GraceHill Church: Weekly Sermons

Shepherd God's Flock | 1 Peter 5:1-4

A sermon by Pastor Mike Trofimenko from 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Peter's call for the church to endure suffering is now directed primarily at the church's elders. During times of hardship and persecution, the first to be affected within the church are often the pastors. When a leader's freedom, position, lifestyle, family, or even his own life is at risk, it is easy for him to falter and neglect the shepherding and oversight duties he was called to perform.
Big Idea: Faithful shepherds are called to lead God’s flock in a loving manner, looking to the Chief Shepherd for their eternal reward.
The Call to Shepherd (1-2a)
The Manner of Shepherding (2b-3)
The Reward for the Shepherds (4)

Surprise?! | 1 Peter 4:12-19

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 4:12-19.
In this text, Peter reminds us that God neither ignores nor minimizes our suffering. He is not indifferent to our pain. Rather than explaining every reason for suffering, Peter helps us understand why God allows it and encourages us to entrust ourselves to Him through it.
Big Idea: Don’t be surprised by suffering; instead, rejoice and trust God, who is refining you.
Welcome your suffering (12-14)
Understand your suffering (15-18)
Entrust yourself to God in suffering (19)

Living Like There's No Tomorrow | 1 Peter 4:7-11

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 4:7-11.
What should the church do if the end of all things is at hand? Should we spend our time trying to determine the date of His coming? Should we quit our jobs and retreat to the hills? No! Instead, we are called to live faithful Christian lives that glorify God and serve others.
Big Idea: The end is near, so live normal Christian lives that glorify God and benefit others.
Live soberly to stay prayerful (7)
Love fervently to cover sin (8-9)
Serve diligently to glorify God (10-11)

Christian, What Time Is It? | 1 Peter 4:1-6

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 4:1-6.
As Peter continues to instruct his readers on the topic of suffering, he encourages them to endure it well by focusing on their new identity as Christians. Since they are no longer who they once were, every moment of their lives should be devoted to living for Christ, even if it comes at a great cost.
Big Idea: From the day you were born again, every moment belongs to Christ, no matter the cost.
It’s time to arm yourself with Christ’s mindset (1)
It’s time to live according to God’s will (2-4)
It’s time to stand on God’s verdict (5-6)

Why A Christ-filled Church Can Face Suffering | 1 Peter 3:18-22

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 3:18-22.
This is one of the most challenging passages in the New Testament. A common mistake when teaching such passages is overemphasizing unclear details and losing sight of the main point. Peter highlights that Christians can endure suffering because Jesus was vindicated through His resurrection and ascension. Suffering is not the end; glory is.
Big Idea: We can suffer well because we share the same destiny as Jesus!
Christ’s suffering resulted in exaltation that brought you to God (18)
Christ’s suffering resulted in exaltation that triumphed over demonic powers (19-20a; 22)
Christ’s suffering resulted in exaltation that gives meaning to your baptism (20b-21)

How a Christ-filled Church Faces Suffering | 1 Peter 3:13-17

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 3:13-17.
In 3:13, Peter transitions in his letter to address the topic of suffering. He seeks to equip his Christian readers not only to endure severe persecution but also to recognize it as an opportunity for witness. How should the church respond to suffering while rejoicing in its salvation and remaining faithful to Christ?
Big Idea: Face suffering with a gracious manner, godly mindset, and gospel message.‍
Persevere Patiently: Do good and submit to God’s will (13-14a; 17)
Prioritize Properly: Fear God above all lesser fears (14b-15a)
Proclaim Promptly: Be ready to defend your gospel hope to everyone (15b-16)

Attitudes of a Christ-Filled Church | 1 Peter 3:8-12

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 3:8-12.
Everyone desires a sweet life, but they often look in different places to find it. How can Christians enjoy a good life, especially in the midst of suffering? Peter provides a straightforward answer.
Big Idea: Live together with Christ-like attitudes, and you will inherit a blessing!
GraceHill, live together as a Christ-filled church! (8-9a)
GraceHill, live together as a Christ-filled church because of eternity! (9b-12)

Blessed for the Mission | Psalm 67

A sermon by Pastor Mike Trofimenko from Psalm 67.
God, in His grace and kindness, blesses us not to keep for ourselves but to share His blessings with others. As His redeemed children, we are called to reflect His mission, desiring that all nations come to praise and enjoy Him.
Big Idea: God blesses His people so they can lead the lost to Him, bringing them joy and glory to His name.
God is on a mission to bring joy to the nations (4)
You are blessed so that others may come to know Him (1-2, 6-7)
Join the mission and call people to exclusive praise (3, 5)

Jesus: The Hope of Christmas | Luke 2:21-35

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Luke 2:21-35.
In the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets, God left numerous hints about His plan of salvation, which centers on a Person. Initially, these hints were subtle, but as the revelation unfolded, they became increasingly clear. Many Jews, who had access to the Scriptures, patiently awaited the coming of the Messiah. One man, however, received a special revelation: he would not die until he had seen his Savior.
Big Idea: Jesus, the Hope of Christmas is offered to all but must be received by each.
Our Hope is Rooted in the Perfection of Jesus (21-24)
Our Hope is Rooted in the Sufficiency of Jesus (25-33)
Our Hope is Rooted in our Submission to Jesus (34-35)

Who is this Shepherd? | Ezekiel 34:1-24

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Ezekiel 34:1-24.
In Ezekiel 34, God condemns the shepherds of Israel for failing to embody the pastoral qualities necessary to care for their community. He promises to remove them from their positions and take on the role of Shepherd Himself. Only then will the people experience true care, comfort, and the assurance of a glorious future.
Big Idea: God has appointed His Son as the Good Shepherd, so it’s a blessing to be His sheep!
The Reason for the Good Shepherd: “I am Against Your Shepherds” (1-10)
The Comfort of the Good Shepherd: “I will Care for You!” (11-22)
The Identity of the Good Shepherd: “I will Set Over You One Shepherd” (23-24)