/radical-grace-for-rebellious-people/ http://grcbible.org/2012/01/22/radical-grace-for-rebellious-people/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:00:47 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=694 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/01/22/radical-grace-for-rebellious-people/feed/ 0 0:48:29 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 tomo[...] 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. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no The Sufficiency of the Scripture http://grcbible.org/2012/01/15/the-sufficiency-of-the-scripture/ http://grcbible.org/2012/01/15/the-sufficiency-of-the-scripture/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:01 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=690 http://grcbible.org/2012/01/15/the-sufficiency-of-the-scripture/feed/ 0 0:45:24 The Sufficiency of the Scripture 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Godlessness in the Last Days http://grcbible.org/2012/01/08/godlessness-in-the-last-days/ http://grcbible.org/2012/01/08/godlessness-in-the-last-days/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:00:13 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=683 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/01/08/godlessness-in-the-last-days/feed/ 0 0:46:21 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 th[...] 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. 2012, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no The Mission of Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/2012/01/01/the-mission-of-grace-bible-church/ http://grcbible.org/2012/01/01/the-mission-of-grace-bible-church/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:00:37 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=676 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2012/01/01/the-mission-of-grace-bible-church/feed/ 0 0:50:24 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 Sc[...] 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. Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no God has spoken in His Son http://grcbible.org/2011/12/25/god-has-spoken-in-his-son/ http://grcbible.org/2011/12/25/god-has-spoken-in-his-son/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:00:30 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=671 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/12/25/god-has-spoken-in-his-son/feed/ 0 0:34:23 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. 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. 2011, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Brother Keepers http://grcbible.org/2011/12/18/brother-keepers/ http://grcbible.org/2011/12/18/brother-keepers/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:16 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=663 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/12/18/brother-keepers/feed/ 0 Community Confession and Prayer http://grcbible.org/2011/12/11/community-confession-and-prayer/ http://grcbible.org/2011/12/11/community-confession-and-prayer/#comments Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:00:15 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=659 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).

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/12/11/community-confession-and-prayer/feed/ 0 0:40:04 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[...] 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). 2011, Audio, Book, James, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Pray in All Circumstances http://grcbible.org/2011/12/04/pray-in-all-circumstances/ http://grcbible.org/2011/12/04/pray-in-all-circumstances/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:00:23 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=653 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?

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/12/04/pray-in-all-circumstances/feed/ 0 0:47:50 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 v[...] 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? 2011, Audio, Book, James, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Let Your “Yes” be “Yes” http://grcbible.org/2011/11/27/let-your-yes-be-yes/ http://grcbible.org/2011/11/27/let-your-yes-be-yes/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:00:09 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=644 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/11/27/let-your-yes-be-yes/feed/ 0 0:45:16 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[...] 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. 2011, Audio, Book, James, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Be Patient http://grcbible.org/2011/11/20/be-patient/ http://grcbible.org/2011/11/20/be-patient/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:00:58 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=640 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/11/20/be-patient/feed/ 0 0:46:40 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 enc[...] 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. 2011, Audio, Book, James, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Shepherd God’s Flock http://grcbible.org/2011/11/13/shepherd-gods-flock/ http://grcbible.org/2011/11/13/shepherd-gods-flock/#comments Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:00:59 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=636 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/11/13/shepherd-gods-flock/feed/ 0 0:51:43 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 [...] 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. 2011, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no The Goal of Godly Conduct http://grcbible.org/2011/11/06/the-goal-of-godly-conduct/ http://grcbible.org/2011/11/06/the-goal-of-godly-conduct/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:00:33 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=631 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.

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/11/06/the-goal-of-godly-conduct/feed/ 0 0:42:04 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 behavior[...] 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. 2011, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Approved Workmen http://grcbible.org/2011/10/30/approved-workmen/ http://grcbible.org/2011/10/30/approved-workmen/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:00:53 +0000 Grace Bible Church http://grcbible.org/?p=626 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.”

]]> http://grcbible.org/2011/10/30/approved-workmen/feed/ 0 0:43:35 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 [...] 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.” 2011, Audio, Sermons, Speaker, Year Grace Bible Church no no Grace Bible Churchnonadult