Going the Distance #1 - The Grind of Ministry
Our series this month will look at some of the key events during the last 6-9 months of the Lord's life. His travel, public teaching, troubles, training of disciples, and emphasis on teamwork became very intense and intentional. The Phrase Going the Distan
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Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet will be held April 27th following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions ([email protected]).
This course, designed to teach people how to deal with trauma, will be offered in Grand Rapids June 2nd-6th. There will also be a 3-day class offered in August with dates yet to be determined. Colin Paul and Matt Firman have taken this training and use it as they do jail ministry. They are encouraging people to be trained in trauma healing and then use it to minister in their communities. If you have questions or want to sign-up for the training, contact Colin Paul ([email protected]) or Matt Firman ([email protected]).
"For wounds to heal, people need to express their pain and grieve so that their feelings are not buried inside of them. They can express them to God and bring their pain to the cross. As they experience Christ's healing, they can begin to forgive and rebuild their lives. Then they are better able to face future suffering."
"For wounds to heal, people need to express their pain and grieve so that their feelings are not buried inside of them. They can express them to God and bring their pain to the cross. As they experience Christ's healing, they can begin to forgive and rebuild their lives. Then they are better able to face future suffering."
There is still lots of wood that needs to be cut on the back property of Grace Church. Each Saturday in April from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm is an opportunity for you to help cut and stack wood. Bring a chain saw if you have one as well as work gloves. Contact Ryan Hickey if you have questions or if you are in need of wood (517-852-4800) / [email protected]
We wanted to make sure everyone at Grace Church knew about an opportunity you have to serve at the Lansing Rescue Mission's Women and Children's Shelter on Cedar Street in Lansing.
Grace Church, led by our deacon team, sends a group to the mission on the third Friday of each month (5:30-7:30 pm) to serve dinner to the women and children who are utilizing their services. This is a rewarding time where we can get out of our comfort zone to do something as simple as serve a meal.
Everything is provided for us, so all we have to do is show up and be the hands and feet...and smiling faces of Jesus to them! Most often, the groups of 5-7 people who are serving will carpool to the mission which allows for a great time of fellowship together.
If you have an interest in serving at the mission once or twice a year, contact Kyle Booher ([email protected]) to have your name added to the list. If you have questions, you can talk with Kyle or any of the deacons (Denny Shaver, Brice Hasselback, Don Wiser, Colin Paul).
Grace Church, led by our deacon team, sends a group to the mission on the third Friday of each month (5:30-7:30 pm) to serve dinner to the women and children who are utilizing their services. This is a rewarding time where we can get out of our comfort zone to do something as simple as serve a meal.
Everything is provided for us, so all we have to do is show up and be the hands and feet...and smiling faces of Jesus to them! Most often, the groups of 5-7 people who are serving will carpool to the mission which allows for a great time of fellowship together.
If you have an interest in serving at the mission once or twice a year, contact Kyle Booher ([email protected]) to have your name added to the list. If you have questions, you can talk with Kyle or any of the deacons (Denny Shaver, Brice Hasselback, Don Wiser, Colin Paul).
Sunday, April 6th - Addison Van De Moortel
Wednesday, April 9th - David Smith
Thursday, April 10th - Tony & Linsey Wright
Saturday, April 12th - Tracy Nelson, Ellis Bolinger
Wednesday, April 9th - David Smith
Thursday, April 10th - Tony & Linsey Wright
Saturday, April 12th - Tracy Nelson, Ellis Bolinger
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This month our series is titled Going the Distance. It's a phrase that means "to finish or complete something, especially something difficult, challenging, or requiring sustained effort." Basically, it means to stay the course and see something through to the end.
When you hear the phrase, Going the Distance, what image comes to mind? And with that image in mind, what are some of the things needed for a person to Go the Distance?
Our series this month will look at some of the key events during the last 6-9 months of the Lord's life. His travel, public teaching, troubles, training of disciples, and emphasis on teamwork became very intense and intentional.
The Phrase Going the Distance perfectly captures this period of time.
The Phrase Going the Distance perfectly captures this period of time.
This morning we will look at the middle portion of the Gospel of Luke 9-19. This larger portion of Scripture has been called "Luke's Travel Log" or "The Journey to Jerusalem." It doesn't focus so much on the geographical nature of His trip but on the spiritual nature of what is taking place. One author wrote, "In this section, Luke spent far more time on the lessons that Jesus taught, than the landscape that He traversed."
Luke 9:51 [ESV]
Jesus knew His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were near.
Luke 9:51 [ESV]
Jesus knew His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were near.
Luke 9:51
BSB
51 As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
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If you were browsing this large portion of Scripture, you would find Jesus teaching numerous lessons. Here is just a sampling of those lessons found in Luke 9:
1. The commissioning of the Twelve Apostles and their role.
Luke 9:1-5
1. The commissioning of the Twelve Apostles and their role.
Luke 9:1-5
Luke 9:1-5
BSB
1 Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.
