Archive for the ‘Ascension’ Category

“Our Father Loves All Creation Through Human Participation!”

Posted April 14, 2026
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Audio Part A:

Audio Part B:

Full Audio Message:

Scripture: Revelation 4

Summary:

In this theologically rich and powerful message, Pastor Timothy Brassell lifts our vision beyond what we see and invites us into what God has already revealed. In Revelation 4, we are not given a picture of chaos, but of clarity. Not confusion, but a throne. And seated on that throne is the Father, who through the Son and in the Spirit is faithfully holding all creation together in love.

This is the foundation of the gospel: God has not abandoned His creation. In Jesus Christ, He has set everything on a new foundation. Though the world may appear unstable, Revelation 4 reminds us that reality is not defined by what we see, it is defined by who reigns.

Revelation 4 pulls back the curtain and shows us what is most true: all of creation exists before the throne of God, upheld by His will and sustained by His love. The same Jesus who entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey is the One now revealed as the exalted Lord over all creation. He did not stumble into suffering; He set His face toward it. He chose the cross. And in doing so, He revealed both the heart of God and the true destiny of humanity.

The early church captured this mystery with clarity. As Irenaeus wrote: “The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself.” This is not only about what Jesus has done for us, but also about what He has done in us and with us. In Christ, humanity has been taken up into the very life of God. That means our lives now carry purpose, direction, and participation in what God is doing.

We are not simply waiting for Jesus to return. We are living in the “in-between time.” And in this time, we are called to participate. As T. F. Torrance affirms: “Christ has united himself to us in our humanity in such a way that what he has done for us he has done in us and for all mankind.” This is the heart of Pastor Tim’s message: Our Father loves all creation through human participation. What God has accomplished in Christ does not stop with us, it fills us, transforms us, and flows through us.

Revelation 4 shows us a creation rightly ordered around God. The elders cast their crowns. The living creatures give glory. All things exist by His will. Even in a world still marked by sin, suffering, and what Pastor Tim described as the “monsters” of human rebellion, God has not lost control. His covenant still stands. His purpose is still unfolding.

Yet we must also face the reality that we cannot always make sense of what we see. We see suffering. We see violence. We see brokenness that defies explanation. But the call of faith is not to figure everything out, it is to trust the One who is already holding everything together. Revelation 4 does not answer every question; it reorients our vision. It reminds us that above every storm, there is a throne. From that vision flows a renewed calling for the church.

We are being called back to Scripture, to prayer, to fellowship, and to a shared life shaped by the Trinity. Because God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternal communion, our lives cannot be lived in isolation. Pastor Tim presses this truth: love grows cold when we withdraw, but the Spirit is drawing us back into relationship.

We are also reminded that we are a kingdom of priests. In Christ, we stand before God on behalf of others. We intercede. We represent His love. We participate in His care for the world, not only spiritually, but in how we live, love, and engage creation itself. This is what it means to be human in Jesus Christ.

Palm Sunday, then, is not just something to remember. It is a call to live. The King has come, not in force, but in humility. Not to destroy, but to restore. And now, as the risen and reigning Lord, He invites us to share in His life and in His mission.

So the question is not simply: Do you believe this? The deeper question is: Will you participate?

Key Takeaways

  1. God Is Still on the Throne 👑
    Even when life feels unstable, God’s rule remains steady, sovereign, and full of love.
  2. Jesus Calls Us to Participate 🤲🔥
    We are not waiting passively—Jesus invites us to share in His life and His work right now.
  3. We Are Formed Together 📖🙏🏽🤝
    Scripture, prayer, and fellowship are how we live in Christ during this “in-between time.”

Reflective Moment:

Pause and sit with this truth: The world may feel unstable. Life may not make sense. But Revelation 4 reminds us, there is a throne, and seated on that throne is the God who has already acted in Jesus Christ to restore all things.

So today, ask yourself: Am I living as though Jesus is truly Lord over all? Am I participating in His life or just believing from a distance? Am I returning to the rhythms that keep me rooted in Him? Because the King has come…Because He reigns even now…You are not just called to believe—you are called to participate.

Forever held in Christ. Forever invited into His life. 

“Questions and Responses About Jesus and The Christian Life!”

Posted January 21, 2026
Filed under: Advent, Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Summary:

On the Second Sunday after Epiphany, the congregation gathered for an open and honest conversation about Jesus and the Christian life. The message took an unusual but refreshing format. Instead of a traditional sermon, the service became a living theological conversation led by Pastor Timothy Brassell, an opportunity for real questions and thoughtful responses.

Following his recent teaching series on the Ascension of Christ, and as a follow-up to a previously shared interview on the Ascension featuring theologian Cherith Fee Nordling, Pastor Tim invited the congregation to ask real questions about Jesus, salvation, and the Christian life. What unfolded was a rich, Gospel-centered dialogue rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ, with each question carefully summarized and pastorally addressed for the benefit of all.

Note: This message was presented in a live Q&A format. Some of the original questions are not fully audible in the recording, but the pastoral responses and key themes are clear and are reflected in the written summary.

Discussion and dialogue are biblical practices, modeled by the early church (Acts 19:8–10; Acts 28:23–31). The theological foundations of these conversations were rooted in the apostolic witness to Christ (Ephesians 1; 1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 10).

Key Highlights and Themes:

Here are the major theological emphases that emerged:

  1. Jesus is eternally human.

The Ascension means Jesus did not stop being human. He remains fully God and fully man forever and this changes how we understand our future.
As theologian T. F. Torrance explains: “The ascension means that in Jesus Christ our humanity has been lifted up into the very presence of God.”

