FBCGridley

James 1:13-18 There are times in the Christian life when our heart desires things that are not in the best interest of our family, our church, or ourselves. And if we can learn to say no, even though it's difficult at the moment—ultimately, that discipline will have positive results. All of us need some practical instruction about how to cope with temptation. ​ When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:13

Genesis 27: 18-40 No matter your age, the approval of your parents affects how you view yourself and your ability to pass that approval along to your children, spouse, and friends. Many people spend a lifetime looking for this acceptance that the Bible calls, "The Blessing." Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

The night of Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter was warming his hands at the fire in the High Priest's courtyard. When accused of being one of Jesus' disciple's, with cowardice he betrayed his master. Later at Pentecost, this same Peter preached in the power of the Holy Spirit with boldness calling the same people who crucified Jesus to give their lives to Christ. Some 3000 responded. What happened in the life of Peter to bring about that dramatic change? How was it that he made the most of this second chance that he was given? ​ I think the reason for his transformation can be identified in a large part to this encounter that is recorded in John 21. Every one needs a second chance. God wants to transform each of us into consistent effective servants. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36

Jude 1:22 tells us to simply, Be merciful to those who doubt; Do you know why? Because as many Christians will testify, if you are patient with honest doubters they often will turn out to be strong believers. That’s why Jesus Christ was so full of grace to this man, Thomas. Thomas dealt with life's most important question: Did Jesus Christ come back from the dead? Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." John 20:24-25

Do you ever see out of control people or people with incredible negative energy—as a potential force for good if they gave their life to Jesus Christ? ​ Jesus Christ doesn’t just want to forgive our sin. He wants us to overcome that sin, and live in victory. ​ Jesus responded to the Gerasene demoniac with healing grace. And this man became a positive testimony to his community about the eternal truth of Jesus Christ. ​ They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. Luke 8:26-27

Luke 7:37-50 ​ The Good News of the Gospel is that we are not saved by perfectly obeying the Ten Commandments. But we are saved by completely trusting the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. ​ John 1:17 says, For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Once we understand that truth, we can receive forgiveness and walk in joyful and confident obedience. We are going to examine how Jesus responded to several people who desperately needed His grace. The first is a sinful woman who came to Jesus for forgiveness. https://www.fbcgridley.org/

David said, The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1 When a man says, “I shall not want.” It ought to make us sit up and take notice. Because this is an age of discontent. It’s not just professional baseball players who had to play without fans buying tickets last year, the year of the Corona Virus scare, everybody wants more. A little child wants more toys and more television time. A teen ager wants more freedom and more popularity. Most of us adults want more possessions or more leisure time. And certainly as we age, we want more health, and more friends, and more loyalty from our children. The ear mark of the Christian ought to be contentedness. Others should sense a spirit of satisfaction in us that brands us as belonging to Jesus Christ

For many Americans, there is a national mood of pessimism. There are times when all of us experience discouragement. Maybe we don’t threaten suicide or we don’t turn to drugs, but we are oppressed at times by the “flood of despair.” There is a tremendous story of hope in Exodus 14. The Children of Israel came to an impasse at the Red Sea. Just hours before they were celebrating their release from slavery in Egypt. But now, their emotions had reversed and they were in the pit of despair. ​ The story of how God miraculously delivered them, should be a source of inspiration to us in times of discouragement. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:6-7

Floodwater was a very real hazard to the Children of Israel as they journeyed into the Promised Land. A part of the Hebrew history and culture, the Bible in several places uses “flood water” as an analogy for danger and a demonstration of God’s protection over them. ​ This morning I want to talk about the “Flood of Doubt.” Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:6-7

One of the most significant changes that Jesus Christ wants to make in our personalities is to transform us into people who are continually grateful. ​ Instead of constantly grumbling about our circumstances, God wants us to radiate with thanksgiving. Instead of silently taking for granted all of God’s goodness, we are to bubble over with gratitude. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalm 30:11-12

Just as quickly as they came, the angels disappeared. And the shepherds were left standing alone in the dark pasture, absolutely awestruck at what they had seen and heard. What an incredible experience the shepherds had, to be visited by angels from heaven. But this morning we want you to see what the shepherds did after the angels had gone. Because the real test of the Christian life is not how well you handle the spiritual highs, but how well you function during the ordinary times. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15-20

This famous Christmas carol was written by a dedicated Christian in search of spiritual renewal. The song's message still touches lives today and demonstrates how God quietly comes into our lives. Let’s look at Phillips Brooks', O Little Town of Bethlehem by stanzas and review the reminders about spiritual renewal and peace for people today. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2

We certainly grow accustomed to the finer things in our lives. We often don’t even realize how much we have been blessed until they are gone. If we lose a material possession through no fault of our own, we may feel a sudden loss or if it has been stolen from us, we may feel cheated. ​ But probably nothing can replace the loss that we feel during grief. Or when the health of our loved one or even our own health suddenly changes. For some, it is possible to lament the loss of a job, loss of respect or reputation, or a change in their financial future. It could be a change in a relationship. ​ Do you despair over a bleak or doubtful future because of change beyond your control?​ ​ The Proverbs says, Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10

When we don’t understand the rationale behind God’s command it is harder to be obedient. Because we are proud of our intellect and we have a difficult time being submissive anyway. And when God’s commands don’t make sense to us, our faith is really tested. ​ But it is then that we have the opportunity to prove whether Jesus is really the Lord of our lives. ​ March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in." Joshua 6:3-5