2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.
5 If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.
5 If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
BSB
2. The reality of conflict and how to respond.
Luke 9:7-9
Luke 9:7-9
Luke 9:7-9
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7 When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,
8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.
9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.
9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
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3. The needs of the multitude.
Luke 9:6, 10-17
Luke 9:6, 10-17
Luke 9:6, Luke 9:10-17
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6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
10 Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.
11 But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
12 As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”
13 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.”
14 (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
15 They did so, and everyone was seated.
16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
10 Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.
11 But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
12 As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”
13 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.”
14 (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
15 They did so, and everyone was seated.
16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
BSB
4. The nature of His true identity.
Luke 9:18-21, 28-36
Luke 9:18-21, 28-36
Luke 9:18-21, Luke 9:28-36
BSB
18 One day as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: “Who do the crowds say I am?”
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.”
20 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.
28 About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.
29 And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.
30 Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus.
31 They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with Him.
33 As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”
36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.”
20 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.
28 About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.
29 And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.
30 Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus.
31 They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with Him.
33 As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”
36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.
BSB
5. The reality of His rejection, crucifixion, resurrection, and retribution at His second coming.
Luke 9:22-27, 43-45
Luke 9:22-27, 43-45
Luke 9:22-27, Luke 9:43-45
BSB
22 “The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
23 Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
25 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
26 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27 But I tell you truthfully, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples,
44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
23 Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
25 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
26 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27 But I tell you truthfully, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples,
44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
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6. The character and conduct of those who say they are or want to be disciples.
Luke 9:37-43, 46-62
Luke 9:37-43, 46-62
Luke 9:37-43, Luke 9:46-62
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37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, Jesus was met by a large crowd.
38 Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child.
39 A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him and rarely departs from him.
40 I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”
41 “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples,
46 Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.
48 And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
51 As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
52 He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him.
53 But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.
54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
56 And He and His disciples went on to another village.
57 As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
59 Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”
62 Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
38 Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child.
39 A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him and rarely departs from him.
40 I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”
41 “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples,
46 Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.
48 And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
51 As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
52 He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him.
53 But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.
54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
56 And He and His disciples went on to another village.
57 As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
59 Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”
62 Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
BSB
7. The truths concerning God’s Kingdom and man’s salvation.
Luke 9 sets up chapters 10-19 where Jesus began to teach a number of parables. A parable is a story from real life or imagery that the audience can easily recognize. It's intent is to communicate a moral or spiritual truth to challenge the beliefs and behavior of the audience. They are earthly stories with heavenly meanings.
Luke recorded 37 parables of Jesus and there are 23 just in this section of chapters (10-19). In addition, throughout these chapters of Luke we see Jesus healing and bringing people to faith.
Luke recorded 37 parables of Jesus and there are 23 just in this section of chapters (10-19). In addition, throughout these chapters of Luke we see Jesus healing and bringing people to faith.
Jesus was a busy person! Did He ever want to quit moving toward Jerusalem? How did He keep going? Why didn't He burn out? Was He ever discouraged?
Most of us can relate to times when our workload, the stress of life, social expectations, and personal schedules left us drained and grinding away.
"The grind of life" refers to the daily routines and rhythms of life.
Jesus and His disciples faced much of what we've just mentioned..."The Grind of Life"...and yet they continued onward, Going the Distance.
Most of us can relate to times when our workload, the stress of life, social expectations, and personal schedules left us drained and grinding away.
"The grind of life" refers to the daily routines and rhythms of life.
Jesus and His disciples faced much of what we've just mentioned..."The Grind of Life"...and yet they continued onward, Going the Distance.
Let's look at several principles for dealing with the grind of life...
1. Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.
Luke 9:11b
1. Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.
Luke 9:11b
Luke 9:11
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11 But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
BSB
2. Embrace your responsibilities, but don't forget to exercise and rest.
Luke 9:10b
Luke 9:10b
Luke 9:10
BSB
10 Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.
BSB
3. Develop and maintain your spiritual core and community.
Luke 9:1-5
Luke 9:1-5
Luke 9:1-5
BSB
1 Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.
2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.
5 If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.
5 If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
BSB
4. Remember that God is in control and look toward His future.
Luke 9:22
Luke 9:22
Luke 9:22
BSB
22 “The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
BSB
When the reality of life threatens to overwhelm us, we need to pause and look upward. God is in control and aware of all that we face. In addition, He has all of the resources that we may need to not only survive, but to THRIVE in 25!
This week:
Read and pray over Luke 9:1-19 until you can answer three questions:
a) What did God say? (The meaning of the passage in your own words)
b) What is God saying to you? (Specifically, what is God telling you to do?)
c) What will you say about this passage to someone? (Think of one person)
Read and pray over Luke 9:1-19 until you can answer three questions:
a) What did God say? (The meaning of the passage in your own words)
b) What is God saying to you? (Specifically, what is God telling you to do?)
c) What will you say about this passage to someone? (Think of one person)
