The Grace Place

The Main Attraction – WK 18: The Demon-Possessed Man by Pastor Krista Sanseverino

For the past few months, we've been in a series called The Main Attraction, exploring how Jesus is central in every story within the book of Mark. Last week, our pastor emeritus Mike Benson delivered a powerful message about Jesus being with us in the storm. If you missed it, you can catch up on our website or YouTube channel or wherever Podcasts are played.
This week, we delve into Mark 5:1-20, the gripping story of a man possessed by a legion of demons. Stephanie Sampson, our director of D-Track 201 and leader of the Next Steps Center, reads the scripture and prays over the service, setting the stage for an impactful message.
We examine the man's dire situation, tormented by demons and living among the tombs, and how Jesus' compassion and power bring about a miraculous transformation. This story highlights Jesus' ability to see value where others see none, demonstrating His power over all spirits and His infinite compassion.
We then explore the different responses to Jesus' miracle, contrasting the crowd's fear and rejection with the transformed man's desire to follow Jesus and spread the good news. We are reminded of our mission to share our own transformation stories and live out the Great Commission.
Join us as we reflect on how Jesus' power can break any chain and transform any life, encouraging us to share His love and message with the world.

The Main Attraction – WK 17: Surviving the Storm by Pastor Mike Benson

In this series, we are taking a deep dive into the book of Mark where Jesus is the Main Attraction.  In this message, we delve into the powerful message of surviving life's storms through faith, as presented in Mark 4:35-41. Pastor Emeritus Mike Benson introduces Vince Escobedo, a dedicated member of the AVL team, who reads the scripture and shares a prayer over the message.
The sermon highlights key observations about the inevitability of storms in life, even for dedicated followers of Jesus. Despite being in the boat with Jesus, the disciples faced a great storm, challenging the notion that faith exempts one from life's difficulties.
Listeners are encouraged to recognize that storms can arise suddenly, but they are not alone. The presence of 'other little boats' symbolizes the support system around us. The episode emphasizes the importance of making a choice between reacting in fear or faith during turbulent times.
Ultimately, the message reassures that as long as we stay on board with Jesus, we will make it through to the other side, no matter how severe the storm. Tune in for an inspiring talk on faith, resilience, and the promise of divine support amidst life's challenges.

The Main Attraction – WK 16: The Kingdom of God by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

In this episode of our series, "The Main Attraction," we continue with our study of the Gospel of Mark to explore how Jesus is portrayed as the central figure in everything. We discuss the profound impact on our lives if we made Jesus the main focus of all that we do.
We are joined by Kyle Burwise who shares today's scripture from Mark 4:21-34. This passage includes three parables that reveal essential truths about the Kingdom of God.
Through these parables, we learn about the Kingdom's revelation, the importance of receiving its message with stewardship and patience, and how it is produced and reproduced in our lives. Join us as we unpack these teachings and discover how to align our lives with the ways of the Kingdom of God.

The Main Attraction – WK 15: The Parable of the Sower by Pastor Krista Sanseverino

Join us in our ongoing series, "The Main Attraction," where we dive into the book of Mark and explore the teachings of Jesus. This episode focuses on Mark 4:1-20, the Parable of the Sower. Caleb Earl reads the scripture, setting the stage for the message from Pastor Krista.
We delve into the significance of the sower, the seed, and the soil, examining how Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the various conditions of our hearts and our receptiveness to God's word. Pastor Krista challenges us to reflect on the state of our hearts—whether they are hard and dry, shallow and rocky, crowded and anxious, or soft and open to receive God's message.
This episode invites us to allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate our hearts, encouraging us to bear the fruits of repentance, righteousness, and the Spirit. Through insightful teaching we are reminded of the importance of truly listening to and accepting God's word to produce a bountiful harvest in our lives.
Join us as we seek to understand and apply the lessons from this powerful parable, opening our hearts to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Main Attraction – WK 14: The Cautions of Family by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

