close

Blog

September 23, 2019
John Davis
Galatians 5 offers us three different, but interrelated ways to think about how to live the Christian life. Guard your freedom in Christ. 1-12 Serve one another in Love. 13-15 Walk in the Spirit. 16-26 The first speaks of our spiritual reality -- knowing that God accepts us completely in Christ. The second speaks of […]
Read More
October 23, 2017
Summary - The Gospel in Genesis 1-50 and in the City Genesis has introduced us to the Creator-Redeemer God who graciously gives mankind a garden-temple in which to serve God and from which to extend the worship of God throughout the earth. In Adam all mankind rebels against God and is banished from the temple-garden. […]
Read More
October 16, 2017
Reunion and restoration to Canaan (47:28-50:26) As the story of Genesis winds down, we are wondering about the outcome of the Abrahamic promise that God’s people would bring blessing to the nations. Ironically, the people of God are in exile from their promised land; yet while living as strangers in the midst of a powerful […]
Read More
September 25, 2017
Jacob’s family in Egypt (46:1-47:27) As Jacob and his family go to Egypt during the time of famine, he is assured by the Lord that the Abrahamic promise of numerous descendants will be fulfilled in Egypt and that the covenant family will eventually return to the land of promise. While in an alien land, God […]
Read More
September 18, 2017
John Davis
The Refining of the covenant family (42:1-45:28) The covenant family has suffered brokenness due to their own sinful choices born out of jealousy, rivalry, and succumbing to pagan morality. If dependent alone on Jacob and his eleven sons, the covenant promise of blessing to the nations through the seed of Abraham would fail. Nevertheless, though […]
Read More
September 11, 2017
John Davis
Joseph in Egypt (39:1-41:57) These chapters highlight the presence of God and His providence in the life of Joseph. Despite the injustice and betrayal of his brothers, Joseph experiences fresh grace which takes him through the trials of captivity and brings blessing to him and others in the midst of his troubles. The Lord gives […]
Read More
August 24, 2017
Family disunion in Canaan (37:2-38:30) These chapters demonstrate the far reach of sin even among those chosen to bring blessing to the nations. The family disharmony that temporarily interrupts the advance of God’s purposes is eventually reversed by the gracious work of God. Joseph is the son favored by his father yet envied by his […]
Read More
March 13, 2017
Genesis 36:1-37:1 record the descendants of the rejected line of Esau. The prosperity of both Jacob and Esau makes it difficult for them to share the land of Canaan so Esau chooses the higher elevation of what is later called Edom. Esau takes multiple wives one of whom is a descendant of Ishmael, perhaps an […]
Read More
February 13, 2017
In chapter 35, the Lord instructs Jacob to return to the place where Abraham had built and altar and where he had made a vow to the Lord after he had been assured by the Lord that the promise to Abraham belonged to him and his descendants.  Jacob returns with a serious commitment to shun […]
Read More
January 23, 2017
Genesis 34 is one of those sad chapters in the history of redemption.  Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, is raped, humiliated, and then treated like a commodity to be traded for mutual benefits. Jacob appears ready to make the exchange of his daughter for the benefit of prospering in the land – the land already promised to […]
Read More
December 12, 2016
Genesis 25:12-27:46 reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill his covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness.  Isaac shows a similar failure of faith, as did his father. He lies about Rebecca being his wife and instead of blessing the nations, he arouses disdain from them. Yet, despite Isaac’s unfaithfulness, the Lord blesses him and causes […]
Read More
November 21, 2016
John Davis
Genesis 24 – 25:11 tell the story of the death of Sarah and Abraham and the transfer of the covenant promise to Isaac and the marriage of Isaac. Upon the death of Sarah Abraham purchases a burial plot in the Promised Land. Though he has not possessed the land of promise, he has sojourned there […]
Read More
November 15, 2016
In Genesis 21-22 Abraham’s faith that God would bless the nations through his offspring is now tested. Isaac, the son through whom the promise will be fulfilled, has become for Abraham the visible evidence of that promise. The underlying question of Genesis 22 is this:  Is Abraham’s faith still dependent on the Word of God […]
Read More
October 31, 2016
The promise of God to Abraham to create a new humanity through whom the nations would be blessed comes to fruition with the birth of Isaac.  In the midst of that joyous birth, the presence of Hagar and Ishmael appears to be a threat to Sarah who understands rightly that the promise of blessing to […]
Read More
October 26, 2016
