Walking in the New Nature

This past Sunday, we focused on a powerful truth that every believer must understand and embrace: Walking in the New Nature. When we come to Christ, salvation is not simply a moment of forgiveness. It is a complete transformation of identity. God does not just improve the old life. He gives us a new one.

Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” That means the believer is no longer defined by who they were, what they did, or what the world says about them. In Christ, we are made new. But the challenge for many believers is not becoming new, it is learning how to walk in that newness.

There is a difference between possessing a new nature and living from it. Too many believers are saved but still living with old mindsets, old patterns, and old ways of responding. God has changed their spirit, but their thinking has not yet caught up with their identity. This is why Scripture calls us to renew our minds and put on the new man.

Walking in the new nature begins with understanding where our life now comes from. Colossians 3 tells us that if we have been raised with Christ, we are to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. This is a shift in focus. The new nature is not sustained by the world’s system. It is sustained by the life of Christ in us.

That means our thoughts, our responses, and our desires should begin to reflect the character of Jesus. Where the old nature reacted in anger, the new nature responds in grace. Where the old nature lived in fear, the new nature walks in faith. Where the old nature was driven by selfishness, the new nature is led by love and surrender.

Walking in the new nature also means recognizing that we are no longer under the authority of our past. The enemy often tries to pull us back into old labels and old failures, but the cross settled that. We are not trying to become something God has not already declared us to be. We are learning to live from what He has already done.

Ephesians 4 reminds us to put off the old man and put on the new man, created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. That is not just theological language. It is practical. It affects how we treat people, how we make decisions, how we handle conflict, and how we carry ourselves daily.

Walking in the new nature is not about perfection. It is about progression. It is about daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, daily renewing our minds with the Word, and daily choosing to live from our Kingdom identity rather than our fleshly impulses.

As believers, we have been called to more than survival. We have been called to represent the King. That means our lives should reflect the nature of the One who saved us. The world should be able to see Christ in the way we live.

This week, take time to reflect on this truth. You are not who you used to be. You are not bound by the old life. You have been made new in Christ. Now the call is to walk like it.

Walk in grace. Walk in truth. Walk in authority. Walk in the new nature.

With faith and purpose,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

Built for the Journey

This past Sunday, we gathered for a special service centered around our Blessing of the Bikes event, and the message, “Built for the Journey,” reminded us of a powerful truth. Life is not a sprint. It is a journey. And God has not called us to simply survive it. He has equipped us to endure it, grow through it, and finish it strong.

The foundation of the message came from Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” That verse is a reminder that the journey of life will require strength beyond our own. There will be long roads, unexpected turns, storms we did not see coming, and seasons where we feel worn down. But God has promised renewal for those who lean on Him.

Anyone who rides understands that the journey itself comes with challenges. Roads can be rough. Weather can change without warning. Fatigue can set in. The same is true in our spiritual lives. There are seasons of testing, pressure, and opposition. James tells us not to be surprised by trials, because they are part of the process of producing endurance in us. The road is not always easy, but it is always shaping us.

One of the most important truths from the sermon was this: the journey tests what you are built on. When life gets difficult, the foundation matters. If our faith is built on emotions, comfort, or convenience, the pressure of life will expose weakness. But if our faith is built on Christ, we can stand firm no matter what comes.

God never promised a trouble-free journey, but He did promise His presence in it. That changes everything. We do not travel alone. Psalm 23 reminds us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. His presence is what sustains us when the road gets hard.

The journey also requires trust. Proverbs tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. There will be times when the road ahead does not make sense. There will be detours and delays. But God sees the full map when we can only see the next turn.

What encouraged me most in this message is the reminder that God built us for this. He knew the roads we would travel before we ever started. He knew the battles, the burdens, and the breakthroughs ahead. And He gave us everything we need through His Spirit to endure and overcome.

As we move through this week, remember that whatever part of the journey you are in right now, God has equipped you for it. If the road feels rough, keep moving. If the climb feels steep, keep trusting. If you are weary, wait on the Lord and let Him renew your strength.

You were not built to quit halfway.
You were built for the journey.

With strength for the road ahead,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

The Imperfect Church

This past Sunday’s message, “The Imperfect Church,” was both honest and encouraging. It brought us face to face with a reality we all know, but do not always say out loud. The Church is not perfect. It never has been. It is made up of people who are still growing, still learning, and still being transformed by the grace of God.

Sometimes we can place unrealistic expectations on the Church. We want it to be flawless, free from conflict, and untouched by struggle. But when we look at Scripture, we see something very different. From the early church in Acts to the letters written by Paul, the Church has always faced challenges. There were disagreements, growing pains, persecution, and moments of weakness. Yet in the middle of it all, God continued to work.

The beauty of the Church is not found in its perfection. It is found in the presence of a perfect King. Jesus is the head of the Church, and He is faithful even when people fall short. He is building something that cannot be shaken, even though the people within it are still being shaped.

First Peter reminds us to stay alert and stand firm in our faith. That encouragement is necessary because opposition and trials are part of the journey. But those trials are not wasted. They develop perseverance, strengthen our faith, and refine our character. What we go through as individuals and as a church becomes part of the process God uses to mature us.

The message also reminded us that attacks and challenges are not always signs that something is wrong. Often, they are confirmation that God is moving. When the Church begins to grow, to reach people, and to walk in truth, resistance will come. But Scripture assures us that no weapon formed against God’s people will prosper. The enemy may try to shake us, but he cannot stop what God has established.

In the middle of imperfection, we are called to respond differently. We are called to extend grace, to walk in love, and to remain united. It is easy to criticize, to pull back, or to focus on what is not right. But God calls us to be part of the solution. He calls us to love one another, to encourage one another, and to keep our eyes on Jesus.

The Church may be imperfect, but it is still God’s plan. It is still the place where lives are changed, where hope is restored, and where people encounter the presence of God. We do not gather because everything is perfect. We gather because we need Him and because we need each other.

As we move forward, let us embrace the reality that we are all in process. Let us choose grace over judgment, unity over division, and faith over discouragement. And above all, let us remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of the body of Christ, being led by a perfect King.

The Church is imperfect, but God’s purpose for it is not.

With grace and unity,

Pastor Chris Tullis

Grace Church

“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

The Victory of the King

This past Sunday’s message, “The Victory of the King,” brought us back to the center of our faith and the foundation of our hope. Everything in the Kingdom flows from this truth: Jesus is not a defeated Savior trying to gain ground. He is a victorious King who has already won.

Too often, we live as if the outcome is uncertain. We pray like we are hoping God might come through. We face challenges as if the enemy has the upper hand. But the Gospel tells a different story. Through the cross and the resurrection, Jesus secured a victory that cannot be undone. The battle that mattered most has already been settled.

When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was not speaking words of defeat. He was making a declaration of completion. Sin was dealt with. The power of death was broken. The authority of darkness was stripped. What looked like loss in the natural was actually the greatest victory in the spiritual.

The resurrection confirmed what the cross accomplished. Jesus rose with all authority in heaven and on earth. That means there is no area of life where His victory does not apply. There is no struggle, no fear, no bondage that stands outside of His authority. The King has already overcome.

Understanding the victory of the King changes how we live. We are not fighting for victory. We are living from victory. That shift in perspective affects everything. It gives us confidence in the face of opposition. It gives us peace in the middle of uncertainty. It gives us boldness to stand firm when everything around us feels unstable.

This does not mean we will not face battles. It means we face them differently. We do not engage from a place of fear or desperation, but from a place of faith. We stand on what Christ has already accomplished. We resist the enemy knowing he has already been defeated. We move forward with the assurance that God’s purposes will prevail.

The victory of the King is also personal. It is not just a theological truth; it is a lived reality. Whatever you are facing today, whether it is a struggle in your mind, a challenge in your family, or a burden in your heart, the victory of Jesus is greater. His power is present. His authority is active. His grace is sufficient.

As a church, we are called to carry this victory into the world around us. We do not shrink back or live timidly. We represent a victorious King. Our lives should reflect hope, strength, and confidence, not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Let this truth settle in your heart this week. The victory has already been won. The King is reigning. And you have been brought into that victory through Him.

Walk in it. Stand in it. Live from it.

With confidence in the King,

Pastor Chris Tullis

Grace Church

“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

The Announcement of the Kingdom

This past Sunday we looked at a powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus through the message “The Announcement of the Kingdom.” Before Jesus performed miracles, before He gathered large crowds, and before the disciples fully understood who He was, there was a clear and unmistakable declaration. Jesus began His ministry with a message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

This was not simply a religious statement. It was a royal announcement. In ancient times, when a king’s rule was expanding into new territory, a herald would go ahead and declare that the kingdom had arrived. That is exactly what Jesus was doing. He was announcing that God’s rule was breaking into the world in a new and powerful way.

The Kingdom of God is not just a distant promise about heaven someday. It is the reality of God’s authority, His presence, and His will being established in the lives of those who receive the King. When Jesus announced the Kingdom, He was inviting people into a new way of living under God’s rule and experiencing His power.

The first word of that announcement was “repent.” In Scripture, repentance means more than simply feeling sorry. It means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Jesus was calling people to turn away from the patterns and priorities of the world and turn toward the rule of God in their lives. The Kingdom cannot be fully embraced if we insist on holding on to the old ways of thinking and living.

What made the announcement of the Kingdom so significant is that it came with demonstration. As Jesus preached the Kingdom, He healed the sick, restored the broken, and cast out darkness. His actions showed what life looks like when God’s rule is present. The Kingdom brings freedom where there was bondage, hope where there was despair, and life where there was death.

This announcement still echoes today. The message of the Kingdom has not changed. God continues to call people to turn their hearts toward Him and to live under His authority. The Kingdom is not limited to a place or a moment in history. It is alive and active wherever people submit to the King.

As we reflect on this message, it is worth asking how we have responded to that announcement. Have we simply heard it, or have we allowed it to reshape our lives? When the Kingdom becomes our priority, our decisions, relationships, and values begin to align with the heart of God.

The announcement has been made. The King has come. The invitation remains open for all who are willing to turn and follow Him.

With Kingdom hope,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

The Parables of the Kingdom

This past Sunday we explored one of the most fascinating ways Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. The message, “The Parables of the Kingdom,” reminded us that Jesus often chose stories to reveal deep spiritual truths. These parables were not simply illustrations meant to entertain. They were windows into the mysteries of the Kingdom.

In Matthew 13, Jesus shared a series of parables that described what the Kingdom of God is like. At first glance, they seem simple. They speak of seeds, fields, treasure, and nets. Yet within those everyday images are profound lessons about how the Kingdom operates and how people respond to it.

Jesus explained that parables served a specific purpose. They revealed truth to those who were hungry to understand while remaining hidden to those who were indifferent or hardened. In other words, the condition of the heart determines what a person receives from the message. When we approach the teachings of Jesus with humility and openness, the Holy Spirit begins to illuminate what might otherwise seem ordinary.

One of the central themes in these parables is that the Kingdom often begins small but grows into something extraordinary. The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that what looks insignificant at the start can become something strong and life giving. The Kingdom may begin quietly in a person’s heart, but its influence expands far beyond what we imagine.

Another theme is the immeasurable value of the Kingdom. Jesus described it as a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price. When someone truly discovers the worth of the Kingdom, everything else becomes secondary. The response is wholehearted commitment. The Kingdom is not an accessory to life. It is the greatest treasure a person can find.

These parables also challenge us to examine our response to God’s Word. In the parable of the sower, the same seed is scattered on different kinds of soil, yet the results are completely different. The seed represents the Word of God, but the outcome depends on the condition of the heart that receives it. The question for each of us is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are cultivating hearts that are ready to receive what He says.

What makes the parables so powerful is that they continue to speak to us today. They invite us to look beyond surface level understanding and to seek the deeper truths of God’s Kingdom. They challenge us to value the Kingdom above everything else and to allow its principles to shape our lives.

As we reflect on these teachings, may we approach the Word with attentive hearts and eager faith. The Kingdom is not just a concept to study. It is a reality to live. When we receive its message with humility and obedience, its power begins to transform every part of our lives.

