Grace Church

BIG IDEA: God calls you beloved before you ever clock inIdentity statement that counters the lie of productivity. 1. In God’s Economy: You’re Embraced by a Father, Not Interviewed by a Boss2. In God’s Economy: Your Value is Given, Not Proven3. In God’s Economy: You Work From Love, Not For ItNEXT STEPS TODAYCommit to these next 4 weeks. Complete this Identity Reset statement:“Even if I never succeed at __________ again, I am still fully loved and embraced by God because __________.”

Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned you to multiply His work in the world.   What prevents us from being present?  Digital Distraction.  Mental Preoccupation.  Hurry Sickness.  Judgment and Assumptions.  Fear of Vulnerability.  Messiah Complex.   3 Disciplines for Being more Present  Discipline of Slowing: A pause amidst the busyness. (4:3-8)   Discipline of Noticing: Seeing beyond the surface (4:7-18) Discipline of Listening: Creating space for their story (4:13-26)   Next Steps  Choose one person this week with whom you'll practice being fully present.  Choose to practice at least one discipline: slowing, noticing, and listening  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply His work in the world.   Big Idea: The most influential people lead with questions instead of answers.   Why questions are such a powerful tool for influence.  Questions bypass mental resistance and create receptivity.  The Holy Spirit often works in the space created by a good question.  Question-asking engages both the head and heart simultaneously.  Applying Jesus’ Question Ladder: from Surface to Soul Opening Questions: Meet people where they are because that’s where Jesus met us (6:25)  Seeing Questions: Help people see God’s provision because He’s already providing (6:26)  Feeling Questions: Give permission to name emotions because God can handle our honesty (6:27)  Believing Questions: Reveal the father’s heart because we're not orphans (6:30)  Get the Question Ladder tool and other series resources at whoisgrace.com/read   Next Step: Replace some statements with some questions.  

The Art of Noticing.   Big Idea: Encouraging words create spaces where God can work.   The Architecture of Encouragement The Foundation: Encouragement starts with a generous heart (Acts 4:37)  Framework: Encouragement imagines their better future (Acts 9:26-28) Finishing: Encouragement reminds them it will be worth it (Acts 14:23; 1 Thess. 4:18) 3 Keys to Great Encouragement:  Make it Sincere: Be honest about the struggle before you offer the hope.  Make it Specific: Use the "I noticed" formula. Make it Strengths-Focused: Look for their "easy."   Next step Write a note or a text to 3 people this week who could use some encouragement.  For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Psalm 139 Ephesians 2:10   3 Declarations of God Over those He has Designed.  God says, “I have called you by name” (Ex 31:1-2)  God says, “I will fill you with My Spirit for your specific assignment” (Ex 31:3-6) God says, “Your assignments will flow from how I’ve gifted and positioned you.” (35:30-36:2) Big Idea: God has perfectly created you and positioned you for the assignments He's given you.  Next Step  Reflect on these two simple questions: 1. What has God given me? 2. Where has God placed me?  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  Get a weekly video encouragement from Pastor Derek as you live out your calling whoisgrace.com/bless  

The Two-Track System That's Stealing Your Purpose.   Big Idea: Your ordinary is God’s altar  Joseph: The Original Embedded Influencer.  4 Ways to See Your Ordinary 9-5 as God’s Altar Recognize that where God has placed you is not an accident (Gen 45:5-8)  Understand that being great at what you do earns trust. (Gen 39:2-4)  Realize that you can fit in socially, but be distinct spiritually (Gen 41:41-45)  Remember that your position is about purpose not personal promotion (Gen 50:19-21)  4 New Bottom Lines at Work:  1. Who can I demonstrate God’s love to today?   2. How can my community be better served by what I do?  3. How can I model excellence and hard work to my co-workers?  4. How can my God-given gifts be maximized in my current position?   Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

Intentional Friends CARE C - Connect (Time and Presence)  A - Assist (Helping Hand)  R - Remember (Gifts and Moments)  E - Encourage (Words that Build)  Some Context:  Hints of Jesus.  God’s countercultural methods.  71 Words of Symmetry.    Big idea: The journey from despair to joy is not STRAIGHT, but it is SURE.   5 Signposts on the Surprising Journey toward Joy  Depths of Despair (1:21)  Hidden Hope (1:22 Faith-Driven Effort (2:2)  Patient Perspective (3:18)  Bigger Picture (4:16)   Next Step  Identify yourself along the journey toward joy:  Depths of Despair  |Hidden Hope | Faith-Driven Effort |Patient Perspective | Bigger Picture Pray: “God please help me to trust your plot twists, even when I can't see the ending you’re writing?”   Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read

