Northwest Gospel Church - Camas/Washougal: Recent Episodes
Northwest Gospel Church
Latest sermons from Northwest Gospel Church in Camas, Washington. For more information visit us online at nwgospel.com
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 | Ben Potloff
Pastor Ben Potloff opens A Gospel Church series by asking what symptoms reveal genuine gospel transformation. Preaching from 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, he shows that faith, love, and hope resound from a gospel-gripped community. Paul praised God for the Thessalonians because their faith worked, their love labored, and their hope endured through affliction. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel had taken root, producing repentance, new life, and joyful perseverance. Like the Thessalonians, we are called to turn from idols, serve the living and true God, and wait with assurance for the return of Christ. True gospel transformation is seen in steadfast faith, loving service, and unshakeable hope.
Zechariah 9:9-13 | Max Janusch | "Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (v. 9b). Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is recorded in all four Gospels, and two gospel writers, Matthew and John, go so ffar as to cite a particular Old Testament passage an connect it with this moment. In Zechariah 9:9-13, God promises his people that their king is coming and that he is bringinations and salvation for Israel. "Rejoice greatly! . . . Shout aloud!"
Joshua 12:1-13:7 | Ben Potloff | Often when we study scripture it is easy to fall into the temptation of wanting to quickly “skip or skim over” the chapters that are made up of lists. These lists could be a list of covenant commandments, a list of family members or as we see in our passage this week, a summarized list of conquered kings. But if we humble ourselves to the study of God’s word, we will come to realize the depth and magnitude that these lists can speak to us regarding the character of God our Father.
Joshua 11:1-23 | Ben Potloff | The question before us centers on why we should care about these narratives in Joshua. Aren’t they just bedtime stories we read to our children? 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us why the historical books in both the Old Testament and New Testament are so important. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction.” The narratives that we read are all lessons that we are to learn from those who went before us. As we read about the victories of God’s people, our faith is increased knowing that God will do the same for us. He will give us victory over our enemies.
Joshua 10:16--43 | Gavin Hesse | While Israel lived like He had commanded, God took the Israelites' meager force, listened to Joshua and the Israelites, and worked a mighty victory with them. God likes to work with us, even though he does not need us. He holds victory in his hands, but, like a good father, he likes to act with his children. The Lord of the sun and all of creation even bends nature’s laws that he put into place at the beginning of the universe’s natural processes. He is not limited by the time set for a day, but he can, if he wishes, lengthen or shorten them. The Lord lengthened the day to punish the kings of Canaan’s evils, but he shortened the time of the sun’s shining when he punished his son in our place. Adoni-Zedek and his coalition could be defeated by spears and hail, but human sin needed a more personal touch to plunge sin’s darkness into the sea of Christ’s light.
Joshua 10:1-15 | Mike Clarensau | One thing to keep in mind as we read through Joshua is that the Lord is carrying out his judgment on the people in the land. Sometimes God uses man as his sword, but he is more than capable of carrying out his offensives without us. The focus of this passage is not on the martial might of Israel calling in the heavenly artillery by summoning a deity to fight for them. The Lord himself throws hailstones down on the Amorites, and most of the fallen were from his hand, not Israel’s. Whatever the Amorites did, it must have been pretty bad for God to make fresh stones just for their stoning. His ways are higher, and his knowledge is greater than ours. We must trust His righteousness in that time, also the text itself says that “there has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.” This makes it clear that ascribing something this clear-cut of God’s “smiting” of a people is something that we can’t do in our modern context.
Joshua 9:1-27 | Ben Potloff | In Joshua 9 the Nation of Israel continues its conquest of the land of Canaan. They are fresh off victories in Jericho and Ai so the Canaanites know that they have a target on their backs. Therefore they decide to band together as one to fight Joshua and Israel. Enter the Gibeonites (the Hivites). Gibeon was a town about 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem, in modern-day El-Jib. The Gibeonites knew that the Israelites had defeated Jericho and Ai and decided to act cunningly to see if they could get Israel to make a peace treaty (covenant) with them. The Gibeonites became actors in their own play and pretended to come from a foreign land. They had all the right props…moldy bread, worn-out wineskins, patched sandals, and tattered clothing.
Joshua 8:1-35 | Ben Potloff | God often uses our setbacks and failures to teach us to rely on Him more completely. In this chapter, we see Joshua grow as a leader as he learns to walk in deeper dependence upon the LORD. We see God take the very means of their earlier defeat at Ai and turn it into a brilliant strategy for victory. God’s plan to deliver his people is back on track. Joshua’s position as a leader is strengthened, and Joshua gains a new understanding of God’s steadfast mercy and sovereign will.
MAIN IDEA
God blesses the obedient and curses the rebel.
OUTLINE
I. God is faithful and gives His people victory (vv. 1-29)
II. God gives His people His Word (vv. 30-35)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Your army just faced its first defeat and one of your soldiers disobeyed a direct order. If you are the leader, how would you be feeling about this? How would you respond to God’s instruction in verses 1-2 ? Would you be doubtful, or hopeful?
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Compare and contrast God’s battle plan (v. 2-8) with the one used in the previous attack on Ai (see Joshua 7:3-5). Tell of a time when your first attempt to tackle a problem didn’t work out very well; but then you prayed about it, and God showed you a better way.
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How does God “redeem” Joshua’s earlier defeat and make it a key element of victory? How have you experienced this in your own life, where God takes something you thought was really bad and turns it into something redemptive?
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Compare God’s instructions regarding the plunder of Jericho and Ai (6:18-19 vs. 8:2). At Jericho, Achan disobeyed and faced judgment – if only he had waited! How do we sometimes do this? (God wants to give us something but we aren’t willing to wait). Is there a situation in your life where you need to wait on the Lord, and trust Him to provide in his own way and his own timing?
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Moses gave instructions for the Covenant renewal in Deuteronomy 31. Why do you think Joshua did this AFTER God gave them victory at Ai instead of before? How is this an example of God’s mercy and loving-kindness towards us? How is this truth expressed in 1 John 1:10, 19?
Joshua 7:1-26 | Ben Potloff | As Israel approaches their next adversary, Ai (not to be confused with artificial intelligence), all indications are that this should be a cake walk. Picture a sense of pridefulness and a bit of arrogance here. The recommendation is to only send a small squad, maybe the JV team (don’t bother the whole group with such a small town.) Then, something goes horribly wrong. What happened, why did it all go south? What can we learn from this defeat? What can we learn from Joshua’s response? What can we learn from the consequences of sin? Let’s explore Joshua 7 together and course correct where we see areas in our own life that might need transformation.
MAIN IDEA
Rebellion kindles God’s wrath.
OUTLINE
I. Secret sin is known by the Lord (vv. 1-21)
II. Sin must be punished to appease the Lord’s anger (vv. 22-26)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Read Joshua 7:2-5 Discuss some of the mistakes you can see that Joshua made.
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Read Joshua 7:6-9 Discuss Joshua’s response to this defeat. Is this your 1st response when things go south?
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Achan coveted the items, stole them from God’s treasury, then lied about it. He desired the things he saw more than God. How do we reverse that and desire God above all else?
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Thirty-six fellow Israelites paid with their life for Achan’s sin. Discuss how our sin can have ramifications that affect many others.
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Read Joshua 7:22-26. Discuss the final punishment that Achan, his wife, and his children were sentenced to. Discuss why God’s wrath, concerning sin, may be the most unacceptable of doctrines, in our time. Discuss why sin cannot be tolerated by a Holy God. Does this change your view on your own sin?
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Finish by discussing the payment God made for our sin and how costly that was. Does that make you more thankful for not getting what we deserve?
Joshua 5:13-6:27 | Ben Potloff | This week we have a familiar story of Joshua leading the Israelites against the fortified city of Jericho. They had just miraculously crossed over the Jordan river, set themselves apart by circumcising all the men, and now Joshua experiences a conversation with God. At this point Joshua is clearly set apart for the task of leading Israel against the city of Jericho. This is an impossible task done in an improbable way. God gave Joshua instructions to take the city, however not by force, but through obedience.
MAIN IDEA
Victory belongs to the Lord.
OUTLINE
I. The Lord fights for his people and promises complete victory (5:13-6:5)
II. God’s people are to respond to His promises with obedience (6:6-21)
III. Those promised salvation by faith will surely receive it (6:22-27)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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The baton or mantle of Moses was passed to Joshua. Moses, the man who had faced Pharaoh, who had led the nation across the red sea, who had struck the ground and water came forth, who led the nation day after day, the man who was known as a friend of God, and now it was Joshua’s turn to take over. What do you think Joshua felt at this point? A bit daunting? Discuss a time you had big shoes to fill—what did you do? What would you have done differently?
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In Joshua 5:13-15 Joshua was approached by a mysterious man with a drawn sword. What did Joshua ask the man? What was the man’s reply? What did the man command Joshua to do? Who also was commanded to take off his sandals? Thinking about these two encounters with God—how can that change our perspective on how we live?
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Have you ever noticed that Joshua never asks, “Why God?” Do we ever require a “why” to be answered before obeying? Read 1 Samuel 15:22. What do you think God means by saying, “To obey is better than sacrifice”? What does that look like for us today?
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Read Joshua 6:8-10, 15-16. This chapter references the number “7” fourteen times. There are so many places in the Bible where numbers are significant. Where are other times we see the number seven referenced in the Bible? Bonus: Read Revelation 8.
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Read Joshua 2:15-18 and 6:22-25. Who was Rahab? What was the agreement the spies of Israel had with Rahab? What was the indicator for the Israelite army to identify Rahab and her family at the time of the attack? Does the color of the cord displayed in the window have any significance? Read Exodus 12:13. What similarities do you see to the first Passover?
Joshua 5:1-12 | Max Janusch | It's the perfect time for the people of Israel to recommit themselves to the Lord. And what better way to do that than for all the men who had been born in the wilderness, who had never been circumcised to be circumcised. Circumcision is the outward sign for the people of Israel that they are God’s and God’s alone. For whatever reason, in the wilderness, the practice had stopped, but now is the time for this next generation to commit themselves to the Lord, outwardly and inwardly. So, all the men get the snip with new flint knives. Then the people rest, recover and celebrate the first Passover in their new land.
MAIN IDEA
Our covenant-keeping God produces covenant-keeping people.
OUTLINE
I. God establishes relationship with his people. (vv. 1-9)
II. God fulfills his promises to his people. (vv. 10-12)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Discuss the ways in which the miracles of the Lord make possible what we read in Joshua 5:1-12 (i.e. being able to circumcise all the warrior aged men and celebrate Passover). What are the ways you have seen the Lord working in your life in ways that only He can?
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We are not asked to circumcise ourselves to show our faithfulness to God, but what are the things that God does call us to do once we are saved by his grace? What are the things he asks us to do that you find the most difficult and how might your community group help you to be more faithful in those areas?
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The people of Israel, here at the beginning of Joshua, are showing themselves to be obedient children to their heavenly Father. Is there anything in your life you find God calling you to? If there has been something keeping you from obeying, what is it and how might you overcome that to walk in His call?
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Read Colossians 3:12-17. We are not the people of Israel, but God has called us as the church to live in a way that sets us apart and builds up the body of Christ. Where do you see
our church excelling and where might we need more work to fulfill the call Paul lays out for us in this passage?
- God asks for hard things from us sometimes, asking grown men to be circumcised in this passage is a good example of that. What do you sense is God’s call on your life, in your community group and in our church that might be difficult but is worth the sacrifice?
Joshua 4:1-24 | Ben Potloff | Do you have something that brings up memories or starts conversations with others? Maybe a tattoo, a scar, or something hanging up in the house that stands out from what you’d normally see in someone’s house? We tend to put things out on display for ourselves but usually it catches the eyes of others and sometimes leads to discussions. For the Israelites, God had instructed twelve men, one from each tribe, to take up a stone from the riverbed of the Jordan and place it where they were to camp that night. Having witnessed a miraculous display of God’s complete control over nature, God instructed Joshua to display a monument to be seen and cause people to ask, “What do those stones mean to you?” These stones were just stones, yet, when the children and later generations would see them, they would ask what they mean. “What do these represent?”
MAIN IDEA
Remember what the Lord has done.
OUTLINE
I. The Lord’s miracles reveal His might (vv. 23-24)
II. The Lord’s miracles are to be memorialized (vv. 1-22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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The stones that were used as a memorial for the twelve tribes were from the bottom of the river, eroded, altered and unique from the stones on the banks and on land. How can you live your life altered, changed and unique from the world?
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The memorial of the twelve stones was for following generations to look upon and ask their parents what they meant. For parents, how can we cultivate and raise a godly household? For those who are not parents, how can we prepare ourselves for when that time comes?
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Joshua tells the Israelites that when their children ask about the stones they are to remind them of how the hand of the Lord is mighty and that they are to fear the Lord. What does this text and the Bible teach us about the fear of God? How does this fear comfort us?
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Knowing the purpose and significance of the ark, does the order in the events of which the ark moves have any meaning? What does this tell us about God?
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Read Luke 24:1-12. The Israelites were instructed to point their children to the stones as a memorial for what God had done for them. Reflect on the empty tomb and discuss what memorial that means for us 2000 years later.
Joshua 3:1-17 | Ben Potloff | Years of wandering are about to end. It is hard to imagine what’s on the minds and the hearts of the people. You might remember Joshua had been to the Promised Land forty years earlier. As a spy he came back to Moses with a positive report and encouragement to go in and possess the land, only to be shouted down. The crowd won the day, with their fearful disobedience earning them exile in the desert until that generation’s death. Joshua was a young man and now he is old. He is the new leader of God’s chosen people. There would be many battles ahead. Strong leadership would be required. God would again remind Joshua that he was not alone. It was time to cross the Jordan.
MAIN IDEA
God's presence gives confidence.
OUTLINE
I. God’s holiness requires His people’s holiness (vv. 1-6)
II. God is the all-powerful Lord of all the earth (vv. 7-17)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Verse 1 says Joshua rose early in the morning. Do you have a preferred time to meet with God?
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Joshua called the people to prepare themselves to receive the promise of God. How do you prepare yourself to meet with God in daily devotions?
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What did the Ark represent to the people?
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The instructions for the priests and the people were specific and exact. Why do you think Joshua’s instructions were so specific?
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Why do you think God reminded Joshua that He would be with Him?
Joshua 2:1-24 | Ben Potloff | Joshua 2 introduces us to someone, who is quite honestly, unexpected as someone God would use. Her name is Rahab. She is mentioned alongside towering figures of the faith such as Abraham, Moses, Noah, Gideon, and King David in Hebrews Chapter 11. How is this possible? Why is it so shocking and unexpected? It’s surprising because Rahab is a prostitute. And almost every time her name is mentioned in the Bible she is known as Rahab the prostitute. Not a religious giant as you would expect but a person most people would be ashamed to be associated with. But God saw things differently. God saw a heart of faith and someone who believed in Him wholeheartedly.
