GraceLife Sarasota

A special message at Celebrate Recovery in Sarasota about how desperation is the most important component to success in recovery.

The other day someone scoffed at me for believing in my “imaginary friend” and in Heaven. It didn’t shake me, but it did make me pause and reflect. What is it about Jesus that makes following Him worth everything? Why do we gather as a church family, give, serve, worship, and devote ourselves to Scripture? What inspires Christians to sacrifice worldly comforts for something greater? I believe it’s...

The other day someone scoffed at me for believing in my “imaginary friend” and in Heaven. It didn’t shake me, but it did make me pause and reflect. What is it about Jesus that makes following Him worth everything? Why do we gather as a church family, give, serve, worship, and devote ourselves to Scripture? What inspires Christians to sacrifice worldly comforts for something greater? I believe it’s...

You know that feeling when an unexpected envelope from the IRS shows up in your mailbox, especially in August? Your stomach drops a little. Most of us have paid for tax help at some point, whether through an accountant, a tax service, or even TurboTax, because we want to avoid two things: overpaying and getting in trouble. And with stories of celebrities owing millions or even going to jail over t...

You know that feeling when an unexpected envelope from the IRS shows up in your mailbox, especially in August? Your stomach drops a little. Most of us have paid for tax help at some point, whether through an accountant, a tax service, or even TurboTax, because we want to avoid two things: overpaying and getting in trouble. And with stories of celebrities owing millions or even going to jail over t...

I’m so grateful for Pastor Brian Yost preaching last week—Laura and I watched, and he was incredible. These past eight months have been especially hard for GraceLife, particularly for those at high risk and for families with young kids, and Brian did a masterful job reminding us of who we are as a church. He brought us back to our foundation—our core values, our unique structure, and the biblical...

I’m so grateful for Pastor Brian Yost preaching last week—Laura and I watched, and he was incredible. These past eight months have been especially hard for GraceLife, particularly for those at high risk and for families with young kids, and Brian did a masterful job reminding us of who we are as a church. He brought us back to our foundation—our core values, our unique structure, and the biblical...

Brian Yost from City Commit Sarasota, fills in for Pastor Joe, shares a story about the very beginning of GraceLife and how he sees our church living out the commands of Jesus.

Brian Yost from City Commit Sarasota, fills in for Pastor Joe, shares a story about the very beginning of GraceLife and how he sees our church living out the commands of Jesus.

What’s your gut reaction to the word submission? Probably not warm, cozy feelings. And authority doesn’t usually land much better. Even when we understand the biblical concepts behind them, something in us instinctively resists the idea of giving up power—especially power over our own lives. Voluntary submission feels manageable because we can “unsubmit” whenever we want, but mandatory submission—...

What’s your gut reaction to the word submission? Probably not warm, cozy feelings. And authority doesn’t usually land much better. Even when we understand the biblical concepts behind them, something in us instinctively resists the idea of giving up power—especially power over our own lives. Voluntary submission feels manageable because we can “unsubmit” whenever we want, but mandatory submission—...

Many Christians quietly wrestle with feelings of failure when prayers go unanswered or when their faith doesn’t seem “strong enough.” And phrases like “faith to move mountains” or “pray hard enough and anything is possible” can leave us confused, discouraged, or even ashamed. Some believers think, “I know that doesn’t really work… but I’d never say it out loud.” So how does faith work? What does J...

Many Christians quietly wrestle with feelings of failure when prayers go unanswered or when their faith doesn’t seem “strong enough.” And phrases like “faith to move mountains” or “pray hard enough and anything is possible” can leave us confused, discouraged, or even ashamed. Some believers think, “I know that doesn’t really work… but I’d never say it out loud.” So how does faith work? What does J...

Christians today are caught in passionate debates about politics—what kind of government we should have, which party reflects biblical values, and even which candidate Jesus would support. Everyone seems so certain. And while believers absolutely have a responsibility to engage in the political process, many have lost their balance, becoming consumed with shaping a government that aligns with thei...

Christians today are caught in passionate debates about politics—what kind of government we should have, which party reflects biblical values, and even which candidate Jesus would support. Everyone seems so certain. And while believers absolutely have a responsibility to engage in the political process, many have lost their balance, becoming consumed with shaping a government that aligns with thei...

We’ve reached the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry—though with about 15–20 messages still ahead, so don’t get too excited. Before diving into the Palm Sunday story, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we’ve walked through together as a church family since the pandemic began. At first, we were prepared. Our structure, vision, and core values positioned us to endure hardship. But challenges c...

We’ve reached the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry—though with about 15–20 messages still ahead, so don’t get too excited. Before diving into the Palm Sunday story, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we’ve walked through together as a church family since the pandemic began. At first, we were prepared. Our structure, vision, and core values positioned us to endure hardship. But challenges c...

Have you ever felt true desperation, the kind that strips away your confidence and leaves you painfully aware that you’re no longer in control? Desperation can come from anywhere: relationships, emotions, finances, health. And from an earthly perspective, it feels like impending hopelessness. It’s scary, humiliating, and something most people spend their lives trying to avoid. But there is one mom...

Have you ever felt true desperation, the kind that strips away your confidence and leaves you painfully aware that you’re no longer in control? Desperation can come from anywhere: relationships, emotions, finances, health. And from an earthly perspective, it feels like impending hopelessness. It’s scary, humiliating, and something most people spend their lives trying to avoid. But there is one mom...

If you oversaw GraceLife, what would you change to make it more “successful”? Most of us have two answers: the spiritual one we know we should say—preach the Gospel, serve sacrificially—and the practical one shaped by modern church culture. Many churches chase success through marketing strategies, appealing to key demographics, building impressive facilities, and securing financial strength. That’...

If you oversaw GraceLife, what would you change to make it more “successful”? Most of us have two answers: the spiritual one we know we should say—preach the Gospel, serve sacrificially—and the practical one shaped by modern church culture. Many churches chase success through marketing strategies, appealing to key demographics, building impressive facilities, and securing financial strength. That’...

Today we celebrate our 4th anniversary as a church family. Join us for video messages from our leadership, Megan, and Joe as we thank God for the GraceLife!

Today we celebrate our 4th anniversary as a church family. Join us for video messages from our leadership, Megan, and Joe as we thank God for the GraceLife!

Few things are as heartwarming as watching a patient dog endure the poking and prodding of a toddler—gentle, loyal, and motivated by love. As I prepared this message, it struck me that this is often how Jesus must be with us. We love those videos because they show a kind of patient affection that feels almost supernatural. And in today’s passage, we see Jesus displaying that same patient love towa...

Few things are as heartwarming as watching a patient dog endure the poking and prodding of a toddler—gentle, loyal, and motivated by love. As I prepared this message, it struck me that this is often how Jesus must be with us. We love those videos because they show a kind of patient affection that feels almost supernatural. And in today’s passage, we see Jesus displaying that same patient love towa...