Gospel Grace Church Sermon Audio

2 Corinthians 12:11-21 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Corinthian church, and he wants to clarify not just his apostolic authority, but his fatherly heart for the congregation. He claims to be an apostle from Christ who is in no way deficient concerning signs, wonders, and mighty works. But those acts of power weren’t for his benefit, they were for the upbuilding of the congregation. Paul loves the church and is willing to spend and be spent on their behalf. He just wants them to repent of their sins and prepare for his visit so that it can one of delight instead of discipline. As we think about Paul’s love for these hard-hearted people, let’s ask God to give us love for others as well. May the Lord lead us into love as we study 2 Cor. 12 together.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - If Paul had his own way, he’d have nothing to do with boasting. But that was the only thing the Corinthians would hear. So, the apostle descends to their level but turns the whole system upside down. Instead of boasting in his strength and success, he chooses to boast in his weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches us that weaknesses are worth boasting in because they are good gifts from God and serve as a means of displaying Christ. So, may the Lord teach us to boast in our weaknesses. And may he use them for his glory.

Revelation 3:7-13 - Spearker: Isaac Gagarinas - The Church of Philadelphia is a church who was weak and had been rejected by the surrounding culture. Yet, they faithfully endured by keeping Christ’s Word and not denying his name. Jesus, therefore, writes to encourage and exhort. They have been faithful and can continue being faithful because Jesus promises to keep them. He has given them an open door to his kingdom, He will keep them from judgment, and they will truly and fully dwell with God in eternity. For culturally marginalized churches, these are promises they can cling to. God will keep his people while they faithfully endure.

Revelation 3:7-7:13 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Revelation 3:7–13, Jesus writes to a weak church in Philadelphia, yet instead of condemning them, He commends them for their faithful endurance. Though they had “little power,” they had not denied Christ’s name and had continued holding fast to His word. Jesus reveals Himself as the Holy and True One who holds the key of David, reminding His people that He alone determines who belongs to the kingdom of God. Even if they were rejected by the synagogue and marginalized by society, Christ had opened a door into His kingdom that no one could shut. Jesus assures this suffering church that He has set His covenant love upon them. Throughout the passage, we see that believers persevere because Christ first preserves them. Christians conquer not through worldly strength, but through patient faith in Christ. Jesus promises that those who overcome will become pillars in God’s temple and will forever belong to Him. And for weak churches in difficult places, like Philadelphi

1 Peter 5:6-11 - Speaker: Daniel Mulder - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In 2 Corinthians 10-13, Paul zeros in on the false teachers that were poisoning the church and he directly confronts them. He calls them “pseudo-apostles” and says that they teach another Jesus, another Spirit, and another gospel. Part of his address to the church at Corinth, is helping them see the difference between the servants of Satan and the servants of Christ. Paul was not like these fakes. And one of the distinguishing features was the way they boasted. The false teachers boasted in their pedigree, their rhetorical prowess, their power and domineering control over the church. Paul on the other hand, boasted in weakness. What we’ll learn from our text is that true servants of Christ boast in weakness not strength.

Revelation 3:1-6 - Speaker: Josh Lankford - You may have noticed an increasingly negative trend in our Seven Churches of Revelation Series. The dangers threatening these churches have progressively worsened, and the churches encountering these dangers have progressively folded. In Ephesus, love had been lost. In Pergamum, loyalties were divided. In Thyatira, sin was tolerated. What about Sardis? Here, at the end of the road of cooled loves and compromise, is a church with little life left. Although they appeared to be thriving, they were actually dying. But Jesus gives them hope for revival. May the Lord also give us ears to hear with humility and submit to his Word for his church.

Revelation 3:1-6 - Speaker: Chan Choi - You may have noticed an increasingly negative trend in our Seven Churches of Revelation Series. The dangers threatening these churches have progressively worsened, and the churches encountering these dangers have progressively folded. In Ephesus, love had been lost. In Pergamum, loyalties were divided. In Thyatira, sin was tolerated. What about Sardis? Here, at the end of the road of cooled loves and compromise, is a church with little life left. Although they appeared to be thriving, they were actually dying. But Jesus gives them hope for revival. May the Lord also give us ears to hear with humility and submit to his Word for his church.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - The true Jesus suffered unspeakably. The true Spirit groans with this suffering world. The true gospel is a message of a crucified Lord. But some people don’t resonate with that. They prefer another Jesus, a different spirit, and ultimately a different gospel. And I think it’s because a suffering Messiah, a groaning Spirit and a cruciform message might point to a difficult form of discipleship. We’d rather have a therapeutic Jesus, an inspirational spirit, and a prosperity gospel. Because that would allow us to pursue the American dream with comfort and ease. My friends, we can’t compromise on the truth. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” May the Lord grant us courage and faith to follow him alone.

Romans 5:5-11 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Easter is a time when Christians celebrate their risen Savior. The biblical record explains how Jesus was crucified for sinners and on the third day rose from the grave. The tomb could not hold him because he had victory over death. That first Easter Jesus arose as Lord of all. As we prepare to worship our risen Christ, consider all that the resurrection means. It means God loves us. It means Satan doesn’t get the last laugh. It means Jesus’ payment was enough. It means our Savior can offer life. Consider the resurrection and worship the Lord this Easter!

