Prayer

  • Kindling on the Road to Emmaus

    Let’s journey on our own Emmaus road to find out how we can awaken our first love again, to have our hearts set ablaze with the love of God.

  • The Call of Levi

    We’re in an era where God invites us to take the church mobile, requiring heart-level transformation. What needs to be left behind to follow Jesus?

  • What is Prayer Walking?

    The roots of Prayer Walking run deep at Grace Church – it’s a part of our DNA. Imagine filling the city with Jesus in this way.

  • Breaking Strongholds

    Jesus is healing broken hearts, setting the captives free, and giving liberty to those who are bound. Who doesn’t want some of that?

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Sermon Summary:

Jesus is our savior and redeemer. Because Jesus has saved us from our sins, we can live a changed life. We can walk in the newness of life. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines newness of life as “ the new state (of moral life) in which the Holy Spirit places us, Romans 7:6

When we think of superheroes we think of someone that intervenes in life threatening situations and rescues someone from imminent peril, often at great risk to themselves. Christianity is much the same. Jesus intervenes in the lives of His people rescuing them and bringing them into a relationship with God the Father so that they can fulfill His purpose and plans. To understand Jesus’ role as Savior, we must understand our own desperate situation. All of humanity has sinned against God, rebelling, and living our lives, independent, from the God who is the source of life. Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin, redeems us out of Satan’s power and restores us to God’s original purpose and plan. We must embrace our new identity as sons and daughters of God who have been forgiven of their sins, changed by His power to live as new creations.

Definition: Save: to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction, one (from injury or peril) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health

Scripture References from the Sermon

John 3:1-5 | Matthew 1:21 | Luke 1:31 | John 3:16–18; | Romans 5:10). | Luke 1:70-77 | John 3:17-19 | 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 | Hebrews 4:16 | Ephesians 2 :1-3 | Romans 6:4 |Romans 6:23| Romans 5:8-10, | Ezekiel 18:4 | Isaiah 53:4-5 | 1 Peter 1:17-19 | 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 |Ephesians 2 :1-4 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 | John 3:17-19 | Colossians 1:9-13 | 1 Peter 1:18-20 | Revelation 5

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights: Parent Vision Night   |   Core Team Meeting

Our Core Team meeting is coming up in just a few weeks!! We’re excited to hear from Pastor ryan share church updates, refresh the vision to renew 10 cities, and expand on the 6 areas of influence. We’re providing dinner so PLEASE register!! Childcare is available for pre school and under.

Sermon Summary:

In this great new Era that we are in, as a generation that sits on the edge of our seats in hopeful anticipation of what God is doing, we hear the cry to be prepared. This is not just a new year, a new season, or a new month, it’s a new Era in which God is intentionally preparing His people to increase His presence. The deepest desire of our heart is to abide in the Presence of God. That is, the church–the people of God–gathered around the Presence of God with the Word of God on a mission for God. But the new Era that He is unfolding is way too big, too powerful, and too widespread to fit only in a building on Sundays. It must be decentralized and scattered like the church was supposed to be in Business, Education, Medicine, Families, Government, and Media. This expression of wisdom through our simple yet powerful gatherings is the very thing that the rulers, principalities, and authorities in Heaven are eagerly watching. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Isaiah 43:19   |   Proverbs 13:11   |   Ephesians 3:10   |   Hebrews 10:24-25   |   Ephesians 1:15-23

Discussion Questions

Printable PDF Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

It’s a great time of year when new life springs from the ground and from the trees, but let’s not forget that it comes after a season of being dormant, buried, and often dead. We love new life, new things, and birthing the next, but God never skips over the process that He set up at the beginning; that life doesn’t come until after death. There is no resurrection without death, and there is no empty grave without a cross. The most significant event in all of history has taught us one thing: God brings life after death. We have an opportunity to “die daily” by picking up our cross to prepare our hearts for this eternal reality in heaven. If we skip the process now, we might find ourselves in a less desirable situation later. During the busyness of Easter, be mindful of God, and pay attention to what He might want to prune in order for more lasting fruit to come from your life.

Scripture References from the Sermon

1 Corinthians 15:1-4   |   1 Peter 2:19-21   |   Job 14:1   |   John 16:33   |   1 Peter 4:1   |   Luke 9:23-25   |   John 21:12   |   John 21:10-12   |   Luke 24:13-35   |   John 20:19   |   Matthew 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

God doesn’t take shortcuts to heaven by bypassing our troublesome humanity.” – Eugene Peterson

We want to hear about your fasting experience! Share your story here.

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Sermon Summary

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. From the dawn of creation, God knew humanity would stray from Him and face evil. The incredible news is that through His grace and boundless love, God ensured we wouldn’t have to endure this separation forever. Before time even began, Jesus made promises and provided for us, anticipating our every need. And God, rich in mercy, also reveals the ultimate fate of evil for all eternity. That’s truly something to be thankful for!

