Grace Chapel Castle Rock Sermons

If you could have more of one thing, what would it be?
In our teens, it may be more fun and adventure.
In our 20's and 30's it may be more success and financial freedom.
In our 40's and 50's, it may be more rest.
But if you could ask your 80 year old self that same question... their most likely answer would be something much different. They'd likely tell you the one thing they wish they could have more of is TIME.
More time to be with loved ones.
More time to be present to God and others.
More time to simply enjoy life.
Today we're studying Ecclesiastes 3. We'll discover Solomon's insights into how we can make the most of this limited resource... time.

Grace Chapel Castle Rock Elder, Terry Cartrite, shares a message out of John 2 where Jesus does the extraordinary out of the ordinary.

The year was 1787.
55 delegates from 12 of the 13 states had just finished the Constitutional Convention where they signed the original United States Constitution.
As Benjamin Franklin was leaving Independence Hall, he was asked what kind of government they had created.
He replied with these profound words: "A republic, if you can keep it."
This Sunday we'll ask the question... how can we keep this great experiment and pass it on to our children and grandchildren?

One of the most common cycles we find ourselves in is the Hungry - Hustle - Happy - Hollow cycle.
We get (1) Hungry for something so we (2) Hustle to get it. We're (3) Happy, but that happiness soon becomes (4) Hollow.
The book of Ecclesiastes has profound and life-changing wisdom to help us break out of this cycle.
Today, we'll discover a truth that allows us to find lasting fulfillment.

Life without God is empty.
That's a core thesis of Solomon's message in a book called Ecclesiastes.
This morning we'll begin our study of this rich book.
If you feel an ache that this world can't seem to fill, Solomon has a proven path to finding meaning in life.

Guest speaker, Ken Harrison shares a word on the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew 5.

Valuable things are worth protecting.
Today we'll discover how to find security for the single most important thing about us, our soul.
If you're in Christ, something far more powerful than you is guarding your soul.

God's presence is either a place of supreme safety or extreme danger.
This reality can make it difficult to approach God. We can tend to be fearful or insecure. "What does He have in store for me?"
If you struggle coming to God because you feel unworthy, fearful, etc., there's good news for you today.
Jesus has made it possible for us to enter into God's presence without fear of punishment or condemnation.

GCCR Elder, Terry Cartrite, shares a message from Galatians on what adoption into God's family really looks like and what is means for followers of Christ.

"Christ is more glad of us than we are of Him. The Father's heart is ever toward His children even when they wander." - Thomas Goodwin
I admit I struggle with that last phrase. If it's true, if God's heart really is "ever toward His children EVEN WHEN THEY WANDER", it changes everything.
It changes how we understand God.
It changes how we relate to people.
It changes where we turn when we stray.
If you're wandering away from God, or know someone who is, this morning's message is for you.