Grace Community Church Listen Again

This week we stepped into the book of Daniel, where we moved beyond lions and fiery furnaces to explore the quieter, yet powerful, moments of Daniel’s life. We saw how Daniel navigated exile, cultural pressure, and irrational leadership, not by rebellion, but with respect, integrity, and trust in God. Whether resisting a king’s commands or responding to madness in the palace, Daniel’s example teaches us how to hold our convictions without losing our compassion. From refusing to compromise on his beliefs to handling chaos “with wisdom and discretion,” Daniel shows us what faithfulness looks like in a culture that doesn’t always make space for it. The same faithful God Daniel trusted is with us today. What would it look like if people said you handled your situation with wisdom and discretion?

The act of communal worship offers profound comfort and hope, especially during difficult periods. This shared experience can be particularly impactful when personal belief falters, providing a collective strength. A significant spiritual vision speaks of a new temple, understood not as a physical structure, but as a symbolic representation of spiritual restoration. This vision, occurring amidst exile, conveys a powerful message that restoration is not only achievable but inherently inevitable due to the divine nature. A pivotal element within this vision is the return of divine glory to this symbolic temple, signifying the re-establishment of divine presence and revitalized worship after a long absence. A central idea is a life-giving river that flows from this temple. This river brings healing and life to all areas it touches, even barren and lifeless places. This imagery symbolizes the divine presence extending healing and renewal to a deeply wounded world. The source of this living water is divine, but

This episode features our good friend Nick McKnight who leads Richhill Methodist Church. He kicks things off by highlighting the genuine bond we share here at Grace Community Church – it's all about real friendship, not just duty! He then opens up about his own journey, sharing how he felt like an outsider looking in at church as a kid, never quite fitting the "fancy clothes" crowd. Yet, a simple song, "Good News, Christ died for me," lodged itself in his memory, a seed of truth planted early on. His path to faith wasn't straightforward, beginning with a desire to impress a girl, which led him to a youth choir and a somewhat hesitant leap of faith. But that initial spark, even if fueled by fear, blossomed into a deep, unwavering understanding of God's boundless love—a love that's bigger than any mistake or sin. Nick doesn't shy away from admitting how "bonkers" the Christian story can sound, from the virgin birth to the resurrection. Still, he testifies to the Holy Spirit's power in making these unbelievable

This week, we delve into Ezekiel 37, exploring the powerful vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. Just as Ezekiel prophesied life into seemingly lifeless bones, this passage offers a profound message of hope and revival, even in the most desolate circumstances. The Hebrew prophets, including Ezekiel, didn’t just foretell the future; they spoke of what couldhappen, emphasizing the possibility of change and restoration through turning back to God. This ancient message resonates today, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s power to breathe new life into it. The sermon also highlights critical lessons from Israel’s past that remain relevant for us: the dangers of losing sight of God’s word, engaging in empty rituals, and neglecting the vulnerable. When these things happen, we can lose our spiritual ​“breath” and become lifeless. Drawing a beautiful parallel, the speaker suggests that the very name of God, Yahweh, can be seen as representing the act of breathing – an inhale and an exhale. This reminds us th

Speaker: William Guindi We take a reflective and emotional journey through Genesis 45, where we explore the profound story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers and its deeper spiritual meaning. We revisit Joseph’s path—from betrayal and slavery to power and redemption—and marvel at his response when faced with the very brothers who sold him. Instead of bitterness, Joseph extends forgiveness, recognising that everything he endured was part of God’s plan to preserve life. His ability to see divine purpose in suffering and respond with compassion inspires us to consider how we handle pain, betrayal, and restoration in our own lives. We also draw a powerful connection between Joseph and Jesus, seeing Joseph as a picture of Christ—both rejected, both exalted, and both responding to wrong with unimaginable love. The moment Jacob learns that Joseph is alive and sees the wagons sent from Egypt becomes a symbol for us of restored hope and revived faith. Those wagons, rich with provision, represent the unexpected si

Speaker: Lila Gribben We delve into the insightful metaphor of sharpening an axe, drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 10:1-10, to explore how we can live more effectively as people of faith. Our discussion centers around three pivotal questions: First, what does it truly mean to "sharpen the blade" from a kingdom perspective? It's not about worldly power, but recognizing and stewarding the divine power within each believer. Drawing on the example of Jesus, practical ways to sharpen our spiritual edge are explored, including intentional reflection, discerning God's timing, the importance of rest, and cultivating a deep connection with the divine. This intentional process, fueled by the Holy Spirit, equips us for impactful service with an eternal focus. Secondly, we challenge conventional ideas of "success," redefining it through a kingdom lens. True success isn't measured by outward achievements, but by fulfilling our unique calling and the vision God has placed in our heart. Whether that vision is global

