Anticipate Newness

Karleigh King August 18, 2026

*Life in the present is motivated and directed by a finely tuned awareness of the values and priorities of our future home. We live in real anticipation of that moment when our Redeemer appears and “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Our citizenship in heaven means that God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” and has “conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). This defines our meaning and purpose. We who are in Christ have clear and accurate answers to the questions of life: “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?” and “Where am I going?”

We are now designed and equipped for kingdom productivity. We align our motives and approaches to life with kingdom values and objectives (Matthew 6:33). “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

Whether you are a homemaker, a line worker, a student, a salesman, or an executive, if you are ruled by the Lord Jesus Christ, four specifics about your life have been radically defined:

Who you serve. Now, instead of living for yourself, you recognize other people in your life as broken image-bearers in whom you can graciously invest yourself instead of viewing them as obstacles to your success. In every aspect of life, you serve Jesus Christ.
How you define success. An accurate understanding of success begins with “Why?”. You were created to know God and enjoy Him. When you realize this purpose, you recognize your success in terms of Kingdom productivity. Your success is the fruit you produce by investing in other people’s lives and helping them grow toward God.
Where you place your focus. No longer are you focused on merely eking out a living, doing everything possible to avoid pain, gain pleasure, and maintain reasonable comfort with minimal risk. Your focus, rather, is placed on pleasing the One who will greet you face-to-face upon His return.
Your specific role. Your role is no longer that of being a competitor to become one of the surviving fittest. Now, as a resident alien, you are an ambassador for the King – entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Our heavenly citizenship also has physical implications. “Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13).

We experience corporeal realities that are inescapable – pain, suffering, disease, and death. We live in an earthly tent that groans for redemption (2 Corinthians 5:1-5). For now, we endure the weak nature of the fleshly tent, but we can confidently anticipate the return of Jesus “who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).

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* From my book, SURPASSING WORTH: Contemplating the Unmatched Privilege of Knowing Jesus Christ, pp.142-146

See What God Did!

Karleigh King August 11, 2026

There was worthy celebration during the Growing Grace update Sunday as it was reported that our one-year, $1 million goal was reached in 9 months! God is glorified through the generous hearts of His people.

We are so close to starting Phase One of the expansion. I know many of you are patiently waiting to see progress on the ground. The contractor says that once the final numbers are agreed upon, then in two weeks construction will begin.

It was a year ago that we first presented the estimated cost of this expansion to the congregation. While we celebrate the milestone of God’s gracious provision, over the past year the cost has climbed a bit, and there remains some financial need to be able to complete the project if we want to do it without going in debt. Three factors contribute to this reality:

Prices always go up, and they have over the past twelve months. In particular, prices have been impacted by the unforeseen conflict in the Middle East. Gas and oil prices impact almost everything.
There were some revisions in the design since the initial estimate. For example, the new atrium was made a bit larger to have an entrance into the restroom & nursery area directly from the atrium. There was also the need to rework the HVAC above the current office area to accommodate the renovated plans.
Lastly, Fourth Elm has limited the level of volunteer involvement in the construction due to liability reasons. We understand them to be wise, and for that reason, we will not save as much as we originally estimated with volunteer labor.

With these contingencies, the final cost of the expansion has increased over the past year – thankfully, not as much as we anticipated. We’ll get the final numbers to you as soon as we can. But thank you for your continued faithful and gracious support, for your enthusiasm, and for your encouraging prayer. The Building Fund remains open for your generous contributions. God will provide because He has led us this far. This is His work, so let’s remain steadfast in our dependence upon Him.

Initial Steps

Karleigh King August 4, 2026

We’ve had a groundbreaking ceremony; the city of Winston-Salem has issued a building permit; we are working toward the final numbers for expansion cost minus the credit we get for volunteer labor. Before the end of August there should be significant signs of ongoing construction at 3904 Woodview Drive.

The initial step for me is to start boxing up all my books. During phase one of the project (new offices & kitchen, opening up the downstairs for the fellowship hall) the nurseries will temporarily occupy my office and the one next to it. So, my books need to vacate the shelves – all 1,000 of them. I will keep many and transfer them to the new office upon completion. Some I will give away (you’re welcome to come have a look), some may go to used book stores.

As I mentioned Sunday morning, we will be using the building while it is being renovated. That means the next ten months are going to be a logistical dance that will have its challenges to navigate. It will require an interval for some programs or classes; it will require reworking some schedules, and meeting in spots where you don’t normally meet. Some parts of the building will be temporarily inaccessible. I will do my office work remotely during the first phase – but don’t worry, I still make house calls . With these temporary changes and inconveniences, please purpose now to ask the Spirit to develop in you a disposition of forbearance. This time will be only a brief chapter, and we can look forward to the completed expansion with a lot more space and much better flow and convenience.

Each phase of the expansion will take approximately five months to complete, and phase two may be more challenging than the first phase as we will not have sufficient space – even in the new Fellowship Hall – to accommodate everyone in the same morning worship. We are pleased and honored that the Lord keeps bringing new lives, guests, and members to Grace. We aim to be good stewards of those that our Savior entrusts to our care. Let us aim to be welcoming, helpful and hospitable as we demonstrate the grace of Christ with the mind of Christ.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

~1 Peter 3:8

See What’s Going On

Karleigh King July 28, 2026

It is one thing to observe or participate in something that happens, it is another to recognize the significance of it – to see it in light of the big picture, and recognize the “dots” of a higher purpose that are connected. From the earliest days of the Church recorded in the book of Acts, the growth of the Church was directly tied to the spread of God’s Word – the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ taught as the apostle’s doctrine.

Through interactions with many of you, and the enthusiasm of the congregation, I had a keen sense of continuity with the early church on a momentous day last Sunday as two things were evident in the events of the day. The Word of God is spreading by faithful and accurate teaching of that Word as our sufficient authority. As a result the church is expanding. Luke records, “the Word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied” (Acts 6:7). God is drawing people to Himself as people respond to the call of Jesus, “Follow Me.” For that reason, the church is increasing numerically, which is why last Sunday was a ceremonial launch of the expanding church meeting place.

Luke also records that the as Church leaders went out to report of Spirit-led direction, and teach the Word of Christ, the churches were strengthened. For example, “Paul and Silas departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:40–41). The teaching of the Word of God by ordained men of God is what strengthens the Church.

So, hopefully, you sense, as I do, our connection with the historic Church from its earliest days – the expansion of the church at our groundbreaking ceremony Sunday morning, and the strengthening of the church at Max Floyd’s ordination Sunday night. The same Word and the same Spirit are at work in the church in the same way they were so many years ago because this is the work of God who transcends time and promised to build His Church.

May we also sense the magnitude of it and rejoice in the privilege of being a part of God’s redemptive purpose through the ages. What a high calling and what a joy it is to be a member of the family of God – the beautiful Church where God’s Spirit is manifestly at work.

“God’s household is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)

A Meaningful Day

Karleigh King July 21, 2026

Groundbreaking – This coming Sunday, July 26th, will be our Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Growing Grace building expansion. The regular worship service will conclude at 11:00AM and then we can all proceed to the north end of the building outside for the ceremony.

After an overview of the expansion, statements of gratitude, and comments from key figures (we are privileged to welcome a representative from our architects, Fourth Elm), we will have the ceremonial dig, and then commit the work – its process and outcomes – to our Lord and Savior.

The ceremony will last for about 15 minutes. Should you desire to sit during the occasion, you may want to consider bringing a lawn chair. The location of the ceremony is accessible by a sidewalk without any stairs. Those using rollators and wheelchairs will be able to stay on the sidewalk with an unobstructed view of the proceedings. Plenty of help will be available for all to get to location without trouble or delay. This ceremony will not be livestreamed, but it will be recorded and made available at a later time.

Ordination – Also this coming Sunday night, it will be our joy to confer ordination to leadership in the gospel of grace to Max Floyd. Max is an elder of Grace Bible Church, and has had numerous opportunities to serve in pastoral functions like weddings, funerals, and preaching for pulpit supply.

We have heard Max teach and preach. We have examined his knowledge of and approach to the Scriptures and his capacity to serve people and lead in ministry. The elders of Grace and the ordination council have unanimously and enthusiastically agreed to confer upon him this recognition and endorsement for the sake of gospel ministry. Max’s desire in ordination is to be recognized as an instrument fit for the Master’s use for ministry opportunities as they arise.

This ordination service is scheduled for 6:00PM so that Max and Debbie’s family can be present for the special occasion. After the ordination service, there will be a reception with light refreshments in the Gathering Room, during which time you can greet Max and offer congratulations.

