The Road to the Cross

The Road to the Cross – Week 1
“Setting Our Hearts Toward Calvary”

As we enter this powerful new series, The Road to the Cross, we begin a spiritual journey that leads us to the most pivotal moment in human history—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This road is not just a story from the past; it’s a path we must walk in our hearts to fully grasp the depth of God's love and the power of His redemption.

Each week, we’ll reflect on the steps Jesus took, the sacrifice He made, and what it all means for us today. In this first week, we focus on what it means to set our hearts toward Calvary—to recognize the weight of sin, the beauty of grace, and the journey Jesus willingly embraced for our salvation.

1. A Willing Savior

Luke 9:51 says, “As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, and the cross. Yet He walked that road with resolve and purpose. Why? Because of His deep love for you and me.

The road to the cross wasn’t paved with ease; it was marked by obedience. Jesus willingly chose the cross so we could experience the fullness of life, forgiveness, and freedom. In this first step of our series, we are reminded that our Savior didn’t stumble into sacrifice—He chose it.

2. Preparing Our Hearts

Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, we too must set our hearts on Him in this season. This week, I encourage you to take time to reflect:

• Am I living with the same sense of purpose and obedience?

• Have I allowed the distractions of life to pull me away from the path God has called me to?

• What areas of my life need to be surrendered as I walk this road with Jesus?

This journey isn’t about going through the motions of tradition. It’s about drawing near to the One who gave everything for us. It’s about preparing our hearts to receive all that the cross represents—love, sacrifice, grace, and victory.

3. The Cross Was Always the Plan

The cross was not an accident. It was the plan of God from the beginning—to redeem a broken world and restore relationship with His creation. Isaiah 53:5 prophetically reminds us:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

As we walk the road to the cross, let us never forget that every step Jesus took was for us—to carry our sin, to bear our shame, and to secure our healing.

4. A Call to Follow

Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

The road to the cross is not only Jesus’ journey—it’s our calling too. We are invited to walk in His footsteps, to deny ourselves, and to live lives of sacrificial love. That doesn’t mean we’ll be nailed to a physical cross, but it does mean choosing God’s will over our own, walking in humility, and living for something greater than ourselves.

Closing Thoughts: The Journey Has Begun

This week marks the beginning of a sacred and meaningful journey. As we walk this road together, let’s slow down, reflect deeply, and open our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Let this be a season of renewed focus, surrendered hearts, and passionate pursuit of the One who walked the road of suffering so we could walk in grace.

Let’s journey with intention, love, and reverence—remembering that the cross was never meant to be the end, but the beginning of a new life for all who believe.

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

Awake Part 4: Living in the Power of Redemption

From the Pastor’s Desk: Awake Part 4 – Living in the Power of Redemption

As we continue our Awake series, we come to one of the most powerful and life-changing truths in our faith—redemption. Too many believers live as if they are still bound by their past mistakes, weighed down by shame, or stuck in cycles of guilt. But when Jesus went to the cross, He didn’t just forgive our sins—He redeemed us, restoring us to our rightful place as children of God.

Redemption is more than just being saved from sin. It is about living in the fullness of what Christ has done, walking in victory, and embracing the power of new life. Today, I want to challenge you to not just know that you are redeemed but to live in the power of that redemption every day.

1. Redemption is Our New Identity

Many Christians struggle with the weight of their past. They may say, "I know Jesus forgives me, but I still feel unworthy." This is the enemy’s tactic—to keep you sin-conscious instead of Christ-conscious.

Ephesians 1:7 declares, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Redemption means you are no longer defined by:

• Your past failures

• Your old habits

• Your former identity

Instead, you are:

• A new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• Clothed in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

• A child of God (Romans 8:15-16)

When you wake up each day, remind yourself: "I am redeemed, I am restored, I am made new!" Don’t live as a slave to the past when Christ has set you free.

2. Redemption Breaks Every Chain

One of the greatest lies of the enemy is that we are still bound—that we can never change, never overcome, and never fully walk in freedom. But redemption is total freedom.

Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”

That means:

• Sin no longer has power over you. You are no longer a slave to addiction, fear, or shame.

• Your past mistakes do not define your future. God’s redemption rewrites your story.

• Satan has no legal claim over your life. The blood of Jesus has already paid the price.

Are you still living as if you are in bondage? It’s time to wake up and walk in the freedom Jesus has already given you.

3. Living as the Redeemed Means Walking in Authority

Redemption doesn’t just bring personal freedom—it gives us authority as children of God. Too often, believers live as if they are powerless, waiting for God to move when He has already given them authority to walk in victory.

Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Living in the power of redemption means:

• Declaring victory over the enemy instead of living in fear.

• Speaking life over your circumstances instead of accepting defeat.

• Praying bold prayers and believing for miracles.

Your redemption is not just about escaping hell—it is about walking in power today!

4. Redemption Calls Us to Live with Purpose

When God redeems us, He doesn’t just restore us—He releases us into purpose. Your testimony, your transformation, your new life is not just for you; it is meant to impact others.

2 Corinthians 5:18 says, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Living in redemption means:

• Sharing your story—what God has done in your life can bring hope to others.

• Serving with love—God has called you to be His hands and feet in the world.

• Living in joy and gratitude—when we truly understand our redemption, we live differently.

You are not redeemed to sit on the sidelines—you are redeemed to be a light in this world!

5. A Daily Decision to Walk in Redemption

Redemption is not just a one-time event—it is something we choose to walk in daily. The enemy will try to remind you of your past, but you must remind him of your redemption.

How do we walk in the power of redemption every day?

1. Stay in the Word – Let Scripture renew your mind and remind you of who you are.

2. Declare your identity – Speak life over yourself: “I am redeemed, I am free, I am victorious!”

3. Reject condemnation – When the enemy whispers lies, respond with truth: “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

4. Live in gratitude – Thank God daily for His grace and love.

When we choose to live in redemption, we stop surviving and start thriving.

Closing Thoughts: Awake to the Power of Your Redemption

Beloved, it’s time to wake up to the full power of your redemption! You are no longer bound, no longer defeated, no longer a slave to sin or shame. You are redeemed, restored, and empowered by the blood of Jesus!

This week, I challenge you to:

• Live as a child of God, not a slave to the past.

• Declare your victory over every lie of the enemy.

• Walk in confidence, knowing you have been set free!

Let’s rise up as the redeemed people of God and walk in the fullness of everything Jesus has paid for. This is our reality. This is our calling. This is redemption!

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

Awake Part 3

As we continue our Awake series, we are stepping deeper into what it means to live fully in our identity in Christ. Last week, we focused on shifting from a sin-conscious mindset to a Christ-conscious one—seeing ourselves through the lens of grace, righteousness, and victory. Now, as we move forward, we must ask: How do we live out this truth in our daily lives? The answer lies in walking in boldness and confidence as children of God.

1. Boldness Comes from Knowing Who You Are in Christ

Many believers struggle with insecurity, fear, and hesitation—not because they lack faith, but because they don’t fully understand their position in Christ. When we grasp our true identity, we can walk in boldness, knowing that we are not just sinners saved by grace but sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

The enemy wants to keep you timid and uncertain, constantly questioning whether you are good enough, strong enough, or worthy enough. But here’s the truth: Your boldness is not based on your ability—it’s based on Christ in you. When we fully embrace that truth, fear loses its grip, and confidence begins to rise.

2. Confidence Comes from Trusting God’s Promises

One of the greatest barriers to boldness is doubt—doubt in ourselves, doubt in God’s calling, and sometimes even doubt in His love for us. But Hebrews 10:35-36 reminds us:

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

Walking in confidence means standing firm in what God has spoken, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It means believing that:

• You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9).

• You are equipped (2 Timothy 3:17).

• You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

• God’s plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

When you trust in who God is and what He has promised, confidence replaces hesitation. You step forward in faith, knowing that you are not alone—God has gone before you.

3. Boldness in Your Calling

Every believer has a divine calling. It may not always look like standing on a stage or leading a ministry, but God has given each of us a unique purpose to fulfill. Whether in your home, workplace, church, or community, God has positioned you to make an impact.

Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Many people never step into their calling because fear holds them back. They worry about failure, rejection, or inadequacy. But God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Moses doubted his ability to speak.
Gideon doubted his strength.
Peter doubted his own loyalty.

Yet God used them mightily. And He wants to use you, too. The key is to step out in faith, trusting that His power is greater than your weaknesses.

4. Boldness in Prayer and Spiritual Authority

A believer who is awake to their authority in Christ will pray with boldness. Many Christians approach prayer timidly, unsure if God hears them or if they have the right to ask for big things. But Scripture tells us otherwise:

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus gave us authority to speak His Word, to pray with power, and to stand firm against the enemy. Luke 10:19 declares, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

When you understand who you are in Christ, your prayers shift from weak requests to bold declarations. You begin to pray with faith, authority, and expectation, knowing that heaven moves when you speak in alignment with God’s Word.

5. Boldness to Overcome Fear

Fear is one of the biggest tactics the enemy uses to keep believers from walking in their God-given authority. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Walking in boldness doesn’t mean you will never feel fear—it means you won’t be controlled by it. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward in faith despite the fear.

When fear tries to whisper, “What if you fail?” remind yourself: “God is with me.”
When doubt says, “You’re not good enough,” declare: “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”
When the enemy says, “You can’t do this,” stand on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Boldness is a mindset. It is a choice to believe God’s truth over the enemy’s lies and to live fearlessly, knowing that God is on your side.

Closing Thoughts: Awake to Your Boldness and Confidence

You were not created to live a timid, hesitant life. You were made to walk in boldness, confidence, and authority as a child of God. This week, I challenge you to step into that boldness:

• Pray with confidence, knowing that God hears you.

• Walk in faith, knowing that you are called and equipped.

• Speak God’s Word boldly, resisting fear and doubt.

• Move forward in your calling, trusting that God has gone before you.

When we awaken to the power of Christ within us, we stop shrinking back and start stepping forward in confidence. The world needs bold, Spirit-filled believers who know who they are in Christ and aren’t afraid to walk in it.

Are you ready to wake up and walk in boldness? God is calling you higher. It’s time to rise up and live fearlessly in the power of His Spirit!

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

Walking in Confidence and Victory

Walking in Christ-Consciousness

As we continue our Awake series, we’re diving deeper into what it means to walk in Christ-consciousness over sin-consciousness. Last week, we explored how many believers remain trapped in a mindset of guilt, shame, and self-condemnation, constantly aware of their failures rather than the finished work of Jesus. But God calls us to live with a renewed mind—one that is centered on Christ and the righteousness He has given us.

Romans 8:1 reminds us: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Yet so many still struggle to truly embrace this freedom. Why? Because our mindset matters. If we live focused on our shortcomings, we’ll always feel unworthy. But if we live focused on Christ, we’ll walk in the power of His grace.

1. Christ-Consciousness Begins with Identity

Many believers know about salvation but don’t fully walk in the identity Christ has given them. They still define themselves by their past, their mistakes, or even their daily struggles. But 2 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.”

If we are new creations, why do we live as though we are still bound? Because we haven’t fully awakened to who we are in Christ.

To walk in Christ-consciousness, we must:

• See ourselves as God sees us—redeemed, righteous, and set apart.

• Stop identifying with sin and failure—your past does not define you.

• Renew our minds daily with God’s truth (Romans 12:2).

2. Shifting from Performance to Grace

A sin-conscious mindset keeps us trapped in a cycle of striving, feeling as if we need to "earn" God’s love and approval. But Christ-consciousness leads us to rest in what Jesus has already done.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

This means:

• You don’t have to prove yourself to be worthy of God’s love.

• Your failures don’t separate you from God—grace restores you.

• You serve, pray, and obey out of love, not obligation.

The more we understand grace, the more we walk in freedom.

3. Living Awake in Righteousness

Romans 5:17 says, “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

Notice that righteousness is a gift—not something we achieve, but something we receive. When we are awake to our righteousness in Christ, we live differently:

• We walk in boldness, not fear.

• We approach God with confidence, not shame.

• We resist sin, not out of duty, but because we understand our new nature.

When we are Christ-conscious, we no longer feel unworthy to come before God. Instead, we live from a place of victory, authority, and sonship.

4. Awake to the Power of the Spirit

Being Christ-conscious also means living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 tells us, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

The more we are aware of Christ in us, the more we:

• Are led by the Spirit in our decisions.

• Experience victory over sin and temptation.

• Walk in the supernatural power of God’s presence.

The key to overcoming sin isn’t trying harder—it’s surrendering more. As we abide in Christ, His Spirit transforms us.

Closing Thoughts: Awake and Walk in Freedom

Many believers are saved, but they’re not truly awake to the reality of who they are in Christ. They still live with a sin-conscious mindset—striving, struggling, and feeling unworthy. But Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sin—He came to make us new creations, full of His righteousness and power.

This week, I encourage you to ask yourself:

• Am I living aware of my righteousness in Christ?

• Do I focus more on my failures or on Jesus’ finished work?

• Am I walking in the freedom and boldness of my identity in Christ?

When we truly embrace Christ-consciousness, we walk in the fullness of His love, grace, and power. We stop striving and start reigning. We stop condemning ourselves and start living in the joy of our salvation.

Let’s wake up to who we really are—sons and daughters of God, empowered by grace, alive in righteousness, and victorious in Christ!

In His grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

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"