What are good people to do in a world of conflict, division, hatred, and animosity? Popular responses include fighting back, getting even, or simply walking away. But Jesus offers us another way - a better way. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God."
Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." But what does it mean? Who are the pure in heart? In what sense will they see God? Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this moving service and message highlighting three characteristics of the pure in heart and three ways in which they can see God.
We live in a world of vengeance. Jesus introduces another way of doing life and relationships. It's called mercy.
This world is broken. Life today is not what God intended. Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin has plagued the world, nation, culture, and individuals - including you and me. Still, deep down we all long for a better world - a reign of perfect peace, justice, and righteousness. The Good News is Jesus has promised just such a Kingdom: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for another inspiring message as we examine the fourth Beatitude. May this message bring hope and healing to your life!
"The Meek" This is the third sermon in the sermon series "The Upside-Down Kingdom" by Pastor Dave Van Netten. It's a strange thing - the paradoxical power of the cross. An object of torture and death has become a symbol of life and resurrection for believers. Who would have thought? Even as Jesus preached selfless service, altruistic love, and the giving of oneself, disciples could not grasp the meaning of the cross. Humility, meekness, patience, and trust in God's plan. These are the virtues of a Christ-follower. They fly in the face of worldly values and those striving for political power today.
Despite our desire for happiness at any cost, we all grieve. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or a pet. Whether it is the loss of your health or a job. Whether it is the loss of old familiar patterns, or the pain of missed expectations. Grief has a way of sneaking up on us and sometimes overwhelming us. And into your grief Jesus speaks! "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this uplifting service and discover how God comforts those who mourn!
"The Poor in Spirit." This is the first sermon in the eight-week series titled "The Upside-Down Kingdom."
Jesus had a very different approach to life. He introduced another type of society - a different system of living. It is in stark contrast to the ways and values of this world. And it will be our study for the next eight weeks. Jesus had a very different approach to life. He introduced another type of society - a different system of living. It is in stark contrast to the ways and values of this world.
God calls us to anchor our lives deep into the bedrock of Jesus Christ. One of the ways we do that is with the help of spiritual disciples. These are regular habits we practice to grow in Jesus.
On this Labor Day weekend, we celebrate the American worker. But we also celebrate a church that "works" as God intended. In an age when many churches are in decline, the author of Ephesians points us to three characteristics of a church that truly works and remains relevant and effective in today's world. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this inspiring service and message of hope!
Life has a way of beating us down. From the demands of family and work, to the challenges of maintaining our homes and health. From navigating relationships with friends and foes, to making ends meet and keeping up with finances. But thankfully, we have a God who is a never-ending source of abundance and blessing.
Do you ever struggle to keep faith? Have you ever lost hope? If so, you are not alone, nor are you the first. Even biblical characters whom we regard as "heroes of the faith" struggled to keep faith at times. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this service and message dramatically portraying the faith of four Old Testament characters and Jesus with a special challenge for Grace Church and all of us today!
Do you ever struggle with worry? We all worry sometimes, after all, we are only human! Jesus has a message of challenge and comfort for those who worry. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this "Sunday in the Park" service in the church (due to rain) and be blessed and comforted!
Are you radical? Do you know anyone who is? Surprisingly, the Church of Jesus Christ is meant to be a radical alternative community of inclusivity, unity, and mutual support against the backdrop of a divided, me-first, and cut-throat culture. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave as we look at the beautiful picture the Apostle Paul paints of the Church of Jesus Christ as we live into the Spirit and demonstrate the way of Christ to a world starving for love, belonging, and hope.
Do you sometimes need a reminder? Truth is, we all do! Today, we break out of routines and Sunday rituals to be reminded of who God is and why we come together to worship God on Sundays. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this message highlighting four wonders of God using Pastor Dave's recent vacation experiences in California as a backdrop. May you be blessed and inspired by this service to worship God anywhere at anytime!
Join Grace Church and guest speaker Joshua Mulnix (& family) for this service of worship and a message, highlighting the spread of man and sin throughout the earth. How did man spread throughout the world? How did sin spread throughout the world? Enjoy worship led by the Mulnix family and this teaching offering historical perspective and a personal challenge to each of us. Thank you, Josh, for leading and bringing the message while Pastor Dave was away!
Pastor Baker reminded us of God's amazingness, using numerous examples from our world, the universe, and personal experiences.
Have you ever felt the odds were stacked against you? You faced an impossible situation? If so, this message is just for you! Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave as we consider the story of Naaman and how God worked through him and in his life. Discover four incredible "Good News" truths that will surely inspire and lift your spirit on this Independence Day weekend!
What is your life about? For some, its family, friends, social media, a job, a career, a hobby, or maybe even a secret vice or addiction. Yet, for David, his life was found completely and utterly in the Lord his protector and provider. Psalm 16 inspires us to let God be everything for us as well, finding new and abundant life through Jesus, God's Son! Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this service and message of inspiration and hope. May you, like David, become fully alive in God alone!
Today Grace Church proudly recognized and honored our four high school graduates, so we focused on the call of "wisdom upon our lives." This message is based on Proverbs 8:1-36. It's not just a message for graduates, but for everyone!
Have you ever pondered the greatness of God? The Psalmist tells us that the heavens declare his majesty and glory! We are small compared to God, yet the Lord crowns us with glory and honor as people created in his image who are to act as God's regents in today's broken world. Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for Father's Day and "Sunday in the Park" (in the church:) as we explore these themes based on David's hymn of praise recorded in Psalm 8. Please join us in declaring: "How majestic is the Lord in all the earth!"
