Just Three Words - "Come On In"
0 Likes
0 Views
33 cards
17 min read
Pinned
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month 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]).
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch today after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
Pick up a Harmony Study booklet on Sunday after church!
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
If you have interest in sharing Christmas Card greetings with your Grace Church family, you can drop your cards at the Welcome Kiosk now through December 21st. The Welcome Team will be sorting the cards and distributing them to families on Sunday mornings. Contact Leslie Booher ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
Monday, December 1st - Arianna Noteboom
Tuesday, December 2nd - LuAnn Campbell
Wednesday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers
Tuesday, December 2nd - LuAnn Campbell
Wednesday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers
Cards
We are in a five week series called "Just three words."
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much - we thoughtfully considered saying "thanks so much" to God in seven different areas of our life.
Week 5: Come On In - Today!
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much - we thoughtfully considered saying "thanks so much" to God in seven different areas of our life.
Week 5: Come On In - Today!
The intent of the series is to point out that communication is most effective when it is clear, concise, and consistent.
The Bible has presented hundreds of messages using Just Three Words in very powerful and memorable statements.
John 13:34-35
The Bible has presented hundreds of messages using Just Three Words in very powerful and memorable statements.
John 13:34-35
John 13:34-35
BSB
34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
BSB
Today our theme is another simple phrase - "Come On In"
The phrase "Come In" is similar but different in meaning. Just as is the phrase, "Come On Down".
Come In, by itself, suggests giving permission to somebody who wants entry – like a person who might knock at your door. You might say the phrase willingly after carefully scrutinizing the situation. Or you might say the term casually, without any real investigation or concern, or even antagonistically.
Come On Down, is similar as it implies a change of location.
But the phrase "Come On In" is fundamentally different.
The thought is to join in on what is happening inside of a barrier that is keeping people apart, separated, or removed from those who are on the other side. It implies an invitation that requires participation.
The phrase "Come In" is similar but different in meaning. Just as is the phrase, "Come On Down".
Come In, by itself, suggests giving permission to somebody who wants entry – like a person who might knock at your door. You might say the phrase willingly after carefully scrutinizing the situation. Or you might say the term casually, without any real investigation or concern, or even antagonistically.
Come On Down, is similar as it implies a change of location.
But the phrase "Come On In" is fundamentally different.
The thought is to join in on what is happening inside of a barrier that is keeping people apart, separated, or removed from those who are on the other side. It implies an invitation that requires participation.
Our text this morning is found in Acts 2.
This chapter takes place in Jerusalem on the Jewish festival of Pentecost (or the Feast of Weeks), some 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus.
Here are some of the words of the Apostle Peter: Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-41
This chapter takes place in Jerusalem on the Jewish festival of Pentecost (or the Feast of Weeks), some 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus.
Here are some of the words of the Apostle Peter: Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-41
Acts 2:22-41
BSB
22 Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.
23 He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.
24 But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.
25 David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope,
27 because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’
29 Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.
31 Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay.
32 God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.
33 Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand
35 until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’
36 Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
40 With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”
41 Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
23 He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.
24 But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.
25 David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope,
27 because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’
29 Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.
31 Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay.
32 God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.
33 Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand
35 until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’
36 Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
40 With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”
41 Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
BSB
Historically, Pentecost was one of the three major religious events that affected the people of Israel. These demanded an annual journey to Jerusalem for all able-bodied Jewish men. On this day there would have been tens of thousands of people gathered in celebration.
For Jewish people, the Festival of Pentecost had a three-fold meaning:
1) a Celebration of their wheat harvest – fulfilling God’s promise to provide for them,
2) a Commemoration of the giving of the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and
3) a Corporate gathering that demonstrated their national identity as God’s people.
For Jewish people, the Festival of Pentecost had a three-fold meaning:
1) a Celebration of their wheat harvest – fulfilling God’s promise to provide for them,
2) a Commemoration of the giving of the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and
3) a Corporate gathering that demonstrated their national identity as God’s people.
God used this event to fulfill an O.T. prophecy of Joel, in pouring out the Holy Spirit upon all people, thus signaling that Jews and Gentiles alike were invited to be part of God’ plan of salvation. It also fulfilled the New Testament teaching of Jesus who said He would send the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower anyone who would entrust their lives to Him.
In effect, God was saying, "Come On In".
The Lord was inviting Jews and Gentiles into His family, The Church.
The invitation to be part of God's family really connected with those who were listening. They saw similarities with their own traditions.
The Lord was inviting Jews and Gentiles into His family, The Church.
The invitation to be part of God's family really connected with those who were listening. They saw similarities with their own traditions.
Come On In is God's invitation to us.
God created us for a RELATIONSHIP with Him and with others.
Mankind brought RUIN to that relationship by rebelling against God's authority, and it has affected our nature, our world, and our future.
Jesus carried out God's RESCUE plan and died for the sins of humanity.
Each of us must RESPOND to God's invitation to be part of His family.
God created us for a RELATIONSHIP with Him and with others.
Mankind brought RUIN to that relationship by rebelling against God's authority, and it has affected our nature, our world, and our future.
Jesus carried out God's RESCUE plan and died for the sins of humanity.
Each of us must RESPOND to God's invitation to be part of His family.
Our response is described throughout the Bible in Just Three Words...
REPENT AND BELIEVE
Repent - turn from our rebellion against God and His authority and the desire to live independently and contrary to His will.
Believe - entrust our life to Him alone and desire to live differently.
People often pray and commit their life to God, but simple words don't save a person, it's a complete desire of the heart. The reality of the words is seen by their daily actions and direction of their life.
REPENT AND BELIEVE
Repent - turn from our rebellion against God and His authority and the desire to live independently and contrary to His will.
Believe - entrust our life to Him alone and desire to live differently.
People often pray and commit their life to God, but simple words don't save a person, it's a complete desire of the heart. The reality of the words is seen by their daily actions and direction of their life.
Come On In implies not only a change of location but a change of devotion.
- God calls people to leave their life of sin and come to a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus as their Savior.
- God calls people to leave their affection for this temporal world and focus on the eternal world He has as “their forever destination.”
- God calls people to leave their lifestyle of selfishness and individuality for a lifestyle of selflessness and community.
- God calls people to leave their life of sin and come to a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus as their Savior.
- God calls people to leave their affection for this temporal world and focus on the eternal world He has as “their forever destination.”
- God calls people to leave their lifestyle of selfishness and individuality for a lifestyle of selflessness and community.
The words of our faith need to be compared with the Words of God's Scripture.
In Acts 2:42-47 we see a good description of what the lifestyle of a true follower of Jesus should look like.
There are many ways to describe these verses but we'll use Just Three Words one final time. This week read these verses and compare your life.
In Acts 2:42-47 we see a good description of what the lifestyle of a true follower of Jesus should look like.
There are many ways to describe these verses but we'll use Just Three Words one final time. This week read these verses and compare your life.
First - Our ongoing MATURITY.
Acts 2:42-43
Acts 2:42-43
Acts 2:42-43
BSB
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
43 A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
BSB
Second - Our ongoing MINISTRY.
Acts 2:44-46a
Acts 2:44-46a
Acts 2:44-46
BSB
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
46 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,
45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
46 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,
BSB
Third - Our ongoing MISSION.
Acts 2:47b
Acts 2:47b
Acts 2:47
BSB
47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
BSB
