Grace Church
Just Three Words - "God Bless You"
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
We are in a five week series called "Just three words."
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You
Week 3: How's it Going
Week 4: Thanks So Much
Week 5: Come On In
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You
Week 3: How's it Going
Week 4: Thanks So Much
Week 5: Come On In
Much like last week's phrase, we often take our next phrase for granted. We use it as a means of showing good manners or as a cultural norm rather than in a Biblical sense.
This week our three words are: "God Bless You"
There are a couple of theories as to how God Bless You came to be used following a sneeze.
Today we use God Bless You as less of a means of relying on God or His blessing and more of a polite thing to say.
This week our three words are: "God Bless You"
There are a couple of theories as to how God Bless You came to be used following a sneeze.
Today we use God Bless You as less of a means of relying on God or His blessing and more of a polite thing to say.
As Christians, we need to look at the correct usage of God Bless You and to do so, we'll break down the phrase and look at each word.
God - God is many things but one of the most important is that He is able to do all things. Matthew 19:26
When we say "God Bless You we are calling on God to do something we can't. His supernatural nature gives Him the ability to go beyond the things that you and I can do. If we were capable of doing all of these things, would we really ask Him for help?
God - God is many things but one of the most important is that He is able to do all things. Matthew 19:26
When we say "God Bless You we are calling on God to do something we can't. His supernatural nature gives Him the ability to go beyond the things that you and I can do. If we were capable of doing all of these things, would we really ask Him for help?
Bless - This word often gets used as if God were a genie in a bottle. It's focused on what we want, instead of what He can provide. In a Biblical sense, a blessing is a "statement of good will and happiness that is said about another, as well as the condition that fulfills those good words." The definition is derived from 4 words translated as blessing in the Bible.
Hebrew words in Old Testament: Barak and Esher
Greek words in New Testament: Makarios and Eulogeo
Together these four words speak of God's work in our lives, our understanding of His authority, and the happiness and fulfillment we find through Him.
Hebrew words in Old Testament: Barak and Esher
Greek words in New Testament: Makarios and Eulogeo
Together these four words speak of God's work in our lives, our understanding of His authority, and the happiness and fulfillment we find through Him.
You - Originally this word was used to describe people in the plural sense (more than one person). Over time, it has been transformed by culture to be used for a single individual. In the case of God Bless You, it could be used as both. When we say to someone or a group of people, God Bless You, we are addressing them.
When we combine these three words, we find that a blessing is not just a kind word. It is a call for God's authority in the person's life and has both a spiritual and practical revelation to it.
We see several blessings in Genesis but today we'll look at just one.
Genesis 12:2
From this passage we see several things that God promised Abram (later Abraham): Abundance, growth of family into a nation, great name, family will bless others.
Just like Abraham and his blessing from God, our lives to have the ability to do great things. However, this does not mean that we are all destined for a story that is so big that it catches the world’s attention. We are not all called to lead the masses, but we are called to make an impact. That could be for one person, a small group, a church, or even a community. When we are faithful to God and ask for His blessing for our lives, we can maximize our impact for God's Kingdom too.
We see several blessings in Genesis but today we'll look at just one.
Genesis 12:2
From this passage we see several things that God promised Abram (later Abraham): Abundance, growth of family into a nation, great name, family will bless others.
Just like Abraham and his blessing from God, our lives to have the ability to do great things. However, this does not mean that we are all destined for a story that is so big that it catches the world’s attention. We are not all called to lead the masses, but we are called to make an impact. That could be for one person, a small group, a church, or even a community. When we are faithful to God and ask for His blessing for our lives, we can maximize our impact for God's Kingdom too.
So far our focus has been on the blessing of an individual, but what if we switched it to a group and instead said, "God Bless America".
How do these words make you feel? Proud? Angry? Do they make you think deeper about our country? Does it make you wonder if God still sees America as worthy of His blessing?
Because God loves us, we are to love others. 1 John 4:19
Regardless of how you view the current state of America, God still sees our potential as a great nation. America was founded by godly people following biblical principles. Yet just like the Israel of old, we better heed the warnings of God. As Americans, if we will submit to His plans, follow His paths and share His story we will once again feel His blessing.
How do these words make you feel? Proud? Angry? Do they make you think deeper about our country? Does it make you wonder if God still sees America as worthy of His blessing?
Because God loves us, we are to love others. 1 John 4:19
Regardless of how you view the current state of America, God still sees our potential as a great nation. America was founded by godly people following biblical principles. Yet just like the Israel of old, we better heed the warnings of God. As Americans, if we will submit to His plans, follow His paths and share His story we will once again feel His blessing.
Unlike many places in the world, here in the USA we still have some freedoms and those freedoms are protected by the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.
President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day with this message: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to include veterans from all wars, not just the first World War.
President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day with this message: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to include veterans from all wars, not just the first World War.
Our veterans exemplify many traits that are consistent with the call God asks of each of us. Today we'll touch on three of them:
1. They embody what it means to Sacrifice.
As Christians, we are also called to make sacrifices. We are called to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. We are called to die to our old selves and live for God. Christians in Nigeria are paying the ultimate price for the Kingdom.
1. They embody what it means to Sacrifice.
As Christians, we are also called to make sacrifices. We are called to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. We are called to die to our old selves and live for God. Christians in Nigeria are paying the ultimate price for the Kingdom.
2. They exemplify what it means to give their Service.
There is a genuine sense of pride in serving for the greater good and they will set their own wants and needs aside for the betterment of their country. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." Joseph Campbell
There is a genuine sense of pride in serving for the greater good and they will set their own wants and needs aside for the betterment of their country. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." Joseph Campbell
3. They ensure our Sovereignty (Freedom).
The entire purpose of our Armed Forces is to ensure freedom for the United States. They face threats here at home and abroad. They answer the call at a moments notice and place the greater good of our country above all else.
