Grace Brethren Church

10/13/2026

Pastor’s message “20/20 Assurance”, from 2Peter 1:4-11 helps us be assured of our salvation. If we’ve accepted Christ, God’s word says we are secure in Him whether we feel like it or not. This passage reminds us what we’ve been given, what we do with that and how it helps. We’re reminded of the valuable; magnificent promises of forgiveness, salvation, peace and eternity in heaven. The indwelling Holy Spirit brings God’s nature within us positionally; practically. We are growing in conformity to His nature. We become a new creature in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17). As we respond with maximum effort to diligently live for Christ, from that faith flows all the other virtues, morality, self-control, godliness; love. This takes a lot of effort, like an athlete, to be at peak condition. With God’s help we keep at it, not letting difficulties sink us into doubt. Let’s not be lazy with an inactive faith, but productive doing things of value. Then we won’t be “nearsighted”, focused on self, forgetting what God has done for us. As we are active in our relationship with Jesus we’ll gain confidence, seeing results in our lives.

10/11/2026

09/28/2026

Pastor’s message discussed our purpose and process as a church, and the importance of attending one. Our motto, if you will, is “Connect, Grow, Serve”, it’s the “what, how; why” of working toward spiritual maturity. We connect with others, grow in knowledge of God; serve. Colossians 1:24-29 shows the process, purpose; practice of discipleship. Discipleship starts with accepting Jesus. The church is to admonish; teach God’s wisdom. In love we warn others, wanting them to avoid an eternity of suffering. Pastor reminded us that his job is to teach us God’s word, not his opinion or politics. He wants us to know God’s word well enough to check if he stays on track. The purpose is for everyone to become complete in Christ. We’ll never be sinless, but be spiritually mature. One that’s mature can function on their own. They can serve and minister in the functions of a church, from elders and deacons, to cleaning the building and Sunday School teacher. The Pastor can then focus on teaching; equipping believers for service. We all have different gifts/talents to build up the church. Online church services are convenient; needed for some, but for the most part we can’t serve God on a sofa.

09/21/2026

Pastor’s message, “Meaningful Worship,” explained what worship is and three considerations for when we gather to worship. “Worship” is from an old word meaning “worth-ship”, showing God what He is worth to us. Considerations before gathering are: preparation, attitude; elements. We gather not to feel good about ourselves, but to give ourselves to a worthy God. Individually we worship throughout the week, at our jobs, school; home life; in the interruptions. A flat tire redirects where God can use us. We continue to embrace God’s grand purpose. Everyone worships something, money, power, control. Worshiping God leads to fulfillment. God isn’t on a power trip, He knows we need to worship. Worship is to be approached with reverence, profound respect; awe as we come into the presence of the King of the universe. God is not our “buddy”. Jesus absolutely is our friend, but we respond with respect and joy. Joy comes from knowing Who God is; not focusing on what our circumstances are. We devote ourselves to understanding God’s word; it’s worship to pay attention to Him and Pastoral messages. Sacrifice shows God is important to us. We give back with service, time; finances. God gives us unparalleled access to worship Him anywhere, anytime.

09/14/2026

Pastor’s message “Supreme Power”, from Hebrews 13:18–25 wraps up the book! After chapters of theology and how we should live, finally, how we can actually live this way. The three essentials are: prayer, power and grace. The author requests prayer for their work and release from prison while stating that their conscience is clear, they’re innocent of the charges. Defining conscience, Pastor shared that “conscience is the inward light, informed by God’s word, that judges our actions, words and thoughts as right or wrong”. We’re encouraged to make prayer a priority as therein lies our strength. God has resurrection power; He is the One who equips and works through us. As we stay connected to God’s power, He will make, mold and transform us. Our responsibility is to surrender to Christ and walk with the Holy Spirit. The author requests special prayer for Timothy and then grace for himself, his team, the church and all who read this book, that includes us. Finally, that we would all come to Jesus and benefit from the grace of God, His unmerited favor towards us.

09/14/2026

Pastor’s message, “Supreme Conduct” was from Hebrews 13:7-17. Hebrews began with theology, who Jesus is and His supremacy. It now shows us how to conduct ourselves. This passage states we should model godly faith, feed on grace, bear insults like Christ; praise God. The readers were encouraged to remember the faith of their past leaders; act on what they learned. Over millennia, times and leaders change, Jesus stays the same in His relation to us and the Godhead. He’s always the second person in the triune God. We’re encouraged to not be constrained by strange teachings, laws, traditions; ceremonies. Our inward spiritual health comes from the grace of God. Religious food restrictions provide no spiritual nourishment or benefit. The place and manner of Jesus’s death were insulting, yet He bore it willingly, looking forward to the eternal city. We praise Him with our lips, hands; obedience. We look for leaders who are godly examples for their “flock”, not controlling or lording it over those in their charge. Then, we can bring joy to them by honoring what they say. We do these things not to earn merit before God, but out of gratitude for Who Jesus is; what He’s done for us.