Verses 1-3 of Hebrews 1 set the stage for showing us that Jesus fulfills three OT offices of prophet (has spoken). He preaches the prophetic word and he is the Word. He is a superior priest (made purification). He is both the one who makes sacrifice as he is the one, perfect, and acceptable sacrifice […]
Read More
October 25, 2016
In Genesis 20 the promise of God to bless the nations through the seed of Abraham appears to be threatened due to the chicanery of Abraham and Sarah. In a faithless effort to preserve his life by hiding his marriage and telling a half-truth about Sarah his step-sister/wife, Abraham supposed he was preventing his death […]
Read More
October 19, 2016
John Davis
Genesis 18-19 contrast Abraham and Lot as Abraham is visited by angels and a theophanic presence of the Lord who brings affirmation of God’s promise, while Lot is visited by angels of judgment without any theophanic presence of God. These chapters also take us back to Lot in Sodom and let us know how he […]
Read More
October 10, 2016
Genesis 16 and 17 tell the story of the Abraham’s struggle with faith as the promise of an heir is delayed.  In weakness of faith Abram and Sarai take matters into their own hands rather than wait upon God for what appears to be an unlikely promise, considering their age. Abram accomplishes his goal of […]
Read More
October 3, 2016
Genesis 15 reminds us that God is a God of promise who often allows delayed fulfillment as a test of our faith in His Word. Abraham had God’s promise of descendants, yet time had passed and he had no children by his wife Sarah. His heir at that point would have been one of his […]
Read More
September 26, 2016
Genesis 14 begins to show the consequences of Lot’s choice to live by sight rather than by faith in the promise of God.  Along with others he is caught in the middle of a territorial war that results in his being taken captive. It falls upon Abraham and his small army of 318 men, armed […]
Read More
September 22, 2016
Seven reasons why I do not join the popular, secular fight against racism! Yes, I write this as a white man, who has been a racist in the past, who seeks to experience gospel grace to fight internal racism in the present, and who believes that the gospel alone can resolve the evil of the […]
Read More
September 20, 2016
Genesis 13 shows the sincere trust that Abram had in the promise of God. He is set in contrast to Lot who walks by sight not by faith. Abraham builds altars and worships the true and living God wherever he goes. Lot fixes his eyes on what appears to prosper him in this world. Lot […]
Read More
September 12, 2016
Genesis 10-11 show again the effects of the fall in the revolt of humankind against their Creator God. Here fallen mankind seeks to find security and peace through their united efforts in city building. Instead of scattering throughout the earth to fulfill the creation mandate, they build a tower to symbolize their united effort to […]
Read More
September 6, 2016
Genesis Six through Nine reveal the severe holiness of God and His particular mercy.  Noah from the godly line of Seth finds favor with the Lord. He is called upon to become a deliverer in the midst of a terrible judgment. The method of salvation (i.e. the flood and ark) dictated by God was curious, […]
Read More
August 29, 2016
Genesis Five confirms God’s earlier threat to Adam that death, both spiritual and physical, would be the consequence of rebellion against the Creator. Though it would appear that some might escape the threat of death, living for as much as 969 years, inevitably death comes to all – except for one. God takes Enoch from […]
Read More
August 22, 2016
Genesis 4 gives evidence of humankind’s downfall. The brokenness of human relationships brought about by sin is seen in fratricide. The seeds of false religion begin to sprout in Cain’s tokenism through which he seeks God’s favor in the deficient works of his own hands.  The jealous hatred of the true way is seen in […]
Read More
August 15, 2016
As we saw in Genesis 2, God established a relationship with Adam -- the King to his sub-regent and the Sovereign Lord to a priest. In Adam's relationship as sub-regent and priest he was to rule under God's command and worship God through his obedient priestly service in the Garden-Temple. Instead, Adam revolted and chose to act independently of God, believing […]
Read More
August 8, 2016
Genesis Two portrays the kingdom of God in its original harmony. God creates man in his own image and places him in His kingdom, a garden-temple, in which Adam offers priestly service to God by extending the garden-temple throughout creation through order and beauty and dominion in the worship of God. God graciously gives Adam a wife […]
Read More
August 1, 2016
In Genesis One we find our Redeemer-King creating and forming a world to be inhabited and ruled by those made in His image. Creation was a gracious blessing and generous gift to humankind. All was perfect; all was glorious.  But, as we read Genesis one, we realize that the harmonious world conditions therein no longer exist. Our hearts are […]
Read More
July 25, 2016
John Davis
(Eph. 2:1-10 ESV) Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--  3 among whom we all once lived in […]