The Cautions of Family: Navigating Influence, Interruption, and Entitlement
Description:
Join us in our series, "The Main Attraction," as we delve into Mark chapter 3, verses 31-35, to explore how Jesus is portrayed as the central figure in every story. In this message, we examine the dynamics of Jesus's family and the significant influence they had on His ministry.
Discover the three key cautions when it comes to family: their influence, their interruptions, and their sense of entitlement. Learn how Jesus handled these challenges, set boundaries, and prioritized His spiritual family.
Gain insights into balancing the blessings and sufferings of following Jesus, and reflect on how God uses both to purify and strengthen us. This episode is an invitation to evaluate the relationships in your life and recognize God's voice in setting healthy boundaries and understanding seasons of suffering.
Whether you're navigating family dynamics or seeking deeper spiritual understanding, this episode offers valuable lessons on maintaining focus and purpose in your walk with Christ.

The Main Attraction – WK 13: The Unforgivable Sin (Blasphemy) by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

In this episode, we continue our series by exploring a profound and often misunderstood passage from Mark 3:22-30. Dakota Burke reads our text for today, setting the stage for an insightful discussion on the unforgivable sin of blasphemy.
Join us as we delve into Jesus' response to the accusations of the religious leaders who claimed He was possessed by Satan. Through this passage, we learn about the nature of the unforgivable sin and how it relates to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
We'll address common misconceptions about what the unforgivable sin is not, such as turning away from Jesus, being angry with God, or believing false things about the Holy Spirit. Instead, we'll focus on what the unforgivable sin truly is.
Through this episode, we'll reflect on our own lives, examining whether there are areas where we, like the Pharisees, might be refusing to accept God's Word. Join us for a thought-provoking message that aims to provide clarity and encouragement for all believers.

The Main Attraction – WK 12: Close To Jesus, But Unchanged by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

Join us in our series "The Main Attraction" as we delve into the Book of Mark, where Jesus is highlighted in every story. This episode focuses on Mark 3:7-21, exploring the theme of proximity to Jesus and the transformation that comes from genuinely following Him. Pastor Shawn discusses the importance of not just being close to Jesus, but being truly changed by Him.
We examine the difference between those who are merely in Jesus' proximity and those who have pledged their lives to Him. This message challenges us to evaluate our own lives and surrender our desires and directions to Jesus. Don't miss this powerful call to move beyond familiarity with Jesus and embrace a life of true discipleship.

The Main Attraction - Wk 11: The Controversy of Sabbath by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

Join us in our series "The Main Attraction" as we delve into the book of Mark, highlighting how Jesus becomes the central figure in every story. This episode features Pastor Shawn who leads us through a controversial passage in Mark chapter 2 about the Sabbath. Jesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing the spirit of the law over its letter.
Through the stories of Jesus healing on the Sabbath, Pastor Shawn explores how traditions can sometimes hinder us from meeting human needs and understanding God's heart. He also reflects on the significance of Sabbath rest in our lives today, drawing parallels from early church practices and reminding us of the balance between work and rest.
Discover how stopping, resting, delighting, and contemplating during the Sabbath can bring us closer to God and refresh our souls. Learn about the deeper roots of Sabbath and how it serves as a lifeline, grounding us in our identity in Christ.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with God's heartbeat amidst the fast pace of life.

The Main Attraction - Wk 10: The Controversy of Fasting by Pastor Bruce Harrier

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Main Attraction" series, we delve into Mark Chapter 2, exploring the controversy surrounding fasting and its deeper spiritual implications. Pastor Bruce takes us through the significance of Jesus's interactions and teachings, highlighting the distinction between old practices and the new covenant brought by Christ.
We reflect on Jesus's responses to the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples, revealing profound insights into the nature of fasting and spiritual renewal. This episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on the relationship with God over mere rituals, and how true fasting is about denying the physical to seek deeper spiritual connection.
Join us as we unpack the powerful imagery and teachings of Jesus, encouraging a fresh perspective on spiritual practices and their relevance in today's world. This message challenges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and prepare for the ultimate return of Christ.

The Main Attraction - Wk 9: The Controversy of Friendship by Pastor Shawn Sanseverino

In this series, we will take a deep dive into the book of Mark. This week, we observe how Jesus showed up for people in His life and how we can learn from His example.