St. Andrew United Methodist Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
St. Andrew United Methodist Church
Paul’s journeys are arduous and complicated, as evidenced when he arrives in Jerusalem. There he is met with persecution, in which he is presented before the Sanhedrin to be tried; and he is ultimately arrested. Throughout
it all, Paul’s dedication to the Way, the Gospel of Christ, is grounded in his experience of his conversion which he takes the time to present in speech before crowds of people. It is his very testimony and recalling this conversion that initiates this persecution upon himself. We are to look at Paul and his trial, arrest, and release from prison as an example of what clinging tightly to the Gospel is worth – with God on our side, we never go about the work of the Way alone.
Paul’s journeys are arduous and complicated, as evidenced when he arrives in Jerusalem. There he is met with persecution, in which he is presented before the Sanhedrin to be tried; and he is ultimately arrested. Throughout
it all, Paul’s dedication to the Way, the Gospel of Christ, is grounded in his experience of his conversion which he takes the time to present in speech before crowds of people. It is his very testimony and recalling this conversion that initiates this persecution upon himself. We are to look at Paul and his trial, arrest, and release from prison as an example of what clinging tightly to the Gospel is worth – with God on our side, we never go about the work of the Way alone.
It is easy to miss the transition from Paul’s 2nd journey to his 3rd in Acts 18 (verses 22 & 23). During the course
of this 3rd journey (map), Paul writes several letters to Christian communities he founded, including the house churches in Corinth, where a plethora of issues and problems have arisen. Not surprisingly Paul begins the letter we know as 1 Corinthians with a call for unity (1:10-17). It will not be the last time Paul urges unity in this long letter. Further, Paul also urges the Corinthians to remember that the cross reveals God’s power and wisdom, set against the views of the world. This is, in part, why it is so hard for us to remain united and lift up the enduring truths of God’s work set forth in the pages of Scripture. The Gospel is profoundly counter-cultural; it is the world turned upside-down.
It is easy to miss the transition from Paul’s 2nd journey to his 3rd in Acts 18 (verses 22 & 23). During the course
of this 3rd journey (map), Paul writes several letters to Christian communities he founded, including the house churches in Corinth, where a plethora of issues and problems have arisen. Not surprisingly Paul begins the letter we know as 1 Corinthians with a call for unity (1:10-17). It will not be the last time Paul urges unity in this long letter. Further, Paul also urges the Corinthians to remember that the cross reveals God’s power and wisdom, set against the views of the world. This is, in part, why it is so hard for us to remain united and lift up the enduring truths of God’s work set forth in the pages of Scripture. The Gospel is profoundly counter-cultural; it is the world turned upside-down.
It is easy to miss the transition from Paul’s 2nd journey to his 3rd in Acts 18 (verses 22 & 23). During the course
of this 3rd journey (map), Paul writes several letters to Christian communities he founded, including the house churches in Corinth, where a plethora of issues and problems have arisen. Not surprisingly Paul begins the letter we know as 1 Corinthians with a call for unity (1:10-17). It will not be the last time Paul urges unity in this long letter. Further, Paul also urges the Corinthians to remember that the cross reveals God’s power and wisdom, set against the views of the world. This is, in part, why it is so hard for us to remain united and lift up the enduring truths of God’s work set forth in the pages of Scripture. The Gospel is profoundly counter-cultural; it is the world turned upside-down.
We return to Paul’s second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of
the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.
We return to Paul’s second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of
the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.
We return to Paul’s second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of
the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.
We return to Paul’s second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of
the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.
Paul was not only the founder of many Christian communities, he continued to be their “senior pastor,” writing back to them and even visiting some on later trips. One such community is Thessalonica, where there had been trouble with some of the Jews in the city who had rejected Paul’s message. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are early letters (AD 50/51) written not long after Paul’s first visit. 1 Thessalonians opens with a lengthy thanksgiving (1:2-10) for the faithful disciples, who had become imitators of Paul and Jesus. Paul commends them to all of Achaia (the Greek mainland south of Macedonia), for their faith has become known everywhere (1:8). May the same be true of us! 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 is one of many calls from Paul for the believers to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” Paul had passed on to them (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Paul was not only the founder of many Christian communities, he continued to be their “senior pastor,” writing back to them and even visiting some on later trips. One such community is Thessalonica, where there had been trouble with some of the Jews in the city who had rejected Paul’s message. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are early letters (AD 50/51) written not long after Paul’s first visit. 1 Thessalonians opens with a lengthy thanksgiving (1:2-10) for the faithful disciples, who had become imitators of Paul and Jesus. Paul commends them to all of Achaia (the Greek mainland south of Macedonia), for their faith has become known everywhere (1:8). May the same be true of us! 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 is one of many calls from Paul for the believers to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” Paul had passed on to them (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Paul was not only the founder of many Christian communities, he continued to be their “senior pastor,” writing back to them and even visiting some on later trips. One such community is Thessalonica, where there had been trouble with some of the Jews in the city who had rejected Paul’s message. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are early letters (AD 50/51) written not long after Paul’s first visit. 1 Thessalonians opens with a lengthy thanksgiving (1:2-10) for the faithful disciples, who had become imitators of Paul and Jesus. Paul commends them to all of Achaia (the Greek mainland south of Macedonia), for their faith has become known everywhere (1:8). May the same be true of us! 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 is one of many calls from Paul for the believers to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” Paul had passed on to them (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Paul’s 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul’s most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.
Paul’s 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul’s most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.
Paul’s 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul’s most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.
Paul’s 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul’s most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.
Galatians is perhaps the earliest of Paul’s letters in the NT. Written to Christian communities in central Asia Minor, between his first and second missionary journeys. The letter reveals that these churches have significant problems, even falling prey to those spreading a pseudo-Gospel. Paul writes with a strong edge – for what could matter more than this spreading of the Good News. Not surprisingly, Paul’s touches on the three themes in this series, as will most of this letter: stay true to the authentic Gospel, remain unified as the reborn people of God, and grow in Christ-likeness, i.e., in the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us all.
Galatians is perhaps the earliest of Paul’s letters in the NT. Written to Christian communities in central Asia Minor, between his first and second missionary journeys. The letter reveals that these churches have significant problems, even falling prey to those spreading a pseudo-Gospel. Paul writes with a strong edge – for what could matter more than this spreading of the Good News. Not surprisingly, Paul’s touches on the three themes in this series, as will most of this letter: stay true to the authentic Gospel, remain unified as the reborn people of God, and grow in Christ-likeness, i.e., in the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us all.
Galatians is perhaps the earliest of Paul’s letters in the NT. Written to Christian communities in central Asia Minor, between his first and second missionary journeys. The letter reveals that these churches have significant problems, even falling prey to those spreading a pseudo-Gospel. Paul writes with a strong edge – for what could matter more than this spreading of the Good News. Not surprisingly, Paul’s touches on the three themes in this series, as will most of this letter: stay true to the authentic Gospel, remain unified as the reborn people of God, and grow in Christ-likeness, i.e., in the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us all.
Emerging from fifteen years being readied to be the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul and his traveling companion, Barnabas, make a trip into Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Luke lets us listen on Paul the preacher as he speaks first to a gathering of Jews and God-fearers. Paul begins with the story of the Exodus and brings it forward to Jesus, through whom everyone is set free from sin, a righteousness that could not be obtained through the Law
of Moses (13:39).
Emerging from fifteen years being readied to be the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul and his traveling companion, Barnabas, make a trip into Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Luke lets us listen on Paul the preacher as he speaks first to a gathering of Jews and God-fearers. Paul begins with the story of the Exodus and brings it forward to Jesus, through whom everyone is set free from sin, a righteousness that could not be obtained through the Law
of Moses (13:39).
What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus’ earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.
What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus’ earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.
What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus’ earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.
What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus’ earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.
Why do we worship a God who is “one in three and three in one?” The Trinity is the most crucial and yet one of the most confusing parts of our Christian doctrine. It is also easy to make the mistake of assuming the Trinity did not exist as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit until the New Testament. Yet we worship a God who is unchanging, and the Old Testament shows us that our Trinitarian God has been and will always be from the very first words of scripture.
Why do we worship a God who is “one in three and three in one?” The Trinity is the most crucial and yet one of the most confusing parts of our Christian doctrine. It is also easy to make the mistake of assuming the Trinity did not exist as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit until the New Testament. Yet we worship a God who is unchanging, and the Old Testament shows us that our Trinitarian God has been and will always be from the very first words of scripture.
The world gives us a very specific image of leadership, and yet scripture in the Old and New Testaments show us that God calls us to lead through service. Deborah was a non-anxious presence offering wisdom, Peter’s mother chose to serve in response to Christ’s healing, and the women at the tomb were prepared to serve before they were transformed into the first evangelists of Christ’s resurrection. The message of scripture is consistent: we are called to lead by service.
The world gives us a very specific image of leadership, and yet scripture in the Old and New Testaments show us that God calls us to lead through service. Deborah was a non-anxious presence offering wisdom, Peter’s mother chose to serve in response to Christ’s healing, and the women at the tomb were prepared to serve before they were transformed into the first evangelists of Christ’s resurrection. The message of scripture is consistent: we are called to lead by service.
The world gives us a very specific image of leadership, and yet scripture in the Old and New Testaments show us that God calls us to lead through service. Deborah was a non-anxious presence offering wisdom, Peter’s mother chose to serve in response to Christ’s healing, and the women at the tomb were prepared to serve before they were transformed into the first evangelists of Christ’s resurrection. The message of scripture is consistent: we are called to lead by service.
God fulfills God’s promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God’s behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God’s people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.
God fulfills God’s promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God’s behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God’s people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.
God fulfills God’s promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God’s behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God’s people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.
God fulfills God’s promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God’s behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God’s people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.
The threads tying the Old and New Testaments together matter deeply, not just for us but for the people who encountered Jesus face to face. Christ was sent here on a mission, and yet God chooses to always include humanity in the work of God’s Kingdom. Any Jewish person in the first century would recognize the weight and importance of John the Baptist’s words and actions. John was sent as the new Elijah to prepare the way for Christ, the new Moses (which we will learn about next week!).
The threads tying the Old and New Testaments together matter deeply, not just for us but for the people who encountered Jesus face to face. Christ was sent here on a mission, and yet God chooses to always include humanity in the work of God’s Kingdom. Any Jewish person in the first century would recognize the weight and importance of John the Baptist’s words and actions. John was sent as the new Elijah to prepare the way for Christ, the new Moses (which we will learn about next week!).
Just as we take communion for granted, we often forget that baptism is a ritual that connects us not only with the people of the New Testament and Christ himself, but with so many of those who came before us in the pages of the Old Testament. God has been inviting God’s people into a new life, putting our “whole trust in his grace,” from the beginning of creation, and we are called to be part of that holy covenant.
Just as we take communion for granted, we often forget that baptism is a ritual that connects us not only with the people of the New Testament and Christ himself, but with so many of those who came before us in the pages of the Old Testament. God has been inviting God’s people into a new life, putting our “whole trust in his grace,” from the beginning of creation, and we are called to be part of that holy covenant.
Even though communion is a sacrament we participate in every month, it can be easy to miss the deep connections from our communion table to the Passover meal and salvation of God’s people in Egypt. Just as they were freed from slavery and rescued into a new life of promise, we are “freed from slavery to sin and death,” and invited to recommit to the life of Christ.
Even though communion is a sacrament we participate in every month, it can be easy to miss the deep connections from our communion table to the Passover meal and salvation of God’s people in Egypt. Just as they were freed from slavery and rescued into a new life of promise, we are “freed from slavery to sin and death,” and invited to recommit to the life of Christ.
How do we put together the law of the Old Testament and the love of Christ’s message in the New Testament? This is one of the greatest challenges many face in their journey of reading scripture, and yet the law of the Old and New Testaments add up to the same thing: Love the Lord your God, love your neighbor as yourself.
How do we put together the law of the Old Testament and the love of Christ’s message in the New Testament? This is one of the greatest challenges many face in their journey of reading scripture, and yet the law of the Old and New Testaments add up to the same thing: Love the Lord your God, love your neighbor as yourself.
Acts 6. The New Heaven and the New Earth. God’s final work of the cosmos is done, and humanity lives in fully restored relationship with God and the rest of creation. This is where we’re headed. That ending is inevitable. In the meantime, while we’re still in Act 5, what is our responsibility towards moving us to that grand finale?
Heaven has a lot of descriptions, but what will it be really? It’s a feast; a banquet. There is no more hurting or pain, but instead there is love and community. Will we be there? Will everyone be there? What is necessary for us to get to experience Heaven? Like any finale for a series, there are a lot of questions to be answered. The one thing we can say with confidence is: It will all be set right. What started Good will end Good.
Acts 6. The New Heaven and the New Earth. God’s final work of the cosmos is done, and humanity lives in fully restored relationship with God and the rest of creation. This is where we’re headed. That ending is inevitable. In the meantime, while we’re still in Act 5, what is our responsibility towards moving us to that grand finale?
Heaven has a lot of descriptions, but what will it be really? It’s a feast; a banquet. There is no more hurting or pain, but instead there is love and community. Will we be there? Will everyone be there? What is necessary for us to get to experience Heaven? Like any finale for a series, there are a lot of questions to be answered. The one thing we can say with confidence is: It will all be set right. What started Good will end Good.
Last week, the church leaders came to an understanding on how the Christian way of life was applicable for both Jews and Gentiles. The timing was perfect because the church was rapidly expanding into different nations and regions. What the early church leaders quickly realized was the universal nature of Jesus’s message of grace and redemption. Paul began to plant church communities in different cities, appealing to the culture and language of that group. (e.g. When Paul was writing to a culture that venerated military service, he used military analogy and language.)
This same universality of the Church continues to exist today. The church is rapidly expanding in different countries such as those in Africa and Asia. Yet it is also growing in areas around the US. Every time we engage with other stories, backgrounds, and cultures, we have the opportunity to see God in a deeper and more meaningful way. Paul discusses God from several different perspectives in his Epistles, and as a result, the language used around God reflects the people he was writing to. None of this contradicts itself, and in every letter, we see a fuller picture of God.
Last week, the church leaders came to an understanding on how the Christian way of life was applicable for both Jews and Gentiles. The timing was perfect because the church was rapidly expanding into different nations and regions. What the early church leaders quickly realized was the universal nature of Jesus’s message of grace and redemption. Paul began to plant church communities in different cities, appealing to the culture and language of that group. (e.g. When Paul was writing to a culture that venerated military service, he used military analogy and language.)
This same universality of the Church continues to exist today. The church is rapidly expanding in different countries such as those in Africa and Asia. Yet it is also growing in areas around the US. Every time we engage with other stories, backgrounds, and cultures, we have the opportunity to see God in a deeper and more meaningful way. Paul discusses God from several different perspectives in his Epistles, and as a result, the language used around God reflects the people he was writing to. None of this contradicts itself, and in every letter, we see a fuller picture of God.
John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world.
Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?
John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world.
Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?
John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world.
Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?
John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world.
Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?
As the church moved to welcome in both Jew and Gentile, a natural division remained. This division spawned many questions as to what was expected of the Gentiles in order to claim their faith fully. The Jews had served as a fraternity or sorority of sorts, having passed down traditions and culture for generations. Their natural question was obviously, “Should these new members not do what we had to do?”
Gathering for a Council in Acts, Peter and Paul help lead a debate between whether new Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. While this was a specific question of tradition, how it was settled would set the precedent on how every debate about Christian practices would be settled. The church ultimately decided that circumcision was not necessary because the Gentiles were saved by grace through faith. It was also determined that there was specific things which are necessary in the faith, such as not worshipping other idols. To this day, we must see what are the things that we ought to do as a result of having faith, and what are the things which we can do but are not essential for our faith to flourish.
As the church moved to welcome in both Jew and Gentile, a natural division remained. This division spawned many questions as to what was expected of the Gentiles in order to claim their faith fully. The Jews had served as a fraternity or sorority of sorts, having passed down traditions and culture for generations. Their natural question was obviously, “Should these new members not do what we had to do?”
Gathering for a Council in Acts, Peter and Paul help lead a debate between whether new Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. While this was a specific question of tradition, how it was settled would set the precedent on how every debate about Christian practices would be settled. The church ultimately decided that circumcision was not necessary because the Gentiles were saved by grace through faith. It was also determined that there was specific things which are necessary in the faith, such as not worshipping other idols. To this day, we must see what are the things that we ought to do as a result of having faith, and what are the things which we can do but are not essential for our faith to flourish.
The early Christian church was a church of Jewish faithful. Jesus was Jewish; the disciples were Jewish; the listeners were Jewish. The question in front of them was if the good news of Jesus’s resurrection was available to people who didn’t look like them or have upbringings like them.
Last week we started hearing how Paul’s story is seen with the individual; with us. God uses us even with our imperfect pasts. This week we move from us to the people around us. In the story of Cornelius, we see the first Gentile convert he and his family to be servants of Jesus. Peter himself is initially skeptical that Cornelius can be a part of the faith. It takes a vision from God for him to see what the future kingdom will be, and the coming together of all different kinds of people to the Christian faith. The Church is going to grow and expand with more people over time. They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.
The early Christian church was a church of Jewish faithful. Jesus was Jewish; the disciples were Jewish; the listeners were Jewish. The question in front of them was if the good news of Jesus’s resurrection was available to people who didn’t look like them or have upbringings like them.
Last week we started hearing how Paul’s story is seen with the individual; with us. God uses us even with our imperfect pasts. This week we move from us to the people around us. In the story of Cornelius, we see the first Gentile convert he and his family to be servants of Jesus. Peter himself is initially skeptical that Cornelius can be a part of the faith. It takes a vision from God for him to see what the future kingdom will be, and the coming together of all different kinds of people to the Christian faith. The Church is going to grow and expand with more people over time. They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.
The church could not stay a church of just the original 11 disciples forever. They understood this, as they brought new disciples, and anointed the position of deacons, to help with the work. God would help this process of expansion as well by enlisting the help of a man named Saul who was an ardent persecutor of followers of The Way. God opened Saul’s eyes, ordained him to spread the Gospel message, and thus began one of the most significant ministries of the past 2000 years.
We think of Paul as this upstanding Christian leader, but in his time and life, he spent every day working to move beyond his former deeds. He was not trusted by the other Christian leaders, nor was trusted by other followers. Yet, he persevered, always setting his eyes on the grace of God, and allowed his new life to not erase his past but use it to preach God’s goodness. Our pasts are real, and they actually make our present lives in Christ that much more meaningful.
The church could not stay a church of just the original 11 disciples forever. They understood this, as they brought new disciples, and anointed the position of deacons, to help with the work. God would help this process of expansion as well by enlisting the help of a man named Saul who was an ardent persecutor of followers of The Way. God opened Saul’s eyes, ordained him to spread the Gospel message, and thus began one of the most significant ministries of the past 2000 years.
We think of Paul as this upstanding Christian leader, but in his time and life, he spent every day working to move beyond his former deeds. He was not trusted by the other Christian leaders, nor was trusted by other followers. Yet, he persevered, always setting his eyes on the grace of God, and allowed his new life to not erase his past but use it to preach God’s goodness. Our pasts are real, and they actually make our present lives in Christ that much more meaningful.
The church could not stay a church of just the original 11 disciples forever. They understood this, as they brought new disciples, and anointed the position of deacons, to help with the work. God would help this process of expansion as well by enlisting the help of a man named Saul who was an ardent persecutor of followers of The Way. God opened Saul’s eyes, ordained him to spread the Gospel message, and thus began one of the most significant ministries of the past 2000 years.
We think of Paul as this upstanding Christian leader, but in his time and life, he spent every day working to move beyond his former deeds. He was not trusted by the other Christian leaders, nor was trusted by other followers. Yet, he persevered, always setting his eyes on the grace of God, and allowed his new life to not erase his past but use it to preach God’s goodness. Our pasts are real, and they actually make our present lives in Christ that much more meaningful.
Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.
Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.
Last words matter deeply: the last words of a dying character in a movie, the last words we hear our loved ones say, the last words we imagine we will offer when our time has come. We spend this week contemplating the last words of Jesus, offered 2,000 years ago, and extending to be offered to us here and now. We might feel as unqualified and shame-filled as the disciples experiencing the first Easter, but God’s call to us is the same. Be disciples who make disciples. This is our true identity.
The most faithful disciple becomes the most disappointing. Peter denies Jesus three times in the midst of his trial and death on the cross. Yet three times on this shore Jesus tasks Peter to feed his sheep, to tend his flock, to love those whom Christ loves. Peter’s identity is transformed from failure to faithful once again, through the forgiveness and grace of God.
The most faithful disciple becomes the most disappointing. Peter denies Jesus three times in the midst of his trial and death on the cross. Yet three times on this shore Jesus tasks Peter to feed his sheep, to tend his flock, to love those whom Christ loves. Peter’s identity is transformed from failure to faithful once again, through the forgiveness and grace of God.
The most faithful disciple becomes the most disappointing. Peter denies Jesus three times in the midst of his trial and death on the cross. Yet three times on this shore Jesus tasks Peter to feed his sheep, to tend his flock, to love those whom Christ loves. Peter’s identity is transformed from failure to faithful once again, through the forgiveness and grace of God.
Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.
Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.
Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.
Can we imagine the silence of the disciples’ shame? The deep regret, worry, and shame permeating the hearts of every one of these disciples? The silent hours spent looking into an uncertain future? In the midst of these moments Jesus arrives and offers what Jesus has always given to humanity: healing, wholeness, and redemption.
On one of the darkest and most holy days of the year, we arrive at the cross with the disciples. Jon the St. Andrew church family as we honor the greatest sacrifice of love through thoughtful music, prayer, and messages.
Come together for a worship service of music and story as we journey with the disciples through Maundy Thursday. We will experience the events of the day as we listen to Jesus' closest friends and gather for Holy Communion before preparing our hearts for the arrival of Good Friday.
A millennium before, God had promised King David that one from his line, his house, would sit on the throne of Israel. And now, on the Sunday before Passover, Jesus lays claim to that throne for all to see, He wraps himself in every messianic symbol—the colt, the cloaks, escorted in through the Eastern Gate—all it. There was nothing hidden now. But there was more, for in riding into Jerusalem, YHWH had returned to Zion. For God’s people, there was to be no king but God.
A millennium before, God had promised King David that one from his line, his house, would sit on the throne of Israel. And now, on the Sunday before Passover, Jesus lays claim to that throne for all to see, He wraps himself in every messianic symbol—the colt, the cloaks, escorted in through the Eastern Gate—all it. There was nothing hidden now. But there was more, for in riding into Jerusalem, YHWH had returned to Zion. For God’s people, there was to be no king but God.
A millennium before, God had promised King David that one from his line, his house, would sit on the throne of Israel. And now, on the Sunday before Passover, Jesus lays claim to that throne for all to see, He wraps himself in every messianic symbol—the colt, the cloaks, escorted in through the Eastern Gate—all it. There was nothing hidden now. But there was more, for in riding into Jerusalem, YHWH had returned to Zion. For God’s people, there was to be no king but God.
And so it comes to this. It was always going to come to this. For God so loved the world that he was willing to give his only Son over to the darkness of this world, so that we could be saved through the Son’s faithfulness, all the way to death, even death on a cross. In a word . . . it was inevitable, ever since the rebellion of the humans against their Creator. So Jesus will lead a new Exodus, not from slavery to pharaoh, but slavery to sin and darkness. Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb at this freedom party. This meal, this last meal, would be shared by Jesus’ disciples the world over forever after.
And so it comes to this. It was always going to come to this. For God so loved the world that he was willing to give his only Son over to the darkness of this world, so that we could be saved through the Son’s faithfulness, all the way to death, even death on a cross. In a word . . . it was inevitable, ever since the rebellion of the humans against their Creator. So Jesus will lead a new Exodus, not from slavery to pharaoh, but slavery to sin and darkness. Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb at this freedom party. This meal, this last meal, would be shared by Jesus’ disciples the world over forever after.
And so it comes to this. It was always going to come to this. For God so loved the world that he was willing to give his only Son over to the darkness of this world, so that we could be saved through the Son’s faithfulness, all the way to death, even death on a cross. In a word . . . it was inevitable, ever since the rebellion of the humans against their Creator. So Jesus will lead a new Exodus, not from slavery to pharaoh, but slavery to sin and darkness. Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb at this freedom party. This meal, this last meal, would be shared by Jesus’ disciples the world over forever after.
Who is Jesus? What is his vocation? Important clues are revealed in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain top. There are a couple of keys. When we are told that Jesus was speaking with Elijah and Moses, they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” the Greek word is exodos, for Jesus is going to Jerusalem to create a new exodus. This will not be a flight from slavery to pharaoh but from slavery to sin. Jesus will be the lamb whose blood is shed for the sake of Israel and, hence, the world. The second key is to read on in Luke and see that all the gospel writers immediately tell of a sick boy whom the disciples cannot heal while waiting below. It is tempting to stay on the mountain top, but the world beckons. There is always God’s work to be done.
Who is Jesus? What is his vocation? Important clues are revealed in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain top. There are a couple of keys. When we are told that Jesus was speaking with Elijah and Moses, they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” the Greek word is exodos, for Jesus is going to Jerusalem to create a new exodus. This will not be a flight from slavery to pharaoh but from slavery to sin. Jesus will be the lamb whose blood is shed for the sake of Israel and, hence, the world. The second key is to read on in Luke and see that all the gospel writers immediately tell of a sick boy whom the disciples cannot heal while waiting below. It is tempting to stay on the mountain top, but the world beckons. There is always God’s work to be done.
Who is Jesus? What is his vocation? Important clues are revealed in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain top. There are a couple of keys. When we are told that Jesus was speaking with Elijah and Moses, they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” the Greek word is exodos, for Jesus is going to Jerusalem to create a new exodus. This will not be a flight from slavery to pharaoh but from slavery to sin. Jesus will be the lamb whose blood is shed for the sake of Israel and, hence, the world. The second key is to read on in Luke and see that all the gospel writers immediately tell of a sick boy whom the disciples cannot heal while waiting below. It is tempting to stay on the mountain top, but the world beckons. There is always God’s work to be done.
Who is Jesus? What is his vocation? Important clues are revealed in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain top. There are a couple of keys. When we are told that Jesus was speaking with Elijah and Moses, they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” the Greek word is exodos, for Jesus is going to Jerusalem to create a new exodus. This will not be a flight from slavery to pharaoh but from slavery to sin. Jesus will be the lamb whose blood is shed for the sake of Israel and, hence, the world. The second key is to read on in Luke and see that all the gospel writers immediately tell of a sick boy whom the disciples cannot heal while waiting below. It is tempting to stay on the mountain top, but the world beckons. There is always God’s work to be done.
Throughout his public ministry, Jesus has referred to himself as the Son of Man. What does he mean? As the final days and hours approach, this question becomes more urgent and the answer ever clearer. Jesus is the Son of Man from Daniel, the one who comes before the Ancient of Days and is given dominion over all of God’s creation.
Throughout his public ministry, Jesus has referred to himself as the Son of Man. What does he mean? As the final days and hours approach, this question becomes more urgent and the answer ever clearer. Jesus is the Son of Man from Daniel, the one who comes before the Ancient of Days and is given dominion over all of God’s creation.
As Jesus’ hour draws closer and closer, he begins to tell parables of a return with one over-arching question. No timetable. Just a question. Will Jesus’ disciples be ready?
As Jesus’ hour draws closer and closer, he begins to tell parables of a return with one over-arching question. No timetable. Just a question. Will Jesus’ disciples be ready?
The time has come. The hour does draw near. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and what awaits him there. His teachings turn a bit darker, with words of warning about what is to come. There is no time to waste, no other choice to be made than to embrace Jesus and his kingdom. And he gives his disciples the gift of a prayer, from Jesus’ own mouth.
The time has come. The hour does draw near. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and what awaits him there. His teachings turn a bit darker, with words of warning about what is to come. There is no time to waste, no other choice to be made than to embrace Jesus and his kingdom. And he gives his disciples the gift of a prayer, from Jesus’ own mouth.
Jesus is the central fixture of many bustling crowds moving together from location to location. This appears to be the status quo from which Jesus withdraws to quiet places alone for respite and prayer. Nevertheless, we are never told that Jesus discourages or dislikes the crowds, rather it seems that the witness of Jesus’ work is most evident within crowds! What must it have been like to sit at the feet of Jesus during his teachings, or witness a healing miracle? Who is this man, Jesus, that responds to the cries of the needy, or who welcomes children to his side? The crowds are one evidence of the reality that there is something different about Jesus, something worth following.
Jesus is the central fixture of many bustling crowds moving together from location to location. This appears to be the status quo from which Jesus withdraws to quiet places alone for respite and prayer. Nevertheless, we are never told that Jesus discourages or dislikes the crowds, rather it seems that the witness of Jesus’ work is most evident within crowds! What must it have been like to sit at the feet of Jesus during his teachings, or witness a healing miracle? Who is this man, Jesus, that responds to the cries of the needy, or who welcomes children to his side? The crowds are one evidence of the reality that there is something different about Jesus, something worth following.
Trust and faith are two sides of the same coin. A famous instance in the Gospel of Matthew demonstrates this by the Roman Centurion’s interaction with Jesus. For Gentiles and Jews, the tendency to embody the division of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ was just as tempting as we find it today. The Gentiles, people who religiously did not identify as Jewish by worshipping YHWH, populated different geographic regions than most Jews and both sides did not intermingle…on purpose anyway. Upon the arrival of Jesus’ teachings however, the Gospel message drastically flipped the present expectation upside down and new believers were formed.
Trust and faith are two sides of the same coin. A famous instance in the Gospel of Matthew demonstrates this by the Roman Centurion’s interaction with Jesus. For Gentiles and Jews, the tendency to embody the division of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ was just as tempting as we find it today. The Gentiles, people who religiously did not identify as Jewish by worshipping YHWH, populated different geographic regions than most Jews and both sides did not intermingle…on purpose anyway. Upon the arrival of Jesus’ teachings however, the Gospel message drastically flipped the present expectation upside down and new believers were formed.
Jesus is famously accredited with many healing accounts by radically restoring physical health to many. However, the accompanying quality of such healings is the radical expression of love that flows from Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus never qualifies the status, age, race, or ability of the person in need of healing – instead, he pursues the individual with intentionality and graciousness. Noticing others is a powerful gift… and offering grace and love to them without qualification is a direct emulation of Jesus.
Jesus is famously accredited with many healing accounts by radically restoring physical health to many. However, the accompanying quality of such healings is the radical expression of love that flows from Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus never qualifies the status, age, race, or ability of the person in need of healing – instead, he pursues the individual with intentionality and graciousness. Noticing others is a powerful gift… and offering grace and love to them without qualification is a direct emulation of Jesus.
It is no coincidence that the central peak of Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ is the prayer today commonly referred to as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Right before teaching his followers the specific verbiage of this prayer, Jesus insists that we must not pray to be ‘seen’. So often, our human tendencies implore us to do certain things in order to be seen. What could this mean that Jesus outlines a way of prayer that is counter-cultural? The Lord’s Prayer is one more way that we are bound to Christ, for we share the same words and hopes that Jesus himself spoke. Prayer does just that – it is the tie that binds.
It is no coincidence that the central peak of Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ is the prayer today commonly referred to as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Right before teaching his followers the specific verbiage of this prayer, Jesus insists that we must not pray to be ‘seen’. So often, our human tendencies implore us to do certain things in order to be seen. What could this mean that Jesus outlines a way of prayer that is counter-cultural? The Lord’s Prayer is one more way that we are bound to Christ, for we share the same words and hopes that Jesus himself spoke. Prayer does just that – it is the tie that binds.
“A beatitude simply means a statement of divine blessing; but the most famous Beatitudes are found spoken by Jesus at the onset of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Have you ever noticed that each of the nine blessings of Jesus’ Beatitudes are hinged on traits that are opposite of what the world says is valuable today? These Beatitudes demonstrate the reality of God’s expansive graciousness, and the motivation to continue pursuing the Way of the Lord in the face of a chaotic world.”
Just because Jesus was followed by many, does not mean he was accepted by all. In a return to his hometown of Nazareth as an adult, Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue quoting the scroll of Isaiah. While many were amazed, the murmuring of his childhood acquaintances begin whispering comments of judgement and skepticism. Can’t you hear them wondering…“Who does Jesus think he is? He cannot possibly be THE Messiah! We saw him as an infant, he is one of us!”. As our lives progress, we grow. Where might we notice such growth in those around us… in encouraging and naming the indwelling of the Spirit of the Lord in others.
Just because Jesus was followed by many, does not mean he was accepted by all. In a return to his hometown of Nazareth as an adult, Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue quoting the scroll of Isaiah. While many were amazed, the murmuring of his childhood acquaintances begin whispering comments of judgement and skepticism. Can’t you hear them wondering…“Who does Jesus think he is? He cannot possibly be THE Messiah! We saw him as an infant, he is one of us!”. As our lives progress, we grow. Where might we notice such growth in those around us… in encouraging and naming the indwelling of the Spirit of the Lord in others.
Just because Jesus was followed by many, does not mean he was accepted by all. In a return to his hometown of Nazareth as an adult, Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue quoting the scroll of Isaiah. While many were amazed, the murmuring of his childhood acquaintances begin whispering comments of judgement and skepticism. Can’t you hear them wondering…“Who does Jesus think he is? He cannot possibly be THE Messiah! We saw him as an infant, he is one of us!”. As our lives progress, we grow. Where might we notice such growth in those around us… in encouraging and naming the indwelling of the Spirit of the Lord in others.
What does it mean to be called and who exactly is called? In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus makes it clear that he desires for Andrew, Simon, John and James to follow him in discipleship. In fact, it says that ‘without delay’ he called them. Not only do they obey, but without hesitation. Today we are constantly being advertised things, movements, or persons to follow… how do we know which to follow, or where they might lead? Using scripture as our guidepost, we see that Jesus is a reliable source of trust. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the One who is worthy of our worship and discipleship.
What does it mean to be called and who exactly is called? In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus makes it clear that he desires for Andrew, Simon, John and James to follow him in discipleship. In fact, it says that ‘without delay’ he called them. Not only do they obey, but without hesitation. Today we are constantly being advertised things, movements, or persons to follow… how do we know which to follow, or where they might lead? Using scripture as our guidepost, we see that Jesus is a reliable source of trust. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the One who is worthy of our worship and discipleship.
Much like the highway road signs that alert you to what is coming, John the Baptist provides a significant introduction to the ministry of Jesus. In the Gospels, John the Baptist is the first recorded baptizer using water as he stands on the Jordan River. However, he is clear that “after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.” What kind of humility and conviction did that take for John the Baptist to point toward the Messiah he knew was to come? Even before baptizing Jesus, John knew that the significance of the Holy Spirit was more glorious than anyone could expect.
Much like the highway road signs that alert you to what is coming, John the Baptist provides a significant introduction to the ministry of Jesus. In the Gospels, John the Baptist is the first recorded baptizer using water as he stands on the Jordan River. However, he is clear that “after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.” What kind of humility and conviction did that take for John the Baptist to point toward the Messiah he knew was to come? Even before baptizing Jesus, John knew that the significance of the Holy Spirit was more glorious than anyone could expect.
Much like the highway road signs that alert you to what is coming, John the Baptist provides a significant introduction to the ministry of Jesus. In the Gospels, John the Baptist is the first recorded baptizer using water as he stands on the Jordan River. However, he is clear that “after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.” What kind of humility and conviction did that take for John the Baptist to point toward the Messiah he knew was to come? Even before baptizing Jesus, John knew that the significance of the Holy Spirit was more glorious than anyone could expect.
These events prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Join us online and in-person for beautiful worship that will conclude with the traditional passing of the light and singing Silent Night together.
These events prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Join us online and in-person for beautiful worship that will conclude with the traditional passing of the light and singing Silent Night together.
These events prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Join us online and in-person for beautiful worship that will conclude with the traditional passing of the light and singing Silent Night together.
A connection can be drawn from the prophet Isaiah directly to the words of hope proclaimed by these angels. After centuries of unfulfilled hope that has stubbornly survived exile, suffering, separation, and heartbreak, God’s people are about to receive hope incarnate. We hold our collective breath and dare to believe that our hopes are about to become a reality . . .
A connection can be drawn from the prophet Isaiah directly to the words of hope proclaimed by these angels. After centuries of unfulfilled hope that has stubbornly survived exile, suffering, separation, and heartbreak, God’s people are about to receive hope incarnate. We hold our collective breath and dare to believe that our hopes are about to become a reality . . .
The book of Isaiah spans hundreds of years of Israel’s history, and not of all of those years were happy. Even in the darkest times, Isaiah challenges God’s people not only to worship in God’s hope, but to live in God’s hope. Worship is simply rehearsal for every other part of our lives. This is not an arrogant hope that places us above others, but a loving hope that is centered in God’s grace for the least of these.
The book of Isaiah spans hundreds of years of Israel’s history, and not of all of those years were happy. Even in the darkest times, Isaiah challenges God’s people not only to worship in God’s hope, but to live in God’s hope. Worship is simply rehearsal for every other part of our lives. This is not an arrogant hope that places us above others, but a loving hope that is centered in God’s grace for the least of these.
“You will be my people, and I will be your God.” The book of Jeremiah was written for survivors of war and exile, people who had no reason for hope after the pain they endured. Yet in one of the most powerful visions of the Old Testament, Ezekiel witnesses a valley of dry, lifeless bones coming to life. In the hope of God, things that were dead are resurrected. In the hope of God, the impossible becomes more than possible: it is the very foundation of our faith.
“You will be my people, and I will be your God.” The book of Jeremiah was written for survivors of war and exile, people who had no reason for hope after the pain they endured. Yet in one of the most powerful visions of the Old Testament, Ezekiel witnesses a valley of dry, lifeless bones coming to life. In the hope of God, things that were dead are resurrected. In the hope of God, the impossible becomes more than possible: it is the very foundation of our faith.
“You will be my people, and I will be your God.” The book of Jeremiah was written for survivors of war and exile, people who had no reason for hope after the pain they endured. Yet in one of the most powerful visions of the Old Testament, Ezekiel witnesses a valley of dry, lifeless bones coming to life. In the hope of God, things that were dead are resurrected. In the hope of God, the impossible becomes more than possible: it is the very foundation of our faith.
Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of a people returning: returning from exile, brokenness, and pain. This is the story of a people returning to their land, their homes, and their God. In the rebuilding of the temple, the hope for restoration are realized. In the reshaping of Judah’s worship, the hope of relationship with God is known in a new way. Even so, God’s presence will be made even more real with the coming Messiah.
Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of a people returning: returning from exile, brokenness, and pain. This is the story of a people returning to their land, their homes, and their God. In the rebuilding of the temple, the hope for restoration are realized. In the reshaping of Judah’s worship, the hope of relationship with God is known in a new way. Even so, God’s presence will be made even more real with the coming Messiah.
Destruction came. The land of Israel was destroyed. The people of God spent 80 years in exile. In the midst of this tragedy, we do not despair. We believe these truths of exile:
- God can redeem anything. Even the destruction of the Temple can be restored, and so can your life.
- Moments of exile are clarifying. Much of our Old testament was compiled in these years. The crisis of exile compelled people to reflect on the failures of the past and choose a different future. Exile creates opportunities.
- Leaders emerge who can both thrive in exile and be faithful. Daniel, Shadrach, Mechach, Abendego, and others were able to be faithful to God and live holy lives. They did not let the exile pass them by without inviting God to redeem it.
Are we in an exile as modern Christians in 2021? There is temptation to complain about the decline of the church or a world that is hostile to our faith. Daniel pushes us to ask a different question: “How do we thrive in the midst of exile?” The people of God were still called to serve, live, and lead in exile. If Daniel could lead his people in such a crisis, surely we can lead today.
Destruction came. The land of Israel was destroyed. The people of God spent 80 years in exile. In the midst of this tragedy, we do not despair. We believe these truths of exile:
- God can redeem anything. Even the destruction of the Temple can be restored, and so can your life.
- Moments of exile are clarifying. Much of our Old testament was compiled in these years. The crisis of exile compelled people to reflect on the failures of the past and choose a different future. Exile creates opportunities.
- Leaders emerge who can both thrive in exile and be faithful. Daniel, Shadrach, Mechach, Abendego, and others were able to be faithful to God and live holy lives. They did not let the exile pass them by without inviting God to redeem it.
Are we in an exile as modern Christians in 2021? There is temptation to complain about the decline of the church or a world that is hostile to our faith. Daniel pushes us to ask a different question: “How do we thrive in the midst of exile?” The people of God were still called to serve, live, and lead in exile. If Daniel could lead his people in such a crisis, surely we can lead today.
Destruction came. The land of Israel was destroyed. The people of God spent 80 years in exile. In the midst of this tragedy, we do not despair. We believe these truths of exile:
- God can redeem anything. Even the destruction of the Temple can be restored, and so can your life.
- Moments of exile are clarifying. Much of our Old testament was compiled in these years. The crisis of exile compelled people to reflect on the failures of the past and choose a different future. Exile creates opportunities.
- Leaders emerge who can both thrive in exile and be faithful. Daniel, Shadrach, Mechach, Abendego, and others were able to be faithful to God and live holy lives. They did not let the exile pass them by without inviting God to redeem it.
Are we in an exile as modern Christians in 2021? There is temptation to complain about the decline of the church or a world that is hostile to our faith. Daniel pushes us to ask a different question: “How do we thrive in the midst of exile?” The people of God were still called to serve, live, and lead in exile. If Daniel could lead his people in such a crisis, surely we can lead today.
God did not want us to have kings but why? Because people entrusted with unchecked power will inevitably lead to sin and brokenness. Even Saul, who was anointed by God, failed. David, the man after God’s own heart, failed with murder and sexual conquest. Solomon’s children led to the destruction of the kingship and the splitting of the kingdom of Israel. God did not want a king, but the Israelites insisted and destruction followed.
The story of scripture not only shows us what is possible with God, but also what is possible if we rely on ourselves alone: broken cycle after broken cycle. Two phrases stand out after the bold stories of Saul, David, and Solomon:
- They did what was evil in the eyes of God
- They did what was right in their own eyes
Power corrupts. None of us are immune. The instruction of scripture is clear: create accountability that stretches beyond human capacity and invites the presence of God.
God did not want us to have kings but why? Because people entrusted with unchecked power will inevitably lead to sin and brokenness. Even Saul, who was anointed by God, failed. David, the man after God’s own heart, failed with murder and sexual conquest. Solomon’s children led to the destruction of the kingship and the splitting of the kingdom of Israel. God did not want a king, but the Israelites insisted and destruction followed.
The story of scripture not only shows us what is possible with God, but also what is possible if we rely on ourselves alone: broken cycle after broken cycle. Two phrases stand out after the bold stories of Saul, David, and Solomon:
- They did what was evil in the eyes of God
- They did what was right in their own eyes
Power corrupts. None of us are immune. The instruction of scripture is clear: create accountability that stretches beyond human capacity and invites the presence of God.
God did not want us to have kings but why? Because people entrusted with unchecked power will inevitably lead to sin and brokenness. Even Saul, who was anointed by God, failed. David, the man after God’s own heart, failed with murder and sexual conquest. Solomon’s children led to the destruction of the kingship and the splitting of the kingdom of Israel. God did not want a king, but the Israelites insisted and destruction followed.
The story of scripture not only shows us what is possible with God, but also what is possible if we rely on ourselves alone: broken cycle after broken cycle. Two phrases stand out after the bold stories of Saul, David, and Solomon:
- They did what was evil in the eyes of God
- They did what was right in their own eyes
Power corrupts. None of us are immune. The instruction of scripture is clear: create accountability that stretches beyond human capacity and invites the presence of God.
The law is a gift. It is not a burden, but a gift!
Consider the rules that we place on children: they are an absolute gift to them! Kids don’t always see it that way, but rules are generally designed to keep kids safe, happy, and healthy. For example, most parents teach their children to stay away from the stove, no matter how much fun it might be to play with. Children might not like it, but this rule helps keep them safe.
The Israelites were given a lot of rules. And likewise, they are a gift. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah in Hebrew, which translates to “Law” in English. This worship series invites us to reframe everything that we have thought about the Law. it was designed and intended as a gift.
Too often, we see rules as constraining instead of freeing, but we all need rules in order to live a good life. Our best life is not the one without constraints, but where we live with the proper constraints. The same thing is true for families, businesses, friendships, and more. We live by unspoken laws, but laws nonetheless. As followers of Christ, leading people requires us first to be led by the law of God.
The law is a gift. It is not a burden, but a gift!
Consider the rules that we place on children: they are an absolute gift to them! Kids don’t always see it that way, but rules are generally designed to keep kids safe, happy, and healthy. For example, most parents teach their children to stay away from the stove, no matter how much fun it might be to play with. Children might not like it, but this rule helps keep them safe.
The Israelites were given a lot of rules. And likewise, they are a gift. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah in Hebrew, which translates to “Law” in English. This worship series invites us to reframe everything that we have thought about the Law. it was designed and intended as a gift.
Too often, we see rules as constraining instead of freeing, but we all need rules in order to live a good life. Our best life is not the one without constraints, but where we live with the proper constraints. The same thing is true for families, businesses, friendships, and more. We live by unspoken laws, but laws nonetheless. As followers of Christ, leading people requires us first to be led by the law of God.
The law is a gift. It is not a burden, but a gift!
Consider the rules that we place on children: they are an absolute gift to them! Kids don’t always see it that way, but rules are generally designed to keep kids safe, happy, and healthy. For example, most parents teach their children to stay away from the stove, no matter how much fun it might be to play with. Children might not like it, but this rule helps keep them safe.
The Israelites were given a lot of rules. And likewise, they are a gift. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah in Hebrew, which translates to “Law” in English. This worship series invites us to reframe everything that we have thought about the Law. it was designed and intended as a gift.
Too often, we see rules as constraining instead of freeing, but we all need rules in order to live a good life. Our best life is not the one without constraints, but where we live with the proper constraints. The same thing is true for families, businesses, friendships, and more. We live by unspoken laws, but laws nonetheless. As followers of Christ, leading people requires us first to be led by the law of God.
After leading his people out of Egypt, God takes them to Mt. Sinai, where God and the Israelites enter into a covenant. God tells them how to align their society and their lives with God’s moral will (the Law) and also tells them how to build a suitable dwelling place for God to be near his people. Sadly, even in the midst of this covenant-making, the people rebel against God, making a golden idol and worshipping it. You might think God would abandon this project, but no, that would not be God, who is relentless and undeterred in his love. God reveals himself to be merciful and gracious, boundless in steadfast love. So God occupies the tabernacle constructed by the people and they press on to the Promised Land.
After leading his people out of Egypt, God takes them to Mt. Sinai, where God and the Israelites enter into a covenant. God tells them how to align their society and their lives with God’s moral will (the Law) and also tells them how to build a suitable dwelling place for God to be near his people. Sadly, even in the midst of this covenant-making, the people rebel against God, making a golden idol and worshipping it. You might think God would abandon this project, but no, that would not be God, who is relentless and undeterred in his love. God reveals himself to be merciful and gracious, boundless in steadfast love. So God occupies the tabernacle constructed by the people and they press on to the Promised Land.
Enslaved for a couple of centuries, God’s people, the family of Abraham, have nearly lost hope, but then God raises up Moses and through him, God confronts Pharaoh, forcing the release of the Hebrews in a massive exodus across the Red Sea, with YHWH leading them at every step. This is THE salvation event of the Hebrew Scriptures, remembered and reflected upon in the many centuries to come. Their God has rescued them and is bringing them back to Canaan, the land promised Abraham centuries before. This is God’s work, for, indeed, God is in motion!
Enslaved for a couple of centuries, God’s people, the family of Abraham, have nearly lost hope, but then God raises up Moses and through him, God confronts Pharaoh, forcing the release of the Hebrews in a massive exodus across the Red Sea, with YHWH leading them at every step. This is THE salvation event of the Hebrew Scriptures, remembered and reflected upon in the many centuries to come. Their God has rescued them and is bringing them back to Canaan, the land promised Abraham centuries before. This is God’s work, for, indeed, God is in motion!
The family grows as Jacob has twelve sons and some daughters beside, by two wives and two servants. The sons will grow to be the patriarchs of the twelve tribes that will constitute the people called Israel. One son, Joseph, is the first-born of the woman Jacob truly loved, Rachel. Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt but God can find good purpose even in this. When the land promised of Canaan succumbs to drought and famine, the family of the promise survive because of God’s hand in Joseph’s work with the Pharaoh. They will end up enslaved, but God will come to their rescue again . . . and again.
The family grows as Jacob has twelve sons and some daughters beside, by two wives and two servants. The sons will grow to be the patriarchs of the twelve tribes that will constitute the people called Israel. One son, Joseph, is the first-born of the woman Jacob truly loved, Rachel. Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt but God can find good purpose even in this. When the land promised of Canaan succumbs to drought and famine, the family of the promise survive because of God’s hand in Joseph’s work with the Pharaoh. They will end up enslaved, but God will come to their rescue again . . . and again.
The family grows as Jacob has twelve sons and some daughters beside, by two wives and two servants. The sons will grow to be the patriarchs of the twelve tribes that will constitute the people called Israel. One son, Joseph, is the first-born of the woman Jacob truly loved, Rachel. Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt but God can find good purpose even in this. When the land promised of Canaan succumbs to drought and famine, the family of the promise survive because of God’s hand in Joseph’s work with the Pharaoh. They will end up enslaved, but God will come to their rescue again . . . and again.
And so, we learn God’s next step in God’s rescuing of humanity and God’s creation. God chooses one elderly married couple, Abraham and Sarah, through whom the project will go forward. An odd choice it seems, until we see Abraham’s faith in action. This family will be ones through whom “all the families of the earth” will be blessed. They are, like us, fragile people who don’t always make good choices. But they have been chosen for this and so their family, to be more numerous than the stars, is begun. Abraham & Sarah to Isaac & Rebekah and then to Jacob . . . and Rachel. Through them the line of the promise is traced.
And so, we learn God’s next step in God’s rescuing of humanity and God’s creation. God chooses one elderly married couple, Abraham and Sarah, through whom the project will go forward. An odd choice it seems, until we see Abraham’s faith in action. This family will be ones through whom “all the families of the earth” will be blessed. They are, like us, fragile people who don’t always make good choices. But they have been chosen for this and so their family, to be more numerous than the stars, is begun. Abraham & Sarah to Isaac & Rebekah and then to Jacob . . . and Rachel. Through them the line of the promise is traced.
And so, we learn God’s next step in God’s rescuing of humanity and God’s creation. God chooses one elderly married couple, Abraham and Sarah, through whom the project will go forward. An odd choice it seems, until we see Abraham’s faith in action. This family will be ones through whom “all the families of the earth” will be blessed. They are, like us, fragile people who don’t always make good choices. But they have been chosen for this and so their family, to be more numerous than the stars, is begun. Abraham & Sarah to Isaac & Rebekah and then to Jacob . . . and Rachel. Through them the line of the promise is traced.
And so, we learn God’s next step in God’s rescuing of humanity and God’s creation. God chooses one elderly married couple, Abraham and Sarah, through whom the project will go forward. An odd choice it seems, until we see Abraham’s faith in action. This family will be ones through whom “all the families of the earth” will be blessed. They are, like us, fragile people who don’t always make good choices. But they have been chosen for this and so their family, to be more numerous than the stars, is begun. Abraham & Sarah to Isaac & Rebekah and then to Jacob . . . and Rachel. Through them the line of the promise is traced.
Tragically, darkness falls across God’s good creation as the humans choose to rebel against their creator, doing the one thing God told them not to do. In that decision, they are separated from the One who loves them and each other. They are cast out of the garden and will not eat from the Tree of Life, for death will now be theirs. No sooner do they leave and start a family, then one son murders the other. This is what their rebellion against God has wrought. Soon, it is evil, evil, evil everywhere, from morning thru the night. God tries a new start with Noah and his family, but again, the humans set their own course, building a tower to the heavens.
Tragically, darkness falls across God’s good creation as the humans choose to rebel against their creator, doing the one thing God told them not to do. In that decision, they are separated from the One who loves them and each other. They are cast out of the garden and will not eat from the Tree of Life, for death will now be theirs. No sooner do they leave and start a family, then one son murders the other. This is what their rebellion against God has wrought. Soon, it is evil, evil, evil everywhere, from morning thru the night. God tries a new start with Noah and his family, but again, the humans set their own course, building a tower to the heavens.
God creates everything there is and pronounces it good. He creates humans in his image and gives them responsibility over the earth and all its creatures. Indeed, God forms a man from the dust of the earth and breathes life into the man. Then because the man needs a companion, a helper, God fashions a woman from the man and gives them both a beautiful garden in which to live, to work, to raise a family, and to love.
God creates everything there is and pronounces it good. He creates humans in his image and gives them responsibility over the earth and all its creatures. Indeed, God forms a man from the dust of the earth and breathes life into the man. Then because the man needs a companion, a helper, God fashions a woman from the man and gives them both a beautiful garden in which to live, to work, to raise a family, and to love.
God creates everything there is and pronounces it good. He creates humans in his image and gives them responsibility over the earth and all its creatures. Indeed, God forms a man from the dust of the earth and breathes life into the man. Then because the man needs a companion, a helper, God fashions a woman from the man and gives them both a beautiful garden in which to live, to work, to raise a family, and to love.
The difficulty in life is that too often we know what ought to be done and we don’t choose to do it. We have segmented the human experience into life stages that fool us into thinking we have plenty of time.We choose other things that are outside of our purpose. We choose things that shrink our souls. The problem is this lifetime is not a practice; we are on earth to live on mission. We are designed to work this world and to “bear fruit.” What fruit have you borne recently? What things have you done? No matter what stage in life, you are called to build and leave a solid legacy.
The difficulty in life is that too often we know what ought to be done and we don’t choose to do it. We have segmented the human experience into life stages that fool us into thinking we have plenty of time.We choose other things that are outside of our purpose. We choose things that shrink our souls. The problem is this lifetime is not a practice; we are on earth to live on mission. We are designed to work this world and to “bear fruit.” What fruit have you borne recently? What things have you done? No matter what stage in life, you are called to build and leave a solid legacy.
Two truths: God wants good for you. You are not an accident. This means that God has an inten-tional purpose for your life. Secular organizations like to talk about purpose and meaning and values, but our true purpose, meaning, and value is only derived from the one that created the world and each of us. This week, we ask the question, “What is my purpose?” and explore together how we can ask God to reveal the answer so we might live into that purpose fully.
Two truths: God wants good for you. You are not an accident. This means that God has an inten-tional purpose for your life. Secular organizations like to talk about purpose and meaning and values, but our true purpose, meaning, and value is only derived from the one that created the world and each of us. This week, we ask the question, “What is my purpose?” and explore together how we can ask God to reveal the answer so we might live into that purpose fully.
Truth feels rare these days. This is not actually a new reality. As we read in the Gospels we see Jesus dealt with this problem too. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his disciples to simply say yes or no, not bound by others expectation, but going further in love and grace. Unlike Pilate, who gives us an example of aban-doning the truth in the face of political and cultural pressures, we are called to solid living.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Living a life for Jesus is the most true way to live because it is aligned with the creator and creation. Living in truth frees you to be more you.
Truth feels rare these days. This is not actually a new reality. As we read in the Gospels we see Jesus dealt with this problem too. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his disciples to simply say yes or no, not bound by others expectation, but going further in love and grace. Unlike Pilate, who gives us an example of aban-doning the truth in the face of political and cultural pressures, we are called to solid living.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Living a life for Jesus is the most true way to live because it is aligned with the creator and creation. Living in truth frees you to be more you.
What does it mean for our friendships, marriages, and families that we are souls? The truth is that every relationship is eternal. Your eternal soul is wrapped up in how you navigate your coworker, your father-in-law, your best friend, and your child. The question to help us understand this reality: Is your trajectory in these eternal relationships one that is one of anger or reconciliation? Christ calls us to reconciliation in all things. We are called to a heavenly trajectory.
What does it mean for our friendships, marriages, and families that we are souls? The truth is that every relationship is eternal. Your eternal soul is wrapped up in how you navigate your coworker, your father-in-law, your best friend, and your child. The question to help us understand this reality: Is your trajectory in these eternal relationships one that is one of anger or reconciliation? Christ calls us to reconciliation in all things. We are called to a heavenly trajectory.
People misunderstand heaven and hell as simply places where we go when we die. We do not understand that we can experience heaven here and now. Or we can experience hell here and now. It is each soul, each of us, who can make that choice right now. And why do things that feel like small choices matter? Because small sins compound, transforming our very reality into a living hell. The good news of Christ is we can make another choice: Repent and believe in the Gospel!
People misunderstand heaven and hell as simply places where we go when we die. We do not understand that we can experience heaven here and now. Or we can experience hell here and now. It is each soul, each of us, who can make that choice right now. And why do things that feel like small choices matter? Because small sins compound, transforming our very reality into a living hell. The good news of Christ is we can make another choice: Repent and believe in the Gospel!
You are a soul. Scripture helps us understand that we are more than mere flesh and blood. We have spirit and body which means we are souls. We are eternal. That single revelation should change how we think about every decision we make. When we realize all of our life’s choices, pettiness, and strife are sitting before the throne of God, who do we want to be? Every single one of us is a soul and each of us has a choice: will we live lives with shriveled or thriving souls?
You are a soul. Scripture helps us understand that we are more than mere flesh and blood. We have spirit and body which means we are souls. We are eternal. That single revelation should change how we think about every decision we make. When we realize all of our life’s choices, pettiness, and strife are sitting before the throne of God, who do we want to be? Every single one of us is a soul and each of us has a choice: will we live lives with shriveled or thriving souls?
Who are we? All Christians are disciples, but who are we uniquely gifted to be as the people of St. Andrew? This week, we return to our roots to remind ourselves that we are the evangelists, the disciples who reach out, the ones who are unafraid to share an invitation with everyone we meet to encounter the true Messiah.
Who are we? All Christians are disciples, but who are we uniquely gifted to be as the people of St. Andrew? This week, we return to our roots to remind ourselves that we are the evangelists, the disciples who reach out, the ones who are unafraid to share an invitation with everyone we meet to encounter the true Messiah.
We are called to servanthood, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked. Simply put, we are called to do, not merely to hear. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus’ last parable is the judgment of the nations, the all-important question of “How well did we do?” One disciple who responded to God’s grace with faithful action was Mother Teresa, who, in 1950, founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation that has over 4,500 nuns and was active in 133 countries in 2012. Her dedication to serving the poor is a model of faithful leadership, embodying the truth that we all are called to bring God’s mercy and abundance to others.
We are called to servanthood, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked. Simply put, we are called to do, not merely to hear. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus’ last parable is the judgment of the nations, the all-important question of “How well did we do?” One disciple who responded to God’s grace with faithful action was Mother Teresa, who, in 1950, founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation that has over 4,500 nuns and was active in 133 countries in 2012. Her dedication to serving the poor is a model of faithful leadership, embodying the truth that we all are called to bring God’s mercy and abundance to others.
As the decades passed, the Christian movement found itself increasingly under threat from the Roman Empire. Though Empire-wide persecution would not come for a couple of centuries, even in those early years Christians lost their lives for nothing more than their allegiance to Jesus. Polycarp, the Bishop in Smyrna, was one of them. He had been a student of John the Apostle, and the story of his death is told in the aptly named Martyrdom of Polycarp. As we venture beyond the pages of scripture and into stories of the early church, is crucial for us to know and remember that Christians, to this day, are martyred for their faith in Jesus. How are we blessed by their loyalty to God?
As the decades passed, the Christian movement found itself increasingly under threat from the Roman Empire. Though Empire-wide persecution would not come for a couple of centuries, even in those early years Christians lost their lives for nothing more than their allegiance to Jesus. Polycarp, the Bishop in Smyrna, was one of them. He had been a student of John the Apostle, and the story of his death is told in the aptly named Martyrdom of Polycarp. As we venture beyond the pages of scripture and into stories of the early church, is crucial for us to know and remember that Christians, to this day, are martyred for their faith in Jesus. How are we blessed by their loyalty to God?
So many names! As we come to Romans 16 it is so tempting to skip the first sixteen verses of this chapter. What are we to do with these strange names? So many people we have never heard of! But we cannot skip a single one. There is hardly a better place in the NT to grasp the energy, diversity, and dedication of the first-century Christians than Romans 16. Women, men, Gentiles, Jews, families, a woman apostle, and more! We might not know a lot about all these people, but we know more than we might think at first. Without them and others like them, we would not be Christians now.
So many names! As we come to Romans 16 it is so tempting to skip the first sixteen verses of this chapter. What are we to do with these strange names? So many people we have never heard of! But we cannot skip a single one. There is hardly a better place in the NT to grasp the energy, diversity, and dedication of the first-century Christians than Romans 16. Women, men, Gentiles, Jews, families, a woman apostle, and more! We might not know a lot about all these people, but we know more than we might think at first. Without them and others like them, we would not be Christians now.
So many names! As we come to Romans 16 it is so tempting to skip the first sixteen verses of this chapter. What are we to do with these strange names? So many people we have never heard of! But we cannot skip a single one. There is hardly a better place in the NT to grasp the energy, diversity, and dedication of the first-century Christians than Romans 16. Women, men, Gentiles, Jews, families, a woman apostle, and more! We might not know a lot about all these people, but we know more than we might think at first. Without them and others like them, we would not be Christians now.
As we continue to learn about the large network of disciples, we will discover Prisca (Priscilla is a nickname) and her husband, Aquila, are the ones who correct Apollos’s errors about baptism. This is how God has created the church to be: we all strive to pull in the same direction, helping one another as needed. As we read their story, pay attention to the little details about Prisca and Aquila, their roles in the work of God’s Kingdom, and the unique ways they participated in the early church. As Paul would put it, diverse gifts, many members, one Lord.
As we continue to learn about the large network of disciples, we will discover Prisca (Priscilla is a nickname) and her husband, Aquila, are the ones who correct Apollos’s errors about baptism. This is how God has created the church to be: we all strive to pull in the same direction, helping one another as needed. As we read their story, pay attention to the little details about Prisca and Aquila, their roles in the work of God’s Kingdom, and the unique ways they participated in the early church. As Paul would put it, diverse gifts, many members, one Lord.
As we continue to learn about the large network of disciples, we will discover Prisca (Priscilla is a nickname) and her husband, Aquila, are the ones who correct Apollos’s errors about baptism. This is how God has created the church to be: we all strive to pull in the same direction, helping one another as needed. As we read their story, pay attention to the little details about Prisca and Aquila, their roles in the work of God’s Kingdom, and the unique ways they participated in the early church. As Paul would put it, diverse gifts, many members, one Lord.
Who is Apollos? He gets a lot of space in the New Testament for a man few Christians have thought about. Apollos was an evangelist who traveled preaching the Good News of Jesus. He didn’t have everything right, but he was a worker in the field. As we read Paul’s words, he is teaching us the value of Apollos work in the midst of mistakes we can still fall into as modern Christians. Apollos might not be perfect, but God takes imperfect offerings and transforms them into worthy gifts of grace.
Who is Apollos? He gets a lot of space in the New Testament for a man few Christians have thought about. Apollos was an evangelist who traveled preaching the Good News of Jesus. He didn’t have everything right, but he was a worker in the field. As we read Paul’s words, he is teaching us the value of Apollos work in the midst of mistakes we can still fall into as modern Christians. Apollos might not be perfect, but God takes imperfect offerings and transforms them into worthy gifts of grace.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the work of the Kingdom is focused on the apostles (the Twelve). Soon after it quickly broadens, as the apostles find that they must delegate and others are invited into the work that must be done. As we read the names of Christians from ages past, we are called to realize their participation in the work of God. When Luke writes decades later, the community has remembered the names. Each of us matters.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the work of the Kingdom is focused on the apostles (the Twelve). Soon after it quickly broadens, as the apostles find that they must delegate and others are invited into the work that must be done. As we read the names of Christians from ages past, we are called to realize their participation in the work of God. When Luke writes decades later, the community has remembered the names. Each of us matters.
Jesus sends seventy out in pairs. Even in the early days, the “Jesus movement” is large, with an evangelistic zeal. Jesus is putting a lot of people to work in his proclamation of the kingdom’s arrival, and he sends them in partnerships to carry the Gospel message. Kingdom work is to be done with others; isolation is not our way.
Jesus sends seventy out in pairs. Even in the early days, the “Jesus movement” is large, with an evangelistic zeal. Jesus is putting a lot of people to work in his proclamation of the kingdom’s arrival, and he sends them in partnerships to carry the Gospel message. Kingdom work is to be done with others; isolation is not our way.
So many Marys. Let’s take time to get to know Mary Magdalene, understanding her role as part of Jesus’ ministry, working and traveling alongside the Twelve. As we confront falsehoods about her life, we will read John’s story of Mary in the Garden, revealing her essential work in the Christian movement.
So many Marys. Let’s take time to get to know Mary Magdalene, understanding her role as part of Jesus’ ministry, working and traveling alongside the Twelve. As we confront falsehoods about her life, we will read John’s story of Mary in the Garden, revealing her essential work in the Christian movement.
Living in the light isn’t always easy! The “spiritual forces of wickedness” are always seeking to pull us back into the darkness. So we must strap on the armor God has given us: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. God does not abandon us to our own devices as we struggle to lead lives worthy of our calling.
Living in the light isn’t always easy! The “spiritual forces of wickedness” are always seeking to pull us back into the darkness. So we must strap on the armor God has given us: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. God does not abandon us to our own devices as we struggle to lead lives worthy of our calling.
What does it mean to live as the people into which God has made us? We are to live in the light, being filled with the Holy Spirit, giving thanks to God at all times. Paul’s teachings for these Christian households can be summed up in a single word -- mutuality, “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ” (5:21).
What does it mean to live as the people into which God has made us? We are to live in the light, being filled with the Holy Spirit, giving thanks to God at all times. Paul’s teachings for these Christian households can be summed up in a single word -- mutuality, “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ” (5:21).
Paul directly challenges all believers: “I therefore . . . beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” And to what life are we called? To lives of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:2-4). We have exchanged our old lives for new lives, renewed by the spirit of our minds (4:23).
Paul directly challenges all believers: “I therefore . . . beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” And to what life are we called? To lives of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:2-4). We have exchanged our old lives for new lives, renewed by the spirit of our minds (4:23).
All those who have faith in Christ have been reborn into one body, where there is no place and no meaning for the “otherisms” of this world. Jesus has brought us together in peace, breaking down walls, creating one new humanity. We who are Christ’s have been reborn into a new human race, reconciled in one body.
All those who have faith in Christ have been reborn into one body, where there is no place and no meaning for the “otherisms” of this world. Jesus has brought us together in peace, breaking down walls, creating one new humanity. We who are Christ’s have been reborn into a new human race, reconciled in one body.
By God’s work, we have redemption through Jesus’ faithful sacrifice, a solution to the dilemma of sin which no one foresaw. This is purely, 100%, God’s grace at work and, thus, none of us can boast about belonging to God. God has rescued us so that we can be Christ’s hands and feet in this time. Indeed, we are what God has made us.
By God’s work, we have redemption through Jesus’ faithful sacrifice, a solution to the dilemma of sin which no one foresaw. This is purely, 100%, God’s grace at work and, thus, none of us can boast about belonging to God. God has rescued us so that we can be Christ’s hands and feet in this time. Indeed, we are what God has made us.
There was a great rift between us and God, that has now been healed, for we have been seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Nonetheless, we still struggle against the darkness of sin within ourselves and in the structures of sin in our society. Acknowledging this essential truth is foundational to grasping all that God has done for us and in us.
There was a great rift between us and God, that has now been healed, for we have been seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Nonetheless, we still struggle against the darkness of sin within ourselves and in the structures of sin in our society. Acknowledging this essential truth is foundational to grasping all that God has done for us and in us.
Paul’s proof is comprehensive. He details the widespread testimony of hundreds who witnessed the resurrection. The transformation of Christianity from a couple dozen despairing followers to a movement that overtook the entire empire is because this wasn’t the belief of one prophet, but the consistent declaration of hundreds of people that was verifiable in Paul’s day. Paul goes a step further to describe what that means for us: we too will be resurrected.
Paul’s proof is comprehensive. He details the widespread testimony of hundreds who witnessed the resurrection. The transformation of Christianity from a couple dozen despairing followers to a movement that overtook the entire empire is because this wasn’t the belief of one prophet, but the consistent declaration of hundreds of people that was verifiable in Paul’s day. Paul goes a step further to describe what that means for us: we too will be resurrected.
Thomas’ proof details the nature of the resurrection and the reasonability of the early disciples. Thomas wasn’t crazy. He knew that this was unlikely, almost impossible. He demanded proof. We are not in the position to demand the same sort of proof, so this week we are asking: Can we trust Thomas?
Thomas’ proof details the nature of the resurrection and the reasonability of the early disciples. Thomas wasn’t crazy. He knew that this was unlikely, almost impossible. He demanded proof. We are not in the position to demand the same sort of proof, so this week we are asking: Can we trust Thomas?
Peter’s proof is his own life and the transformation from denier to believer. He went from rejecting his connection to Jesus to being willing to die for Jesus. What accounts for such a dramatic change? Was he crazy? Delusional? Or did he witness the miraculous?
Peter’s proof is his own life and the transformation from denier to believer. He went from rejecting his connection to Jesus to being willing to die for Jesus. What accounts for such a dramatic change? Was he crazy? Delusional? Or did he witness the miraculous?
“If they were silent, the stones would shout.” We have spent our journey of Lent discovering that even tiny, mundane moments can become holy in the grace of God. Yet today we arrive at one of the most significant and most dramatic moments of Jesus’s life to discover that God can sanctify the big, momentous, and sometimes overwhelming events we must also experience. As the palms wave, God incarnate arrives to take his rightful place, making every moment holy.
“If they were silent, the stones would shout.” We have spent our journey of Lent discovering that even tiny, mundane moments can become holy in the grace of God. Yet today we arrive at one of the most significant and most dramatic moments of Jesus’s life to discover that God can sanctify the big, momentous, and sometimes overwhelming events we must also experience. As the palms wave, God incarnate arrives to take his rightful place, making every moment holy.
The worst parts of ourselves are often hidden away from anyone but us in our daily thoughts, yet the truth of an omnipresent God is that God is present in every moment of our lives, including those we don’t share with anyone else. It is tempting to turn to self-help in order to take control of our minds, yet the true transformation we seek can only come from God, the one who can make even our worst moments holy.
The worst parts of ourselves are often hidden away from anyone but us in our daily thoughts, yet the truth of an omnipresent God is that God is present in every moment of our lives, including those we don’t share with anyone else. It is tempting to turn to self-help in order to take control of our minds, yet the true transformation we seek can only come from God, the one who can make even our worst moments holy.
There is nothing more commonplace than a meal. Humans must eat and drink to survive, and we must do this daily. Yet an ordinary meal can become a miraculous event if the right guest is invited. It is not in the food we eat, but in who we invite to the table that makes a meal a holy encounter.
There is nothing more commonplace than a meal. Humans must eat and drink to survive, and we must do this daily. Yet an ordinary meal can become a miraculous event if the right guest is invited. It is not in the food we eat, but in who we invite to the table that makes a meal a holy encounter.
One of the most difficult places to be holy is in the daily grind of life: the traffic, the Legos on the floor, the dirty dishes, and with the people who see you, truly as you are. We are called to be holy in the little moments with the ones who love us fully, which means they also see fully the good and the bad. We have visions of what holy moments should look like, and yet holy moments can happen in the most broken times, in our humanity, by God’s grace, and as a result we can love fully.
One of the most difficult places to be holy is in the daily grind of life: the traffic, the Legos on the floor, the dirty dishes, and with the people who see you, truly as you are. We are called to be holy in the little moments with the ones who love us fully, which means they also see fully the good and the bad. We have visions of what holy moments should look like, and yet holy moments can happen in the most broken times, in our humanity, by God’s grace, and as a result we can love fully.
One of the places we least expect to encounter God is in our daily moments of routine. We brush our teeth, drink our morning coffee, move through our day of work and play, and in the monotony we assume God is absent. Yet God is aware of our every move, choosing to offer grace even in the most mundane tasks of our lives. If we choose to open our eyes and hearts, even our routines can become meaningful encounters with the divine.
One of the places we least expect to encounter God is in our daily moments of routine. We brush our teeth, drink our morning coffee, move through our day of work and play, and in the monotony we assume God is absent. Yet God is aware of our every move, choosing to offer grace even in the most mundane tasks of our lives. If we choose to open our eyes and hearts, even our routines can become meaningful encounters with the divine.
It is easy to read the miraculous stories of scripture and think, “Where are my big moments of God?” Yet we read in the story of Elijah that we worship a God who breaks expectations. We expect God to be big, grand, and dramatic, but we learn that one of the greatest prophets tuned in to God’s signal by looking past the distractions and settling into the silence.
It is easy to read the miraculous stories of scripture and think, “Where are my big moments of God?” Yet we read in the story of Elijah that we worship a God who breaks expectations. We expect God to be big, grand, and dramatic, but we learn that one of the greatest prophets tuned in to God’s signal by looking past the distractions and settling into the silence.
How often do we choose debate and philosophy over relationship and reality? Not our broken reality, but the reality Christ has spread before us, just waiting for us to take a bite and enjoy. The Kingdom is more than a possibility, it is a gift here and now, offered to us by the One who made true reconciliation and hope possible.
