GracePoint

Giving Birth – 05/13/2012 – Steve Airth

podcast — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:38:16 +0000

We will take the process of giving birth and honoring moms in the midst and apply it to pushing each of us to give birth to something. That something is what God has called us to.

Painting by Numbers

gpteam — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:41:32 +0000

What comes to mind when you hear that the Pastor is about to preach a series on the book of Numbers? Besides, sleeping or “it’s time to plan a vacation.” Do you think this book is boring? Do you think it is really just about numbers or a census? Do you skip over it when you read the Bible on your own? You are not alone, so many people assume the same things about this book and they are all dead wrong.

This may sound crazy, but this may be the most relevant book for Christians in the Old Testament. Prove it, you say. Think about it, Christians are a group of people that have been redeemed, or saved, from the slavery of sin. We are waiting for the time when we will be in the promised land with Jesus. Here are the Israelites, just saved from slavery, wandering through life on their way to the promised land. Coincidence, I think not. Numbers is all about the time in between, the already, but not yet. This book is about how we live, struggle, and some times just get by. Especially in the times where it feels like we are floundering in the desert.

You can still go on vacation, just don’t do it to avoid Numbers, it’s going to be so cool.

Pastor Steve

Freedom Train – Steve Airth – 05/06/2012

podcast — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:12:10 +0000

(Now What? 4 of 4) What does it mean to have freedom and how do we live now that we have it? There are actually responsibilities that come with freedom. Freedom comes with a calling.

They’re More Like Guidelines Really – Steve Airth – 04/29/2012

podcast — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:13:02 +0000

(Now What? 3 of 4) Are there rules that still apply to us as Christians now that the law is fulfilled? It would seem that some of the law is still in effect or needs to be. Is it easier to live with a stricter code than we have now?

Freedom or Law? – Steve Airth – 04/22/2012

podcast — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:14:00 +0000

(Now What? 2 of 4) This week we frame the discussion for our series. What does Jesus’ death and resurrection say about the law and how we should live out this new life? Where is the line between rules and grace?

The “If” Talk – The Youth Builders – 04/15/2012

podcast — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:46:57 +0000

(Now What? 1 of 4) This week we are joined by the youth builders and they will be leading us through Phil 2. We journey into the question of what does it mean to be ‘In Christ’ and how should I be living?

Now What?

gpteam — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:55:21 +0000

Someone two generations older than me recently challenged me. He said that it was easier to follow Jesus when he was growing up and raising his kids because there were rules. Those rules guided our behavior and our relationship with Christ. The challenge came because he thought that our current generation have claimed the freedom we have in Christ, but that freedom seems to have led them further from Jesus, rather than closer. So the question raised has to be: Is it better or easier to follow Jesus with a stricter set of rules or does that stand in the way of grace?

So this series will be a journey into the freedom we now have in Christ after His death and resurrection, but we will also wrestle with what that freedom looks like. The law was fulfilled in Jesus, but does that mean that it no longer matters? Are there rules that we still need in order to thrive as followers of Jesus? When does something infringe on our freedom and when is a person abusing the grace we have been given by God?

Pastor Steve

TGIF – Steve Airth – 04/01/2012

podcast — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:46:02 +0000

(Preparing the Way 5 of 6) Jesus is betrayed, beaten, killed and we have the nerve to call it Good Friday. This week we look into how we justify that interesting name and really set the stage for Sunday morning.

Dinner And A Show – Steve Airth – 03/25/2012

podcast — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:27:06 +0000

(Preparing the Way 4 of 6) We look to the strangest meal ever shared, the Last Supper. Jesus and his disciples eat the Passover meal, but there are a lot of weird things that happen around it. What do they have to do with us today?

Ruby Tuesday – Steve Airth – 03/18/2012

podcast — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:37:26 +0000

(Preparing the Way 3 of 6) Jesus teaches in the temple, then he is questioned, and finally he will be anointed. We will examine what Jesus taught, answered and why he was anointed and again anticipate them with Sunday in mind.

I Hate Mondays – Steve Airth – 03/11/2012

podcast — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 03:00:51 +0000

(Preparing the Way 2 of 6) This week we will focus in on two events said to happen on Monday of holy week; the cursing of the fig tree and cleansing the temple. We ask the question; what did Jesus mean by them, in light of what will happen on Sunday?

Here He Comes – Steve Airth – 03/04/2012

podcast — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:10:59 +0000

(Preparing the Way 1 of 6) This week we will open with the purity service for our teens, where they will make commitments of sexual purity before the Lord and the congregation. Then we will turn our attention to the introduction of our new series focusing on anticipating what is to come in the Easter season, specifically focusing in on the Triumphal Entry and I want us excited about Easter for about a month and a half.

