Grace Community Church Clarksville, TN

Paul was not just interested in preaching to the Thessalonians — he wanted to be in a relationship with them. In this sermon we see how Paul reflects on his relationship with the people in this church, and the costs he was willing to pay to make it happen. Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-16

We are waiting for God to act in our lives, it can often become a time of disorientation. What does it mean to succeed, or to fail? In this sermon, we look at what real success and failure are from God's perspective, and how he can use both to further his plans and purposes in our lives. Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

Once we experience the assurances of our sinfulness, our need for mercy, and the provision of God's great love, what do we do next? In this sermon, we see that growing in Christ often means a turning away from the things we think we need to be happy, to find peace, to feel important and instead serving God with clear, free hearts. Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

How do we know when we meet the real, true, and living God? As we begin our new series on the letter 1 Thessalonians, we see how God promises us an assurance, through his Holy Spirit, of his presence in our lives. Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7

Anxious, angry, fearful, anguished, embittered. These are adjectives that may be used to describe a lot of us right now. We live in a fearful, divisive, and difficult time. What do we do with all of these feelings and burdens? Jesus calls us to look to Him, to who He is to begin to find peace. Jesus defines Himself with the adjectives gentle and lowly, and if it's true, then the peace He offers is possible. Today let's look at how Jesus was gentle and lowly and how we might find these characteristics defining our lives as well. Key Verses: Matthew 11:28-30

As Joseph's story comes to a close, his brothers are worried that his forgiveness will run out now that their father has died. In this sermon, we look at why Joseph's brothers struggled to accept the forgiveness that Joseph had already given them so that we can learn more about what it means for us to accept the forgiveness God offers us. Key Verses: Genesis 50:14-21

When people hurt us, we have a hard, but great, opportunity to practice forgiveness. In this sermon, we'll look at the importance of forgiveness and how we can offer it to those around us. Key Verses: Genesis 45:1-15

As Joseph moved out of prison and into Pharaoh's inner circle, he has two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. Within these two names, we see two vital aspects of how Joseph healed from his past pains, and how we can, too. Key Verses: Genesis 41:50-52

After spending a long time under suffering and unfairly imprisoned, Joseph now emerges to a new reality of freedom. But he is different. In this sermon, we see how Joseph was transformed into a useful servant for God's redemptive plans, and how we can experience this same transformation, as well. Key Verses: Genesis 41:8-40

God continues to be actively involved in every aspect of Joseph's life, from the successful years to the devastating turn that takes him to prison. Joseph is giving us an ideal demonstration of what it looks like to be comforted by the sovereign presence of God. We likewise can trust that God is good and, at the same time, absolutely in control of all creation. Key Verses: Genesis 39:19-23

The Life of Joseph is one that points us back to the reality of our lives. One of the undeniable truths we see in life is that we face many tests. We face daily tests of choosing what is right and what is wrong. Do we give in to our temptations or overcome to live in integrity. Today we look at the cost of integrity and the reward of unity it offers us all. Key Verses: Genesis 39:7-18

In the eleven years Joseph serves in Potiphar's house, he experiences success in spectacular ways. Alongside God's sovereign presence, Joseph works in a way that brings God's blessing to those around him. In our lives today, we discover God is more interested in our character than any possessions we gain through our work. Key Verses: Genesis 39:1-6a Speaker: Jonathan Cliff

The story of Joseph is one we can all relate to, but not for the reasons we like to think. The story of Joseph reminds us of the reality of evil that we all face, the reality of evil that dwells within us. Joseph's brothers commit evil against their brother Joseph. What we learn through their actions is that this evil is something we all share in common, but what is the reality of evil within us and how can we experience a greater reality? Key Verses: Genesis 37:18-36 Speaker: Van Riggins

At the beginning of Joseph's life story, we see the importance of a strong character that must align with Joseph's unique and undeniable gifts. He is thrust into an incredible journey due to his father's favoritism and his brothers' jealousy, yet despite these obstacles, his strong gift of faithfulness shines through. Key Verses: Genesis 37:1-17 Speaker: Jonathan Cliff

In today's world we often value transparency and openness, but sometimes it's important for us to go the other way. In this sermon, we look at the importance of practicing our faith in hidden and private ways, which opens our hearts to receive a unique blessing from God. Key Verses: Matthew 6:1-6 Speaker: Adam Dressler

Prayer is our means of acknowledging and embracing the presence of God. Prayer is our way of actively giving ourselves to God every time we practice it, but why don't we give ourselves to prayer as a daily habit? What might happen if we did? In this sermon we look at why we are called to devote ourselves to prayer and how we can do so regularly. Key Verses: Colossians 4:2

When we think about ourselves, it is sometimes hard to know if we are seeing things as we really are. In this sermon, we explore how to face God in his light, ourselves in our sin, and the mercy he gives to us through Jesus. Key Verses: 1 John 1:5-10

Christianity is not just about right beliefs or right behaviors, but something else — an opportunity to experience the presence of God. In this sermon we look at this great presence, why we need it, and how to cultivate the kind of life that is open to it. Key Verses: Exodus 33:12-13

Psalm 121 is a Psalm that answers a question we all ask at some point in our lives: "Where can I go for help?" God is faithful to provide us access to the help that we need most through the gift that He offers freely to us- Himself. Key Verses: Psalm 121:1-8

How do we live with the people around us? In this sermon, we look at how love can lead us to relate to others, especially to those who hurt us. Key Verses: Romans 12:14-21

One of the most important ways that God wants to transform us is in how we love. In this sermon, we look at the what God means by "love" and how we can practically love the people in our lives. Key Verses: Romans 12:9-13

Once we admit our humble position in life, now what? In this sermon, we see that out of humility comes the freedom to depend on others and their gifts, while also freely use our gifts to help those around us, as well. Key Verses: Romans 12:4-8

Discerning God's will for my life begins with an honest evaluation of my thinking. Humbly and rightly thinking of myself, in a way that allows me to serve others first, is the foundation upon which we can then use the gifts he graciously gives us. Key Verses: Romans 12:1-3

At the center of the Christian life lies the promise that we can become new creations. In this sermon, we begin our series on growth by looking at how God transforms us through his mercy. Key Verses: Romans 12:1-2

Easter is about many things, but most importantly it is about love. In this sermon, we will look at one of the most glorious prayers of the Bible and see how we can receive the experience each of needs — the experience of God's love for us. Key Verses: Ephesians 3:16-19 Key Words: Easter, love, Jesus, cross, resurrection, spiritual growth, prayer, acceptance, hope

As we look towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. In the letter to Laodicea, we see that any attempt to live a self-sufficient life will ultimately exclude us from experiencing Jesus as he was meant to be experienced — as Lord, Savior, and Friend. Key Verses: Revelation 3:14-22 Key Words: obedience, riches, wealth, dependence, friendship

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. In the letter to Philadelphia, we discover that Jesus sees the faithful obedience of those with little strength. Jesus gives the promise to bring stability and security to a church amid cultural upheaval and persecution. Key Verses: Revelation 3:7-13 Key Words: obedience, strength, church, holy, true

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. In the letter to Sardis, we see how we can be physically alive, but spiritually dead, and how God can save us from this reality. Key Verses: Revelation 3:1-6 Key Words: obedience, godliness, spiritual strength

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. In the letter to Thyatira, we explore the importance of living a holy life, for the duration of our lives. Key Verses: Revelation 2:18-29 Key Words: holy living, endurance, purity, compromise, obedience, discipleship, grace

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at seven letters to seven churches in the book of Revelation. In this first letter to the church in Pergamum, we see how living for what is true brings us closer to Jesus, and further from lies and the things that never satisfy. Key Verses: Revelation 2:12-17 Key Words: Revelation, Lent, truth, authority

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at seven letters to seven churches in the book of Revelation. In this second letter to the church in Ephesus, we find a message of hope to those who are suffering. Key Verses: Revelation 2:8-11 Key Words: Revelation, Lent, suffering, hope

As we look ahead towards Easter, we are preparing our hearts by looking at seven letters to seven churches in the book of Revelation. In this first letter to the church in Ephesus, we see how it is possible to do the right things in our lives, but still miss out on what is most important: love. Key Verses: Revelation 2:1-7 Key Words: Revelation, Lent, right living, love

One day this world will end — and then what comes next? In this sermon, we look at what happens after God judges the world and brings and end to evil and how that can shape our lives today. Key Verses: Revelation 21:1-7 Key Words: end of the world, new heavens, new earth, heaven, afterlife

In Revelation, we discover that judgment becomes a necessary part of The Greater Story. The promised judgment will reveal the moral qualities of God and encourage us to trust him wholly. We are trusting him to banish every form of evil from eternity and begin the process to make all things new. Key Verses: Revelation 20:11-15 Key Words: Greater Story, Revelation, Judgment, Trust

How do we keep our relationship with God alive when life is full of hardships? In this sermon, we look at how we can grow in our abilities to endure our lives, with God's great love and help. Key Verses: Romans 5:1-5 Key Words: suffering, pain, endurance, patience, hope, salvation,

How do we cooperate with God's story of redemption in our lives? In this sermon, we look at God's sustaining work on our behalf, our continuing work with God's help, and the promised mystery of how we grow. Key Verses: Romans 6:4,12-14 Key Words: justification, sanctification, growth, spiritual formation, Romans