Read More
July 25, 2016
John Davis
The Gospel in Genesis and in the City Introduction Genesis begins with God and ends with the dying words of Joseph who prophesied that God would visit his people and redeem them from Egypt.  Genesis is a gospel story, i.e. the entire book is the first chapter in the grand narrative of God’s redeeming grace. […]
Read More
July 25, 2016
The Gospel in Genesis and in the City `           Introduction Genesis begins with God and ends with the dying words of Joseph who prophesied that God would visit his people and redeem them from Egypt.  Genesis is a gospel story, i.e. the entire book is the first chapter in the grand narrative of God’s redeeming […]
Read More
November 11, 2015
The Congruence of Grace and Discipleship 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10 ESV) I […]
Read More
August 18, 2015
John Davis
Joining Jesus in the Harvest (Matt. 9:35-38 ESV) 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep […]
Read More
July 28, 2015
John Davis
The Epistle of James Introduction to the Epistle Five men bearing the name James have been suggested as the author of this Epistle. The best candidate is James, the half-brother of the Lord (John 7:5; 1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 1:14). He was converted after the His death and resurrection, ascended to leadership in the church […]
Read More
June 15, 2015
John Davis
Introducing our Friends to Jesus Luke 5:27-39 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me." 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was […]
Read More
May 14, 2015
John Davis
The Riches of Grace in Christ Jesus (33 Divine Accomplishments in and for the Sinner upon Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ) by Lewis S. Chafer In considering the Bible doctrine of salvation it is important to distinguish between those things which have already been done for all, and those things which are done for […]
Read More
April 2, 2013
John Davis
Colossians 3:1-4 From Death to Life to Glory Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, […]
Read More
May 15, 2012
John Davis
Why I continue to evangelize other “Christians”   ‘Christian’ is a broad term that includes millions who have various understandings of the person and work of Jesus Christ, who identify with a myriad of Christian institutions, and who do many good works in Jesus name.   Yet, despite vast theological differences that exist among Christians, […]
Read More
April 26, 2012
Clarifying the “Means of Grace” The term ‘means of grace’ is used by Roman Catholics and Protestants, and many evangelicals. Historically, the term comes out of the Roman Catholic Church which teaches that the sacraments (7 of them) are means by which the saving grace of God is communicated. The Reformers retained the terminology but […]
Read More
September 6, 2011
John Davis
Loving the City? Urban Ministry and Urban Living often attract those who are infatuated or flirtatious with the mystique of the city and even some who profess to love the city. Some of us simply love the gospel and the density (crowded neighborhoods) and diversity (economic, ethic, educational, cultural, and age differences) of people who […]
Read More
August 24, 2011
A Gospel-Centered Way Beyond Fundamentalism and New Evangelicalism At Grace Church of Philly, we long for Christian fellowship with other believers that is based upon gospel essentials. By gospel essentials, we mean those teachings of Scripture which are necessary for one to truly be called a Christian. Those gospel essentials would at least include a […]
Read More
August 18, 2011
Why we use the Apostles’ Creed at Grace Church of Philly From time to time I hear concerns from well-meaning people questioning our use of the Apostles’ Creed. Most often it has to do not so much with the content, but with their personal history of having recited it in the Roman Catholic Church or […]
Read More
August 9, 2011
John Davis
Principles of a Submissive Life that apply to the Church 1 Peter 3:8-12 1 Peter 3:8-12 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you […]
Read More
May 24, 2011
John Davis
1 Peter 1: 17-21 Live in Reverential Worship 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as […]
Read More
May 16, 2011
1 Peter 1: 13-25 Series Title: Christian Living in a Non-Christian World Christian Values in a Non-Christian World (Part One) 1. Why is it important that we understand that Christian living in a non-Christian world is grounded in knowing our identity, valuing it, and allow it to define who we are and how we will […]
Read More
May 3, 2011
John Davis
1. Discuss what it means to have an unearthly joy that transcends the temporal joys and sorrows of life. 2. Discuss the reference to the gospel ( “in this”) and what it is about the gospel that offers a transcendent joy. 3. How can this unearthly joy be real in the presence of trials? Discuss […]
Read More
April 25, 2011
John Davis
Discussion Questions The Servant’s Glorious Triumph over Suffering from God’s Perspective Isaiah 53:10-12 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall […]