Scripture References from the Sermon

Hebrews 13:8, 14   |   Genesis 3:22   |   2 Timothy 1:9-10   |   Titus 1:2   |   Hebrews 2:14   |   Luke 16:19-31   |   Matthew 25:31-46   |   Revelation 19:20-21   |   Revelation 20:14-15   |   John 5:24-30   |   2 Peter 2:4-5

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights–Fill A Bag | Parent Pop Up

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Sermon Summary:

We have a city full of amazing people who hold the very image of God within them. Because these same human beings are so very familiar to us, we might just miss the depth of glory and beauty that is within them. The solution that God has been giving since Genesis is through identity. God gives us our identity in a few different ways: by speaking to us through His Word, through the community that we surround ourselves with, and through the stories in the Bible that we are drawn to. These are just a few of the ways we are reminded of who we are. Because identity reveals destiny and leading our city into its promised land is our destiny, we can’t talk about doing good works and doing great exploits without having a foundation of identity.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Hosea 1:6-9   |   Isaiah 56:5   |   Isaiah 62:2   |   Revelation 2:17   |   2 Corinthians 5:16

Discussion Questions

NOTE:

Child Dedication: May 8th (SP Campus), and the 11th on all campuses.

Parents of Rising 6th Graders: watch for the GStudents virtual meet and greet on May 4th.

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Sermon Summary:

“What is truth?” Humanity has pondered this question for thousands of years, and it has puzzled even the most brilliant thinkers of human history. It’s a question that sparks both intense debate and intense longing. It’s not just philosophical; it’s deeply human. Sometimes we feel as if life raises more questions than it answers. However, God’s word has much to say about truth. Jesus taught His disciples that they shall know the truth and that truth will set them free. What does this mean, and how can a deeper knowledge of God’s truth set me free?

Scripture References from the Sermon

John 14:6   |   John 18:33-38   |   Matthew 27:19-22   |   Proverbs 21:2   |   Isaiah 40:8   |   John 8:32   |   John 17:17   |   John 16:13   |   Psalm 25:5

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights: Bless Our Schools   |   Core Team

Sermon Summary

James 3

The book of James is about encouragement in trials and tests. Chapter 3 delivers the message that our tongues can determine our destiny. Trials and tests reveal what is in our hearts. The message of the book of James reminds us that those who are truly followers of Christ must demonstrate their salvation in practical ways. In chapter 3, James, an elder of the church in Jerusalem, uses several pictures to illustrate that our tongue (our word) can control our lives. Much like a bridle for a horse or a rudder for a ship.  Our tongues (our words) can determine our destinies for either good or bad. As followers of Christ, our words should be used for good, to glorify God, and to build up other people. It is encouraging to know that if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our tongues, we will become consistent in how we represent God. He uses the analogy of a spring of water to teach us that curses and blessings, bitter and sweet water, do not flow from the same fountain. The root of the problem with negative words is the condition of our hearts. As Jesus says in Matthew 12:34b, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Printable PDF Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary:

The renewal of 10 cities comes from revival in our hearts. We are continuing to explore what it looks like for us to do good works, great exploits. Instead of just focusing on the action, the doing, and the exploits in our city, we are focused on our foundation–our identity. What good is knowing our destiny and purpose without having the identity to carry it out? Jesus taught his disciples this lesson, and as his students, we must catch this, too. There is joy that comes with knowing who we are. This alone is what we should boast about, not what we do, not just our great exploits, but who we are, our identity in God.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Luke 10:17-20   |   1 John 3:2   |   Numbers 20:8-11   |   Jeremiah 9:23-24   |   Matthew 7:21-23 

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights

Sermon Summary

Imagine your life completely free from worry and anxiety.  Free from fear and insecurity. Free from anger and unforgiveness. This is the “you” that God intended for you to be. Nothing in your mind, body, or soul was meant to work well when weighed down by these things. Rather, every cell in your body was created to live in peace and joy. 

When you, as a Jesus-follower, actually live in the truth that God takes away your sins, you’ll find that your real personality shines! The real you is peeking through! You radiate peace and joy! Do you want a taste of this kind of life?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions


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Sermon Summary

Daniel says the people who know their God will be strong and carry out great exploits. We say that we are all called to do great exploits by living out our destiny, but our destiny is not realized until we know our identity. We cannot live out our identity or our destiny until our hearts are healed. Your heart is the filter through which all of life comes in and out. That’s why Solomon says to ‘guard it’ because what we hear, see, and experience comes in through our heart, and what we say and do goes out from our heart. If our hearts are a little broken, we will have a distorted life. The key to our identity and destiny is our heart being healed. We’ll explore a story from Scripture to learn how our hearts need to be healed.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Daniel 11:32b   |   Genesis 11:2   |   Genesis 11:31   |   Genesis 11:27-28, 31-32

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights

PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary:

This week, Pastor Ben Goodman emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our identity and purpose and that God’s answers to the fundamental questions of “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” are paramount. As we walk through Scripture, examining God’s relationship with humanity, we see that God created us for good works, owns us, and that He is absolutely singular: an all-wise God who provides guidance through His word. And the most amazing thing of all? He loves us as a father. This is transformational. Will you step into that love and follow Him?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Ephesians 2:10   |   1 Corinthians 6:19-20   |   Isaiah 45:5   |   Isaiah 55:9   |   Isaiah 40:13   |   Joshua 1:8   |   1 Thessalonians 2:11-12   |   Hebrews 12:6

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights

Go to www.gracechurchsp.org/events for more information.

