According to early documents, Mark received the source material for his gospel firsthand from Peter. In fact, many scholars believe it is possible to pick up on certain phrases throughout Mark’s work that seem to indicate colloquial, personalized reminiscences. In other words, Mark writes them down specifically in the way he heard Peter reminiscing about them. Three of these occur in the first cha...  Read More

Recently, Pastor Ben preached a sermon about community from the book of Jeremiah. God told Jeremiah to tell the children of Israel, who were physical exiles in Babylon, to put down roots. “Build houses, plant gardens . . .” in other words, live life…you are going to be here for a while. That place was their temporary new normal. This was not what they wanted to hear, but it was where they were.Thi...  Read More

There are a number of fascinating themes that weave subtly through the Gospel of Mark, and one of them is a continued emphasis on keeping things quiet. Particularly in the first half of the Gospel, Jesus is repeatedly trying to keep his identity and his wonder-working on the down-low. Why would he do this? Didn’t he come to proclaim the kingdom of God, to save the world, to get as much as possible...  Read More

A few weeks ago I ran across a helpful article that offered some simple but powerful reminders about prayer that we see in God’s Word:1. God invites us to pray. “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).2. God is able and available to hear our prayers. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, a...  Read More

For the next generation to know and love the Lord Jesus takes several things, but caring teachers is one. At Grace, the desire, compassion and genuine love our teachers exhibit in Sunday School and Pioneer Clubs is amazing! I hope you’re encouraged to read these teacher testimonies.Robert and Susan Griffith who’ve taught for a couple years, think about their public pledge at baby dedications:Do yo...  Read More

According to the qualifications for elders listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, there are four ways we can pray for them, both those who are currently elders and those we are seeking to identify as potential elder candidates:1. Healthy Character: an elder must be known for living with self-control, being others-centered, using words wisely, exercising moderation, honoring toward civic authorities, calm unde...  Read More