True Friends CARE:  Connect: Give time and presence  Assist: Offer a helping hand  Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  Encourage: Speak words that build them up.   Enter the Kinsman Redeemer (3:1; 2:20)   3 qualifications:  Blood relative Qualified  Willing   How to Catch a Husband (:1-6).  What Happens on the Threshing Floor Stays on the Threshing Floor (:7-11) The Roadblock: Meet Bachelor #2 (3:12-4:11) Big idea: Like Naomi, we need a redeemer   Jesus is our true Kinsman Redeemer Jesus became our kin  Jesus was qualified to pay the price  Jesus was willing to redeem us   Next Step:Follow Jesus – www.whoisgrace.com/salvation/  

The setting: The edge of the unknown (2:1) Providence defined: God’s subtle sovereignty (2:1-3).  Boaz’ character revealed: The heart behind the actions (2:4-7)   Big idea: God is always working behind the scenes in unseen ways  3 Ways God Moves Behind the Scenes God orchestrates 'coincidences' that aren't coincidental at all (:3)  God works through people who become his hands and feet (:4-14)  God directs our steps when we put in the work (:1-2; 11-14)   Next Step  CARE- Connect, Assist, Remember, Encourage This week “Assist” with a helping hand Run the errand your friend keeps putting off.  Fix a small household problem.  Watch the kids so they can breathe.  Help with a project they've been dreading.  Use your skills to lift their burden in some way  For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read

Context: When everything falls apart. Historical setting: The dark days of the Judges (1:1)  Geographical Significance: From bread to emptiness (1:1-2)  Cultural Contrast: Running to the dark side (1:1-5).   3 Truths to Remember When Life Falls Apart 1. Sometimes life leaves us with no good options (:1-13)   Big idea: when life falls apart, remember it’s only chapter 1!  2. The only way forward is coming back to God (:7)  3. Spiritual friendship is a key ingredient to faith (:14-22)   Intentional Friend. I partner with God to build healthy relationships and restore broken ones.  Next steps  Come back for the whole series Practice the CARE Tool.  C - Connect: Give time and presence  A - Assist: Offer a helping hand  R - Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  E - Encourage: Speak words that build others up.   This Week: Focus on "C" – Connect with someone who is in their own “chapter 1.”   For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

FEAR IS A BARRIER TO OBEDIENCE Fear Exposes our Idolatry: Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14) Fear Reveals our Insecurity: Moses (Exodus 4) Fear Seeks Control: Jonah   BIG IDEA: Let your fear lead you to obedience.  FEAR IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OBEDIENCE Fear Increases our Trust: Joshua 1:6-9 Fear Reminds us of our Dependence: 2 Corinthians 12:9. “There are only two kinds of people in the world: the weak ones who make themselves available to God and the weak ones who don’t” -Greg Livingstone, missionary  Fear Leads us to Humble Submission: Isaiah 6:8; Mary (Luke 1:38; Jesus (Mark 14:36)  Next Steps:  A Savvy Follower says, “I discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time and in the right way.” What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?  For more information on partnering with local and global missions partnerships and opportunities, please visit whoisgrace.com/missions. 

Big Idea: You have been reconciled; now you are responsible.  We must become new creations in order to experience and offer reconciliation. -Individually (2 Cor 5:17). “I once was ______. I met Jesus. Now I am ______. -Cosmos (2 Cor 5:18-19). Church. Humanity. Creation.  Where have you felt the freedom and joy of being a new creation in Jesus? Where have you struggled to be the new creation that you already are? Consider asking the same questions concerning your family, church, workplace, country, etc…  We (as individuals and as a Church) are Jesus’ ambassadors.  -An ambassador is a direct representative of the king or executive. Ambassadors are meant to bring about conversation, friendship, goodwill; form and maintain alliances. -Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ representatives here on Earth.  Do people experience the real Jesus through your words and actions? Where have you excelled as an ambassador for Christ? Where have you struggled?  “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good

Big Idea: The Great Commission is lived out through Gospel Partnerships.  Three Pillars of Gospel Partnerships -Prayer (Phil 1:3-5) -Resources (Phil 4:16; 18) -Relationship (Phil 4:14-15)  Which pillar comes more naturally to you? Which one is more difficult? How do you think God is calling you to support His global work?  Three Roles of Global Missions -Go (Acts 10:19-20) -Welcome (Acts 8:26-40) -Send (Acts 13:1-3)  Which role is God calling you to in this season? Do you foresee God calling you into a different role in the future?  “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14)  What is your first reaction when you read this Scripture? In light of these words from Jesus, is there any specific action that you should take?  Next Steps: 1. Consider taking the Perspectives class. (email brittney@whoisgrace.com for more information) 2. Check out whoisgrace.com/missions and explore other steps such as: -Have you