Sermon Summary:

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

We call Jesus “Lord, Lord” but often still live like we’re in charge. We make our own plans, chase our own dreams, and ask God to bless our will instead of submitting to His. We treat Jesus like a great Rabbi with helpful advice, but not as KYRIOS—Master, Owner, Supreme Authority. Jesus taught that many will be surprised on judgement day because they picked and chose good works without full obedience to Him. We build on sand when we do what initially feels good, avoid hard obedience, and stay in control—but the storm always comes. We find unshakable joy, peace, and freedom when we build on the rock and do what He says, even when it’s hard. We follow Jesus as LORD when we repent, deny ourselves, obey immediately, and make disciples—before the storm hits.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Matthew 26:20-25   |   Matthew 7:20-27   |   Luke 6:46   |   1 John 5:13   |   Isaiah 49:15 

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights: Fill-A-Bag | Bless Our Schools

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

Revival is in the air. It’s not only being talked about, we are seeing it across the nation. A desire and genuine hunger for the things of God in people’s lives are being stirred up. This revival that’s coming, which we are seeing glimpses of, is unlike what we have encountered before. It’s not characterized by mass gatherings but by decentralized, scattered pockets showing up in cities, not stadiums. Jesus had a strategy for carrying revival–discipleship. The question is, where will this revival take place? The answer? In cities, not auditoriums. This isn’t a new plan, but the original plan restored. This week, we will talk about where revival is taking place, so we don’t miss this next great move of God.

Scripture Reference from the Sermon

Exodus 31:1-5  

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights

Baptism Weekend—June 5&8

If you would like to be baptized, we invite you to attend Baptism Orientation. For info, visit https://gracechurchsp.org/series/baptism-weekend/. No need to register, just show up! 

Summer ServeStep in and serve just three times over June, July, and August in gKids, Production, or Guest Services! We think once you try it, you’ll love it! Visit gracechurchsp.org/serve.

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Sermon Summary:

Life is indeed a journey that seems long, but we are reminded in Scripture that it is short compared to eternity and that eternity in our hearts is exactly how we should live this life on earth. Without vision, we tend to die a little on the inside; we lose hope, become discouraged, and our hearts dull a bit. No matter the detours, delays, and the beautiful mountain top experiences your journey has taken you on, a heart that is on fire for Jesus is what the journey is really all about. On the Road to Emmaus, two men have this experience. With some disappointment over their expectations, they are saddened, but they encounter Jesus, who opens the scriptures, and they find later that their hearts had been burning. Does your heart burn, is it flickering, or is it just down to an ember? Let’s journey to find out how we can awaken our first love again, to have our hearts set ablaze with the love of God.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Luke 24:13-35   |   Luke 12:49   |   Colossians 1:27b

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights:   Bless Moore Schools   |   Grace in the Park Backpack Giveaway

Our guest speaker, Patrick Lai, describes himself as a slave of Jesus. Through his extensive work through the OPEN Network in Southeast Asia, businesses that are platforms for evangelism and discipleship have opened in more than over 50 countries in the 10/40 Window, resulting in several new churches and many new Jesus-followers. Patrick shares from his incredible experience wisdom for connecting life and work.

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Sermon Summary

In the fast-paced, calendar-driven world in which we live, it is imperative that Jesus’ followers intentionally leverage creative ways and means to engage our cities. And sometimes the creativity required is simply a “reset”—a “back to the basics” mentality that boldly declares that there is no law against loving our families, neighbors, co-workers, employers, and employees well with the consistent, clear-eyed vision that this is what Jesus calls us to do. Soon enough, we’ll be able to cast the seed of the Gospel; but cultivating the hard soil of the soul with prayer and love is a necessary first step.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Matthew 13:1-23   |   Mark 4:1-20   |   Luke 8:4-15   |   Matthew 22:37-39   |   John 13:35   |   1 Corinthians 7:17   |   Colossians 3:23   |   Matthew 24:14

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights 

It’s not too late to serve in Summer Serve! We think once you try it, you’ll love it! Visit gracechurchsp.org/serve to join a team!

Vision

Imagine that you could not fail, and that God truly is with you in your areas of influence: Family, education, government/military, business, medicine, or media and the arts. How would you partner with what the Holy Spirit is already doing here? When we dream of bringing God to bear in these spaces we begin to see the supernatural work of God within our cities. Thank you for leading where God has placed you! We pray that you would experience God’s grace while building a life-giving culture, right where you are.

Connect

This is a time to personally connect, share a bit about who you are, and invite others to do the same.

Worship

If you don’t have music, read prayerfully through one or two of the Psalms. For example: Psalm 8, 40, 65, 98, 145, 146, and 150.

Engage

Spend a few minutes sharing what God has shown you in your Bible reading, journaling, and prayer this week. Invite others to do the same. 

Personal

Go a little deeper and be sensitive to God’s activity in people’s lives. Ask questions, listen well, and facilitate conversation with good follow-up questions.

Application

Take this time to ask what everyone will do, or how we will be different because of what we’ve learned. 

Pray

Pray. Take some time to pray with and for each other.

Sermon Summary

What if the timing of when you were born was sovereignly ordained, by a God who is present and powerful, for the purpose of setting you up to do good works that will help form the atmosphere of a city? What if the place where you live and work and play is all sovereignly orchestrated by God? What if the very place you call your city is missing a crucial element to be fully complete and experience the peace and prosperity it was meant to have, and God made you to be that very element?

