Grace Community Church Clarksville, TN

Fighting for a cause is not a preference for some. It is not even a gift. It is how God designed us…all of us. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 1:13-17, James 1:27 Keywords: Cause, Protection, Justice, Fatherless, Widow, Orphan

Being a follower of Jesus isn't just "arriving" at our destination of Heaven for eternity. God calls His followers to continually and consistently take next steps in the here and now. As we prepare for 2013, what are the next steps God is calling you to take? Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:37-40 Keywords: Next Step, David, Goliath, Follower, Serving, New Year

We're familiar with building homes. But what if our homes built us? What if every decision we made took into account the home that God has built for us? Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-24 Keywords: Family, Joseph, Mary, Christmas, Jesus, Home

Can we still be a success if nothing in our life goes according to the plan? Consider the first Christmas and all the details that did not go according to plan. Scriptures: Luke 2:4-7 Keywords: Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Bethlehem, Census, Obedience, Success

It was not by accident that God chose to spend the first Christmas with poor, nameless shepherds. And it is not by chance that two thousand years later we still remember those shepherds. On Christmas, God gave the world the freedom to re-imagine the true meaning significance. Scriptures: Luke 2:8-20 Keywords: Significance, Value, Creation, Shepherds, Christmas, Jesus

Much of the Christmas stress is brought on by family relationships. But it doesn't have to be that way. There is a way to gather with our families at Christmas and actually celebrate. But to do that we will have to re-imagine family. Scriptures: Luke 1:39-56 Keywords: Christmas, Mary, Elizabeth, Family, Drama, In-laws

Hope is a familiar word. It is a popular wish. But it is not easy to identify. Is it possible to re-imagine hope? Scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-7, John 1:10-13 Keywords: Hope, Isaiah, Prophecy, Christmas, Need

In the end, we will not be defined by the big moments of victory or failure. We will be remembered for the small decisions. These little things make up one BIG DEAL! Scriptures: Judges 14:1-14, 16:20 Keywords: Legacy, Strength, Defining Moment, Samson, Faith

Being Thankful is an intentional choice not an accidental reaction. Scriptures: Habakkuk 3:2, 16-19 and James 1:2-4 Keywords: Thankfulness, Struggle, Faith, Hope

Pain is not evidence that has left us. Sometimes it is evidence that God is with us. God's plan sometimes brings us pain. Scriptures: Habakkuk 1:5-6, 2:20 Keywords: Evil, Suffering, Free Will, Choice, Sovereignty, Providence, Habakkuk

Honesty is one of the foundations of true relationships. A lack of honesty is one of the greatest obstacles to deepening the intimacy in a relationship. But how honest does God want us to be with Him? Scriptures: Habakkuk 1:2-4 Keywords: Prayer, Scripture, God’s Word, Intimacy, Growth, Discipleship

We can never allow the fear of being alone drive us from the God who is always with us. Scriptures: Exodus 32:1-8 Psalms 23:1-4 Keywords: Lonely, Security, Belong, Peace, Hope, Trust

Churches are often known for a variety of different things from buildings to pastors to programs, but Jesus had something different in mind when He established the Church. Join us today as the Kenwood Campus Pastor, Brandon Reed, teaches from Matthew 16:13-18, looking at what Jesus built the Church on, and what Brandon's heart is for the future at the Kenwood Campus of Grace Community Church. Keywords: Vision, Dreams, North Clarksville, Church, Jesus, Peter, Future

There is the moment when we realize that our reality does not match our hopes and dreams. How do we respond? Where do we find hope? Scriptures: Psalm 137:1-4, Psalm 33:1-5, 20-22, Acts 16:25-36 Keywords: Disappointment, Dreams, Hope, Sadness, Broken, Song, God

Being betrayed hurts. But it does more than that. It becomes heavy baggage that we drag around from relationship to relationship. This is baggage that we do not have to claim. Scriptures: Genesis 33:1-11 Keywords: Betrayal, Trust, Pride, Relationship Investment, Friendship

When God changes lives, His church family grows. As the church grows, new needs arise. One of those needs is often a place to gather. In the process, we must remember it’s about the people. Scriptures: Nehemiah 2:17-18, Nehemiah 6:1-8:12, 2 Chronicles 6:18-19 Keywords: Building, People, Future, Growth, Nehemiah, Wall, Jerusalem

When faith remains private it is as if it is dead. Living faith has compassion for all people. It seeks out and maximizes opportunities to demonstrate God's love. Scriptures: John 4:1-39, James 1:27, James 2:15-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8 Keywords: Missions, Volunteer, Ministry, Jesus, Church, Serve