GPY Purity Service – 03/04/2012

podcast — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:00:41 +0000

GracePoint Youth held a purity service at the end of service on March 4th in which some of our youth took a vow of sexual purity. Whether you missed out, or you want a recap, you can listen to and download the purity service here.

Preparing the Way

gpteam — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:23:56 +0000

I love the Easter season. Of course, I’m a Pastor that would seem to be a prerequisite, but I really do love it. The feeling of anticipation rises up during this time of year. What is coming? What’s going to happen?

Most of you know all the events that surround Easter, so it is more about why it came and what it means, rather than what’s coming. Even though we know the events of Holy week, it doesn’t mean there still isn’t a sense of anticipation.

Think of it this way. The events that lead up to the death and resurrection of Jesus all have a purpose and a meaning behind them by themselves. When you look at them with Easter in mind, they take on a whole new meaning. Now go even further. Look at how this new meaning can bring new life into your world.

The theme for this Easter is resurrection, nothing shocking there, except we are going to look to our own need for Resurrection. It is time we started living the new life that God has always desired for us and truly put to death the old one.

Pastor Steve

The Detestables – Steve Airth – 02/26/2012

podcast — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:36:09 +0000

(InterActions 4 of 4) We finish our series with our most awkward relationship, the one with our enemy. This week we look into what an enemy is, how we should see them and treat them.

The Rents – Steve Airth 02/19/2012

podcast — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:46:00 +0000

(InterActions 3 of 4) Not all of us have children, but we do have to interact with them in some way or another, not to mention we are someone’s child. So this week we will we journey into the parent child dynamic.

The Significant’s – Steve Airth – 02/12/2012

podcast — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:28:36 +0000

(InterActions 2 of 4) We continue our series on interactions and journey in the world of spouses. To make sure we don’t exclude anyone, we will look at this from several angles, including the strange marriage relationship God has with the church.

The Acquaintance’s – Steve Airth – 02/05/2012

podcast — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:28:17 +0000

(InterActions 1 of 4) This week we start our series on interacting with one another. Every week will focus on growing closer to God, but we will look into doing that through our closest relationships. This week it is all about our inner circles; Our Friends.

InterActions

gpteam — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:23:43 +0000

It seems like every other sermon in church has something to do with relationships, why is that? Maybe its because relationships are built into our make-up, we crave community and connection, we need one another. But I could just be grabbing at straws here. These relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are the most precious, some the most important, some with the most responsibility, and others we don’t even like. This series is a journey not only into our relationships, but how they affect so much more than we think. How our relationship with God not only matters, but it also affects every other relationship I have. We say it often here at GracePoint; How I treat my neighbor, spouse, child, friend, enemy, says a lot about how I feel about God. This series will try and get at the heart of that.

We will look at the InterActions between:
-Our inner circles; our friends
-Our intimate circles; our spouses
-Our parent/child dynamics
- and even the relationship with our enemies.

This will not just be a journey into what these interactions are, but how to grow in them. Our hope is to open our eyes to see how these relationships can actually improve our relationship with God. We know having a good relationship with God helps all other interactions, but what if my earthly relationships actually pushed me toward having a better one with God?

But What If? – Steve Airth – 01/29/2012

podcast — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:52:15 +0000

(War: What is it good for? 4 of 4) This is the Sunday where we look at all of the reasons people give for why violence is necessary. We will look into the hypothetical situations of protecting our family or Hitler or Terrorism, etc… We will take those situations and lay them along side Jesus and see where we land.

Giving Peace a Chance – Steve Airth – 01/22/2012

podcast — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:08:41 +0000

(War: What is it good for? 3 of 4)Today we journey into the peace position and what it means to be a pacifist. We look to the words of Jesus and what He meant by them. And we will end with the question: is it still possible to live this way in the 21st century?

Can War Be Justified? – Steve Airth – 01/15/2012

podcast — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:50:47 +0000

(War: What is it good for? 2 of 4) This week we unpack the tenants of the Just war theory, which is the understanding that there are certain times in life when violence can be justified. We examine the theory and the scriptures and see how it holds up.

When Did It Change? – Steve Airth – 01/08/2012

podcast — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:49:12 +0000

(War: What is it good for? 1 of 4) This is our introduction to the topic of war and peace. Our goal is to understand what the early church believed and where we are today and how it changed. The Emperor became a Christian and that changed the church forever.

Are You Becoming Who You Want To Be? – Joel Jeffers and Jim Musser – 01/01/2012

podcast — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:38:21 +0000

The New Year is a good time to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. Are we doing what we need to do now to help us reach our spiritual goals? Also hear Jim Musser’s encouraging testimony.

