[Sunday] Believe and Receive - Jesus Said What?!

Though prayers may go unanswered and institutions may fail, the true test of faith is in a God whose work of salvation is never halted.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Believe and Receive

1. There is disappointment that can come when a deeply desired prayer, especially for healing, seems to go unanswered. Have you ever experienced a time when a prayer felt unheard, and how did you navigate that disappointment?

2. Read Mark 11:12-25.  Jesus described the temple as a "fruitless" institution that needed to be replaced. Can you think of something—perhaps a church, a leader, or a system—that you once put your faith in that you later realized was "fruitless" or failed you?

3. Read Isiah 56:6-7.  What was supposed to happen on the temple mount?  What was happening at the temple mount in the days of Jesus?  How does Jesus ultimately destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days?

4. God’s purpose of bringing forgiveness and life to the world through Jesus never stops or changes.  How does that give you hope when the world seems to let you down?  Who can you share that hope and forgiveness with who is going through a rough time today?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Divorce is Adultery? - Jesus Said What?!

Even a difficult teaching on divorce ultimately points not to a legalistic rule, but to the boundless grace that unconditionally welcomes everyone.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Divorce is Adultery?

1. Why is it so difficult to speak about personal failures, especially divorce, today?

2. Read Mark 10:1-16. The Pharisees tried to use the scriptures on divorce as a “clobber verse” against Jesus.  In what ways have we, or people we know, used scripture to judge others instead of showing grace?

3. Jesus teaching on marriage with the disciples contrasts their pursuit of greatness.  How do you think our modern culture’s focus on success and perfection influences our view of marriage and relationships?

4. Read Ephesians 5:21-33.  Marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church. What does this mean to you, and how does viewing a marriage in this light change the way you might approach it, either your own or someone else's?

5. Jesus welcoming the children is similar to us as the church welcoming those who have experienced "failure." How can our household be more welcoming to people who feel they have failed or been pushed away from God or the church?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Cut Off Your Hand? - Jesus Said What?!

Jesus' challenging words invite us to cut off the very things that are keeping us from Kingdom greatness.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Cut Off Your Hand?!

1. Can you think of an example, where someone's pride (in their talent, authority, or possessions) had a negative impact on others?

2. Read Mark 9:33-37.  Jesus repeatedly used the example of a child to teach humility, in a culture that viewed children as weak and unimportant. In what ways do you think we still struggle to see value in the "weakest" members of our society or communities?

3. Read Mark 9:42-50 and Mark 10:17-31.  How does the rich young ruler fail to cut off his “hand” or “eye”?  What is a "hand" or "foot" in your own life—something you're proud of or cling to—that might be getting in the way of a deeper walk with Jesus and cause harm to your neighbor?

4. How does seeing Jesus “cut off” for you on the cross change the way you view greatness?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] She’s a Dog?! - Jesus Said What?!

When so many feel like they are pushed to the outside, Jesus reveals a profound truth about His kingdom where even the smallest portion of His grace is more than enough.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - She’s A Dog?

1. What is a ridiculous rule someone has tried to make you follow?

2. Read Mark 7:1-23.   What is the issue that Jesus is concerned about?

3. What are some rules we put on our faith, that actually point people further away from Jesus and each other?

4. How does Jesus bring us closer to Him and each other?

5. Read Mark 7:24-30.   How is it encouraging to know that even if we get the crumbs of God’s grace, it is enough?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Unforgivable Sin - Jesus Said What?!

Despite the alarming mention of an unforgivable sin, the truth of Jesus' words point towards all sins being forgiven for the children of man.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Unforgivable sin?

1. Even very godly people struggled with the idea of the "unforgivable sin." Why do you think this particular verse (Mark 3:29) causes so much anxiety or misunderstanding for people, even those with strong faith?

2. Read Mark 3:22-30.  The scribes accused Jesus of being demon possessed.  Why would Jesus’ opponents make such an illogical accusation?

3. What kinds of accusations does the Devil level at believers today?

4. The sermon emphasized that Jesus' mission is to forgive sins, even blasphemies. What specific examples or phrases from the sermon or the scriptures (like Mark 3:28 or Jesus' words on the cross) stood out to you as reminders of God's incredible grace and willingness to forgive?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Send Me - Missio Dei Part 4

The mission of God’s  true power often emerges not in grand victories but in its quiet, persistent continuation in the face of resistance and failures.

Questions for the Week: Missio Dei - Send Me

1. Can you recall a time in your life, or in the life of a group you've been a part of, where a mission or effort felt like a "failure" but you later saw God working through it in an unexpected way?