Big Idea: Rather than retreating, fighting, or just blending in, we will join Jesus in reaching those who are not yet reached.   4 things a relationship with Jesus affects in you PROXIMITY: It affects where you go (:16-17)  COMPASSION: It affects how you feel (:16)   PERSPECTIVE: It affects what you see (:16)   ENGAGEMENT: It affects what you do (:17-20)  Next step: Identify and confess your personal barrier to reaching unreached people.  Proximity problem  Confession: "God, I admit that I've stayed in my comfort zones instead of going toward people who need Your love."  Step: Identify a specific place or group of people you usually avoid. Set a specific time this week to intentionally go there and begin forming just one authentic connection.  Compassion problemConfession: "Lord, I've become numb and apathetic toward lost and hurting people. I don't feel what you feel anymore."  Step: take a prayer walk or a prayer drive and pray specifically for each house or business you pass.  Perspective problem Confessio

God’s Story Tool 5 Movements of God’s Story: Creation- Fall- Redemption- Mission- Restoration  3 Questions: What is God’s Mission? (Luke 24:44-49) What is the Church’s Mission? (Acts 1:8) What is my Mission? (John 20:21) Big Idea: God’s Mission is your mission.  Next Steps:  Commit to this sermon series Ask God, “What is my mission?” 

Beware of the Extremes  The Fearful Rejection The Utopian Embrace  Big Idea – Personhood flows from the breath of a personal God.   6 Soul-Sustaining Breaths in an AI World Breathe AWARENESS by preparing for dramatic global changes.  Breathe GRATITUDE by celebrating innovation and human ingenuity.  Breathe DISCERNMENT by recognizing the pull toward idolatry and sin.   Two opposite sinful tendencies  PRIDE & SLOTH Breathe TRUTH by resisting secular ideologies.  Breathe CONNECTION by prioritizing real relationships. Breathe LIMITATIONS by leaning into your humanity.  God’s PERSONAL NATURE is the Source of Genuine Connection.   Next step: Pray 3 Breath Prayers  “I am known by name”  “I am loved by choice”  “I am created for connection”  Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

The Two Sides of our Societal Sexual Frustration.   The Cultural View: Sex Positivity and the Promise of Freedom.   The Church's Struggle: Fear, Fixation, and Hypocrisy.   Big Idea: True sexual wholeness comes by embracing God’s design.  Thinking Christianly about Sexuality and Gender 1. Our Sexuality Reflects God’s Image, Purpose, and Design.   God's DESIGN is the Framework for Human Flourishing.  God created.  God created humanity,  God created humanity in His image.  God created humanity male and female God created male and female for covenant relationship.   2. Sexual Morality Honors the Body as God’s Good Creation.  Christianity views personhood holistically: body and soul form an integrated unity.  Secular personhood theory promotes a two-level dualism that separates body from person,   3. Our flourishing comes from following God’s plan, not our feelings.   4. The church must be a beacon of compassion and clarity to the sexually broken.   Next step:  Pick one aspect of your sexuality and choose to do it

Big idea: If you really want to care about the environment, you need to know Jesus. And if you say you know Jesus, you really need to care about the environment.   Thinking Christianly about the Environment When We Recognize That Creation Belongs to Jesus... We Remember That We're Stewards, Not Owners  We Value All Creation While Honoring Humanity's Primary Place in It.  We Balance Dominion with Care.  We steward the Creation as an Act of Love and Worship.  We are Motivated to Join in God's Restoration Story.  Next Step: Audit your Creation Stewardship Habits  1. Food Waste 2. New Purchases  3. Transportation  4. Creation Appreciation   CHARACTER QUALITY OF GOD:  God's CREATIVITY is the Blueprint for Abundant Living.  For more resources, visit whoisgrace.com/read  

The Christian Conundrum: “competing Biblical obligations.”   Some important distinctions:  Ancient vs. Modern Biblical Principles vs. Specific Policies Immigrants vs. Refugees National Policy vs. Local Responsibility  Big Idea: What if immigration was not a threat, but an opportunity to make disciples of all nations?    3 Ways to Think Christianly About Immigration God has always commanded compassionate provision for the displaced. God establishes government to maintain order and promote flourishing for its citizens.  God JUSTICE is a Refuge for the Vulnerable.   Biblical justice = equal treatment whether through punishment or protection.   Next Step:  Volunteer to help local immigrants and refugees.  Visit serverie.com  U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants  Catholic Charities  Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center  Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read 

Reclaiming the Christian Mind  Your Mind is a Battlefied of Ideas Abiding in His Word = 1) Holding to his teachings, 2) Living in union with Jesus himself  Big idea: Thinking Christianly places God's truth above cultural narratives.   The Rise and Fall of Secularism.   The Story of Secularization in 5 Chapters:  1. The Enlightenment (17th-18th C) - Reason over Revelation.  2. The Industrial Revolution (18th – 19th C) - Progress over Providence 3. Darwin's theory of Evolution (late 19th C) Nature over Creator.  4. Psychology (late 20th C) - Therapy over Theology.   5. Post-Christian Secularism (Present) - Self over Surrender.   The False Dichotomy: King Without Kingdom, Kingdom Without King  God's Sovereignty: The Unshakable Foundation  Next step  Every morning: scripture before phone For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read