Grace Community Church » Sermons http://gccpensacola.org Website for Grace Community Church in Pensacola, FL Sun, 20 May 2012 23:59:36 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 2006-2008 webmaster@gccpensacola.org (Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL) webmaster@gccpensacola.org (Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL) 1440 http://gccpensacola.org/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg Grace Community Church http://gccpensacola.org 144 144 Sermon From Grace Community Churce, Pensacola, FL Sermons From Grace Community Church in Pensacola, FL sermon, christianity, religion, jesus, christ, church, worship, praise Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL webmaster@gccpensacola.org no no Seeing the Face of God http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/20/seeing-the-face-of-god/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/20/seeing-the-face-of-god/#comments Sun, 20 May 2012 23:59:36 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1320 What aspects of your current life frustrate you? How have you experienced the “fallen” and “cursed” nature of all creation? On your job? In your relationships? With your children or parents? With your material possessions? As a believer, how does the hope that all of these frustrations and difficulties will one day be removed impact your attitude toward life and these situations now?

We all have a thirst and hunger for real “life”. What are you seeking to slake your thirst for life and satisfy your hungers in this present world? Are they delivering what they promise? Jer. 2:13

If you are a follower of Jesus, what aspects of your relationship with him are not as close or clear as you would like them to be? Is it possible to have a relationship with the Lord that is free from uncertainty, doubts and unanswered questions in the “here and now”? Why or why not? See I Cor. 13:12; Phil. 3:7-13; I Jn 3:2; 5:13

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/20/seeing-the-face-of-god/feed/ 0 0:38:00 What aspects of your current life frustrate you? How have you experienced the “fallen” and “cursed” nature of all creation? On your job? In your relationships? With your children or parents? With your material possessions[...] What aspects of your current life frustrate you? How have you experienced the “fallen” and “cursed” nature of all creation? On your job? In your relationships? With your children or parents? With your material possessions? As a believer, how does the hope that all of these frustrations and difficulties will one day be removed impact your attitude toward life and these situations now? We all have a thirst and hunger for real “life”. What are you seeking to slake your thirst for life and satisfy your hungers in this present world? Are they delivering what they promise? Jer. 2:13 If you are a follower of Jesus, what aspects of your relationship with him are not as close or clear as you would like them to be? Is it possible to have a relationship with the Lord that is free from uncertainty, doubts and unanswered questions in the “here and now”? Why or why not? See I Cor. 13:12; Phil. 3:7-13; I Jn 3:2; 5:13 Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no THE City of Light! http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/13/the-city-of-light/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/13/the-city-of-light/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 16:34:45 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1315 What comes to mind when you think of a bride and groom? Why do you think God pictures our eternal relationship with him using a matrimonial image? What does this tell us about the intimacy we will experience with Jesus in eternity?
See Eph. 5:31-33; II Cor. 11:2

As is typical in Revelation, the metaphors get mixed and the bride we anticipated seeing (v.9) actually turns out to be a city of great brilliance and glory (v. 10)! What aspects of city life draw people to live there? What do you think the Lord wants to communicate to us about eternity through this vision of a city?

Experiencing “community” is a big part of city life. Do you tend to view eternity in a more individualistic or corporate way? Which view is most accurate according to this passage?

What is unique about this city? What is “missing” in this city? In this vision, the city is a perfect cube. Where else in Scripture do we find a perfect cube? ( Hint – it is part of the Tabernacle) What does this tell us about our relationship with God in this city?

What aspects of eternal “city life” are you most anticipating?