Shining In Darkness

Karleigh King July 14, 2026

Being in a place that is completely dark can be unnerving and disorienting. After you have taken time to settle your thoughts, you must feel your way to where you think there will be some light. Paul described humanity this way as he presented the gospel to Athenian philosophers: “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). Henri Nouwen said, “Without the radiant beam of light shining into the darkness there is little to be seen. But everything changes with the light.” In that, we recognize the profound blessing of the coming of Jesus Christ; “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4–5). God’s self-disclosure is His light shining into the darkness of our human experience. His light rescues us from our self-oriented delusions, the distractions of immediate gratification, the despair of meaninglessness, and the death that results, “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

Acknowledging God’s self-disclosure is the beginning point of being able to recognize reality. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Light proceeds from God because God is light. In Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Paul affirmed to the Corinthians, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Let’s be clear that light is not just that which is scientifically defined as electromagnetic radiation from charged particles; light has a name.

Fyodor Dostoevsky said, “We have never truly breathed air nor seen light until we have breathed in the God-inspired Bible and see the world in the Bible's light.” To this Peter says, “…you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place…” (2 Peter 1:19). The word he used for “pay attention” means to consider carefully and devote yourself to it (see 1 Timothy 4:13). To what end do we devote ourselves to the light of God’s Word? “…Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” It leads us to focus on the glory of Christ to where we are captivated by Him in our attitudes and affections, overtaking the darkness within. Peter echoes eschatological terms to remind us that this process will only be complete when we see Jesus face to face. John reminds us “everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). To walk in the light, fix your gaze on Jesus Christ through His self-disclosure.

Making Disciples

Karleigh King July 7, 2026

When Jesus called His first three apostles, Peter, James and John, the last phrase of that narrative in Luke 5 simply says, “they left everything and followed Him.” They left their occupation as fishermen and took up the role of being disciples of the rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. From then on, they travelled with Him, studied Him, watched Him, listened to Him, worked with Him, and learned to imitate Him. They were committed followers. In time, Jesus would commission them as His apostles to carry on the mission of the gospel of grace with His authority to establish His Church.

This often perplexing motley crew of men had much to learn, much dross to have consumed, much refining and growing to experience. But after Jesus had resurrected, ascended to the Father, and they were indwelt with His Holy Spirit, they were unstoppable and served His mission with abandon. Their discipleship changed the world.

As disciples, their commission was to do one thing – make disciples. It is the way of the Master that disciples would make disciples – committed followers. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus uses people who follow Him to be instrumental in drawing more people to follow Him. This is the transforming power of the gospel’s truth (Romans 1:16) and the compelling power of the gospel lived (John 13:35).

The objective of being a committed follower of Jesus is to become like Him. Jesus does not commit Himself to occasional observers or flighty fans (John 2:23-24). He had harsh words for men of creedal obsession – more concerned with the minutia of dogmatic perfection than reflecting the character of God (Matthew 23). Theological intelligence does not make one a disciple, neither does enthusiasm. A disciple commits to a long obedience in the same direction becoming more and more like Jesus in affection, attitude and actions.

There is a cost to discipleship. “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). What do you have that you will not commit to Jesus? As a devoted follower of Jesus, every aspect of your life is anchored in Him. At work you serve Him; at home you reflect Him; your leisure is rooted in His delight; your possessions are entrustedto you by Him to glorify Him. Anything that you will not entrust to Him becomes a weight of sin that clings to you and holds you back from becoming like Him (Hebrews 12:1). The cost of discipleship is laying that weight aside.

A disciple of Jesus hears music that the unregenerate cannot hear. The committed follower of Jesus dances to rhythms radiating from the Kingdom of the beloved Son instead of marching to the oppressive beat in the domain of darkness from which he has been rescued (Colossians 1:13). “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). A disciple has discovered that happiness does not come from a pursuit of the sensation nor indulgence in the stuff, but from serving Him and His people in the outflow of His delight.

Counterintuitive Happiness

Karleigh King June 30, 2026

Do you remember when you were sure you would not like a food item? The mind is a powerful thing. But did you ever try something objectively and find out, “This is really delicious!” In our distraction, we may have notions about God, life, and how we think life should be. If we are not careful, our imagination and desires become judges of truth and good. This leads us to despair when things do not pan out the way we want. At the root of our problem is that we do not really know what is good. Yet our desire for satisfaction hints at a means of satisfaction. We keep looking for it in the wrong places.

Enter David’s invitation: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8). He is not sometimes good, He is good. He defines good. David later states: “…those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (v10). Think about this amazing truth – if you are seeking God, all the good that you need is what you have. Do you know what you have? It may be time to revisit the grace lavished on us in Christ as listed in passages like Ephesians 1-3. Let these truths saturate your mind so that they form your affections and attitudes.

“But” you ask, “what about right now? I need a job” or “My family is falling apart!” God knows and He will provide in His perfect time in His good purpose for your good and for His glory. You are not defined by your current situation. “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). All you have in God and in Christ is yours right now. The question is, are you seeking Him? “Those who fear Him have no lack!” (Psalm 34:9).

