Grace Community Church NI

The Bible tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, but finding the doors locked because of fear. This fear is something we can all identify with. Fear of the world, fear of the future, fear of death – these anxieties can cause us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. They can create enemies out of unknowns and paralyze us from taking action. Jesus, however, calls us to a different way of living. He asks for our complete commitment, a commitment that requires us to push past fear. When we see Jesus as the light that conquers darkness, the unknown, the future, and even death become less frightening. This newfound courage allows us to take risks, to live with the same love and openness that Jesus embodied. Yet, a question lingers, inspired by Thomas: if the world can’t see the evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, how can they believe? This question challenges us to share our faith and bring the light of Jesus to others.

In John chapter 20 we read the account of the empty tomb, after Jesus had rose from the dead. We see that the burial clothes that had been wrapped around Jesus’ body were left lying in the tomb. He had no need for them in resurrected life, and as such we can learn a lot from this symbolism. Perhaps there are ​‘grave clothes’ in our lives — attitudes, behaviours, relationships — that need to be left in the tomb as we live in the resurrected life. We also read of how Jesus was mistaken for the gardener, in verse 15. This may have been an innocent mistake, but for us it is a reminder that just as Adam was the’ first gardener’ in the Garden of Eden, Jesus comes to bring new resurrected life as a fulfilment of all the prophecy of the Old Testament. He is in many ways, the ​‘gardener’ of our lives, continually maintaining, pruning, wedding and nourishing us.

John 15:5 reminds us of our dependence on Christ. Just like branches rely on the vine for life and fruit, we need Christ for spiritual growth. So how do we connect with him? The Apostle Paul offers two keys in 2 Timothy 1:7. A ​“sound mind” allows us to discern God’s will and make wise choices. ​“Spirit of self-discipline” isn’t about harsh restrictions, but the inner strength to choose what aligns with our faith. Together, these qualities, exercised alongside our connection with Christ, guide our daily choices and allow us to bear fruit — influencing others and living out Jesus’ teachings.

What does Jesus turn to when he wants disciples to understand what greatest love looks like? Friendship! When Jesus washes his disciples feet in John 13, he is insisting on friendship with us but also modelling the type of friends we should be. Episode webpage: https://grace-community.church/lesson/friendship-the-greatest-love

Sarah and Abraham were promised descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and grains of sand by the shore. They were advanced in years and things did not look like they would work out. But… God remembered his promise. Hope exists in some of our most vulnerable moments, but it's also resilient and defiant. As we remember who we are: children of God, we continue to hope. Episode webpage: https://grace-community.church/lesson/vulnerable-resilient-defiant-hope

In Matthew 28:20 we read the words of Jesus, when he promises ​‘I am with you always’. This promise is not just one that speaks of the future, but of the present, everyday experience of daily life. When we acknowledge that the presence of the risen Jesus is with us in all that we do, this will have a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of those around us. Our Hope is connected to our belief in the power of the risen Jesus that is promised to us.

Living Loss can be defined as ‘a loss of one’s hopes or ideals related to what a person believes should have been, could have been or might have been’. We all experience some living losses in life, and there is comfort to be found in Jesus’ words in Matt 5 v 4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted’. We read in Genesis that Joseph experienced many living losses. Rejection, being a victim of injustice, losing his home, estrangement from family, to name a few. Our lesson from his story is one of hope. His life shows us the importance of turning towards God in our times of mourning, and fixing our eyes on the goodness of God.

In Matthew 5:4 we read, ​“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mourning is an outward sign of inward grief, and it can be a very personal experience. We are encouraged in scripture, that there is supernatural comfort available to us through the Holy Spirit. We are also instructed to bring comfort to those around us, just as God has brought comfort to us. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/blessed-are-those-who-mourn

Shrek, in the film of the same name, built a wall around him because he was tired of a world that made up its mind about him before it got to know him. James challenges this idea. Two thousand years later, we still make judgments based on how people look or sound, before we get to know them. My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. — James 2 (The Message, by Eugene Peterson) Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/you-judge-me-before-you-know-me

In Luke 10 we read the story of the Good Samaritan. In this account, we can see that it was through compassion and mercy that the Samaritan helped a stranger who was in need of help. Despite being noticed by others, he had been overlooked and avoided. In this instance, the Samaritan was not looking for someone to help, but rather came across the situation in his everyday life. So too can our compassion and mercy be extended to others. It’s not always in our official roles or ministries that we do the work of God, but in our mundane, everyday tasks of life. When Jesus is teaching this parable, it is a command for us all to ​“Go and do likewise”.