Sharing our faith is more than reciting facts or communicating information. It has a lot to do with the way we live. Our lives have the power to amplify or mute our message. Scriptures: Mark 9:14-29, 2 Peter 2:1-12, Matthew 5:14-16, Isaiah 6:1-9 Keywords: Testimony, Witness, Evangelism, Gospel, Good News, Jesus

How do we start faith conversations? We’ll explore if there is just one way to do it, or if God gives us the freedom to tell His story in our own words. Scriptures: Romans 10:14-15, Mark 10:17-21, John 3:1-17, Luke 23:42-43, John 9:1-27, 1 Peter 3:15 Keywords: Evangelism, Witness, Jesus, Faith, Rich Young Ruler, Nicodemus, Thief

s everyone expected to talk to others about faith? What if it is not our gift? Join us as we discover the part we play in the faith journey of others. Scriptures: Ezekiel 3:16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Keywords: Evangelism, Salvation, Relationship, Faith

If the goal is to pass a personal faith along to children, parents need to make it a priority to make their faith personal in their own lives. Scriptures: Mark 1:35-39, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Keywords: Parenting, spiritual growth, priorities

We never know when our number is going to be called. We often feel we have waited so long for God to give us an assignment, that we give up. How are we supposed to plan and be prepared for that time when God calls our number? Scriptures: Joshua 3:1-5 Keywords: Service, Preparation, Consecration, Purification, Assignment, Mission, Planning

When we think of volunteering, we think about using our gifts to serve others. But what if the opportunity to serve is actually the gift? And what if how we use the gift reveals who we truly are? Scriptures: Matthew 25:31-46 Keywords: Serve, Volunteer, Gifts, Talents, Abilities, Church

We were created to be in relationships with others. But when relationships get difficult we often give up on them or allow them to affect our character. How can we be connected to people who don't agree with us and may not even like us? Scriptures: Acts 15:36-41, 1 John 2:7-11, Hebrews 10:23-24, Proverbs 20:18, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Keywords: Relationships, Friendship, Fellowship, Church, Connect, Small Groups, Community Groups

Worship is not a spectator sport. It is not for a select group of gifted artists. It is a created purpose for everything that has breath. It is time to come out of the stands, get off the bleachers, and get in the game. Scriptures: Psalm 150:1-6, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 Keywords: Worship, Gathering, Church, Creation, Vision, Strategy

Some said Jesus was a king. Others said he was a liar. What everyone said was that he was not the king the people expected. Scriptures: Matthew 21:1-15, Luke 19:39-44, Philippians 2:6-12 Keywords: King, Savior, Jesus, Lord, Triumphant Entry, Crowns, Submission

Michael Bayne talks about how the when we open our lives up to Scripture it always calls us to action. really matters. Scriptures: 2 Kings 22-23 Keywords: Bible, Truth, Change

Solomon was a guy who had it all, did it all, was loved by all, but lost it all as he believed the empty promises of idols. Join us this week as Brandon Reed opens the story of Solomon to look at how recognizing the empty promises of the allures of our world and culture begins with recognizing what really matters. Scriptures: 1 Kings 1-11; Ecclesiastes 2:8-11 Keywords: Solomon, idols, money, acceptance, approval, family

Sometimes it is better not to do anything than to do something with limited effort. The ancient King Amaziah had a habit of not seeing things through. The legacy he left seems to reflect his lack of commitment and teaches us a great life lesson. Scriptures: 2 Kings 14:1-12 Keywords: Commitment, Loyalty, Faithfulness, Amaziah, Kings

Doing what's right doesn't always feel right, and many times when you do what's right, it won't make sense to everyone else. Ben Reed looks at the callings of Elijah and Elisha to help us understand what God may be calling us to do. Scriptures: 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 19 Keywords: Faith, Eijah, Elisha, Kings, Ahab, Calling

Faith decisions based on convenience create problems for ourselves and everyone around us. Just because it is easy, comfortable, or feels right, does not mean it is true. Jeroboam is an ancient king who learned this the hard way. Scriptures: 1 Kings 12:26-30 Keywords: Worship, Fear, Truth, Idols, Idolatry, Faith, Church, Jeroboam

When it comes to discipline, most parents feel the pressure to either punish or become a push-over. Neither is what God expects of us. Adonijah is one king who served as a real life example. Scriptures: 1 Kings 1:5-53, 2:1-25, Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:5-13, Keywords: Discipline, Adonijah, David, Solomon, Kings. Israel, Fatherhood, Parenting, Fathers, Father’s Day

God has gifted each of us. He holds us accountable for how we use those gifts. So what does He expect from us? How will He evaluate His investment?Key Words: Gifts, Talents, Abilities, Parable, Create, Judgment, Service Scriptures: Matthew 25:16:29, 1 Corinthians 12:22-26

God created us for a purpose, but discovering God's will for our life is not easy. Join Ron Edmondson as he considers one necessary step we must take to be found in the center of our created purpose. Scriptures and Keywords: Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 104, Surrender, God, Creator, Purpose, God's will, Obedience