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/13/the-city-of-light/feed/ 0 0:41:04 What comes to mind when you think of a bride and groom? Why do you think God pictures our eternal relationship with him using a matrimonial image? What does this tell us about the intimacy we will experience with Jesus in eternity? See Eph. 5:31-33[...] What comes to mind when you think of a bride and groom? Why do you think God pictures our eternal relationship with him using a matrimonial image? What does this tell us about the intimacy we will experience with Jesus in eternity? See Eph. 5:31-33; II Cor. 11:2 As is typical in Revelation, the metaphors get mixed and the bride we anticipated seeing (v.9) actually turns out to be a city of great brilliance and glory (v. 10)! What aspects of city life draw people to live there? What do you think the Lord wants to communicate to us about eternity through this vision of a city? Experiencing “community” is a big part of city life. Do you tend to view eternity in a more individualistic or corporate way? Which view is most accurate according to this passage? What is unique about this city? What is “missing” in this city? In this vision, the city is a perfect cube. Where else in Scripture do we find a perfect cube? ( Hint – it is part of the Tabernacle) What does this tell us about our relationship with God in this city? What aspects of eternal “city life” are you most anticipating? Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no No More Tears! http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/06/no-more-tears/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/06/no-more-tears/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 17:10:18 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1308 What comes to mind when you think of heaven or eternity? How does our culture’s portrayal of heaven compare with the description given here in Revelation 21-22? Why do you think Satan would inspire the beast to slander heaven (his dwelling place or tabernacle – Rev. 13:6)? Is it possible to value and anticipate something that you know little about or even may view as a bit boring?

Our eternal state is often conceptualized in a very ethereal and non-physical way (e.g. hanging out on clouds playing harps). How does the picture of a “new heaven and a new earth” and the image of a city coming down out of heaven to be on the new earth impact that “other-worldly” view?

What does the image of a “city” communicate about our eternal dwelling place? What does the presence of a “new earth” tell us about our everlasting abode? How should we interpret passages that state that God will “restore” and “renew” everything? Mt. 19:27-28; Acts 3:21

John Eldredge states, “We can only hope for what we desire.” Randy Alcorn states, “We can only desire what we can imagine.” If these statements are true, then it challenges us as believers to spend some time, guided by Scripture- not culture, pondering and imagining the incredible eternal place our Savior is preparing for us!

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/05/06/no-more-tears/feed/ 0 0:43:35 What comes to mind when you think of heaven or eternity? How does our culture’s portrayal of heaven compare with the description given here in Revelation 21-22? Why do you think Satan would inspire the beast to slander heaven (his dwelling p[...] What comes to mind when you think of heaven or eternity? How does our culture’s portrayal of heaven compare with the description given here in Revelation 21-22? Why do you think Satan would inspire the beast to slander heaven (his dwelling place or tabernacle – Rev. 13:6)? Is it possible to value and anticipate something that you know little about or even may view as a bit boring? Our eternal state is often conceptualized in a very ethereal and non-physical way (e.g. hanging out on clouds playing harps). How does the picture of a “new heaven and a new earth” and the image of a city coming down out of heaven to be on the new earth impact that “other-worldly” view? What does the image of a “city” communicate about our eternal dwelling place? What does the presence of a “new earth” tell us about our everlasting abode? How should we interpret passages that state that God will “restore” and “renew” everything? Mt. 19:27-28; Acts 3:21 John Eldredge states, “We can only hope for what we desire.” Randy Alcorn states, “We can only desire what we can imagine.” If these statements are true, then it challenges us as believers to spend some time, guided by Scripture- not culture, pondering and imagining the incredible eternal place our Savior is preparing for us! Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no History’s Final Chapter http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/29/historys-final-chapter/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/29/historys-final-chapter/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:05:59 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1305 How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is simply the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done? See Heb. 9:27

How does an awareness of the reality of standing before the judgment seat of Christ affect your life today? Are you fearful of all your words and deeds being exposed? If so, meditate on John 5:22-30, I John 4:16-18, Titus 3:5, Romans 8:1

Ultimate fair and righteous judgment will be meted out according to this passage. How should this reality influence the way we handle injustices and those who perpetrate them now? See Col. 3:25; Romans 12:19; I Peter 2:22-23

Jesus indicates that our hearts (the “core” of our being –including emotions, desires, and choices) follow our treasure (Mt. 6:21). How can we go about “laying up treasure in heaven” so that our lives end up being invested in things that are eternally valuable and not merely “wood, hay and straw” to be burned at judgment?
See 1 Cor. 3:5-17