How often do we choose debate and philosophy over relationship and reality? Not our broken reality, but the reality Christ has spread before us, just waiting for us to take a bite and enjoy. The Kingdom is more than a possibility, it is a gift here and now, offered to us by the One who made true reconciliation and hope possible.
We ask Jesus to heal us of the brokenness of our world, but sometimes we create barriers that stop us short from experiencing God’s fullest healing. We see dimly, we miss the point of Christ’s teachings, we give up too quickly. What if we invested our time and energy into living out the transformation Jesus has already accomplished for us?
We ask Jesus to heal us of the brokenness of our world, but sometimes we create barriers that stop us short from experiencing God’s fullest healing. We see dimly, we miss the point of Christ’s teachings, we give up too quickly. What if we invested our time and energy into living out the transformation Jesus has already accomplished for us?
Even with shared ancestors, we can find ways to separate, to build walls and hide behind cultural differences. It is so tempting to move away instead of reaching out, and yet we miss out on the fullness of a life in Christ when we choose hatred over love. Our baptism vows ask us if we accept the freedom and power God gives us to transform the world. Why do we choose to turn away from that essential promise instead of taking part in the work of the Holy Spirit?
Even with shared ancestors, we can find ways to separate, to build walls and hide behind cultural differences. It is so tempting to move away instead of reaching out, and yet we miss out on the fullness of a life in Christ when we choose hatred over love. Our baptism vows ask us if we accept the freedom and power God gives us to transform the world. Why do we choose to turn away from that essential promise instead of taking part in the work of the Holy Spirit?
What do we assume about the people we encounter? When we walk into a new space with new people, do we truly see them with the eyes of Christ? Would we even know what that could look like? In this week’s scripture, the example of Phillip will teach us what is truly possible when we see others as Christ calls us to: people who are already beloved, already our brothers and sisters.
What do we assume about the people we encounter? When we walk into a new space with new people, do we truly see them with the eyes of Christ? Would we even know what that could look like? In this week’s scripture, the example of Phillip will teach us what is truly possible when we see others as Christ calls us to: people who are already beloved, already our brothers and sisters.
To live into the truth that we are already one in Christ requires daily decisions. Daily sacrifices that often go against what our culture teaches us result in a life of Christ-like relationships. The world tells us people are not worth our time and commitment, yet in the story of Ruth we find two women who choose each other against all odds, over and over again, and become the epitome of faithful, Christ-like friendship.
To live into the truth that we are already one in Christ requires daily decisions. Daily sacrifices that often go against what our culture teaches us result in a life of Christ-like relationships. The world tells us people are not worth our time and commitment, yet in the story of Ruth we find two women who choose each other against all odds, over and over again, and become the epitome of faithful, Christ-like friendship.
In these familiar words from Galatians, we have the chance to listen in on an ancient dispute between the most renowned apostles of Jesus, Peter and Paul. The question presents itself over and over in scripture: Who is welcomed and who is excluded? Every generation of the church has faced this question, and Paul gives the ultimate answer in Galatians 3. All other tribes must fall away as we become one in Christ.
In these familiar words from Galatians, we have the chance to listen in on an ancient dispute between the most renowned apostles of Jesus, Peter and Paul. The question presents itself over and over in scripture: Who is welcomed and who is excluded? Every generation of the church has faced this question, and Paul gives the ultimate answer in Galatians 3. All other tribes must fall away as we become one in Christ.
The shepherds, apart from Mary and Joseph, have the best seats in the house to witness the arrival of Christ. How incredible must it have been to witness Christmas like they did! The truth is, this is the scriptural legacy we are invited to follow in our own lives. is We are called to be witnesses to Christmas and to then tell the story.
The shepherds, apart from Mary and Joseph, have the best seats in the house to witness the arrival of Christ. How incredible must it have been to witness Christmas like they did! The truth is, this is the scriptural legacy we are invited to follow in our own lives. is We are called to be witnesses to Christmas and to then tell the story.
In the experience of the wise men, we witness what the rest of the world could have done in response to Christ’s arrival. They didn’t know the stories or the promises of the Old Testament, and yet they could still receive the incredible grace of God with us, in the flesh. Here is the good news of Christmas: it is the message to the whole world that everything is gonna be all right.
In the experience of the wise men, we witness what the rest of the world could have done in response to Christ’s arrival. They didn’t know the stories or the promises of the Old Testament, and yet they could still receive the incredible grace of God with us, in the flesh. Here is the good news of Christmas: it is the message to the whole world that everything is gonna be all right.
Zechariah and Elizabeth know the promise of the Old Testament as deeply as any childhood bedtime story. Yet when God’s promise was revealed to them in a very personal way, they each responded differently. They knew the promise of God, that everything is gonna be all right, yet it took a real-life experience of God’s presence for them to take hold of it for themselves.
Zechariah and Elizabeth know the promise of the Old Testament as deeply as any childhood bedtime story. Yet when God’s promise was revealed to them in a very personal way, they each responded differently. They knew the promise of God, that everything is gonna be all right, yet it took a real-life experience of God’s presence for them to take hold of it for themselves.
The angels knew Jesus from the moment they were created, before there was an earth. They exist outside of time and space and yet they entered into our experience to say “Do not be afraid,” because they know that everything is gonna be all right.
The angels knew Jesus from the moment they were created, before there was an earth. They exist outside of time and space and yet they entered into our experience to say “Do not be afraid,” because they know that everything is gonna be all right.
What hope do we have knowing that every epic story requires tension? We have hope that Jesus knows anxiety and fear as deeply as any human being can. In our scripture reading today, Jesus shows us the path we should follow, leaning into tension with steadfast faith, for the sake of God’s Bigger Story.
What hope do we have knowing that every epic story requires tension? We have hope that Jesus knows anxiety and fear as deeply as any human being can. In our scripture reading today, Jesus shows us the path we should follow, leaning into tension with steadfast faith, for the sake of God’s Bigger Story.
Spies come in the middle of the night on a secret mission, and who do they meet on their journey? Rahab has a choice to make: receive these strangers or raise the alarm. In this week’s scripture we find a brave woman who leads God’s people to a new future.
Spies come in the middle of the night on a secret mission, and who do they meet on their journey? Rahab has a choice to make: receive these strangers or raise the alarm. In this week’s scripture we find a brave woman who leads God’s people to a new future.
Two friends are given the task of exploring as the Hebrews search for the home God is calling them to. They return after their mission scared and overwhelmed by what they saw. How will their people react to this cowardly report? What will their leaders do?
Two friends are given the task of exploring as the Hebrews search for the home God is calling them to. They return after their mission scared and overwhelmed by what they saw. How will their people react to this cowardly report? What will their leaders do?
In one of the most dramatic scenes of the Bible, we are left to wonder how Joseph will receive the brothers who betrayed him. Secret identities, family drama, and natural disasters lead to this week’s story of reconciliation.
In one of the most dramatic scenes of the Bible, we are left to wonder how Joseph will receive the brothers who betrayed him. Secret identities, family drama, and natural disasters lead to this week’s story of reconciliation.
How do you know God? After thirty-nine chapters of Moses and the people learning to know the God of their ancestors, the Tabernacle is built. God chooses to take up permanent residence with the Israelites, guiding them on their journey. In the same way, God chooses to live within the church and our hearts, if we simply make room for the presence of the Holy Spirit.
How do you know God? After thirty-nine chapters of Moses and the people learning to know the God of their ancestors, the Tabernacle is built. God chooses to take up permanent residence with the Israelites, guiding them on their journey. In the same way, God chooses to live within the church and our hearts, if we simply make room for the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The people of God forget. This is a constant tale we read in scripture: God is faithful, offering salvation, and God’s people are forgetful, looking for salvation in the wrong places. Yet Moses has come to know God, and because of that he has real, true conversation with Yahweh, resulting in forgiveness and renewal of the covenant. Can we have the same honest conversations with the Almighty?
The people of God forget. This is a constant tale we read in scripture: God is faithful, offering salvation, and God’s people are forgetful, looking for salvation in the wrong places. Yet Moses has come to know God, and because of that he has real, true conversation with Yahweh, resulting in forgiveness and renewal of the covenant. Can we have the same honest conversations with the Almighty?
We worship a God who saves, creates, and rests. Moses has worked for so long to bring God’s people into freedom and new life, and finally they seem to have arrived. What does Moses learn about God now? God rests. It seems we forget this aspect of God in our busy lives, and yet the call to Sabbath, to know God even in rest and renewal, is expected of us too.
We worship a God who saves, creates, and rests. Moses has worked for so long to bring God’s people into freedom and new life, and finally they seem to have arrived. What does Moses learn about God now? God rests. It seems we forget this aspect of God in our busy lives, and yet the call to Sabbath, to know God even in rest and renewal, is expected of us too.
“…You shall be for me a priestly Kingdom and a holy nation.” In these words, God created a nation, a family, the people of God. In the chapters that follow this powerful proclamation, we witness God’s creativity in giving Israel the way of life that would form them into the people God hoped they would be. God’s creation is an on-going act, stretching from Genesis, to the birth of Israel, to our lives today.
“…You shall be for me a priestly Kingdom and a holy nation.” In these words, God created a nation, a family, the people of God. In the chapters that follow this powerful proclamation, we witness God’s creativity in giving Israel the way of life that would form them into the people God hoped they would be. God’s creation is an on-going act, stretching from Genesis, to the birth of Israel, to our lives today.
“Is the LORD among us or not?” For many of us, this question is uncomfortably familiar after a year that has not gone as any of us expected. After witnessing the faithful rescue of God, this rag-tag group of travelers still isn’t sure of this God they are just beginning to know. Yet God’s gracious response to their doubts and to ours, is to answer their deepest needs.
“Is the LORD among us or not?” For many of us, this question is uncomfortably familiar after a year that has not gone as any of us expected. After witnessing the faithful rescue of God, this rag-tag group of travelers still isn’t sure of this God they are just beginning to know. Yet God’s gracious response to their doubts and to ours, is to answer their deepest needs.
“Is the LORD among us or not?” For many of us, this question is uncomfortably familiar after a year that has not gone as any of us expected. After witnessing the faithful rescue of God, this rag-tag group of travelers still isn’t sure of this God they are just beginning to know. Yet God’s gracious response to their doubts and to ours, is to answer their deepest needs.
What does salvation sound like? Moses comes to realize God’s faithfulness after a round-about rescue through the Red Sea. In these verses we hear the words of someone who has experienced God’s salvation against impossible odds, and we witness Moses knowing God as more than a burning bush, but as salvation itself.
What does salvation sound like? Moses comes to realize God’s faithfulness after a round-about rescue through the Red Sea. In these verses we hear the words of someone who has experienced God’s salvation against impossible odds, and we witness Moses knowing God as more than a burning bush, but as salvation itself.
Many of us know the story of Moses accepting God’s call at the burning bush. Yet as he and Aaron began to live out God’s call, things seemed to get worse instead of better. Just as Moses is beginning to discover who God is, things go horribly wrong and Moses blames God for it all. Even as he expresses his anger in the wrong place, God’s patient love pushes Moses to continue fulfilling his call to help free the Hebrews.
Many of us know the story of Moses accepting God’s call at the burning bush. Yet as he and Aaron began to live out God’s call, things seemed to get worse instead of better. Just as Moses is beginning to discover who God is, things go horribly wrong and Moses blames God for it all. Even as he expresses his anger in the wrong place, God’s patient love pushes Moses to continue fulfilling his call to help free the Hebrews.
So many of us wait for the things we’ve dreamed of, for the things we want most. Some of us never see those dreams realized. One of the most renowned leaders of the Bible saw his dream with his own eyes, but Moses died before he could experience it. What does it mean for us when our prayers are unanswered? What do we do when we never get what we want?
So many of us wait for the things we’ve dreamed of, for the things we want most. Some of us never see those dreams realized. One of the most renowned leaders of the Bible saw his dream with his own eyes, but Moses died before he could experience it. What does it mean for us when our prayers are unanswered? What do we do when we never get what we want?
The beauty of the church is the many diverse people who make up the Body of Christ. We know that with diversity comes complexity, and the same was true for the first Christians. In the midst of a debate, some learned they wanted the wrong things for this fledgling family of God.
The beauty of the church is the many diverse people who make up the Body of Christ. We know that with diversity comes complexity, and the same was true for the first Christians. In the midst of a debate, some learned they wanted the wrong things for this fledgling family of God.
Envy is named as one of the seven deadly sins, and for good reason. We often become our worst selves when we watch someone else get what we want. As we read the story of Leah and her sister Rachel this week, we discover this is not a new problem. How can we learn to be faithful when we watch someone else taking what should have been ours?
Envy is named as one of the seven deadly sins, and for good reason. We often become our worst selves when we watch someone else get what we want. As we read the story of Leah and her sister Rachel this week, we discover this is not a new problem. How can we learn to be faithful when we watch someone else taking what should have been ours?
The arrival of a Messiah was not a surprise to any of the faithful Jews of Jesus’s day. Instead, these people who had hoped and prayed for the Christ were shocked to find a savior who did things differently. Peter wanted a Messiah who would cleanse the Temple and kick out pagan oppressors. Instead, Jesus showed mercy to all through unimaginable sacrifice.
The arrival of a Messiah was not a surprise to any of the faithful Jews of Jesus’s day. Instead, these people who had hoped and prayed for the Christ were shocked to find a savior who did things differently. Peter wanted a Messiah who would cleanse the Temple and kick out pagan oppressors. Instead, Jesus showed mercy to all through unimaginable sacrifice.
God is with us. In our best moments and in our worst moments, God chooses to remain with us. There is no better way to show this promise of God’s presence than the cross, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He returns to us again and again, and promises to be with us always through the Holy Spirit.
God is with us. In our best moments and in our worst moments, God chooses to remain with us. There is no better way to show this promise of God’s presence than the cross, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He returns to us again and again, and promises to be with us always through the Holy Spirit.
After such an exciting arrival, Jesus begins to share the promises his disciples will need for an uncertain future. As he begins to face his final days, Christ must teach his disciples and give them one final promise.
After such an exciting arrival, Jesus begins to share the promises his disciples will need for an uncertain future. As he begins to face his final days, Christ must teach his disciples and give them one final promise.
This is the royal entry for the King that all Israel has been waiting for. Shouts of Hosanna, cloaks laid before him, and a simple donkey all point to one thing: the promised Son of David has finally arrived to take his place in Jerusalem. But it is not the place the people had hoped for.
This is the royal entry for the King that all Israel has been waiting for. Shouts of Hosanna, cloaks laid before him, and a simple donkey all point to one thing: the promised Son of David has finally arrived to take his place in Jerusalem. But it is not the place the people had hoped for.
“Who do you say that I am?” So many people witnessed the miracles, the teachings, the compassion. Yet only a few believed. In Peter’s simple testimony of Jesus the Messiah, the disciples begin to understand, even if they continue to misinterpret Jesus’s teachings.
“Who do you say that I am?” So many people witnessed the miracles, the teachings, the compassion. Yet only a few believed. In Peter’s simple testimony of Jesus the Messiah, the disciples begin to understand, even if they continue to misinterpret Jesus’s teachings.
Within the miracles of Matthew chapters 14 and 15, Jesus does things only God can do. Feeding thousands, having power over creation, and even welcoming the enemies of Israel. The Kingdom of God was proclaimed by John the Baptist, and it has arrived in the presence of Jesus.
Within the miracles of Matthew chapters 14 and 15, Jesus does things only God can do. Feeding thousands, having power over creation, and even welcoming the enemies of Israel. The Kingdom of God was proclaimed by John the Baptist, and it has arrived in the presence of Jesus.
The promise of Immanuel is not just a promise of an incredible arrival, but of consistent presence throughout the ups and downs of life. Jesus walks with many kinds of people who all respond to him differently. In every circumstance, Jesus invites us to a lifelong walk of discipleship.
The promise of Immanuel is not just a promise of an incredible arrival, but of consistent presence throughout the ups and downs of life. Jesus walks with many kinds of people who all respond to him differently. In every circumstance, Jesus invites us to a lifelong walk of discipleship.
Humanity is broken in so many ways. Throughout history this is proven over and over again. In these chapters we find a glimpse into what is possible instead of the brokenness. Jesus heals the sick, in more ways than one: physical, spiritual, and relational.
Humanity is broken in so many ways. Throughout history this is proven over and over again. In these chapters we find a glimpse into what is possible instead of the brokenness. Jesus heals the sick, in more ways than one: physical, spiritual, and relational.
One of the most revered figures in the Bible is Moses: the prophet who escaped Egypt, the wilderness, and climbed a mountain to teach God’s people the way. This week we find a new Moses has arrived, and he’s going to go beyond anyone’s expectations.
One of the most revered figures in the Bible is Moses: the prophet who escaped Egypt, the wilderness, and climbed a mountain to teach God’s people the way. This week we find a new Moses has arrived, and he’s going to go beyond anyone’s expectations.
In the proclamation of John the Baptist, promises of the Hebrew scriptures are realized. “One who is more powerful than I is coming….” How do we know that Jesus is the one we have been waiting for? In the proclamation of his baptism and the temptation in the wilderness, we find Jesus is worthy of the tasks ahead of him.
In the proclamation of John the Baptist, promises of the Hebrew scriptures are realized. “One who is more powerful than I is coming….” How do we know that Jesus is the one we have been waiting for? In the proclamation of his baptism and the temptation in the wilderness, we find Jesus is worthy of the tasks ahead of him.
Genealogies might seem boring to modern readers, but within the names of these generations are the promises God has made to creation from the beginning of Genesis. We miss all the ways the beginning of this Gospel connects the Old and New Testaments, showing a continuous story of God’s presence in the world. As we dive into this study of Matthew, we will begin to discover the true depth of these promises as God arrives in the flesh among us.
Genealogies might seem boring to modern readers, but within the names of these generations are the promises God has made to creation from the beginning of Genesis. We miss all the ways the beginning of this Gospel connects the Old and New Testaments, showing a continuous story of God’s presence in the world. As we dive into this study of Matthew, we will begin to discover the true depth of these promises as God arrives in the flesh among us.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent thirty days with his disciples, then ascended to heaven. Pentecost takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday and is a day of celebration. The purest meaning of Pentecost is that of a time of renewal for Christian believers. It’s a day focused on evangelism, empowerment from the Holy Spirit, deeper intimacy with God, and fellowship. The celebration of Pentecost imparts faith, hope, a sharing of community, and an awareness of a purpose much greater than ourselves.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent thirty days with his disciples, then ascended to heaven. Pentecost takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday and is a day of celebration. The purest meaning of Pentecost is that of a time of renewal for Christian believers. It’s a day focused on evangelism, empowerment from the Holy Spirit, deeper intimacy with God, and fellowship. The celebration of Pentecost imparts faith, hope, a sharing of community, and an awareness of a purpose much greater than ourselves.
The disciples must have been thrilled to have Jesus back. Their simple and impatient question reveals it all: “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” Their anxious readiness for redemption leads to impatient prodding. When will Jesus give us the final victory? How can we persevere when he isn’t with us physically? Why won’t he do what we want him to?
The disciples must have been thrilled to have Jesus back. Their simple and impatient question reveals it all: “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” Their anxious readiness for redemption leads to impatient prodding. When will Jesus give us the final victory? How can we persevere when he isn’t with us physically? Why won’t he do what we want him to?
The words we read in today’s scripture are spoken by the man we read about last week who simply stood by and watched the first martyr be killed. Between these two passages, the worst enemy of the Gospel became God’s most outspoken witness. He, the most unexpected candidate, found transformation in Christ. We can too.
The words we read in today’s scripture are spoken by the man we read about last week who simply stood by and watched the first martyr be killed. Between these two passages, the worst enemy of the Gospel became God’s most outspoken witness. He, the most unexpected candidate, found transformation in Christ. We can too.
In the face of the worst and most difficult circumstances, Stephen persevered in his witness. While we focus this week on the climactic end of Stephen’s journey, his courageous witness began long before his martyrdom. How do we choose to be brave like Stephen, not just in the big moments, but in every moment?
In the face of the worst and most difficult circumstances, Stephen persevered in his witness. While we focus this week on the climactic end of Stephen’s journey, his courageous witness began long before his martyrdom. How do we choose to be brave like Stephen, not just in the big moments, but in every moment?
As Wesleyan Christians, we hold to the belief that we are always going on to Christian perfection. Are we truly devoted to the teachings of scripture, to sharing meals, to prayer and thanksgiving? What do these practices develop within us? “A sense of awe came over everyone.” When was the last time we allowed ourselves to be “awed” by God, not because of magnificent church buildings or events, but in the simple practices of our faith?
As Wesleyan Christians, we hold to the belief that we are always going on to Christian perfection. Are we truly devoted to the teachings of scripture, to sharing meals, to prayer and thanksgiving? What do these practices develop within us? “A sense of awe came over everyone.” When was the last time we allowed ourselves to be “awed” by God, not because of magnificent church buildings or events, but in the simple practices of our faith?
While we are trinitarian people, we don’t often get the chance to focus on the third person of the Trinity. What is the gift of the Spirit? How does the Spirit show up in our lives? How do we recognize and connect with the Spirit? In this time of social distancing, we are called to realize what bonds us together is stronger than proximity: the Spirit makes us the Body of Christ.
While we are trinitarian people, we don’t often get the chance to focus on the third person of the Trinity. What is the gift of the Spirit? How does the Spirit show up in our lives? How do we recognize and connect with the Spirit? In this time of social distancing, we are called to realize what bonds us together is stronger than proximity: the Spirit makes us the Body of Christ.
What brings us through difficult times? Confidence in Christ. Not that Jesus will solve all of our problems, but that God is fully present with us in all circumstances. As we read, we will focus specifically on vs. 25-28. We are called to have confidence in Christ, but how do we cultivate that within ourselves?
What brings us through difficult times? Confidence in Christ. Not that Jesus will solve all of our problems, but that God is fully present with us in all circumstances. As we read, we will focus specifically on vs. 25-28. We are called to have confidence in Christ, but how do we cultivate that within ourselves?
The church is a people that continues on throughout history, even after the biggest setback of Christ dying. Because God never leaves us, we can always continue on.
The church is a people that continues on throughout history, even after the biggest setback of Christ dying. Because God never leaves us, we can always continue on.
The people greeting Jesus with palm leaves had faith he was the Messiah. Faith is what Jesus tried to teach the disciples who fell asleep in the garden. Faith gave the women the strength to stay beside Jesus through it all. Faith in God’s community, in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and in God’s new creation will carry us through this Holy Week.
The people greeting Jesus with palm leaves had faith he was the Messiah. Faith is what Jesus tried to teach the disciples who fell asleep in the garden. Faith gave the women the strength to stay beside Jesus through it all. Faith in God’s community, in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and in God’s new creation will carry us through this Holy Week.
As broken humans, we are always searching for ways to be “made right,” with God and others. Through the cross and resurrection, God chooses to offer us forgiveness that we might be made right not only with God, but in our community.
As broken humans, we are always searching for ways to be “made right,” with God and others. Through the cross and resurrection, God chooses to offer us forgiveness that we might be made right not only with God, but in our community.
Even in the scriptural passages that don’t talk directly about the cross, it is baked in. At the cross we confront our own sins and brokenness and receive the gift of repentance and new life. When we become “doers of the word”, as James calls us to, we begin to enact the cross in our own time and space.
Even in the scriptural passages that don’t talk directly about the cross, it is baked in. At the cross we confront our own sins and brokenness and receive the gift of repentance and new life. When we become “doers of the word”, as James calls us to, we begin to enact the cross in our own time and space.
While the world pursues the illusion of a pain free life, as Christ followers we are honest in knowing that suffering is the way of the world. The story of the cross is a story of suffering, and to be a follower of Jesus is to participate in his sufferings and and, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
While the world pursues the illusion of a pain free life, as Christ followers we are honest in knowing that suffering is the way of the world. The story of the cross is a story of suffering, and to be a follower of Jesus is to participate in his sufferings and and, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Many definitions exist for the word love, including the love of family, the love of a relationship, and the love of sacrifice. We discover the highest definition of love in the truest sacrifice: we know love through the cross. In fact, we cannot understand love without it.
Many definitions exist for the word love, including the love of family, the love of a relationship, and the love of sacrifice. We discover the highest definition of love in the truest sacrifice: we know love through the cross. In fact, we cannot understand love without it.
We worship God from the future, at which time Revelation reveals that the slaughtered lamb will be worshipped by every tribe, language, people and nation. The cross is the central point of the entire universe and through it, we are made to be a kingdom and priests serving our God.
We worship God from the future, at which time Revelation reveals that the slaughtered lamb will be worshipped by every tribe, language, people and nation. The cross is the central point of the entire universe and through it, we are made to be a kingdom and priests serving our God.
The issue of humility is difficult because we think we are greater than we are, at the expense of recognizing the greatness of God, or we think we are lesser than we are, at the expense of recognizing the person God made. Jesus, having all the power of God, did not exploit that to become greater on this Earth, instead becoming a servant. Conversely, Isaiah initially tried to evade the call of God.
The issue of humility is difficult because we think we are greater than we are, at the expense of recognizing the greatness of God, or we think we are lesser than we are, at the expense of recognizing the person God made. Jesus, having all the power of God, did not exploit that to become greater on this Earth, instead becoming a servant. Conversely, Isaiah initially tried to evade the call of God.
Truthfully, most of us aren’t cruel, at least not like a movie villain. However, we can offer a weak form of interaction with others, never engaging our heart and only trying to "check a box" to make sure we meet expectations. We can only truly be kind when we first see the worth of those around us. As Jesus describes it, we serve Christ by loving and serving others.
Truthfully, most of us aren’t cruel, at least not like a movie villain. However, we can offer a weak form of interaction with others, never engaging our heart and only trying to "check a box" to make sure we meet expectations. We can only truly be kind when we first see the worth of those around us. As Jesus describes it, we serve Christ by loving and serving others.
Truthfully, most of us aren’t cruel, at least not like a movie villain. However, we can offer a weak form of interaction with others, never engaging our heart and only trying to "check a box" to make sure we meet expectations. We can only truly be kind when we first see the worth of those around us. As Jesus describes it, we serve Christ by loving and serving others.
Truthfully, most of us aren’t cruel, at least not like a movie villain. However, we can offer a weak form of interaction with others, never engaging our heart and only trying to "check a box" to make sure we meet expectations. We can only truly be kind when we first see the worth of those around us. As Jesus describes it, we serve Christ by loving and serving others.
Job experiences an immense amount of loss in a very short time. He grieves and mourns his losses, but does he truly express his honest thoughts and emotions? Eventually, he explodes in anger towards God in a way that isn’t helpful. What would have happened if Job had shown enough patience to grieve and express his frustration?
Job experiences an immense amount of loss in a very short time. He grieves and mourns his losses, but does he truly express his honest thoughts and emotions? Eventually, he explodes in anger towards God in a way that isn’t helpful. What would have happened if Job had shown enough patience to grieve and express his frustration?
Fasting is a crucial part of our faith journey when we choose not to satisfy our cravings, to connect with Christ in his suffering and to realize our identities are not centered in worldly things. However, God gives us all the gifts of creation; they are a “right, good and joyful thing.” How do we find a balance between these two seemingly opposite commands?
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Identify something you overindulge in or underindulge. Give that up/Take that up for the week.
Next Level | Tell someone about it, and ask them to keep you accountable.
Fasting is a crucial part of our faith journey when we choose not to satisfy our cravings, to connect with Christ in his suffering and to realize our identities are not centered in worldly things. However, God gives us all the gifts of creation; they are a “right, good and joyful thing.” How do we find a balance between these two seemingly opposite commands?
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Identify something you overindulge in or underindulge. Give that up/Take that up for the week.
Next Level | Tell someone about it, and ask them to keep you accountable.
Fasting is a crucial part of our faith journey when we choose not to satisfy our cravings, to connect with Christ in his suffering and to realize our identities are not centered in worldly things. However, God gives us all the gifts of creation; they are a “right, good and joyful thing.” How do we find a balance between these two seemingly opposite commands?
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Identify something you overindulge in or underindulge. Give that up/Take that up for the week.
Next Level | Tell someone about it, and ask them to keep you accountable.
With wisdom, we find courage, and with courage we learn justice, which is what happens when we take a stand for the least and the lost among us. To do this, we need to recognize what needs to be done and the unique ways we can act. Though she could have turned a blind eye, Pharaoh’s daughter rescued Moses because she had both the courage and the position to act.
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Google and reflect on the life of William Wilberforce: “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”
Next Level | Sign up to volunteer with the Storehouse ministry.
With wisdom, we find courage, and with courage we learn justice, which is what happens when we take a stand for the least and the lost among us. To do this, we need to recognize what needs to be done and the unique ways we can act. Though she could have turned a blind eye, Pharaoh’s daughter rescued Moses because she had both the courage and the position to act.
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Google and reflect on the life of William Wilberforce: “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”
Next Level | Sign up to volunteer with the Storehouse ministry.
With an internal compass to understand wisdom, we discover courage to speak up for what is right. However, the source of bravery isn't our own strength but God: our protector, our shield, our stronghold. We become cowardly when we depend on ourselves for courage: we lose faith and falter. We become rash and fool ourselves into thinking we don't need God’s grace.
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Watch Hidden Figures.
Next Level | Talk to someone you see every day but don’t interact with. Ask them about their life; listen to their story.