Jen Oshman writes, “The counterintuitive truth about happiness is that it’s a byproduct of laying ourselves down. When we serve, when we sacrifice, when we surrender, that’s when we find true happiness. Why does happiness feel so out of reach? Because we’re looking for it in the wrong places. Let’s seek first Jesus’s kingdom. He’s our Maker and Savior and stands ready to offer us true and eternal happiness in him, which cannot be shaken or taken.” The perfect newness, healing, completeness that ultimately awaits us is already ours!

That is what we groan for. It is alright to groan. Let that groaning compel you to taste and see that the Lord is good. The Scriptures promise that you will lack no good thing because all the good that you need you already have.

1 Pinpointing Why So Many of Us Claim to Be “Not Very Happy” https://www.crossway.org/articles, Accessed 6/29/2026

One Step At A Time

Karleigh King June 23, 2026

One step at a time we are progressing toward actual construction. Last Thursday, I was at the Contractors (Fourth Elm) in Kernersville signing documents for civil engineering. Also, they wanted lender information to ensure we have the funds available to complete the contract. I filled out the form indicating “cash on hand” (for the first contract) and they said that was very unusual in their experience. Praise the Lord for His provision!

So Phase One will be the first contract to complete the new building with offices and the kitchen and renovate the downstairs into an expanded Fellowship Hall. Phase Two will be under a second contract that will likely be enacted at the beginning of 2027 to renovate the Auditorium and build the new Atrium. That work will likely be completed before the end of summer next year.

As it stands, and provided the city grants the permit in timely fashion, construction should begin early August. So, we have decided to move the groundbreaking ceremony to July 26th at the end of the worship service.

Please be in prayer that oil and gas prices will drop so that the final cost of the expansion will not be overly impacted. Earnestly pray that our Father will supply our needs for this expansion so that grace can extend to more and more people and He alone gets the glory.

As was mentioned before, you may wish to consider a legacy gift by naming Grace Bible Church as a beneficiary in your wills, trusts, or other estate arrangements. This is a meaningful way to continue supporting the ministry and growth of Grace while leaving a heritage rooted in faith and stewardship. If you would like to explore this meaningful way of contributing, please contact our financial administrator, Kelly Felker, for the information you will need.

On July 5th, we’ll have two families presented to the congregation for affirmation of membership: the Brudwicks and the Fulks. I encourage you to take opportunities to connect with them as many already have. We continue to get a steady flow of guests, and our Sunday mornings are very full at a time when most churches experience a summer slump.

This coming Sunday, June 28th, we will gather around the Lord’s Table at 6:00PM. It is a special time of communion, and I look forward to fellowshipping with you there and at the dinner following the service. The months of July and August will include a hiatus on Sunday night programming. Our return will be at the Lord’s Table once again on August 30th.

** One exception to the Sunday night hiatus is an Ordination Service for Max Floyd on July 26th at 6:00PM. Max has been observed by the church with regard to his ministry, teaching, and leadership; he has been examined by an Ordination Council with regard to his calling, equipping, and doctrine. It is our privilege to present him for ordination in leadership of gospel ministry. **

We have scheduled a baptism for September 27th. This is a special time of encouragement for the church and guests to witness the goodness and grace of God. If you desire to follow the Lord Jesus in public testimony to your faith through the waters of baptism, please connect with me or Pastor Adam.

All In Ministry

Karleigh King June 16, 2026

As the church gathers, it is for two purposes: to make much of God through worship and to equip the saints through instruction. Those two objectives are interwoven, and here is how: we often think of worship as what we do when we gather. We pray, read Scripture, sing, there is an exposition of Scripture, etc. But there are two sides to the coin of worship: sensing God and serving Him. So, as we gather to worship God (sense Him) we also gather to be quipped to serve Him, because every believer is in ministry.

So there are generally two sides to the coin of ministry: outreach and discipleship. Every believer is called to live the gospel in the presence of FRAN. As ministers of reconciliation, it is our privilege to introduce people to the loving Creator/Redeemer. Be the light in the presence of those who are yet in the darkness of unbelief and alienation. We can be their bridge to the community of faith.

Discipleship is one life coming along side another to walk together in a Godward direction. It is the other side of the coin of ministry, because part of following Jesus is helping others follow Jesus. You have an important role in the spiritual progress of other believers.

