That's right! Hold on because here we go! We invite you to come to the campus of Grace Community Church. When you do, COMING SOON, you will find some changes. Changes such as different times and types of services affording families options and worshippers a vibrant and exciting atmosphere in which to both fellowship with others and commune with God. Changes such as expansion of Sunday and Wednesday evening programs (such as adult fellowships, more youth programs, church meals, more SingFest, Christian films, and much much more).
To say the least, we are excited and encourage YOU to come over and get a feel of the reality of knowing the Lord.
"Hold On! Here We Go!" Yeah!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
"The Greatest Privilege"
The United States of America is still the greatest nation on the face of the earth. It is great for many reasons - founded by great leaders and built by great people - a foundation of Biblical concepts and defended by fearless soldiers - and, with the greatest heart for the sanctity of life for all. Even though we've experienced heartbreaking challenges to our history the USA is still the absolute leader in decency and integrity and the envy of the rest of the world.
Truly one of the great privileges we have is our direct voice in the leadership that is selected. Believe me, other nations may boast of open elections but no where does a single vote truly matter as much as it does in our great system of government. You matter.
Now as a pastor I have never made it a practice of endorsing any candidate or party. I must remember that I will still be pastor of all our congregation on November 5th. There will be a new president and vice president, congressmen and senators, but I'm still here. What I do, however, is challenge people to vote (participate) and to follow the same biblical principles in making their choices as our founding fathers did. Search out the candidates who follow the Word of God. It doesn't mean that he or she goes to the same kind of church that you do but hold to principles that are consistent with the Bible.
This year, there certainly are wide views on subjects that affect each of our lives. Thus, I encourage you, spend time researching the issues as they compare to the Word of God and make your choice accordingly.
There is one attitude that deeply concerns me as well. The attitude that says, "well, I don't care for either person so I not going to vote." No, a thousand times over! A vote not cast is a vote cast in the other direction. And, besides, this is too precious of a privilege we are afforded to take so flippantly. Go to the polls on November 4. You may vote in the opposite direction of how I may vote but after it is over, we are still Americans and citizens of the greatest county on earth.
God Bless America!
Truly one of the great privileges we have is our direct voice in the leadership that is selected. Believe me, other nations may boast of open elections but no where does a single vote truly matter as much as it does in our great system of government. You matter.
Now as a pastor I have never made it a practice of endorsing any candidate or party. I must remember that I will still be pastor of all our congregation on November 5th. There will be a new president and vice president, congressmen and senators, but I'm still here. What I do, however, is challenge people to vote (participate) and to follow the same biblical principles in making their choices as our founding fathers did. Search out the candidates who follow the Word of God. It doesn't mean that he or she goes to the same kind of church that you do but hold to principles that are consistent with the Bible.
This year, there certainly are wide views on subjects that affect each of our lives. Thus, I encourage you, spend time researching the issues as they compare to the Word of God and make your choice accordingly.
There is one attitude that deeply concerns me as well. The attitude that says, "well, I don't care for either person so I not going to vote." No, a thousand times over! A vote not cast is a vote cast in the other direction. And, besides, this is too precious of a privilege we are afforded to take so flippantly. Go to the polls on November 4. You may vote in the opposite direction of how I may vote but after it is over, we are still Americans and citizens of the greatest county on earth.
God Bless America!
Monday, October 20, 2008
"Freedom or One World Government"
Revelation 13:7; "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." This awesome verse speaks of a coming time when all nations will be ruled by an evil world dictator called "the beast" (Rev. 13:4). Since his power will be cver "all nations", and "all tongues," it seems that even all English-speaking nations will be included.
This is not what we envision for the USA is it? Our own president said, "we seek freedom for all nations from totalitarian despotism." We would like to believe that but what about the scriptures? Could they be wrong? All the politicians decry "world peace, world peace." And, yet, the Bible warns of the coming anti-God world government when all nations will be duped by the anti-Christ.
Take heart and praise our Lord, for the Bible tells us that "the Lamb shall overcome; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings."
In the meantime, that same Lamb of God has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. We already have freedom - the kind that will last on into eternity. WE WIN!
This is not what we envision for the USA is it? Our own president said, "we seek freedom for all nations from totalitarian despotism." We would like to believe that but what about the scriptures? Could they be wrong? All the politicians decry "world peace, world peace." And, yet, the Bible warns of the coming anti-God world government when all nations will be duped by the anti-Christ.
