Going the Distance #3 - The Gifts of the Cross
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]).
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]
Everyone is invited to a Concert of Prayer at Grace Church. May 1st at 6:30-7:30 pm. This is a National Day of Prayer Service hosted by the Prayer Team at Grace Church.
Everyone is invited to a Concert of Prayer at Grace Church. May 1st at 6:30-7:30 pm. This is a National Day of Prayer Service hosted by the Prayer Team at Grace Church.
Each Saturday in May is an opportunity to help prepare the church grounds for summer at a Grace Church Work Day! Come join in on the fun & fellowship between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on a Saturday in May. Contact Ryan Hickey with any questions ([email protected]).
Wednesday Nights at Grace
We encourage you to...
- Invite a friend for coffee and conversation
- Bring a project to work on or a game to play
- Join us 6:15-7:30 pm in CJ's Coffee Shop
Contact Lisa Sterkenburg if you have questions ([email protected])
We encourage you to...
- Invite a friend for coffee and conversation
- Bring a project to work on or a game to play
- Join us 6:15-7:30 pm in CJ's Coffee Shop
Contact Lisa Sterkenburg if you have 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."
Monday, April 21st - Iris Braden
Tuesday, April 22nd - Rayna Nowicke
Friday, April 25th - Bev Bowers, Josh Sensiba
Saturday, April 26th - Connie Berkimer
Tuesday, April 22nd - Rayna Nowicke
Friday, April 25th - Bev Bowers, Josh Sensiba
Saturday, April 26th - Connie Berkimer
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The phrase, Going the Distance, means "to finish or complete something, especially something difficult, challenging, or requiring sustained effort."
The first two weeks of this sermon series centered on the final 9 months of in which Jesus was traveling, teaching, taking refuge from the growing hostility, touching the lives of many by doing miracles and training His followers with the knowledge and skills they would need to carry on His mission.
The first two weeks of this sermon series centered on the final 9 months of in which Jesus was traveling, teaching, taking refuge from the growing hostility, touching the lives of many by doing miracles and training His followers with the knowledge and skills they would need to carry on His mission.
This morning we pick up where we left off last week. Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover feast, but there were other reasons according to the Bible. Jesus was there to fulfill prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and to accomplish God's purpose for His life.
John 3:16-17
Luke 19:10
Jesus had intentionally lived His life according to His Father's plan. He did so despite the distracting opportunities and defeating obstacles that so often hinder us in life.
He had Gone the Distance! And for that, He has forever been remembered.
John 3:16-17
Luke 19:10
Jesus had intentionally lived His life according to His Father's plan. He did so despite the distracting opportunities and defeating obstacles that so often hinder us in life.
He had Gone the Distance! And for that, He has forever been remembered.
John 3:16-17
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16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
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Luke 19:10
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10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
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Last Sunday, Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem as the King of the Jews amid a frenzied wave of popularity. But a lot can happen in the span of a week. The Jewish authorities moved from curiosity, to dismissing, to complaining, to undermining, to scheming, to planning, to lying, to betraying, to arresting, to judging, to beating, to condemning, and finally killing. The governmental legal system did nothing to help Jesus. The end of verse 25 says, "and surrendered Jesus to their will."
Luke 23:26-43
Luke 23:26-43
Luke 23:26-43
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26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.
28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’
30 At that time ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine.
37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38 Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.
28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’
30 At that time ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine.
37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38 Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
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Like Jesus, our life can change quickly and dramatically, much like an elevator out of control. At times it's so incredibly hard to focus on and remember the pleasures of life we've enjoyed...instead of the pain we face and focus on. Job in the Bible is an example of that.
In every disappointment and tragedy, there are precious gifts for our taking, if we will simply depend on God and learn to embrace them.
Loss of job, relational break up, accident, disease, betrayal, persecution, divorce, or even the death of someone you care about.
The precious gifts may be a new relationship, opportunities, outlooks on life, and growth in different areas.
When you consider the scene of the cross, there are many gifts available to those who will take them.
James 1:17a
In every disappointment and tragedy, there are precious gifts for our taking, if we will simply depend on God and learn to embrace them.
Loss of job, relational break up, accident, disease, betrayal, persecution, divorce, or even the death of someone you care about.
The precious gifts may be a new relationship, opportunities, outlooks on life, and growth in different areas.
When you consider the scene of the cross, there are many gifts available to those who will take them.
James 1:17a
James 1:17
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17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
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As we read our passage for today and other Bible passages, we see the goodness of God on our behalf:
1. The Gift of JESUS.
Romans 5:8
Hebrews 9:27-28
1. The Gift of JESUS.
Romans 5:8
Hebrews 9:27-28
Romans 5:8
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8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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Hebrews 9:27-28
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27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,
28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
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2. The Gift of FORGIVENESS.
Acts 13:38-39a
Isaiah 1:18; 43:25
Psalm 103:12
Micah 7:19
Acts 13:38-39a
Isaiah 1:18; 43:25
Psalm 103:12
Micah 7:19
Acts 13:38-39
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38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
39 Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
39 Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
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Isaiah 1:18
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18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
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Isaiah 43:25
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25 I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.
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Psalms 103:12
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12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
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Micah 7:19
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19 He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
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3. The Gift of a new LIFE.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 12:1-2
Colossians 3:1-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 12:1-2
Colossians 3:1-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
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17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
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Romans 12:1-2
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1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
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Colossians 3:1-10
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1 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
7 When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.
8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
7 When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.
8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
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4. The Gift of COMMUNITY.
1 John 2:6-11
Hebrews 10:24-25
1 John 2:6-11
Hebrews 10:24-25
1 John 2:6-11
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6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
7 Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard.
8 Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.
9 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
10 Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.
11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
7 Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard.
8 Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.
9 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
10 Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.
11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
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Hebrews 10:24-25
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24 And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.
25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
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5. The Gift of HOPE.
1 John 5:12-13
John 10:28-29
Romans 8:38-39
Jude 24
1 John 5:12-13
John 10:28-29
Romans 8:38-39
Jude 24
1 John 5:12-13
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12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
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John 10:28-29
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28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
29 My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
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Romans 8:38-39
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38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Jude 1:24
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24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
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The question today is quite simple...
Have you put your faith in the man who died on the Cross for you?
A - Admit that you are a sinner
B - Believe that God sent Jesus to die as a sacrificial substitute for you
C - Choose to surrender control of your life to God and make Him your Lord and Savior
Have you put your faith in the man who died on the Cross for you?
A - Admit that you are a sinner
B - Believe that God sent Jesus to die as a sacrificial substitute for you
C - Choose to surrender control of your life to God and make Him your Lord and Savior
Below are a couple of links to learn more about the Cross and Crucifixion...