Look around. Whom have you not seen in a while? Who is facing a struggle? Who is new in the faith? Do you know someone who is drifting? It may be stating the obvious, but pastors cannot possibly minister at this level to every individual in the church. This is why every believer is equipped for the work of the ministry.

In today’s environment, it is far too easy to just go to church on Sunday and then be detached from the family of God for the rest of the week. So, since you are in ministry, consider the tools of ministry: a phone, or paper and pen, your dining room, or the coffee shop. Graciously – and with their permission – step into another person’s life to walk with them in a Godward direction. You will find that in reaching out this way, there are two side to the coin: mutual benefit, and God’s glory.

Faithful & Gracious

Karleigh King June 9, 2026

Momentous occasions are good to recognize, and we have one among our number at Grace – congratulations to Maryanne Layman for reaching her 90th birthday last week! (Mentioned with permission). So many years of the privilege of walking with God under the sun – your life is a blessing and has touched many others.

I want to express gratitude to Nathan Jones for leading us through the “Spiritual Disciplines” seminar the past four Sunday nights. The discussion was insightful, challenging, and helpful. I encourage you listen to the seminar and glean from its wealth.

This coming Sunday, night we have our second offering of the seminar Tackling Tough Texts. The biblical text in focus this time is 1 Timothy 2:12, which states “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” We hope for the seminar to be insightful and interactive. Our aim is to be faithful to God’s Word and gracious to all. We present this seminar with a view to equipping the church to handle touchy issues in our current ecclesiastical and socio-political context.

There will be no evening programming on June 21st due to Father’s Day. Then, on June 28th, we will gather once again for communion at the Lord’s Table at 6PM with a fellowship meal to follow. Paul said that through this gathering, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Our gathering around His table of invitation and acceptance finds us all equally at the foot of the cross with the empty tomb in view as we look heavenward to our faithful High Priest, and expectantly await His return.

There will be a hiatus on Sunday night programming during the months of July and August. We will resume Sunday evening gatherings with the Lord’s Table on August 30th at 6PM, then another installment of Grace Distinctives on September 20th from 5-7:30PM — let Pastor Adam know if you would like to attend Grace Distinctives. We are delighted that the Spirit continues to bring His people into our growing family.

Finally, please earnestly pray to the Father that He will supply our needs for Growing Grace. This is His work, He has led us to this point, and we must depend on Him to provide. When the expansion is finished (hopefully about a year from now) we should look back and declare, “Look what God has done!” Remember James’ admonition, “you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). So ask! Earnestly, consistently, passionately, communally – seek the Father’s face to confess our dependence upon Him. Thankfully, we are still on track to begin construction mid to late July.

Something you may also consider is a legacy gift. You could name Grace Bible Church as a beneficiary in your wills, trusts, or other estate arrangements. Naming GBC as a beneficiary is a meaningful way to continue supporting the ministry and growth of Grace while leaving a heritage rooted in faith and stewardship, so that grace extends to more and more people. If you would like to explore this meaningful way of contributing to the gospel of grace, please contact our financial administrator, Kelly Felker, for the information you will need.

Have a great week!

New Book Available Now: “Surpassing Worth”

Karleigh King June 2, 2026

I am on a continual quest to understand the needs of Christians and what is necessary to have taught and preached in the church. Now, as a church where God’s Word sets the agenda, I recognize that God’s self-disclosure understands our needs better that we do and reveals them to us. That is why we are committed to the verse-by-verse systematic exposition of Scripture.

Awhile back, after numerous encounters with church folks and the broader community, I contemplated the questions, “What’s so good about being a Christian? Do we know? Do we sense it? Can God’s people answer if asked?” That led me to write down the reflections that are now published in my latest book, Surpassing Worth: Contemplating the Unmatched Privilege of Knowing Jesus Christ.

This book is intended to be a resource for the church – for people who are in ministry – people who are following Jesus by helping others follow Jesus. Get a copy of it to give to a FRAN who is asking questions about your faith and Christianity; read and study it with a new believer for their discipleship; go through it together in your Care Group, or for one month progress through the twenty-eight chapters in your quiet time to refresh your delight in the Lord Jesus Christ and His matchless grace.

You can find your copy of the book on the kiosks by one of the doors at church with a suggested donation of $20. You can use the Book Nook envelope provided on the kiosk, and make your check payable to Grace Bible Church. You can also make your donation on MyWell through the church website. The book will also be available on Amazon starting June 13th.

Here is an instrument to encourage you in your walk with God, and to help you in your ministry. May Christ be magnified as His grace extends to more and more people.