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/29/historys-final-chapter/feed/ 0 0:49:56 How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is simply the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done? See Heb. 9:27 How does a[...] How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is simply the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done? See Heb. 9:27 How does an awareness of the reality of standing before the judgment seat of Christ affect your life today? Are you fearful of all your words and deeds being exposed? If so, meditate on John 5:22-30, I John 4:16-18, Titus 3:5, Romans 8:1 Ultimate fair and righteous judgment will be meted out according to this passage. How should this reality influence the way we handle injustices and those who perpetrate them now? See Col. 3:25; Romans 12:19; I Peter 2:22-23 Jesus indicates that our hearts (the “core” of our being –including emotions, desires, and choices) follow our treasure (Mt. 6:21). How can we go about “laying up treasure in heaven” so that our lives end up being invested in things that are eternally valuable and not merely “wood, hay and straw” to be burned at judgment? See 1 Cor. 3:5-17 Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no Millennium of Peace http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/22/millennium-of-peace/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/22/millennium-of-peace/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:01:52 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1301 The Old Testament, in several places (Isa. 11; Isa. 65; Zech 14), indicates there will be a coming “golden age” on the earth where many, but not all, of the ravages of sin will be eliminated. This passage also speaks of a time that is clearly not yet our eternal state (Rev. 21-22) but is very different from our current earthly experience. What do you think is God’s purpose could be in ushering in this type of earthly kingdom?

Some serious Bible students believe we are in this “millennium” right now and have been since the death and resurrection of Jesus? What do you think of this view? Do you think the text of Rev. 20 supports this interpretation? Why or why not?

This chapter indicates that our Lord will ultimately be victorious over all opposition and even destroy death itself – our final enemy! What problems, challenges, sins, or evils are you most looking forward to seeing eliminated? Thank God that one day you will experience this reality if you know Him!

How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done?

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/22/millennium-of-peace/feed/ 0 0:48:27 The Old Testament, in several places (Isa. 11; Isa. 65; Zech 14), indicates there will be a coming “golden age” on the earth where many, but not all, of the ravages of sin will be eliminated. This passage also speaks of a time that is c[...] The Old Testament, in several places (Isa. 11; Isa. 65; Zech 14), indicates there will be a coming “golden age” on the earth where many, but not all, of the ravages of sin will be eliminated. This passage also speaks of a time that is clearly not yet our eternal state (Rev. 21-22) but is very different from our current earthly experience. What do you think is God’s purpose could be in ushering in this type of earthly kingdom? Some serious Bible students believe we are in this “millennium” right now and have been since the death and resurrection of Jesus? What do you think of this view? Do you think the text of Rev. 20 supports this interpretation? Why or why not? This chapter indicates that our Lord will ultimately be victorious over all opposition and even destroy death itself – our final enemy! What problems, challenges, sins, or evils are you most looking forward to seeing eliminated? Thank God that one day you will experience this reality if you know Him! How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done? Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no King of Kings http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/15/king-of-kings/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/15/king-of-kings/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:03:30 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1297 Since this book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”(1:1), what does this section “reveal” about the character and nature of Jesus? What aspects of this revelation run counter to the current caricature of Jesus in our culture and even in the church?

What do you think is the significance of the “unknown” name that is written on Jesus? Why would John even record something that we cannot know? See also Deut. 29:29 and Rev. 10:1-4

How would you respond to someone who claims that it is unloving and unfair of God to “judge and make war” and take human life? How can justice and love coexist in the nature of God? How does the cross impact this discussion? See also Rom. 3:21-26; Ezek. 33:11

What do we know of the character of those who gather to “make war” against Jesus and his saints here from the rest of the book of Revelation? See Rev. 9:20-21; 11:17-18; 13:7-8, 14-17; 16:8-11; 17:13-14

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/15/king-of-kings/feed/ 0 0:37:07 Since this book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”(1:1), what does this section “reveal” about the character and nature of Jesus? What aspects of this revelation run counter to the current caricature of Jesus in our culture[...] Since this book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”(1:1), what does this section “reveal” about the character and nature of Jesus? What aspects of this revelation run counter to the current caricature of Jesus in our culture and even in the church? What do you think is the significance of the “unknown” name that is written on Jesus? Why would John even record something that we cannot know? See also Deut. 29:29 and Rev. 10:1-4 How would you respond to someone who claims that it is unloving and unfair of God to “judge and make war” and take human life? How can justice and love coexist in the nature of God? How does the cross impact this discussion? See also Rom. 3:21-26; Ezek. 33:11 What do we know of the character of those who gather to “make war” against Jesus and his saints here from the rest of the book of Revelation? See Rev. 9:20-21; 11:17-18; 13:7-8, 14-17; 16:8-11; 17:13-14 Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no Great (But Wrong) Expectations http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/01/great-but-wrong-expectations/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/01/great-but-wrong-expectations/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:31:03 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1293 What were the crowds’ expectations for Jesus when he came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? Read Zechariah 9 and Psalm 118 What immediate benefits do you think they expected from this prophesied King? How did Jesus’ actions in the days to follow confound their expectations? How did the crowds react?

