It is great to be in the room where it happens. And I hope you all will show up Sunday to be in the room where it happens.
I have to say, it is my favorite moment of the week, when I walk out onto the chancel (that’s the theological word for stage) after being led so beautifully in worship, and put my Bible on the podium, and look over you. Before I preach, I pray for you.
There is something amazing about the group of people who assemble each week, at each service. I get this energy and joy as I look our over you. I think about your stories, some that I know, some that I don’t know. I think about your spiritual journeys, all at different places. I pray in that moment, while you watch the series intro video, that God will use the moment to draw you – to compel you to take a step towards Jesus.
One of the ways that happens is through questions. All of us have questions. We have questions about God. We have questions about how God made the world and why we are here. We have questions about what’s going on in the world and how God is at work. And we have questions about our own lives and how God is at work.
One of the things that happens in the room where we gather each week to worship, is we Question. This week, we head to a room where there were questions. Nicodemus was a leading Pharisee and well-recognized religious leader of the Jewish people. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court in ancient Israel. He had heard about Jesus. Maybe even seen him heal and teach, but he wanted to know more. And when he got to Jesus, he had even more questions.
Mark will be preaching in all services as we continue in our “The Room Where It Happens” series with “Questioning” as we head to the room where Nicodemus and Jesus met.
On Sunday, October 24th, we begin a new Sermon Series, “Dear Church”.
We will be in the Book of Revelation that starts with a letter to 7 churches, all in Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. For every church, the letter looks the same. There is a praise for the church, there is a problem and there is a promise. Written so long ago, these letters ring true for us today. What did God want to say to the churches then… and what does he want to say to us?
If you are newer to GRACE, or don’t have a small group, I hope you will consider joining a sermon series small group on Sunday evenings 5pm- 6pm. Groups will meet 5 weeks Via Zoom. For more information, or to sign up, click here.
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor