1755 results for tag: Greg Albrecht

Don’t Forget!

As he leads us in a discussion of the five benefits God tells us to remember (Psalm 103:1-5) Greg tells the story of a man named Eddie who never, ever forgot.

Giving to God

God is an extravagant giver. He doesn't need for you and me to give so that his grace won't run out - God isn't dependent on our giving to finance his projects. But giving is at the heart of being in relationship with God.

A Transformation-Not a Transaction – Greg Albrecht

Ephesians 2:8-10 teaches us that we are saved BY grace FOR works—contrasted with the completely erroneous idea of the virus of legalism, alive and well within so much of Christendom. The performance-based legalisms of Christ-less religion propose and insist that we are saved BY works FOR grace. Paul teaches us in Ephesians 2:8-10 that we are saved BY grace FOR the works that God determines for us, so that we may become his workmanship. To underline this critical truth of the gospel—we are saved BY God’s grace, FOR HIS works—not by OUR works. Our salvation is a transformation of grace, not a transaction of works. God’s grace and the ...

Is God’s Grace Balanced?

The goal of grace-based Christianity is to be in step with Jesus, which often means being imbalanced and out of step with conventional religious expression. Join us as we discuss what it means to be in relationship with God.

God Save the King – by Greg Albrecht

When her health declined, Queen Elizabeth (1926-2022) travelled from London to her beloved family home in Balmoral, Scotland, perhaps because it was there, amidst treasured memories and traditions, she wished to die.   On Thursday, September 8, when news of the Queen’s deteriorating health became known, crowds gathered around Buckingham Palace in London.  When the sobering, staggering news of her death swept across the throng, without prompting, many started to sing the national anthem, only with slight lyrical adaptations, gender specific words changed to reflect the new king.  In that moment, God Save the Queen became ...

Knowing God – In Spirit and in Truth

Jesus is not impressed with religions deeds and accomplishments, neither is he repelled by immorality and the failure of sinners. Greg discusses Jesus' ministry to the Samaritan woman he meets at the well.

Greater Things

In one of the most startling promises he ever gave (John 14:12) Jesus told us that we will do even greater things than he did. What did he mean? What can be greater than opening the eyes of the blind or raising the dead?

Law and The Gospel – by Greg Albrecht

Friend and Partner Letter from September 2015 The distinction between law and gospel is the highest art in Christendom. – Martin Luther Have you noticed that when you take God’s grace seriously, you start to hear advice, offered with a sweet, patronizing smile, that goes something like this: “Of course God loves you, but his love is not a one-way street – you have a contribution to make as well.”  If you are told you are in charge of activating, purchasing or producing God’s love, that’s law. If you understand that God’s in charge, that’s grace. If you are told that God’s love and grace are produced by ...

Grace Without Reservation(s)

Grace is the narrow road that leads to eternal life — it’s not crowded, it’s the road often not taken. Grace involves accepting God without any reservation(s). By contrast, the eight-lane religious freeway is bumper to bumper with people attempting to have a relationship with God on their own terms — it’s paved with good intentions, but it’s the highway to hell.

Scandalous Grace

Join us for the first sermon of a two part series on grace. We examine the story of Esau and Jacob and what it teaches us about God’s scandalous grace.

Does Evil Mean God Is Dead? – Greg Albrecht

Question: Given the recent medical issues I face, and given the nature of this unbelievably confusing world to which we have been introduced these past few years, I am having a hard time thinking that God is God.  Sometimes, considering the incredible evil I see and now the suffering I am personally experiencing, in my dark moments I find myself thinking that God is not doing anything – he is not intervening – he is not answering prayers.  At best, he is allowing evil.  But why would a loving God do that?  You say God is not a monster god, and most of the time I believe that, but then I have my moments of doubt.  Do you have any ...

Let the Party Begin!

The very idea of any kind of party, laughter, and enjoyment of life itself is suspect in some religious environments. However, the authentic body of Christ sings, dances and loves. It’s a Jesus kind of church! The Bible reveals God as the lavish giver, the life of the party and the Lord of the Dance.

Love Without Limits

As humans we are plagued by shortages and limitations. God, however, is without limitation; his love will never be subject to some kind of “heavenly warming” effect that could threaten to diminish his “reservoir” of love. God will never run out of love, neither will he ever take it back once he gives it.

God Really Likes You!

Our keynote passage (Rev. 21:1-4) provides a snapshot of the picture presented to us throughout this fascinating book. Revelation contrasts religion and authentic Christianity, depicting our relationship with God on the basis of his love, rather than on religious performance.

But What About Rewards? – by Greg Albrecht

Q: Jesus spoke of God rewarding people for charitable giving, for prayer and for fasting: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6). "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your ...

The Master’s Voice

As the sheep of the Lord’s pasture he enables us to come to know his voice (John 10:4). How can we attentively listen for the voice of the Master?

Living in the Lord’s House

God invites us all to “come on over.” His house is our house, his doors are wide open. Discover what it means when Psalm 23 tells us that we “will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Walking With Jesus – Greg Albrecht

During Jesus’ earthly life, walking was the primary and popular form of transit. Most people traveled from point “A” to point “B” by walking. If they needed food, they didn’t walk out the front door and get in their car, nor did they step out the front door and hop on their donkey and go to their local Super-Sol/Super-Sal (the largest supermarket chain in Israel today). They didn’t call Door Dash, Grubhub or Uber Eats for a home delivery. They walked. There are of course times when the word “walk” is used in the Bible in a literal sense, describing how people moved their bodies on foot from one place to another. But the ...

Lead Us Not Into Temptation? – Greg Albrecht

Question: Does God “tempt” us?  I have struggled for many years with the petition in the Lord’s Prayer -- “And lead us not into temptation”. I have wondered so often about why should we dare to ask God not to lead us into temptation if in fact he will never lead us to temptation. Finally I just began to quietly change my words to “And let me not be led into temptation” when I get to this petition in the Lord’s Prayer. Every time I have mentioned this to friends they look at me like I am crazy.So, what do you think Jesus was saying? Response: The Lord’s Prayer, or as some call it “The Our Father” includes seven ...

Religion Gets Up God’s Nose

Join Greg as he rehearses Jeremiah’s sermon (Jeremiah 7:1-11) given as people were going “to” temple (church). God told Jeremiah to tell those who were merely fulfilling their religious obligation to be inside the four walls of a “holy place” that they were having a religious experience but missing the meaning.