In Jesus’ and Paul’s community, there was a culture of judgment. When people failed to adhere to the ​‘rules,’ they were immediately admonished. In our communities, we often admonish those in the ​‘other’ group. It’s all about left or right, conservative or liberal, us or them. Jesus suggests a third way. Rather than exacting judgment, we lend an ear to hear and understand those whose views differ from ours in a loving way. Can we be a people of mercy?

In Jesus' time, being considered "blessed" meant wealth and success, seemingly tied to religious devotion. This perception persists today, with people projecting an illusion of having it all together. Jesus, however, redefines true blessing, challenging cultural norms and blessing the overlooked. Jesus introduces a radical notion of blessedness—being "poor in spirit." This reflects the Kingdom of God, emphasizing an attitude devoid of pretense. It's standing before God without self-sufficiency, contrasting with self-reliance. The poor in spirit recognize their dependence on God and acknowledge that everything they need is provided. The question arises: Does the church align more with the Pharisee or the tax collector? Are you navigating life in your own strength or relying on God? Reflect on the areas of your life where dependency on God is essential.

Being a follower of Jesus has never been easy, there is always a cost. We are called to take the words and commands of Jesus seriously. In the gospel of Matthew, we read the account of the Sermon on the Mount, which gives clear instruction about how we are to live and love in this world. As Christians, we are to submit to the authority of Jesus, who ultimately has our best interests at heart. His authority is unprecedented, and there is no comparison to any other ​‘experts’ who may seek to guide us. Written within the beatitudes, are not just commands or suggestions, but ways in which we can announce the Kingdom of God on earth.

The fullness of salvation is that we behold Jesus, so we can become like him. Before your mind is filled with the stuff of Christmas, know you are more than you thought you were. You are the light of the world.

Even when the world feels overwhelming and hope seems distant, we must remind ourselves of who God is. Our God is characterized by loving kindness. The Hebrew word for loving kindness, Hesed, holds deep meaning that cannot be directly translated. Hesed is one of God’s fundamental characteristics, often describing His heart for His people. It is because of His loving kindness towards us that we can show kindness to others. In times of overwhelming situations, let us hold onto God’s loving kindness and perform small acts of kindness that can make a big impact on those who receive them.

Under the tyrannical rule of King Herod, there was darkness and pain. In a place of barrenness and disappointment, the angel Gabriel assures Zechariah that his prayers have always been heard. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, gives birth to a boy, and Zechariah prophesies over their newborn baby, John (the Baptist), who would prepare the way for the one who would ​“shine on those living in darkness and guide their feet into the path of peace.” That’s exactly what Jesus did, and it’s what the Prince of Peace continues to do. He sets people free from fear and fills them with peace. However, his path to peace is in stark contrast to Herod’s way and the world’s way. His peace, which is beyond understanding, is a peace that the world cannot give or take away.

Advent is traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year, rather than at the end as we currently do. Mary’s story is one of patient waiting. She is a young, unmarried woman of humble status. When Mary sings her song, you can hear the depth of her faith. Despite uncertainty, she clings to hope. Through her words of worship, she rejoices in God’s nature and her own identity in His eyes. She understands that God’s blessings extend beyond herself and her people, reaching the entire world. As we enter this season, let’s take a moment to pause and listen to God. Amidst chaos, let’s focus on the hope found in God’s promises.

In the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, was God’s act of coming down and scattering the people a curse or a blessing? God values unity in diversity and variety, not uniformity. Throughout the Bible, God opposes empires, which eventually fall apart or are scattered. In Genesis 12, a people group emerges that seems to be the start of an empire. God instructs Abram to leave his empire behind and move. Micah 4 presents a vision of what the kingdom would look like across nations. The Great Compassion in Matthew 28 calls us to cross boundaries: ethnic, cultural, and status-related. In Acts 2, the events of the Tower of Babel are reversed.

The Bible portrays various families, showcasing the consequences of brokenness and disobedience. For instance, Adam and Eve’s sin affected future generations, as seen in the tragic relationship between Cain and Abel. God’s disapproval was directed at Cain’s offering, not Cain himself. In the story of Joseph, we encounter brokenness, pain, jealousy, and heartache. However, God’s goodness shines through, demonstrating His care for those who feel rejected. We are encouraged to extend this goodness to others as well. God is devoted to loving and reconciling families, and we should follow suit. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/good-news-for-families

Women have played vital roles in Scripture and throughout the history of the Church. For many years, Junia's name was mis-translated. Whether this was on purpose or not, it's been embarrassing for many that a translations of the Bible have had to be corrected to reinstate her. Named as someone who was outstanding among the apostles, Junia's voice was important. As a church, we believe no one should be silent because of gender, ethnicity or status. Today, we invite Amy Anderson into leadership. She follows a long line of women whose voices deserve to our attention.