While “… the Christian… belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes”, (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together), so too the Christian belongs not in the sociality of a margin-less life but in segregation with God. These are not mutually exclusive, but inclusive, meaning that we need not seek to always run away from the industriousness of our humanity, and yet at the same time we need to routinely run to, or head for the hills of insular and peaceful moments with God in the midst of our humanity. Why? Because man cannot “live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”. (Matthew 4:4b)
Read More
Throughout the fifteen year history of Grace Bible Church our home Bible studies/ small groups, the Home Fellowship Group ministry has been a rewarding avenue used by the Lord to study the Bible together, form friendships, and pray for one another. As GBC has grown to nearly 600 worshipers each week that ministry has developed into our front line for shepherding, nurture, and the relational life of the church. This Fall there will be 14 groups meeting throughout the East Bay, led by trained and supported leaders with the goal of seeing each group leader assist in raising up, training, and sending out new group leaders. Currently there are four men “in the queue”, in training to become future group leaders.
Read More
What are some examples of what can rightly be called plausible lies or hollow and deceptive philosophies rooted in human tradition that, often pass for true Christian change?
Read More
In the fall of 2008 we embarked on a church-wide prayer partnership. Instead of meeting at one time and in one place we invited members of GBC to commit to a regular time of prayer of at least ½ an hour every week for twelve weeks. Prayer updates were sent by email and were available on the website. This corporate effort resulted in over 700 hours of prayer ascending to our Lord each week. The results were so tangible to the congregation and individuals participating in the partnership that we decided to do two things: maintain a weekly prayer update on our website’s homepage and make the fall partnership an annual challenge.
Read More
The deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson both on the same day, about 48 hours after Ed McMahon died, stunned America (and other parts of the world) for more than just a moment. Shortly there- after the death of Billy Mays, Karl Malden and Steve McNair followed. These were all societal icons that many grew up with in their younger years, or they represented some level of prominence among the mainstream. Regardless of their past lifestyle or character, the recent death of these fairly well known cultural celebrities necessitates some cause for pause.
Read More
Last January Dr. Ed Stetzer, Director of Lifeway Research (Lifeway does missiological research on North America), appeared on CNN to discuss the results of his most recent research (A full report of the results of his research appeared in section one of his recent book Lost and Found: The Younger* Unchurched and Churches That Reach Them). Among the findings from interviews with over one thousand people who do not attend church included 77% of unchurched people between the ages of 20- 29 and 83% of unchurched people between the ages of 30-39 who think, “Christianity, today is more about ‘organized religion’ than about loving God and loving people” …..
Read More
Short term missions has seen some changes from our January plans, but there is progress…….
Read More
Preparations for a galactic adventure are underway with this year’s Operation Space VBS……
Read More
The second of three summer picnics will take place on July 26. We have once again secured a place at the Pleasant Hill City Park, just one block down from the church. Immediately following the second worship service we will make our way down to the park for an afternoon of food, fellowship and recreation.
Read More
Baptism Services, Members Meetings & Office Moves…
Read More
Notes from the Pastor | admin | 
November 1, 2009 4:29 pm | 
Comments (0) 
Subscribe