Despite our sinfulness, God still blesses his people. In this sermon, we look at what God's blessing actually means, why we need it, and how we can access it in our lives today, because of Jesus. Key Verses: Genesis 12:1-5 Key Words: blessing, grace, mercy, faithful living, growth

The Bible is first and foremost a story about God and his great and patient love for his people. In this sermon, we explore how this story begins, what went wrong, and why we need to continue to look towards it in our lives today. Key Verses: Genesis 1:1-3, 31 Key Words: creation, fall, salvation, redemption, story, meaning, purpose

Life is a run. We run through life being led by so many different things that we think will give us what we ultimately want, but end up tired, dirstracted, and lost. Life is a run, but it was meant to be walked with God. How do we get back to the place of walking with God, and what can happen to our souls when we walk with God? Key Verses: Psalm 23 Key Words: walk, religion, Christianity, psalm 23, shepherd, sheep, soul

God promises to give us light in the midst of our darkness and freedom in the midst of our slavery. In this sermon, we see how we need God's light and freedom, and how God brings them into our lives through Jesus. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:2-7 Key Words: light, freedom, hope, waiting, Christmas, Advent, grace

As we celebrate Christmas, we are looking at the ancient promises about Jesus in the book of Isaiah. In this sermon, we discover the hope we have in the active presence of Immanuel and how that reshapes our thinking, attitudes, and heart. Isaiah shows us that true believers of the promised Messiah can wait expectantly with transcendent hope. Key Verses: Isaiah 8:11-17 Key Words: hope, advent, patience, salvation, Christmas, Jesus

As we celebrate Christmas, we are looking at the ancient promises about Jesus in the book of Isaiah. In this sermon, we see how God promised he would be with us, especially in uncertain times, and this promise can be sign of his work in our lives today. Key Verses: Isaiah 7:10-14 Key Words: salvation, advent, Christmas, hope, faithfulness, grace

Over the first 5 chapters of Galatians, Paul has clearly shown that the gospel cannot be earned by any work or keeping of the law, contrary to what the false teachers were leading people to believe. In chapter 6, he wraps up his letter by sharing some practical implications of believing the true gospel. Key Verses: Galatians 6:1-18 Key Words: Jesus, gospel, law of Christ, communion, eternal life, bearing burdens, reaping and sowing, Galatians

How do we really change? In this sermon, we see that real growth does not come from fear of being punished or pride from being good, but rather from something powerfully growing inside of us — the fruit of the Spirit. Key Verses: Galatians 5:22-35 Key Words: fruit of the spirit, growth, change, love,

How do we become better people? In this sermon, Paul shows us where true growth comes from, why it's so difficult, and how we can make real progress in our lives today. Key Verses: Galatians 5:16-26 Key Words: new life, sanctification, growth, change, Holy Spirit

Paul encourages his readers to remain centered on God's great freedom and to avoid a return to their old way of living. In this sermon, we look at why we need to hear this encouragement still today, and how we can honor God's gift of freedom through a new way of living. Key Verses: Galatians 5:1-15 Key Words: grace, resilience, gospel, justification, freedom

Paul admonishes his readers to "become like him." What does he mean? In this sermon, we see how connects his experience of freedom with two famous Old Testament stories, and how we can experience the same sense of freedom today. Key Verses: Galatians 4:8-31 Key Words: freedom, Abraham, promise, weakness, strength, hope

We all have a family and for some those feelings we have toward our families are good, warm, happy, but for some they are heavy, difficult, and troubling. For all of us though our families are a mixture of both. Families are complicated. The family of God can feel complicated too, but Paul in Galatians 4:1-7 likens salvation to being part of the family of God through adoption, so how do go from being in God's family to being part of His family? Key Verses: Galatians 4:1-7 Key Words: rules, law, obedience, faith, justification, grace, submission, salvation, freedom, sacrifice, intimacy, Holy Spirit, family

If God promises to forgives us and love us, no matter what do, then what was the point of all of the rules — or the "law" — in the Old Testament? In this sermon, we look at why God gave his people the law, what it tells us about ourselves, and how it fits into God's grace today. Key Verses: Galatians 3:15-29 Key Words: rules, law, obedience, Abraham, faith, justification, grace

Paul continues his relentless appeal for the Galatians to fully believe that God will do all He has promised. Paul clarifies the issues at stake for the Galatians as they attempt the unthinkable: attempting to finish the Christian journey by their flesh rather than by the Spirit. Key Verses: Galatians 3:1-14 Key Words: faith, personal experience, theology, promise, Abraham