  • Christianity is relational, not merely informational.

Discussion, dialogue, and shared learning are biblical practices, modeled by the early church (Acts 19:8–10; Acts 28:23–31). Faith grows in community and conversation.

  • The Church is a body, not isolated individuals.

Faith is personal but never private. To be Christian is to be joined to Christ and to one another (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). The Ascension reminds us that Christ gathers His people into one living body.

  • All theology must keep Jesus at the center.

Every question—about salvation, forgiveness, resurrection, or eternal life—must begin with who Jesus is and what He has done.
As Dr. Cherith Fee Nordling reminds us: “Jesus’ talk about the kingdom is to talk about the King; the kingdom doesn’t exist apart from him.”

  • Resurrection is not just an event; it is a Person.

Jesus Himself is “the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). Our hope rests not in an idea or a doctrine, but in the living Christ.

Pastor Tim reminded the church that Epiphany means “a flash of insight,” and that the greatest epiphany the world has ever received is the revelation of Jesus Christ. God with us, fully human and fully divine forever. Because Jesus has ascended and remains human eternally, our understanding of God, salvation, and the Christian life must always be centered in Him.

The heart of the message was simple but profound:

“Jesus is the answer, so what is your question?”

From that foundation, the church explored deep questions about salvation, resurrection, eternal security, and what it truly means to be human in Christ. The conversation revealed that theology is not meant to be abstract. It is meant to shape our daily lives, our worship, and our hope.

Below are the main questions that arose during the discussion, along with pastoral responses that kept returning to one central conviction: every Christian question must be answered by looking first to Jesus Christ

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

QUESTION 1: What does it really mean to say, “I’m only human”?

Response: We often excuse our mistakes by saying, “I’m only human.”
But in light of Jesus, true humanity is not defined by sin and failure. Real humanity is seen in Christ.

  • To sin is not truly “human”
  • To love, obey, forgive, and trust God. That is true humanity
  • Jesus shows us what being fully human actually looks like

Insight: Anything in us that is unlike Jesus is not truly human. It is broken humanity.

QUESTION 2: Why does the resurrection matter?

Response: Resurrection matters because:

  • Jesus’ resurrection was a real, physical, human resurrection
  • Humanity is not temporary. Jesus remains human forever
  • Our future hope is not to become spirits, but glorified human beings like Christ

The resurrection means God has permanently united Himself to humanity.

QUESTION 3: Are we “once saved, always saved”?

Response Summary: Pastor Tim explained an important distinction:

  • In Christ, all humanity is INCLUDED by nature
  • But salvation is also personal, it involves our response

Jesus united Himself to human nature, but each person must respond to Him personally. So:

  • Humanity is saved in Christ objectively
  • But each person must receive that salvation subjectively

Eternal security is found not in our own faithfulness, but in Jesus’ faithfulness on our behalf. “You cannot look at yourself and feel secure. You must look at Jesus.” –Pastor Timothy Brassell

QUESTION 4: What does the Ascension actually accomplish?

Response: The Ascension is essential because:

  • Jesus had to ascend in order to send the Holy Spirit
  • Through the Ascension, Christ shares His perfected humanity with us
  • The Spirit brings the life of Jesus into our daily experience

Without the Ascension, the Christian life would not be possible.

QUESTION 5: Will we always have a body in eternity?

Response (based on 1 Corinthians 15): Yes, but it will be a glorified, spiritual body.

  • Not less physical than now, but MORE alive
  • Recognizable, yet transformed
  • Like the resurrected body of Jesus

The Christian hope is not escape from the body, but the renewal of it.

QUESTION 6: Can we really approach God with confidence?

Referencing Hebrews 10 and Ephesians 2:

Response: Because of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension:

  • We have full access to the Father
  • Not by our own goodness
  • But through the perfect humanity of Jesus

Right now, by faith, believers already share in Christ’s heavenly life.

Reflective Moment:

The day reminded us that the Christian faith is not afraid of questions. In fact, honest questions often become the doorway to deeper worship. When our questions begin with Jesus and end with Jesus, they lead not to confusion, but to clarity, confidence, and hope.

Scripture invites us to draw near to God with confidence, not because of our certainty, but because of Christ’s faithfulness. As the letter to the Hebrews declares, “We have confidence to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)” (Hebrews 10:19–20).

Our assurance rests not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ, who stands before the Father in our place. John Calvin expressed this truth simply and clearly: “Christ entered heaven in our name, so that now heaven is opened to us.” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, II.16.16)

Because of this, our questions need not lead us into fear or uncertainty. They can lead us into rest. Augustine gave voice to this deep human longing when he prayed: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” (Confessions, Book I). So we rest today in Jesus Christ, the One who has opened the way to the Father and holds our lives securely within the life of God.

Youtube link : Let Us Grow In Jesus’ Grace And Knowledge

“Here Is The Good News For Everyone!”

Posted September 9, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Adoption Into God’s Family

Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Ephesians 1: 3-6

Summary:

This sermon was a powerful reminder of the simplicity and depth of the gospel message. Pastor Tim began by grounding us again in the basic story of Jesus, not because it is shallow, but because it is the foundation we must always return to.

The gospel is not merely information or religious teaching; the gospel is God Himself, revealed in Jesus Christ. From eternity, God the Father has loved the Son in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and His mission has always been to draw humanity into that loving relationship.

Jesus came to live as one of us, fully God and fully human so that we could hear God’s Word, receive His grace, and be restored into fellowship with Him. The cross is not simply a tragic event; it is the victory of God over sin and death. The resurrection is not merely a happy ending; it is the beginning of new creation where humanity is lifted up and made whole in Christ.

This sermon reminded us that grace is not just “God overlooking mistakes,” but grace is a Person, Jesus Christ Himself, who receives from the Father on our behalf, lives faithfully where we cannot, and shares His victory with us as a gift. This is why salvation is always by grace, not by works. Our identity is not something we achieve but something we receive: we are God’s beloved children, adopted through Christ into His eternal family.

Through repentance and faith, turning toward Christ and trusting Him, we step into this reality. Repentance is not primarily about moral effort but about relationship: reorienting our hearts to Jesus and allowing Him to transform us one step at a time. And in the meantime, the Holy Spirit has been poured into our hearts, filling us with God’s love and empowering us to live in hope until the kingdom comes in full.

Theological Insight :

The sermon reminded us that grace is not simply an idea, a substance, or a moment of pardon. Grace is God Himself revealed in Jesus Christ. This truth is echoed by theologians across time.

Karl Rahner wrote:

“Incarnation and grace appear as technical terms to describe the central message of the Gospel: God has communicated Himself. The event of Jesus Christ is … the center-point of the self-communication of God. … grace is not something other than God … but God Himself.”

“Grace is not a thing. Grace is not stuff that God gives us apart from himself. He doesn’t run out of it. God gives us himself when we don’t deserve it; that is grace.”
— The Gospel Coalition

Together, these voices remind us that the heart of the gospel is relational — God giving Himself to us in love, in Jesus Christ, by the Spirit.

Key Themes and Reflection Questions:

  1. The Gospel is God Himself ✝️🔥
    • Theme: The good news is not just information, but God Himself revealed in Jesus Christ. God came as man so that we could truly know Him, receive Him, and live in relationship with Him.
    • Discipleship Question: How does remembering that the gospel is not a concept but a person (Jesus) change the way you approach your faith?
    • #GodIsTheGospel
  2. Grace is a Person: Jesus Christ 🙌💖
    • Theme: Grace is not simply God overlooking our sins, it is Jesus Himself, reconciling us to the Father through His life, death, resurrection, and ongoing intercession.
    • Discipleship Question: In what ways can you shift your understanding of grace from an abstract gift to a living relationship with Jesus this week?
    • #GraceInChrist
  3. Adopted Into God’s Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
    • Theme: From before creation, God’s plan was to adopt us as His beloved children through Christ. Our worth and belonging rest in His choice, not our works.
    • Discipleship Question: What would it look like for you to live more confidently as God’s adopted son or daughter today?
    • #ChildOfGod
  4. The Cross and Resurrection Bring True Life 🌅✝️
    • Theme: Jesus’ perfect obedience and sacrifice destroyed sin and death, while His resurrection restores humanity to life with God.
    • Discipleship Question: How can you embrace resurrection hope when you face discouragement or brokenness this week?
    • #ResurrectionHope
  5. Repentance as Relationship 🔄❤️
    • Theme: Repentance is not just about behavior change but about turning toward Jesus, entering into deeper trust, and allowing Him to transform us step by step.
    • Discipleship Question: What is one practical way you can turn your heart more fully toward Jesus in relationship today?
    • #TurnToJesus
  6. Life in the Spirit 🕊️🔥
    • Theme: The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with God’s love, enabling us to live with hope, faith, and love while awaiting the fullness of God’s kingdom.
    • Discipleship Question: Where in your daily life do you need to rely more fully on the Spirit’s presence and power?
    • #SpiritLedLiving

Reflective Moment: 

This sermon was a powerful reminder to us that our faith is not about striving harder but about resting deeper in Christ. The Father has already chosen us, Jesus has already lived and died for us, and the Spirit has already been poured into our hearts. Our only response is to receive, to trust, and to walk in relationship with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Take a moment this week to pause and simply say: “Thank You, Lord, that I am already loved, already adopted, already included in Your family through Christ.” From that place of assurance, let every action, whether at work, home, or church flow out of gratitude and joy.

“What The Father Wants Most From You/Us!”

Posted August 12, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2: 22-36

Summary:
In this continuation of the Acts 2 series “Take It Personal and Be Relational With Father!”, Pastor Timothy Brassell unpacks the vital truth that what God the Father most desires from humanity is His Son, Jesus Christ standing in for us, substituting for us in every part of our human life, and sharing His perfect relationship with the Father in the Spirit. Drawing from Acts 2:22–36, Pastor Tim shows that God’s desire is not for our independent efforts, moral achievements, or political victories, but for us to live in Christ’s union with Him.

The sermon confronts the false hopes we often place in politics, national identity, or even human unity apart from Christ, warning that these can become idols when they replace God’s kingdom purposes. Pastor Tim emphasizes that true peace, justice, and reconciliation flow only from participation in Jesus’ relationship with the Father, not from human effort or ideology.

He highlights the deeply relational nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the call for believers to reject isolation and individualism, choosing instead to live in loving connection with God and others. The message calls listeners to see repentance, baptism, ministry, and obedience not as self-generated acts, but as participation in what Christ has already done perfectly on our behalf.

Ultimately, the sermon urges believers to shift from asking, “What can I give God?” to receiving the reality of what God has already given in Jesus. This is the foundation for Christian living, mission, and worship: abiding in Christ, trusting His work, and letting every good deed flow from His life in us.