Satisfied

Karleigh King May 19, 2026

“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy, at Your right had are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

The Bible is one story from beginning to end – a grand story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. The Scriptures point us to the ultimate reality which is about one’s relation to the Creator. Since we were made by God and for Him, it follows that He is our highest good and our deepest satisfaction. Beginning in Genesis three and through all of human history, humanity has attempted to find happiness and satisfaction apart from God. But because we were made for God, our satisfaction is impossible away from Him. God’s purpose is our reconciliation to Himself. Knowing Jesus Christ and having His righteousness is the only means to that end. No attempt at goodness and self-redemption will come close to the full and complete work of Christ on our behalf. God’s grace is that He has given Himself to us for our good and His glory.

In his vision of our glorious end, it is revealed to John that we will see God’s face (Revelation 22:4). This statement is rich with welcome, acceptance, nearness, and favor. The idea that we will see His face is staggering since all through Scripture it is repeated that no man can see God and live. The brilliance of His holiness would consume us. But in the end all whose lives are hidden with Christ in God will know the fullness of joy in His presence with perpetual pleasure (Psalm 16:11).

The triune God is at work; He is at work in His people. He started it and He will finish it. It will be a masterpiece to His glory! Because of Christ’s reconciling work, we will be like Him, having His righteousness. That likeness will be our ultimate satisfaction – that we will be perpetually with Him, perfectly reflecting and enjoying His goodness. To this end we are called to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Let us live – not in pursuit of the stuff like prestige or possessions that can neither define nor satisfy us – but in the unmatched privilege of knowing Him. Let us use that privilege to point others to Him.

The above article is an excerpt from my new book,

SURPASSING WORTH
Contemplating the Unmatched Privilege of Knowing Jesus Christ.

Extending Grace

Karleigh King May 12, 2026

Who is like our God who opposes human pride with tenderness and kindness? He is the One who spoke the cosmos into existence, yet His most remarkable work was accomplished through the self-sacrifice of His Son. While we were alienated enemies, He died in our place so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Now raised for our justification, He, through steadfast love, turned rebellious sinners into redeemed sons. Clearly, “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” (Titus 2:11).

Contemplate the mind of our loving, benevolent Sovereign in the following statement:

In Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation…For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:19, 21)

Having surrendered in faith to this marvelous truth, the fruit of repentance (a heart turned toward God) is living for One greater than you – one who is holy, “set apart,” having been rescued from the slavery of living for self (2 Corinthians 5:15). A committed follower of Jesus (disciple) is others-focused and compassionate instead of self-focused; honest with integrity instead of a life of duplicity; meek and content instead of arrogant (Luke 2:10-14).

This is the fountainhead of our ambition at Grace Bible Church – “so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). The Lord is bringing people to Himself. You, the church, are instruments in His hands, and it is evident.

On that note, Wade and Mercy Gibbs have chosen to be a part of the Locklears’ church plant in King. They are enthusiastic about the start of a church that is faithful to the gospel of grace in the place where they spend most of their lives. Wade and Mercy have been a wonderful part of our music ministry; Wade has served as a deacon, and they also served as care group leaders. They, including Colin, Grace, Mary and Naaman, (Isaac and Daniel will remain at Grace) will be missed very much, but we will send them off at the end of May with our blessing. Please endeavor to express your deep love for them, and appreciation for their part in the life and mission of Grace.

Our building expansion plans have been submitted for permits. Now, as Logan Dailey from Fourth Elm put it, “We are at the mercy of the City.” Please pray that the City of Winston-Salem will move expeditiously to grant permits to build. We hope to break ground in mid-July. This past Sunday, you saw evidence of the Lord’s hand in your generosity. Let’s earnestly be before the Father’s throne of grace as we confess that this is His work and we depend on Him to provide.

What A Weekend!

Karleigh King May 5, 2026

Wow – what a weekend!

The Men’s Retreat was so well put together at the scenic Laurel Ridge Conference Center. The content was excellent for discussion and challenge. The thirty-three participants ranged from 15 years old to 88! The theme of “The Redeemed Man” continues in the Sunday morning ABF; meanwhile, the women are studying “Women Helping Women” with teachings by Paul Tripp and have had strong participation.

Sunday morning’s worship was one for the history books! I’ve been told the baptism video will probably go viral with a caption something like “head-banger.” Oh my! Thank you, Jess and Brian, for your public confession of following Jesus Christ. He was magnified in our worship on the Lord’s Day. The Father’s Spirit is moving in hearts and minds of the younger generation and bringing them into the household of faith. The church is encouraged and joyfully moving forward and Godward with strong family bonds. There is another baptism planned for September 27th, so if you have trusted Jesus Christ and want to take the step of obedience in public confession of your faith, please reach out to me or any of the elders.