Amy and Frances share stories from their recent trip to Zambia, highlighting the impactful work of Drop Inn. They begin with Hope Mission in Laka, a project supporting vulnerable girls and boys. The initiative now includes separate homes and plans are underway to build a clinic and expand the school. They also visit a school in Kasama supported by Drop Inn, where hundreds of children greet them warmly — even during the school holidays. The school currently educates over 750 children and is expanding with locally made bricks to accommodate more students and offer full-day classes. A feeding program is also in place, making a significant difference in the children’s health and ability to learn. In Kasama, Richard and Lana — Drop Inn’s local partners — lead several community-focused efforts. Their ​“bucket ministry” provides essential supplies to families, while their sports ministry engages young women through football. These efforts build strong relationships and uncover other needs, such as mattresses and b

Jasiel and Danielli Dourado, originally from Brazil, now working with Ambassadors Football. Not only do they work with kids, training and teaching them through soccer, they have a ministry in Portadown — Anchor Church — that works to serve communities in the local area. They visited us during our Sunday Morning Gathering to share their stories and what God is doing with them now. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/articles/jasiel-and-daniellis-story

In this discussion, we explore the biblical theme of shepherds, starting with Ezekiel’s prophecy, where he calls out the failings of Israel’s leaders and portrays them as poor shepherds. We look at how shepherds were often viewed negatively throughout the Old Testament — seen as lowly in Egyptian society and later met with scepticism from religious authorities. But despite that reputation, there’s something deeply significant about the fact that shepherds were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. It’s a powerful reminder of how Jesus chooses to identify with those on the margins — the overlooked and the underestimated. At the centre of this message is Jesus calling himself the ​“good shepherd” in the Gospel of John. This isn’t just about restoring the shepherd’s image — it’s about revealing the true heart of God: a God who cares, who searches, who rescues. It’s a contrast to some of the more distorted or fear-driven images of God we might carry. We wrap up with a personal reflection on why it matter

This Easter message invites us to move beyond passive reflection into the active, transformative practice of resurrection in our daily lives. Reflecting on John 20, we’re reminded of the familiar yet powerful story of the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. But rather than settling for wonder alone, we’re challenged to consider what resurrection means for us now. How should we live in light of it? The answer lies in embodying the love Jesus showed — even from the cross — by redefining what it means to be family, opening our hearts and homes, and carrying one another’s burdens with humility, compassion, and joy. To ​“practice resurrection” means to live as if the new creation is already underway — because it is. It’s loving enemies, choosing mercy, holding on to hope in broken places, and living out the kingdom of God in the ordinary places we call home. As Jesus promised to meet his disciples in Galilee — the place they knew best — we are invited to meet him in our everyday lives,

Over the past few weeks in our midweek gatherings, we’ve been diving deep into Paul’s letter to the Philippians, especially those powerful verses about humility and the self-giving love of Jesus. It’s challenged us — not just to talk about these things, but to live them out. That’s why Amy Carmichael’s story felt like such a perfect fit for us to explore together. Born in Belfast in 1867, Amy’s life was marked by a quiet but fierce determination to serve others, starting with young women in her hometown and later giving her life to children in India who were being exploited and abandoned. She didn’t just speak about the love of Jesus — she embodied it. Whether it was opening the Donavur Fellowship orphanage or writing 35 books while bedridden, she showed us what it looks like when someone says ​“yes” to Jesus and never takes their eyes off Him. What grips us about Amy’s story isn’t just what she did — it’s how she did it. She carried herself with radical humility, choosing to sit with the girls she served ra

In Ezekiel 18 – 33, we’re struck by how clearly God speaks about choice, consistency, and the hope of repentance. Even those with no church background have found healing just by showing up, praying, or being open to change. Ezekiel challenges the idea that we’re stuck because of our past or our family story. Instead, God puts the responsibility — and the opportunity — into our hands. He invites us to choose differently, to walk a new path, and He trusts us enough to believe we can. His heart isn’t set on judgment but on life — He wants us to turn, live, and be restored. What hits us most is how real repentance is meant to be. It’s not just feeling bad; it’s turning around, making things right, and choosing a new way forward, even when it costs something. Like Zacchaeus, it’s about action, not just intention. We’re learning that God doesn’t need us to be perfect — He’s looking for people willing to stand in the gap, to live in a way that brings light and healing into dark places. And we want to be those peopl

Speaker: Amy Anderson We're looking at the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, and we're amazed by her incredible faith. She shows persistence, a refusal to be deterred, even when Jesus seems unresponsive. It's easy to forget the context: Jesus's need for solitude, the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Canaanites. Yet, she perseveres, a Gentile woman demonstrating a faith that surpasses many others. We reflect on how her experience resonates with our own challenges in prayer. Sometimes, it feels as though God is silent, and it's difficult to maintain our resolve. However, like her, we are called to remember the times we have witnessed God's intervention, to cultivate that resilience within us. We remind ourselves that God sees us, hears us, even when it doesn't feel that way. We encourage one another to lean on each other, to pray together, particularly during difficult times. We hope that we can all develop a prayer life that endures, that doesn't yield, even when we feel met with si

