Grace Community Church NI

In John 17:20-26, Jesus talks about how he wants his followers to be united, just like he is with God the Father. It's like he's saying whether you're just starting to learn about Christianity or you've been studying it for a long time, the main idea is the same: being close to God and each other. God's love isn't something he came up with later—it's been his big plan all along. He wants to bring...

In John 16:5 – 7,13 – 15, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, explaining that it’s necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. This often overlooked member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, embodies truth and guides us towards authenticity in life’s journey. Jesus’s mission goes beyond expectations; instead of vanquishing enemies, he demonstrates love by sacrificing himself for them. The dis...

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus shared a profound lesson with his disciples, captured in John 15, where he likened himself to the true vine. He used this metaphor to illustrate the natural tendency of new vine branches to grow downward, becoming ensnared in dirt and vulnerable to illness. Just as a vineyard worker intervenes by lifting and securing these branches to a trellis, Jesus nurtures and sup...

Many spiritual traditions boil down to the idea of living in this world, but not being consumed by it. John 14:1 – 4 beautifully captures this essence. Here, Jesus assures his disciples not to be troubled, urging them to believe in both God and himself (John 14:1). This highlights the importance of faith as the foundation for navigating the world’s challenges. The world we inhabit can often be a p...

The Bible is a complex and ancient text. It’s natural to approach it with our own cultural understanding and biases. However, basing our beliefs solely on interpretations shaped by our preferences can lead us astray. True faith lies in finding our identity in Jesus, not in clinging to personal certainties about the Bible. The story of Thomas, often portrayed as a doubter, offers a different perspe...

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...

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 lef...

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 align...

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...

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 be...

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...

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://...

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....

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 compa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 u...

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 behin...

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 thr...

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 shoul...