Fellowship of Grace Church

Small Groups – Sign Up Today!

Derrick — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:35:26 +0000

If you see a group you are interested in, you can sign up online on TheCity. Don’t have an account to TheCity? Contact us and we’ll get you set up. Of course you can always use the old-fashioned method of pen and paper at the Connections Center on Sunday too.

Summer 2012 Small Groups @ Fellowship of Grace

“Connections: Wired for Community” – Jim and Charla Oldham

Sundays 6:30 PM @ DeGrave’s house (childcare available)

Though we are surrounded by people much of the time, it’s possible to feel isolated. In fact, the Enemy works hard to keep us that way. But we have not been created to live life on our own. Instead, we have been wired for community. In this group, we will go on a journey to discover what true community is all about. Beginning with an understanding of self that leads to a relationship with God, members will learn how to connect to others in healthy ways within their groups, their families, their neighborhoods, and even among the nations. Recommended study guides available for $6.

“The Christian Atheist” – Kendell and Tracy Hale

Sundays 6:30 PM @ Hale’s house

Are you putting your whole faith in God … but living as if everything is up to you. Join us in this small group as we journey together toward an authentic, God-honoring life. Become more than “Christian in name” through this eye-opening look into the ways you can surrender to God completely, living every day depending on the Holy Spirit. Recommended study guides available for $8.

“The Book of Romans” – Kevin and Andrea Barnes

Mondays 7 PM @ Eshleman’s house (childcare available)

Join as we walk through the entire book of Romans, highlighting key passages and discussing them together as a group! We will focus on the reading and understanding of Scripture through conversation and prayer. This is a group to ask unedited questions and to join with a desire to build real relationships with your fellow small groupers! Just bring a Bible, all other materials will be provided!

“Hope Under Construction” – Men’s Group – Derrick Abell

Tuesdays 6:30 AM @ TBD

The life of Nehemiah contains many lessons that men can learn from today. Nehemiah had every reason on earth to lose hope and give up, yet he had access to every resource in heaven to combat his struggles on earth. Whether you want to be a stronger, more effective leader in your home, business, church, or community, this study will prepare you with those necessary leadership principles. Recommended study guides available for $9.

“Peter: Growing Bold Faith” – Dave and Jennifer Ross

Tuesdays 7 PM @ Ross’ house

Come with us to explore the life of Peter, of one Jesus’ closest disciples and one of the most talked about and relatable figures in the Bible. We’ll learn lessons from Peter’s life that teach us what it means to have bold, extreme faith and take a look at how God sometimes uses our failures to still bring Him glory in the end. Recommended study guides are available for $8.

“The Explicit Gospel” – Derrick and Anna Abell

Thursdays 7 PM @ Abell’s house (childcare available)

Based on the new book by Pastor Matt Chandler, this DVD-based small group study will take an in-depth look at the implications the gospel has for not only saving us, but for growing us in Christlikeness and deepening our relationship with Him. We will look at what the Gospel is – and what it is not – and then focus on the fullness of the gospel on both a personal and cosmic level. Study guides available for $12.

Secrets Undressed: Secrets for Wives and Mothers

fogwebadmin — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:53:37 +0000

It’s Mother’s day! Today we look at what the bible says about being a wife and mother.

Key Scripture Titus 2: 3-5

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Beating the Giant of Failure

fogwebadmin — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:49:14 +0000

Feel like a failure? Failure is our birthright, and it’s a good thing.

The object isn’t to be perfect. The goal isn’t to hold back until you’ve created something beyond reproach. I believe the opposite is true. Our birthright is to fail and to fail often, but to fail in search of something bigger than we can imagine. To do anything else is to waste it all. - Seth Godin

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Summary Points

Recognize that God uses our failures

Romans 8:28 NASB

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Look for the lessons God is teaching us. Pray and search for lessons when things go bad.

Psalm 119:71 NASB

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.

Accurately assess your problems

1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

Don’t look back, focus forward

Philippians 3:13 NASB

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Forgive everyone including yourself.

1 John 2:1-2 NASB

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

Get up and try again.

Proverbs 24:16 NASB

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,

But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Seek the right kind of success

Philippians 3:14 NASB

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Beating the Giant of Temptation

fogwebadmin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:46:32 +0000

Ever feel guilty because you’re constantly being tempted to do things you know you shouldn’t do? Guess what, it’s OK to be tempted it is what you do after that matters.