Take heart and praise our Lord, for the Bible tells us that "the Lamb shall overcome; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings."
In the meantime, that same Lamb of God has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. We already have freedom - the kind that will last on into eternity. WE WIN!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Just Like Gold
I. Peter 1:7 "....the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold ...though it be tired with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."
These words of Peter are certainly applicable today, but they have always been true. Godly character and testimony are of prime importance to God. Job recognized it in the midst of his heavy trials. He said (Job 23:10) . . ."He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold".
Just as most people do, whether Chrsitian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles. Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God, but more importantly, Job desired to know God's will first. He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God's goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God revealing the answers, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God.
God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. And, such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring "praise and honor and glory" unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! David said, "before I afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in Him. After all, the end results will make you "just like gold".
These words of Peter are certainly applicable today, but they have always been true. Godly character and testimony are of prime importance to God. Job recognized it in the midst of his heavy trials. He said (Job 23:10) . . ."He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold".
Just as most people do, whether Chrsitian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles. Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God, but more importantly, Job desired to know God's will first. He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God's goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God revealing the answers, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God.
God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. And, such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring "praise and honor and glory" unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! David said, "before I afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in Him. After all, the end results will make you "just like gold".
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Election around the corner - how are we to vote!
Certainly a pastor should not try to tell anyone how to vote. We do have a responsibility to encourage our church family and others to express their voice by participating in the great American experience of voting. We truly are blessed in this great nation to have such a direct part in determining who will lead our cities, state, and nation.
The question arises - what are the factors we should be considering? We certainly, based upon our life experiences have our opinions of what we feel should be priorities - international policies, economic issues, status of our educational system, immigration; to name a few. Whereas each are certainly important and relate to the quality of life there is one area which should guide each of us as we make up our minds and hearts as to who deserves our vote. That area is character! The next question is - how do we make that determination? My advice to all is - "use the Bible as the bedrock of character traits". Judge a candidate's view of life by their adherence to the principles contained in God's Word. For example; their view of family - what is the Biblical structure of a godly family. Their view of the sanctity of life - do they cherish life of all (including life in a mother's womb) - the Bible is clear on this point. Equal opportunity for all regardless of the biases human kind has created - the Bible is the great equalizer regarding the worth of each person. Justice - the Bible the clearest, fairest, and greatest judge and jury.
November 4th will truly be historic in our national life, and, not because of the reasons that have been espoused. Whether we (on Nov. 5th ) have an African American as President Elect or a woman as Vice President Elect is not the primary issue. It will be historic because of the character of the President and Vice President Elect which will set the tone for the next administration. Issues of war, economy, and immigration will always come and go. However, because the gap between biblical character beliefs of these four candidates are so diverse, the character of our nation will be forever altered.
It is up to you to be willing to lay aside your own personal agenda and consider "character" above all.
The question arises - what are the factors we should be considering? We certainly, based upon our life experiences have our opinions of what we feel should be priorities - international policies, economic issues, status of our educational system, immigration; to name a few. Whereas each are certainly important and relate to the quality of life there is one area which should guide each of us as we make up our minds and hearts as to who deserves our vote. That area is character! The next question is - how do we make that determination? My advice to all is - "use the Bible as the bedrock of character traits". Judge a candidate's view of life by their adherence to the principles contained in God's Word. For example; their view of family - what is the Biblical structure of a godly family. Their view of the sanctity of life - do they cherish life of all (including life in a mother's womb) - the Bible is clear on this point. Equal opportunity for all regardless of the biases human kind has created - the Bible is the great equalizer regarding the worth of each person. Justice - the Bible the clearest, fairest, and greatest judge and jury.
November 4th will truly be historic in our national life, and, not because of the reasons that have been espoused. Whether we (on Nov. 5th ) have an African American as President Elect or a woman as Vice President Elect is not the primary issue. It will be historic because of the character of the President and Vice President Elect which will set the tone for the next administration. Issues of war, economy, and immigration will always come and go. However, because the gap between biblical character beliefs of these four candidates are so diverse, the character of our nation will be forever altered.
It is up to you to be willing to lay aside your own personal agenda and consider "character" above all.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Great things ahead for Grace Community Church!
"Back in the Saddle" is the theme for the Fall and Winter season. New Sunday School classes, new programs, upgraded technology, great music additions, new leadership - all express the heart of the great membership of GCC in our combined quest to reach others with the greatest message ever told - the message of the love of God through Christ. Would you like evidence of the excitement here at GCC? Come and see! If you are in the area - live here or are visiting - come and make us prove to you that GCC is the "warmest and friendliest" church in Stark County Ohio.
