Grace Community Church Clarksville, TN

This week, we wrap up the Apostles' Creed series by taking a closer look at what it means to believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. These core tenets of Christianity give us hope: beyond our failures, beyond our bodies, and beyond our lives. This hope has the power to impact our actions now and for eternity. Key Verses: Ephesians 2:4-7

The Apostles' Creed emphasizes the belief in the holy, catholic (universal) Church. The Church is the holy, set-apart people of God who have been saved by the sacrifice of Jesus. The Church is meant to be the place where we, the people of God, worship, work, and witness to one another and the world; however, far too often it becomes just a building we occasionally visit out of obligation or guilt. The Church is meant to be far more than we allow it to be in our lives. What does it truly mean to believe in the church, and to walk in that belief every day? Key Verses: 1 Peter 2:5,9

When we think about God, the Father and the Son are easily imagined. But what about the Holy Spirit? In this sermon we look at the important statement "I believe in the Holy Spirit" and explore what that can mean for our lives today. Key Verses: Ephesians 4:17-24

We continue our journey through the Apostles' Creed by turning our attention to one of its most defining lines: "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord." These words aren't just theological—they're personal. They point us to a real, historical person. Not a myth. Not just a good man. But Jesus: the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. Key Verses: Acts 2:22-24, 36-39

What are the essential beliefs of Christianity? Hundreds of years ago, Christians developed a set of simple sayings to help people know what it truly means to be a Christian called the "Apostles' Creed." In this sermon, we start our new series as we look at these simple sayings, beginning with the importance of knowing God as our Father. Key Verses: Luke 10:21-24

Because we have heard it so often, one of the great challenges we face is to hear the Easter story with open hearts. In this sermon, we look at the resurrection of Jesus through three important events — Pilate's deception, Jesus' death, and the disciples' dinner with him after he rises from the grave. Key Verses: Luke 24:35-49

As Jesus shares this last supper with his disciples, he begins to speak of the lives they are now called to live. A central necessity of this new life, he says, is to remain in Him. Jesus describes himself as the true vine, his Father as the gardener, and we as the branches. If we remain connected to him, rooted in his life and love, we will flourish and bear lasting fruit in this new way of living. Key Verses: John 15:1-11

As Jesus prepares his disciples for his eventual death, he senses they are anxious and have troubled hearts. He gives them these precious promises — that he is making a home for them, and that he is the way to get to this home. In this sermon, we look at what that means and how we can believe this truth today. Key Verses: John 14:1-7

In the depths of grief following the death of his friend Lazarus, Jesus declares, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." Yet, sorrow and anger do not have the final word. Jesus demonstrates his power, bringing hope to us even today. We can begin to trust him to ultimately make all things right. Key Verses: John 11:17-27

Life is a series of complicated situations — but what if we could have a someone to lead us through them? In this sermon, we look at how Jesus leads us and cares for us as shepherd. Key Verses: John 10:11-18

Jesus reminds us in His third I AM statement that He is our protection. He is the Gate for our souls to be free and safe with Him for all eternity. He also reminds us that some seek to remove us from the Gate of His protection. Why? What do we do to stay in the security and safety of the Lord? As we look at John 10:1-10, we see how Jesus directs us towards Him and away from the destruction of the enemy. Key Verses: John 10:1-10

Jesus says, "I am the Light of the world," offering both the promise of new life and the call to follow Him. His light brings hope, renewal, and a life illuminated by His love, guiding all who believe toward the truth that sets us free. Key Verses: John 8:12-30

What is going to sustain you as you face your life? This is one of the most important questions all of us must answer, because life often feels unsustainable. As we begin our new series on the "I Am" statements of Jesus, we see that Jesus says he is our "bread." In this sermon, we look at the explanation, the offer, and the mystery of what this actually means for us today. Key Verses: John 6:23-35

At the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Roman Church, he offers his final instructions. With love and friendship, he encourages them to support one another, provides crucial warnings about future challenges, and speaks a heartfelt prayer of blessing. For us, this entire letter serves as a foundation, helping to strengthen and stabilize our faith.At the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Roman Church, he offers his final instructions. With love and friendship, he encourages them to support one another, provides crucial warnings about future challenges, and speaks a heartfelt prayer of blessing. For us, this entire letter serves as a foundation, helping to strengthen and stabilize our faith. Key Verses: Romans 16:17-20

Our culture tells us to base our decisions on our own happiness, but what if the way to true fulfillment is surrender? In this sermon, we will be challenged to live thoughtfully, help others do what is right, and remember Christ's example. These are the markers of a community of believers who worship God with harmony and unity, giving Him all the glory. Key Verses: Romans 15:1-7

How do we live out the freedom that God gives to us through Jesus? In this sermon, we see that we are to be guided by God's truth, our own consciences, and a growing concern for others. Key Verses: Romans 14:1-8

Most people would say that to be a Christian is to be loving. But what does that mean? In this sermon, we look at how love is an unpaid debt, a fulfillment, and a foretaste of what is to come. Key Verses: Romans 13:8-14