Read More
April 19, 2011
John Davis
Discussion Questions on Isaiah 53:1-9 The Glorious Triumph of the Suffering Servant As seen by redeemed sinners How does the text indicate that Isaiah, the prophet, speaks proleptically (puts himself in the place) of some in the future who have witnessed both the sufferings of Christ and his resurrection and who have responded in faith? […]
Read More
April 5, 2011
John Davis
Discussion questions on 1 Peter 1:3-5 Who am I? – I have a living Hope How does being an exile and sojourning among the nations of the world compare to  a ‘short-term mission trip’? How does the above create the possibility for fear, isolation, retreat, and even hatred of the world in which we dwell? […]
Read More
March 22, 2011
John Davis
Grace Group Discussion Questions on 1 Peter 1:1-2 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for […]
Read More
January 27, 2011
John Davis
A Servant’s Gospel - Community Philippians 2:19-30  19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  21 They all seek their own interests, not […]
Read More
January 17, 2011
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18 The Gospel Conduct of a Servant Questions for Further Discussion  12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  13 for it is God who works in you, both to […]
Read More
January 10, 2011
John Davis
Pursuing the Gospel-Character of a Servant of Jesus Christ Philippians 2:1-11  This passage is one of the most wonderful texts on the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The phrase translated in the ESV and NIV “made himself nothing” is literally – ‘he emptied himself. We will see later in the message exactly what that means, but […]
Read More
January 4, 2011
A Servant’s Gospel-Cause Phil 1:27-30  27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the […]
Read More
January 3, 2011
INTRODUCTION: Today I want to look at the servant’s Gospel-cause. What or Whom will I serve? Will I serve the cause of Patriotism, the cause of Justice, the cause of Success, the cause of Money, the cause of self-preservation, or the cause of the gospel Listen to our text today: Philippians 1:27-30   27 Only let […]
Read More
December 26, 2010
John Davis
Luke 2:22-35  Introduction: I love Christmas but not necessarily because it is a Christian holiday. I read statistics the other day on those who celebrate Christmas and why they celebrate it. Family Trumps Jesus in Christmas Celebrations Family is the "reason for the season" for 81 percent of people who celebrate Christmas in America, according […]
Read More
November 27, 2010
John Davis
I choose the city… Not simply to live in it, to see it, to hear it; But to touch it; yes, to embrace it, to hold it, To feel the wild glory of its pulsating soul, To move over its wide, hurried broadways,
Read More
September 21, 2010
At Grace Church of Philly our weekly celebration of the Lord's Table visibly and tangibly expresses the centrality of the gospel in the life of the church. At the Table, God places before His people the best nourishment that He can offer – the atoning work of His Son, as represented in the bread and […]
Read More
September 21, 2010
John Davis
The Gospel and Marriage Mark 10:1-12   1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.     2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to […]
Read More
September 8, 2010
John Davis
Frame, John. Apologetics to the Glory of God. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1994: 265 pages. An Overview of Chapters 1-5 In Chapter One Frame argues that there is no neutrality in apologetics, i.e. a Christian of necessity must argue from his Christian understanding. This does not mean that there is no common ground […]
Read More
August 2, 2010
John Davis
Mark 5:21-42 Faith in the God-Sent King Introduction: In this text we have two severe crises and one great need in the midst of these crises. The great need is to have faith that Jesus Christ is the God-sent King whose Kingdom triumphs over all kingdoms. On the surface it may seem that the great […]
Read More
June 28, 2010
John Davis
Mark 3:22-30 Prejudice that Blinds to the Power of God! The text we will be looking at today is Mark 3:22-30. Between the text of last week and this week's text are verses 7-19 which introduce what some would call the "later Galilean ministry of Jesus. The earlier ministry was prior to the religious leaders […]
Read More
June 25, 2010
Note: I am indebted to Steve Wilkins' article on "Biblical Patriotism" for some of the major points and the basic thrust of this blogpost. Recently in the United States, the last Monday in May was marked by the remembrance of those who have given their lives as members of the Armed Forces of the United […]
Read More
June 21, 2010
John Davis
Mark 3:1-6 1Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come here." 4 And he said to […]
Read More
June 7, 2010
John Davis
Jesus Meets the Greatest Human Need Mark 2:1-12 Mark 2:1-12 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.  2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.  3 And […]
Read More
May 31, 2010