2. Read Isaiah 6:8-13.  Isaiah and Paul experienced the sharing of God's message with people who didn't want to listen. Have you ever felt like you were trying to share something important about your faith, but the other person wasn't receptive? How did that make you feel?

3. Read Acts 28:23-32.  In what ways did things not quite go as planned for Paul as he ended up in chains? Acts tells us that he was “proclaiming the kingdom of God…with all boldness and without hindrance.” How does God continue to work in those times when things don’t go as planned?

4. "Here I am! Send me!" What's one "unglamorous" or challenging opportunity you see right now, either personally or in our community, where you feel God might be calling you to say "send me"

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Distinct Mission - Missio Dei Part 4

The divine mission transcends human distinctions, revealing a grace that embraces all and thoughtfully extends love to every neighbor.

Questions for the Week: Missio Dei - Distinct Mission

1. The early church struggled with what rules Gentile Christians needed to follow, especially around circumcision. Can we think of any "unspoken rules" or expectations we sometimes place on people today?

2. Read Acts 15:1-21.  Peter and James ultimately decided it was about "not troubling" the Gentiles and prioritizing the good of their neighbor. In what ways can we actively apply this idea of "not troubling" others or considering our neighbor's perspective in our daily interactions, even when we feel we have personal freedom in a situation?

3. Can you recall a time when you (or someone you know) had to adjust your "freedom" or practices out of consideration for someone else's beliefs or sensitivities? What was that experience like?

4. How can we, as a community, foster an environment where both grace and thoughtful consideration for others' consciences are prioritized?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Zeal In The Way - Missio Dei Part 4

While our fervent passions can inadvertently get in the way, God's relentless love empowers us to join His expansive mission, extending grace to all.

Questions for the Week: Missio Dei - Zeal In The Way

1. Can you think of a time when you were really zealous or passionate about something, and discuss whether that zeal was helpful or unhelpful in that situation?

2. Read Acts 11 (specifically focus on the verses around verse 17) and Peter saying, "who was I that I could stand in God's way?" Can you think of situations where you might be, or have been, unintentionally standing in God's way because of your own ideas or traditions, even if you thought we were doing the right thing?

3. Paul's transformation was key in the sermon (Philippians 3:4-6). What do we learn from his journey about how our understanding of God and faith can change and grow over time, and what does that mean for us?

4. The sermon ended by reminding us that "Christians are little Christs" and are called to bring God's love to unexpected people.  Where have you seen unexpected people come into the family of faith?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] July 6 - Who is the Beloved? - Christ in the Psalms

LOVE is at the core of Jesus’ PURPOSE, His WORDS, His DEEDS, His DEATH, His RESURRECTION, His ASCENSION, and His sending the HOLY SPIRIT. Today, we explore the most important thing we need to know about His SERVANT LOVE.

The Book of Psalms has become one of the most overlooked books in the Bible.  The Psalms not only helped Jesus grow into being the Son of God, but they also reveal Christ to us in helpful ways.  We will consider several psalms as we try to put on the mind of Christ.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Roots and Shoots: The Full Flower - Resurrection Eyes

A healthy plant, like a healthy Christian, is always reaching for the Light and growing toward the Son.  The flowering we call resurrection manifests who we are as people of God.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Roots and Shoots: The Tap Root- Resurrection Eyes

We had a streaming issue this Sunday. This video is from a last min camera which was set up.

A plant cannot be healthy unless it has strong roots and healthy shoots.  This Sunday we learn more about the roots of resurrection.

Thought for the Week: RESURRECTION EYES: Roots And Shoots: The Tap Root

Something strange is happening — 

There is a great silence on earth today, a great silence, and stillness.  

The whole earth keeps silent because the King is asleep.  

The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began.  God has died in the flesh and the underworld trembles with fear.  

--- from an ancient Holy Saturday Homily

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Roots and Shoots- Resurrected Eye

A healthy plant has strong roots and strong shoots.  The same is true of a healthy child of God.

Thoughts for the Week: RESURRECTION EYES: ROOTS AND SHOOTS from - Maccabees

2 Maccabees 7:14

[I] cannot but choose to die at the hands of evil men AND to CHERISH THE HOPE THAT GOD GIVES OF BEING RAISED AGAIN BY HIM.  BUT FOR YOU THERE WILL BE NO RESURRECTION TO LIFE!”

2 Maccabees 7:22 - 7:23

“I do not know how you came to be in my womb; it was not I who gave you breath and life, nor was it I who arranged the elements you are made of. 

Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shaped the beginning of humankind and brought about the origin of everything, HE [THE LORD], IN HIS MERCY, WILL GIVE YOU BACK BOTH BREATH AND LIFE, BECAUSE YOU NOW DISREGARD YOURSELVES FOR THE SAKE OF HIS LAW.”

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Seeing Emmaus- Resurrected Way

On the road to Emmaus the disciples realized that Jesus saved them from so much more than their small vision could ever see.

Questions for the Week: Resurrected Way: Seeing Emmaus

1. TheWhat image of Jesus comes most easily to your mind?  Does that image feel complete, or are there other ways you might now think about what Jesus was all about or who he really was?

2. Read Luke 24:13-35.  The disciples on the road to Emmaus had a specific idea of what Jesus was supposed to do to redeem Israel.  They were mistaken.  What's a time in your own life when you might have had a specific expectation of how God would work, but it turned out differently? 

3. The disciples' "eyes were kept from recognizing" Jesus. Can you think of a time when you might have missed seeing something important because of your own assumptions or expectations? How can we try to have "open eyes" to the way of Jesus in our daily lives?

4. The moment the disciples recognize Jesus during the breaking of bread. How does coming to the Lord’s table, receiving his body and blood, open our eyes to the way of Jesus?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Song of the Gardener - Resurrected Way.

Through song’s recreated breaths, John's resurrection narrative sings of a renewed creation, where the risen Jesus embodies a peace that transforms a world marred by anti-shalom.

Questions for the Week: Resurrected Way: Song of the Gardener

1. The sermon talked about the "song of creation." Can you think of a time recently when you felt a sense of joy or a new beginning, like a little burst of that song?

2. Read John 20:1-23.  John's gospel draws strong connections between the resurrection and creation. How does understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's presence, bringing "shalom," reshape our understanding of what the resurrection means?

3. Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for the gardener, connecting him back to the Garden of Eden. Why do you think that image of a gardener is a powerful way to understand Jesus's role after the resurrection? How does it show God's care for us and the world?

4. Jesus breathed on his disciples, similar to how God breathed life into Adam. What do you think it means for us to receive that "breath" of the Holy Spirit today?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Amazed - Kingdom Way - Mark 16

Mark's account unveils a resurrection marked by amazement, revealing God's presence in unexpected bursts of glory.

Questions for the Week: Resurrected Way: Amazed

1. The sermon talked about the women at the tomb being filled with "astonishment and amazement." Can you recall a time recently when you felt genuinely amazed by something? What was it, and what made it so surprising or wonderful?

2. Read Mark 16:1-8. The sermon connects moments of amazement throughout Mark's Gospel (healings, calming the storm, etc.) to the amazement at the resurrection. How do these earlier moments prepare us for the ultimate amazement of Jesus's resurrection?

3. We see that amazement is a sign of God "breaking in." Where do you see signs of God "breaking in" or bringing forth the amazing in the world today, even in ordinary circumstances?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Backwards Beautiful - Kingdom Way - Matthew 28

A call to make disciples, rooted in Jesus's enduring love, empowers even the doubting to share a love that defines the very heart of the church.

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Backwards Beautiful

1. Read Matthew 28:16-20.  Making disciples is really about loving people. Can you think of a time this week when you showed love to someone? What happened? How did it feel?

2. We all doubt ourselves sometimes,just like Joseph and even the disciples. When have you felt unsure about whether you were the right person for something? How did things turn out? What does it mean to know that God can work even in our doubts?

3. In what ways does the church today prioritize principles over people, and what are the consequences?

4. Jesus' final promise was "I am with you always." When have you felt God's presence with you, even in a small way? How does knowing that God is always with us encourage us to go and love others, even when you might doubt?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Home Easter - Kingdom Way - Matthew 28

Beyond the tomb's despair, its emptiness unveils the way cleared for our return home.

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Home

1. Read Matthew 28:1-10.  The women and disciples felt darkness before the resurrection. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt a similar sense of darkness, shame or loss? How does the message of Christ's resurrection offer hope in those moments? 

2. Jesus went before his disciples to Galilee, their "home," signifying restoration. In what ways can we, as a community or as individuals, create spaces of "home" for those who feel lost or alienated? 

3. How does the concept of "hope and restoration" in Galilee connect with the broader story of God's redemption?

4. "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!" How can we actively live this out in our daily lives, particularly when faced with our failures and challenges or? What practical steps can we take to embody the light of the resurrection?

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What Had happened at Grace this week.