Paul focuses on how salvation should shape every aspect of our lives, including our response to authority. We feel tension toward Paul's words in Romans 13 because we ultimately all have an authority problem, specifically a problem with submitting to authority. Reflect today on why God places authority over us and how authority draws us toward Him and righteousness. Key Verses: Romans 13:1-7

Loving others is an essential part of following Jesus. But how are we supposed to do it? In this sermon, we look at the need for love, the ways of love, and the cost of love. Key Verses: Romans 12:9-21

In Romans, Paul begins to address the practicalities of living in community with other believers. Challenged to self-examination by thinking rightly about our own gifts and the gifts of those we are in close relationship with. He calls everyone to use their unique gifts in service to his greater purpose. Key Verses: Romans 12:3-8

At the beginning of a new year, most of us think about how we have lived and how we want to live in the future. Paul says real change is possible if we consider two things: our bodies and our minds. In this sermon, we look at what it means to offer our bodies and our minds to God and what he promises to do for us when we do. Key Verses: Romans 12:1-2

The Messiah comes with the promise of bringing peace, but what does this mean? In this sermon, we look at the kinds of peace Jesus comes to bring, how he does it, and how we can get it. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:6-7

In Isaiah we see the unique image of a child given to us, that is also to be called our Everlasting Father. In Jesus Christ, we have the Son of God that shows us the characteristics of the perfect father. A father that will never leave us, promising to be reachable for eternity. He gives to us an everlasting father that will love us endlessly. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:2,6

When Jesus comes into the world, he promises to come as a "mighty God" — as someone who comes with real power. In this sermon, we look at what it means for Jesus to offer us His power in the midst of our daily lives. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:6

One of the clearest prophecies of Jesus' birth, apart from the gospels, is found in Isaiah 9. Here we see that a child is born to us, that he is actually God's son, and that God is giving him to us. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the gift of Jesus this Christmas season, we will take a closer look at Isaiah 9:6-7 to better understand what we have been offered through Christ. This message focuses on the significance that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:6-7

Romans 8 is the culmination of the book of Romans. Throughout this chapter, Paul has shown us the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. He explained that the Holy Spirit gives life and hope in our suffering, and specifically in Romans 8:31-39, Paul points to the love of God that can only begin to be understood through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We all face a love deficit in how we express, understand, and experience it. Only through our leaning on the Holy Spirit can we begin to be reminded and transformed by the love of God. Key Verses: Romans 8:31-39

As we are led by the Spirit, we'll experience both glory and suffering. Suffering isn't meaningless; it holds the promise of future glory, which we all eagerly anticipate. As we wait for redemption, we lament what is broken in our world and move through loss towards hope. Key Verses: Romans 8:18-25

Jesus fulfilled the law's impossible task, freeing us from condemnation. This truth is essential for leading spirit-directed lives. The Spirit gives us life and direction, enabling us to join God's family. As adopted children, we enjoy security, intimacy, and God's presence. Now, we are called to carry on our Father's mission. Key Verses: Romans 8:1, 11-17

In Romans, Paul has been building a case for real lasting life change to happen for the followers of Jesus. He is proclaiming the Good News of a free mercy offered through Jesus that can lead to renewal on this earth and an eternity spent with Him. Yet, within this message of hope there is also a warning to not trust in our own abilities to keep doing good. We are split creatures, full of desires to do good and desires to do evil. Jesus is then the only answer in this world and it is the promise of His indwelling Spirit that gives us hope. Key Verses: Romans 7:14-25

If God gives us unlimited grace, does it really matter how we live? In this sermon, we see how grace challenges us to leave our former sinful ways and to embrace a new, deeper freedom in God's free gift of love. Key Verses: Romans 6:15-23

This week, we will continue our study in the book of Romans by taking a closer look at the peace with God that is available to us through the work of Jesus Christ. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, so anyone who puts their faith in Jesus is no longer under God's condemnation. This truth ushers in the reality of peace with God, which leads us to experience joy: in our waiting, in our trials, and in our relationship with God. Key Verses: Romans 5:1-11

Paul focuses most of his message to the Romans on the gospel. He explains the gospel, who it is for, and how it should change everything about us. We tend to think we know the gospel and then, in turn, miss the mysteries that it reveals for us. The gospel is meant to be the good news that becomes our eternal meditation. Every day, we should meditate on the gospel and allow it to transform how we see God, ourselves, and our purpose in life. Reflect today on the gospel and what it shows us about God, ourselves, and our purpose in life. Key Verses: Romans 3:21-31

The Bible makes an astounding claim: no one is righteous — not one. What does this mean? How can we accept this truth about the world and ourselves? In this sermon, we explore how Paul shows us what it means to believe this key insight into our lives, and the the hope that we have in Jesus. Key Verses: Romans 3:9-20

How do we have a right relationship with God? Paul tells us that it does not come from being perfect or from coming from the right circumstances, but instead because of a changed heart. In this sermon, we look at why we need our hearts to be changed, how God does it, and what he gives us through his process of changing us. Key Verses: Romans 2:25-29

As Paul builds the case for the Good News of Jesus being available to everyone, he points his readers towards the righteous judgement of God. God will come to bring justice and none can excuse themselves from his judgement; neither the morally corrupt or the self-righteous rule followers. Our only hope for repentance comes when we are drawn towards God because of his wonderful kindness, tolerance, and patience. His kindness towards sinners shows itself through his retraint and patience.

As Paul begins his argument for our need of God's salvation, he tells us an uncomfortable truth: that we have no excuses for not being aware of who God is. In this sermon, we look at how God sends each of us a message of his presence, why we often ignore it, and how he responds. Key Verses: Romans 1:18-23

Paul's letter to the church in Rome, written thousands of years ago, still stands as the fullest exploration of what it means to be saved by God's grace. In this sermon, we begin our series in this letter by looking at what Paul teaches about grace and the power it can bring into our lives today. Key Verses: Romans 1:1-5, 16-17

Paul calls us to imitate Christ in all we do. This is a lifelong call that all Christians should regularly be living for, but one of the places we miss in how to accomplish this is in righteous play. Living for Christ and reflecting Him in our lives should involve the regular work of righteous play. In this sermon, we look at why God values play in His kingdom and how we can begin to imitate Christ through the work of righteous play. Key Verses: Ephesians 5:1-16

In the final chapter of Nehemiah, we see that God's people have again forgotten about God and returned to their selfish ways of living. In this sermon, we look at why we have so much trouble being good, what God does about it, and how we can respond to him today. Key Verses: Nehemiah 13:23-27

In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of the wall is complete, the people have listened to the Law, and made oaths to stay faithful. At this stage they experience hearts that are overwhelmed with the goodness of God and they come together to celebrate and make a joyful noise. Celebration is essential to our lives as Christians as well, giving us opporutnity to slow down, be filled with Joy and recognize all the parts of our journey with gratitude. Key Verses: Nehemiah 12:27-30, 40-43

Throughout history, one things is repeatedly proven: our hearts are a mess. It was the same for God's people in Nehemiah, too. In this sermon, we look at what is wrong with the human heart, how God gives us his mercy, and why he calls us to obedience. Key Verses: Nehemiah 10:28-29

After God's people rebuild the wall, they spend a month listening to God's commands. In this sermon, we look at what the law is, why it matters to his people, and how he wants us to use it today. Key Verses: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 8-12

After all that Nehemiah and the Jewish people have overcome the work on rebuilding the wall comes to a halt. Why? Because money and greed have led to division amongst the Jewish people. The work can only be continued through Nehemiah's actions of generous sacrificial living. Today we look at how we can begin to live a life fully invested in God through the work of generous sacrificial living in our daily lives. Keywords: Nehemiah, sacrifice, giving, generosity, fear, love, desire

This week, we will continue our study in the book of Nehemiah by taking a closer look at the opposition that Nehemiah faced in chapter 4. God's people were continuing to accomplish the task that He had given them to do, yet they were in growing danger and battling doubt. As a result, they wrestled with a potent question we still face today- what can we do when we face overwhelming discouragement? This sermon focuses on Nehemiah's profound answer- we must remember the Lord and respond according to His great and glorious character. Key Verses: Nehemiah 4:1-14

As Nehemiah begins to carry out God's vision for rebuilding the wall, and more importantly the people's hearts, he must first inspect the walls that need repair. It is in taking these important steps of obedience that we begin to see the hidden plans of God revealed to Nehemiah and the people of Israel, and the ways God wants to reveal his plans for our lives. Key Verses: Nehemiah 2:11-17

In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem serves as the main way God introduces redemption and renewal to his people. When things don't turn out as we had hoped, we are called towards God through adoration and confession. We can appeal to God with the confidence that he will intercede and use our willingness to act for his purposes. Key Verses: Nehemiah 1:1-11

In one of Jesus' most powerful teachings, he tells us that everyday life can create in us a persistent sense of worry. But then he offers us a surprising command — to look at beautiful things like birds and flowers as a way to fight against the demands of everyday life. In this sermon, we look at the importance of beauty, why we need it in our lives, and how we can make more room for it in our lives today. Key Verses: Matthew 6:25-34

In the Incarnation, Jesus comes to be both fully human and fully God simultaneously. Looking closer at this central doctrine of our faith, we can discover that Jesus was coming to become like us so that he could better help us; believing this essential truth is to see his kingdom come to permeate every facet of our lives. Key Verses: Phillipians 2:6-11

As children, we are willing to believe and be ready for the impossible. As we grow older though we lose our dependence and faith that God can and will do the impossible. In this sermon, we look at one of the impossible works of God through the true account of God rescuing the Israelites from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea. As you look at this story remind yourself how to believe in the impossible from God again. Key Verses: Exodus 14:29-31

We have never seen a lonelier society than we have today. What does Christianity say to loneliness, and what can it offer to lonely people? In this sermon, we look at the important of holy friendships and how we can pursue them in our lives today. Key Verses: Romans 16:3-16