Key Themes and Reflection Questions:

1) Union With Christ Above All 🤝✝️

  • Theme: God’s greatest desire is for us to share in His Son’s relationship with Him through the Spirit. Everything else flows from that union.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you shift your focus this week from “what can I give God” to “how can I receive and live in Christ’s life”?
  • #UnionWithChrist

2) Resisting Cultural Idols 🛡️🌍

  • Theme: Political power, national identity, and even human unity apart from Christ cannot satisfy God’s desire for us. These can become distractions from His kingdom.
  • Discipleship Question: Which cultural values or movements do you need to evaluate in light of Jesus’ reign and relationship with the Father?
  • #KingdomFirst

3) Living Relationally, Not in Isolation 🏠🤗

  • Theme: God, as Father-Son-Holy Spirit, is relational by nature and calls us out of self-centered isolation into loving participation with Him and others.
  • Discipleship Question: Who can you intentionally connect with this week as an expression of sharing in God’s relational life?
  • #RelationalFaith

4) Christ as Our True Representative 👑🙌

  • Theme: Jesus, fully God and fully human, stands in our place, resisting sin, fulfilling righteousness, and offering His perfect obedience to the Father on our behalf.
  • Discipleship Question: How does knowing Jesus stands in for you change your approach to repentance, service, or worship?
  • #JesusInMyPlace

5) Receiving Before Giving 🎁💖

  • Theme: God doesn’t want anything from us apart from His Son. He first gives us Christ, and we respond by participating in what He has already done.
  • Discipleship Question: In what ways can you practice receiving God’s gifts this week before rushing to give something back?
  • #GraceFirst

Context:
This message follows a previous sermon answering, “What Does the Father Want Most for You?” and now addresses “What Does the Father Want Most from You?” Using Acts 2:22–36 as the foundation, Pastor Brassell teaches that the answer is always the same: Jesus Christ, standing in for us, representing us, and sharing His relationship with the Father by the Spirit. The sermon confronts common cultural substitutes for God’s kingdom, affirms the relational nature of Christian life, and calls believers into deeper dependence on Christ as the only way to give God what He truly desires.

Reflective Moment:
The gospel begins with a gift, not a demand. God’s greatest desire is not your best effort but for you to share in the perfect love and obedience of His Son.

“Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ.”
— John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied

Pastor Timothy Brassell: “What the Father most wants from you and from us is His Son, Jesus Christ, standing in for you and substituting for you in every part of your human life.”

This is what Acts 2 reminds us: God’s greatest desire isn’t your performance, but for you to live in the life His Son has already secured for you. When you rest in Christ’s finished work, you are already giving the Father what He most wants from you.

This week, slow down, receive the reality of Christ’s life in you, and let that be the wellspring from which all your actions and relationships flow.

“Grace That Goes First!”

Posted July 8, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Karan Barthelmy-Harris, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father Loves and Like You Celebration, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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“We love because He first loved us.” —1 John 4:19 (CSB)

Before you ever moved toward God, He moved toward you. Before you repented, before you prayed, before you even believed, He had already set His love upon you. THAT’S GRACE!

“God does not wait for man to turn to Him; He goes to meet him.”—Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics IV/2, p. 752

In Christ, the Father and the Spirit ran to embrace humanity: fallenness, rebellion, shame and all. Jesus didn’t wait for us to get it together. He stepped into our mess. The Spirit didn’t demand we earn His presence. He was poured out freely. The Father didn’t withhold His love until we deserved it. He gave us His Son while we were still enemies. “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8 (CSB)

This is grace: God didn’t wait for you to change. In Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, He came to change you by love.

“God does not wait for us to believe or behave before including us in His grace. In Jesus, He already has.”—Gary Deddo, Clarifying Our Theological Vision, GCI.org

God is not keeping His distance, waiting for you to fix yourself. He has already come near, already included you, already begun the work of making you whole in Jesus Christ. The cross isn’t a symbol of what we must do for God; it’s the declaration of what He has already done for us and with us.

The love of the Trinity is not reluctant, it is relentless.
The Father ran to meet us.
The Son gave His life for us.
The Spirit came to dwell within us.
Three Persons, one God, moving together in love to bring us home. “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” —Ephesians 2:18 (CSB)

So now the question becomes:

Who do you need to pursue today, not because they’ve earned it, but because God pursued you? Maybe someone has hurt you. Maybe they’ve drifted. Maybe you’ve distanced yourself, waiting for them to make the first move. But what if grace calls you to go first, not in your own strength, but with the strength of Christ and by the Spirit who lives in you.

Let your life reflect the rhythm of the Triune God:  ✨ A love that doesn’t wait.  ✨ A grace that goes first.

Prayer

Lord,
You loved me before I ever reached for You.
You came near when I was far, and gave Yourself without waiting for change.
Thank You for pursuing me with grace.

Now help me do the same.
Where I’m tempted to hold back, let me move forward in love.
Where I want to wait, give me courage to go first.

Let my life reflect the mercy You’ve shown me.
Make me a witness of Your grace in motion.

Amen.

“Remembering What Is Often Forgotten about Pentecost! (Relationship!)”

Posted July 1, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Lent, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2: 17-21

“The Holy Spirit is not a power you activate; He is a person you relate to.” – Pastor Timothy Brassell “God has made us this way, in his own image, because he himself is a personal, relational being.”– Gordon D. Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God

“The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or a power or an illumination but is a Person just as real as God the Father or Jesus Christ His Son… To have as one’s ever‑present Friend, and to be conscious that one has as his ever‑present Friend, the Holy Spirit … this is true Christian living.”– R.A. Torrey, The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit

Summary:

In this sermon, Pastor Timothy Brassell challenges modern misunderstandings of Pentecost by reframing it as a deeply relational encounter, not merely a spiritual experience or ritual. He explains that the Holy Spirit is not a force to be “activated,” but a divine person—the third person of the Triune God who is meant to be known, honored, and related to in reverent intimacy.