What expectations do you have of Jesus for your life? Has Jesus fulfilled or confounded your expectations? When Jesus doesn’t work in the way you anticipated, how do you respond to him? Are your expectations based on Jesus’ own words or on what the religious “crowds” of our day are saying about him?

Jesus’ “Road to Royalty” surprisingly traveled through the cross. What blessings and benefits have his followers received and experienced which are so much more significant than mere political power? Spend some time this week thinking about how the events of this first Easter week have personally impacted your life and eternity.

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/04/01/great-but-wrong-expectations/feed/ 0 0:36:04 What were the crowds’ expectations for Jesus when he came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? Read Zechariah 9 and Psalm 118 What immediate benefits do you think they expected from this prophesied King? How did Jesus’ actions in the day[...] What were the crowds’ expectations for Jesus when he came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? Read Zechariah 9 and Psalm 118 What immediate benefits do you think they expected from this prophesied King? How did Jesus’ actions in the days to follow confound their expectations? How did the crowds react? What expectations do you have of Jesus for your life? Has Jesus fulfilled or confounded your expectations? When Jesus doesn’t work in the way you anticipated, how do you respond to him? Are your expectations based on Jesus’ own words or on what the religious “crowds” of our day are saying about him? Jesus’ “Road to Royalty” surprisingly traveled through the cross. What blessings and benefits have his followers received and experienced which are so much more significant than mere political power? Spend some time this week thinking about how the events of this first Easter week have personally impacted your life and eternity. Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no Wedding Worship http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/25/wedding-worship/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/25/wedding-worship/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:22:32 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1290 This passage begins and ends with a command to praise and worship God (Rev. 19:5-10). Why do you think the Lord requires us to worship Him? If a human being were to demand praise we would view them as egotistical, why is this not the case with the God of the universe?

It has been said that we all worship someone or something. Do you agree with this statement? How can we determine who or what we are actually worshipping in our lives? What are some of our culture’s favorite objects of worship? Personally, what is the object of your greatest praise and worship?

How do the believers express their worship in this passage? Is worship more than what takes place when believers gather together to praise God? How do we know if a particular action is “worship”? See Rom 12:1-2; I Cor. 10:31

Why do you think the Lord uses marriage and a wedding feast as a symbol of our joining him in heaven? What truths about our eternal relationship with Him is he attempting to communicate? See also II Cor. 11:2-3

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/25/wedding-worship/feed/ 0 0:47:32 This passage begins and ends with a command to praise and worship God (Rev. 19:5-10). Why do you think the Lord requires us to worship Him? If a human being were to demand praise we would view them as egotistical, why is this not the case with the[...] This passage begins and ends with a command to praise and worship God (Rev. 19:5-10). Why do you think the Lord requires us to worship Him? If a human being were to demand praise we would view them as egotistical, why is this not the case with the God of the universe? It has been said that we all worship someone or something. Do you agree with this statement? How can we determine who or what we are actually worshipping in our lives? What are some of our culture’s favorite objects of worship? Personally, what is the object of your greatest praise and worship? How do the believers express their worship in this passage? Is worship more than what takes place when believers gather together to praise God? How do we know if a particular action is “worship”? See Rom 12:1-2; I Cor. 10:31 Why do you think the Lord uses marriage and a wedding feast as a symbol of our joining him in heaven? What truths about our eternal relationship with Him is he attempting to communicate? See also II Cor. 11:2-3 Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no Separated… for what? http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/18/separated-for-what/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/18/separated-for-what/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:34:18 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1280 How do we reconcile the Father’s love for the world (John 3:16) and Jesus’ sending of his followers into the world (John 17:18) with John’s command not to love the world (I John 2:15-17) and his call to believers to come out of “Babylon” (Rev. 18:4)?