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Key Scripture: Luke 4, Genesis 3:6

Summary Points

The Source of Temptation:

God does not tempt anyone

James 1:13 NASB

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

Satan is seeking to destroy us through temptation and sin

1 Peter 5:8 NASB

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

There is a difference between temptation and sin

Hebrews 4:15 NASB

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

All temptation can be boiled down to one of three categories

1 John 2:16 NASB

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

1. “The Lust of the flesh”

Genesis 3:6 NASB

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Luke 4:1-4 NASB

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.’”

2. “The lust of the eyes”

Genesis 3:6 NASB

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Luke 4:5-8 NASB

And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”

3. “The pride of life”

The idea of self determination, or that we are masters of our own fate apart from God.

Genesis 3:6 NASB

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Luke 4:9-14 NASB

And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written,
‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,’ and,
‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP,
SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.

How to Beat the Giant of Temptation (Closing)

Jesus has beat temptation, so he can help you. Do what Jesus did, memorize Scripture. Pray, and ask for His help.

Hebrews 2:18 NASB

For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Look for the escape route

1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Run, run like the wind

Genesis 39:6-12 NASB

So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.

Beating the Giant of Religion

fogwebadmin — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:10:12 +0000

Tired of organized religion? Tired of hypocritical, religious zealots more interested in following dogmatic rules than anything else. So was Jesus…

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Key Scripture: Matthew 23

Summary Points

The Giant of Religion:

Puts a burden on others without setting an example
It keeps people from the Kingdom of God
It focuses us on less important things
It tries to impress from the outside rather than from the inside
The result of religion without a relationship with Jesus is damnation

You can defeat the Giant of Religion with a real relationship with Jesus Christ

Recognize religion as trash
Know Christ
Receive Christ’s righteousness through faith

Closing:

Ultimately, all the religious dogma in the world is worthless. Paul was among the most rigorously religious people of his day. He counted his religious dogma the same as a financial loss or deficit. Compared to a life giving, soul saving, relationship with Jesus himself, all else matters little. If you get to know Jesus, if you accept his righteousness as as a substitute for your own, THAT’S what really matters.

Beating the Giant of Gossip

fogwebadmin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:28:46 +0000

Hey did you hear… . Gossip has been around a long time, and the bible has a fair amount to say about it. God even called it out in the ten commandments.

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Summary Points

1. Don’t perpetrate the sin of gossip (Exodus 20:16)

2. Don’t tell truths about others that hurt their reputations (1 Timothy 5:13)

3. Don’t speak of others with evil motive (Romans 1:29)

4. Don’t break a confidence (Proverbs 11:13)

5. Don’t be a verbal garbage heap (Proverbs 26:20)

6. Don’t become a victim to the sin of gossip (John 20:.19-23, 2 Timothy 1:7)

7. Remember God created you (Psalm 139:14)

8. Remember Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8)

Closing:

Ultimately, we shouldn’t be too concerned by what other people say about us. God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Think about that, the God of the universe loves you so much he died for you EVEN while we lived in open opposition to him. No one took Jesus’s life from him, not the Jewish leaders, not the Roman Government, not even Roman soldiers, Jesus willingly gave up his life for us all! Compared to that, what other people think doesn’t hold a candle.

Beating the Giants: Facing the Giant of Fear

fogwebadmin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 01:27:53 +0000

Key Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Easter is the Super Bowl for God’s Church, not because it’s just a ‘big deal’, but because through Christ and His death on the cross Christians have ULTIMATE VICTORY over Fear.

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Summary Points

1. The resurrection is of greatest importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

2. We no longer have to fear the future (Matthew 10:28)

3. We don’t need to fear our past (Psalm 103:12)

4. We can face the present without fear (John 20:19-23, 2 Timothy 1:7)

Closing:

When Jesus rose from the dead, he PROVED he had defeated death. As adopted sons and daughters of Jesus, we also get to share in the defeat of death (the payment for sin). Therefore Easter represents our ULTIMATE VICTORY.

Preparation for THE END: 2012 The Final Chapter?

fogwebadmin — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:09:11 +0000

Key Scripture: Revelation 20:7-10, Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 7:11-12

So now that you know how the world will end, how do you prepare for it? God’s got a great vision for the rest of history.