Through biblical exposition, early church creeds (such as the Athanasian Creed), and real-life analogies, Pastor Tim explores the often-overlooked relational nature of the Spirit. Drawing especially from Acts 2 and John 3, he re-centers Pentecost around God’s desire for personal connection rather than performance or emotional hype.

This message clarifies the Spirit’s role and presence in the believer’s life, calling us not to treat the Spirit as a tool for spiritual success, but to embrace Him as God with us. It invites believers into deeper understanding, relational trust, renewed thinking, and Spirit-led participation in God’s ongoing redemptive work.

🔑 Key Points and Highlights:

 The Holy Spirit Is a Person, Not a Power
• The Spirit is not an impersonal force to be triggered; He is God, to be reverently related with.
• Theme: Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a divine person
• Discipleship Question: In what ways am I tempted to “use” the Holy Spirit instead of honoring Him?
#HolySpiritIsPerson

🌟 Pentecost Is Relational, Not Ritualistic
• Pentecost celebrates the Spirit’s personal presence among God’s people, not just an event or tradition.
• Theme: The personal nature of Pentecost
• Discipleship Question: How do I relate to the Holy Spirit: as a person or as a tradition?
#PentecostIsPersonal

🎁 True Worship Is Centered on God, Not Results
• The Holy Spirit cannot be manipulated or bought; true worship honors His personhood.
• Theme: Authentic worship is grounded in reverence
• Discipleship Question: Am I approaching God to worship or to “get something”?
#WorshipNotTransaction

🕊️ The Spirit Works Uniquely in Each Life
• The Spirit works uniquely in each person’s life; not everyone experiences Him the same way.
• Theme: God works uniquely in every believer
• Discipleship Question: Am I open to how the Spirit might work differently in others than in me?
#SpiritMovesUniquely

🧠 Transformation Through Renewed Minds
• Pentecost means more than emotional experience. It calls for a renewed mind and perspective.
• Theme: Spiritual renewal begins with our thinking
• Discipleship Question: How is my mind being shaped by the Spirit today?
#MindRenewed

Reflective Moment:

Are you relating to the Holy Spirit as a person or treating Him like a distant power source? Consider your posture in worship and prayer. Do you come to church seeking God for who He is, or for what He can do for you? Pastor Tim’s message reminds us that the Spirit’s work is intimate, relational, and often surprising. Reflect on how you can engage more personally with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—not just through religious activity, but through relational trust and reverence.

“Remembering What Is Often Forgotten About Pentecost (TRINITY)!”

Posted June 24, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2, Matthew 28: 19-20, 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6, 2 Corinthians 13:14 John 14

Summary:

In this insightful and foundational sermon, Pastor Timothy Brassell challenges us to move beyond a fragmented view of God that emphasizes one Person of the Trinity over the others. Instead, he calls us to embrace the full relational unity of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our worship, discipleship, and daily life.

Drawing from Acts 2, John 14, and the Nicene Creed, Pastor Tim calls the Church back to honoring God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indivisible and fully unified. He reminds us that Pentecost is not merely about the Holy Spirit’s arrival; it’s about encountering the whole God in unified action. When we divide the Trinity, we distort the gospel and hinder our spiritual growth. But when we hold the Persons of God together, we see clearly, live rightly, and worship fully. This is a call to deeper reverence, relational intimacy, and Christ-centered living empowered by the Spirit.

Key Themes & Highlights:

1. The Trinity in Full Unity 🔺💞

  • Theme: The Church often emphasizes one Person of the Trinity over the others, but true worship involves knowing and honoring God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, united not divided.
  • Discipleship Question: Are you growing in relationship with the whole Triune God, not just a “part” of Him? Are you remembering that He doesn’t come in parts but in Whole?
  • #WholeGodWorship

2. The Forgotten Side of Pentecost 🔥🔄

  • Theme: Pentecost is more than the Holy Spirit’s outpouring; it’s an encounter with the entire Trinity, working in love and mission.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you celebrate the full presence of the Trinity in your spiritual life this week?
  • #TrinitarianPentecost

3. God Revealed Through Relationship 👨‍👦‍👦💬

  • Theme: God reveals Himself through the relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not abstract doctrines, but living, loving Persons.
  • Discipleship Question: How does viewing God as relational impact the way you relate to others?
  • #GodIsRelationship

4. True Doctrine is Like Glasses 🤓📖

  • Theme: Sound doctrine isn’t just theology; it’s a gift from God to help our broken minds see Him more clearly, like corrective lenses.
  • Discipleship Question: Are you viewing doctrine as a tool for clarity or as a burden?
  • #DoctrineAsGlasses

5. God Is Not Distant—He’s Hidden for Our Good 🌫️❤️

  • Theme: God’s hiddenness (especially through the Holy Spirit) is intentional. It protects our free will and invites pursuit.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you respond with trust even when God seems silent?
  • #HiddenButPresent

6. Worship the One, Not Just the Parts 🙌💠

  • Theme: Dividing God into Father-only, Jesus-only, or Spirit-only leads to spiritual confusion. Worship must be holistic.
  • Discipleship Question: In what ways can your worship better reflect the unity of the Trinity?
  • #UndividedGod

