Grace & Peace Presbyterian

Have you ever seen a sneak preview of a great movie before it was released? Or tasted a delicious meal before it officially went on the menu? Or listened to an incredible song before the album was live? In each of these moments, you are getting a glimpse of something wonderful that will soon be revealed to the world. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is the ultimate glimpse-behind-the-curtain moment. In this event, Christ's divine identity and his glorious future as the exalted Redeemer is revealed. As Jesus prepares his disciples for his imminent suffering, he assures them of his promised glory. Why? Because they too will suffer, but their suffering will be transformed in the redemption secured by the Crucified King. Take a moment this week to read Matthew 17:1-13. Make a list of all the ways you are suffering right now. It could be anything: betrayal, financial strain, chronic illness, loss of a loved one, the demise of a long-held dream, the inevitable consequences of your own choices. Reflect upon the difference it would make in your sufferings if you heard God say to you, "You are my beloved child with whom I am well pleased."

As we approach Easter, we will focus on essential Christian doctrines that shape the Christian faith and the life of a follower of Jesus - scripture, faith, grace, confessing Christ and following Christ. These truths will challenge our heads, hearts, and hands as we seek to worship Jesus in our context. We encourage you to prepare your heart for worship by reading and meditating on these passages. Bring your hopes, fears, questions and concerns. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. In the end, everyone who seeks a relationship with Him by grace through faith will leave radically transformed!

Worship Info for February 23, 2025 Text: Ephesians 6:10-24 Title: Standing Firm in Christ C.S. Lewis once wrote the following about human beings: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them." Which one of those extremes best describes your own tendency? Ephesians 6:10-24 tells us that all Christians are engaged in a cosmic spiritual conflict. As citizens of God's kingdom we face opposition from the spiritual forces of evil on a daily basis. What is the true nature of that opposition? How can we be equipped to face this spiritual conflict? And how does Christ give us ultimate victory in this cosmic battle?

Ephesians 6:1-4 Parenting in Christ

This week, Pastor Shane will continue with us in our study of Ephesians and teach us about God's design for marriage. We will see what mutual submission for mutual edification means and how living together in this way blesses us and honors God. Whether single, married, divorced or widowed, this passage of Scripture has life and growth for each of us as we ponder Jesus' love for us as His bride.

This week as we continue our study of Ephesians, Pastor Shane will discuss what it means to turn away from our past life of death and darkness and walk in God's light. As we live out obedience that flows from our changed nature, the Holy Spirit works in us to bear fruit and illuminate the world around us. Pray with us this week that He would be working in our midst to transform our lives with radical obedience and shine His light in us to the lost in our city.

When someone asks you who you are, what do you say? Do you identify yourself by your profession or your stage of life? Do you talk about what you do? Maybe you identify with certain character traits or things you're passionate about? Would other people identify you by the same things? Or would they say something else? As we start a brand new year, let's consider our identity and who God says we are. Let's look at how He has formed us and called us. And let's consider the footsteps of Jesus as we step out into 2025.