Grace Church

Big Idea: Surrendering to Jesus is worth whatever sacrifice it may cost.   How to respond to the true worth of Jesus Make Jesus the highest value that shapes everything else (:3a).  Break your backup plans (:3b)  Let criticism confirm your scandalous conviction (:4-5)  Offer what you have in timely moments of surrender. (:6-8a)  Let Christ’s story become your story (8b).   Next steps:   3 Acts of Surrender Name your alabaster jar. Identify your most precious thing.  Break the bottle. Give what you have back to God.  Pour yourself out in scandalous surrender. What would extravagant obedience look like?   Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/MARK 

Do you live your life like Jesus is coming back?   Big idea: What you believe about the future will have a dramatic impact on how you live now.  The Lesson from the Fig Tree (:28-30).- When you see the signs of the times, his return is just around the corner.  Jesus’ authority is timeless!- Every person has to make a decision about Jesus.  Jesus urges us to live a life of readiness (:32-37).   Next Steps:  4 Ways to Live a Ready Life  Live a life on mission.  Live a life of purity  Live a life of helping those in need.  Live a life of forgiveness.   Which of these steps did the Holy spirit highlight for you? Talk to Him about it this week.  Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Grace’s mission statement: Following Jesus as we live out God’s story every day, everywhere.   Big idea: A rhythm of missional living will move your faith from boring to breathtaking.   5 Timeless Truths about Missional Living Look for missional opportunities during times of personal difficulty (:1-4)   Open your heart to people who are not like you (:5-8)  Follow the promptings of God (:26-29)  Pay attention to the smallest details in front of you (:30-31) Start where people are at and then point them to Jesus (:32-38)    3 Entry Level Tips to Live on Mission.  Be more interruptible.  Ask great questions.  Reclaim Mealtimes.   Next Step  Find your chair. Access whoisgrace.com/read to get started  Pick one of these missional living truths or tips you could incorporate into your life this week?  

You are in the disciple-making business.  Big Idea – A rhythm of discipling relationships is the main path to bearing spiritual fruit.   A Disciple-Making Model (2 Timothy 2:2)  Four generations of discipling relationships - Paul to Timothy to faithful men to others   A New Testament Example: Everyone needs a Barnabas, a Paul, and a Timothy.  Bring in a Barnabas. Pursue a Paul. Train a Timothy.  Elements of an Effective Discipling Relationship:  Natural Connection Time & Presence  Ordinary Moments  Centrality of Scripture  Ask Good Questions  Transparency  Provide Wisdom for Life Decisions  Activate Discipleship Roles in Real Life -  www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciples Next step Find your chair and answer “who?”  Who is your Paul, who is your Barnabas, who is your Timothy?    Find more series information and reading plans at www.whoigrace.com/read  

Big Idea: A rhythm of prayer properly positions you to move through life on God’s agenda.     3 Ways the Lord’s Prayer Postures you to Move Through Life on God’s Agenda  1. God is the loving Father; You are his Child (:6-9a)    Be RELATIONAL  2. God is the rightful Ruler; you are his Servant (:9b-10)  Be RESPONSIVE.  3. God is the generous Provider; you are Dependent upon him (:11-13)  Be REPENTANT   What is your rhythm of prayer?Next Step  Find your chair. More information on this tool at www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple  Practice the Lord’s prayer. Find the prayer tool at www.whoisgrace.com/read  

Let’s declare 2025 the year that we don’t settle for a mediocre faith!  Big idea: A rhythm of scripture reflection helps you choose a wise life instead of a wicked one.   The progression of a wicked way of life Avoid ungodly thoughts: don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. Avoid ungodly behaviors: don’t stand in the way of sinners.  Avoid an ungodly identity: don’t sit in the seat of scoffers.   The Key to a Flourishing Life: Make time for the Word of God   3 things God does when you reflect on His Word.  God reveals who He is and who you are.God reveals the wisdom of the ages.  God reveals the path ahead.    Next StepFind Your Chair Find more details about this tool at www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple  Find series resources and read plans at www.whoisgrace.com/read 