Speaker: Ronnie Dawson Let's explore the inspiring story of Jabez, a man briefly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 but whose prayer holds deep significance. Jabez, unlike his peers, refused to settle for an average life—he sought God's blessing, asking for an expanded territory, divine presence, and protection. His faith and boldness in prayer set him apart, showing that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Through this reflection, we challenge ourselves to adopt a similar mindset: to seek greater purpose, trust in God’s plans, and take steps of faith that lead to transformation. We also examine three key principles from Jabez’s prayer: having a great ambition, developing growing faith, and maintaining a genuine prayer life. Just as Jabez relied on God's power, presence, and protection, we are called to do the same. Are we content with where we are, or are we willing to let God stretch us beyond our comfort zones? This episode encourages us to dream big, trust God with our challenges, and

Ezekiel experiences a powerful vision while in exile, where God transports him to Jerusalem. There, he witnesses the corruption and idolatry among the people who remained. While the exiles in Babylon wonder where God is and if there is any hope, Ezekiel sees that even their own people are plotting to take their land, deepening their sense of loss and betrayal. Yet, amid the darkness, God speaks a word of comfort: though they are scattered, He Himself will be their sanctuary. This promise offers hope, reminding them that even in exile, they are not abandoned. Ezekiel’s vision also reveals a call to repentance. The people face a defining moment — will they acknowledge their mistakes and turn back to God, or will they harden their hearts? God desires restoration, not shame, and offers them a new heart and spirit. This transformation — shifting from a hardened heart to one that is tender and responsive — remains central to God’s plan. Even today, the challenge is the same: to set our minds on what is above, lean

Speaker: David McBride We explore the true meaning of worship as described in Isaiah 58. Worship isn’t just about religious rituals — it’s about actively caring for others. Fasting shouldn’t be a hollow religious act but something that leads us to gratitude, self-reflection, and a real response to the needs of the world. True worship is about justice, kindness, and love, not just outward religious displays. We look at real-life examples, including responses to poverty and disaster relief efforts in places like Haiti and Africa. These stories highlight how people have stepped up to help, showing that faith should lead to action. We challenge ourselves and others to consider how we can make a difference — whether through small acts of kindness in daily life or by taking on bigger efforts to fight poverty and injustice. The key message is that encountering God’s power happens when we live out His love and serve others. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/true-worship-is58

We dive into Ezekiel 3 – 5, where we see the prophet wrestle with an intense and unexpected calling. Ezekiel thought he was preparing for a life as a priest, but God had other plans — calling him to be a prophet during the Babylonian exile. We talk about his emotional struggle, his raw honesty about feeling overwhelmed, and his heavy responsibility as a Watchman, charged with warning the people of impending judgment. We also explore Ezekiel’s wild, attention-grabbing prophetic acts — like lying on his side for over a year and acting out dramatic messages. Did these extreme actions actually get through to the people? And what does it mean for us today? This conversation challenges us to think about spiritual responsibility, the cost of obedience, and how God’s presence remains even in the darkest times. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-watchmans-challenge

We continue our exploration of the Book of Ezekiel, exploring the tension between judgment and restoration. We reflect on how difficult passages—often filled with themes of anger and wrath—challenge our understanding of God’s nature. Rather than viewing judgment as retributive, we consider the idea that God’s judgment is restorative, working towards healing and wholeness rather than punishment. We also discuss how the people of Israel’s understanding of God evolved over time, moving from assumptions of a violent deity to the revelation of God’s true nature in Jesus. By reading scripture through the lens of Jesus, we can engage with these challenging texts in a way that fosters deeper faith rather than fear. Finally, we reflect on Ezekiel’s personal journey—his calling disrupted by exile—and how even when life takes unexpected turns, God’s presence remains. No matter where we find ourselves, we are never beyond God’s reach or purpose. Join us as we wrestle with these questions and seek a deeper understandin

Speaker: Neville Garland Neville explores the powerful story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 — a story of faith, perseverance, and miraculous intervention. Once an enemy of the Gospel, Paul experiences a radical transformation and dedicates his life to spreading the message of Jesus. Alongside Silas, he journeys to Philippi, where their ministry disrupts the status quo, leading to their wrongful imprisonment. Despite being beaten and shackled, they choose to pray and worship, demonstrating unwavering faith in the darkest of circumstances. Their decision not only results in a miraculous prison break but also transforms the life of the jailer and his entire household. Through reflection and discussion, we consider the deeper implications of this story — what it means to trust God amid suffering and how our choices in difficult moments can have far-reaching consequences. What did Paul and Silas’ prayers and songs look like in that prison cell? How does this challenge our own approach to hardship and faith? As we

We explore the incredible life and faith of George Müller, a man whose unwavering trust in God transformed the lives of countless orphans in 19th-century England. Beginning with a troubled youth marked by dishonesty and even a brief stint in prison, Müller’s life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the love of Jesus through a university Bible study. Inspired by the stories of missionaries who had given up everything to serve others, he felt called to live by faith, relying solely on God’s provision rather than asking for financial support. His radical dependence on prayer and scripture led him to establish orphanages that cared for thousands of children, proving time and again that God provides in miraculous ways. Through stories of Müller’s faith in action — like the morning he prayed for food with hundreds of children despite empty cupboards, only for a baker and milkman to unexpectedly arrive with provisions — we are reminded of the power of bold, confident prayer. This episode challenges us to refle