7. The Holy Spirit Always Points to the Son and Father 🕊️➡️👑

  • Theme: The Spirit doesn’t draw attention to Himself. He glorifies Jesus and leads us to the Father.
  • Discipleship Question: Are your spiritual experiences drawing you deeper into relationship with Jesus and the Father in the Holy Spirit?
  • #SpiritLeadsToChrist

8. The Trinity Teaches Us to Hold Things Together 🧩🫂

  • Theme: Just as God’s nature is united in three persons, we are called to unity, not division, in doctrine, worship, and life.
  • Discipleship Question: What part of your life needs the integrative healing of the Triune God?
  • #HoldItTogetherInChrist

9. Baptism and Salvation Are Trinitarian Acts 💧✝️

  • Theme: Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reflects that salvation is the shared mission of the Triune God.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you live as someone who’s been baptized into the fullness of God?
  • #TrinitarianBaptism

10. God Is Always Working—even in Chaos 🌍🔧

  • Theme: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are actively involved in redeeming the world, even when it seems chaotic.
  • Discipleship Question: Where can you discern the presence of God working in the brokenness around you?
  • #GodInTheMess

Context:

In a time when many churches tend to highlight the Father’s authority, the Son’s grace, or the Spirit’s power in isolation, this message calls us back to the wholeness of who God truly is. Pentecost is often reduced to a celebration of the Holy Spirit alone; but what if we’ve forgotten something essential?

Pastor Tim leads us into a richer understanding of Pentecost as a revelation of the entire Triune God. Through Acts 2 and the Nicene Creed, he urges the Church to honor God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indivisible and fully unified, working together to redeem creation and empower His people.

Reflective Moment:

✨ What part of your faith practice has become one-dimensional?
✨ Are you embracing God as Father, Son, and Spirit or just the “parts” you’re most comfortable with? ✨ Where can you discern the presence of God working in the brokenness around you?

This message emphasizes reverence, sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and a return to a fully Trinitarian gospel. Let it lead you into deeper worship, clearer understanding, and a renewed desire to live in step with the fullness of God.

📖 Rediscover Pentecost through a Trinitarian lens.
💬 Reflect. Repent. Receive the fullness of God.

“Remembering What Is Often Forgotten About Pentecost (JESUS)!”

Posted June 17, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2

Summary:

In this Pentecost message, Pastor Timothy Brassell launches a new series in the Book of Acts, emphasizing the foundational Gospel truth that Jesus Christ is the main point—even at Pentecost. With bold theological clarity and relational depth, Pastor Tim challenges the Church to rethink how we read Scripture and experience the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that Scripture is not self-interpreting, it must be read through Christ, by the Spirit, in relationship with the Triune God. The Church is urged to return to Jesus as the lens, center, and life of all understanding, especially when reflecting on Pentecost.

1. You Can’t Understand God Without God:
Theme: Relationship is the only way to truly know God. Pentecost is about divine relationship, not isolated knowledge.

“You can’t understand a thing about God apart from a relationship with God, in Christ, by the Spirit.”
Discipleship Question: Am I approaching Scripture as relationship with Jesus or merely information about God?
#KnowThroughChrist #RelationalRevelation #GodWithUs

2. Jesus Is the Real Text of Scripture:
Theme: Jesus is the living Word. Scripture points to Him and is interpreted through Him. “Jesus is the real text of Scripture. He is the one true Word of God, ahead of Scripture but not apart from it.”
Discipleship Question: Is my reading of the Bible centered on Jesus as the true Word?
#ChristTheText #ScriptureThroughJesus #LivingWord

3. Misreading Happens When We Miss Jesus:
Theme: When Jesus isn’t the focus, interpretation distorts and distractions multiply.

“When we forget Jesus as the main point, we also misread and get caught up in other distracting points.”
Discipleship Question: What theological or cultural side issues have taken my focus off Jesus?
#KeepJesusCentral #ChristAboveAll #ScripturalClarity

4. Pentecost Reveals Christ, Not Just Power:
Theme: The Holy Spirit doesn’t point to Himself, He reveals Jesus and enables us to know Him deeply.

“The Holy Spirit comes not to reveal Himself, but to reveal Jesus and share what He knows.”
Discipleship Question: Is my experience of the Spirit drawing me to Christ or just seeking phenomena?
#SpiritOfChrist #PentecostRevisited #JesusIsThePoint

5. The Spirit Works in Light, Not Force:
Theme: God’s — Father, Son, Holy Spirit—power is expressed through light, subtle, relational, patient transformation, not coercion.

“God is light… and works in a light way so that you can actually participate.”
Discipleship Question: Am I looking for God in loud power or in the quiet light of His presence?
#PowerInLight #DivineGentleness #HolySpiritMovesSoftly

6. Scripture Must Be Breathed Anew Each Time:
Theme: The Scriptures don’t have “stored magic”, they require the Spirit’s fresh breath each reading.

“You aren’t hearing from the Lord unless the living Lord is actually speaking at the time you’re reading.”
Discipleship Question: Do I begin my Bible reading with a prayerful dependence on the Spirit?
#LivingBreath #NotMagicWords #SpiritInspiredReading

7. Start With Relationship, Not Rules:
Theme: Before any theological understanding or practice, relationship with the Triune God must come first.

“You must be relating to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit, or else you can’t understand a Godly thing.”
Discipleship Question: What are my “first things” when I approach faith?
#FirstThingsFirst #GodBeforeDoctrine #RelateThenUnderstand

8. Communion Affirms Christ’s Judgment Over Us:
Theme: Taking Communion is embracing Christ’s verdict: you are loved, forgiven, and included.