We are considering the significance of who God placed in each city so that we can understand that we are a large part of the strategy for our Cities to be renewed. And the way in which God is orchestrating change in and through us, is where our affections rest. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary

This week in our City Renewal series, we’re taking a look at Joshua 5 & 6. Israel has finally entered the much anticipated Promised Land: Canaan. This is the land that is “flowing with milk and honey”—filled with abundance—where they will finally be a nation. And, perhaps to our surprise, they find themselves at the base of a mighty fortified city that must come down. We too will face fortified cities when we enter into our promises: Strongholds that must come down. From Israel’s journey we learn principles and practices that we can apply in the battles we face each day. We can face our strongholds with confidence, knowing and believing that they WILL fall. What portions of your heart will you need to surrender in order to move forward in your journey?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary:

We’re entering a new era where God is inviting believers to go mobile, integrating faith into all life areas—family, education, business, government, medicine, and media. This movement requires not just willingness but a deep, heart-level transformation that aligns our core with God’s intentions. This heart-level transformation requires healthy nourishment for our souls, but we often ingest harmful narratives, shaping our self-worth, and thus, the way we live. 

The example of Levi, the tax collector, illustrates Jesus’ transformative power—calling individuals to leave their pasts behind and follow Him, reflecting how faith can redefine our identities and impact our world. 

What do you need to leave behind in order to fully join with Jesus?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Deuteronomy 8:3b   |   John 6:35   |   Luke 5:27-28   |   Genesis 29:31–35   |   Numbers 3:5–10a   |   2 Corinthians 3:18   |   2 Corinthians 5:17   |   Romans 8:1–2, 5-6

Discussion Questions

If you’re struggling with knowing how to deal with past hurts and need help working through them, please call the church at 910-692-6711. 

Also, check out and register for Freedom Weekend on May 17, 2025.

Sermon Summary

We are continuing in the City Renewal Series as we see God’s desire to bring His will and His heart to the people in their place of influence. This week, we are in chapters 11 and 12 of the book of Joshua. As we have read through Joshua, we are seeing him strengthen himself in the Lord, pick up the assignment God gives him, cross obstacles that are in the way of his journey, and obtain the Promised Land that belongs to God’s people.

You can look at this war the Israelites are in one of two ways; That Joshua had an agenda to kill seemingly innocent people for a land that was filled with abundance, or that God was cleansing the land of defilement, which was His agenda long ago, and He was looking for a people to submit to His will. The latter is the exact idea that God wants to do in your city. He has a plan. He wants His kingdom to come and His city to be built. Will you pick up your Joshua assignment and lead your city to the destiny God designed?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

For Further Study

Leviticus 18:24-25  |  Hebrews 11:31  |  Deuteronomy 12:29-31  |  Deuteronomy 9:5    Leviticus 20:23

Sermon Summary

In our reading of the book of Joshua, Israel has defeated Jericho and Ai, and now 4 kings are gathering their forces to try to defeat the Israelites, keeping them from possessing the land, but God has a plan. Know this: God has a promised land—and a plan—for you as well. Your part is to believe: believe God, believe in the calling, believe in the promise. But we can easily become connected to the wrong vision or people who influence our ways of thinking, living, and behaving, causing us to battle with doubt and unbelief. We need to be wise about who we walk with because God is working to save the world: first by partnering with Israel, and now with us. Are you in?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary

For this Baptism Weekend, we are looking at why Jesus Himself received a baptism and how the answer to that question informs us about His redemptive mission on the earth, and why we, as His followers, receive a baptism as well. Here at Grace Church, we define water baptism as “an outward declaration of an inward transformation”. It is the physical act that testifies of God’s complete work in us. It reveals His willingness to give Himself for us, and our willingness to abandon everything to have more of Him. If Jesus indeed died for us, then who are we to not live for Him?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary

We are continuing in our City Renewal series going through the book of Joshua together. The story of Joshua has been dramatic so far. God speaks “Strong and Courageous” over Joshua (you), and calls him to cross the Jordan with the priests leading the way. We have seen great victory over strongholds (Jericho) and are making progress in our faith.

We now come upon Ai, a smaller city that seems like it should be easily overtaken, yet Israel is not victorious due to the sin of one man. We see in Chapter 7 that it’s not just a story of Achan and his greed, it’s a parallel to our inner world. It’s a picture of how our heart works and the destruction of sin. It’s a chapter that demonstrates that while faith pleases God, there is also power in a life of faith that’s not just a supplement to pleasing Him. There will be prosperity. There will be success in the promised land. There will be great victories, but the secret brings us back to chapter one.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

During this Baptism Weekend we’re looking at Acts 8, which tells the story of an unexpected encounter between Philip, an Ethiopian diplomat, and the Holy Spirit. To this point in the diplomat’s life, he’s never been welcomed into the inner circles of worship. But during this life-changing chariot ride, he learns that there is nothing about him that disqualifies him from relationship with Jesus, and after he commits himself to Jesus, he is joyfully baptized as an outward declaration of an inward transformation. This is one of the beautiful things about baptism: the only requirement for water baptism is faith in Jesus.

