Exalting God in Everything

Good morning, and welcome to Grace Bible Church! I’ve given this greeting hundreds of times, but each time, it is a powerful reminder of why we gather as believers. There’s something profound about being in the presence of God’s people, worshiping Him together, and sitting under the teaching of His Word. My wife, Angie, and I decided years ago to prioritize attending church as much as possible despite life’s ups and downs. It’s a choice we've never regretted, and I want to tell you why!

No Perfect Churches, But a Perfect Savior

There are no perfect churches in our fallen world. Every church has its "warts." If you ever find a perfect church, you can be sure it will become imperfect when you walk in. This truth is both humbling and freeing. The church is not made up of perfect people but of sinners saved by grace, striving together to exalt the One who is perfect.

Therefore, we strive to keep things simple at Grace Bible Church: We exist to exalt God in everything we do. It’s that simple—and it’s that profound. Whether teaching, serving, or fellowshipping, our primary goal is to please God.

Exalting God Through Expository Preaching

One of the key ways Grace Bible Church seeks to exalt God is by faithfully preaching His Word. We have always emphasized the importance of expository preaching—going verse by verse through the Bible. This method is central to our belief that God has revealed Himself in Scripture, and we must handle His Word with care.

The Apostle Paul solemnly charged Timothy with these words:
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2, LSB).
The clear, bold proclamation of God’s Word is a beacon of light in a world where truth is often distorted or watered down. Expository preaching forces us to grapple with the whole counsel of God, not just the parts we may find comfortable or convenient.

Equipping the Saints for Maturity

Another way we exalt God is by equipping the saints. This means encouraging believers toward spiritual maturity and helping them grow into the likeness of Christ. The Apostle Paul highlights this goal in Colossians 1:28:
“Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28, LSB).

This verse captures the heart of discipleship. The goal of Christian teaching is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical, transformative truth that shapes our lives and guides our steps. To be "complete in Christ" is to grow in holiness, maturity, and obedience. And as a church, we take this responsibility seriously. We exist to help one another mature in faith, becoming more like Jesus each day.

Evangelizing the Lost

Finally, Grace Bible Church exalts God by proclaiming the gospel to the lost. This is not an optional part of the Christian life—it is central to exaltation. Jesus’ Great Commission calls us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, LSB).
We hope that people will come to saving faith as we faithfully preach Christ. We proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, not because it’s easy or popular but because it is the only hope for a lost and dying world.

Living for God’s Glory

The Philosophy of Ministry of Grace Bible Church is simple: to exalt God in everything we do. We aim to bring glory to God through preaching, discipleship, and evangelism, pointing others to His greatness. In a world of distractions and competing priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. But when we focus on exalting God, everything else falls into place.

May we, as the body of Christ, be committed to this simple but life-changing philosophy of ministry. Let’s pursue lives that are pleasing to Him, faithfully proclaiming His Word, equipping one another, and sharing the gospel with the world. It is a privilege to be a part of Christ's body, the church, imperfect though it may be, and to serve a perfect Savior worthy of all our worship and devotion.

Key Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 5:9 (LSB): "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
• 2 Timothy 4:1–2 (LSB): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching."
• Colossians 1:28 (LSB): "Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ."
• Matthew 28:19–20 (LSB): "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."