Two Sundays ago, Sept. 7th was the "kick off" - We symbolized the theme by having horses here on the campus - one of which I had the privilege of riding to church - then, following the morning service we had a full meal for everyone. Truly a great undertaking by folks who love the Lord and love each other and love to open their hearts to any and all.
GCC - "a place to belong" - "come as a guest but leave as a friend"
"Back in the Saddle" is the theme for the Fall and Winter season. New Sunday School classes, new programs, upgraded technology, great music additions, new leadership - all express the heart of the great membership of GCC in our combined quest to reach others with the greatest message ever told - the message of the love of God through Christ. Would you like evidence of the excitement here at GCC? Come and see! If you are in the area - live here or are visiting - come and make us prove to you that GCC is the "warmest and friendliest" church in Stark County Ohio.
Two Sundays ago, Sept. 7th was the "kick off" - We symbolized the theme by having horses here on the campus - one of which I had the privilege of riding to church - then, following the morning service we had a full meal for everyone. Truly a great undertaking by folks who love the Lord and love each other and love to open their hearts to any and all.
GCC - "a place to belong" - "come as a guest but leave as a friend"
Monday, August 25, 2008
Joy in this Life
John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
The word “fun” is never mentioned in the Bible, and “entertain” is used only in reference to being hospitable. Such activities as “reveling” and “playing” receive nothing except condemnation in the Scriptures (with the exception of little children at play).
Yet, there is growing emphasis today in many churches on providing “entertainment” and “fun times”: for their members - especially for teenagers and young adults. This is the way to reach them and keep them for the Lord - as the theory goes and perhaps there is good in that approach. However, one might wonder why neither the Lord nor the apostles nor the prophets ever told us so. Is this a program kept in reserve by the Lord just for the young of our generation?
Actually, Christians can have something far better, more effective, and more lasting than simply a burst of fun and entertainment. In Christ, they can have heavenly joy! “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” the Bible says (Proverbs 17:22), where the word for “merry” is more commonly translated as “joyful” or “rejoicing.”
While the Bible never mentions “fun,” it has many references to “joy” and “rejoicing.” “They words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by they name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16). “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (I Peter 1:8). “For the joy of the Lord in your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We must remind ourselves continually that the Lord Jesus daily, through His words, shares His joy with us, “that our joy might be full.”
Have a truly joyous day today!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to our GCC website! I trust that you'll find exactly what you're looking for and will return often. I'll try to keep you informed, inspired, and enthused about the purpose and mission of GCC. Our mission is clearly understood in this statement - "reaching our community, state, and nation for Christ"!
To be here is to truly appreciate the wonderful, warm, and friendly people the Lord has brought our way. People who have such a big heart for others. I've never been a part of a church congregation that opens their hearts to others the way the people of GCC do. It is something you must experience.
Living, loving, laughing, learning . . . . all words that will describe your experience should you choose to come. You'll catch a glimpse of each when you browse our website. Want to learn? Have a particular subject you'd like to ask about? I have the "Ask the Pastor" page where you can jump into to any subject you want. I'll give you a response that is based of the Word of God as well as life experiences both in and out of the ministry.
So, here you are! Give it a try! Let me hear from you! And, especially, if you are in the area, come and visit with us. It will be an experience you won't soon forget. GCC truly is a "Place to Belong" . . . . a place where you will "Come as a Guest but leave as a Friend."
Mike Bragg - Pastor
To be here is to truly appreciate the wonderful, warm, and friendly people the Lord has brought our way. People who have such a big heart for others. I've never been a part of a church congregation that opens their hearts to others the way the people of GCC do. It is something you must experience.
Living, loving, laughing, learning . . . . all words that will describe your experience should you choose to come. You'll catch a glimpse of each when you browse our website. Want to learn? Have a particular subject you'd like to ask about? I have the "Ask the Pastor" page where you can jump into to any subject you want. I'll give you a response that is based of the Word of God as well as life experiences both in and out of the ministry.
So, here you are! Give it a try! Let me hear from you! And, especially, if you are in the area, come and visit with us. It will be an experience you won't soon forget. GCC truly is a "Place to Belong" . . . . a place where you will "Come as a Guest but leave as a Friend."
Mike Bragg - Pastor
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