Scripture References

Acts 8:26-39   |   Romans 10:9   |   Matthew 16:25   |   Romans 6:1-4   |   1 Corinthians 2:13   |   Galatians 3:27   |   1 Peter 3:21

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights

Go to gracechurchsp.org/events for more information.

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary  

More and more, our generation cries out for more freedom and more liberties. It is within our human nature to want to be free creatures with the autonomy to chase our own dreams and pursue whatever our hearts desire. However, the bible has some ideas of what it means to be “love-slaves” of Jesus. The early church apostles and many others in church history understood something about the nature of slavery that is lost on us today. In the worldly sense, slavery to earthly masters is seen as detestable and cruel. However, slavery to Jesus is ultimate freedom! How is this, and why is it important to yield to God all of our rights and allow Him to be our master as we walk with Him?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Romans 6:16-23   |   Ephesians 4:26   |   Psalm 37:8   |   James 1:20   |   Proverbs 16:32   |   Proverbs 12:25   |   Philippians 4:6-7   |   Mark 4:35-41   |   1 Peter 5:7   |   Mark 5:1   |   Matthew 16:24

Discussion Questions

Additional Scriptures for Further Study and Meditation

Event Highlights   | Prophetic Ministry   |   Groups Fair

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

There is an ancient orientation of our hearts that sometimes gets lost in all the good works we do. It’s the central desire of our hearts. It’s the deepest longing of who we are to simply be with Jesus. We are strengthened in the LORD by spending time with Him, not just hours on end like a monk, but by taking the attention of our mind and our heart throughout the day to be turned towards God. When we pay attention to who He is and what He is doing, it allows our hearts to burn again. The love that we had at first often gets stifled by an increase of knowledge; let’s return to our first love, stirring our hearts in response to all that God has done. Let us not give responsibility to others for the lack of passion; let us not blame church hurts, busyness, or what others have done to us to dictate our love for God. The slow burn of our hearts is to manage our affections for God over our difficulties and distractions. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Ephesians | Revelation 2:4b   |   Mark 3:14   |   Daniel 11:32b   |   Deuteronomy 8:11-14

Discussion Questions

As you get into the first few questions, think about and discuss through the beginning of the message. Discuss what it would have been like to be in the Church of Ephesus with Paul as the pastor and teacher, and running a daily discipleship school. 

John Piper

“If we don’t want God above all things, we have not been converted by the gospel.”

Event Highlights

Fasting/24hr of Prayer

Operation Blessing

We are continuing our series in the City Renewal vein of seeing our places of work, homes, gyms, cafés, our city – become pockets of heaven, but we are starting a new book which parallels the adventure we are on. The book of Joshua will be our guide for the next few weeks. Coming fully into the promises of God by picking up our assignment as the Joshua-call is specific to us all. The time of fulfillment is here, and God is looking for individuals to pick up their identity and destiny, so your city can live in its fullness.  Are you ready to cross your Jordan? Are you ready to encourage your city? Are you ready to strengthen yourself in the Lord and see the promises of God come into fulfillment? 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary:

We are continuing the City Renewal Series that we started as a family back in September. We are not just talking about cities being renewed; we are seeing the drip of revival, the glimpses of heaven on earth, the parts of promises answered, of prayers being fulfilled, and life being restored. This week we are in chapters 2-4 as we continue to read the book of Joshua for life transformation. The first scene is when two spies enter Jericho, and one woman—out of everyone living there—has the ability to discern that the atmosphere has shifted and risks everything to invite God’s favored people into her home. This invitation ultimately saves her and her family. She operates in the same spirit Caleb and Joshua did in the past. The same spirit is needed today. In chapter 3, the much-anticipated crossing of the Jordan occurs, and we see the priests lead the way. Nothing will happen in our city until you lead the way because we are the priesthood today. In Chapter 4, all of Israel crosses. This promise is for the entire family. Monuments will stoke our remembrance of God’s presence, and we will experience the promises of God, and the fear of the LORD will rest in our hearts.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Sermon Summary

We are in a Watershed moment, a time that is culminating in a massive decision point where we will be able to look back and see irreversible changes. This moment happens every once in a while in our lives, not daily, but certainly occasionally. It occurred with the Israelites when Moses died, and Joshua was charged to take them into the Promised Land. We are about to enter the story of Joshua because there are cities, lands, and promises God wants to give you for the benefit of the city you are in. Before we jump into the book of Joshua, we read through Psalm 66 to see how the story of the Israelites parallels our lives. Are you ready for the place of abundance God has planned for you?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Begin praying and preparing now for the church-wide time of prayer and fasting: January 26-February 2, 2025.

Sermon Summary

Do you ever feel frustrated by life? Does it seem like it is a to-do list, driven by the calendar and the clock instead of passion, vision, genuine righteousness, or overflow of Spirit-filled fruitfulness? Everything must begin with a growing, vibrant, personal, and authentic relationship with God. This relationship is foundational; from which is born passion, vision, righteousness, and fruitfulness; all of which fuels ministry. The world is hungry to experience something real—something grounded in Truth. Powered by your relationship with God, you can show it to them.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary:

Comfort is killing our courage. The book of Nehemiah describes a massive transition that he went through from the comfort of the palace into the thick of the challenges of rebuilding. Nehemiah left the complacent yet lush culture of being an assistant to the King of Persia and went to a desolate city in ruins, all because he wept over what God put in his heart. The church finds itself in a similar season of shedding security to rise up and build our city. Renewal of our city comes out of the burden of revival in our hearts. We must leave the comforts that have led us to be dormant and stoke the fire of God again to hear His agenda for our city. We are called to use both of our hands—battling with one hand, building with the other. Let’s gather together and discover how we can lay bricks and pick up our swords for the good of our city.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Nehemiah 1:2-3   |   Nehemiah 1:4   |   Nehemiah 2:12   |   Nehemiah  4:7-9   |   Nehemiah 4:14   |   Nehemiah 4:17b

Discussion Questions

Event Highlight | Summer Serve

Mankind was made to have an authentic, living-in-truth relationship with God. Yet, we sometimes have a hard time coming to the table, sitting before God, being honest and truthful with Him, and being genuine. Communion is an opportunity for transparency. It is a place to be vulnerable with God, to come clean about life. “Come, let us reason together, says the Lord.” Will you come to the table?

Scripture References from the Sermon

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Printable PDF Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

The title of this message is more than just a title, it is a serious and sobering question that all must face at some point in our lives. When you understand the true worth of something, you’ll give up anything to have more of it. In Matthew 26:6-16, we see three different evaluations of Jesus’s worth – three different kinds of devotion, and only one of them was acceptable and pleasing to our Lord. What kind of devotion do you have today? What is Jesus worth to you?  

Scripture References from the Sermon

Matthew 26:6-16   |   Mark 14:3-9   |   Luke 7:36-50   |   John 12:1-8   |   Hebrews 12:2   |   John 14:15   |   1 John 5:3   |   Romans 12:1-2   |   Luke 9:59-62 

Discussion Questions

Life is busy. Relationships are sometimes hard. Peace can be challenging to find. Forgiveness is a commodity that is often difficult to give. At this moment in the life of Grace, as we’re moving through our City Renewal series, we’re investing in families. And sometimes it’s in the context of family that busyness, relationships, peace, and forgiveness are at the core of our biggest challenges. What if there were an incredible resource that we could tap into that helped to empower us to experience the abundance that Jesus has for us even in the midst of life’s biggest challenges? How would you use that kind of resource for your good and the good of others?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

We are in a very unique time and season right now; to seek God, to invest in the things that God is revealing to us. I feel such an intense urgency on this word for the people of God to take full advantage of His invitation. It’s an invitation to invest and sow spiritually, to pray, give, seek, ask, prune, and read the Word for revelation in this Kairos moment. God is giving us the gift of faith to use to please Him, to seek Him, and to be rewarded. This season will be marked as a significant time of sowing for the reaping we are coming into. Invest where God is leading you to invest, and see if He will not pour open the floodgates. He wants to do more than you ask, more than you could imagine—so let’s walk by faith, not by sight. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

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Sermon Summary

God gave us a vision to fill the city with Jesus. It’s unique to us, but it’s not new. This mandate was given to the first humans to fill the earth with His glory through marriage. The key to building a successful society is the first structured relationship—marriage. As we continue our city-renewal series, we are now going inside the home to see how we can help the marriages in our cities flourish. We do this by looking at what God says about us as individuals, what a marriage reflects, and the assignment marriage brings to a city; recognizing that our individual roles are tied to the warfare we might experience. Even if you are not married, understanding God’s heart for your city is essential.    

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

God has a master plan to renew cities and to see them set free, and while God is always at work, so is the enemy. The devil knows that in order to crumble societies in the land, he must crumble families in the home. Healthy and holy families are as needed today as they are rare. God’s solution to dying cities is living families – biblical families – families that have been transformed by the gospel. What is biblical family, how can my family experience it, and how can my family be a part of God’s master plan in my city?  

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Sermon Summary

Jesus worked hard as a carpenter, and then later as a teacher—working frequently to the point of exhaustion—yet He was never working in His own strength. People often think Jesus could do what He did because He was God, but in truth He came to show humanity how to work. We were created to work! However, we have a problem: when Adam broke his relationship with God, work became hard and our weaknesses as humans became a hindrance. The Hebrew word for work, “avodah”, means work, worship and service. What if our everyday work was done with Jesus such that our work became a form of worship?  What if there is a way for God to use our weaknesses for His glory and our good? Is it possible for us to work in the way that Jesus worked?

Scripture References from the Sermon

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Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary

As we continue pressing into City Renewal, we are beginning a summer series that explores the question, “Who Is Jesus?” This week we will examine an excerpt from Mark 8, where we see that the people in Jesus’ city had similar reactions to Him as the people in our city today. And we’ll address the most important question of all, “Who is Jesus to you?” How we answer this question has deep implications for us, for our city, and for our eternity. Who is Jesus to you? And how will you respond to Him?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Mark 8:27-34   |   Matthew 16:13-16   |   Luke 9:18-20   |   John 1:1-5, 14   |   Hebrews 1:2-3   |   Colossians 1:15-23   |   Ephesians 2:4-9

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights | Core Team Meeting & Camp EXP Fundraisers

Sermon Summary

As we continue to press into our series on city renewal, it’s good to pause and think about concrete ways that we can affect our community – our city – for the Kingdom of God. There are, of course, many great ways: service projects, neighborhood barbecues that lead to neighborhood Bible studies, volunteering at the local school…as many ways as there are creative people. But maybe there’s a way that’s even more concrete than these, a way you may not have considered before: Prayer Walking. The roots of Prayer Walking run deep at Grace Church – it’s a part of our DNA. Imagine you or your group walking in the city, praying for the people, places, or situations you encounter; continuing the ongoing, powerful work of the Kingdom through Grace.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Practical Steps for Prayer Walking  

  1. Choose a Location
  2. Pray with Purpose
  3. Stay Open
  4. Pray Scripture
  5. Be Consistent
  6. Invite Others

To learn more about prayer walking, check out our Guide to Prayer Walking.

Sermon Summary

To see a city renewed, there must come a point where what is deep inside of you comes in contact with the people of your city. The very Truths, the convictions, the wisdom, the love, and the Presence of God inside of you need to be released to people who are desperate for God. One of the most important aspects of city renewal is our time with God in His Word. To strengthen ourselves in the LORD is to feed off of every word from the Father’s mouth. The way to read not just for information but for transformation, the type of reading that stirs revival in our hearts, is to read with the Holy Spirit. It’s called Lectio Divina, divine reading, or sacred reading. It’s a practice that follows a simple path; Revelation is God’s Invitation for transformation when it is followed by Application. Using the One Year Bible Reading program as our guide, a journal to process, and the Holy Spirit to speak to us, we will see how this ancient practice is so life-giving today.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Revelation 

Discernment 

The person of Jesus 

The character of God as father 

The will of God for the conduct of His children 

The mind of God to His prophets

Invitation

Application

We are still heavily into our City Renewal Series where we are stirring up revival in our hearts by strengthening ourselves in the LORD, so we can see renewal in our cities. However, this weekend, because of where many of our people are, we are taking some time out as a church family to be refreshed, to seek the LORD, and to find Him when we search with our whole heart.

Each service looks a little different on all of our campuses, but the premise is the same: Seek God with a diligent and genuine heart to combat the intense season we are walking in. Pastor ryan shared a bit of what he is sensing prophetically in what the Church is going through. It’s a shaking of the body of Christ to rid our lives of insignificant things. It’s a purification and a strengthening of our hearts. God continues to increase His presence among us, and we must have hearts that are strong enough to hold the weight of His glory. As a family we are stewarding a Word that God wants to see at least 10 cities renewed through His church. Let’s join together and fix our eyes on Him. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

What needs do you see in your city where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus? How can you help the neighbors? What about your neighborhood? Or what about the needs in the broader community? Serving is an invitation from God into blessing. God is the ultimate servant and we are built in His image, so joining Him in what He is doing is stepping into a massive part of our identity, thus unlocking amazing blessings. Everything stems from a relationship with the Lord. Ask God how He wants you to serve; dream big, and write those ideas down.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

What could be more countercultural than living in rest amid a busy world? We are called with an assignment from God to see at least 10 cities renewed. That includes the one you live in; the one that God has sovereignly placed you inside of. The pace of the city you live in is too fast. Your intentional message to the people in your city could be to offer a different way to live so that they can be invited into living differently. The Sabbath day and the posture of rest are how we are to live. Let’s jump in to find out what the Sabbath is, how to find a day, and how to live in rest. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

We are seeing our culture living at a pace that is unsustainable. We are living at speeds that are attempting to keep up with technology. This is not the pace of the Kingdom. Jesus walked everywhere He went. So, it’s time to start living at the pace of relationships and the speed of walking.

We either continue to lead fragmented lives disconnected from God, others, and our true selves, or we make a change; subtle, small changes now that have massive implications for eternity. Let’s find our Community Block and live purposeful relationships that are authentic. This is the only way we will be healed and freed and live fully alive.  

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary:

Jesus once said that He was the “way, the truth, and the life.” In this second week of our series titled, “Who Is Jesus?”, we dive a little deeper, considering how “Jesus Is The Way.” Are you more likely to choose His way or your own way? Are you too busy to follow Him when He offers? Are you susceptible to acting based on fear rather than faith? The Scriptures say that apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Will you allow Him to lead and experience truly abundant living?

Scripture References from the Sermon

John 14:6   |   1 Samuel 13:5-14   |   1 Samuel 30:1-9   |   Luke 22:42   |   John 15:5   |   Matthew 5:3   |   2 Corinthians 12:9-10   |   John 14:10

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights   |   Core Team Meeting

We are a body of believers who gather together. What does this gathering really imply? Is it a safe group of polite people or a violent force that plunders hell and crushes the heads of the enemy?

The language of the Bible is one of war, and the encouragement is towards those who are in a fight – the good fight of faith. This is the time to prepare for war as Joel warned us years ago. It’s a time to know who we are, reclaim our identity, and become dangerous. This battle is not to be done alone. The kingdom math that we see in Leviticus 26 should compel us to live in an authentic community. Let us gather together to take heaven by force, because “Heaven is inherited by the violent.”

Scripture References from the Sermon

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Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary  

A consistent illustration for the presence of God throughout the bible has been fire. Even the interaction of the Israelites with God was like a fire, dubbed their “consuming fire.” Too often, the church today is more like a pilot light that is flickering under the wind of the world, instead of burning like the light that we are called to be. As we gather, we fan into flame others around us through prayer, worship, encouragement, community, and the Word. Let’s get back to the practices that keep the slow burn of God’s Presence in our hearts.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Exodus 13:21   |   Deuteronomy 4:24   |   Matthew 5:14   |   Luke 12:49   |   Matthew 3:11

Discussion Questions

Vance Havner 

“We are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts.”

Event Highlights: Fasting/24hr of Prayer & Operation Blessing

There is a governing enemy over each city that we live in. The Bible doesn’t tell us to pray against the principalities and rulers in the heavenly places. It tells us we have the authority to trample on the temptation and destruction on earth. So, how do we clear the atmosphere for more of God’s Presence over our City? We must first understand how societies are formed by the Truth and how they are formed by lies in order to see revival in our hearts and renewal in our cities. Understanding what happens when we pray gives us confidence to see cities renewed, but this prayer comes with a cost. Prayer is a battle, just like other areas of our lives. It’s warfare. Without a proper understanding of warfare, we could shipwreck our faith. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

The much anticipated City Renewal is launching this week! Isn’t this exciting!!! I am absolutely ready to see a renewal of all things in and through our city, our families, our government, our businesses, our arts, our medical, and every other aspect of society. How? By having the individuals that make up each of these societies to have hearts revived by God Himself. Revival in our hearts for the renewal of our city.

We are here in God’s sovereignty for such a time as this to see the welfare, shalom, and renewal of our city take place. Our Field Journals give us tools to walk through, in unity, the very items that we need to see a city changed, namely – God. We are seeking God on behalf of our city. This week we looked at the time in the history of Judah when Josiah was king, and Jeremiah was the prophet, so that the heart (prophetic voice) and the structure (kind mandate) of the nation could be renewed. And that’s exactly what happened, a revival. And it all started in Josiah’s heart. Will a revival continue to stir in your heart?

Scripture References from the sermon

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Sermon Summary

This week was an incredible week of freedom and healing. We are preparing our city for renewal by stirring our hearts in the revival that His presence brings. You may have taken the opportunity to prepare your heart last week for the experience you had in Church this week. The sections of the Freedom Cycle are intended to be walked through so frequently that they become second nature. When that happens, you will find yourself quickly and immediately confessing to God, and to others, for your forgiveness and healing.

In your group this week, take some time and share what truths the LORD has revealed to you as you have been working through the Freedom Cycle. Through the consistent practice of this cycle you are now hearing the Truth that will set you free, and sharing allows others to remind you of and speak this Truth into your life. 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

As we continue our series on consecration we are entering into a time of freedom and healing. This week we are taking the time to prepare our hearts for a thorough detox of our souls that we will press into next week when we will be walking through the Freedom Cycle – a tool that we introduced to our church four years ago that has massive spiritual implications. To best prepare our hearts we are focusing on how Jesus launched his ministry and why He came to earth: to set us free from sin, to destroy the works of the devil, and to live fully alive in His presence. He is healing broken hearts, setting the captives free, and giving liberty to those who are bound. Who doesn’t want some of that?  

Scripture References from the Sermon

Discussion Questions

Areas of Freedom

Preparations for next week

We are made to live in the presence of God no matter what is happening around us. You could be going through the storms of anxiety, circumstances of fear, or a trial of pain; yet inside, your soul is at total peace, resting in the presence of God. This peace is possible when we have the Fear of the LORD. The Fear of the LORD has many benefits. It all starts with a proper view of who God is, not a small god, but the God of the Bible. His presence draws us in with a deep curiosity to encounter His awe. As we enter the deeper places of His presence we hear His voice, live His promises, see Him more clearly, and live in the will of God. This is where we were meant to be, in His presence because of the Fear of the LORD.

Scripture References from the sermon

Discussion Questions

12 Scriptures on the benefits of the Fear of the LORD

For further study on encounters with God

Printable PDF Version of the Sermon Guide

Sermon Summary:

This message explores the reality that many of us live in invisible “prisons”—fear, shame, addiction, self-reliance, or emotional wounds—that shape how we think, act, and relate to God. In these places of struggle, we often respond in one of two ways: spiral in despair or strive in our own strength. But the deeper invitation is to ask, “Who is God?” and learn to walk by faith, not by sight. God is not just a concept or theology—He’s a Father, Comforter, and Provider who meets us in our need. He is Compassion. Trusting Him means anchoring our lives not in our feelings or circumstances, but in His unchanging character. True freedom begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and instead experience God’s presence, provision, and compassion right where we are.

Scripture References from the Sermon

Psalm 69:33   |   Galatians 5:22–23   |   Psalm 9:10   |   Psalm 34:8–10   |   Hebrews 11:6   |   2 Corinthians 5:7   |   Exodus 34:5–7   |   Hebrews 1:1–3   |   Romans 5:1–11

Discussion Questions

Event Highlights: Groups Fair   |   Camp EXP

This year, we split Camp EXP into two weeks to make room for more students and as of now we have over 300 students attending camp!! Registration is still open so scan to QR code today!! gracechurchsp.org/exp

Gather a group of friends and take a deep dive into the message. Guides and articles to help you grow in Christ. Post type for publishing open jobs.