In the allegory of the vine and branches, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure by bringing together the nature of their relationship with him, their mission in the world, and the ultimate priority for which they were called. Disciples of Jesus abide in him in spiritual union by faith. They share the life of Christ and produce what he calls fruit. The fruit of life in Christ is the evidence of his grace and power in the Christian living in the world. Abiding in Christ and bearing fruit bring glory to God.  There is no better life lived on earth than the one connected to Christ, giving evidence of his life within, and bringing glory to God. There is no more helpful church than the one where people live this life together.

Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God’s grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

This week Just and Scott flesh out what it means to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit. They also discuss how the congregation can connect at Grace this fall.

The Words of Grace Podcast seeks to clarify, amplify, and apply the Sunday morning sermon at Grace Community Church. From time to time we will address other topics. We hope these podcasts help impress the Word of God into your everyday life. Episodes are hosted by Justin Tucker and Scott Patty.

To the troubled and confused disciples who are contemplating his departure, Jesus gives another promise related to their future as his followers. He promised that the Father would send another Helper to be with them forever. This promise was fulfilled after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Now, the Holy Spirit dwells with and in the Christian and the church. Today, we take heart in the ways the Helper helps us follow and serve Christ.

Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God’s grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

How do we love one another amid differences? Justin and Scott discuss this question and more by looking back at Sunday’s sermon.

The Words of Grace Podcast seeks to clarify, amplify, and apply the Sunday morning sermon at Grace Community Church. From time to time we will address other topics. We hope these podcasts help impress the Word of God into your everyday life. Episodes are hosted by Justin Tucker and Scott Patty.

When Jesus was with his disciples on earth he kept them together. He corralled, corrected, and connected this group of strong-willed men when they didn’t get along. When Jesus left them, he gave them a new commandment to love one another as he loved them. Today we hear these words of Jesus and ask ourselves if we are obedient people. Do we know the love of Christ? Do we love one another? Can all people say of us that we are the disciples of Jesus because we love one another? May the new commandment, given a long time ago, fall fresh on our hearts today.

Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God’s grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

Jesus prepared the disciples for his departure by telling them that love and obedience are inseparable. Jesus loved the Father and became obedient to the point of death on the cross. The cross was also a display of love for us. Now, the love of Christ comes to us as forgiveness of sin and reconciliation to God, adoption as God’s children and glory to come. Christ’s love awakens our love for him and compels our obedience to his commands. If we love Jesus, we will obey him.

Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God’s grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.