The Apostle Paul quotes a secular poet when speaking to a secular audience in Athens (Acts 17:28). Do we need to be aware of the ideas and philosophies of modern culture in order to effectively speak to the culture? Is it possible to know modern culture without being exposed to sinful ideas and actions? Who are the “poets” of our modern culture? Is it sinful to be exposed to false philosophies and ungodly behavior? See Phil. 4:8

According to Paul’s teaching in I Cor. 5:9-13, from whom should believers separate? Who takes responsibility to judge the world? Who is responsible for convicting the world of sin? ( See John 16:8-11) What is our primary role in interacting with the world? See II Cor. 5:14-6:2; John 3:17; Luke 19:10

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/18/separated-for-what/feed/ 0 0:43:18 How do we reconcile the Father’s love for the world (John 3:16) and Jesus’ sending of his followers into the world (John 17:18) with John’s command not to love the world (I John 2:15-17) and his call to believers to come out of [...] How do we reconcile the Father’s love for the world (John 3:16) and Jesus’ sending of his followers into the world (John 17:18) with John’s command not to love the world (I John 2:15-17) and his call to believers to come out of “Babylon” (Rev. 18:4)? The Apostle Paul quotes a secular poet when speaking to a secular audience in Athens (Acts 17:28). Do we need to be aware of the ideas and philosophies of modern culture in order to effectively speak to the culture? Is it possible to know modern culture without being exposed to sinful ideas and actions? Who are the “poets” of our modern culture? Is it sinful to be exposed to false philosophies and ungodly behavior? See Phil. 4:8 According to Paul’s teaching in I Cor. 5:9-13, from whom should believers separate? Who takes responsibility to judge the world? Who is responsible for convicting the world of sin? ( See John 16:8-11) What is our primary role in interacting with the world? See II Cor. 5:14-6:2; John 3:17; Luke 19:10 Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no Beauty on the Beast Pt. II http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/11/beauty-on-the-beast-pt-ii/ http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/11/beauty-on-the-beast-pt-ii/#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:29:12 +0000 Jonathan Franzone http://gccpensacola.org/?p=1278 How have you practically sought to live out Jesus’ call to be “in the world but not of the world”? Is it easier for you to be “in the world” or to “not be of the world”? Is physical and technological separation (e.g. the Amish) an appropriate response to our broken and idolatrous world system? What are the dangers of not balancing the tension of being both “in” AND “not of” the world?

Are there areas in which you see pride, self-indulgence, and self-reliance impacting your life and relationship with the Lord? How can these “Babylonian” characteristics manifest themselves in the church?

How do we determine if our spending on ourselves is overly or excessively luxurious? (18:3b) How can we, as a body of believers, help one another store up treasures in heaven and not on earth? What is our role in helping the poor and less fortunate?

God calls on his angels and his saints to rejoice over the judgment of “Babylon”. How do we reconcile this with God’s love and his command that we even love our enemies? What is the focus on the saints’ and angels’ praise and rejoicing?

]]> http://gccpensacola.org/2012/03/11/beauty-on-the-beast-pt-ii/feed/ 0 0:48:26 How have you practically sought to live out Jesus’ call to be “in the world but not of the world”? Is it easier for you to be “in the world” or to “not be of the world”? Is physical and technological separ[...] How have you practically sought to live out Jesus’ call to be “in the world but not of the world”? Is it easier for you to be “in the world” or to “not be of the world”? Is physical and technological separation (e.g. the Amish) an appropriate response to our broken and idolatrous world system? What are the dangers of not balancing the tension of being both “in” AND “not of” the world? Are there areas in which you see pride, self-indulgence, and self-reliance impacting your life and relationship with the Lord? How can these “Babylonian” characteristics manifest themselves in the church? How do we determine if our spending on ourselves is overly or excessively luxurious? (18:3b) How can we, as a body of believers, help one another store up treasures in heaven and not on earth? What is our role in helping the poor and less fortunate? God calls on his angels and his saints to rejoice over the judgment of “Babylon”. How do we reconcile this with God’s love and his command that we even love our enemies? What is the focus on the saints’ and angels’ praise and rejoicing? Sermons Grace Community Church, Pensacola, FL no no