Every piece of art reveals something about the artist. As creations of God, what do we reveal about our Creator? With all of our defects, how do we reflect the character of God? Scriptures and Keywords: Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10, Creator, Create, Gifts, Spiritual Gifts, Life, Salvation

God created, gave freedom, and then displayed a willingness to redeem His creation when it became “broken.” He created us for His own glory and He has not given up on us yet! Join Pastor Ron Edmondson as we look at the Creator God. Scriptures and Keywords: Geneis 1, 2, John 1:1-5, Romans 8:18-29, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Create, Creation, God, Restore

Fashion changes. Styles and preferences change. But beauty? It is unchanging. It’s time we re-discover God’s definition of beauty. Scriptures and Keywords: Esther 2:2-4, 17-20, 4:11-16, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Proverbs 31:30, Beauty, Appearance, Modesty, Esther, Inner Beauty, Charm

What does it mean to be a man? All of our heroes are big, fast , strong, and victorious. But is that the true definition of a man? Join us as we re-define "man." Scriptures and Keywords: Nehemiah 1:4, 6:1-13, Mark 12:30, Man, Manhood, Masculinity, Nehemiah, Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength, Will, Courage, Fight

Our culture often defines forgiveness as weakness, out of date, and unrealistic. But Jesus teaches the reality that not only is forgiveness possible, but it's crucial in the life of a follower of Christ. Join us this week as Brandon Reed looks to Jesus' teaching to redefine forgiveness. Scriptures and Keywords: Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus, sermon on the mount, prayer, forgiveness, culture, guilt, hurt, brokenness, grace, gospel.

Often we allow failure to define our life, rather than redefining our life by failure. Join Ron Edmondson as we learn how God can use failure to position us for even greater use in life and within the Kingdom of God. Scriptures and Keywords: Luke 22, John 21, Acts 4, Failure, Success, Peter, Ministry, Call, Obedience, Faith

Is success the same as winning? If that is the case, then most of us are losers. Regardless of what our culture teaches, what is the true definition of success? Scriptures and Keywords: Daniel 3:1-30, Success, Failure, Risk, Faith, Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Pagan Worship

We often run from discomfort and any kind of pain. But what if there is healing in the pain. This Easter, we will embrace the burn that comes with encountering Jesus. Scriptures and Keywords: Luke 24:1-33, Resurrection, Jesus, Emmaus, Easter, Prophecy

Michael Bayne talks about how the when we open our lives up to Scripture it always calls us to action Scriptures: 2 Kings 22-23 Keywords: Bible, Truth, Change

Sometimes things have to get desperate before they get better. Let's look at the final week of Jesus earthly ministry. Things are getting desperate, but Easter is coming! Scriptures and Keywords: John 12:12-15, John 12:16, John 12:17-19, John 12:20-23, John 12:24, John 12:25-26, John 12:27-28, Jesus, Cross, Desperation, Disciples, Lazarus, Palm Sunday

There is one place in Sin City that we all know is destructive. Yet, we continue to go there. Lust may begin with the eyes and the mind, but it never stays there. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: James 1:12-15, Matthew 5:27-29, Ephesians 4:21-23, 2 Timothy 2:21-23, Judges 14:1-3, Lust, Attraction, Sexual Sin, Sex, Pornography, Samson

Life is about forward motion. Taking steps. Learning and growing. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to moving forward is bitterness. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: Genesis 29:17-35:20, Bitterness, Jealousy, Forgiveness, Rachel, Jacob, Leah, Joseph

In our series "Sin City, Ron Edmondson shares about the sin of pride. Though we don't often recognize this sin in ourselves it can have huge negative consequences. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: 2 Chronicles 26, Psalm 10:4, Proverbs 13:10, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 29:23, Pride, Uzziah, Arrogance, Humility, God

Jealousy seems harmless. Frustrating? Sure. But we rarely see the effects it has on our faith and on the people who are closest to us. Truth be told, it is one of the most dangerous attractions in Sin City. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: John 21:1-22, Proverbs 14:20, Proverbs 27:4, James 3;15-16, Jelousy, Envy, Contentment, Mission, Purpose, Jesus, Peter, John

In the concluding message of the Galatians series, join Ron Edmondson as he looks at how we are to relate to other believers and the value of doing good works. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: Galatians 6,Galatians, Sow, Reap, Christians, Believers, Accountability, Discipline

Why would a free person go back to being a slave? Paul wondered that too and he addresses the in Galatians 5. Join Ron Edmondson as he looks at this passage to help us live free. _______________________________________________ Scriptures and Keywords: Galatians 4:1-6, Galatians 5:1-15, Freedom, Christ, Yoke, Slavery