Sunday night we also had a Grace Distinctives class with many who have recently begun to attend Grace and want to get a strong sense of our DNA. The 2.5 hour event is insightful, interactive, and encouraging with plentiful opportunity for questions and insights. If you have not attended a Grace Distinctives event, I would encourage you to do so. Whether you’re new here or have been here for many years, Grace Distinctives gives you a strong picture of the life and mission of our church. The next one is scheduled for September 13th.

More good news! This week our building plans are complete and are being submitted for permits. Giving the normal amount of time allotted for the permit process, it is projected that we will start construction on July 15th. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 12th as we will plan a ground-breaking ceremony that morning in celebration of God’s direction and provision.

Praise be to God for His beautiful church!

Living By Faith

Karleigh King April 28, 2026

“My righteous one shall live by faith…” – Hebrews 10:38

This phrase was first penned by the prophet Habakkuk as he recorded God’s message to the prideful nation of Judah. “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). These people were arrogantly deluded in their self-sufficiency with no acknowledgment of the Creator. Human pride without submission to God leads man to view himself as supreme – or to at least act that way.

The apostle Paul quoted Habakkuk’s statement to explain the purpose of God for righteousness in man. This accomplishment is the objective of the gospel. In Christ alone is life, and this life is attained and experienced by faith alone. Paul said: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God…” (Galatians 2:20).

“Life” is not mere existence, but existing in right relation to the Author of life. Life is reconciliation and sonship; death is alienation and separation. So in the phrase “the just shall live by faith,” the living by faith has two elements: having life and living life. Having life is a prerequisite to living life: one cannot live by faith until one has life by faith.

To obtain life by faith — trusting the indicatives of God’s truth — is one’s position in Christ. To live life by faith is one’s action in Christ – moving toward Christ by submitting to the imperatives of God’s truth. Apples are the outgrowth of an apple tree. One cannot clip apples to a white birch and call it an apple tree. To live by faith for Christ, one must be alive by faith in Christ. Conversely, when one is alive in Christ, he is free to live for Christ.

Headed For Home

Karleigh King April 14, 2026

There’s no place like home. Home is a place of developed uninhibited relationship and acceptance. Home has security and familiar rest. We have our home, our belonging, and our citizenship in the place where we expect to dwell – the home where our rest and relationship surround our Father who delights in us and draws us to Himself.

From this expected place of our belonging, we eagerly wait for the Savior. Paul said having our citizenship in heaven is a matter of hope. Where there is hope, there is peaceful rest. This rest is not passive inactivity, but a peaceful perseverance in the anticipation of a confident expectation, and focused behavior free from distraction.

Life in the present is motivated and directed by a finely tuned awareness of the values and priorities of our future home. We live in real anticipation of that moment when our Redeemer appears and “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Thus we can pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).” What is done in heaven that can be done on earth? It certainly includes worship, service with delight, and others-focused community.

In the traditions of biblical times, when a man betrothed a woman, the man would go and prepare the home that he and his bride would share. When the task was complete, at an appointed day, the groom would return to take his bride to himself. Meanwhile the bride was making herself ready. She was often found speaking of her betrothed and investing her time, resources, and relationships faithfully mindful of the day to come. When the groom finally appeared there would be no element of surprise, no hint of “What are you doing here?” in her response. Instead, her eager waiting found her living life motivated by the love relationship and the anticipation of her permanent dwelling place – the place of her belonging.

“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears,
we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
1 John 2:28

Growing Grace Progress Report

Karleigh King April 6, 2026

You may be thinking, “What’s going on with the building?” It is all still happening behind the scenes, but there is progress. Today, we meet with the contractor and the architect for what is called a “page turn” meeting. That means we go through all the design plans page-by-page (and there are many) to make sure all that what we want is there before the final design documents are drafted and submitted for permits.

Once the design documents are submitted, we can expect the permit process to take up to three months. So we are still looking at late June or early July for the construction to begin. There is waiting involved, but it is all part of the order of things.

Meanwhile, let me encourage you to establish practices that remind you of the need and the purpose of the expansion. Times like last Sunday – with an overflowing attendance – are easy reminders of the need. God continues to bring people to Himself and to us.

The purpose of the expansion is…

“…so that as grace extends to more and more people

it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 4:15

Please keep the building expansion and Growing Grace before the Lord in prayer. This expansion is His work and we must look to Him for His provision. Let us all be faithful stewards and enthusiastic participants in what our Redeemer is doing among us and through us.

