GraceWay D.C.

A group of statesmen gathered in late June in Philadelphia to pen the words that would eventually govern our great nation. After weeks of no progress, Mr. Franklin arose and stated, "The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men." He went on to encourage them to ardently pray. Eyewitnesses cited this renewed dependence upon god...

"From war's alarm...be Thy strong arm ever sure defense..." These words of the third verse of the poem "God of Our Fathers" were written by Daniel Roberts to celebrate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence in 1876. Unfortunately, war is a reality of human existence in our fallen world. And how much more in a spiritual sense! My fellow-soldiers, it is high time t...

"God of our fathers, whose almighty hand, leads forth in beauty, all the starry band..." This is a direct reference to our forefather of faith, Abraham, who believed God's promise to multiply his descendants as many as the stars. God saw his faith and counted him righteous. Abraham is the father of all who believe God for righteousness by faith. Though, as we will see today, Abraham...

"We have staked the whole future of the American civilization not upon the power of the government, far from it...we have staked (it) upon the capacity of each of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments." Thus was the conviction of the Honorable James Madison, "Father of the Constitution" and 4th president of our great nation. Today, please welcome a modern Pat...

Summer is here in full swing! The word "summer" is mentioned in one context in the New Testament: the soon return of the Lord Jesus. Let us look with eager hearts toward the day when all things will be made new! As we see the sign unfold, Peter says we should do two things: live a holy life and preach salvation (2 Peter 3). God is always calling His people into holiness and He is always...

Happy Fathers Day! I am grateful to my own Dad for the heritage of faith he has given me. In fact, both Deborah and I's dads would be more eager to tell you about who they gave the Gospel to this week than any other subject. Neither were perfect, but both men are heroes to us - they love God, their family, and pray for the next generation of faith. We are blessed! We have another great dad her...

Holiness is a practical and comprehensive thing. In Hebrew, the words "holy" and "wholly" are related. If our idea of holiness is confined to religious activity on Sunday, we don't quite understand the holiness code. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was He said, "Love God...and the second is like it...love your neighbor as yourself." He then went on to explain what it means to wh...

God is love. Merciful. Powerful. But, mentioned more than any other attribute: God is holy. Therefore, God requires holiness in His people. It begins in what Jesus calls our "belly," our innermost being. From the center of our desires God wants His living water to flow. Only then will our land be healed.

On the holiest day of the year, the Day of Atonement, a very special ritual cleansed not only the people and the priests, but also the holy place and the alter. In nearly every instance, a rich comparison of the Messiah emerges. But one point holds a stark contrast: our great High Priest did not need to offer sacrifices for his own sin. He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and m...

There's nothing like the feeling of being clean. And the dirtier you are, the better it is. Now imagine being healed of a fatal disease-- especially of one for which there was no hope and no cure. Leprosy, in Bible times, was just that sort of disease. Only by the grace of God could one be healed. The leper had to admit his need and ask for the priest's mediation. Is it any wonder leprosy...

Hannah was in a world of hurt. Daily she was provoked to lose heart and become angry. There was no rest for her anguish, no answer to her need. People could not understand, neither could they help. Then, she took her complaint to the Lord and laid it before Him in brokenness. God heard her speechless prayer and gave her a promise. The result of believing the promise is our message for today.

Guilt is the feeling we have when a relationship is no longer what it used to be. Maybe it's something we've done; maybe it's something done to us. We feel we are not as loved or as valuable as we once were. How do we overcome this damaged feeling and live whole again? Self-sabotage says we can't. The result is an abiding sense of rejection. God says differently. His sacrifice cove...

Today's message is on one of the deepest wounds inflicted upon humanity, that of rejection. It's the enemy's desire to first isolate us, then obliterate us. He will tell you your struggle is uniquely irredeemable. But the Bible says exactly the opposite. Your temptation is common and you can be completely healed.

The darkest day in history was soon followed by the fulfillment of the greatest promise in history: that God Himself would defeat death, rising from the grave of His own power, granting all those that believe in Him eternal life. Happy Resurrection Sunday!

"Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!" The people were shouting and throwing their coats in the way to line the path for a king. And a King He was--and is. But first, He was coming to die for the sin of the whole world. He was their suffering king, the Passover Lamb. Would they receive Him? History gives the answer. Thirty-five years later, the Temple was razed to...

I often use this space to welcome you to our worship service. I say something like, "I hope you enjoy worshipping with us today." I truly mean it. But, this week's messages gives me pause on how flippantly I use the word "worship." No sooner had the shouts of the first worship service in the tabernacle died out, than the children of Israel got a crash course--or shall I say...

Jesus said "I am come that they might have it more abundantly." The abundant life, offered to all who will receive it, came at an enormous cost. Yet, we have heard about it so often, it seems we take it for granted. Today, I want to lead you to the shadow of Christ's sacrifice found in the book of Leviticus. Five intricate offerings strive to give us a glimpse into HIs atoning work....

Welcome Spring! As the earth reminds us it is both alive and beautiful, we delight in knowing its Creator is in control. Seedtime and harvest will continue at His command. Today we begin a trek through the great book of LEVITICUS. The theme of this book is "Be ye holy, for I am holy." What does God mean by His command? I am excited to make this unique book come alive with practical appli...

We are delighted to have Pastor Jason Murphy preaching for us today. He has been pastoring Open Door Baptist in Seattle for 17 years. Today he will focus on a much-needed reminder: "Praise His Holy Name!" You will be blessed.

For the past five weeks we have followed a series we've dubbed "When God Says." We have stressed faithfulness in men, value in women, consecration in sexuality, strength and success in parenting, and honor in society. Today I want to deal with why. Let me say right up front, it's not just so we can have a better life. It's to glorify God and bring eternal life to a lost and d...

Does the 5th Commandment promise you will live longer? In a word, yes. But its greater meaning is that your legacy will remain long after you are gone. We often hear that our homes should be a "little heaven on earth." This comes from Deuteronomy where Moses promised blessing through obedience. If we hope to be be blessed now and forever, we must obey the truth. And the vehicle for obedi...

Welcome to GraceWay! If you've been following along, you know we have been dealing with roles and relationships this month. Parents, today it's your turn... When God says, "Bring them up," He wasn't talking to the government, the school, or the church. God has given the vital responsibility of rearing precious children to parents. Praise God, He does not leave us without instructions for such a cr...

It was late on a Sunday night. My parents, recently home on furlough, had been up talking and praying about my future. Returning from a late-night basketball game with some of the Bible school guys, I heard their call, "Brad, can we talk with you?" Listening to their advice that night led me to the next major decision of my life--choosing Deborah as my wife. Their concern was nothing com...

Our nation will be preserved by godly homes--and homes are made of faithful men and priceless women. Last week, we gave FIVE areas where men need to maintain faithfulness if we hope to hear God say, "Good job!" But, ladies we can't do it without your help. Today we will see FIVE areas where, if you will accept the role, you will not only preserve our homes; but you will also hear God...

One of the great burdens of my heart is to see men of God raised out of doubt and duplicity, equipped with spiritual armor, and running the race God has set before them--faithfully. Today I want to give you FIVE areas we need God to commandeer in our lives if we hope to hear "Good job!" when we get to heaven. Or, better said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."