GracePoint Family Christmas – Steve Airth – 12/25/2011

podcast — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:17:16 +0000

(Christmas Around the World 4 of 4) We pause in the middle of the craziest day of the year to remember why we celebrate it in the first place. Our goal was to make Jesus the reason for the season, regardless of which house we went to.

Buone Feste Natalizie – Steve Airth- 12/18/2011

podcast — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:11:13 +0000

(Christmas Around the World 3 of 4) It’s off to Italy and the world’s largest and oldest Manger scene. The collection of people found in this scene points to a pretty big passion of Jesus.

Frohe Weihnachten – Steve Airth – 12/11/2011

podcast — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:10:25 +0000

(Christmas Around the World 2 of 4) Happy Christmas from Germany where we get the tradition of the tree. It’s an evergreen; I wonder if that has anything to do with why Jesus came?

Las Posadas – Steve Airth – 12/04/2011

podcast — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:08:28 +0000

(Christmas Around the World 1 of 4) We begin our series of Christmas around the world and look into a Mexican tradition anchored in the story of the innkeeper and us not having room for Jesus or others.

Making the Most – Steve Airth and Carlos Cardenas – 11/27/2011

podcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:05:53 +0000

(Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together 3 of 3) This week Carlos Cardenas joins Pastor Steve and we unpack chapter 4 of Colossians. Paul says that we need to make the most of every opportunity and that our speech be seasoned with salt, what does that mean?

Which Would You Choose? – Steve Airth and Nathan Jeffers – 11/20/2011

podcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:03:44 +0000

(Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together 2 0f 3) This week Nathan Jeffers joins Pastor Steve and they dive into chapter 3 of Colossians. Paul lays out the choices we have to choose from: Old or New, Dark or Light, and in actuality, there’s no comparison.

So, What? – Steve Airth and Jacob Evers – 11/13/2011

podcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:01:13 +0000

(Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together 1 of 3) This is the opener to our series on Colossians. Jacob Evers is also preaching with Pastor Steve and we explore what happens when we make Jesus the Center of our lives.

Who Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 11/06/2011

podcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:34:00 +0000

(Community 3 of 3) This whole series has been leading to this question. Community in its rawest form is simply a relationship. We started with God’s desire to have one with us and that relationship will naturally affect every other one we have. There is something in us that draws us to one another, what is that?

War: What is it good for?

gpteam — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:46:58 +0000

Right away you are either curious or defensive when you see a title like this. Let me put your mind at ease. This series is not going to be a soapbox or some rant. My goal is to investigate the Christian views on war and violence and give each a proper look. My hope is that whatever our viewpoint is:

• Just war
• Pacifism
• Non-violent Direct Action
We will know it well and understand what it means to hold that position and how it lines up with Jesus.

I want to look into the history of the issue and see where Christians have stood over the years. We will ask those tough hypothetical questions and see if the “what if’s” really matter when it comes to following Jesus. Most of all we will wrestle with what scripture has to say about it, because after all, we are people of the Book. What we find might just shock you as we journey deep into the issue of war and peace.

I am well aware of the sensitivity we have on this issue and the reasons why. My goal is that we all stay open minded and hear all the sides and then make our decision. Perhaps this is one of those times where a good starting point would be “Where would Jesus land on this issue?”

Christmas Around the World

gpteam — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:20:17 +0000

It’s Christmas season and I know what’s on your mind; Piñatas. I know this is where I am supposed to add a just kidding line, but I won’t. This Christmas series will be a glance at a couple of traditions we may not be used to at this time of year, but they are loaded with significance. I have always been fascinated with other cultures and traditions, but not just because they are different, but because there are reasons for doing the things that they are doing. We run ourselves ragged this month trying to fit everything in, but for what purpose? We have to go to this party or that one or buy that gift for so and so, but aren’t they just more things and more obligations.

My goal with this series is to step back and look at Christmas with a different lens. We will still talk about the manger, the inn, and the shepherds and of course Jesus, but maybe with a new perspective and new understanding of what this holiday is all about. What does the tradition ‘Las Posadas’ have to do with why did Jesus come down? Why did He do it the way He did? That is just one of many we will look at, but there are plenty of other questions. Is there more to Christmas than just lights, gifts and obligations? I know we will answer, of course, but do our traditions and actions say that as well?

Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together

gpteam — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:19:49 +0000

Have you ever been frustrated with someone that you taught? You know what I mean, you taught them how to do something and they had it when you left, but as soon as you turn your back, they lose their mind. That is exactly how Paul feels with the church in Colosse. These folks know the truth and yet they are being influenced by all kinds of fancy talk and new age religion. Paul’s basic answer to all the questions in Colossians is ‘make Jesus the center and everything else falls into place.’ However that is easier said than done.