A Mind Set for Joy

Karleigh King March 24, 2026

If your walk of faith consists of hearing God’s Word taught on Sunday then trying to just do it through the week, you are probably sensing frustration in your desire to become like Christ because you have set yourself up for failure. Applying God’s Word does not happen by just trying to do it.

Here is the key: an attempt at changing your behavior without changing the way you think is an exercise in futility. This is why we are instructed to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). It is your mind that must be changed first. Only then will your behavior genuinely reflect the character of Jesus. That is living in the outflow as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine (John 15:4-5). Without this, one’s walk of faith is merely external conformity. That makes faith a drudgery, and we were not called to a grinding walk of faith because Jesus said His truth will set you free – His yoke is easy, His burden is light. John said “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

Consider the refreshing, liberating contrast of Psalm 1 – How blessed (happy!) is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. Notice the nuance of endless resource and renewal when the Psalmist writes, “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.”

One of the shackles of a biblically untrained heart and mind is servitude to popular opinion – “the counsel of the wicked, …the way of sinners, …the seat of scoffers.” The fear of man is oppressive. But being transformed by the renewing of your mind comes from choosing to set your mind on God’s Self-disclosure. Howard Hendricks asserts, “There’s nothing like the self-assurance that comes from firsthand knowledge of the Bible. It gives you confidence to think for yourself. Most people don’t think – they merely rearrange their prejudices. But it’s altogether different when you know what the Bible says...that kind of personal ownership of spiritual truth cuts you free from the leash of popular opinion.”

There is a unique power that you posses as one who bears God’s image – it is power to choose what occupies your mind. What occupies your mind is your master, and if it is not the benevolent Sovereign, then you are oppressed by some level of tyranny. The freedom for which you were created is enjoyed only under the authority of Christ, and the only way you come under that authority and stay under it is by surrendered trust in what God has made known in His word. The path to true personal freedom under God is acknowledgment of the Bible’s authority over your life and it’s sufficiency for all things concerning life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

J.I. Packer said it best, “The more completely heart and mind are controlled by Scripture, the fuller our freedom and the greater our joy.” You were designed to experience a settled satisfaction in God’s goodness.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You,

because he trusts in You.”

~Isaiah 26:3

Waiting With Hope

Karleigh King March 17, 2026

One of the most welcome sounds I’ve ever heard was the whooping blades of an approaching helicopter. It was two years ago today that eleven of us were airlifted out of Haiti. There were times when we did not know what was coming next, but we were promised that rescue was coming. It did not come when we first expected it, in fact, at one point we thought we had lost our best chance of rescue. What kept us going was communication from the one who was coming to get us. “We are on our way,” he affirmed, but it required us to wait, and we felt that waiting was all we had done for the past ten days.

In that period of waiting, the worst thing we could have done was to do nothing. Idleness and mental drift are no one’s friend, especially in times when one seriously needs a “light at the end of tunnel.” Thankfully, communication with the “outside world” was still possible thanks to internet connectivity. I still have messages that some of you sent me during that time. You may never know how meaningful they were. But communication was also a two-way street. It was not good for me to just sponge on encouraging words, but to be of service to others too. To stay occupied was vital – not just for the sake of being busy, but to be productive and generous with encouragement – even in times of limitedness.

I just returned from speaking at a missions conference in Recife, Brazil. As the week went on, I got to know many of the missionaries and I realized that some of them were exhausted, some had faced significant loss, some were facing momentous transitions, and still others were dealing with the impact of brokenness. All had busy lives keeping up with the day-to-day in places that do not have the services and conveniences that we take for granted. What was clear is that they loved being together, and they needed the retreat. So, my job was to encourage them with messages of hope and means to persevere.

All of this is part of our waiting. We are not just making it through life – no matter how challenging our circumstances are. Each of us in ministry (that’s all of us in Christ) has the joy and privilege of helping others keep their gaze fixed on Jesus. We do this together and we find that we are mutually encouraged to persevere with joy.

A marathon runner keeps the finish line in mind, a sprinter keeps the tape in view, any athlete keeps his aim toward the objective. Let us run the race that is set before us remembering that it is not an aimless rat race, but we are progressing toward a promised deliverance and reward. For now, it requires hope and faith – trust in the One who has promised – just as it did for me two years ago. When I was finally on the chopper and we crossed into Dominican Republic air space, what I had hoped for became reality. As surely I recount that bit of history, even more so you can count on the One who promised to return for us to bring us to God, that “where I am you may be also”. So, let’s be living for that day.