The entire purpose of our Armed Forces is to ensure freedom for the United States. They face threats here at home and abroad. They answer the call at a moments notice and place the greater good of our country above all else.
Our veterans have some amazing qualities. These qualities can often hold true of the great qualities that God asks of us. Just as our veterans willingly serve a bigger purpose, we are called by Christ to serve a bigger purpose. God Bless America and, in turn, God Bless our Veterans.
A challenge for us today is to actively seek out people in our daily lives that we can ask God's blessing on. Not just a casual or polite saying but a genuine call for God to bless others. This could be an individual or a group of people that you want to see do great things. "God Bless You" should be a powerful tool in our arsenal for the Kingdom of God, but just like any tool, it must be used correctly and with intent. God answers prayer! Keep praying for the blessing and favor of God in the lives of others.
Numbers 6:24-26
Numbers 6:24-26
Be the catalyst for blessing others. When we give our time, talent, treasure, and share our testimony we can bless others. There are many opportunities to do so. We just thanked our veterans today but you don't need to wait until Veterans Day to thank a vet. They deserve to be blessed often.
When we prioritize blessing others, we too can see God return the blessing.
Luke 6:38
Quote from Robert H. Schuller (Pastor/Writer/Speaker) "The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."
Luke 6:38
Quote from Robert H. Schuller (Pastor/Writer/Speaker) "The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."
Grace Church Website
https://gc3.org/Giving at Grace
https://gc3.org/pages/giveFind us on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurchMIBreeze Directory
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account. Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/r/dashboardCJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order
Skip the line and order your latte ahead of time!
https://gc3.org/pages/cjs-orderGrace Church has an App!
Access messages, prayer posts, news & events, Breeze login, and more! Use the link below to download the Grace Church app through Tithely. This is an easy way to access all of the most important things found on our website or even get to the website itself. Once you download the app it will ask what topics you would like notifications for so that you won't miss out on any information that is shared. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) or Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org).
https://tithely.app.link/gc3Join a H.O.M.E. Group
Life is better lived in community with one another. As Christ followers, we know that being in community helps us tremendously as we learn and grow in our faith. Grace Church offers H.O.M.E. Groups that help us do just that! These groups meet from September to May in homes throughout our 4 county region. H.O.M.E. Groups guide us in four key areas: Hospitality, Obedience, Ministry, and Evangelism. It is our hope that everyone be able to experience life lived in community through a H.O.M.E. Group! If you have questions or want help finding a group that is right for you, contact the church office (grace@gc3.org). You can learn more and sign-up using the link below.
https://gc3.org/pages/h-o-m-e-groupsMeet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
Grace Wear 2025
You Can Order from Courtside Today!
We have a whole new line of shirts available to order from Courtside Screen-Printing and Embroidery. You can see all of the t-shirts, long sleeve tee's, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and more when you visit the online store at the link below. All questions should be directed to Courtside; their contact information can be found at the bottom of their page.
https://gracechurch-2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/Annual Pie Fundraiser
This is an annual pie fundraiser and all funds generated go directly to the Samaritan Fund to help people in the church and in the community. Pies are $18 each and all orders should be placed on or before November 16th. Use this LINK to order.
Pies will be available for pick-up on November 16th or 23rd depending on when you order.
Please be very specific about the quantity you are ordering along with which type of pie (cherry, apple, or blueberry) and whether you want it frozen or baked. You may pay in person with check (to Grace Church) or cash in CJ's coffee shop or pay online now.
Contact Susie Butler with any questions regarding your pies (nanaloveshugs@gmail.com).
A big THANK YOU to Susie for using your time, talent, and treasure to help people in need through this fundraiser!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/pies25Annual Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
Sign-up to decorate a tree today!
Each year we set up 10 trees in the lobby for individuals or groups to decorate as part of our Grace Church Christmas tradition. This annual event is designed to give you an opportunity to unleash your creativity, serve the church with friends/family, and to HAVE FUN!!
This year our December theme is Advent. We ask that you decorate your tree with one of the four themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love). Think creatively as to how you can convey the meaning of the word you choose in your tree decorations.
We need to know that you would like a tree reserved to decorate no later than Monday, November 24th so that we can have a tree ready for you/your group to decorate on Sunday, November 30th following our anniversary lunch.
Voting will take place on December 7th so all trees will need to be decorated before then. It is a "friendly competition" with the attenders voting to award their favorite tree. All trees need to be lit so you'll need to add lights if your tree isn't pre-lit. We look forward to seeing what you will come up with! Contact Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org) with any questions.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/trees25Grace Church Anniversary
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
Barry County Cares is Seeking Donations
As Don Wiser shared on Sunday, Barry County Cares has a list of personal care and household items that are needed as they help to meet needs that arise in the Barry County region. If you are able to purchase any of these items, they can be placed in the designated bin in the lobby anytime during the month of November.
* Toothbrushes
* Toothpaste
* Deoderant
* Hand Soap
* Body Wash
* Laundry Detergent
* Dish Soap
* Toilet Paper
* Paper Towel
If you would like to learn more about who Barry County Cares is and how to support them, you can contact Don Wiser (donaldwiser@rocketmail.com) or visit their website at the link be
https://www.barrycountycares.org/Birthdays and Anniversaries we're celebrating this week:
Monday, November 10th - Stephanie Starks
Thursday, November 13th - Dawn Conklin
Saturday, November 15th - Elaine Russell
Thursday, November 13th - Dawn Conklin
Saturday, November 15th - Elaine Russell