Our series in Colossians is actually going to be team taught. So each week someone will join me in the preaching and you will hear a couple of points of view along the way. The themes in this book are powerful. We open with an understanding of the problems in Colosse and Paul’s solution. Then we move into a powerful image of marriage and close with our understanding of using every opportunity to be people of God’s grace. The world looks very different when we see it through Jesus’ eyes.

Where Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 10/30/2011

podcast — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:08:41 +0000

(Community 2 of 3) Community is most likely linked to a geographic location. A neighborhood, a work place, school, etc… so this week we look at what communities we are already apart of and send out a few missionaries to those places where we already have relationships.

What Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 10/23/2011

podcast — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:05:41 +0000

(Community 1 of 3) Through our story series it became apparent that we need one another; that there is something to us really being a community. This week we start at the beginning and look to just see value in one another. We ask for the same eyes that Jesus sees the world.

Widowed at 23… – Sandy Musser – 10/16/10

podcast — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:29:45 +0000

(What’s Your Story 7 of 7) Sandy Musser shares her story

What is my community?

gpteam — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:58:29 +0000

Community is one of those words that gets thrown around all the time. In most cases the word talks about where we live, but I think we need to expand our definition a bit. What if we stopped for a moment and asked God “What is my community?” Is it possible that my community includes:
-my neighborhood
-my profession
-my passions
-my relationships
In fact, any place where I have relationships is a community that God has placed me in.

So taking this new view of community puts us in a unique place to serve God. God calls us to share the good news with the whole world and that starts with our communities and extends out from there.

Serving our schools, the homeless, anyone in need, can be caring for our communities. However true communities exists where relationships exist. Relationships are the places where the gospel is best spread. Our Lord built relationships everywhere He went and we are called to do the same. The question in this series will switch from “what” is my community to “who” is my community?

Found In A Ditch At Age 2… – Mike Bouchie – 10/09/11

podcast — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:33:54 +0000

(What’s Your Story 6 of 7) Mike Bouchie shares his story

I Followed Others… – Perry Engle – 10/01/11

podcast — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:33:32 +0000

(What’s Your Story 5 of 7) Bishop Perry Engle comes and shares his story

I Felt Neglected… – Kathleen Brogden – 09/25/11

podcast — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:36:02 +0000

(What’s Your Story? 4 of 7) Kathleen Brogden shares her story

Addiction Runs In My Family… – Katie Provincher – 09/18/11

podcast — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:53:04 +0000

(What’s Your Story 3 of 7) Katie Provincher shares her story

Moved Out At 15… – Jon Escoto – 09/11/11

podcast — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:07:18 +0000

(What’s Your Story 2 of 7) Jon Escoto shares his story

Fatherless… – Steve Airth – 09/04/11

podcast — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:06:47 +0000

(What’s Your Story 1 of 7) Pastor Steve shares his story

Wearing My Heart On My Sleeve – Steve Airth – 08/28/11

podcast — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:28:22 +0000

(What’s Love Got To Do With It 4 of 4) Wearing my heart on my sleeve”- We have talked about love from several angles, this week we talk about putting it into practice. God said the greatest commandment is to love both Him and our neighbor. If Jesus is the center of my life and God loves me, shouldn’t loving my neighbors be easy, since I am so loved?

Making Jesus the Center – Steve Airth – 08/21/11

podcast — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:15:41 +0000

(What’s Love Got to Do With It 3 of 4) If we believe that our heart is the center of our being and Jesus is in our heart, shouldn’t that be noticeable by everyone that comes in contact with us? How do we make Jesus the center of our lives and make decisions with that in mind.

Sin – Steve Airth – 07/31/11

podcast — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:50:34 +0000

(Back to Basics 5 of 5) This deadly little word is one that the church has actually moved away from even using for fear of hurting feelings. Sin is choosing to do things that are anti-God. They have consequences that need to be talked about. However there are also ways to avoid sin, and how can we talk about sin and not the cross.

What’s Your Story?

gpteam — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:27:37 +0000

What’s your story? It’s my favorite question to ask a person I don’t know. I love finding out how a person has come to the place they are at now, good or bad. Those stories, events that make up our lives are powerful and I also believe they are a part of an even larger story. The Story is this beautiful thing God has laid out and we each have a role in that story. This series is a journey into only 6 stories of people at GracePoint, but I hope it is only the beginning of the storytelling.

