New Year - New You! #7 GOODNESS
2026 is a new year and our challenge is to be more like Jesus and less like the person we currently are. This is what the fruit of the Spirit is all about...not perfection, but progress. It's about what naturally begins to grow in us when we are walking cl
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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 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]).
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]).
Sunday, March 8th - Jackson Sams, Leighanne Fisher
Tuesday, March 10th - Kelly Shaver
Wednesday, March 11th - Chuck Reigler
Thursday, March 12th - Emily Mater, Carl Bolinger, Aspen Yargeau
Friday, March 13th - Gene Snook, Lisa Sterkenburg
Tuesday, March 10th - Kelly Shaver
Wednesday, March 11th - Chuck Reigler
Thursday, March 12th - Emily Mater, Carl Bolinger, Aspen Yargeau
Friday, March 13th - Gene Snook, Lisa Sterkenburg
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Our February and March series is called New Year - New You.
With the start of a New Year, many people think they are to tackle the Christian life like every other area of life; with personal resolutions and determined effort. But Scripture reveals something different. The Christian life is dependent upon God transforming our life and not just our whims, wishes, and willpower.
Galatians 5:22-23
With the start of a New Year, many people think they are to tackle the Christian life like every other area of life; with personal resolutions and determined effort. But Scripture reveals something different. The Christian life is dependent upon God transforming our life and not just our whims, wishes, and willpower.
Galatians 5:22-23
Galatians 5:22-23
BSB
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
BSB
What is goodness?
Have you ever been asked to be good? Or told your kids to be good?
Have you ever been shocked by what other people define as "good"?
Our world/flesh likes to define what is good by what looking good is, what feeling good is, and by having goods.
Definition: "Goodness is a heart shaped by God choosing to do what is right and beneficial to others."
Have you ever been asked to be good? Or told your kids to be good?
Have you ever been shocked by what other people define as "good"?
Our world/flesh likes to define what is good by what looking good is, what feeling good is, and by having goods.
Definition: "Goodness is a heart shaped by God choosing to do what is right and beneficial to others."
Here's the disconnect...anything and everything that tries to define goodness that is separated from God and His Word can only lead to emptiness, sickness, and death. Our culture thrives on doing and being what makes you feel good.
So many Christians want to be attached to God, but as far away from God as possible. "What is good enough" (doing the minimum) verses "What is good?"
So many Christians want to be attached to God, but as far away from God as possible. "What is good enough" (doing the minimum) verses "What is good?"
As we look at Goodness today our passage of Scripture comes from Mark 10:17-27.
Jesus is on the move from Galilee down to Judea. Moved across the Jordan River into Perea. This is the story of the rich young ruler.
In this story we see how kindness and goodness work together. Kindness meets people where they are; goodness refuses to leave them there.
In this passage of Scripture, kindness welcomes the man who runs to Jesus - goodness challenges the idol he won't surrender.
Jesus is on the move from Galilee down to Judea. Moved across the Jordan River into Perea. This is the story of the rich young ruler.
In this story we see how kindness and goodness work together. Kindness meets people where they are; goodness refuses to leave them there.
In this passage of Scripture, kindness welcomes the man who runs to Jesus - goodness challenges the idol he won't surrender.
Mark 10:17-27
BSB
17 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ”
20 “Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept from my youth.”
21 Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me. ”
22 But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
18 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ”
20 “Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept from my youth.”
21 Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me. ”
22 But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
BSB
Verse 17 - "what must I do?" There is an emphasis here on being good. The man believes he has been good.
Verse 18 - Jesus asks a question to allow this man to wrestle with his heart issue.
Verse 19 - Jesus mentions 6 of the 10 commandments. First 4 deal with our relationship with God (vertical) and the last 6 deal with our relationship with others (horizontal). The law is summed up in one word...love. Is he really following the commandments when the first one is missing (let nothing be more important than God)?
Verse 18 - Jesus asks a question to allow this man to wrestle with his heart issue.
Verse 19 - Jesus mentions 6 of the 10 commandments. First 4 deal with our relationship with God (vertical) and the last 6 deal with our relationship with others (horizontal). The law is summed up in one word...love. Is he really following the commandments when the first one is missing (let nothing be more important than God)?
1. Goodness surrenders before it negotiates.
Mark 10:20-21
Mark 10:20-21
2. Goodness obeys when it costs.
Mark 10:22-27
Mark 10:22-27
3. Goodness depends on what only God can do.
Application:
1. Guard your mind.
Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 6:22-23; Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16
We must filter what goes into our mind. Satan is crafty and creates doubt. We have to master our Bible and become a student of God's Word.
1. Guard your mind.
Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 6:22-23; Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16
We must filter what goes into our mind. Satan is crafty and creates doubt. We have to master our Bible and become a student of God's Word.
Proverbs 23:7
BSB
7 for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
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Matthew 6:22-23
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22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
BSB
Philippians 4:8
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8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
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2 Timothy 3:16
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16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
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2. Develop convictions.
Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 2:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:3
Opinion (simple beliefs and preferences) vs. Conviction (don't change, don't compromise, something you will suffer and die for)
Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 2:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:3
Opinion (simple beliefs and preferences) vs. Conviction (don't change, don't compromise, something you will suffer and die for)
Romans 12:9
BSB
9 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
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1 Peter 2:19-20
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19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
BSB
2 Timothy 3:3
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3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,
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3. Live courageously.
3 John 11; Daniel 3; 1 Peter 3:11
Once we've guarded our minds, once we've developed our convictions, it's time to go on the offense and be bold! This is about doing things that benefit others and not myself.
3 John 11; Daniel 3; 1 Peter 3:11
Once we've guarded our minds, once we've developed our convictions, it's time to go on the offense and be bold! This is about doing things that benefit others and not myself.
3 John 1:11
BSB
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
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1 Peter 3:11
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11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
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Psalms 73:1-28
BSB
1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
5 They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10 So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
19 How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20 Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21 When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
5 They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10 So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
19 How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20 Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21 When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
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2 Thessalonians 1:11
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11 To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,
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