[Sunday] Psalm 2 - Richer

Psalm 1 provides a blueprint for spiritual life, and helps us see how Jesus grew into His Messianic role.  Psalm 2 broadens from individual growth to God's MESSIANIC PLAN for the world and takes in the entire sweep of history.  This Sunday we are in an Advent state of mind.  Next Sunday we celebrate Christmas in July through the eyes of the Magi.  

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Joshua 1:9 - Richer

"Be strong and courageous" isn't God telling you to try harder. It's an invitation to rest in the victory He has already won.

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Questions for the Week: Joshua 1:9

1. In what areas of your life (parenting, career, relationships) do you feel the exhausting pressure that everything depends entirely on your performance?

2. Read Joshua 1:1-9: Joshua was facing an impossible, terrifying transition with the death of Moses and a flooded river ahead of him. Have you ever faced a life transition that felt impossible, and how did God's presence carry you through it?

3. It’s exhausting to constantly try to bend God's will to match what we want—whether in our jobs, marriages, or politics. Jesus did the exact opposite in the Garden of Gethsemane ("Not my will, but yours be done"). When is it hardest for you to stop fighting and trust God’s plan?

4. God gives Joshua the victory.   How does it take the pressure off you to know that God doesn't need you to be a "perfect professional" to do His work in someone else's life?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)

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There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.

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Reading Plan

• 7/5/26 - Psalm 23

  • Psalm 23
    1 John 3:16-24
    John 10:9-18

• 7/12/26 - Joshua 1:9

  • Joshua 1:1-9
    2 Timothy 1:6-14
    Luke 12:27-34

• 7/19/26 - Psalm 2

• 7/26/26 - Matthew 2 - Christmas

• Reading plan 25'

  • October 12th 25’
    Gen 1 In the begging God created the heavens and the earth

    • Gen 1:1-5, 24 -2:3
      Collisions 3:5-11
      John 2:11-18

  • October 19th 25’
    Matthew 28:19 Great Comission

    • Psalm 73:1-8, 23-26
      Acts 1:6-11
      Matthew 28:16-20

• Reading Plan 2022

  • July 3rd 22
    John 3:16

    • John 2-3

  • July 10th 22
    1 Peter 3:15

    • 1 Peter 3

  • July 17th 22
    2 Corinthians 12:9

    • 2 Corinthians 12

[Sunday] Psalm 23: The Lord is - Richer

Psalm 23 is a beautiful song of trust, declaring true freedom, daily provision, and a grace that aggressively pursues us in every season of life.

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Questions for the Week: Psalm 23 - The Lord is

1. Read Psalm 23: It is usually read at funerals, but it helps us trust God every single day. Which part of Psalm 23 brings you the most comfort on a normal, average day?

2. The Israelites had manna from heaven but still complained that they lacked meat, even wishing to go back to slavery. Where in your life do you struggle with a scarcity mindset, believing that God hasn't given you enough?

3. When faced with the "presence of our enemies" or dark valleys, our instinct is to fight, defend ourselves, or take control. How does the image of Jesus calmly setting a table for you in the middle of chaos change how you handle conflict?

4. The Hebrew word for "follow" (as in "goodness and mercy shall follow me") means to aggressively pursue or chase down. How does it feel to know that God is actively chasing you with grace, rather than you having to constantly pursue Him?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Matthew 28:19 - Richer

Moving past a fearful view of evangelism, the richer meaning of the Great Commission is found in Christ's established authority, which turns our lives into a confident declaration of His victory.

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Questions for the Week: Together: Matthew 28:18-20

1. Jesus calls us to go make disciples?  How are you part of this mission? Do you find it scary at times? 

2. Read Matthew 28:17-20.  The mission starts with Christ's victory: "All authority... has been given to me." How does knowing that Jesus already has all authority and victory change the way we view our personal challenges, fears, or the mission of sharing our faith? Does it make the Great Commission feel less scary?

3. The sermon emphasized that the "teaching" component is about Jesus' love for you and  loving people (the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12), not just mastering doctrine. How does this focus change how you approach teaching your faith to others?

4. The Church has a history of making disciples.  The sermon used the history of LCMS education in the south.  What are specific ways we can be "ambassadors of Jesus" or embody His victory and teachings in our specific community, school, or workplace this week?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Genesis 1:1-2 - Richer

The richer truth of Genesis 1 is that God's creation was a deliberate, harmonious song that continues, through Christ, to restore the dissonance of our chaotic world.

Here is a video to dive deeper into Genesis chapter 1

How is our interpretation of the creation story in Genesis 1 deepened when we consider its ancient historical and cultural context? In this Bible commentary video, we look at how the literary design of Genesis 1 reveals God’s ideal vision for the whole cosmos.

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Questions for the Week: Together: Genesis 1:1-2

1. The sermon emphasized that we were created with a beautiful song, out of love and intention. How does believing you were "sung into existence" change the way you see yourself or your worth compared to believing you are the result of chance or accident?

2. Read Genesis 1 - 2:3.  Genesis 1 starts with God bringing order out of chaos (tohu va-vohu). What are some areas of chaos or darkness in our family's life, or the wider world, where we need God's "song" (His voice, grace, or order) to bring light and rest?

3. God kept declaring His creation was "good" (and humans "very good"). When is it easiest for you to believe God's declaration that you are "Goooooood", and what makes it hardest to believe that about yourself or others?

4. If our lives are meant to be a part of God's perfect creation "song," what does it look like when we choose to create dissonance (by choosing our own way, like Adam and Eve)? What's one practical way we can intentionally choose harmony (forgiveness, kindness, order) this week?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer

Questions for the week

1. No Questions this week.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer

Questions for the week

1.  Describe a time you felt persecuted or experienced suffering for your faith.  How did you respond to that persecution and suffering?

2. Read 1 Peter 3: 8-22.   What does Peter encourage us to do in the midst of suffering?  Why does he encourage us to do that?

3. Read Daniel 6.  What happens to Daniel in the middle of unjust suffering?   How does Daniel respond?   Why do you think Daniel could respond the way he did?  How does the chapter end?

4. Following the advice of Peter, who is someone you can do good to this week?  

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer

Questions for the week

1. Describe a time that forced you to see the world in a new way.

2. Read John 3:1-21. Who is Nicodemus? Why do you think he is questioning Jesus in this way?

3. How does Jesus respond?  Why does Jesus respond this way?

4. What does this teach you about God and his love for you and the world?

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What Had happened at Grace this week.