The goal of this series is not to find the secret God moments of a person’s life or only talk about the parts where Jesus made everything all right. The point is to hear what makes a person the person you see. What have they been through or what are they going through and how does their story fit into the larger Story. My hope is that in the midst of this storytelling, one person’s story will be the connecting point for someone else to become a part of the larger Story.

I leave you with this thought: “stories of what God is doing today are what we need to hear, not just what a bunch of old people did.” (Missional Renaissance pg 141) God is still moving amongst His people. God’s story did not end once the Bible was bound. There is still more to The Story. What’s your story?

Pastor Steve

What’s love got to do with it?

gpteam — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:29:40 +0000

I know what you are thinking, what does Tina Turner have to do with a series at GracePoint? The answer is: she was on to something and asking a really great question. Love has everything to do with it. However we don’t take it as seriously as we should. We love to talk about ‘love’ in the church and tell others to just love one another. Then we go and use the word ‘love’ for so many things, it almost appears that we are becoming numb to the word. We tell people we love God, our families, friends, chocolate, tacos, etc… We don’t seem to make a big distinction between any of them.

I’d like us to take a more serious look at the word love and how it is one the key and central characteristic of God. In fact, scripture goes so far as to say that God is love. Love is such a big deal that it can alleviate worry, cast out fear, bring peace and joy.

Jesus said that the key to following God is summed up in two commands: Love God and love others. Our reason for bringing this series is to bring understanding to God’s love and then talk about acting on that love. Jesus said that everything we do is supposed to be rooted in love. Which leaves me to ponder this; If God is love and God lives in us, shouldn’t a natural byproduct of our life be…Love?
Pastor Steve

Contentment – Rod Musser – 07/17/11

GracePoint — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:59:44 +0000

(Back to Basics 3 of 5) Contentment should be a basic part of Christianity, but many times it is overlooked. Rod Musser gives us a practical guide this often misunderstood practice.

Money – Steve Airth – 07/10/11

GracePoint — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:56:58 +0000

(Back to Basics 2 of 5) This basic is often misunderstood and crucial to understanding of the good news of Jesus. How do I get Saved? What am I saved from? Does it only affect the spiritual part of me or does my whole life get redeemed?

Salvation – Steve Airth – 07/03/11

GracePoint — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:55:20 +0000

(Back to Basics 1 of 5) This basic is often misunderstood and crucial to understanding of the good news of Jesus. How do I get Saved? What am I saved from? Does it only affect the spiritual part of me or does my whole life get redeemed?

The Life of Anthony – Steve Airth – 06/26/11

GracePoint — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:48:44 +0000

(Church History 4 of 4) There are so many people in church history that are worth talking about, but why not one you probably have never heard of. Antony was a desert Father, a lone wolf monk in Egypt, but his life pointed toward Jesus in radical ways.

I’m Sorry – Steve Airth – 6/19/11

GracePoint — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:46:37 +0000

(Church History 3 of 4) This week we look into the events in history that Christians are not so proud of and we need to apologize for. Events like the Crusades or the Inquisition are things we should ask forgiveness for.

Back to Basics

gpteam — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:27:59 +0000

So often in Church life we assume everyone is on the same page or everyone understands all the lingo or ideas that happen in the church. Back to Basics is going to be a reoccurring series where we explore key ideas and words in the church and make sure we all have a firm foundation and understanding of them. So when we look at a word like Prayer, what does it mean? How do you do it? Why do you do it? What is happening? How does God answer prayer? Etc… Some of those questions you may know and others you may not, but the goal is to move us forward in many areas that seem like old hat. We also desire to be practical with these issues as well.

So we will not just talk about contentment, but we will explore how we can make that more of a reality.

We will explain Sin, how it affects us, what it is, but how do we avoid it needs to be talked about it as well.

What’s the deal with the church and money? Why do they ask for it with strange baskets? Where does it go, why does God seem to only care about 10% of my money? And why is it the 2nd most talked about thing in the Bible, but the least preached on?

How we deal with some of these basics actually affects how we deal with the little things along the way. It’s better for us to take the time to plant our feet firmly, before we jump off into some deeper stuff. Of course we are starting this series 5 yrs into our church plant, but better late than never.

Pastor Steve

Baja Build 2011

gpteam — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:20:43 +0000

Baja this year was a great time. We were low in number, but high on passion and skill. We still managed to finish the house in about 12 hours of work. The community we went to this year was truly a community, the people looked out for one another and offered what they had to help their neighbor. It was a beautiful example of what the church is supposed to look like. Our family kept trying to give us soda and water and they must have cleaned their bathroom for us 6 times, just to make sure it was perfect if we needed it. The blessing of building homes down here is always a two-way street. They get a home that is clean, they get off the dirt and their kids get a great loft to sleep in as well. We get the feeling that comes from helping others that God loves, we get the feeling of community that comes from working hard on a common goal, and the satisfaction that this is something that Jesus pleased with. There is always something for you to do down there and if you have never been, let me just encourage you now, go, you will not be disappointed.

Pastor Steve

Guys Golf Adventure

gpteam — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:19:37 +0000

The golf tourney was an adventure. There was a little of everything: danger, laughter, skill, whatever the opposite of skill is and most of all fun. The day was beautiful, the course was wide open and the teams were set. Carlos and Leonard were out their for their respected first and second times. Kevin was fresh off a hip replacement, John had an injured finger, Jeremy played some shots left handed and putted right-handed, and as for me the handicaps were endless. The scores were close, it came down to the final hole, and we need a birdie to tie. We did not make that birdie, but Carlos did drain a 12 footer to save par and considering he already almost took Jim out with an errant tee shot and there is one ball washer on hole 13 that will never stand straight again, we considered the par a victory. I know it sounds cliché or lame, but it really wasn’t about winning, even for me. Being out there joking, playing, talking is worth it. I can’t wait for the next one, which I plan on winning. j/k

Pastor Steve

Laodicea: I’m Blind, But I Think I See – Steve Airth – 5/29/11

GracePoint — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:00:12 +0000

Here we learn about Luke-warm Christians and people who seem to resemble God’s vomit. God’s desire is for us to seek Him and not other stuff. The image of spitting comes when we try and serve two gods. We also will look at why God is knocking at our hearts and how we have taken that image a little too far.

Church History

gpteam — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:35:51 +0000

I can here your groans through the computer. Church History… How Boring? And you would be wrong. The history of the church, it’s people, books, and so on, is fascinating. Looking back at the history and understanding the past can help us in the present. Knowing where you came from can help you get to where you are going. Knowing why they choose certain books of the bible and how the bible has stood the test of time can strengthen our faith. You know you want to sing the song… the B I B L E that’s the book for me….
Recognizing that not all the church has done in history has been good; in fact some of it was down right evil and should be apologized for. Saying I’m sorry can actually make us more humble and tell the world we desire to practice what we preach. That we believe repentance is an attribute of the church, not just something we think others should do.

There are also people in history that inspire us, that lived lives and did things that pointed to Jesus in amazing ways and learning about them, adds character to us. Sometimes we learn what not to do, but many times we see ordinary people who did extraordinary things and it’s a reminder that maybe God can do great things through me as well.

See how I did that, in the matter of a few sentences I just managed to make history sound a little less boring, or so I hope. Come this week and give me a chance; if I put you to sleep, the coffee is on me and remember there will be time to nap after the service.

Pastor Steve

Philadelphia: Where’s The Brotherly Love? – Steve Airth – 05/22/11

GracePoint — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:40:12 +0000

This city is loaded with phrases that have run Christians ragged. We learn about special new names, some being kept from trials and a heaven described as coming down and not us going up. In it all Jesus is making it clear He has opened the door for any and all to come to Him.

Sardis: What’s Our Reputation? – Steve Airth – 05/15/11 (reupload)

GracePoint — Sat, 21 May 2011 04:23:17 +0000

This city was known for fallen asleep at the wheel. A couple things stick out here though, even though we are a part of The Church, it is still up to us to make a decision for Jesus. This is also the place where we see a unique book of life or registry, how do we get on that guest list?

Revelation…

gpteam — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:40:01 +0000

I know what you’re thinking, Revelation, end times, scary, turn or burn. Actually, I was planning on going a different direction. This book says that if we read it, we will be blessed and not terrified. So my aim is to seek out that blessing part and deal with the terror along the way. I believe that this book is also first and foremost about Jesus and how the Church is supposed to follow Him. It says in verse 1 that this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, not John, and not the end times. Everything is about Jesus and how we as the church and as individual Christians relate to Jesus.

This series is actually only going to focus on the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3. While there is much more to discuss and many more controversies in the rest of book, my hope is that you see these churches are loaded with stuff we often just throw out there all the time. Here are a few examples:

Ephesus: ‘You have forgotten your first love”

Smyrna: “The crown of life” & “The second Death”

Pergamum: “a white stone with a new name”

Thyatira: “ I will repay you according to your deeds”

Sardis: “I will come like a thief”

Philadelphia: “The New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven”

Laodicea: “I am about to spit you out of my mouth”

And I just gave you the cliff note version. My goal is to understand these and many other phrases in context and see which apply to us and how, then ask the question; How should we as the Church today, respond to Jesus’ words to these churches?

