Grace Church turns 18 years old! It’s crazy to look back on how we started out with just 35 people crammed in a hotel conference room and to see where God has brought us. In this video, our Lead Pastor Sean Sears shares some awesome stories and history of where we have been as a church but also reminds us that we’ve only just begun to tap into all that God dreams for us. Hear how we can be a church God continues to bless and how you can be a part of helping these dreams become a reality!
PLAY AUDIO ONLY
MESSAGE NOTES
Happy 18th Birthday, Grace Church!
- 18 years ago, Holiday Inn in Brockton with 35 people.
- Big dream, maybe, 300 of our friends and neighbors would find their way to faith in Jesus, and will be a part of our church family.
- We had no idea that God was dreaming much bigger than us!
[Matthew 14:13–15] (NLT)
13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. 14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
[Matthew 14:22–29]
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
A few OBSERVATIONS from this story:
- All of the disciples were obedient
- Jesus didn’t initiate the opportunity for Peter to walk on water
- Peter could have kept his mouth shut and it wouldn’t have been sin
- He volunteered!
- He put himself out there and God responded
There’s nothing wrong with average, unless you’re meant for something more.
There’s nothing wrong with sitting in the boat unless God created you to walk on water.
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Application Questions
- What stood out to you from this message and why?
- What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
- What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
- How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?