GraceHill Church: Weekly Sermons

"Therefore:" How to Live in Light of Grace | 1 Peter 1:13-21

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 1:13-21.
Verse 13 opens with a powerful word: “Therefore.” With that single word, Peter connects two major concepts. In the first twelve verses, Peter discusses the reality of the Gospel in our lives. Now, he aims to show how we are to respond to the Gospel.
Big Idea: Since you're now part of God's family, live in holiness and reverence as you wait for Christ to return.
Since you’ve been graced, fix your hope on future glory (13)
Since you’ve Been called, follow your Father in holiness (14-16)
Since You’ve been redeemed, fear your Father in reverence (17-21)

Gospel Privilege: You’ve Been Served! | 1 Peter 1:10-12

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 1:10-12.
Christians, who receive a new identity in Christ, lose their previous earthly status and benefits, along with their sense of significance. In the eyes of the world, they appear as the most unfortunate and disadvantaged. As Peter concludes his introduction, he reminds them how privileged they are as New Testament saints.
Big Idea: Christian, you are greatly privileged because you have received the complete truth of salvation in Jesus Christ.
You Enjoy What the Prophets Prepared (10-12a)
You Received Whom the Preachers Proclaim (12b)
You Experience What the Angels Puzzle Over (12c)

Joy in the Ruins: Proof of Faith | 1 Peter 1:6-9

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 1:6-9.
For the first time, Peter introduces the topic of suffering, which will continue throughout the letter. He acknowledges that life in exile is marked by suffering but reminds his readers that their faith today will lead to final salvation, far greater than all the pain, allowing them to rejoice even now.
Big Idea: Rejoice amid trials because they’re short-lived, God-ordained, and fruit-bearing.
Rejoice while in trials because:
All trials are short-lived compared to eternal joy (6)
All trials are God-ordained to prove your faith (6-7)
All trials are fruit-bearing both now and for eternity (8-9)

Bless the Father: You're Family Now! | 1 Peter 1:3-5

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 1:3-5.
Peter is writing to those who are harassed, insulted, and pressured by a sinful culture, encouraging them to recognize something important about God and to declare His praises. Since God is blessed, it is right to bless Him in all circumstances. Peter provides the reasons for this in the following verses.
Big Idea: Praise the Father because He has saved and secured you forever!
Bless the Father because He birthed you into His family (3a)
Bless the Father because He gave you living hope in Christ (3b)
Bless the Father because He guards you for future inheritance (4-5)

Recognize Your Status: Chosen Aliens | 1 Peter 1:1-2

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Peter 1:1-2.
1 Peter was written to people in a situation similar to ours: not experiencing full-blown persecution but facing harassment, insults, and pressure from a culture and society that hated Christ. Peter wrote to encourage the Christians and to remind them that they possess a living hope in a hopeless land. As he begins to write, the first thing he does is remind them of their status.
Big Idea: Recognize your status as deeply loved by God and deeply loathed by the world.
Chosen:  Recognize that God Deeply Loves You
Aliens: Recognize that the World Deeply Loathes You

Why Life Groups? | Selected Scriptures

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Selected Scriptures.
The Bible clearly states that believers belong to one another. Unlike our relationships with unbelievers, Christians have the privilege of fellowshipping with each other, and small groups allow us to do just that.
Big Idea: Life Groups provide a place for deeper fellowship—sharing, caring, and welcoming of one another.
A Place to Share Our Common Lives with One Another
A Place to Care for One Another
A Place to Welcome Others

Why Do We Train? | 1 Timothy 4:6-10

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from 1 Timothy 4:6-10.
The concepts of training and discipline are outlined throughout the New Testament. Paul frequently used metaphors of running, boxing, exercising, and laboring to describe the Christian walk. Discipline is a necessary component of our walk with God.
Big Idea: Train by feeding on the gospel, aiming for godliness, and fueled by hope.
The Diet of Training: Gospel & Doctrine (6-7a)
The Goal of Training: Godliness Promised in the Gospel (7b-9)
The Fuel for Training: Hope in the Living Savior (10)

Why Do We Pray? | Selected Scriptures

A sermon by Pastor Mike Trofimenko from Selected Scriptures.
Our strength in prayer arises from our knowledge of God and His purposes as He reveals Himself in the Scriptures. The starting point in prayer is God’s revelation of who He is and what He is doing.
Big Idea: We pray because our gracious Father offers his help and performs gospel works in response to the prayers of his needy children.
We pray because our Father graciously offers his mercy and help
We pray because we are God's helpless and needy children
We pray because God does the works of the gospel in us and through us in response to our requests

Why Missions? | Isaiah 42:1-13

A sermon by guest preacher Greg Reed from Isaiah 42:1-13.
The church is commissioned because of the glorious commission of our great Christ.
The church is commissioned because of the glorious salvation of our great Christ.
The church is commissioned because of the glorious song of our great Christ.

Why Do We Preach? | Selected Scriptures

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Selected Scriptures.
Throughout church history, there have always been periods when preaching was resisted and attacked, and today is no different. In a world full of complex issues, what good does it do to gather once a week to listen to somebody talk about God from the Bible?
Big Idea: Preaching is a meeting with God to hear Him speak, leading to conversion and change.
We Preach Because Our God Has Spoken
We Preach Because We are Saved Through Preaching
We Preach Because We are Changed Through Preaching