Pastor Steve

I’m not Mother Teresa

gpteam — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 05:48:00 +0000

What is the role of the church when it comes to issues in the world? Are we all supposed to be like Mother Teresa or is the church supposed to hide from the world so we don’t catch their ‘cooties?’ Is WWJD just a clever catch phrase or what the church is actually supposed to be doing?

One major problem with the issue of taking on major problems is that they are all so MAJOR. They seem overwhelming and any progress we make is so insignificant that we often just throw up our hands and say ‘why bother?’ There has to be a middle ground between the church putting all of its efforts into social change and not doing anything. We can talk about Jesus and help those that Jesus loves, right?

During this series we hope to wrestle with:

-’Pursuing Sainthood’- or the complex that Christians put all of their attention on issues and the Gospel gets forgotten.

-’Works vs. Grace’- One of the biggest arguments church folks make is that some put so much emphasis on doing good deeds, that it seems like we have to do something for God to accept us. The opposite of this is just as true.

-’World changing guilt’- guilt should not be the motivator in caring for others, because that will never last and that is not why Jesus helped anyone. It was out of compassion and love.

Mother Teresa was an amazing woman of God, but we do not need to be her, to please God. However to share the love she did definitely wouldn’t hurt those in our community.

Biography

gpteam — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:24:14 +0000

There are some names in the Bible that are so familiar to us, like Peter or Moses or King David. While we may know the names that doesn’t mean we know the people. Each year we try and take some time to look deeper into a name in the Bible and look to see who they truly are. Are there traits we need to mimic or avoid? What is their role in the larger story? This year we are looking at a few folks in the Old Testament and a couple in the New. We hope to look at some popular ones and a couple of obscure ones as well.

Who is…
-Gideon and what’s with this fleece business?
-Samuel – is he a prophet, a priest or king?
-Lydia – she made purple fabric, but there is way more.
-Cornelius – was he just a part of Paul’s story or does he represent more?

These are just names, but they are more than that. They are people of God and a part of the same story we are.

Pastor Steve

Moving Forward Together…Again

gpteam — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:37:17 +0000

This week we are going to pause and look back on our motto…Moving Forward Together. This little phrase was not just meant to be a clever seasonal jingle. Our goal as a church still is to move forward together. We still believe that we need one another and that God designed us in such a way that relationships were key to us thriving in this life. We also still believe that God’s desire for us is to keep moving and not remain stuck in our past or at the starting gate. There is no speed limit or prescribed pace, but being stagnant is definitely not the answer. And finally we still believe most of all that the motion needs to be forward in its direction. Jesus is our leader, the one out in front and if we are going to follow Jesus, then there is only one direction to move if we want to get closer and that’s forward. This week we are going to check our pulse, see what the state of the union is, so to speak. Are we still moving forward at GracePoint or do we need a swift kick to the rear? Or maybe there’s a little truth in both?

Pastor Steve

“The Whole Bloody Mess: Looking into Leviticus”

gpteam — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:09:59 +0000

I know what you are thinking, Steve why are we studying that book in the Old Testament with all the slicing and dicing of perfect goats and unblemished pigeons? Well….for one, I think it’s really cool. Secondly, because the New Testament and Jesus make more sense when we understand these rituals, laws and feasts. There is a lot going on in these chapters beyond just do’s and don’ts and rules for the proper dissection of a 3-toed sloth.
We find that:
-Offerings are things that can draw us closer to God
-Being clean has its rewards
-Scapegoats are cool… Jesus is considered a type of one
-The feasts were not just a reason to party like it was 1999
-There is even a super holiday where things are supposed to get made right

Needless to say, there is a lot more than just blood, guts, priests, rituals and rules in this book that we always tend to skip in our regular reading. Blood is not something to be afraid of, in fact we are saved by the blood of a certain lamb; maybe this book is worth looking into.
Pastor Steve

Trunk or Treat 2010

gpteam — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:37:16 +0000

This year was, once again, amazing. I love how GracePoint gets into this holiday, without letting all the junk in. We just dressed up, had fun and the neighborhood received the benefit. The faces and words from the neighborhood say it all. I heard everything from:

“Hurry up, there’s Jack and Sally from Nightmare before Christmas, let’s take a picture” to
“I can’t believe how cool this is that a church does this.”

The creativity, the willingness to be silly and put out for others is something to be proud of. We had everything from the characters from “Up” to the Transylvania Iron Chef’s to Nintendo to Target Employees to a real farm. I love Trunk or Treat! Take some time and look through the pictures and I think I speak for everyone when I say, We can’t wait till next year.