With Kingdom insight,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

Kingdom Prayer

This past Sunday, we leaned into a foundational truth that shapes everything else in the life of a believer: Kingdom Prayer. Prayer is not just a religious exercise or a ritual we perform to feel spiritual. It is the lifeline of the Kingdom citizen. It is how we align our hearts with the will of the King and invite Heaven’s rule into earthly situations.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6, He did not begin with personal requests. He began with position and perspective. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That opening sets the tone for Kingdom prayer. It is not self-centered; it is King-centered. It is not driven by convenience; it is driven by alignment.

Kingdom prayer shifts our focus from what we want to what God desires. It reminds us that we belong to a higher government and that we are ambassadors of that Kingdom here on earth. When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we are asking for His authority, His justice, His peace, and His righteousness to invade our circumstances. We are asking for Heaven’s culture to shape our homes, our church, and our community.

One of the most powerful aspects of Kingdom prayer is that it transforms the one who prays. As we submit our desires to God’s will, our hearts begin to change. Our priorities become clearer. Our frustrations are softened. Our faith is strengthened. Prayer is not just about changing situations; it is about being changed in the process.

Kingdom prayer also requires faith. It means trusting that God hears, that He sees beyond what we see, and that He is working even when results are not immediate. It is a declaration that God’s plan is greater than our understanding and that His timing is perfect. In prayer, we surrender control and choose confidence in the King.

As a church, we are called to be a praying people. Programs do not sustain spiritual momentum. Strategies alone do not produce transformation. It is prayer that invites the presence of God and opens the door for true breakthrough. When we pray with Kingdom perspective, we move beyond routine requests and begin to intercede for revival, unity, salvation, and influence.

This week, let your prayer life reflect your citizenship. Begin with worship. Seek alignment with God’s will. Intercede with confidence. Believe that your prayers matter because they are connected to the heart of the King.

When we pray Kingdom prayers, we are not begging for attention; we are partnering with Heaven. And when Heaven moves, everything changes.

With Kingdom faith,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”

Kingdom Influence

This past Sunday, we continued building on the message of the Kingdom with a powerful focus on “Kingdom Influence.” If we truly belong to the Kingdom of God, then our lives are not meant to be hidden, passive, or disconnected from the world around us. Kingdom citizens are called to influence their environment, not blend into it.

Jesus made this clear in Matthew 5 when He said, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Those statements are not suggestions. They are declarations of identity. Salt affects whatever it touches. Light changes the atmosphere wherever it shines. Influence is not optional for a believer; it is part of who we are.

Kingdom influence does not come from loud opinions or cultural dominance. It comes from living under the authority of the King and reflecting His character in everyday life. Influence begins with integrity. It grows through consistency. It multiplies through love and truth lived out in real situations.

When Jesus called us salt, He was reminding us that we are meant to bring flavor and preservation into a decaying world. When He called us light, He was reminding us that we are meant to reveal truth and bring clarity into confusion. Influence is not about controlling people. It is about embodying the presence of Christ so clearly that others are drawn to Him.

Too often, believers underestimate their influence. We may think influence only belongs to leaders, platforms, or public voices. But Kingdom influence starts in homes, workplaces, classrooms, and conversations. It shows up in how we respond under pressure, how we treat those who disagree with us, and how we love when it is inconvenient.

Influence also requires courage. Salt that loses its flavor becomes ineffective. Light that is hidden cannot serve its purpose. If we compromise our values to gain acceptance, we lose the very influence we were meant to carry. Kingdom influence is strongest when we remain rooted in truth while walking in grace.

As a church, we are not called to retreat from culture, nor are we called to mirror it. We are called to impact it. That impact begins with personal surrender. The more we submit to the rule of the King, the more His influence flows through us. Our words carry weight. Our actions carry witness. Our lives carry light.

This week, consider where God has positioned you. You are not there by accident. You are there as salt. You are there as light. You are there as a representative of the Kingdom. Influence does not require a stage. It requires obedience.

May we be a people who do not shrink back but shine brightly. May our influence point beyond ourselves to the King we serve. And may the Kingdom of God be seen clearly through the way we live.

With Kingdom conviction,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
“Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ”