Grace Community Church
4 Chairs: First Chair - The Seeker
Which one of these chairs are you sitting in today? And what steps need to be taken to move to the next chair?
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
When was the last time you had a test or a check-up of any kind?
(You don't have to talk about the results)
We can lose count of the number of tests, exams, and measurements we have during our lifetime in a vast array of areas.
When was the last time you were ever tested, asked to be tested, or wondered about being tested spiritually; to see where you stood with God?
(You don't have to talk about the results)
We can lose count of the number of tests, exams, and measurements we have during our lifetime in a vast array of areas.
When was the last time you were ever tested, asked to be tested, or wondered about being tested spiritually; to see where you stood with God?
God created us for relationships - with Him and with each other. He desires that we grow and expects that we put forth effort in those relationships. God's Word encourges personal examination as an element of growth.
2 Corinthians 13:5
2 Corinthians 13:5
Our series this month is entitled, Four Chairs.
We are using this illustration to talk about 4 types of people. Each chair illustrates the state of where a person's life might be spiritually.
We are using this illustration to talk about 4 types of people. Each chair illustrates the state of where a person's life might be spiritually.
The first chair is The Seeker.
Jeremiah 2:13 [CEV]
We see 2 sins mentioned in this passage. Those who God gave life to have rejected Him and then attempted to fill their lives with other sources of fulfillment besides Him.
Jeremiah points out that God alone is the source, sustenance, stability, satisfaction, and security in life.
What provides these things for you?
Jeremiah 2:13 [CEV]
We see 2 sins mentioned in this passage. Those who God gave life to have rejected Him and then attempted to fill their lives with other sources of fulfillment besides Him.
Jeremiah points out that God alone is the source, sustenance, stability, satisfaction, and security in life.
What provides these things for you?
Imagine God looking at humanity. What does He see? The Bible provides a description of how God views the seeker in Romans 1:18-32 [CEV].
Numerous passages in the Bible describe the seeker. This person is described from God's perspective, not from how he or others might view him.
Jeremiah 17:9 [NLT]
Jeremiah 17:9 [NLT]
A few common terms the Bible uses to describe the people on the bench (chair 1) are: wicked, lost, fool, unrighteous, pagan, and unbeliever.
In spite of all of this, God loves each and every person and desires to have a personal relationship with us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 [NLT]
In spite of all of this, God loves each and every person and desires to have a personal relationship with us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 [NLT]
There are two general types of seekers:
1. Really Lost: no real knowledge of the Bible, no familiarity with the Church, no connection with followers of Jesus, and no relationship with or submission to God.
2. Religiously Lost: some basic knowledge of the Bible, some familiarity with the nature of the Church, some connection with authentic followers of Jesus, and some religious practices but no relationship with or submission to God.
1. Really Lost: no real knowledge of the Bible, no familiarity with the Church, no connection with followers of Jesus, and no relationship with or submission to God.
2. Religiously Lost: some basic knowledge of the Bible, some familiarity with the nature of the Church, some connection with authentic followers of Jesus, and some religious practices but no relationship with or submission to God.
The process for a person moving from one side of the bench to the other can take place quickly or over a prolonged period of time.
The general process follows a pattern similar to this:
-REVELATION of God
John 6:44a
The general process follows a pattern similar to this:
-REVELATION of God
John 6:44a
-RELATIONSHIP with someone who presents the Gospel
Romans 10:17 [NLT]
Romans 10:17 [NLT]
-REALIZATION that you need God
John 6:68
John 6:68
-REPENTANCE or turning around
Acts 20:21
Acts 20:21
This process brings them to an encounter with the cross. Here they experience new birth. They become a child of God and a member of God's family on earth - the church.
This decision affects at least 5 areas of life:
1. SIN
This decision affects at least 5 areas of life:
1. SIN
2. SELF
3. SALVATION
4. SCRIPTURES & SPIRIT
5. SERVING
Have you left your seat on the bench (chair 1)?
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/GraceChurchMIGiving Link
https://gc3.breezechms.com/give/onlineTools Link
Submit a prayer request.
Access a printable copy of the notes.
Connect with the church staff.
https://www.gc3.org/tools/H.O.M.E. Groups
https://www.gc3.org/home-groups/2022 Bible Reading Plan
https://www.gc3.org/bible/The Greenhouse Project
Check out everything that's happening at Grace Church on Thursday evenings. 6:30-8:00 pm. Registration is not required to stop in or hang out in the coffee shop but most of the classes will require registration so we can plan for your participation.Learn more and sign-up at the link below.
https://www.gc3.org/tgp/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://cjs-gracegc3.square.site/Celebration on June 12th
As you may have heard, Grace Church has paid off our mortgage! We want to celebrate with all of you on Sunday, June 12th 11:30 am -1:30 pm. There will be a picnic lunch provided after the service along with activities for families. We invite everyone to stay after lunch and participate in the activities on the back property as we dream about what's next for Grace Church. Please contact the church staff if you have any questions (grace@gc3.org).
Pop Can/Bottle Fundraiser
The Bridge (youth group) is collecting pop cans again this spring to help pay for the cost of shipping the Operaton Christmas Child shoeboxes they will pack this fall. Cans can be placed in the garage or outside the doors on the east end of the church. Contact Ryan Hickey (ryan@gc3.org) if you have any questions.
Nashville Clean Up
The annual Nashville Clean Up day is coming up on June 11th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or whatever time you can give. Each year Grace Church takes to the streets of Nashville to help the village with any tasks they may have in preparation for the Nashville Car Show which takes place on June 18th. If you have any questions about this, contact Ryan Hickey (ryan@gc3.org).
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Sunday, June 5th - Amie Sensiba, Leah Yenger
Monday, June 6th - Aaron & Angie Walker
Wednesday, June 8th - Logan Kerby, Haylee Denton, Mackenzie Denton, Glen & Sandi Sebastian, Greg & Bev Bowers
Thursday, June 9th - Steve Gauss, Perry & Lori Orton
Friday, June 10th - Brennan Sensiba
Monday, June 6th - Aaron & Angie Walker
Wednesday, June 8th - Logan Kerby, Haylee Denton, Mackenzie Denton, Glen & Sandi Sebastian, Greg & Bev Bowers
Thursday, June 9th - Steve Gauss, Perry & Lori Orton
Friday, June 10th - Brennan Sensiba