Grace Clarksville

When we step into life on God’s terms, he calls us to live differently — but not entirely. In this sermon, we explore how a Christian faith leaves us, in many ways, the same as everyone else, while at the same also leaving us profoundly different than those around us. Key Verses: John 2:1-11 Key Words: difference, grace, mercy, spiritual identity, spiritual formation

Praising God fulfills the purpose for which we were put on this earth, and yet it can be really challenging at times. In this sermon, we look at the last chapter in the book of Psalms to gain a deeper understanding of what praising the Lord looks like and how it can enrich our lives.  Key Verses: Psalm 150 Key Words: praise, hallelujah, God’s character, worship

One of the marks of real spiritual growth is an increasing awareness of our weaknesses. In this sermon, we look at the reality of our weaknesses, why God allows them in our lives, and how he calls us to live with them. Key Verses: Ezekiel 34:11-16 Key Words: weakness, spiritual growth, grace, compassion

There is nothing that poses more of a threat to the good life that Jesus offers us than pride. In this sermon, we look at a conversation between Jesus and two of his disciples and learn about humility from the One Who embodies it fully. Key Verses: Mark 10:35-45 Key Words: humility, Jesus, serving others, greatness    

Jesus tells us to “strive" to enter into life with him. In this sermon, we look at the role of effort in our spiritual growth — what it does, what it doesn’t do, and how we can know if we are on the right track when we do it. Key Verses: Luke 13:22-30 Key Words: growth, effort, trying, spiritual formation, grace   

Compassion is the fruit of genuine empathy whereby we attempt to alleviate the suffering of those around us. We can only create this community of compassion because of the mercy and love shown to us in the person of Jesus. He is our great gift of compassion and, simultaneously, our most outstanding example. Key Verses: Luke 7:11-17 Key Words: compassion, kingdom, empathy, judgmental, community   

Jesus makes us a remarkable promise: we can experience great joy in him. In this sermon, we look at the importance of joy and how it can come to us through our everyday lives. Key Verses: John 15-1-11 Key Words: joy, hope, happiness, growth   

Jesus tells us that part of living a good life must include radical generosity. In this sermon, we see how living a generous life means more than just giving away our money, and how being generous opens us up to receive the Kingdom of God. Key Verses: Mark 10:17-31 Key Words: giving, generosity, freedom, spiritual growth, wealth  

Jesus tells us that it’s literally impossible to live our lives with God unless we practice regular forgiveness. In this sermon, we look at why God calls us to forgive those who hurt us, and how it’s possible to actually do it. Key Verses: Matthew 18:21-35 Key Words: forgiveness, mercy, grace, justice, relationships, freedom 

When Jesus invites us into a “good” life, he invites us into a life filled with faith. In this sermon we see what true faith in God is, and how it can grow in our lives today. Key Verses: Mark 4:35-41 Key Words: faith, fear, Jesus, storms, peace  

What does it mean to live a good life? In this sermon, we see how Jesus tells us that a good life begins with a surrender to his kingdom plans and ways. Key Verses: Matthew 6:25-33 Key Words: good life, kingdom, anxiety, worry, freedom, surrender

In one of the most famous stories of the Bible, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. In this sermon, we see how we can join Jesus and the power of his resurrection, too. Key Verses: John 11:17-27 Key Words: resurrection, easter, Lazarus, waiting, power, hope

We see in exceptional vividness the slowly changing life of the man born blind and instantly healed by Jesus. Beginning with only a limited understanding of Jesus he is led through questions and controversy to eventually outright rejection by those who are supposed to help. Finally, he is found by the good shepherd and his life is forever changed into one of belief. Key Verses: John 9:1-41   Key Words: darkness, light, blindness, sight, salvation, belief

God’s power to change our lives comes at just the right time. In this sermon, we explore how an invalid who had suffered for thirty-eight years found healing grace when he met Jesus — and how we can do the same. Key Verses: John 5:1-8   Key Words: healing, power, grace, conversion, change  

Conversion is the heart of the Christian faith. But it is often varied in how it happens. In this sermon, we look at a hurting woman’s surprising conversion at a well and how Jesus can do the same thing in us today. Key Verses: John 4: 7-15   Key Words: conversion, salvation, woman at the well, hope 

God calls us to radical transformation that reorients our entire lives. In this sermon, we look at a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus and learn what it means to be born again.   Key Verses: John 3:1-22   Key Words: new life, conversion, Jesus, hope, salvation 

How are we supposed to view the Old Testament and its commandments now, after the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? In this sermon, we will explore the role of the commandments in our lives today and how they ultimately point us to God’s great redemptive work in our lives. Key Verses: Matthew 5:17-20   Key Words: Ten Commandments, Old Testament, Jesus, sermon on the mount, grace, spiritual growth, holiness 

The tenth commandment warns us against an unhealthy desire for the lives of others. This command to not covet is the other nine commandments' heart level culmination, beginning with inner obedience that should lead to our external actions. The only right solution to this internal discontent is to find contentment in Christ alone. Key Verses: Exodus 20:1-2, 17   Key Words: covet, desire, contentment, commandments, heart 

Every community requires a foundation of truth to flourish. In this sermon, we see how the absence of truth can threaten our relationships and, more importantly, how to become handle the truth with love. Key Verses: Exodus 20:1-2, 16   Key Words: lying, false witness, truth, Ten Commandments 

God wants his people to live with other in holy and sustainable ways. In this sermon, we look at how murder, adultery, and stealing breaks down community and keeps us from living holy lives. Key Verses: Exodus 20:1-2, 13-15   Key Words: murder, adultery, stealing, Ten Commandments, holiness, faith