Big Idea: A painful path in this life leads to our glorious future in the next.    The Great Tribulation = a time of outpouring of God’s wrath on all the earth that will mark the end of history.   5 Markers of the Great Tribulation  Growing numbers of Spiritual Imposters (:5-6, 21-22)  Increasing Global Calamities (:7-8)  Unparalleled defections and betrayal (:12-13; 21-22)  The rise of the Antichrist (:14)  Historic violence and suffering (:15-20)  The Second Coming of Christ (:23-27) 1 Thessalonians 4:16  Hebrews 9:28  Revelation 19:11-16   Next Step  Be on guard | Live ready   Embrace a way of life that anticipates Jesus’ return.  For more series resources go to www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big Idea: When the world goes crazy, be ready with the gospel.  Context: Herod’s Temple  Living in the Birth Pains: Watchful (Mark 13:5-8) Withstanding (Mark 13:9, 11-13a; Philippians 4:5-7) Waiting (Mak 13:b; Ephesians 6:10-18) Welcoming (Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8)  Next Step:  When the world goes crazy, will you be sidelined by fear, distracted by prophecy, or ready with the gospel? Choose one of the “Ws” as your posture this week (Watchful- Withstanding- Waiting- Welcoming). 

Big Idea: Appearances are deceptive, trade your self-promotion for self-sacrifice.   3 Surprising Lessons from the Story of the Widow’s Mite  Jesus is the ultimate proof of the truth of Christianity (:35-37) Spiritual imposters will incur God’s wrath (:38-41).  The kingdom of God is built on small acts of total surrender (:42-44)   Five things giving is NOT Giving is NOT TRANSACTIONAL  Giving is NOT MEMBER DUES.  Giving is NOT a means to gain INFLUENCE.  Giving is NOT a STRATEGY to combat WEALTH GUILT.  Giving is NOT to PACIFY GOD.   Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark

Big Idea: Jesus will always dig beneath the surface to address the hear issues.3 Realities of an Unhealthy Heart.1. Unhealthy hearts will hinder a clear understanding.A contenious person is most vulnerable not through their points of weakness, but rather when their perceived strength are dismantled.2. Unhealthy hearts will cast a shadow over God’s beauty.3. Unhealthy hearts will ultimately cloud us from the resurrected Jesus.Next Steps: What is holding you back from looking more like Jesus?Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

In this thought-provoking message titled 'God or Government,' Derek dives into the nuanced relationship between faith and civic duty. With the backdrop of an impending presidential election, the message draws from Mark 12:13 and explores Jesus' famous teaching on paying taxes to Caesar, emphasizing the revolutionary idea that believers owe their ultimate allegiance to God. Through historical context, scriptural analysis, and modern-day applications, the message challenges listeners to navigate their identities and actions as citizens of heaven while engaging with earthly governments. Key points include understanding the distinct roles of God and government, prioritizing spiritual identity over political affiliations, and choosing the right 'hill' to die on, reflecting Jesus' own revolutionary approach.00:00 Introduction and Message Overview00:21 Timing of the Message and Election Context02:36 Historical Context: Judas the Galilean03:04 Jesus' Teaching on Taxes and Authority06:19 The Trap Set by Pharisees and

Big Idea: Your response to authority reveals what’s deep in your heart.    Background/Context: 1. God is Provider  Mirror moment 2. Provision Comes with Responsibility Mirror moment 3. Action Have Consequences Mirror moment  Next Steps:  Discipleship Question: What’s holding me back from looking more like Jesus? 