Galatians 6:14 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Good Friday service over Gal 6:14.

Matthew 21:1-19 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - The triumphal entry is when Jesus comes into Jerusalem just before his crucifixion. In Matthew 21 there are three symbolic actions to take note of. Jesus rides on a donkey, he overthrows the money-changers, and he curses a fig tree. All three point to his identity as the King we so desperately need. May the Lord open our hearts this season to receive our King for who he is.

Revelation 2:18-29 - Speaker: Isaiah Maynard - In our series through the letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2 & 3), we have made it to the central letter (Rev 2:18-29). While the letter has similar elements to the others, there is a striking name and quality that we find in the opening verse; this will shape how we understand and apply this passage. Here we find an authoritative opening, an encouragement towards growth, a clear call to reject false teaching & temptation, and the hope that the Great Conqueror can help his people conquer sin too! We encourage you to read Revelation 2:18-29 in preparation for our time together on Sunday. Then pray that God would speak to you through his word both today and this week. Pray that you would stop hiding sin but confess & forsake it. Pray that we all will listen to the voice of the Son.

Revelation 2:18-29 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - In our series through the letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2 & 3), we have made it to the central letter (Rev 2:18-29). While the letter has similar elements to the others, there is a striking name and quality that we find in the opening verse; this will shape how we understand and apply this passage. Here we find an authoritative opening, an encouragement towards growth, a clear call to reject false teaching & temptation, and the hope that the Great Conqueror can help his people conquer sin too! We encourage you to read Revelation 2:18-29 in preparation for our time together on Sunday. Then pray that God would speak to you through his word both today and this week. Pray that you would stop hiding sin but confess & forsake it. Pray that we all will listen to the voice of the Son.

2 Corinthians 10:1-18 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In the final section of 2 Corinthians, Paul shifts gears. But it feels like he does it without using the clutch. In chapters 8-9 he was talking about generosity and abounding grace. But in chapters 10-13 the tone feels heavy and a bit foreboding. Paul is trying to vindicate his apostolic authority and convince the church to deal with dangerous imposters who are promoting false doctrine. Rainbows and lollipops are exchanged for weapons and warfare. Things get serious rather suddenly. But all of this is because Paul knows that the good of the church and the glory of God are at stake. So, may the Lord lead us in discernment and discipline.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul concludes his address concerning the famine relief fund for believers in Jerusalem. For two chapters he has been talking about generous giving. But as he wraps things up, he wants to make sure that generous giving is connected to the Generous One. You see, intimacy with God is what fuels generosity towards others. So, as we conclude this segment of scripture on giving, let’s take some time to evaluate whether God is at the center of our generosity. May he help us understand what he loves, what he enables, and what brings him glory as we look to his word this weekend.

Revelation 2:12-17 - Speaker: Joe Skinner - In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus speaks to a church living in a city where loyalties competed at every level. Pergamum was impressive, intellectual, and religious, but it was also filled with counterfeit saviors and daily pressure to bow to Caesar. Jesus begins by reminding His people that He knows exactly where they live and what it costs to remain faithful. He commends them for holding fast to His name, even when Antipas was killed for refusing to deny Christ. Yet He also confronts them for tolerating compromise within their own fellowship, allowing teaching that led to idolatry and sexual immorality. The danger was not open rejection of Jesus, but quiet accommodation that slowly reshaped allegiance. The One who holds the sharp two-edged sword will not ignore divided loyalty in His church. Still, His final word is not judgment but promise. To those who conquer, He offers hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. These images speak of provision, access, and lasting

Revelation 2:12-17 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus speaks to a church living in a city where loyalties competed at every level. Pergamum was impressive, intellectual, and religious, but it was also filled with counterfeit saviors and daily pressure to bow to Caesar. Jesus begins by reminding His people that He knows exactly where they live and what it costs to remain faithful. He commends them for holding fast to His name, even when Antipas was killed for refusing to deny Christ. Yet He also confronts them for tolerating compromise within their own fellowship, allowing teaching that led to idolatry and sexual immorality. The danger was not open rejection of Jesus, but quiet accommodation that slowly reshaped allegiance. The One who holds the sharp two-edged sword will not ignore divided loyalty in His church. Still, His final word is not judgment but promise. To those who conquer, He offers hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. These images speak of provision, access, and lasting

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - The relationship between Paul and the church of Corinth has been patched up and now the apostle wants to see the believers get reengaged in the famine relief project. He’s talked to them about the generosity of the Macedonians and the generosity of Jesus and now he calls them to generosity themselves. But in the actual administration of these financial resources, Paul wisely avoids common missteps and instead operates with integrity and transparency. This week as we look into 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 let’s ask the Lord to teach us how to wisely steward his resources for his glory.

Revelation 2:8-11 - Speaker: Chris Hile - This week, we are exploring Jesus’s letter to the Church of Smyrna, the second of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. The Christians in Smyrna were facing persecution for their faith in Jesus, and their troubles were about to intensify. What words of comfort and encouragement does Jesus have for a church facing poverty, imprisonment, and even death? And what might we be able to learn from this? This passage reveals two important truths about who Jesus is, which embolden Christians in all ages to not fear, but to be faithful, even unto death. For us, let’s take heed of the repeated words in each of these seven letters: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”