[Sunday] Gideon's 300 - His Eyes The Book of Judges

Judges Chapters 6-9

Despite hiding in fear, Gideon becomes God's unlikely instrument for delivering Israel, a reminder that God uses the unassuming to achieve the extraordinary.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   His Eyes: The Book of Judges - Gideon’s 300

1. Initially Gideon feels underqualified for the calling God makes on his life. Have you ever felt unqualified for a calling or responsibility?

2. Read Judges 6.   How can Gideon's story help us deal with feelings of inadequacy when faced with a calling or challenge?

3. Read Judges 7:The concept of "too many people" (Gideon having too large an army) is an interesting one. How can this idea apply to our own ministries or our vocations? When might trusting God involve letting go of control or certain ways of doing things?

4. Gideon ends up making an idol (the ephod) out of his success. Can you think of any times in your own life where you've taken credit for something God played a role in? How can we be mindful of giving God the credit he deserves?

The Bible Study from last year.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Judge Deborah - His Eyes The Book of Judges

When Israel strays, a ruthless warlord named Sisera emerges, leaving a trail of terror.  But hope flickers in the unlikeliest places: God raises up a prophetess named Deborah and a seemingly ordinary woman, Jael, who, together, hold the key to a surprising, victory-clinching act.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   His Eyes: The Book of Judges - Judge Deborah

1. Describe a time when someone surprised you by doing a great thing when you didn’t expect much from them.

2. Read Judges 4 and 5.  How does God deliver His people in an unlikely way?

3. We can see that God is working through the weak and unexpected. Can you think of a time in your own life when you felt weak or unqualified, yet God used you in a surprising way? How can we be more open to seeing God working in unexpected ways?

4. We see that God's victory is already secure through Jesus. How can this concept change the way we approach challenges and relationships in our lives?

The Bible Study from last year.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Ehud Left - His Eyes The Book of Judges

This week's judges cycle: we meet Ehud, the crippled lefty who reminds us that God's power shines brightest in weakness.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   His Eyes: The Book of Judges - Indistinguishable

1. There is a consistent cycle in the book of Judges - rebellion, oppression, and then deliverance. Have you ever experienced a similar cycle in your own life? How can we break free from this cycle?

2. Read Judges Chapter 3. We see how God uses a seemingly weak and “left-handed” person, Ehud, as a judge. What are some of the ways we define strength today? How does the story of Ehud challenge these definitions?

3. We often try to hide our weaknesses. Can you share a time when you felt weak or vulnerable? How did you deal with it?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.  Connect the story of Ehud to the concept of God’s power being made perfect in weakness. What does this concept mean to you? Can you think of any other examples from the Bible or your own life that illustrate this concept?

The Bible Study from last year.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Indistinguishable - His Eyes The Book of Judges

The book of Judges isn't a straight line but a cycle. Redemption and rebellion echo, reminding us how easily we stray. Prepare to see yourselves in the Israelites' struggles, becoming indistinguishable to the culture around us.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   His Eyes: The Book of Judges - Indistinguishable

1. Read Judges 2:6-23.  The book of Judges talks about a cycle the Israelites fall into. Can you identify the different stages of this cycle? How does this cycle relate to our own lives and the challenges we face?

2. The sermon mentions how easy it is to become indistinguishable from the culture around us. What are some ways this can happen in your daily life? How can we stay true to our values even when pressured to conform?

3. What does Jesus offer us that the judges in the book of Judges could not? How can faith in Jesus help us break free from cycles of sin and self-destruction?

4. Do you see living among non-believers as a problem, a possibility, or both?  How can you live a good life among non-believers today?

The Bible Study from last year.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Easter Peace - Comfort Comfort

Even with the glorious news of Christ's resurrection, the disciples remained hidden, burdened by their actions. Yet, Christ arrives, a beacon of hope and unreserved comfort, offering peace in the midst of their doubt.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   Comfort Comfort: Easter Peace

1. Can you think of a time you hid from something difficult? What was it, and how did you eventually move forward?

2. Read John 20:1-23.  The disciples were hiding after the resurrection.  Why do you think they might be hiding, even though they know Jesus has risen?

3. Jesus shows up not hiding anything, leading with his wounds.  How does the concept of Jesus’ sacrifice and his wounds change the way you view forgiveness and comfort that comes from Jesus?

4. Jesus encourages us to forgive others.  Filled with the Spirit of Christ, how can you bring that peace and forgiveness to others?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Hosanna - Comfort Comfort

As Palm Sunday dawns, confusion swirls around Jesus' identity and mission.  Jesus' final prayer is a plea for God's continued protection and unity amidst His followers' trials.  This all foreshadows the sacrifice that will ultimately bring oneness through His resurrection.

 QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   Comfort Comfort: Hosanna

1. Why do you follow Jesus?  

2. Read John 17.  What does Jesus pray for?

3. How does the Father protect us?  What unity does Jesus give us?

4. What does it look like to you to follow Jesus today?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Plainly Overcome - Comfort Comfort

Sermon From 1st Service ;)

As we approach the crucifixion, Jesus is giving comfort amidst coming hardship, revealing a deeper connection with the Father and to peace despite future scattering. All this echoes the story of Lazarus, where Jesus' power over death foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

 QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   Comfort Comfort: Plainly Overcome

1. When are times when you’ve felt scattered in the world?  When are times when you’ve caused others to feel scattered?

2. Read John 16:25-17:6.   Jesus says that He speaks plainly and to take heart that He’s overcome the world.  Describe some times when Jesus was scattered.  How does Jesus overcome those times?

3. What does it mean that Jesus overcame the world for you?

About the Image Used here.

One of my Favs.

Find more info Here https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0169V1962

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Blind Joy - Comfort Comfort

The world may boast victory in the face of our struggles, leaving us blind to the bigger picture. But Jesus, the one who illuminates our innermost being, whispers a promise of sight beyond the present darkness. Like the man born blind, our blurry vision will someday come into focus, revealing an unstoppable joy.

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:   Comfort Comfort - Blind Joy 

1. Describe a time Jesus said something confusing, that was difficult to understand.

2. Read John 16:16-24.  As the disciples are confused, what does Jesus promise?  

3. What illustration does Jesus use to show sorrow and confusion turning to joy?

4. How does Jesus meet us in sorrow and bring joy?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Clean Vines - Comfort Comfort

Like a vine tender cares for their vineyard, Jesus nurtures each branch. Nicodemus, once overgrown and shadowed, needed pruning to grow in the light. At the cross, after 3 years of pruning, everyone else saw only darkness, but Nicodemus saw the light of the King.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Held Well - Comfort Comfort

To the lost souls feeling orphaned, the lonely drawing water in the heat, the outcasts fearing rejection, and those trembling before evil's seeming victory.  Jesus comforts, "I am your hope, and darkness has no hold on you."

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Troubled Hearts - Comfort Comfort

Jesus knows Peter is going to deny Him. Jesus knows our own failures. But while speaking to Peter and our failures, Jesus brings comfort to troubled hearts, and He makes room for us.

New Song This Week.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Ash Wednesday - Comfort Comfort

He Loved them to the End

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Send Me - Called Ephesians Ch 5-6

We are called to walk in love, just as Isaiah sees he is a sinful man among a sinful people, and he yet is sent cleansed.  God cleanses us to walk in love and gives us the defense of His armor.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Paul Called Ephesians Ch 4

Paul, after seeing his own life change from putting people in prison to now sitting in prison for the gospel. He looks at us and says live a life worthy of the calling.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Moses Called Ephesians Ch 2-3

Moses sees the bush on fire, not burning up. God, out of the bush, calls this outcast to announce the good news to those in captivity. For by grace we have been saved and sent to bring good news of Christ who saves.

Updated Version of O Worship the King this week!
Listen to it here.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Abraham Called Ephesians Ch 1

Father Abraham was called to look up at the stars and see countless descendants. Believing this calling, he moved forward in sinfulness as he tried to throw it all away. Even when we fail in our callings, God is still faithful to that original promise of Abraham, bringing unity to people.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Baptism Of Our Lord

God is pleased, not because the Jordan River is great (it's not); not because Jesus is from an important town (He is from the sticks); not because Jesus has done anything great yet. God is pleased because the creation is being made new, not with greatness or power, but in grace.

New Song This Week.
His Mercy is More

Above “Song for this week” has Grace’s Recording

Original Lower

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Odd Epiphany - Emmanuel: Joy in the Midst

Under Epiphany's odd light, a star guides foreign Maji’s steps to Bethlehem, A jewish King looks like Pharaoh caring nothing for the messiah, and The holy family seeks refuge in Egypt. This light of the kingdom exposes the normalized oddity of God’s salvation.

New Song This Week.

Above “Song for this week” has Grace’s Recording

Original Lower

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Simeon - Emmanuel: Joy in the Midst

Emmanual was worth the Wait.

Worship With Us.
Sundays
8:30 & 10:15AM
Live Stream 10:15AM

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Christmas Day] Light - Emmanuel: Joy in the Midst

Born from the womb of darkness, God dared to paint the nascent universe with light. Centuries later, that celestial brushstroke moves in the wonder of Christmas where every dark place shines the light of God With Us

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What Had happened at Grace this week.