When our shepherds set a vision for this year they also added a corresponding theme, and this year’s theme is “Renewing God’s People.” At some point this year we’re going to consider who are the people of God we’re talking about in that statement. For the present time we’re just going to make the messages... Continue Reading →
Responding to God’s Love
Renewing our relationship with God should be first on our list of priorities for a new year. The first task in renewing our relationship is accepting that God loves us, and the prime example of His love is seen in Jesus. Not only Jesus on the cross, but Jesus in the marketplace, and Jesus in... Continue Reading →
The 5 Big Challenges in Life
John C. Maxwell Successful people do not have less challenging lives than those who do not succeed. In fact, they may go through even greater challenges. What causes the separation? Successful people respond to difficulties differently. It’s easy to have a great attitude when things are going our way. Attitude doesn’t become the difference maker... Continue Reading →
Dig deeper in Mark 1–5 with these prompts.
1. Based on what you see in Mark 1, what’s the main message of the book of Mark? What words or themes do you see repeated in Mark 1–5? 2. “Mark wrote his fast-paced Gospel (‘immediately’ is used 42 times by Mark, and only 19 times in the rest of the NT) to convince his... Continue Reading →
The Love God Has For Us
Introduction What an exciting day when a woman hears the words, “I love you, will you marry me?” Soon after that great effort is put into wedding plans and before long the big day arrives. As the bride waits in the back to walk down the aisle, she hears that the groom has not arrived... Continue Reading →
God’s Loving Protection
Protection is important. That’s because the world is a dangerous place. Some people put their trust in themselves. It’s like being self-insured or self-employed. If anything happens, you bear the cost yourself. The world is full of people who will trust no one but themselves. Often they find out too late that their resources couldn’t... Continue Reading →
Great Ways to Obey our God
Great Ways to Obey our God Acts 3:1-26 (Initial reading vs. 1-9) Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 7, 2013 *No true Christian can be happy living in disobedience. I heard something in a church in Warner Robins, Georgia 35 years ago, and I hope I never forget it: "The most miserable people... Continue Reading →
Three Great Themes in the Book of Acts
Three Great Themes in the Book of Acts Acts 1:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - May 12, 2013 *Indianapolis pastor Russ Blowers was a member of the Rotary Club. At the club meeting each week, a different member told a little about his job. And when it was Russ’ turn, he said... Continue Reading →
Revive Us Again!
Revive Us Again! Psalm 85:1-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Oct. 20, 2013 *Anybody paying the least bit of attention knows that we need revival in our hearts and in our homes. We need true, spiritual revival all over our nation. But what does that mean? *In the Old Testament revival means... Continue Reading →
Great Reasons to Praise the Lord
Great Reasons to Praise the Lord Isaiah 12:1-6 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 10, 2013 (Revised from sermon preached at McClendon Baptist Church Jan. 22, 2006) BACKGROUND: *This morning please open your Bibles to Isaiah 12, thinking about great reasons to praise the Lord. This chapter of praise mainly applies to... Continue Reading →