Loving Truth

In this special Thanksgiving episode, the pastoral staff at Grace share what we are thankful for as we reflect on this year. Above all else, we are thankful for Jesus Christ our Savior and how he is at work in the body at Grace to grow our love for himself and for one another.

Pastor Mike encourages believers to stand united in selfless love even while the world we live in threatens to tear us apart. Through the cross of Christ we have all been reconciled to one another and share one enduring, eternal, glorious salvation. This is cause for Christian unity!

Pastor Mike examines Psalm 62 and Matthew 5 to help believers think about how to be a "city on a hill" in the midst of current upheaval.

How can believers honor Christ in the chaos following Election Day? Pastor Mike answers that question by saying, "Christian, your job description has not changed one bit." Christ still sits on the throne and we continue to honor him by loving the Lord our God, loving one another, and living lives that put the glory of the gospel on display.

Pastor and Mike discuss how believers should think about voting in this election. Included in this podcast is a discussion of John Piper's widely read article, "Policies, Persons, and Paths to Ruin." That article can be accessed at the following link: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/policies-persons-and-paths-to-ruin.

Pastor Mike and Connor talk about prayer, social media, politics, and church membership. Do the four of those fit together, you ask? Believe it or not, they do. And understanding these four realities in relation to one another will help us honor God in the present moment.

Pastor Mike encourages believers to continue soaking up and delighting in God's word. It's not complicated... It's about longing for the Word and going back again and again to feast on its truth.

Pastor Mike and Connor talk about why some believers hold unbiblical beliefs and push unbiblical agendas

Pastor Mike helps believers think through some big-picture guidelines for how Christians should engage in politics.

In the present moment, God's people are absent from church for a variety of reasons. Some are stuck at home, unable to join the body for health reasons. Others have enjoyed being at home during quarantine and have not prioritized joining the church again "in-person." In this episode, we help believers think through the Bible's input to those who are stuck or staying at home.

Pastor Mike encourages parents to continue shepherding their children—lovingly and firmly—in the midst of the challenges of quarantine.

We entered this podcast with no agenda whatsoever. We just knew that we wanted to bring encouragement for God's people and focus on the basics. Hopefully this is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord!

The final part of a five part series on thinking biblically about everything.

Part four of a five part series on thinking biblically about everything.

Part three of a five part series on thinking biblically about everything.

Part two of a five part series on thinking biblically about everything.

Connor and Pastor Mike begin a five part discussion on how to think biblically about everything

Pastor Mike and Connor talk about the biblical understanding of justice, contemporary ideas about justice, and how we as the church can pursue justice today in a way that honors Christ.

Christians need to be careful about who they are influenced by and how they influence others. In this episode of Ordinary Church, Pastor Mike talks about godly influences and how those influences foster unity in the church.

Many people are speaking into the current situation in America. It's hard to know who to listen to. In this episode of Ordinary Church, Pastor Mike discusses a few helpful comments made by faithful pastors over the past few weeks.

Connor and Pastor Mike continue last week's discussion on the gospel, race, and how Christian can honor Christ during this difficult time.

Pastor Mike and Connor discuss how the gospel brings hope in the midst of racial divisions. What difference does the gospel make? How should Christians love one another right now? Should Christians be involved in protesting and activism? These questions and more on today's episode of Ordinary Church.

These are dark days in America. The video of George Floyd's death has sparked nation-wide protest. Nearly everyone has something to say. How should Christians respond to what is happening in our country right now? That's the question pastor Mike addresses in today's episode of Ordinary Church.

It's looking like it will not be long until we are able to re-engage as a church for in-person gatherings. That said, there are lots of different opinions floating around about the best way to handle the what, the when, the who, the how, etc. Today's question: How can believers prioritize church unity over personal opinions?

Something of a double-header this week. Pastor Mike briefly addresses the fact that some churches are choosing to reopen in defiance of the government (what do we make of that?), and then turns to offer comfort and council to those struggling with disappointments of all kinds in the middle of Covid-19.