Resurrection Mission
If Jesus is risen, then there is no need to fret. We can play the long game. We pray for those called to go. We give freely and readily when the call comes.
Grace Church,
If Christ is risen from the dead, anything is possible. Including the reality that would have been unthinkable to any first century Jew—and may even feel too daunting of a task in a globalized world as ours—that the kingdom of God would expand to the edges of the earth and be offered to every people and tribe in every tongue and in every cultural expression. But this is Jesus’ risen promise, the promise of Easter: that following the apostles, his disciples will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Perhaps it is shocking to us that this commission has not yet been fulfilled, some 2000 odd years later. But that is because we have forgotten that God is a God who makes eternal promises. He is not in a hurry. He aims to destroy death itself, forever and ever, and that death blow has already begun in the work of Jesus.
The way we maintain our commitment to Christ—even if it takes our lifetime, as it likely will—is to understand that the march of Jesus’ kingdom is always upward and forward. Not even persecution can stop it. Not even suffering can slow it.
Matt Rhodes writes elsewhere how we must be willing to accept the reality of suffering for the sake of Christ:
It’s not enough just to give people a sobering heads-up about the realities they’ll face and to tell them to dig deep and be ready to tough it out. Instead, we have to insist on the good news—that though the devil has “the power of death,” Jesus came to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:15). Persecution has lost its grip on those who truly believe in Christ. The devil can still torment and even kill, but Christ’s death and resurrection mean that fear can’t control us anymore because we know we are coming back to life. This is why the New Testament insists at many different points that those who are unwilling to suffer with Jesus don’t have real faith—because real faith that God can raise us from the dead prepares us—by definition—to suffer.
I’m very thankful for Matt’s witness of Christ’s resurrection to us this Sunday. Oftentimes we forget that the harvest of the gospel in the world requires the church to wake up to the reality of their call to participate. We see the realities of suffering, and we shrink back. What can we do, in light of such a global task as seeing the nations reached with the gospel?
But we are not called to shrink back. If Jesus is risen, then there is no need to fret. We can play the long game. We pray for those called to go. We give freely and readily when the call comes. We labor for the sake of training and sending more laborers onto the field, particularly laborers who are ready to commit to long-term work among the least reached people of the world.
If our time on Sunday sparked some holy desire for the nations in you, I would encourage you to reach out to a pastor. No one is exempt from Jesus’ call. We are eager to meet with you and discuss how you might be a part of God’s great commission work.
Also, take note that one of our members, Caleb Chakmajian, has decided to do something. He and his band are hosting a missions benefit concert this Wednesday at 7pm. I would encourage you to make it. It’s just one small step, but remember fulfillment of the great commission is full of small faithful steps.
In Christ,
Pastor Drake
Current Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
Luke’s gospel was written so that we might have certainty concerning what we have been taught: that Jesus really is the Christ of God, the one we’ve all been waiting for. By closely examining the life and teachings of Jesus, we learn of his heart for us and the way of following him.
Last Sunday at Grace
Last Sunday, missionary guest Matt R. preached from Acts 1:1-11. Jesus' missionary vision is 1) global; 2) focused on proclaiming his resurrection; and 3) done in the Holy Spirit's resurrection power.
Next Sunday May 4, 2025
The Third Sunday of Easter | Luke 24:13-35 | Drake Osborn
Set List
Be Thou My Vision
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
He Will Hold Me Fast
Christ The True And Better
Doxology
Follow Our Playlist on Spotify!
College Gathering, Tuesday, April 29, 7pm
Join other students for a workshop on the topic of faith and rest. Reach out to jake@gracewaco.com if you are in need of a ride.
Grace Institute Fall 2025 Registration is Open!
Our intensive theological development program, Grace Institute, launches again this Fall. The Grace Institute seeks to provide robust theological formation, personal spiritual development, and leadership training. The program’s curriculum is aimed at helping men and women grow in their love for God, Scripture, and His mission. The class meets for a whole year, once a week over two 12-week semesters, with class sessions consisting of lectures, cohort discussion, and homework.
Class meetings will be Monday nights, from 6-8pm, starting September 8. Childcare is provided! Cost is $275, includes childcare and all books. Scholarships are available—contact jake@gracewaco.com if needed.
Members Meeting, May 4, 11:45am
Mark your calendars for our final members meeting of the semester. We will receive important updates and teaching, install new members, link arms in prayer, and renew our covenant together. We will also take part in a family meal—CG leaders will have more information about how to organize food needs.
Missions Benefit Concert, April 30, 7pm
Caleb Chakmakjian and his band will be sharing new songs in a special concert benefitting the Propst family mission fund. All ages are welcome and tickets and donations are available at the door.
See you Sunday!
Equipping Hour | 9am
Corporate Worship | 10am
4610 Bosque Blvd
Waco, Tx 76710