“You are judged right now in Christ as no sinner… holy and blameless before the Lord.”
Discipleship Question: Do I receive the Lord’s Supper as performance or as grace freely given?
#JudgedInChrist #GraceAtTheTable #CommunionWithChrist

9. The Spirit Testifies. We Must Too:
Theme: Just as the Spirit testifies to Jesus, so must the Church boldly bear witness to Him alone.

“You will receive power… and you will testify about Jesus.”
Discipleship Question: Who is the focus of my witness—Jesus or spiritual activity?
#WitnessToJesus #SpiritLedMission #GospelFocus

10. Pentecost Is About Remembering Jesus:
Theme: The Day of Pentecost is not first about gifts or experiences, it’s about remembering Jesus Christ.

“This series is about remembering what is often forgotten about Pentecost: Jesus!”
Discipleship Question: Have I let secondary things cloud the central revelation of Christ?
#JesusOfPentecost #ForgottenNoMore #ChristOurCenter

Context:
This message is the first in a Pentecost-focused series out of Acts 2, aimed at correcting widespread misreadings and misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit and the role of Scripture. Pastor Tim roots the teaching in Trinitarian theology, Christ-centered interpretation, and the call to discipleship that begins with love, not legalism. The Spirit’s power, he reminds us, is light, not spectacle, and it is Jesus who remains the heart of Pentecost, Scripture, and Church life.

Reflective Moment: Jesus—The True Word of Pentecost:
Take a moment and ask:
Am I approaching Scripture to meet Jesus or merely to gather facts? Have I subtly replaced Christ with concepts, even spiritual ones? What would it look like for me to receive the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Jesus, leading me deeper into His life and mission? Let the Word read you as you read it. Come not to conquer Scripture, but to be transformed by the Living Word—Jesus Christ.

“Living In The Divine Dance: The God Who Includes You”

Posted June 10, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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From the beginning, we were made for communion. Not for striving or performing on our own strengths, or standing at arm’s length from God but to be drawn into the eternal joy shared between Father, Son, and Spirit. This isn’t abstract theology. It’s the dance we were born to join.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:14

As Trinity Sunday approaches, we’re reminded that Christianity is not just about following rules or imitating Christ. It’s about being included in a relationship so deep, so eternal, that it reshapes how we see ourselves, each other, and the world. We are invited to stand in awe of the mystery and majesty of God-Father-Son-Holy Spirit; one God in three Persons. As Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This isn’t just a ritual. It’s a revelation. An invitation into God’s own life.

T. F. Torrance writes, “God draws near to us in such a way as to draw us near to Himself within the circle of His knowing of Himself.”
God is not distant. He is relational. He is love and through Jesus Christ, He brings us near.
“God loves you so utterly and completely,” Torrance continues, “that He has given himself for you in Jesus Christ His beloved Son… He cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross.”
Our inclusion in God’s life is not temporary or fragile. It’s secured in who God is and through the Holy Spirit, we are not left on the outside. We are brought inside the fellowship of God Himself.

Gary Deddo explains:

“Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, [Jesus] gives us a share in His meaning, significance, security…”
We are not just followers—we are participants.
We are not just observers—we are included.

Jesus Himself prayed:

“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.” — John 17:21
In Christ, we are welcomed into the very oneness Jesus shares with the Father. A unity brought alive by the Spirit.

Gary Deddo deepens this vision:

“This is the trinitarian life. We are given to share in this life—in the Spirit (which is Jesus’ Spirit)—sharing Jesus’ own joy, life, righteousness, peace, work, evangelism…”
In Christ, we don’t just work for God. We work WITH Him.
“Ministry is going with Jesus—doing what he is doing, going where he is going; sharing obediently in His ministry… Obedience and fellowship are one and the same thing.”

When we lose sight of this, ministry becomes a burden. We chase effectiveness, compare our outcomes, trust in our techniques. But Gary Deddo reminds us:

“It’s not our ministry—it’s Christ’s ministry. Jesus continues to minister by His Spirit… Sometimes we’re tempted to trust in our own loaves and fishes—programs, techniques, even our theology. But just give it to Him and let Him use it. Focus on sharing in Christ’s continuing ministry.”

Jesus doesn’t just reveal the message of God, He is the message, the center, and the way into the life of the Trinity and by the Spirit, He leads us to the Father and holds us in the communion we were made for.

So, take a breath. Let your soul rest in this truth: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are known, loved, and invited into the divine dance of GOD-Father, Son, and Spirit.

Reflection:

This Trinity Sunday, let us reflect on how profoundly we are known and loved. Be awakened to the wonder of being included in the life of the Triune God. God dwells in unity and through Christ and the Spirit, He welcomes us into His life. As T. F. Torrance says, step into “the circle of His knowing.”  Your soul isn’t alone. It’s wrapped in the eternal fellowship of the Trinity. As Gary Deddo teaches, we are invited to share in Christ’s joy, peace, and ministry through the Spirit. And as Scripture declares:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:14

Prayer:

Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—You are one God in perfect communion. Your love transcends time and space. In You, I find belonging. In Christ, I find redemption. In Your Spirit, I find life. On this Trinity Sunday and always, remind us how deeply we are known and loved. You dwell in unity, and through Christ and the Spirit, you welcome us into Your life. Our souls are not alone; they are held in the eternal fellowship of Your love. Guide me today as I walk in the shadow of Your presence. Let my life reflect the dance You have drawn me into; one of joy, peace, purpose, and shared ministry. Amen.

Selected quotes from:
Gary Deddo, Clarifying Our Theological Vision, — Parts 1–5 Grace Communion International – 2013–2015Published on GCI.org

Selected quotes from:
T.F. Torrance, The Christian Doctrine of God: One Being Three Persons (T&T Clark, 2001) and The Mediation of Christ(Helmers & Howard, 1992)

“6 Ways Of Understanding God’s Gracious Judgement!”

Posted June 3, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Evangelism, Fiction, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Revelation 2-3; Revelation 1: 4-20

Summary:

In this theologically rich Ascension Sunday message, Pastor Timothy Brassell unveils Jesus Christ not only as Savior but as God’s active, relational, and loving judgment. Drawing deeply from Scripture and lived experience, he explores six “ways” of understanding God’s judgment in Christ, each centering on the truth that God-Father, Son, Holy Spirit is for us, not against us. Rather than punishment, judgment is presented as intimate correction, grace-filled disruption, and a call to deeper relationship with the Triune God. Pastor Tim calls the Church to repentance, trust, mission, and communion in light of Jesus’s ongoing presence in and with all creation.

Key Points and Highlights:

1. Jesus Is God’s Judgment of Love

Theme: Jesus reveals God’s judgment as a relational act of redeeming, not condemnation.
Quote: “God’s judgment in Christ is: ‘I am for you.’”
Discipleship Question: Do I truly believe God is for me, even when I face hardship or correction?
#JesusIsForYou #JudgmentAsLove #GodIsForUs

🛐 2. We Mourn With Hope

Theme: In Christ, grief is transformed by hope because judgment has already been dealt with at the cross.
Quote: “We mourn, but not as those without hope.”
Discipleship Question: How can I grieve and still anchor my hope in the victory of Christ?
#HopeInGrief #JesusHasOvercome #GrieveWithGrace

💥 3. Judgment Is Intimate, Not Distant

Theme: Jesus’s judgment is relational. He draws near to correct because He desires deeper intimacy.
Quote: “Jesus is seeking to be more intimate with you… that’s why He gets in your face.”
Discipleship Question: What obstacles am I clinging to that keep me from intimacy with Christ?
#CloserThanYouThink #IntimateGod #FaceToFaceFaith

⛪ 4. The Church Is a Reminder of Truth

Theme: Christ uses the Church, not to shame, but to remind us who we are in Him.
Quote: “Gather with others to remind each other what’s true.”
Discipleship Question: How is community shaping my understanding of who I am in Christ?
#ChurchAsReminder #GospelCommunity #GraceTogether

🚫 5. God Judges Our False Idols

Theme: God opposes the thoughts and behaviors that distort our identity and keep us from Him.
Quote: “God is against you, when you are against yourself.”
Discipleship Question: What lies am I believing that God may be disrupting for my healing?
#DisruptToHeal #JudgedToBeFree #BreakTheIdols

🌍 6. Judgment Is Always Missional

Theme: God’s judgment extends outward through creation and especially through humanity. It is never self-centered.
Quote: “Salvation is never just for you. It’s always for the other, too.”
Discipleship Question: Is my faith focused inward, or is it driving me outward toward others?
#MissionMinded #ForTheOther #OutwardFaith

🔥 7. God’s Disruption Is Grace

Theme: Sometimes God’s love comes in the form of disruption because His will is to draw us close.
Quote: “He’ll kick your legs out from under you if it will wake you up to His love.”
Discipleship Question: Am I recognizing God’s loving interruptions in my life?
#GracefulDisruption #WokenByLove #GodGetsMyAttention

🕊️ 8. The Spirit Makes God’s Judgment Believable

Theme: Only the Holy Spirit allows us to receive and trust that God’s judgment is for our good.
Quote: “You can’t receive that truth without the Holy Spirit.”
Discipleship Question: Am I listening to the Spirit or to my circumstances?
#LedByTheSpirit #BelieveByGrace #SpiritOfTruth

📖 9. Scripture and Prayer Are Participation

Theme: Reading the Word, gathering with believers, and praying are how we align with God’s relational judgment.
Quote: “Prayer isn’t a religious checklist. It’s how you survive as a living person.”
Discipleship Question: Am I relating with the Relational God, or checking religious boxes?
#PrayToLive #ScriptureIsLife #RelationalFaith

🍞 10. Communion Is Receiving the Judge Who Saves

Theme: The Eucharist is not a ritual. It’s a real participation in Christ’s glorified life.
Quote: “This is participation with Him in His ascended life.”
Discipleship Question: Am I receiving Christ in communion as a living relationship or as tradition?
#RealPresence #CommunionAsLife #ReceiveJesusFully

Context:

This message was delivered on Ascension Sunday and serves as a theological meditation on what it means that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Judge. Rather than presenting judgment as divine wrath or rejection, Pastor Tim reorients our understanding of judgment to be about God’s relentless pursuit of relationship, holiness, healing, and hope. The sermon touches on themes of grief, correction, community, creation, mission, and communion, all through the lens of Christ as the relational Judge who is present, active, and victorious.

Reflective Moment: Come Closer

Take a quiet moment to ask:
Am I letting Jesus be near enough to correct me because He loves me?
Am I resisting the very disruptions that are meant to restore me?
Have I made salvation about me alone, or am I joining God’s mission for others?

Come as you are. God’s judgment is not a hammer. It’s a hand extended in love.

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