Love That Changes The World

When we look around at the world today, we see brokenness, division, and hurting people in desperate need of something real—something that brings healing, unity, and hope. That something is the love of Jesus Christ.

Love is not just an emotion; it is the most powerful force in the universe. It was love that led God to send His Son to redeem humanity (John 3:16). It was love that held Jesus to the cross when He could have called down angels to rescue Him. And it is love that still has the power to transform lives today.

The question is: How do we live out a love that changes the world?

1. The Love That Comes From God

Before we can love others in a way that changes lives, we must first experience the love of God for ourselves. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Our ability to love others is rooted in God’s love for us.

God’s love is:

• Unconditional – It doesn’t depend on our past, our mistakes, or what we can offer.

• Sacrificial – Jesus laid down His life for us, showing that true love is selfless (John 15:13).

• Transformational – When we receive His love, it changes us from the inside out, shaping how we see ourselves and others.

Before we can love like Christ, we must let His love fill our hearts and change us.

2. Love That Looks Like Jesus

When Jesus walked the earth, He showed us what real love looks like. He loved the outcast, healed the broken, forgave the sinner, and welcomed the lost. He wasn’t afraid to love in ways that were radical and countercultural.

To love like Jesus means:

• Loving beyond comfort – Jesus loved people that society rejected. We are called to do the same.

• Loving through action – True love is more than words; it requires action. Jesus didn’t just talk about love—He demonstrated it.

• Loving even when it costs us – Real love isn’t always easy. It requires patience, grace, and sometimes sacrifice. But this is the love that changes lives.

Jesus told us in John 13:35, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love should be so undeniable that people recognize Christ in us before we ever speak a word.

3. Love That Reaches the World

The love of Christ isn’t meant to stay within the walls of the church—it is meant to go out and change the world. This means showing love in our homes, our communities, and even to those we struggle to love.

How can we love in a way that impacts the world?

• Love in our families – True transformation begins at home. When we love our spouses, children, and relatives with the love of Christ, we create an atmosphere of peace and unity.

• Love in our communities – People are drawn to the Gospel through the love we show. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, encouraging a coworker, or supporting those in need, small acts of love can lead to big changes.

• Love even our enemies – Jesus commanded us to love not just our friends, but also our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This kind of love breaks down barriers and reveals the heart of God to the world.

4. Love That Never Fails

The world’s version of love is often conditional—it’s based on feelings, circumstances, or what someone can do for us. But God’s love is different. 1 Corinthians 13:8 reminds us, “Love never fails.”

When we love like Christ, we plant seeds that will last for eternity. Even when it seems like love is unnoticed or unappreciated, it is never wasted. Love has the power to heal wounds, restore relationships, and lead people to salvation.

Closing Thoughts

If we want to see our world changed, it starts with love—the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated, the kind that is patient, kind, forgiving, and unrelenting. This love isn’t just for a few—it’s for all of us to carry and share.

As we continue through our Love That Transforms series, let’s commit to being people who love radically, selflessly, and unconditionally. Let’s be a church that loves beyond words and transforms our families, our communities, and ultimately, the world.

Let’s be known by our love.

In His love,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Loving Others As Yourself

One of the most powerful commandments Jesus gave us is found in Matthew 22:39:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This command follows the greatest commandment—to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. But Jesus makes it clear that loving others is not separate from loving God—it’s a direct reflection of it. When we truly love God, His love overflows from us into the lives of those around us.

Yet, if we’re honest, loving others as we love ourselves isn’t always easy. People can be difficult, relationships can be messy, and life’s pressures can make it hard to focus on anyone but ourselves. So how do we truly live out this command in a way that honors God and transforms lives?

1. Understanding What It Means to Love Others

Loving others as ourselves means treating people with the same care, respect, and grace that we desire for ourselves. It means extending kindness, forgiveness, and encouragement—not only to those who are easy to love but also to those who challenge us.

In Luke 6:31, Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This golden rule isn’t based on how others treat us, but on how God calls us to love—unconditionally and sacrificially.

2. Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes

To love others well, we must learn to see them the way God sees them. Every person—no matter their background, mistakes, or struggles—is created in God’s image and deeply loved by Him.

1 John 4:20 challenges us:
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

Loving others isn’t an option—it’s a sign of our love for God. When we choose love over judgment, patience over frustration, and grace over resentment, we reflect Christ to the world.

3. Serving Others with a Heart of Love

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of love by humbling Himself and serving others. In John 13, He washed His disciples’ feet, an act of humility and love.

We are called to do the same. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, encouraging words, or meeting someone’s needs, love is most powerful when put into action. Galatians 5:13 tells us, “Serve one another humbly in love.”

How can we serve and love others in our daily lives?

• In our families: Showing patience, speaking encouragement, and prioritizing time together.

• In our church: Supporting and uplifting fellow believers, volunteering, and being a source of strength.

• In our communities: Helping those in need, showing kindness to strangers, and being a light wherever we go.

4. Forgiving as We Want to Be Forgiven

Loving others also means walking in forgiveness. Holding onto bitterness or resentment hinders our ability to love. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Just as we desire grace when we fall short, we must extend that same grace to others. Forgiveness isn’t about approving wrongdoing—it’s about freeing our hearts to love fully and without barriers.

5. Loving Others as an Expression of God’s Love

Jesus set the ultimate example of love by giving His life for us. In John 15:12, He commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love was sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. When we love others, we reflect His love and draw people closer to Him.

Loving others as ourselves is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As we grow in our love for God, His love empowers us to love beyond our own ability.

Closing Thoughts

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

• Am I loving others the way I want to be loved?

• Am I showing Christ’s love to those around me, even when it’s difficult?

• How can I be more intentional in demonstrating God’s love in my daily life?

When we choose to love others as ourselves, we create an atmosphere where God’s love can transform hearts and lives. Let’s make it our mission to be people who love deeply, serve selflessly, and forgive freely—just as Christ has done for us.

With love and grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Loving God With All Your Heart

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He responded with these powerful words in Matthew 22:37: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This command isn’t just about emotions or words—it’s about a deep, committed, all-consuming love for God that transforms every area of our lives.

But what does it truly mean to love God with all your heart? How do we live out this command in a way that honors Him and deepens our relationship with Him?

1. Loving God With a Wholehearted Commitment

Loving God with all your heart means giving Him first place in your life. It means that your love for Him surpasses everything else—your ambitions, desires, and even relationships. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

When we prioritize God above all else, our hearts become aligned with His will. Instead of being divided between worldly distractions and godly devotion, we develop a single-minded love that leads to deeper faith and trust in Him.

2. Loving God Through Obedience

Jesus made it clear in John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Our love for God isn’t just about saying the right words or attending church—it’s about a lifestyle of obedience.

Obedience to God isn’t about following rules out of duty; it’s about responding to His love with a willing and joyful heart. When we choose to live according to His Word, we demonstrate that our love for Him is genuine and that we trust His plans above our own.

3. Loving God in Worship and Devotion

Loving God with all your heart means seeking Him daily—spending time in His presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Worship isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday; it’s about living in a constant awareness of His goodness and expressing gratitude in all things.

Psalm 63:1 says, “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” When we cultivate a heart of worship, our love for God deepens, and we experience the fullness of His presence in our lives.

4. Loving God by Trusting Him Fully

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Loving God with all your heart means surrendering your worries, fears, and doubts to Him. It means trusting that He is good, that His plans are perfect, and that He is working all things for your good. Even when life is uncertain, a heart that loves God remains steadfast in faith.

5. Loving God by Loving Others

Jesus connected our love for God with how we treat others. In Matthew 22:39, He said, “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” True love for God will always lead us to love people.

Loving others—whether through kindness, forgiveness, service, or encouragement—is a direct reflection of our love for God. 1 John 4:20 reminds us, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

Our relationships with others are one of the greatest ways we demonstrate our love for God. When we extend grace, show patience, and choose love over resentment, we are living out His greatest commandment.

Closing Thoughts

Loving God with all your heart is more than a feeling—it’s a commitment to walk in His ways, seek His presence, and trust Him completely. It’s a love that overflows into every part of your life, shaping your actions, words, and relationships.

This week, take time to examine your heart. Ask yourself: Is my love for God growing deeper? Am I giving Him my whole heart, or only parts of it? As you commit to loving Him fully, you will experience His love in new and life-changing ways.

Let’s make it our daily pursuit to love God with all our hearts—completely, passionately, and without reservation.

In His love,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

The Source of Love: God's Unfailing Love

From the Pastor’s Desk: The Source of Love—God’s Unfailing Love

This past Sunday, we launched our new sermon series, Love That Transforms, by focusing on the foundation of all true love: the unfailing love of God. In a world where love is often misunderstood, conditional, or fleeting, it’s vital to look to the ultimate source of love—God Himself.

In 1 John 4:8, we read, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse reveals an essential truth: love isn’t just something God does; it’s who He is. His very nature is love, and everything He does flows from that love.

God’s Love is Unfailing

Unlike human love, which can falter or change over time, God’s love is steadfast and unchanging. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” His love is not dependent on our performance or circumstances; it is a constant in our lives, anchoring us even in the toughest storms.

God’s Love is Sacrificial

We see the depth of God’s love most clearly in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is the ultimate act of love—God sending His Son to bear the weight of our sin so that we might be reconciled to Him. His love cost Him everything, and He freely gives it to us without reservation.

God’s Love is Transformational

When we truly grasp the depth of God’s love, it changes us. His love transforms our hearts, reshaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. As we abide in His love, we become more like Him, reflecting His love to those around us. This is why Jesus commanded us in John 13:34–35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

How to Respond to God’s Love

1. Receive His Love
   The first step is to fully embrace God’s love for you. This can be difficult if you’ve experienced rejection or conditional love in the past, but God’s love is different. He loves you completely and unconditionally.

2. Abide in His Love
   Spend time with God through prayer, worship, and His Word. The more you draw near to Him, the more His love will fill your heart and overflow into your life.

3. Share His Love
   God’s love is not meant to stop with us; it’s meant to flow through us. Look for opportunities to extend His love to others—family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and encouragement are powerful ways to demonstrate God’s love.

Closing Thoughts

As we continue this series, Love That Transforms, I encourage you to reflect on the unfailing love of God. Take time this week to thank Him for His steadfast love and to ask Him to help you live in that love daily.

God’s love is the source of everything we need. It is the foundation for our faith, the fuel for our relationships, and the hope for our future. When we root ourselves in His love, our lives will be transformed in ways we can’t even imagine.

With hearts open to His love, let’s journey together into a deeper understanding of what it means to love like Jesus.

In His love,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

A Renewed Mind for a New Season

From the Pastor’s Desk: A Renewed Mind for a New Season

As we step into a new season, whether it’s a new year, a new opportunity, or simply a fresh chapter in life, one of the most important transformations we can experience is the renewing of our minds. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

A renewed mind is essential for stepping into all that God has for us in this new season. It enables us to break free from old patterns, align our thoughts with God’s truth, and move forward in faith and purpose.

Why Our Minds Need Renewal

Our minds are constantly bombarded with messages from the world—messages of fear, doubt, comparison, and even hopelessness. Left unchecked, these messages can shape our beliefs and actions in ways that pull us away from God’s plan. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we gain clarity, peace, and confidence in God’s will for our lives.

Renewing our minds is not a one-time event; it’s a daily process of intentionally choosing God’s perspective over the world’s. It’s about replacing lies with truth, anxiety with peace, and despair with hope.

How to Renew Your Mind

1. Spend Time in God’s Word
   The Bible is our ultimate source of truth. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is alive and active, able to penetrate and transform our hearts and minds. Make it a priority to read, meditate on, and apply Scripture daily.

2. Pray for God’s Perspective
   Ask God to reveal His perspective in every situation you face. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Prayer invites God into the renewal process and helps us align our thoughts with His.

3. Guard Your Thoughts
   Be mindful of what you allow into your mind. Philippians 4:8 gives us a filter for our thoughts: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Choose to dwell on things that uplift and encourage your spirit.

4. Surround Yourself with Encouraging Community
   Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Being in fellowship with other believers who share God’s values will encourage you to stay focused and grounded in truth.

5. Speak Life Over Yourself
   Words have power. Speak God’s promises over your life and reject thoughts of defeat or negativity. Declare truths like, “I am more than a conqueror through Christ” (Romans 8:37) and “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Results of a Renewed Mind

When our minds are renewed, our lives are transformed. We begin to see challenges as opportunities, setbacks as setups for growth, and uncertainties as moments to trust God. A renewed mind equips us to discern God’s will, make godly decisions, and step boldly into the new season He has prepared for us.

This season, I encourage you to invite God to renew your mind. Surrender your thoughts to Him, immerse yourself in His Word, and allow His truth to shape your perspective. As you do, you’ll find that He equips you with the peace, strength, and clarity you need to embrace all He has in store.

Let’s step into this new season with renewed minds and renewed hearts, ready to walk in God’s perfect will.

With grace and expectation,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Vision and Purpose—Seeking God’s Vision for Our Lives

Have you ever wondered if you’re truly walking in the path that God has prepared for you? It’s a question many of us wrestle with at different stages of our lives. We sense that we’re made for something more, yet we’re unsure exactly what that more looks like. The good news is, God has a vision and purpose for each of our lives, and He delights in revealing it to us as we seek Him.

Why God’s Vision Matters

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision gives us direction, hope, and a reason to press forward when challenges arise. It anchors us to God’s promises and keeps us from drifting aimlessly through life. When we have a divine vision, every day becomes an opportunity to take a step closer to the destiny God has in store for us.

Aligning with God’s Purpose

1. Prayerful Surrender
   To discover God’s vision, we must first surrender our own. In our culture, we’re often encouraged to dream big and pursue our personal ambitions. But Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:10 to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” Before anything else, we must place our plans at His feet, asking Him to guide and shape our desires according to His will.

2. Studying Scripture
   God speaks to us through His Word. Passages like Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” remind us that God’s thoughts toward us are hopeful, purposeful, and loving. As we spend time in the Bible, we align our hearts with God’s truth, positioning ourselves to discern His guidance more clearly.

3. Obedience in the Small Things
   Sometimes we look for grand, life-changing signs, but God often starts by asking us to be faithful in the little things. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” When we obey in the small steps, we cultivate a heart posture that’s ready to receive bigger assignments from the Lord.

4. Seeking Wise Counsel
   God has placed us in a community of believers for a reason. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surround yourself with people who love Jesus and desire to see you grow in Him—mentors, small group leaders, trusted friends. Their wisdom and prayer support can confirm God’s leading in your life.

Practical Steps to Pursue Vision

• Set Aside Quiet Time: In the noise of our busy routines, scheduling intentional moments of solitude with God can create space for Him to speak.

• Journal Your Prayers: Writing down your prayers and the impressions you sense from the Lord can help you look back and see His guiding hand over time.

• Take Incremental Steps of Faith: Once you sense God nudging you toward a particular direction, trust Him enough to take the first step—even if it feels small.

Living Out Your Calling

When we begin living out God’s vision, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment. Each act of obedience becomes an act of worship. The overflow of this purpose pours into our relationships, our church, and our community. It’s in living out His plans that we not only bless others, but also encounter the abundance Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Friends, remember that God’s vision and purpose for your life isn’t about perfection—it's about pursuit. It’s about daily seeking Him, daily trusting Him, and daily stepping out in faith. As you do, you’ll find Him faithful to lead you every step of the way.

With hope and anticipation,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Embracing God's Plan

From the Pastor’s Desk: New Year, New Beginnings—Embracing God’s Plan

Happy New Year, church family! As we turn the page on another year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and eagerly anticipating the future. Perhaps you’ve been making resolutions, setting goals, or dreaming about what the months ahead might hold. Whatever is on your heart as 2025 begins, I want to encourage you to take a moment and consider what God’s plan might be for your life in this season.

The Bible reminds us of God’s faithfulness in creating new beginnings. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This promise speaks directly into our lives today. No matter what we’ve experienced in the past year—successes, failures, joys, or sorrows—God is always at work, weaving together a new and hopeful future for us.

One of the keys to embracing God’s plan is learning to let go of the past. Philippians 3:13–14 encourages us to “forget what lies behind” and “press on toward the goal.” This doesn’t mean we ignore the lessons we learned or discount our memories; rather, it means we refuse to let past disappointments or hurts define us. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we step forward in faith.

As you set your intentions for this new year, I invite you to include a spiritual goal among them. Perhaps it’s reading through the Bible in a year, committing to regular prayer and journaling, or joining a small group where you can grow deeper in faith and fellowship. Ask God to show you where He’s calling you and what He’s asking of you in this season.

Remember, new beginnings aren’t just about fresh starts; they’re about being open and available to the new things God wants to do in and through your life. When you put Him first—trusting in His wisdom, seeking His guidance, and following His Word—you’ll find purpose and fulfillment far beyond your own plans.

Let’s step into 2025 with courage and anticipation, knowing that our Heavenly Father has already gone before us. May this year be filled with greater faith, deeper love, and unshakeable hope as we embrace God’s plan together.

With anticipation and joy,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"