In this text we will be gleaning from Jesus' encounter with a societal outcast – someone who has been pushed to the edge of a stable life in the city. Listen to this unusual story: Mark 1:40-45 40 ¶ And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, […]
Read More
May 30, 2010
John Davis
Already a Kingdom in which the King offers redemption through his death and resurrection; not yet a kingdom in which redemption is applied to all of creation. Already a Kingdom which one sees and enters through repentance and faith (John 3:3-5); not yet a kingdom which one sees with the physical eye. Already a spiritual […]
Read More
April 6, 2010
John Davis
The resurrection of Jesus and the promise of the believer's resurrection offer the ultimate hope in the midst of a world of despair. We are caught between two resurrections -- pushed by one in the past and pulled by one in the future. The resurrection of Jesus Christ vindicates His claims to be the Messiah; […]
Read More
January 23, 2010
John Davis
How Does the Gospel Transform Us? Dr. John P. Davis The question of how spiritual transformation takes place is perhaps one of the more perplexing questions of Christianity. Misunderstanding the nature of spiritual transformation has disastrous consequences, such as pharisaical pride, dark despair, and even abandonment of Christianity. These sad consequences reflect either a neglect […]
Read More
January 13, 2010
John Davis
At the beginning of this New Year, I am asking all of those associated with Grace Church of Philly to reflect often on Psalm 67 and 2 Corinthians 9:8 and to consider memorizing these passages. Psalm 67:1-7  May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah  […]
Read More
January 5, 2010
John Davis
Missional Grace The World Needs Grace Colossians 4:2-6 2 ¶ Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- 4 […]
Read More
December 10, 2009
John Davis
We sought for glory in the work of our hands Only to find our souls demand A greater glory Beyond the reach of human might In Christ alone is the joyful sight Of greater glory Our sin produced a life of waste But the gospel of grace offers a taste Of future glory Now empty […]
Read More
December 7, 2009
A blog post on one of Grace Church's core values: relational.
Read More
December 7, 2009
John Davis
A blog post on one of our core values as a church: incarnational.
Read More
November 23, 2009
The Gospel and Transformation 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 7 ¶ Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more […]
Read More
November 10, 2009
John Davis
Psalm 51:2-3 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. A rebel - in defiance of the King A transgressor in so many things Falling short of all that's right Nothing hidden from his sight   Yet, […]
Read More
November 10, 2009
John Davis
John 1:29 29 ¶ The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Follow the Lamb of God   Come and see – this Lamb of God In Human form on earth he trod Both Son of God and son of […]
Read More
November 7, 2009
John Davis
During our pre-launch gatherings, I have been speaking about the priority of the gospel in the life of a believer and in the life of the church. Keeping the gospel central was Paul's concern, as he wrote the book of Galatians. The gospel foundation of the Galatian churches was being undermined as others intermingled human […]
Read More
October 31, 2009
John Davis
Paul, said, 'the gospel is of first importance' in the church (1 Cor 15:3-4). The gospel defines how we live out our ultimate purpose in life which is to glorify God in all things. In my early experience as a student and pastor, I was taught two alternative purposes for the world and for what […]
Read More
October 5, 2009
John Davis
The Cause of the Human Condition and its Remedy Dr. John P. Davis The Bible does not offer a definitive explanation of how evil entered the universe. We know from the Bible that Satan, a created being, is evil and that he existed prior to the fall of man. Scriptures do not explain how Satan […]
Read More
October 5, 2009
Brokenness or Criticism Dr. John P. Davis Imagine George and Jeannette who have been married for 15 years. They profess to be Christians. Their lives are pressured with raising three children and all the demands of daily life. George works hard to provide income for the family. Jeannette's life is consumed with children and household. […]
Read More
September 23, 2009
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous …. Among others things the gospel assures us that Jesus lived the life that we failed to life and died the death that we deserve to die. Believing this, assures us that we need not live with the burden of […]
Read More
September 20, 2009
On Saturday morning I spoke at a funeral service attended mostly by very religious people. I shared with them the relationship between Ephesians 2:8-9 ("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may […]
Read More
September 14, 2009
An Introduction to Christianity Dr. John P. Davis Presented to my Moslem friends at TAMEF (A Turkish Moslem Organization) Let me say at the outset, how much I appreciate the sincere desire of Turkish Moslems to be friends with Christians. A true friendship is one in which you can discuss your differences and even retain […]
Read More
September 11, 2009
These are some scattered reflections on doing ministry in a post-everything world: a. Do evangelism and discipleship in the context of community. b. Make your conversation with pre-Christians and young Christians more like a slow dance than a war. c. Recognize a post-everything's need to belong before he believes. d. See evangelism as a wholistic […]
Read More
September 11, 2009
Welcome to Grace Church of Philly – Today we gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship him who loved us and gave his life for us. Please join us as we sing about the greatness of our God. Adoration (recognition of God's greatness and grace) Sing - How Great is our God (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl1k_Q1n-QU&feature=PlayList&p=FBFA602E6C01B00D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5) […]
Read More
September 10, 2009
Years ago I read Kennon Callahan's Twelve Marks of an Effective Leader (1997) and was struck by what he called the 'four foundational searches' of all humanity. He argued that effective leadership understands these searches and seeks to minister to them. The four searches he defined are the search for identity, the search for community, […]
Read More
August 31, 2009
Yesterday, Sunday, August 30, 2009 I preached my final message as Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Sunnyside (Queens), NY. For months I had been preaching through the book of Hebrews, so it was fitting and timely that I was now at chapter 13. As I studied the chapter, my attentiion kept coming back to […]
Read More
August 18, 2009
John Davis
The only acceptable posture toward Scripture is to read and study it, to stand beneath it, to submit to it, to accept it as it is indeed the Word of the Living God – our one and only authority for theology and life.
Read More
August 18, 2009
Yet John realized that there was something about Jesus that dwarfed his own potential greatness. John’s confession, though brief, is actually a key to life – he is more powerful than I am.
Read More
August 2, 2009
John Davis
What does it mean to be Missional? Luke 5:27-39 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me."  28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.  29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and […]
Read More
July 11, 2009
The ultimate target group for Grace Church of Philly is simply ‘people who need Jesus.’
Read More
June 30, 2009
John Davis
The gospel is not a lesser, unrefined, more elemental understanding of God’s work of redemption. The gospel is deeper and broader than any biblical theology or systematic theology.
Read More
June 30, 2009
To oppress anyone, especially the disadvantaged, is to show the utmost disrespect for human life. To oppress others, especially the disadvantaged, is to live in blatant violation of the second greatest commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." To oppress others or to fail to deliver them from oppression is contrary to the call of the gospel.
Read More
June 24, 2009
John Davis
Sin, Creation, and the Gospel Dr. John P. Davis               A biblical view of the created world and of the Christian’s relationship to the created world depends upon how one views sin in relation to creation. In Genesis 1-2 the created order is designated as good. Human sin does not exist within God’s handiwork. […]
Read More
June 11, 2009
John Davis
Stop jumping through hoops! Dr. John P. Davis  The phrase “jumping through hoops” provokes the image of a circus where a man with a top hat and cane orchestrates clowns and animals that jump through hoops of flames for the entertainment of others. They have been trained for this exercise of entertainment and respond obsequiously […]
Read More
June 3, 2009
John Davis
I believe that theological reflection, formulation, and interaction are healthy for the believer and the church and that they serve to refine one’s understanding of what biblical texts say about what God has done, is doing and will ultimately do in this world and the world to come.
Read More
May 8, 2009
John Davis
We may live today assuming that we have plenty of time to think about cleansing, forgiveness,  serving God, and eternity. Unpredictable, calamitous, life-ending events remind us that we all live either on the brink of eternity with Christ or on the brink of eternity in hell. None who perish in disaster enter upon the day with […]
Read More
May 6, 2009
John Davis
What determines the true value of my life’s work? John Davis The apparent success of the wicked and the seeming triumph of evil may lead us to ask questions about God and about the investment of our lives. We may not verbalize these questions; nevertheless there are real questions that arise. Have you ever asked […]
Read More
close
Copyright © 2026 Grace Church of Philly
Website proudly designed by Oathstone Marketing
Privacy Policy
envelopephone-handsetchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram