Do you ever feel anxious and worried? Do you wonder why certain people just can't seem to get along? Maybe you are tired of division in America and wars throughout the world. If you so, you long for peace! Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave as we discover three things peace is not and three things peace is. Discover the One who gives a peace that passes understanding regardless of external circumstances!
Have you ever lacked faith? Have you ever been short on hope? The two go hand-in-hand. If you need hope, this sermon message is for you.
What do you think of when you hear the word king? How about the word kingdom? Real kings and their kingdoms are somewhat foreign to those of us who live in Western democracies. But there is a King who is different. I'm talking now about our Lord and God, the King Almighty who created, sustains, and rules the universe with truth and righteousness.
Jesus is returning to earth! He came the first time as a little baby born in a manger; he will come again as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Will you be ready for that day? What will it look like? What will happen on that day? Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for this message, highlighting the Parable of the Sheep & the Goats from Matthew 25. This parable is a picture exposing three important things. How does it speak to you?
This sermon examines three key differences between our American brand of Christianity versus a truer biblical expression of Christianity. It promises to be a challenging message which will make you think. Plus, it includes three practical ways we can activate our faith to make a difference in the world.
Have you ever been insulted or mocked because of your faith? In an increasingly secular world, believers will not always be appreciated. Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." Join Grace Church and Pastor Dave for the final Beatitude in our study as we uncover three forms of persecution and discover three reasons why persecution can be a good thing. May you be encouraged and built-up in your faith!
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!