Pastor Steve

It’s Better to Receive

gpteam — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 19:41:32 +0000

I know, I know… It’s always better to give than receive. Who made that up? Was it someone who kept getting gypped on gifts each year? Maybe in order to make himself feel better he coined the phrase? Or maybe this is what we are supposed to say, but deep down we really just want to know what we are getting. Or maybe… o.k. Enough of that.

I truly believe we give because we were given to first. This season has become so much about gifts and, what to give, how to wrap it, who wants what, checking our lists, fighting the crowds to get the deals and on it goes.

At the center of all of this chaos is the reason we give. It is the little story about a baby in Bethlehem…the manger…the shepherds…the whole thing. There is actually a beautiful connection between it and giving. Because of one, we do the other. But have we lost our way a bit?

Pastor Steve

Worship, November 14th

gpteam — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:58:55 +0000

It is time for the masks to come off. This week we are talking about confession as we conclude our Behind the Mask series. The Bible tells us in James 5:15 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Confession is hard, but it is better than living a life of bondage and guilt. Come and Listen. Come and see!

Matchless

GracePoint

Giving Birth – 05/13/2012 – Steve Airth

Painting by Numbers

Freedom Train – Steve Airth – 05/06/2012

They’re More Like Guidelines Really – Steve Airth – 04/29/2012

Freedom or Law? – Steve Airth – 04/22/2012

The “If” Talk – The Youth Builders – 04/15/2012

Now What?

TGIF – Steve Airth – 04/01/2012

Dinner And A Show – Steve Airth – 03/25/2012

Ruby Tuesday – Steve Airth – 03/18/2012

I Hate Mondays – Steve Airth – 03/11/2012

Here He Comes – Steve Airth – 03/04/2012

GPY Purity Service – 03/04/2012

Preparing the Way

The Detestables – Steve Airth – 02/26/2012

The Rents – Steve Airth 02/19/2012

The Significant’s – Steve Airth – 02/12/2012

The Acquaintance’s – Steve Airth – 02/05/2012

InterActions

But What If? – Steve Airth – 01/29/2012

Giving Peace a Chance – Steve Airth – 01/22/2012

Can War Be Justified? – Steve Airth – 01/15/2012

When Did It Change? – Steve Airth – 01/08/2012

Are You Becoming Who You Want To Be? – Joel Jeffers and Jim Musser – 01/01/2012

GracePoint Family Christmas – Steve Airth – 12/25/2011

Buone Feste Natalizie – Steve Airth- 12/18/2011

Frohe Weihnachten – Steve Airth – 12/11/2011

Las Posadas – Steve Airth – 12/04/2011

Making the Most – Steve Airth and Carlos Cardenas – 11/27/2011

Which Would You Choose? – Steve Airth and Nathan Jeffers – 11/20/2011

So, What? – Steve Airth and Jacob Evers – 11/13/2011

Who Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 11/06/2011

War: What is it good for?

Christmas Around the World

Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together

Where Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 10/30/2011

What Is My Community? – Steve Airth – 10/23/2011

Widowed at 23… – Sandy Musser – 10/16/10

What is my community?

Found In A Ditch At Age 2… – Mike Bouchie – 10/09/11

I Followed Others… – Perry Engle – 10/01/11

I Felt Neglected… – Kathleen Brogden – 09/25/11

Addiction Runs In My Family… – Katie Provincher – 09/18/11

Moved Out At 15… – Jon Escoto – 09/11/11

Fatherless… – Steve Airth – 09/04/11

Wearing My Heart On My Sleeve – Steve Airth – 08/28/11

Making Jesus the Center – Steve Airth – 08/21/11

Sin – Steve Airth – 07/31/11

What’s Your Story?

What’s love got to do with it?

Contentment – Rod Musser – 07/17/11

Money – Steve Airth – 07/10/11

Salvation – Steve Airth – 07/03/11

The Life of Anthony – Steve Airth – 06/26/11

I’m Sorry – Steve Airth – 6/19/11

Back to Basics

Baja Build 2011

Guys Golf Adventure

Laodicea: I’m Blind, But I Think I See – Steve Airth – 5/29/11

Church History

Philadelphia: Where’s The Brotherly Love? – Steve Airth – 05/22/11

Sardis: What’s Our Reputation? – Steve Airth – 05/15/11 (reupload)

Revelation…

I’m not Mother Teresa

Biography

Moving Forward Together…Again

“The Whole Bloody Mess: Looking into Leviticus”

Trunk or Treat 2010

It’s Better to Receive

Worship, November 14th

Worship, November 7th

Worship, October 31st

Behind the Mask (video)

Worship, October 23rd

Worship, October 17th

Birthday Bash, We’re 5 years Old

Worship, October 10th

Worship, October 3rd

Worship, September 26th