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Summary Points

1. End of the Millennium (Revelation 20:7-10)

a. After 1000 years, Satan is loosed onto the earth for a short time

b. Satan’s followers come again Christ

c. Christ will have the final victory

d. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire

2. Judgment Seat of Christ

a. Only Christians will experience this judgement

b. Timing is very vague

c. Christians will be rewarded for what they did for Christ

d. Crowns will be awarded (Sermon Cross Reference to “Two Judgments and Five Crowns“)

Crown of Life (Revelation 2:9-10)
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)
Imperishable Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
Crown of Exultation (1 Thessalonians 2:11-20)

3. Great White Throne judgement

a. Every soul will experience this

b. Books of works – men will be judged by these and experience God’s wrath

c. Book of life – followers of Christ and His Father will avoid God wrath

4. Eternity begins (Revelation 21:1-4)

a. Newly created heaven and earth

b. Magnificent and holy city

c. No death, mourning, crying or pain

d. Eternity of worship, ministry, fellowship and rest

Closing:

We will spend eternity in God’s presence worshiping him forever. (Revelation 7:11-12)

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ”Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

The Millennium: 2012 The Final Chapter

fogwebadmin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:15:02 +0000

Key Scripture: Revelation 19:11-14, 17:14, 19:20-21, 20:1-3, Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah, 35:5-6, Isaiah 65:20-21, Isaiah 11:6-9

Ultimately, the beauty queens will see their fondest desire come true, Peace on Earth! After all of the wrath of the Tribulation Period comes the Millennial Kingdom, a time when Jesus sits on a throne in Jerusalem and there are a 1000 years of peace and prosperity.

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Summary Points

1. Jesus has returned to the earth with the church. Revelation 19:11-14, 17:14

2. Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet have been defeated. Revelation 19:20, 20:1-3

3. Jesus set up His earthly kingdom that will reign for 1,000 years.

4. Tribulation believers will resurrect and join Christ and His Church. Revelation 20:4-6

5. The Millennial Kingdom will have new characteristics.

a.Weapons of war will become farm tools and peace will reign. Isaiah 2:4

b. Justice, Harmony and moral purity will characterize human culture. Psalm 72:1-4

c. Sickness and disease are eradicated. Isaiah 35:5-6

d. People will live long lives and no early death. Isaiah 65:20-21

e. Wild animals won’t be threatening. Isaiah 11:6-9

Additional Reading:

Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-6, 32:1-20, 35:1-10

Jeremiah 31:1-40, 33:1-26

Ezekiel 34:22-31, 36:24-30, 37:20-28

Daniel 2:44, 7:13-14, 27

Zechariah 2:10-13, 6:11-13, 12:6-10, 14:6-10

Armageddon and the second coming: 2012 The Final Chapter

fogwebadmin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:59:22 +0000

Key Scripture: Revelation 16:12-16, 17:12-14, 19:11-21, 20:1-6 17, Zechariah 14:9,

Revelation in two words, Christ Wins!! When learning the biblical prophesies describing God’s Wrath at the end of time, it’s easy to get caught up in the detailed judgments. Ultimately, it all leads to one simple outcome. Christ eliminates all sin and evil and reigns supreme.

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Summary Points

1. The Euphrates river dries up so the armies of the east have access to Israel. (Fifth bowl judgement)

Revelation 16:12 NASB

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

2. All the kings of the earth will be possessed by demons and join this war against Israel.

Revelation 16:13-14 NASB

And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.

3. All the armies of the world will gather at armengeddon

Revelation 16:16 NASB

And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.

4. The government’s of the earth will give their power to the antichrist

Revelation 17:12-13 NASB

The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.

5. Christ returns with the church to defeat the armies of the earth

Revelation 19:11-14 NASB

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.

Revelation 17:14 NASB

These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

6. Christ defeats the armies of the world with the words from his mouth

Revelation 19:15-16 NASB

From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

7. Christ throws the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire

Revelation 19:20-21 NASB

And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Like Satan the antichrist’s sin is that of idolatry and pride. He puts himself above God. God will judge them and overcome them both for it.

8. Those who worship the Antichrist are thrown into the lake of fire too.

Revelation 14:9-11 NASB

Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

9. Satan is bound for 1000 years

Revelation 20:1-2 NASB

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;

10. Those who died during the tribulation are resurrected and reign with christ for 1000 years

Revelation 20:4-6 NASB

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

11. Jesus will be the only king on the earth

Zechariah 14:9 NASB

And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one.

Conclusion:

The battle is over and Jesus won. He is our sole hope and source of joy. To receive healing and freedom, all that is required is to put our lives in God’s hands. You can start by taking a first step towards Him and by praying to receive His free gift, His forgiveness for sin.