MAIN IDEA
The plea for mercy brings the hope of rescue.
OUTLINE
I. It is a fearful thing to oppose the one true God (vv. 1-11a, 24)
II. The Lord abounds in love for those who fear Him (vv. 11b-23)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What are your thoughts on Rahab lying to the men who came to capture the spies?
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Seeing who God used to protect the spies, how can Rahab’s life be an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord?
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Rahab is mentioned three times in the New Testament, Matthew 1-1-5, Hebrews 11:29-31, and James 2:25. Discuss what these verses say about Rahab and why are they important for us?
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Do you find it significant that Rahab was so concerned about her family and their safety in Joshua 12-14? Why? Are you surprised by it?
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What are your thoughts on what Rahab says about God in Joshua 2:8-11. Why is her using “LORD’ in 2:8, 10, and 11 so significant? Why is LORD capitalized in our Bible in these verses? Is this at all surprising to you that she uses that name when describing God?
In this first chapter of Joshua, God calls Joshua to lead the people into the land, the land he has given them. But it will take strength, courage, and commitment to follow God’s law as well as trust that God is with them always. The Israelites will need this as they conquer the land.
MAIN IDEA
The promise of God gives the courage to obey.
OUTLINE
I. God is faithful and keeps His promises (vv. 1-4, 6)
II. Confidence in God’s plan comes from the promise of God’s presence (vv. 5, 9)
III. True success requires obedience to God’s Word (vv. 7-8, 10-18)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Joshua 1 begins “after the death of Moses.” What was the relationship between Joshua and Moses? How might Joshua be feeling at this moment? How are we inclined to respond to a season of grief? How do we move forward from it?
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How has God prepared Joshua to assume leadership over the Israelites and to lead them into the Promised Land? How has God prepared you for the work He has called you to do? How can your group pray for and encourage you?
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Throughout this passage, the Lord repeatedly tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” What does it mean to be “strong”? What does it mean to be “courageous”? What does it look like for us today?
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Part of God’s command to Moses was to be “careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you,” and that Joshua should “meditate on it day and night” then he would be prosperous and have good success (v. 7b-8). We are also called to follow God’s law. What did Jesus say were the greatest commandments (see Mt. 22:37-40)? How do we live that out in our daily lives?
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God promises that He will be with Joshua wherever he goes (Joshua 1:9b). As Christians, we have this same promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). In what ways do you experience the truth of this promise? How does it empower us to move forward in faith?
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What of the Lord’s words to Joshua do you need to take to heart? How can you pray for one another specifically?
Colossians 1:21-23 | Max Janusch | You have been saved by Christ so that you can be presented “holy,” “blameless,” and “above reproach.” This is incredible news for you who were once far off and sinning against God! The Christian life is not constant striving to clean yourself up before God. The Christian life is a day-in, day-out response to the work of Jesus Christ who has saved you in order to heal you, transform you, and bring you into deeper and deeper relationship with himself.
MAIN IDEA
Those reconciled to God remain rooted in the gospel.
OUTLINE
I. Christ has saved sinners for future presentation. (vv. 21-22)
II. Present faith is based on gospel hope. (v. 23)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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After the sermon and time engaging the text, what questions do you still have about the passage? Are there words or phrases that you need help understanding?
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What seems to be Paul’s main point in this passage? What is the single most important idea that he is communicating?
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Discuss how Paul describes what a Christian is. What does it mean to be “holy,” “blameless,” and “above reproach”?
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Discuss how Paul describes what a Christian does. What does it mean to “continue in the faith,” be “stable and steadfast,” not “shift from the hope of the gospel”?
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In addition to prayer, what is one way that your group can practically encourage or challenge you to respond to this passage this week?
Colossians 1:15-20 | Ben Potloff | Through Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae, God gives us poignant insight into the nature of Jesus. We learn that Jesus is sovereign and powerful, and our beautiful earth and heavens were created through him.
MAIN IDEA
Jesus is first and foremost.
OUTLINE
I. Jesus is the God and Creator of all (vv. 15a-17a, 19)
II. Jesus is the Ruler & Reconciler of all (vv. 17b-18, 20)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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When Jesus walked on Earth, how do you think his followers saw him? (Did they see God? Did they see a man? Any other insights?)
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How is God revealed to us personally when we reflect on the character of Jesus?
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Read verse 18. How does it impact us here and now, knowing that Jesus is the head of the body, the church?
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What do you think it means that God’s fullness dwells in Jesus?
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How does Jesus hold all things together? What is the significance of this verse?
Colossians 1:9-14 | Ben Potloff | Paul did not establish and probably never visited the church at Colossae. He was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter. Regardless of his circumstances and the absence of a historical or physical connection, Paul knew that he had a relationship with these believers – they had the same Father. He, along with Timothy, prayed for them. Paul was thankful for their dedication to Jesus and their love for other believers. He reminded them of the truth of Jesus Christ that they had put their faith in and affirmed the Gospel was bearing fruit in their lives and throughout the world.
MAIN IDEA
God equips those He qualified.
OUTLINE
I. God gives the knowledge we need to walk in his will (vv. 9-10)
II. God gives the strength we need to walk in his will (v. 11)
III. God gives the redemption we need to live in his light (vv. 12-14)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What was Paul “praying without ceasing” on behalf of the Colossian church for? Are those the same things we pray on behalf of our body? Should we tweak or switch how we pray?
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Read verses 10-11. Have you tried to “perform all Paul’s requests without the power of the Holy Spirit? How did it turn out?
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How is this opening statement in Paul’s letter (verses 9-14), a battle cry against false teaching that the Colossian church was in the middle of? Is that how you would have approached a friend or loved one in the throes of a spiritual battle?
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Have you ever had to be “qualified” for some job or task? Some qualifications can be rigorous. How does it feel to be fully qualified by God as His inheritance?
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If you are a Christian, you have been delivered from the Kingdom of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. Give some before and after snapshots of what that looks like. Take some time to express your thankfulness for that transfer.
Colossians 1:1-8 | Ben Potloff | A special relationship existed between Paul, Timothy, and the Christians in and around Colossae. Considering Colossian, you are faced with the beauty of a local church established in the gospel and growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus. In the opening of the letter, we see the power of the grace of God in the lives of his people.
MAIN IDEA
The gospel bears fruit.
OUTLINE
I. Faith and love come from the hope of the gospel (vv. 1-5a)
II. Faith and love come from the hearing of the gospel (vv. 5b-8)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Paul starts this letter by stating his apostleship and appointment by the will of God. Why is it important for the reader to understand Paul’s role and authority? Does Paul continue to expound on his authority throughout the letter? What other aspects of his relationship with the church does he write about in these opening verses? What effect would this have on the Colossian believers?
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This letter is written to believers, fellow Christians who have already placed their faith in Christ, though not directly through Paul’s ministry. Does this influence how Paul addresses them? How does Paul feel about these people? What can we learn from this and apply to our own interactions with others?
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Paul prayed for the believers at Colossae with love, appreciation, and dedication, though he didn’t know them as individuals. What are effective ways we can pray beyond our circles of family and friends? How can we make praying for people we don’t know more personal and meaningful? Does praying for people we don’t know change how we think and feel about them?
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In verses 4-8, Paul describes a few characteristics of the Colossians that show the sincerity of their faith in Jesus. What attributes in our lives demonstrate the authenticity of our relationship with Jesus? Does recognizing Christ in the lives of people around you encourage your own commitment?
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Why is it important for the Gospel to always be bearing fruit in our lives? What does being fruitful mean? How can we evaluate this in ourselves? What are key requirements for being fruitful?
Psalm 133:1-3 | Ben Potloff | "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Unity, harmony, and community are all universally understood to be good things, but we often see our world marked more clearly by division, strife, and isolation. King David pens this psalm to reveal God's will for life to be lived in brotherly unity. Here, we see that where the Lord rules, unity reigns.
MAIN IDEA
God-given unity is sweet.
OUTLINE
I. Unity in the Lord is precious (vv. 1-2)
II. Unity in the Lord is provided (v. 2-3)
Psalm 145:1-21 | Ben Potloff | "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever." King David declares God's goodness and righteousness and the Lord's worthiness of our worship. David then announces his response to such a great God, and we see that we are to follow suit in how we praise the Lord.
MAIN IDEA
The greatness of God propels the praise of His people.
OUTLINE
I. God’s greatness is seen in His gracious acts
II. God’s greatness is seen in His glorious reign
Psalm 116:1-19 | Ben Potloff | "I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy." How far gone is too far? What extreme need or danger is too much for God to handle? The truth is that there is no distance, no threat of death, no enemy, and no affliction that is too much for God to handle. In Psalm 116, we see that the Lord hears the prayers of his people and he rescues them.
MAIN IDEA
Our deliverer deserves devotion.
OUTLINE
I. The Lord delivers from death (vv. 1-11)
II. The delivered devote their lives (vv. 12-19)
Psalm 15:1-5 | Max Janusch | "O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" This psalm asks a profound question and offers a simple answer. Who will dwell with God? Simply put, the righteous one will. This psalm reveals a predicament for all, who are guilty of sin, but points to the greatest hope of humanity.
MAIN IDEA
The righteous get to be with God.
OUTLINE
I. God is set apart. (v. 1)
II. God expects perfection. (vv. 2-5a)
III. God preserves his people. (v. 5b)
Psalm 23:1-6 | Ben Potloff | "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures." What does confidence and trust in the Lord sound like? It sounds like King David's words in Psalm 23. Here, we see the hope that people of God have in the one who leads, comforts, protects, and saves.
MAIN IDEA
The Shepherd’s presence is my constant comfort.
OUTLINE
I. The Lord’s care is personal (vv. 1-5)
II. The Lord’s care is perpetual (vv. 6)
Psalm 82:1-8 | Gavin Hesse | "Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!" We often downplay or altogether ignore God's role as judge. However, for God's people, his judgment promises deliverance and an end to wickedness. In Psalm 82, we see a picture of the hope and security that we have in the Lord.
MAIN IDEA
The Lord’s perfect justice offers rescue.
OUTLINE
I. The heavenly judge calls for perfect rule.
II. Sinful leaders create chaos.
III. The heavenly judge will return.
Psalm 33:1-22 | Max Janusch | "Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you." God is the creator and ruler of all things and all people. There is nothing outside of his control or his awareness. In Psalm 33, we see that God is truly worthy of the worship of his people.
MAIN IDEA
Your Lord is worthy of your worship.
OUTLINE
I. The Lord holds all things and all people. (vv. 1-12)
II. The Lord knows and saves his people. (vv. 13-22)
Psalm 3:1-8 | Ben Potloff | "Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!" For King David—and all of God's people—enemies and opposition abound. But, there is great hope for those who look to the Lord in their trouble. Here, we see that in the Lord there is security, sustenance, and salvation.
MAIN IDEA
Enemies may surround, but the Lord saves.
OUTLINE
I. God’s people are often resisted (vv. 1-2)
II. God’s people are redeemed (vv. 3-8)
Psalm 73:1-28 | Tim Smith | "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." It often feels unfair that the wicked and ungodly seem to prosper in this life. Asaph, in Psalm 73, wrestles with the same frustration and comes to a glorious conclusion. Here, we are called to trust in the Lord and his plan for the godly and the ungodly.
Psalm 112:1-10 | Luke Hendrix | "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!" It is a wonderful thing to be counted among the people of God, for God loves and intends to bless his children. Here, we see the perseverance of the saints of God.
OUTLINE
I. Save your fear for the one who deserves it.
II. Does fearing the Lord really guarantee us a charmed life?
III. Fear of the Lord, is not about trying but trusting.
Psalm 103:1-22 | Ben Potloff | "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" The more you consider the Lord's attributes, character, and works, the more reason you have to sing his praises, tell of his mighty deeds, and obey him. It is an honor to serve and praise the Lord!
Psalm 14:1-7 | Ben Potloff | "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" How do finite people relate to an infinite God? How does mankind compare with the God who created it? In Psalm 14, King David considers man's position in the face of a holy, mighty, good, and wise God.
MAIN IDEA
Fools reject God, but God rescues His people.
OUTLINE
I. We are fools (vv. 1-3)
II. God is faithful (vv. 4-7)
Psalm 100:1-5 | Ben Potloff | "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!" Simply put, our God is worthy of our worship, adoration, service, and trust. Psalm 100 calls its readers to praise the Lord.
MAIN IDEA
The Lord is God. The Lord is good. Praise the Lord!
OUTLINE
I. He made us (1-3a)
II. We are his (3b-5)
Romans 10:5-17 | Ben Potloff | All are unrighteous. So, how can we be made right before God and with God? There are two options, righteousness by our works or righteousness by faith in Christ. Only faith in Christ can make sinners righteous before God.
MAIN IDEA
Faith in Christ comes by hearing of Christ.
OUTLINE
I. Faith in Christ is the only way people can be made right with God (vv. 1-13)
II. Faith in Christ is only possible if people hear about Christ (vv. 14-17)
Genesis 10:1-11:9 | Gavin Hesse | With the story of Noah and the Flood behind us, the story of Noah's descendants has only just begun. No surprise to the readers of Gensis' early chapters, we once again find mankind brazenly rebelling against the God of heaven and earth.
MAIN IDEA
God is our Sovereign King.
OUTLINE
I. God will multiply his people (vv. 1-32)
II. God’s power is bigger than man’s pride (vv. 1-9)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What stands out about the genealogy in Genesis 10:1-32? What does the author add, comment on, or point out that seems important?
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What repeated words or phrases are there in the genealogy? How do these frame the generations listed and reveal the meaning of the genealogy?
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What is the real issue with the story of the tower of Babel? Is the problem simply their intention to build a large building?
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How does this passage reveal to you your sin? How do you tend to rebel against God in favor of making a name for yourself?
Genesis 9:18-29 | Ben Potloff | As Noah and his family exit the ark and resume life after the Flood, we're waiting to see what exactly is going to happen with this family and God's plan for all of humanity. Unfortunately, we see a return to Genesis 3 and 6 as sin and corruption once again appear in God's once-perfect creation.
MAIN IDEA
Humanity is sinful and needs a Savior.
OUTLINE
I. Drunkenness and dishonoring parents reveal mankind's depravity (vv. 18-23)
II. God will conquer his enemies and redeem his people (vv. 24-29)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What does this story about Noah & Ham reveal about humanity after the flood?
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Why do you thinking honoring parents is something commanded all throughout the Bible? What does this mean for your life?
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Jesus said in John 3:3 that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. How is that need to be born again seen in Genesis 9:18-29?
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What should it look like for you to live as someone who is born again and a new creation in Christ? Be specific.
Genesis 9:1-17 | Max Janusch | We've seen the sinfulness of mankind on display, God's just wrath against that sin, and His gracious work of saving Noah and his family through the Flood. Now, what's next? How will mankind move on from the Flood? Here, we see how God values life, calls humanity back to its original purpose, and seals it all with a covenant promise.
MAIN IDEA
God values life and promises to preserve it.
OUTLINE
I. God determines the purpose and value of life. (vv. 1-7)
II. God promises to preserve life. (vv. 8-17)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What similarities and differences are between Genesis 1:26–31 and Genesis 9:1-7? How do those similarities and differences inform your understanding of the significance of mankind's "new beginning" in Genesis 9?
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How does your understanding of the "image of God" affect day-to-day life? How is life lived differently when you recognize the purpose and value that God has placed on mankind?
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What characteristics and/or attributes of God are revealed in Genesis 9:1-17? What do we learn about God in this passage?
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Thinking about the entire Flood narrative (Genesis 6-9), what has stood out to you the most? Has there been anything particularly encouraging or challenging?
Genesis 8:1-22 | Ben Potloff | All life has been blotted out from the corrupted and sin-scarred world; all except for God's chosen remnant, Noah and his family. But what will happen to these chosen people as the flood waters continue to cover the earth? And, how will humanity start again once back on dry land?
MAIN IDEA
A pleasing sacrifice secures God’s promise.
OUTLINE
I. God keeps his promise. (vv. 1-14)
II. God’s grace leads to a second chance. (vv. 15-19)
III. A sacrificial offering is pleasing to God. (vv. 20-22)
Genesis 6:9-7:24 | Ben Potloff | God, grieving over the sinfulness and escalating wickedness of humanity, decides to wipe humanity from the face of the earth. But, God shows mercy on a single family who will be a remnant for humanity. Here, we see God speaking to and saving Noah and his family as he punishes sin and floods the world.
MAIN IDEA
Sin leads to death, but God’s promise leads to life.
OUTLINE
I. God justly judges sinners. (6:11-13, 7:10-12, 17-23a)
II. Even though humans are sinful, God establishes a relationship by grace through faith. (6:9-10, 14-21, 7:1-4, 23b-24)
III. The right response to God’s grace is obedience. (6:22, 7:5-9, 13-16)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Did God overreact in sending the flood? Why or why not?
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Beyond God’s justice, what does the story of the flood teach us about God’s character?
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2 Peter 3:8-10 says that a final judgment by fire is coming but that God is patient, allowing more to come to repentance and be saved. Who around you needs to trust in Jesus and be saved? Are you praying for them? Are you looking for opportunities to share the gospel with them?
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The Bible calls us to obey while we wait for God to bring about his promises. What areas of your life is God calling you to obey while you wait?
Genesis 5:1-6:8 | Ben Potloff | Still being so early in the Genesis story, we begin to wonder how bad it will get. From the Fall to the murder of Abel and the boasts of Lamech, humanity's story goes from bad to worse. How bad can it get? When will God put a stop to this cycle of sin?
MAIN IDEA
God punishes evil, but provides grace.
OUTLINE
I. Mankind is wicked. (vv. 5:3-27, 6:1-2, 4-5)
II. God is just 'and' gracious (vv. 6:3, 6:6-7, 5:28-32, 6:8)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Our culture says you should “follow your heart” or “trust your gut.” Based on what the Bible teaches about the human heart, is this good advice or bad advice? Why?
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Sexual perversion was a result of sin from the beginning and we still see that playing out today. How does the Gospel speak to the sexual sin in our lives and in the world around us?
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The Bible reveals God as both just AND gracious. How do we see that in Genesis 6:1-8?
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Are you more prone to see God as just or gracious? How does that affect your relationship with Him? Why is it important to have a wholistic view of God as we relate to Him?
Genesis 4:17-26 | Ben Potloff | Now a fugitive, Cain's part in the story is not quite over. The second half of Genesis 4 shows us a bit of the lineage of Cain and what can go wrong when people reject God's design for His creation.
MAIN IDEA
God’s Word proves true.
OUTLINE
I. The curse of sin is passed down from generation to generation (vv. 17-24)
II. Mankind’s sin cannot void God’s purpose and plan (vv. 25-26)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What stood out to you from Sunday’s sermon?
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What does Genesis 4:17-26 reveal about the human condition? Does the world around us agree with what the Bible reveals about the human condition?
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God giving Seth to Adam and Eve was Him keeping His Word in Genesis 3:15. In what ways can you “take God at His Word” in your daily Christian life?
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How is God’s judgment AND mercy seen in Genesis 4:17-26? What does this teach us about God and how we are to relate to Him? How does the gospel impact this?
Genesis 4:1-16 | Ben Potloff | Everything went wrong in Genesis 3, and things continue to go from bad to worse in Genesis 4. Here, we are devastated to see Cain murder Abel and we are filled with hope in light of the news of the one who will come to restore Creation to its original and perfect state.
MAIN IDEA
Sin turns family into fugitives.
OUTLINE
I. Two brothers, two offerings, and two responses (vv. 1-5a)
II. Sin isn’t ruled but rules, and the result is murder (vv. 5b-8)
III. God offers protection in the midst of punishment (vv. 9-16)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Coming soon
Psalm 16:1-11 | Ben Potloff | "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption." Looking back on Jesus' glorious resurrection, the Apostles remembered words originally penned by King David a thousand years before. God, faithful to his promises, delivered his Anointed One from the power of sin and death.
MAIN IDEA
To know God is to have life.
OUTLINE
I. People who know God worship God. (vv. 1-4)
II. People who know God are satisfied in God. (vv. 5-6)
III. People who know God are led by God. (vv. 7-8)
IV. People who know God hope in God. (vv. 9-11)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Coming soon
Psalm 118:1-29 | Ben Potloff | "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" As Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, the crowds joyfully quoted Psalm 118 and recognized Jesus as the long-awaited king of Israel. Jesus came not only as the rightful king but as the one who would lay down his life for his rebellious people.
MAIN IDEA
Lift up your voice, the Lord Saves.
OUTLINE
I. God loves (vv. 1-4, 29)
II. God saves (vv. 5-18, 25-26)
III. God’s people praise (vv. 19-24, 27-29)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Coming soon
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 | Ben Potloff | Where does the gift come from? Does it come simply from the giver? Is it, more specifically, from someone's wallet or bank account? Or, does the gift come from a place deep in the heart and will of the giver? Here, we see that God loves the giving of those who do it worshipfully and cheerfully.
MAIN IDEA
God’s grace generates generous giving.
OUTLINE
I. God blesses His people when they bless others (vv. 6-7)
II. God blesses His people so they can bless others (vv. 8-11a)
III. God is glorified when His people are generous (vv. 11b-15)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How do you think your friends would describe you in relation to money?
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What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 show us about what the motivation for giving should be and should not be?
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How have you seen the principle of “you reap what you sow” play out in your own life in regard to giving and generosity?
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Giving, according to Paul, is both good for us and promotes God’s glory. How do these two work together?
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What is one way you want to apply the lessons learned in this series to your life right away?
Mark 12:41-44 | Max Janusch | Does God care about the heart of the giver or just about the amount given? In Mark 12, Jesus draws his disciples' attention to the small offering from one poor widow. This offering, Jesus says, is far greater than the whole sum of all the donations of many rich people. Here, we see that we should give ourselves in our giving.
MAIN IDEA
In your giving, give yourself.
OUTLINE
I. God’s people offer their money as worship to God. (vv. 41-42)
II. The heart of the giver matters more than the amount given. (vv. 43-44)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does your view of money and giving agree with and/conflict with what the Bible teaches? How does God invite your beliefs to align with his Word?
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What is a practical way that you can make giving more of an act of worship?
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On Sunday, Max mentioned several postures we can have in our giving: giving ritualistically, pridefully, out of obligation, out of guilt, begrudgingly, etc. How do we easily fall into this kind of giving posture versus a posture of faith-filled sacrifice?
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Are there any areas of your life where you struggle to give God your full self? How does giving yourself to God in everything lead to joy and reward and hope?
Malachi 3:6-10 | Ben Potloff | Malachi served as a prophet to God's people as they returned from Exile and rebuilt their way of life. God's people, under the guidance of God's Law, were charged with re-establishing their patterns for worship and holy living, and a critical area was their tithing and relationship with money. So, we ask, "What does the Bible really have to say about giving?"
MAIN IDEA
Don’t rob God, trust Him.
OUTLINE
I. Being closed-handed brings condemnation (vv. 7-10a)
II. Being open-handed brings provision (vv. 6, 10b-12)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What comes into your mind when you think about money?
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What has been your experience in the Church regarding money, giving, stewardship, etc.?
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God accused Israel of robbing him in Malachi 3:6-12. Why? How might the church rob God today?
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What are the things that typically hold you back when it comes to giving, generosity, and being open-handed?
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How can you apply Malachi 3:10 to your life?
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How should the gospel impact our view of money and giving?
Genesis 3:1-24 | Ben Potloff | Over and over, the opening chapters of Genesis show us something being made from nothing, order brought to chaos, life and vitality where there was only a void, God's image bearers ruling over his creation. But, in chapter 3, everything goes wrong; created things misrepresent God, His image bearers rebel against his rule, and Paradise is lost at the foot of the forbidden tree. Now we ask, "Is God done with this world and this people that have rebelled against Him?"
MAIN IDEA
Disobedience leads to death.
OUTLINE
I. Eve was deceived by the serpent and Adam disobeyed God (vv. 1-13)
II. God declared that the consequence for human sin is death (vv. 14-19, 22-24)
III. In the midst of retribution God promised redemption (vv. 15, 20-21)
Genesis 2:18-25 | Ben Potloff | Moses' closer look at the creation of humanity continues as, for the first time, God says that something is "not good." God creates woman from man in a wonderful and glorious act of creation that completes God's initial work of creation and begins human history.
MAIN IDEA
God created woman to complement man in the one flesh union of marriage.
OUTLINE
I. God created the woman to be the perfect helper to the man (vv. 18-23)
II. God created marriage to be a permanent and exclusive union (vv. 24-25)
Genesis 2:1-17 | Max Janusch | At the finale of God's creation work, God rests and blesses the seventh day. Moses then returns his focus to the creation of man, the garden of Eden, and God tasking man to "work the ground" in obedience to God. Here, we are reminded that God is the Creator and we are the creatures.
MAIN IDEA
God places his people in paradise.
OUTLINE
I. God modeled rest for man as the finale to his creation. (vv. 1-3)
II. God created man from his creation. (vv. 4-7)
III. God put man in the best of his creation. (vv. 8-14)
IV. God tasked man to obediently cultivate his creation. (vv. 15-17)
Genesis 1:26-31 | Ben Potloff | God's work of creation comes to its high point with the creation of man on the sixth day. After speaking light and life, sky and seas, land and animals into existence, God forms human beings. Making them in his image, male and female, God then puts his creation under the stewardship of humanity who rule on his behalf.
MAIN IDEA
Humans bear God’s image to rule His world.
OUTLINE
I. God created man in His image (vv. 26-27)
II. God created humans as male and female (v. 27)
III. God created humans to have dominion (vv. 26, 28-31)
Genesis 1:2-25 | Ben Potloff | From the earliest verses of Genesis, we get a glimpse of how God brought forth something out of nothing. Here, it begins with God speaking the universe into existence.
MAIN IDEA
God’s Word is powerful.
OUTLINE
I. God created light and life by His Word.
II. God’s creation by His Word was good.
III. God’s shines light and creates new life by His Word.
Genesis 1:1 | Ben Potloff | "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1 ESV). What Christians believe to be true comes from what the Bible teaches the most and the clearest (Gavin Ortlund, Finding the Right Hills to Die On). From the very first verse of our Bible, God clearly and epically reveals one of the most important and foundational truths about himself: Before anything was made, there was God, and God made everything.
MAIN IDEA
God made everything.
OUTLINE
I. There is a God who has always been.
II. There is a God who created all there is.
Ephesians 2:17-22 | Max Janusch | Regardless of what we know to be true, Christians often practice their faith in isolation from one another. But, God's plan for his people is so much greater than a personal faith lived out in the seclusion of one's living room. God is saving sinners and is building for himself a people who represent him to one another and the rest of the world. Here, we see that our unity in God is built by God for God.
MAIN IDEA
Our unity in God is built by God for God.
OUTLINE
I. We have been united in Christ with God and one another. (vv. 17-18)
II. We are built on God’s saving revelation of himself. (vv. 19-20)
III. We are being made into God’s holy house. (vv. 21-22)
Philippians 1:1-11 | Ben Potloff | Paul has reasons to be sad, being separated from the Philippians. But, he has greater reasons to rejoice. Paul could grieve about being removed from brothers and sisters in Christ, but his confidence in Christ Jesus gives him a sure faith that at the very least, he will see these dear friends again on the Day of Jesus Christ. The Day of Jesus Christ is a day that we also look forward to with hope. Not only for the completion of our walk in this life and for the fulfilled righteousness of the Lord, but also for a similar reason as Paul. One day, all those in Christ will stand together before the throne, and generations of faithful men and women will rejoice together forever in Jesus who has saved us. What a day that will be!
MAIN IDEA
We grow in the grace that God begins and ends.
OUTLINE
I. Their partnership in the gospel created Christlike affection for one another. (vv. 1-5, 7-8)
II. Their participation in the gospel was started by God and will be finished by God. (v. 6)
III. Their preparation for the return of Christ was prayed for and expected. (vv. 9-11)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What stood out to you from Sunday’s sermon?
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When someone believes in Jesus they are saved from their sin and have restored fellowship with God, but that is not all. Christians are also saved into fellowship with one another.
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Is this how you view your Christian life, and your fellowship with Jesus? Do you understand it as also including your fellowship with His people? Why or why not?
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Steven Lawson says this about Philippians 1:6 – “As a believer in Christ, you are as certain of heaven as though you have already been there ten thousand years. God finishes what he starts.” How should this affect your day-to-day Christian life? What are the signs in your own life that show you don’t always remember or believe this?
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Although we are secure in our salvation in Christ, we are called to grow and live out that salvation. Paul shows in the passage what that looks like:
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- That your love would abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent
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- Be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
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- Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ
Which of these is an area you want to grow in? Give specifics.
Acts 16:11-40 | Max Janusch | Before we begin our journey through Paul's letter to the Philippians, we first need to consider the establishment of the Church in Philippi. Throughout the book of Acts, the word of God takes root and spreads throughout the Mediterranean world as it is proclaimed. But what happens when the mission of the Apostles encounters uncharted and hostile territory? What happens when the gospel comes to Philippi? Here, we see that opposition cannot hinder God's mission. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions
Jude 17-25 | Ben Potloff | God's people stand apart from the false teachers and false believers who try and sneak into the community of the Church. But, God is not fooled, and neither are his people. Jude's letter concludes with a call to persevere and a reminder of the one who enables us to persevere. "[T]o the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Jude 5-16 | Ben Potloff | From one of the strangest and most difficult passages in the New Testament comes a message that is critical for the Church today: God judges the ungodly. But, who are these ungodly? To find this answer and to learn this important truth, we turn to the main body of Jude's letter. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Romans 3:9-26 | Ben Potloff | This week, we examine Romans 3:9-26. In this section of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul instructs the church on the reality that no one apart from Christ is righteous. And on top of that, no one is justified by his own works. But there is hope! Here, we see that sinners are made right with God through faith in Jesus. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 39:1-13 | Gavin Hesse | "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!" In this prayer, King David bows before God and contemplates his own life. Here, we see the truth of how a desperate person approaches a perfect God. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 87:1-7 | Dave Bertolini | "Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God." Written by the sons of Korah, this psalm testifies to the blessedness and glory of Zion, God's holy city. Here, we see the significance of Zion to Israel in the past and to all of God's people in the future. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 63:1-11 | Max Janusch | "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you..." Penned by King David, Psalm 63 reveals David's eagerly worshipful and humbly confident posture before God. Here, we are called to worship God as we remember our past, present, and future relationship with him. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 16:1-11 | Luke Hendrix | "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge." There is great joy and hope and peace for the people of God. In Psalm 16, King David considers who God is and who we are as his people. Here, we are reminded that life is lived at its fullest when life in lived in God. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 56:1-13 | Nathan Noorlun | "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" Captured by the Philistines, David calls out to God in a prayer saturated with confidence and hope in God. Here, we see that, although oppressed and imprisoned, the hope of God's people is in God himself. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 61:1-8 | Max Janusch | "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Once again, in our summer in the Psalms, we come to a distressed prayer from King David. But, David doesn't remain distressed. As he prays, the greatest king of Israel is reminded of God's covenant promise to him; and in that promise, David finds relief and hope. Here, we see that God's promises are an answer to prayer. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 1:1-6 | Noah Soistmann | "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers." The Bible has a lot to say about the way of the wise and the way of the foolish. What separates one way from the other, and how can we know with confidence that our own way is right? In Psalm 1, we see that God knows the way of the righteous, and the wicked fall before him. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 50:1-23 | Luke Hendrix | "The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting." What is the position of humanity before God? How can sinful human beings stand before a perfectly holy God? In Psalm 50, God speaks to his people through a song of Asaph. Here, we see the faithfulness of God to his people and the righteous anger of God toward those in opposition to him. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 142:1-7 | Max Janusch | "I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'" From the cave, King David cries out to God for deliverance from his enemies and the isolation he is experiencing. Here, we see that God's people, when opposed, call on the God who saves. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 40:1-5 | Noah Soistmann | "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." It is an excellent thing to seek and find refuge in the Lord. In Psalm 40:1-5, we see that the one who trusts in the Lord is blessed. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 6:1-10 | Gavin Hesse | "Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love." As we continue exploring the Psalms this summer, we come to another prayer from King David. Here, we see that evil does are cast off as David cries out for deliverance from the Lord. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 30:1-12 | Nathan Noorlun | "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." In Psalm 30, we find a song written by King David for the eventual dedication of God's temple in Jerusalem. Here, we see that, although forces and foes oppose God and his people, God is mighty to save and redeem. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Psalm 5:1-12 | Max Janusch | In this psalm, King David is distressed and calls out to God in a prayer of lament. For David, there is hope that evil and wickedness will be punished because of who God is. Here, we see that God is a refuge for the righteous and an enemy to the evildoer. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
1 Peter 2:1-10 | Ben Potloff | So, you've been saved by grace...Now what? What is the trajectory of the Christian life? In his first letter, the Apostle Peter describes the direction and purpose for which every Christian lives. Here, we see that Christians are persons being built into a people. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 | Ben Potloff | What's the deal with Communion? Why is this meal so important to the message of the gospel? In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul dives into the practice of Communion as he addresses the division and strife that characterized much of the Corinthian church. Here, we see that the Communion meal is a reminder of the unity that Christians have in and with Christ because of Christ's work on the cross. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 | Ben Potloff | What does God say about men, women, and sexuality? Despite what we often hear in the world, the answer is simple. From the very beginning of Scripture and God's revelation of his design for humanity, he shows us that we are made in his image and how we ought to live in light of that reality. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Matthew 28:1-20 | Ben Potloff | "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said." The greatest event in history occurred when, by the power of God, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. At this moment, the total victory over sin and death was demonstrated and proclaimed to all creation. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the promised resurrection that is ours in Christ. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Matthew 21:1-11 | Max Janusch | For hundreds and hundreds of years, Christians have celebrated Jesus' riding into Jerusalem the Sunday before Easter; this scene is often referred to as "the triumphal entry." But how well do we really know the biblical account of this moment in the ministry of Jesus? According to Matthew's Gospel, there is much more to be seen—and be warned of—as we consider the moment when Jesus was welcomed like a king by the people who would soon demand his crucifixion. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 12:5-13 | Ben Potloff | As our journey through the book of Daniel comes to a close, we are reminded of the power and control that God holds over the most seemingly dire of circumstances. Ultimately, God himself will see to it that his enemies are torn down and his people are redeemed. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 11:2-12:4 | Ben Potloff | As we near the end of our journey through the book of Daniel, we read the continuation of the truths revealed to Daniel beginning in chapter 10. With the mention of kingdoms from all around, we continue to peek behind the curtain through the account of Daniel. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 10:1-11:1 | Ben Potloff | As we continue through the book of Daniel, we come to another vision. However, this vision can only be described as "terrifying" as truths and scenes are revealed to Daniel that leave him needing strengthening. What has God, through this vision, revealed to Daniel? How does this revelation affect our lives as Christians living today? Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 9 | Ben Potloff | In a scene that ties back to chapter 6, as well as numerous other places in the Old Testament, Daniel 9 recounts that prayer of Daniel for the people of Israel. In the midst of exile, God called his people to remain faithful and, by their faith, keep the promises of God in focus. Here, we see how redeems and restores his people even through exile. Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 8 | Ben Potloff | If you thought chapter 7 was a little weirdness mixed with a lot of hope, then you're in for more where that came from. In a scene that is distantly similar to the opening of the book of Ezekiel, Daniel is confronted with a vision of a ram and goat. Here, we see the glorious reality that the Prince of princes will overcome those in opposing him.
Find sermon discussion questions at nwgospelcw.com/questions.
Daniel 7 | Ben Potloff | "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man..." Chapter 7 begins the apocalyptic half of the book of Daniel. This passage rewinds to a dream had by Daniel during the reign of Belshazzar (Daniel 5) and the dream's interpretation. Here, we see critical truths about the dominion of the God who has proven himself faithful and in control throughout the Israelites' exile.
Daniel 6 | Max Janusch | Along with the story of the fiery furnace, Daniel and the lions' den is one of the most commonly known stories from the book of Daniel. But this tale looks much different than the Sunday school version that so many people are familiar with. Daniel 6 follows Darius as he organizes his newly conquered territories, is duped by some of his most trusted advisors, and experiences an emotional rollercoaster as his top official is thrown into what will certainly be his final resting place . . . Or will it? Here, we see that God alone can redeem those who are faithful to him.
Daniel 5 | Ben Potloff | As our journey through the book of Daniel continues, we come to an interesting story with a new Babylonian king, the desecration of the temple vessels, a wild party, and–most importantly–the same faithful God. Here, we see that God keeps his promises and humbles the proud.
Daniel 4 | Ben Potloff | Already in the book of Daniel, we have seen incredible highs and devastating lows. Daniel 4 brings us another sleepless night from King Nebuchadnezzar, another scene of frustration as the Babylonian wise men fail to give an interpretation, and another example of how God is working in the midst of Israel's exile in Babylon. In this passage, Daniel informs Nebuchadnezzar that his constant self-exaltation and his efforts to steal God's glory for himself will cost him greatly. God's glory will not be shared, and those who attempt to steal his glory will be humbled.
Daniel 3 | Ben Potloff | In Daniel 3, we come to the first of a few popular–but often misinterpreted–stories in the book of Daniel. On the heels of Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the king builds a statue and demands that everyone bow to it. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow and are condemned to burn alive in a furnace. But something miraculous happens; Daniel's companions don't burn! Instead, they are joined by a fourth individual, one whom the king of Babylon cannot account for. This story reveals the reality of God's people's responsibility and ability in exile to reject false gods and worship the only real God.
Daniel 2 | Ben Potloff | After being introduced to the major characters and the setting in Daniel 1, chapter 2 takes us to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, who is troubled by a dream that is left uninterpreted by some of his most trusted wise men. But Daniel, empowered by the Lord, interprets this dream and the king glorifies God. Here, we see that God intervenes in order to save people.
Daniel 1 | Ben Potloff | In the opening chapters of the book of Daniel, we are introduced to the book's namesake. Daniel's account opens as he is dragged into Babylonian captivity. But Daniel remains faithful, and he offers a model of how God's people live in exile. In an account that feels all too similar to Joseph in Genesis 41, God's providence leads Daniel to the highest courts of the Babylonian government.
Colossians 3:1-17 | Max Janusch | We've all heard the expression: "New year, new me." But what does Scripture tell us about our "new" selves? To answer this, we look to Colossians 3. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, lays out two important lists in this passage, things that Christians put off and things Christians put on. Here, we see that the Christian life requires the death of sin and life in Christ.
Isaiah 9:1-7 | Ben Potloff | "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." In the Advent season, we consider the hope with which Israel looked forward to the coming of the Savior, and our hope in the Savior's second coming is renewed. The Savior to be born, the Savior who will again return, is nothing less than the God-man, Jesus Christ.
2 Samuel 7:1-17 | Ben Potloff | "Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, 'Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?'" God's covenant with David is a critical moment in the Bible plot. This covenant sets the trajectory for one to come from the line of David and reign eternally on the throne. Who will this coming king be? What will he do as he established his kingdom?
Genesis 3:15 | Max Janusch | From the moments following the Fall in the garden of Eden, God has made it clear that his intention is to send a savior to crush Satan and deliver his people. It is from the ashes of Adam and Eve's disobedience that the first gospel is proclaimed. Here, we see that God will destroy the devil through the woman's womb.
3 John 1-15 | Ben Potloff | This week, our journey through the letters of John comes to a close. In 3 John, the notes of pastoral care and genuine Christian conviction continue ringing as John addresses some specific people and situations. Here, we see that Christians reflect Christ in how we live.
2 John 1-13 | Ben Potloff | Often overlooked, John's second epistle ties closely to his first letter and some important points that he makes throughout his writings. How should Christians respond to those who claim Christ but whose lives don't support the same message? John's words here remind us of important truths to consider when weighing our Christianity against the real thing.
1 John 5:13-21 | Ben Potloff | This week, our journey through 1 John comes to a close. Throughout this epistle, John has reminded us of the marks of real Christianity, and he's called us to examine our own faith against the real thing. This letter closes with assurance for those who are genuinely in Christ.
1 John 5:1-12 | Ben Potloff | John's first epistle boils down to one crucial element: Jesus Christ. Do you have Jesus Christ? Are you in Jesus Christ? Where do you abide other than Jesus Christ? These questions permeate John's letter as he continues to exhort believers to abide in Christ, testify to Christ, and live according to the commandments of Christ.
1 John 4:7-21 | Ben Potloff | In 1 John 1, we read that "God is light" and walking in the light means loving one another and being cleansed of our sin by Christ. Here, in 1 John 4, we read that "God is love" and walking in love means loving one another and living through Christ. With each passing week, John continues to develop and clarify the message that he has been stating from the beginning: abide in Christ and love one another.
1 John 4:1-6 | Ben Potloff | How can Christians discern the voice of God the Holy Spirit and the many voices of this world? Ultimately, it is the voice of God that confesses Jesus Christ. If something or someone does not confess that Jesus Christ has come, then we know that the voice is of the world, the flesh, or the devil. Knowing this, Christians can have confidence as we test the spirits around us and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 3:11-24 | Ben Potloff | Once again, John confronts us with a biblical test for our Christianity. Are we abiding in Christ, living without a love for the world, and loving our brother in tangible ways? If so, we know that our faith is the real thing. If not, we ought to recognize God's call to put our faith in Christ.
1 John 2:28-3:10 | Max Janusch | When it comes to testing one's faith against the real thing, what you practice means everything. Scripture teaches that people are either born of God or they are born of the devil. This reality frames the glory of the gospel as God's word reveals that Jesus Christ came for the sake of undoing the works of the devil. In this passage, we see that what we do reveals whose we are.
1 John 2:15-27 | Ben Potloff | What does it mean to hate the world? What in the world is an antichrist? As we continue through our journey in his letters, John gets to the heart of a couple very important issues for every Christian to consider. As with the rest of John's first epistle, there is a clear test that every Christian should take, comparing his or her faith with the real thing.
1 John 2:3-14 | Ben Potloff | As we continue in our journey through John's letters, we come to another passage that directs Christians to test their faith against the real thing. This passage gets at the heart of how Christians can be sure that they know and abide in God. Here, we see that to know and abide in God means that you obey Christ's commandments.
1 John 1:5-2:2 | Ben Potloff | What does it mean to walk in the light? The themes of light and darkness saturate the Bible, and they are especially important in the writings of John. Additionally, how does the reality of Christ's death on the cross connect with how Christians are called to walk in the light? Here, we see that Christ is where these themes, their importance, and their fulfillment meet.
1 John 1:1-4 | Ben Potloff | What does it mean to have fellowship with God? How can joy be made complete when the gospel is shared? These questions ring in the ears of those who read 1 John's opening verses. Here, we see the joy of sharing and experiencing the gospel.
Psalm 134 | Ben Potloff | "Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord." Our summer in the psalms of Ascent comes to a close as the psalmist triumphantly points us to the worship of the Lord and closes with a statement of blessing from Zion. Here, we see that blessing comes from the Lord to those whose worship is aimed to the Lord.
Psalm 133 | Max Janusch | "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Unity, harmony, and community are all universally understood to be good things, but we often see our world marked more clearly by division, strife, and isolation. King David pens this psalm with the purpose of revealing God's will for life to be lived in brotherly unity. Here, we see that where the Lord rules, unity reigns.
Psalm 132 | Gavin Hesse | "For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place." Our zeal to obey and our desire to remember God’s covenant are low. We often only focus on the potential rewards–on ideas of “love”–and forget the part of that covenant that requires obedience. Here, we see that the promised King is found by those seeking him.
Psalm 131 | Ben Potloff | "O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high." Humans are tempted to exalt ourselves and presume to know things, thinking in this we will find what our souls long for. But the opposite is true: humble yourself, admit your finitude, and find hope and rest. Here, in Psalm 131, we see that true rest and hope are found in realizing God is God, and we are not.
Psalm 129 | Ben Potloff | "Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth..." Scripture clearly teaches that there are two kinds of people: friends of God and enemies of God. Psalm 129 is the corporate song of a people familiar with affliction and more familiar with the character of the God who has promised to punish the wicked. Here, we see that to oppose God and his people is to be removed from the blessings offered by God.
Psalm 128 | Noah Soistmann | "Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!" When our experiences often speak to the contrary, how do we understand a passage which promises such concrete blessings as Psalm 128? God certainly intends to bless those who would fear him and walk in his way, and this psalm points to the good news of how He fulfills that intention.
Psalm 127 | Ben Potloff | "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Even though this world is broken with sin, God is gracious to offer very real gifts to people. Tasks are accomplished. Things are built. Families are grown. The Lord is the source of good things, and he is to be glorified as the one who would bless people so undeserving of his goodness.
Psalm 126 | Ben Potloff | "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" Our God restores, revives, and redeems. Throughout the Psalms of Ascent, we have been faced with the reality of our constant journeying through this life. But, in Psalm 126, we are reminded of our journey's ultimate destination. We have a home to look forward to.
Psalm 125 | Ben Potloff | "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion..." Ultimately, there are two kinds of people: those who turn to the Lord for their salvation and those who turn away from him. Psalm 125 describes these two types of people and the Lord's plan for them according to his justice and mercy.
Psalm 124 | Luke Hendrix | "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." God is actively working in and through his people, and this has been the case for all of human history. As he works, God has proven his faithfulness to ultimately deliver his people from evil. Our confidence can be firmly placed in the faithfulness of our God!
Psalm 123 | Ben Potloff | Christians, along with the psalmist, declare, "so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us." How long will the Lord wait to return and make right what we have broken? As God's people have always been foreigners in this world, God has also been faithful to deliver them. We set our gaze on the Lord as we wait for his mercy.
Psalm 122 | Max Janusch | For King David, there is joy and gladness when it comes to gathering with Israel to worship the Lord. Psalm 122 focuses on where this worship happens, namely, in Jerusalem. God's chosen city images his chosen people in its importance, purpose, and unity. Here, we see that Christians are called to seek the good of Christ's Church.
Psalm 121 | Ben Potloff | "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord" (Psalm 121:1-2a). This psalm comes not in the form of a prayer but as a testimony and declaration of who God is and what he does. Be encouraged! The God who created the universe, who doesn't even need sleep, will keep you! Here, we see that...
Psalm 120:1-7 | Ben Potloff | For the Christian, this life is a pilgrimage, and this world is not our home. Psalm 120 is the prayer of one surrounded by opposition and calling out to God. This psalm reveals that the homesick find their hope in the Lord.
Colossians 3:16-17 | Max Janusch | Why do we sing when we gather? Is corporate singing just a great time filler or a convenient buffer for the sermon? In Colossians 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul focuses on the importance of musical worship as the God-given means by which Christians instruct and warn each other with truth, and he applies this same principle to the entire Christian life. Here, we see that the Christian life sings gratitude to God.
Acts 8:26-40 | Ben Potloff | The book of Acts describes the establishment of Christ's Church by the Spirit-empowered Apostles. Acts 8 contains the amazing story of an Ethiopian eunuch being saved by God as Philip boldly preaches the gospel of Jesus from a passage written by the prophet Isaiah. Here, we see that God’s people are empowered by God’s Spirit to proclaim God’s Word.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 | Ben Potloff | Following his list of elder qualifications, Paul shares a similar list of qualifications for church deacons. As elders are called to be servant leaders, deacons are called to be leading servants. Jesus himself has modeled this kind of humility and service. Here, we see that deacons are qualified men & women who serve the church.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 | Ben Potloff | The Church is not a man-made institution; neither is it a system that has been corrupted beyond redemption. The Church is the people of God, organized in Christ-exalting local communities under the leadership of qualified men. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul writes to Timothy about the qualifications for these men who would aspire to lead, serve, and teach believers in local churches. Here, we see an incredible picture of the kind of men whom God has entrusted with leading his churches.
Luke 24:13-53 | Todd Miles | This is the crescendo of Luke's Gospel. The final revelation, the complete understanding, the grasping of the scope of the gospel prophesied and fulfilled. It’s no wonder that after Jesus’ ascension they returned, worshiping him with great joy!
Luke 23:50-24:12 | Ben Potloff | After a sabbath full of grief, the women who saw Jesus buried come to anoint Jesus’ body with burial spices. Except, the tomb is empty, save for two majestic beings who declare that Jesus is alive! It seems too wonderful to be true! Some disciples doubt, others like Peter run to the tomb, and two others get a first-hand encounter with the risen Jesus.
Luke 23:26-50 | Ben Potloff | It was the darkest day in history. Jesus would soon be revealed as God’s resurrected Son and “firstborn from the dead,” but now he is nailed to the cross. Though the best part of the story is soon to come, it is important that we not skip over the weight and sadness of Jesus’ sacrifice in this chapter. God was willing to make a way for sinners like us to be reconciled to himself, but it came at a cost. It cost everything. A man named Phillip helps Jesus carry the cross outside the city, and Jesus is nailed to that cross. As he hangs there, he is mocked, and the guards cast lots over his clothing. Even in these painful moments, we see glimpses of beauty. Jesus offers up a prayer to his father, “Forgive them, father, for they know not what they do.” With his mission on earth still in focus, Jesus extends mercy and invites one of the criminals to join him in paradise. The beautiful day of resurrection will come soon, but for now, we must read and reflect on the reality that our new life came at the cost of our Savior’s life. The author of life is put to death.
Luke 23:1-25 | Ben Potloff | It is no exaggeration to say that the entire Christian faith is built upon Jesus’ actions recorded in the next two chapters of Luke, so read and reread these verses closely. In Luke 9, we see Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem to accomplish the work he was sent to complete. Now, we see that work unfolding as Jesus is falsely accused and put on trial. The assembly of the elders of the people accuse Jesus before Pilate, a man who would determine if Jesus was to be crucified or not. Pilate sees no fault in Jesus but the mob persists. “Crucify him!” they shout. Pilate releases the criminal named Barabbas from prison and allows Jesus to be sent to his death.
Luke 22:66-71 | Ben Potloff | In this last portion of Luke 22, the author is using five verses to focus on one thing: the identity of Jesus. Morning comes and the Jewish leadership carts Jesus off to their= council chamber, perhaps to make official the deliberations from the previous night at the high priest’s house (v. 54). There, they ask, “are you the Christ?” What was Jesus supposed to answer? His interrogators were wanting him to answer that he was the Christ, implying his equality with God. Jesus is not coy but he responds indirectly, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They receive a gift horse; there is a noose hanging there and Jesus puts his head through it. They check with another question (v. 70a) and get Jesus’ response (v. 70b). They take Jesus’ words as an affirmation, and they move quickly to punish him for what they consider to be blasphemy.
Luke 22:54-65 | Max Janusch | In this passage, Luke turns the focus on Peter and shows us the sad failure of a disciple. Peter sits among the group huddled around the courtyard fire. One of the servant girls eyeballs Peter, and says “This man also was with him.” Peter’s retort was, “Woman, I do not know him.” There could hardly be a stronger way to deny Jesus, and it was pretty much all downhill from there. It looks completely hopeless save for one observation that Luke gives that no other Gospel account does: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” This is a pathetic fall that landed amid shreds of hope as “he went out and wept bitterly” (v. 62). Luke also wants us to see one other important truth: the word of Jesus is solid. There is an irony in what happens next. Even as the religious leaders treat Him as a phony prophet, in their actions Jesus’ prophecy is being fulfilled. Whether it’s Peter’s denial or the beginning of the mockery of Jesus, he wants us to see how sure and solid Jesus’ word is.
Romans 6:3-11 | Ben Potloff | As Christians, we still find ourselves falling into old patterns and old sins. Why is this? What does the Bible say about our old lives? The Apostle Paul exhorts the believers in Rome to recognize that they have died to their old selves and to sin, and they now experience new life through salvation by faith in Jesus. This passage reminds Christians to recall their salvation and live in light of their new life.
Luke 22:39-53 | Luke Hendrix | Jesus’ prayer in the garden reveals much. Although Jesus is fully God, his prayer gives us a very real picture of his humanity. There is perhaps no way for us to understand the intense anguish experienced by Jesus in these moments. Yet God the Father understood, sending an angel to strengthen him. The trial did not cease but Jesus' attention is fixed on the will of the Father. This fixation leads Jesus through his agonizing moments in prayer and, fully in control of the circumstances, into the hands of the men who would put him to death.
Luke 22:24-38 | Ben Potloff | This passage contains three major themes. First, Jesus defines greatness. Second, Jesus highlights the coming denial of Peter. Third, Jesus reminds the disciples of the coming struggles. This passage highlights something beautiful. It highlights Jesus’ compassion, his care, and his aching heart for his disciples knowing what is around the corner. As we look at the whole of this passage try not to see these as three independent chunks of narrative. Remove the verses’ numbers, remove the paragraph breaks and headings, and listen to the heart of Jesus. See what he is doing. Hear what he is saying.
Luke 22:1-23 | Ben Potloff | Since Luke 9:51, we have followed along as Jesus has traveled through Israel with his face set “to go to Jerusalem.” Now, we come to the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. As the Passover is about to begin Jesus sends some of the disciples to prepare a space for them to eat together. It is during this meal that Jesus reminds the disciples that he will soon be betrayed. And more than just that, he reveals that he’ll be betrayed by one of the very men who is considered a disciple. It is with the shadow of Good Friday beginning to fall that Jesus inaugurates the Lord’s Supper, reminding his followers to participate in this symbolic meal together as they remember his sacrifice and look forward to the work that he will one day fully and finally complete.
Luke 21:5-38 | Ben Potloff | It can be incredibly easy to find ourselves living in fear. We live in fear of natural disasters. We live in fear of economic collapse and financial hardship. We live in fear of the influence of political figures and the power of governments. We can live in fear because we know our struggles and failings, and we fear that our shortcomings will affect us and our loved ones. This passage can, if read shallowly and hastily, lead to fear. In Luke 21:5-38, Jesus speaks of imminent destruction, the persecution of believers, the overthrow of governments, pain and suffering, natural disasters, and even captivity. But he does not present these realities without also presenting a greater hope for those in Christ. So, before we engage with this passage, let’s go to God in prayer. Let’s confess our anxieties and fears. Let’s allow the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3) to speak to us through the words of Jesus.
The religious leaders’ questioning of Jesus has come to an end (see Luke 20:40), but Jesus keeps the ball rolling with a question of his own. He asks, “how can they say that the Christ is David’s son?” It’s here that we think back to Luke’s opening words, where he tells us why he has written this Gospel account, “to write an orderly account for you... that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” It’s almost as if, while writing, Luke wants to prove the kingship of Christ, because he then turns and gives us a picture of the upside- down nature of the kingdom of God. Within earshot of his subject, Jesus condemns the scribes, who are hungry for the accolades that come with their position. Instead of affirming what their society would say about this group, he tells the crowd that they will receive greater condemnation. In the next breath (remember, the chapter distinctions were added much later after Luke’s writing), the author tells us the story of the widow’s offering, proving again the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.
Here we are yet again... the religious leaders are back at it, attempting to trap Jesus by asking an impossible question that seemingly has no satisfactory answer. This time it’s the Sadducees who bring the question, and it’s a question about marriage and the resurrection. The Sadducees came primarily from wealthy priestly families, and history tells us that they mostly looked to the first five books of the Old Testament as their Scripture, likely rejecting or ignoring the rest of the Old Testament. Because of this, they didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead. So it’s with this in mind that we look at Luke 20:27-40. The religious leaders have come to trap Jesus. If one were to follow Moses’ instruction in Deuteronomy 25 and marry his brother’s widow (and if this were to happen seven times to the unfortunate bride), whose wife would she be at the resurrection? Yet again, Jesus’ answer shuts them up... this time for good. “Teacher,” the scribes reply in verse 39, “you have spoken well.” And they no longer dared ask him any questions.
Jesus is a brilliant storyteller. The chief priests and scribes, the religious leaders of Israel in this day, are continually trying to trap Jesus, peppering him with impossible questions with the aim of crucifying him whether he agrees or disagrees. Recently, there was a question about the authority with which he teaches. Jesus’ brilliant storytelling gives the perfect answer to this question: the parable of the wicked tenants. Afraid of the people, they fire another fastball; yet another “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” question. This time, the question centers on paying taxes to an authoritarian, oppressive government that unjustly ruled over God’s people. And yet again, Jesus the storyteller has the perfect response to their interrogation.
Beginning with chapter 20 we see a basic pattern in Jesus’ ministry emerging; the Jewish leadership is coming after him. In the previous chapter Jesus had cleansed the temple and in this chapter we see wave upon wave of opposition seeking to discredit and trap him. Verses 9-19 constitute a parable that is meant to depict his opposition (the chief priests, scribes, and elders of the Jews). There is nothing veiled about this parable. Some things don’t need any interpretation. Jesus’ opponents are at the end of a long line of Israelite leaders that have rejected Yahweh’s servants. Jesus exposes his enemies and rather directly says “I know what you are going to do.”
A ‘catch 22’ is a dilemma where someone can’t escape because of conflicting or contradictory rules and outcomes. This is exactly what one finds in Jesus’ interactions with the Jewish leaders in this section of Luke's Gospel. The last two verses of chapter 19 provide a bit of context for the story that unfolds at the beginning of chapter 20. Jesus has made it to Jerusalem and has begun teaching in the temple. Then, the opposition enters the picture. The Jewish leaders are seeking to destroy Jesus, even though there is no evidence that he is guilty (19:47-48). So, as we’ve seen so many times before in Luke’s Gospel, they set out to trap Jesus. Questioning Jesus on the source of his authority, Jesus turns the tables on them and offers an answer provided that they honestly answer his question first. However, when realizing that to answer Jesus honestly would mean they either admit to rejecting God’s messenger or open themselves up to critique from the public, they choose silence. This passage puts the ignorance and hostility of the Jewish leaders on full display and challenges each of us to ask if we too are guilty of questioning the authority of Jesus.
We’re back in the Book of Luke. We started this Gospel back in 2018, and have spent 58 Sundays in its pages. We’ve witnessed Jesus’ birth, his teaching, his miracles, and, most recently, his journey toward Jerusalem. This week concludes that journey that began back in chapter 9. While this week’s text may seem like a random smattering of events at the end of a road trip, almost every detail of this story harkens back to an Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. In these pages we see contrasting responses to the Savior of the world: we hear a crowd praising the Son of God, saying “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” But we also hear a growing grumbling from Israel’s religious leaders who are now plotting to kill the coming King.
The Lord is near... This simple reality changes absolutely everything for absolutely everyone. This morning, we come to Philippians 4:5-23. Here, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Philippi, reminding them of the nearness of our God and of the imminent return of Jesus. We cannot hope to face the affliction and hardships of this life without recognizing the amazing reality that our Lord is near.
This week, we come to the close of our journey through the Book of Ruth. In this final chapter, we see Boaz redeem Ruth and Naomi, and we read that a baby is to be born. In light of all the hardship experienced by Ruth and Naomi and despite the wicked backdrop of the period of the judges, God is working to redeem his people. Here, we see that redemption is found in a Redeemer who is willing to pay the price.
As we look ahead to Christmas morning, we examine the story of Jesus' birth, as told by Matthew. Jesus' birth was more than just the birth of a king, it was more than the fulfillment of the prophets, it was even more than God coming to earth in human form. Jesus' birth was the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to come and dwell with his people. In this passage, we see that while we can't come to God, he has come to us.
This week, we continue our journey through the Book of Ruth. We've been introduced to the major characters of this short narrative, and we are starting to see the theme of redemption playing out in the lives of Naomi and Ruth. Here, we see that the rest we long for is only found in a relationship with our Redeemer.
As we continue in our Advent sermon series, we are introduced to a crucial character in the Book of Ruth. Boaz is a "worthy man" who is related to Naomi (v. 1). This worthiness is put on display as Boaz provides for and protects Ruth in a time when Israel is dangerous. Throughout this passage, God's providence is center stage and we are called to see what the Lord does for those seeking refuge in him.
This week, we begin our Advent sermon series: In the Days When the Judges Ruled the Land. It is with Judges barely in the rearview mirror that we are introduced to Naomi. Having lost her husband and sons, she begins the journey back to her home country with his widowed daughters-in-law. Here, we see that even in the bitterest of circumstances, God is working.
The saying goes, “two wrongs do not make a right.” We see this reality playing out every day. After forgetting to do the dishes, lying about it won’t make them suddenly clean. When one sibling steals from another, stealing a toy of theirs won’t ‘right’ anything. This week’s passage not only horrifically confirms this idea, it also shines a brutal light on all of Israel in one of the darkest nights for the people of God. The end of Judges displays wrong after wrong after wrong as the people of Israel move further and further from the holy ways of the LORD that they were taught. And without warning, the book of Judges ends. “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
After the death of Samson, the book of Judges takes a weird turn. The vicious cycle of chapters 3-16 has culminated in Samson, and the narrator seeks to bring home the central thesis of the book by means of a double conclusion. The conclusion of the book takes the form of two longer narratives (chapters 17-18 and chapters 19-21, respectively) that repeat the author’s thesis statement throughout. These two narratives mirror the opening of the book (we will examine more on this next week). By zooming in on the odd saga of “a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah” (Judges 17:1), the author of Judges will drive home the point, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). These are days of subjective religion. Among the Israelites, a people called by God to worship and serve him as a light to the nations, darkness covers the land. After being saved by God again and again, chapters 17-21 give an intimate picture of just how far they have degenerated. They didn’t drive out the Canaanites, instead they have become like them. They did what was right in their own eyes. Relativism, counterfeit religion, and godlessness abound.
Welcome to part three of the Samson saga. Our first week was filled with angels and animal sacrifice. Week two contained ripping lions apart with bare hands and foxes tied together to be used as weapons. It’s been quite the journey, and the story isn’t over yet. Part three contains sin, seduction, and even more amazing feats of strength. But behind all the theatrics that could fill a Marvel trilogy is the story of a people falling deeper and deeper away from their God, modeled in the character of our book’s last main judge, Samson.
Samson has been called by God, and in this week’s text, we begin to see Samson live out his calling. This is certainly an odd text; filled with riddles, murder, a strong man ripping apart a lion “as one tears a young goat” (as if that were simple), and a bunch of foxes with their tails on fire. While it can be easy to get lost in the wild, superhero-like story of Samson, it’s important to remember the pattern of the book of Judges. Last week’s text (about Samson’s parents) began with the first step in our cycle, and this week’s text continues the cycle. Make sure not to “lose the forest for the trees” this week as you study, remembering the downward spiral of the Israelites, who are beginning to look exactly like their Canaanite (or more specifically to this text, Philistine) enemies.
Chapter 13 starts in a familiar place for the people of Israel. “And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” The Lord has given the people of Israel over to the hands of the Philistines because of their rebellion, and we are about to meet the final judge that God raises up for his people. Even with the weight of sin ever-present throughout the book of Judges, we see glimpses of God’s sovereign hand working to advance his plans when an angel appears to a family from the tribe of the Danites. Throughout the book of Judges we see twelve men and women fill the role of Judge and here in chapter thirteen we are introduced to the last one, Samson. Samson is one of the better known of the judges, often remembered for his incredible physical strength and his infamous downward fall into sinfulness. Chapter 13 is the story of Samson’s parents and their encounter with a messenger from God. Samson’s father, a man named Manoah, and his wife were visited by an angel and told they would have a child. The angel delivers very specific instructions to Manoah’s family and to the future of Samson’s life. The God “who works wonders” is still working even in a dark season of Israel’s rebellion.
In some ways, this story is very similar to the cycle we’ve seen over and over… sin, oppression, deliverance, and peace. In other ways, this story is unique. Jephthah, our next Judge, is a very successful warrior, but he “makes a deal” with the God of Israel: “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” After the Lord delivers the Ammonites into his hand, the first thing to come out of his door is his only child. What does all this mean? That’s what we’ll explore this week, but for now, let’s notice just how far Israel has gotten from knowing the character of their God. With Jephthah’s deal, he’s treating the God of the Bible like all of the gods of the nations around him… and Israel is beginning to look a lot like those nations.
This week’s passage revolves around the tension between Abimelech, son of Gideon, and the corrupt leaders of Shechem who put him in power over Israel. First, we see Abimelech plotting and seizing power with the help of his mom, and hiring a gang of thugs, all with the blessing of these leaders. But the dynamic soon changes as God causes division between these two evil parties. Having fallen out of favor with the leaders of Shechem, Abimelech dodges assassination plots from both the leaders and their new golden boy, Gaal. Abimelech’s life comes to a swift, violent, and, as one can imagine, prideful end. Following the retributive slaughter of Shechem’s leaders and people, Abimelech leads an invasion attempt against a neighboring city and is killed by at the hands of a woman. Following the account of Abimelech violent beginning and ending, the author notes the judges who followed him and reminds the reader of the reality that these Israelite judges would come and go, but there is a greater leader to hope for.
In one of the oddest battle scenes in history, Israel defeats Midian by blowing trumpets and breaking jars. We’re told that the Lord set the swords of the Midianites against each other, and Israel won. In chapter 8, we see Gideon win another battle, but the narrative is quite different. The author took great care to remind us of God’s presence at every turn in chapter 7, but that language is oddly silent in chapter 8. After the battles, we see the continual downward spiral of both Gideon and the Israelites. He leads the Israelites in improper worship practices, where Israel “whored after” the ephod that Gideon made after his victories in battle. Years later, Gideon dies, and the cycle of the book of Judges continues.
We’re now with our next judge: Gideon. What immediately sticks out (compared to the judges of chapters 3-5) is the length of this narrative, which spans three chapters of the book. More time is spent on Gideon than Ehud, Othniel, Shamgar, and Deborah... combined. While the flannel graph Sunday school lessons of our youth may have us believe that Gideon is the hero of this three-chapter story, what we actually find is a man who is a coward, questioning God at every turn. What hope is there for Israel when even the judges exemplify the weakness of the people?
Once again, the people of Israel do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. Already, we’ve seen the same story twice. Remember the pattern that was laid out for us in chapter 2: God’s people do what is evil, they are oppressed, they repent, God sends a judge to deliver them, and then there is a time of peace. And this week is no different. There’s evil (4:1), the Israelites cry out to God for rescue (4:3), God sends Deborah (4:4-24), and there’s a time of peace (chapter 5). There is one way that this week’s text differs from what we’ve explored so far in the book of Judges: we get a glimpse into the mind of the judge through a song (chapter 5). Here we see Deborah recount the events of chapter 4 in song, giving glory to God and reminding the Israelites of God’s goodness.
This week, we’re introduced to our first three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. It’s also here that we see the first two examples of the pattern we were introduced to in chapter 2, a pattern that we’ll see throughout the book: God’s people do what is evil in the sight of the Lord, they are oppressed, they repent, God sends a judge to deliver them, and then there is a time of peace.
The first two chapters of Judges grab the reader’s attention immediately, as it opens in the middle of a war. This is a Holy War. God’s people have been commanded by Him to enter the Promised Land and execute God’s judgment on the wicked nations therein by “devoting them to destruction” (Judges 1:17). From the outset, the reader gets a taste of this dark and exceedingly odd book. A king named Adoni-bezek faces God’s judgment, as his weird fetish of cutting off thumbs and big toes of the kings he defeats gets visited on him. The reader is also confronted by a foreshadowing of what is to come. The tribes of Israel fail to follow the Lord. They “did not drive out” the inhabitants of the land, instead intermarrying with them and falling into idolatry, worshiping their pagan gods. But though Israel is in the process of abandoning the Lord, the book of Judges exists, because the Lord refuses to abandon His people. In chapters 1 and 2, we meet a fickle people and a faithful God.
We don't need to look far to find evidence of the distress in our world. Even in our own lives, stress and suffering too often seem to be present. What does God's word have to say about that? In Psalm 4, King David calls out to God for relief, and in calling out he is reminded of the goodness and love of God for his people. Here, we see that the goodness of God means peaceful rest for the believer.
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" It's in Psalm 95 where we see Israel glorifying the Lord and testifying to his amazing deeds. This incredible psalm points us to God as the object of our worship and reminds us that he alone is worthy of our worship.
To kick off our Summer Psalms sermon series, we turn to Psalm 3. This psalm, written by King David, is all about dealing with our sin and facing the consequences of our rebellion against God. Sin and death stand as enemies that can only be defeated by the work of Jesus Christ.
Who is the true King? While our modern American minds may have trouble with the language of royalty, this was a big question in Daniel's day. Many of us are familiar with the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but what is the purpose of this story? How does its message affect us today? Join us today as we see that even in difficult circumstances, we're called to worship and trust the King who can rescue us.
Nathan Noorlun • This week, we come to the end of our series in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. The final words of this letter encourage and exhort us to live in line with the ways of God's kingdom. Here, we see that gospel-centered reminders equip a gospel-centered church.
Ben Potloff • This week, we enter the final chapter of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. Once again, Paul comments on the beautiful example set by the Thessalonian Christian, and he encourages them to continue in their ways more and more. We recognize that Jesus is going to come again, and we are to remain awake and alert in hopeful anticipation of that day.
Max Janusch • As we continue in our journey through 1 Thessalonians, we come to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage, Paul and his companions write to inform the Thessalonians about the fate of those Christians who have already died. There is good news! Whether living or dead, all those in Christ will be raised with Christ and will spend eternity together with God.
Gavin Hesse • "Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you." The Thessalonian Christians loved one another deeply. But what does that kind of brotherly love look like in our lives? How can we better model the example set by the Thessalonians? As Paul continues to instruct and exhort these early Christians he addresses our love for fellow believers and the patterns that define our life and work. Here, we see that God’s Church is represented by God’s people.
Ben Potloff • How important is purity and holiness in the life of a Christian? This week, we see the Apostle Paul exhorting the Thessalonian Christians to set aside sexual immorality and the lusts of this world. He calls these early Christians to cast off impurity and embrace the holiness that God calls us to. Here, we see that if we know God, we should live like it.
Ben Potloff • As we continue through First Thessalonians, we come to an interesting passage. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 is a text that demonstrates the great love that Paul and his coworkers have for the Christians in Thessalonica. Here, we see that when affliction could shake our faith, we stand firm in the Lord.
Nathan Noorlun • This week, we come to 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. Paul shares his joy in the faith demonstrated by the church in Thessalonica. Here, we see that the legacy of a church stems not from its acceptance by the world but by its acceptance of the Word.
Ben Potloff • As we continue in our journey through Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, we come to the beginning of chapter 2. Paul explains to the Thessalonians how they have gone about ministering to the church. They have sought to minister gently and lovingly and with godly character. This passage shows us the example of Paul and calls us to model this love, compassion, and maturity. Here, we see that gospel ministry is to be done with godly character and genuine compassion.
Ben Potloff • This week we begin a new sermon series in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: This Present Life & Our Future Hope. In this passage, Paul opens his letter by rejoicing in the faith, hope, and love that marks these early Christians. Here, we see some of the clear signs of a community transformed by the gospel.
Ben Potloff · "Authority" has become a dirty word in our culture. The word "discipline" causes even more stirring in the seats. But what is biblical discipline? What is church discipline? Is it simply those in authority lording their power and position over others, or is it a God-given gift to correct and help the Christian look more like his or her savior?
Ben Potloff · Are Christians really commanded to submit to church leadership? Our passage this week sets the record straight when it comes to submission to church leaders. And more than that, this verse gives God's reasons for this submission. Here, we see that Church members obey Church leaders who will give an account to God.
Ben Potloff · As Christians, we believe that God has revealed himself through the words of Scripture. This week's passage contains some of Paul's most impactful teaching as it relates to God's Word. Here, we see that the Church is tethered to the truth through the preaching of the Word.
Ben Potloff · Why is the gospel so important for Christians? This week, we turn our attention to 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers of the true gospel and calls us to respond to that good news.
Ben Potloff · As we begin our Church Matters series, we examine Matthew 28:18-20, also known as the Great Commission. Following his resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives his disciples some final instructions for their ministry on earth. Jesus calls his followers to take the gospel into the world and to make disciples. This passage reveals to us the mission of the church and our calling as followers of Jesus.
Dave Bertolini • This week we come to Luke 19:11-28, the Parable of the Ten Minas. In this scene, Jesus once again pauses his journey toward Jerusalem to instruct his followers on discipleship and the kingdom of God. Through this parable, Jesus is urging his followers to live faithfully, work diligently, and patiently wait for the Master to return.
Ben Potloff • This week, we come to the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus the chief tax collector. With this short story, Luke gives his readers a clear image of Jesus' mission on earth. Here, we see that Jesus is the one who saves and following him requires repentance.
Nathan Noorlun • "Son of David, have mercy on me!" This week, we read of a plea for mercy from a blind and broken man. As Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, he passes by the city of Jericho where he encounters this man and heals him. This miraculous scene reveals to us the heart of our savior, the faith that we all must have in him, and the healing that Jesus brings to those who would put their faith in him.
Ben Potloff • This week, we come to Luke 18:15-34. While a number of these verses are often quoted and referenced, there is an underlying theme that must not be missed: the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus instructs his disciples on the posture of one who wishes to be a part of that kingdom, the things of this world that blind us to the reality of that kingdom, and what it will cost for that kingdom to be established on earth.
Ben Potloff · Jesus Christ is risen! This Easter, we continue in The Gospel According to Luke: Kingdom Stories. Luke 18:9-14 contains the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Through this interesting scene, Jesus instructs his followers on the necessity of humility and the danger of self-righteousness.
This Good Friday, we remember the suffering of Jesus and how it informs our lives as his followers. Christ's suffering leads to our redemption and our suffering is redeemed.
Ben Potloff · At first glance, this text appears to be about prayer. While there are principles about prayer that can be gathered from this parable, the primary point is the vindication of God’s suffering people. The point here is that “God patiently listens to his elect as they pray in their continuing distress, waiting for the proper time to act on their behalf” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary). But the question Jesus asks remains. “Will he find faith on earth?”
Ben Potloff · In our passage this week the Pharisees finally ask the question that has been a long time coming. When will this kingdom come? Again wanting to test Jesus, these religious leaders ask this question then wait to catch Jesus as they have so many times before. But Jesus doesn’t respond to their question in the heretical way they were hoping. Instead, Jesus describes to them the true reality of God’s kingdom. This kingdom cannot be located because it is already in their midst.
Nathan Noorlun · This week, Luke is tying together temptation, confession to one another, faith, and being faithful servants of God. As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, and ultimately his death, he is teaching his disciples how they live out the Kingdom Ethic when he is gone. He provides no room for loner Christianity, but he also doesn’t forget personal accountability. We are responsible for how we live out our faith with and among one another, and yet we will also all stand before the master to give an account of how we served him in our life.
Ben Potloff · This week, Luke is tying together temptation, confession to one another, faith, and being faithful servants of God. As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, and ultimately his death, he is teaching his disciples how they live out the Kingdom Ethic when he is gone. He provides no room for loner Christianity, but he also doesn’t forget personal accountability. We are responsible for how we live out our faith with and among one another, and yet we will also all stand before the master to give an account of how we served him in our life.
Ben Potloff · This week, we read of a rich man and a poor man. Here, Jesus is highlighting the Pharisees' desperate need to hear and receive. As we go through this week’s text, let’s examine our own hearts and ask, will we respond to God’s word?
Ben Potloff · We’ve just come out of three chapters full of the parables of Jesus. In these metaphorical stories, he’s been teaching us about the heart of God and the kingdom of God. To be honest, all this talk of the kingdom of God has the religious leaders pretty upset. Jesus doesn’t fit neatly into the box they’ve attempted to put him in, in spite of the fact that every ounce of the Scriptures are ultimately about him (Luke 24:27). This week’s text is Jesus’ response to some of their questions, attitudes, and even the condition of their hearts. As we go through this week’s text, let’s examine our own hearts and make sure that they line up with the words of Jesus and the kingdom of God.
Ben Potloff · The parable of the dishonest manager is rather perplexing at first read. But, when we look closely, there's an important message that Jesus wants to teach his followers. Jesus, speaking to his disciples, urges them to be faithful in all their dealings with wealth. The world is often more intentional with their wealth than believers are (v. 8). While the world’s methods and means are for unrighteous gain, shouldn’t Christians be just as intentional in their stewardship for righteousness? Jesus encourages his disciples to be faithful with little and with much. We are to be faithful with the world’s riches and with our spiritual riches. Because, just like the dishonest manager, you cannot serve two masters. You may have both God and money, but you cannot serve both.
Ben Potloff · The story of the Prodigal Son is not only the story of the tax collectors and sinners in Jesus’ day, but of all of us today. We are created to be with God and experience relationship with him, but we have all rebelled and gone our own way (Isaiah 53:6). This story teaches us that despite our rebellion, God is overjoyed to bring us back into relationship with him. Our God is a gracious and merciful and loving father.
Max Janusch · It’s no coincidence that last week’s passage ends with Jesus’ words: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” and then this week’s passage begins with the religious elites grumbling and complaining about the sinners that are drawing near to Jesus. Jesus answers their complaints, as he often does in Luke’s Gospel, with three stories. These parables all have a similar theme: heaven rejoices when a lost sinner repents. In this week’s passage, we get the first two parables: the story of the lost sheep and the story of the lost coin. In these stories, we not only see God’s heart for the lost, but we also gain the correct perspective of those who have already repented.
Ben Potloff · It seems that Jesus is all about the wedding metaphors in this section of the Scriptures. Jesus’s heart is to fill his banquet up with people. So, he sends out the invites to all who will come. And thank Jesus that he did, because that includes you and me! Jesus concludes by advising his disciples to count the cost. At the end of this section we’re left to consider, will we RSVP to the wedding banquet? Will we be prepared for that day?
Ben Potloff · This week, we see Jesus speaking through two parables. His lesson is clear: Those who assume a place of honor will find themselves humbled, but those who humble themselves to care for those who need them will find themselves exalted in the end. So, we ask ourselves, who is invited to sit around our tables?
Ben Potloff · If on a religiously-mandated day of rest your son, daughter, or family pet fell into a well, would you wait until the next day to do the work of pulling them out to safety? No way! Our text this week tells of Jesus going to a top Pharisee’s house for a Sabbath meal. While there and being watched closely by these religious leaders, Jesus encounters a man who needs serious medical attention. This dinner scene reveals to us the deep love that God has for his people and the wicked hypocrisy of the religious leaders that we must avoid at all costs.
Darryl Elledge · This week, we look at Ephesians 1:1-14. In the opening words of his letter to the Church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul greets the receives of his letter and immediately begins talking about the wonderful spiritual blessing that we have in Christ. Here, we learn of our great hope in Christ and what he has accomplished for us.
Ben Potloff · This week, we continue our journey through the opening chapters of Matthew's gospel account where we see how Jesus is the promise-fulfilling Savior. We see more of these fulfilled promises as Matthew narrates Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt with their newly born son and the devastation of Herod's rule back in Bethlehem. Here, we see that Christmas is about redemption and hope in Jesus.
As we continue looking at how Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, we come to Matthew 2:1-12. This passage tells the story of the wise men coming to worship God's promised Shepherd King. Here, we see that Christmas is about worshipping Jesus.
Ben Potloff · This week, we begin our Advent sermon series: Promises Fulfilled. Matthew 1:18-25 tells the story of Jesus' birth. This baby boy is not only the savior promised to Israel, he is God himself. Here, we see that Christmas is about God coming to save us.
Ben Potloff · This week we close out the fourth installment of The Gospel According to Luke. In this section of Luke's account, we read about Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath and then teaching his followers about the kingdom of God with two comparisons.
Ben Potloff · This week, we read as Jesus continues his discourse by calling the surrounding crowd to turn away from their sins. When listeners in the crowd ask Jesus about a recent event in Galilee, Jesus corrects their thinking and reminds them that Israel needs to repent. Jesus then teaches the crowd about Israel’s need to repent and bear fruit through the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Here, Jesus compares Israel to the barren tree and he makes it clear that time is running out for Israel to bear real fruit. Altogether, Luke 13:1-9 shows us that the answer to Jesus’ call to remain vigilant and faithful is to repent and bear fruit.
Gavin Hesse · As we continue in Jesus’ address to his disciples and the surrounding crowds, we read of Jesus warning his followers to remain vigilant. There is no question about it... Jesus is coming back soon! So, how will that reality change the way we live now? Jesus exhorts his followers to “stay dressed for action” and “be like men who are waiting for their master.” It is in this season of waiting that we are to be like faithful servants who continue to carry out their tasks despite the unknown of when their master will return. This passage reveals Jesus’ continuing anticipation for his coming suffering and instructs on how we are to live as God’s people while on this earth.
Ben Potloff · As Jesus continues his teaching, someone in the crowd asks him to mediate an inheritance issue. This seems reasonable enough; to ask a rabbi to weigh in on moral issues. But Jesus turns the question on its head, instead telling a story about a man who stores up treasure for himself. He follows with a beautiful passage on anxiety, reminding us that God is sovereign and that we have a Father who cares for us.
Ben Potloff · It's in Luke 12 where thousands upon thousands of people are gathering to see and hear Jesus. That’s when Jesus turns to his disciples and gives them important instructions about their interactions with the Pharisees and any future persecution as a result of following him. Here, we see that we are to fear the Lord and we will have nothing to fear.
Ben Potloff · Jesus’ ministry continues, more and more people know about him, and he has become more and more polarizing. Like the rest of Scripture, this week’s text puts a mirror in front of us and asks: from whom does your righteousness come from? Is it man-made or is it Christ-transformed?
Ben Potloff · As we move our way through the gospel according to Luke, this week feels like a hodge-podge of random and disconnected moments in Jesus’ ministry. We just came from such iconic moments like Jesus’ time with Mary and Martha and teaching his disciples how to pray. But what in the world is going on in this week's text? People think Jesus is demon-possessed, he gives us a lesson about demons, rebukes a lady for calling his mom blessed, talks about Jonah and the Queen of Sheba, and then ends on some teaching about light. Jesus, what are you talking about? This week, we find out!
Ben Potloff · All throughout Luke’s gospel, we find Jesus praying. Apparently, one of the disciples noticed this as well. So he asks. After showing us how to pray, Jesus tells a parable about God’s response to our prayer and encourages us to pray, urging us to ask, because God is a heavenly Father who longs to give good gifts to us, his children.
Max Janusch · This week, we read a story about two sisters who had the opportunity to meet Jesus. Not only did they meet him... they were able to welcome him into their house! But while they had Jesus over, these sisters had differing ideas about what was most important, they had different priorities, a different focus, and a different opinion about what was most necessary.
Ben Potloff · In one of the most widely known parables, we see Jesus answer two massive questions: - What do I do to get to heaven? - Who counts as a neighbor deserving of my love?
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to the beginning of Luke 10. This section continues the dramatic shift that we saw last week as Jesus’ “set his face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51b, 53b). Luke 10:1-24 is a section of Luke's gospel that shows the reality of Jesus’ ultimate mission on earth. As he sends out more messengers, Jesus commands his followers to tell the people that “the kingdom of God has come near to you.” This declaration, Jesus makes clear, is for all the people, whether they receive his followers or reject them.
Ben Potloff · This week, we resume the Gospel According to Luke. Up to this point we have seen Jesus feed thousands, cast out demons, calm stormy seas, and even raise the dead. However, beginning here we see a shift in Luke’s narrative. Luke 9:51 says, “When the days drew near for (Jesus) to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” It is in this moment that we see the trajectory of Jesus’ earthly ministry turn. Now we know that this turn will eventually lead to Jesus’ crucifixion, but it will ultimately end with his resurrection from the grave.
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!" As we close out our Summer Psalms series, we come to Psalm 57. This psalm, written by David as he hid in a cave while fleeing Saul, teaches us that our confidence is anchored in the very nature of God which has been revealed in Jesus Christ.
As we continue in our Summer Psalms series, we come to Psalm 130. This psalm helps us recognize our own sinfulness, hope in the Lord for forgiveness and redemption, and respond to God’s grace with worship and trust. Here, we see that God’s promise of forgiveness is our hope for redemption.
Praise the Lord! We're given this command almost 250 times in the pages of Scripture, and Psalm 146 is a clear call to encourage God’s people to look to God for help and trust in Him, rather than human leaders, for hope!
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? These few words summarize so many questions we're asking in this current cultural moment. Yet Psalm 2 doesn't just ask the question, it also gives us action and a hope. "Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
As we continue in our Summer Psalms series, we come to Psalm 8. In this epic Davidic song, we see the glory and majesty of God proclaimed to all who will hear. We see that we are to acknowledge His reign and dominion now and look forward to His full and final eternal reign and dominion over all things. Here, we learn that the majestic Creator of the universe cares for mere creatures like us.
This week we kick off our summer series in the Psalms. Psalm 97 testifies to the greatness of God and exhorts us to rejoice in his glory. Here, we read that we have everlasting joy because of the Lord’s everlasting reign.
It's Baptism Sunday! This week, we look at Romans 6:3-11 to learn what Baptism is, why we do it, and why it matters. In light of the context of Romans 5-6, we also look at Baptism’s implications for Christian life and obedience. Here, we see that because we are raised with Jesus, we are to walk in newness of life.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to the final chapter of our series through the Book of Jonah. In this final scene, we see Jonah's response to God's mercy on Ninevah. Here, we see we are to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful.
Ben Potloff · This week, Jonah comes to Ninevah with a message from God. This rebellious prophet warns this wicked city of the destruction coming if they don't turn to God. In this chapter, something incredible happens. Here, we see that when sinners genuinely repent, God graciously relents.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to the second chapter of the Book of Jonah. Last week we saw Jonah, fleeing from God, board a ship going away from where God had commanded him to go. In the midst of a storm this rebellious prophet is thrown overboard and is swallowed by a fish. This week, we read Jonah's prayer to the Living God and we see that salvation belongs to the Lord.
Ben Potloff · This week, we begin a new sermon series in the Book of Jonah. Our first week introduces us to Jonah, a prophet of God who chooses to rebel when commanded to prophesy to the people of Ninevah. As we'll see throughout the whole book, this first chapter of Jonah reveals that nothing can stop God's grace.
Ben Potloff · What does it look like to bear one another's burdens? How do we not grow weary of doing good? This week, we look at a section of Paul's letter to the Church at Galatia where he instructs the believers on how they are to love and serve each other. Here, we see that as God’s family we show Christ-like love and do Spirit-led good.
Ben Potloff · This week, we look at 1 Corinthians 12:4-31. The Apostle Paul is instructing the Corinthian church on the building blocks of the body of Christ. He makes clear that the body functioning correctly is essential to the Church fulfilling its mission. Here, we see that all believers are empowered by God and essential to the church.
Ben Potloff · This week, we begin a new sermon series: The Church Gathered. As we look at 1 Peter 2:4-10, we are instructed by Peter that we are like living stones "being built up as a spiritual house," (v. 5b). Here, we see that we are the people of God called to proclaim the praises of God.
Ben Potloff · This week, we begin The Church Scattered sermon series. In our text, we see Peter confess Jesus as the Messiah. This story teaches us to persevere because we know that Jesus is building His Church.
Darryl Elledge · This week, we look at Psalm 51. This psalm comes from King David after he was accused by Nathan the Prophet. Here, we see David dealing with the pain and separation from God that is caused by sin. This psalm contains good news for sinful people.
Ben Potloff · Are we there yet? In this season of pandemic, many of us just want to know, "are we there yet?" No matter where we're all at specifically, there is great hope in Psalm 84. King David writes about the strength, grace, and hope that we ultimately have in King Jesus.
Ben Potloff · This week, we look at Psalm 27. Written by King David, this prayer demonstrates many of the different emotions we experience as humans. Ultimately, this psalm reminds us that even in difficult situations, we should "wait for the Lord; be strong, and let [our] hearts take courage; wait for the Lord!" (v14)
Ben Potloff · This week we look at Psalm 90. The only Psalm authored by Moses, Psalm 90 deals with massive realities for God's people. Moses, as he's crying out to God, teaches us how to pray and call out to God in all seasons of life.
Ben Potloff · This week, we turn to Psalm 32. In this psalm written by King David, we are confronted with the harsh realities of unconfessed sin. However, there is great hope in responding to the instruction of this psalm. Here, we see that we should uncover our sin and be covered by God's grace.
Ben Potloff · This week, we're jumping back into the Psalms. Our text, Psalm 28, is a psalm written by King David where he calls out to the God who is his strength and his shield. Here, we see that God carries His people through the valley.
Ben Potloff · King Jesus has risen! Today, we continue our journey through Matthew's account of Holy Week with the story of Jesus' resurrection. This is good news for us and it changes everything about how we live and who we place our faith in!
Ben Potloff · It's Palm Sunday! Today we look at Matthew 21:1-11. In this text, we see Jesus' triumphal entry in Jerusalem. Although he did not look like the conquering king that was expected, Jesus was just a few short days away from finishing the work that he was sent to do.
Andrew Murch · This week we come to the conclusion of our story. Haman’s plot has been revealed, the King has given Mordecai and Esther a blank check, and the Jews have been granted freedom to defend themselves. Here, we see that deliverance was secured on the day destruction was scheduled.
Andrew Murch · Esther 7:1-8:17 is packed with movement and plot development. Some of the principles that we see revealed in this text include God’s divine sovereignty, human responsibility to obey God, God’s faithfulness to his people, and God’s undeniable control over all things in his work to deliver and reconcile his people. As Christians living thousands of years after this age, we recognize the real main character of this story. God in all his glory and sovereignty, although unnamed and not mentioned, faithfully works to redeem and deliver his people.
Andrew Murch · It’s been stated before, but it needs to be said again. Although God is not explicitly named in the pages of the book of Esther, he is clearly at work. This section of the story highlights how God is sovereignly in control, even when he seems most absent. The King’s sleepless night, Haman’s entrance, and Haman’s recommendations to the King are all examples pointing to how God is working.
Ben Potloff · In Esther 5 we see the setting of the stage for the climactic end of the book. Esther prepares to go before the king to make her request for the salvation of her people. We see Esther acting strategically in her approach as she risks her life on behalf of the Jews.
Ben Potloff · This chapter addresses a few major principles in the life of a Christian: obedience, faith, and boldness. We see our own lacking in how we can easily identify with Esther’s stubbornness and fear. More importantly and although not explicitly mentioned, we clearly see our faithful God sovereignly in control over all things. Here, we see that while staring death in the face, Jesus stood in our place.
Ben Potloff · This week, we continue on our journey through the book of Esther. As we learn more about the makeup of our characters, we’re left longing for a savior and hoping that we might see more of God working behind the scenes. Here, we see that while the enemy plots, God’s purpose prevails.
Ben Potloff · The book of Esther asks the question, “Does God see and care for his people even when they’re far from home?” The book will not answer this explicitly, but rather through a number of times when God is at work behind the scenes... the first of which being an orphaned Jewish woman miraculously coming into the most favored and influential position in the household of the reigning pagan empire.
Ben Potloff · This week, our time in Paul's letter to Titus comes to a close. In this final chapter, we see Paul giving Titus some final instructions. He tells Titus to remind the Cretan churches of how they should conduct themselves. Titus is to teach his people to "devote themselves to good works." Here, we see that we should treat others the way God has treated us.
Ben Potloff · As we near the end of Paul's letter to Titus, we come to an incredibly impactful and dense text. Paul reminds Titus of Jesus' appearance to us, sacrifice for us, and mercy shown to us. Here, we see that we live by grace while we wait for glory.
Gavin Hesse · This week we come to Titus 2. The Apostle Paul urges Titus to "teach what accords with sound doctrine." He gives examples and illustrations to Titus as he continues to instruct him on how he should be leading the local churches on the island of Crete. Here, we see that Gospel-Centered churches are known through Godly-driven members.
Ben Potloff · In our text this week, the Apostle Paul instructs Titus on why local churches need qualified elders and what kinds of people hinder the health of a church. Here, we see that a distorted gospel will make us a dysfunctional family.
Ben Potloff · This week, our text covers the Apostle Paul's introduction to his letter to Titus, his reasons for placing Titus in Crete, and the qualifications for elders in the local church. Here, we see that God leads His people through godly leaders.
In order to set the vision for 2020, we turn to Romans 12:3-21. In these verses, the Apostle Paul teaches on the gifts given to believers and how they should be handled. He also covers the characteristic of a true Christian. Here, we see that our aim is to be a community of humble servants who love each other and the world.
Nathan Noorlun · This week, we continue the story of Moses in the book of Exodus. This text covers the powerful signs that God showed Moses and then Moses return to Egypt. Here, we see God's powerful work continue.
Ben Potloff · This week, we pick up Moses' story after he flees Egypt and settles in Midian. This chapter details Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. Here, we see that God came down to bring His people up.
Ben Potloff · This week we are introduced to a new character. Our text begins with the birth of Moses and how the dramatic opposition from Pharaoh in Exodus 1 brings us to this point. Our text then tells of Moses' journey away from Egypt and we see the beginnings of the work that God is going to do. Here, we see that the plan of God is the redemption of His people.
Ben Potloff · This week we jump into the Book of Exodus, where we see that the nation of Israel has greatly increased in Egypt since the end of Genesis. In the first chapter of Exodus Pharoh oppresses Israel by enslaving them, ordering midwives to kill Israelite babies, and demanding that all of Egypt deal cruelly with Israel. Here, we see that God uses our faithfulness as He faithfully keeps His promises.
Darryl Elledge · Our text this week is another combination of stories where Jesus shows us that his ethic of the kingdom is different than ours. Godly power, authority, and glory look different than we expect. Like the disciples, we must allow Jesus’ life and work to shape us into the people of his kingdom, not our own.
Ben Potloff · At this point in our text, Jesus’ ministry is in full swing. There are some who believe he is a prophet. There are others who think he’s John the Baptist. There are even religious leaders who think that what Jesus is doing is demonic. In the text this week, Jesus poses the question: who do you say that I am? Here, we see that we are called to die with Christ…and live.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to one of the most well-known stories from Jesus' ministry; the feeding of the 5,000. When you take the passage as a whole we begin to see a larger theme than just food mysteriously appearing. We begin to see providential provision. Jesus provides our every need. This text shows us that Jesus provides for those He calls.
Ben Potloff · Our text this week brings us to Jesus' healing of a woman and Jairus's daughter. At first, Jesus’ ability to multitask these two situations seems weak. However, Jesus masterfully uses the situation to teach us an unforgettable lesson on faith and God’s timing. Here, we see that Jesus brings outsiders in.
Ben Potloff · In our text this week, Jesus calls for obedience from creation. These men who have been on the road (and seas) with Jesus are completely blown away and perhaps seeing him for the first time. Jesus is personally with us and still incomparably powerful over all things. Here, we see that Jesus has the power to save.
Ben Potloff · Luke 8:1-21 is all about hearing the Word of God and responding to that Word. We see this text broken into four sections: the parable of the sower, Jesus’ reason for speaking in parables and explanation of the parable of the sower, the parable of a lamp under a jar, and Jesus’ mother and brothers. These four sections all point to different aspects of our response to the hearing of God’s Word.
Pete Potloff · In our text this week, we read of Jesus going to dinner at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. As they recline to eat and talk they are interrupted by a woman with a reputation This woman begins to touch Jesus, weeping and washing his feet with perfume and her hair. It’s in Jesus’ response to her and also the responses of Simon and this woman to Jesus that we learn so much. Here, we see that the more we recognize God’s grace in our lives, the greater our gratitude and generosity will be.
Ben Potloff · The messianic expectation of God’s people is very evident in our text, this week. The original, Jewish audience has been looking forward to the day when God’s King would come to rule and reign. Had the day finally come? Even John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, is wondering if he is the one who is to come. Here, we see that Jesus came to do what God intended, not what people expected.
Ben Potloff · Luke 7:1-17 contains two stories. Both of these stories show Jesus’ complete power and authority over sickness and death. Here, we see that Jesus is Lord and does not bow his knee to any kind of human sickness or curse of sin.
Ben Potloff · This text goes a lot of different directions. This text speaks of forgiveness, hypocrisy, and what it looks like to live as brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us that our lives will show the fruit of who we are and where we find our identity. And it reminds us of the importance of centering our lives on the work of Jesus. Here, we see that Jesus’ Lordship demands humble obedience, not hypocritical lip service.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to Luke 6:27-36. In this text, we dig even deeper into the upside-down kingdom of Jesus and into an even clearer picture of what it looks like to follow him. Here, we see that we are to love like God loves.
Ben Potloff · In Luke 6:12-26, Jesus choose his twelve Apostles and with his followers gathered, Jesus teaches on how his kingdom will operate differently, not being defined by class systems or social classifications. Instead, the kingdom of God is based on service, love, and self-sacrifice. Here, we see that followers of Jesus will suffer now but be satisfied forever.
Ben Potloff · Diving back into Luke's gospel account, we come to Luke 6:1-11. This narrative details Jesus and his disciples breaking the law and picking grain to eat on the Sabbath. This account also tells of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand and breaking the Sabbath. Here, we see that the teaching of Jesus trumps the traditions of men.
Todd Miles · This week we look at Psalm 108. This psalm, written by King David, teaches us about God’s glory through how he delivers us. Here, we see that the path to our deliverance runs through the glory of God.
Ben Potloff · Psalm 145 is all about proclaiming God's goodness. King David declares God's goodness and righteousness and the Lord's worthiness of our worship. David then announces his response to such a great God, and we see that we are to follow suit in how we praise the Lord. Here, we see that the greatness of God propels the praise of His people.
Ben Potloff · "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" You can almost hear the trembling in David's voice as he says these words. Anyone who has spent a few years on this earth knows the feeling... we can all remember that trembling coming from our own mouth. In Psalm 13, we see the reality of sorrow in the life of the Christian, we see a God whose love is steadfast, and we see a salvation worth rejoicing!
Ben Potloff · This week we look at Psalm 46. This Psalm, written by Sons of Korah, teaches us to view God as a fortress, our "refuge and strength." We also learn about how God's presence is our comfort and security in times of fear and anxiety. Here, we see that because God is with us, we have nothing to fear.
Ben Potloff · Why are you cast down, O my soul? This is the cry that we see as we look at Psalm 42 & 43 this week. In times of doubt, despair, and trials, we need to be reminded of the truth of God's love and glory. This text teaches us to faithfully preach the gospel to ourselves, in good times and bad. Here, we see that when it feels like God is absent, we must remember the truth.
Darryl Elledge · This week we are in Psalm 19. Written by King David, this Psalm is all about how God is revealed. We see this revelation through God's creation, God's word, and God's people. Through this Psalm, we see that God reveals Himself to us that we might have a relationship with Him.
Sam Cassese · Continuing his exposition of Psalm 119 from last summer, Pastor Sam Cassese walks us through verses 33-40, showing us the cry of the righteous: show me, shape me, shield me.
Ben Potloff · When King David penned Psalm 24, he was marveling at the beauty of God's power, God's requirements, and God's plan. As we read this now, thousands of years later, we are called to marvel at and respond to these attributes of our King.
Ben Potloff · This week we look at Psalm 1. This text addresses the way of the wicked versus the way of the righteous. Here, we see that where you look for direction will impact your life now and your destination forever.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to the close of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians of Ephesus. This letter ends where it began, with grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, we see that in Him we have grace and peace... so we love.
Ben Potloff · This week, we come to the Apostle Paul's instruction regarding the armor of God. Over and over, Paul teaches Christians to put on the different pieces of armor in order that they may "stand against the schemes of the devil." Here, we see that the gospel is our defense against the devil.
Ben Potloff · In our test this week, the Apostle Paul continues to instruct Christians how to live in light of our new life found in Christ. After teaching on marriage and the call for husbands and wives to model the gospel, Paul now turns to children and parents as well as servants and masters. This text teaches us that Christ is the Lord of offspring and offices.
Ben Potloff · In our text this week, the Apostle Paul continues to instruct Christians on how they are to live, in light of the fact that Christ has made them alive. In this text, we see that to walk wisely in the Lord’s will, we need to be Spirit-filled.
Ben Potloff · In our text this week, the Apostle Paul continues to condemn sin and teach on the ways Christians are to live. Paul explains that although we were once children of darkness, we are now called to live as children of the light. In this text, we learn that in this dark world, we are called to live as light.
Ben Potloff · This week the Apostle Paul continues to call Christians to put off the old self and put on this new. However, in this text, Paul does this by giving specific, practical examples of how Christians are to live in light of the gospel. This week we see that we listen to the Spirit so that we live like the Father and love like the Son.
Ben Potloff · This week, our text brings us to the Apostle Paul teaching the Christians in Ephesus about the new life they have in Christ. Paul also directs them in how they should live their lives in light of this new life. He calls them to cast off their old sinful selves and put on their new selves. Here, we see that we live new lives because Christ gives us new minds.
Ben Potloff · The Apostle Paul continues to teach and edify the Christians of the church in Ephesus. Paul's teaching in this text centers on Christ's work to build His Church. Through various gifts and people, Jesus is building up His Church in unity, in maturity, and in Christ-likeness. In this section of Ephesians 4, we learn that Jesus grows His Church by gifting His church.
Gavin Hesse · This week we come to a turning point in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. X created unity so maintain it. As Paul instructs the Church at Ephesus in how they should conduct themselves, he calls them to unity in how they identify, in how they live together, and in what they believe.
Ben Potloff · He is risen! This week, our text brings us to the Apostle Paul explaining a mysterious gospel truth. Jesus has destroyed the power of death. Christians do not need to fear death, because we are no longer slaves to sin. Paul declares that we can't beat death, but death couldn't beat Jesus.
Ben Potloff · This week brings us to another prayer from the Apostle Paul. He writes to his readers, focusing on the power and work of the Triune God, in order that his readers would grow in spiritual maturity and strength. Through this prayer, we see that spiritual strength for a God-glorifying life comes from spiritual sight of the ever-loving Christ.
Nathan Noorlun · This week, we come to Ephesians 3. In this section we see Paul informing his readers of the mystery of the gospel, that Gentiles are coheirs along with Jews in Christ. Paul explains to the readers that God’s plan is realized in Christ and revealed in the gospel.
Ben Potloff · This week, our text looks at unity between Jew and Gentile Christians. Paul calls on these Gentile Christians to remember that they were once far off and strangers to God, but through Jesus now equal with the Jews. We see that we used to be hopeless strangers, but in Christ we have a peace-making savior.
Ben Potloff · This week, we move into the next chapter of Ephesians. In Ephesians 2:1-10, we continue to see Paul explain our sinful condition, God's intention to bring his elect back to himself, and how God executes his plan of salvation and redemption. Paul continues his letter declaring that God gives life in Christ to those that are dead in sin.
Ben Potloff · This week, we see a prayer of thanksgiving from the Apostle Paul. Paul selflessly prays for the spiritual needs of the Christians reading the letter. Reading this grateful prayer, Paul's exhortation to his fellow Christians, we pray, "Lord, open our eyes."
Ben Potloff · This week our focus turns from God the Father and God the Son (Eph. 1:1-12) and turns to God the Holy Spirit. In Him, we have our salvation secured and our future inheritance guaranteed. In this text, we see Paul declaring that in Christ, our hope is sure because the Spirit in us is secure.
Ben Potloff · As Paul gets into the meat of his letter to the Ephesians, we are given both the gospel story and the proper response to that story. This anthem of praise not only speaks of God's praiseworthiness, it also tells us who we are because of his great work... and our response? Praise!