Historical context | Biblical context | Literary context.  1. The Fig Tree #1.   Big Idea: The true test of discipleship is not looking good on the outside; it’s bearing spiritual fruit.  2. The Temple.   Commerce in the court of the gentiles.  - temple tax.  - animal offerings  - money changers.  3. The Fig Tree #2.   Three Lessons from Jesus’ Bills Mafia Moment 1. Sometimes it’s OK to get angry.  Unrighteous anger vs. Righteous anger.  Does this grieve the heart of God or is this mostly about me?  2. God expects his people to bear fruit.   What is the fruit?  Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8.  love | self-control| joy | peace | patience | kindness | goodness |faithfulness |  gentleness | virtue | knowledge | steadfastness | godliness | brotherly affection 3. The presence of God resides in a person not a place. (:22-25).   Next Step: Prayer of Confession and Repentance. For more series resources visit www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big Idea: How will you respond when Jesus says, “I’m not the king you thought I was?”   Context on Jerusalem and about Kingdoms.   “The Kingdom of God” = the rule and reign of God in the whole earth.  Three Processionals into Jerusalem.  #1 The Procession of Jesus Son of David  #2 The Procession of Pilate the Governor   Three ways Jesus disappointed the crowd:  1. Political disappointment.  2. Religious disappointment.  3. Personal disappointment.   #3 The Procession of the Lambs.   Next Step  Son of God and Son of Man Discipleship Question:  “How does this picture of Jesus compel me to live differently?”    Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big Idea: Your life depends on seeing Jesus clearly. 4 Ways of Seeing Clearly: See Jesus as Messiah (:47-48) See Jesus as the only Hope (:47-52) See Jesus as the Way (:52) I once was _____________, but through Jesus I am ____________. Question: Do I see Jesus clearly? Challenge: Tell your story. 

Big idea: As your awareness of Christ’s ransom increases, so does your humility.   Discipleship Failure theme: Ask “What is holding me back from looking more like Jesus?”   The audacious request (:35-41)    2 Ways Jesus upends our definitions of Power  Jesus teaches that radical servanthood is a power move (:42-44).  Jesus is our example of power in humility and our source of true life (:45)   “Ransom” = the price paid to secure the freedom of someone from captivity.   3 Elements of a Ransom.   The Peril.  The Price.  The Person.   1 Tim. 2:5-6 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom…  Next Step: Go to www.whoisgrace.com/next choose “Salvation” fill out the form and in the box that asks, “What step are you taking today?” Choose the option that says “First time step of faith in Jesus”  Follow along in our journey through Mark at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big idea: What do you need to leave behind in order to follow Christ?   A man and his question (:17).  Jesus and his response (:18-20) A Line-in-the-Sand Challenge (:21-22)   3 Lessons from the Guy Who “Had it All” Scrutinize the power wealth has over you.  Recognize that the kingdom of God will cost you everything.  Realize the sacrifices you make will pay off in the end.   Next Step:  Ask: what do you need to leave behind in order to follow Christ?   Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big Idea: God has entrusted Grace with great influence, will we be faithful?    3 Choices of Those Who are Faithful Choose urgency over apathy (:16-19)  Choose risk-taking over playing-it-safe (:20-27)  Choose to share in the master’s joy over becoming an object of his wrath (:21, 28-30)  Two pillars of our Awake the Lake Vision  - Help every believer at Grace to walk in deep discipleship.  - Help every believer at Grace to live out their Kingdom calling.   Visit www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple for more discipleship tools and resources 

Big Idea: God has entrusted you with a unique calling, will you discover it?   Three Unique Truths about Your Unique Calling.   Your Calling has been handcrafted by God (:4-5)  Your Calling will be accompanied by doubts (:6-8)  Four Excuses when it Comes to Calling The “Jungles of Africa” excuse  The “I don’t have anything to offer” excuse  The “I’m too busy” excuse  The “I’m already using all my gifts” excuse     3. Your calling is your reason for being alive (:9-10)   5 missional arenas 1. your neighborhood 2. the marketplace 3. the church 4. a non-profit 5. an affinity group  Next Step:  Ask, “what is holding me back from discovering or stepping into my calling?”   Visit www.whoisgrace.com/read for more series resources