With an internal compass to understand wisdom, we discover courage to speak up for what is right. However, the source of bravery isn't our own strength but God: our protector, our shield, our stronghold. We become cowardly when we depend on ourselves for courage: we lose faith and falter. We become rash and fool ourselves into thinking we don't need God’s grace.
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Watch Hidden Figures.
Next Level | Talk to someone you see every day but don’t interact with. Ask them about their life; listen to their story.
With an internal compass to understand wisdom, we discover courage to speak up for what is right. However, the source of bravery isn't our own strength but God: our protector, our shield, our stronghold. We become cowardly when we depend on ourselves for courage: we lose faith and falter. We become rash and fool ourselves into thinking we don't need God’s grace.
Challenge Tasks
First Level | Watch Hidden Figures.
Next Level | Talk to someone you see every day but don’t interact with. Ask them about their life; listen to their story.
The first of the classic “cardinal virtues” of the faith, wisdom is what the Old Testament writers describe as the basis for understanding God. All good change begins with choices made out of wisdom, which leads to making better choices for your life. How do we learn to be wise? Wisdom comes from the presence of the Lord.
Challenge Tasks:
First Level | Reflect upon an action you made this week. Was this a wise action or not? What could have been done if not?
Next Level | Schedule lunch with someone you see as a mentor or can help make you wise.
The first of the classic “cardinal virtues” of the faith, wisdom is what the Old Testament writers describe as the basis for understanding God. All good change begins with choices made out of wisdom, which leads to making better choices for your life. How do we learn to be wise? Wisdom comes from the presence of the Lord.
Challenge Tasks:
First Level | Reflect upon an action you made this week. Was this a wise action or not? What could have been done if not?
Next Level | Schedule lunch with someone you see as a mentor or can help make you wise.
Gift giving is synonymous with Christmas. The joy of this season is the joy that comes in giving and receiving. When we truly give to another in a spirit of generosity, we are experiencing a glimpse of a living God, who gave everything to us.
Gift giving is synonymous with Christmas. The joy of this season is the joy that comes in giving and receiving. When we truly give to another in a spirit of generosity, we are experiencing a glimpse of a living God, who gave everything to us.
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without its canon of classic songs and hymns. But the value of Christmas music isn’t just nostalgia; it is the glue that holds our traditions together. When words fail, music is the means by which we can build traditions together and “speak to one another” about Jesus.
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without its canon of classic songs and hymns. But the value of Christmas music isn’t just nostalgia; it is the glue that holds our traditions together. When words fail, music is the means by which we can build traditions together and “speak to one another” about Jesus.
Food serves as a perfect ice breaker, breaking down barriers, creating bonds, and helping us see one another for who we really are. It was only while sharing a meal together that two disciples recognized Jesus. Christmas table traditions bring people together as neighbors and as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Food serves as a perfect ice breaker, breaking down barriers, creating bonds, and helping us see one another for who we really are. It was only while sharing a meal together that two disciples recognized Jesus. Christmas table traditions bring people together as neighbors and as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Everyone loves a good story and Christmas is the season for classic stories. The birth of Jesus is not only the “greatest story ever told,” it’s part of a larger story. The New Testament begins with the story of Jesus, as told through the entire story of the history of the Bible and God’s people.
Everyone loves a good story and Christmas is the season for classic stories. The birth of Jesus is not only the “greatest story ever told,” it’s part of a larger story. The New Testament begins with the story of Jesus, as told through the entire story of the history of the Bible and God’s people.
Everyone loves a good story and Christmas is the season for classic stories. The birth of Jesus is not only the “greatest story ever told,” it’s part of a larger story. The New Testament begins with the story of Jesus, as told through the entire story of the history of the Bible and God’s people.
A saint practices a strange math in which you give yourself away and somehow ends up with more.
We receive God’s grace. What next? When we come to faith in Christ, none of us are instantly transformed into Christ-like souls. When we are made right with God, we are set apart for God’s purposes and begin a lifelong process of growing in virtue. This growth is both our work and God’s work, in the person of the Holy Spirit.
We receive God’s grace. What next? When we come to faith in Christ, none of us are instantly transformed into Christ-like souls. When we are made right with God, we are set apart for God’s purposes and begin a lifelong process of growing in virtue. This growth is both our work and God’s work, in the person of the Holy Spirit.
We receive God’s grace. What next? When we come to faith in Christ, none of us are instantly transformed into Christ-like souls. When we are made right with God, we are set apart for God’s purposes and begin a lifelong process of growing in virtue. This growth is both our work and God’s work, in the person of the Holy Spirit.
We now seem to live in a “cancel culture” in which people may be banned from society for saying something objectionable. Yet we are all flawed. The problem begins with our understanding of sin. Many of think, deep down, that we’re really okay and just need a little help. But it is only when we understand the reality of sin that we can experience the power of the grace of God that is at the center of Christian existence.
We now seem to live in a “cancel culture” in which people may be banned from society for saying something objectionable. Yet we are all flawed. The problem begins with our understanding of sin. Many of think, deep down, that we’re really okay and just need a little help. But it is only when we understand the reality of sin that we can experience the power of the grace of God that is at the center of Christian existence.
As we develop new holy lives, no longer living in ignorance, we change public opinion about Christians. Rather than being known as judgmental and hypocritical people, we become known for the beauty of the lives we live. We confound and impress those who might accuse and persecute us. We overcome spirits of rebellion and changes hearts and lives through the attractiveness of the peace and joy-filled lives we live.
As we develop new holy lives, no longer living in ignorance, we change public opinion about Christians. Rather than being known as judgmental and hypocritical people, we become known for the beauty of the lives we live. We confound and impress those who might accuse and persecute us. We overcome spirits of rebellion and changes hearts and lives through the attractiveness of the peace and joy-filled lives we live.
Through grace, God transforms us into the people we are called to be. Yet we do not do these things merely for our own salvation, but so that we will be forged together in community with others. If we do not face our own struggles, we will inevitably do harm to those we love and cherish. We are sanctified and purified for the sake of the church, so that we might reflect the true Kingdom of God as individuals and as a whole.
Through grace, God transforms us into the people we are called to be. Yet we do not do these things merely for our own salvation, but so that we will be forged together in community with others. If we do not face our own struggles, we will inevitably do harm to those we love and cherish. We are sanctified and purified for the sake of the church, so that we might reflect the true Kingdom of God as individuals and as a whole.
Christian works are unsustainable without a solid core. True, sustainable social holiness - loving one another - only comes through personal holiness - loving God. This comes from the regular practice of seeking after God’s heart, which forms virtue in us. Without these virtues, our lives are perishable. The work of reshaping that God does in our lives is a process of making us pure and holy, so that we will become indestructible.
Christian works are unsustainable without a solid core. True, sustainable social holiness - loving one another - only comes through personal holiness - loving God. This comes from the regular practice of seeking after God’s heart, which forms virtue in us. Without these virtues, our lives are perishable. The work of reshaping that God does in our lives is a process of making us pure and holy, so that we will become indestructible.
Christian works are unsustainable without a solid core. True, sustainable social holiness - loving one another - only comes through personal holiness - loving God. This comes from the regular practice of seeking after God’s heart, which forms virtue in us. Without these virtues, our lives are perishable. The work of reshaping that God does in our lives is a process of making us pure and holy, so that we will become indestructible.
Melting down is what we say when everything is chaotic and collapsing, when we are overwhelmed and things fall apart. While we melt down when we can no longer carry the world’s weight on our own shoulders, a meltdown to a Christian has a second meaning, seen through the light of God’s work in our lives. When we follow Jesus, God tests us, melting down the impurities of our sin, and calls us to him.
Melting down is what we say when everything is chaotic and collapsing, when we are overwhelmed and things fall apart. While we melt down when we can no longer carry the world’s weight on our own shoulders, a meltdown to a Christian has a second meaning, seen through the light of God’s work in our lives. When we follow Jesus, God tests us, melting down the impurities of our sin, and calls us to him.
Melting down is what we say when everything is chaotic and collapsing, when we are overwhelmed and things fall apart. While we melt down when we can no longer carry the world’s weight on our own shoulders, a meltdown to a Christian has a second meaning, seen through the light of God’s work in our lives. When we follow Jesus, God tests us, melting down the impurities of our sin, and calls us to him.
It has been said that the unhappiest people aren’t unbelievers, but those who claim to be Christian but do not commit their whole lives to Christ. As followers of Jesus we are set apart. No matter how raw and ordinary our life may appear, we have in us the stuff of beauty. We may be buried in the world, but when we choose faith, we start a process of getting dug out.
It has been said that the unhappiest people aren’t unbelievers, but those who claim to be Christian but do not commit their whole lives to Christ. As followers of Jesus we are set apart. No matter how raw and ordinary our life may appear, we have in us the stuff of beauty. We may be buried in the world, but when we choose faith, we start a process of getting dug out.
In an age of shouting, learning to listen and empathize is a step forward. But our stance toward other people cannot end with simply feelings or thoughts. Love is truly experienced when it is put into practice. When we engage with others in a real way in the world each day, life becomes both interesting and well-lived.
In an age of shouting, learning to listen and empathize is a step forward. But our stance toward other people cannot end with simply feelings or thoughts. Love is truly experienced when it is put into practice. When we engage with others in a real way in the world each day, life becomes both interesting and well-lived.
In an age of shouting, learning to listen and empathize is a step forward. But our stance toward other people cannot end with simply feelings or thoughts. Love is truly experienced when it is put into practice. When we engage with others in a real way in the world each day, life becomes both interesting and well-lived.
Christianity in America tends to celebrate the can-do spirit: blessings follow belief. But the flip side of this creed is the implication that when we “can’t do,” or when we deal with illness or misfortune, we are a failure. When positive thinking alone can’t shrink a tumor, how are we to understand faith?
Christianity in America tends to celebrate the can-do spirit: blessings follow belief. But the flip side of this creed is the implication that when we “can’t do,” or when we deal with illness or misfortune, we are a failure. When positive thinking alone can’t shrink a tumor, how are we to understand faith?
Christianity in America tends to celebrate the can-do spirit: blessings follow belief. But the flip side of this creed is the implication that when we “can’t do,” or when we deal with illness or misfortune, we are a failure. When positive thinking alone can’t shrink a tumor, how are we to understand faith?
If Jesus is truly Lord, then the implications impact our entire lives. We cannot keep faith in a box to open up and occasionally use to solve problems. Instead, we must consider our entire lives according to this truth. The risen Lord is a 24/7 reality that effects our commitments, vocations, relationships, and leisure time.
If Jesus is truly Lord, then the implications impact our entire lives. We cannot keep faith in a box to open up and occasionally use to solve problems. Instead, we must consider our entire lives according to this truth. The risen Lord is a 24/7 reality that effects our commitments, vocations, relationships, and leisure time.
If Jesus is truly Lord, then the implications impact our entire lives. We cannot keep faith in a box to open up and occasionally use to solve problems. Instead, we must consider our entire lives according to this truth. The risen Lord is a 24/7 reality that effects our commitments, vocations, relationships, and leisure time.
If Jesus is truly Lord, then the implications impact our entire lives. We cannot keep faith in a box to open up and occasionally use to solve problems. Instead, we must consider our entire lives according to this truth. The risen Lord is a 24/7 reality that effects our commitments, vocations, relationships, and leisure time.
How are we to understand sin, evil, and judgment? Contrary to what we may think, hell is not someplace God puts us. Rather, it is a place we put ourselves, where we willingly choose to endure the consequences our own misery. The gates of hell have no locks; they are kept closed from the inside.
How are we to understand sin, evil, and judgment? Contrary to what we may think, hell is not someplace God puts us. Rather, it is a place we put ourselves, where we willingly choose to endure the consequences our own misery. The gates of hell have no locks; they are kept closed from the inside.
How do you help your child develop long-term faith? Many kids from Christian families leave the church as young adults. On Back to School Sunday, we look at practical ways to help create a more “sticky” faith, including what it means to teach your child to trust God, and not just obey God.
How do you help your child develop long-term faith? Many kids from Christian families leave the church as young adults. On Back to School Sunday, we look at practical ways to help create a more “sticky” faith, including what it means to teach your child to trust God, and not just obey God.
Studies have shown the bonding power of gathering at a table with other people. It is where we show ourselves. It is the beginning point of intimacy, of knowing others and being known by others. Just as King David invited his disabled friend’s son to sit at his table like his own son, when Christ the King invites us to the table, he is inviting us to be fully known as his own son or daughter. As sons and daughters of the King, we don’t have to bring something to the table.
Studies have shown the bonding power of gathering at a table with other people. It is where we show ourselves. It is the beginning point of intimacy, of knowing others and being known by others. Just as King David invited his disabled friend’s son to sit at his table like his own son, when Christ the King invites us to the table, he is inviting us to be fully known as his own son or daughter. As sons and daughters of the King, we don’t have to bring something to the table.
One of the most paradoxical of all of Jesus’ teachings is this: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” How can we lose life by finding it, or find life by losing it? Consider: we spend our lives trying to find the “good life,” yet never achieve the fulfillment we seek. Jesus invites Nicodemus to be born again, but in order to be born again, we must die to the old self first.
One of the most paradoxical of all of Jesus’ teachings is this: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” How can we lose life by finding it, or find life by losing it? Consider: we spend our lives trying to find the “good life,” yet never achieve the fulfillment we seek. Jesus invites Nicodemus to be born again, but in order to be born again, we must die to the old self first.
Is God all-powerful or all-loving? The presence of evil in the world would seem to nullify one or the other: either God is all-powerful but allows sin, and therefore doesn’t fully love us, or God is all-loving but lacks power to remove sin. Since it is hard to reconcile the two, we tend to minimize one at the expense of the other. How are we to resolve the tension between a God who can do anything and a God who is pure love?
Is God all-powerful or all-loving? The presence of evil in the world would seem to nullify one or the other: either God is all-powerful but allows sin, and therefore doesn’t fully love us, or God is all-loving but lacks power to remove sin. Since it is hard to reconcile the two, we tend to minimize one at the expense of the other. How are we to resolve the tension between a God who can do anything and a God who is pure love?
Somehow, we Christians have come to believe the idea that when we follow Jesus, our life should be free from trouble. Yet Jesus, nor the Scriptures, ever make such a promise. In fact, the Bible tells us that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven, including both mourning and laughing. What if the full Christian life includes both sorrow and joy - sometimes at the same time?
Somehow, we Christians have come to believe the idea that when we follow Jesus, our life should be free from trouble. Yet Jesus, nor the Scriptures, ever make such a promise. In fact, the Bible tells us that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven, including both mourning and laughing. What if the full Christian life includes both sorrow and joy - sometimes at the same time?
Salvation comes through faith alone. This is a basic concept of Christian faith and was the cornerstone of the Protestant reformation 500 years ago. Yet, as German theologian and Nazi resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminded us, grace without response is cheap. God’s mercy compels us to act. How are we to resolve the tension between the call to simply believe and the call to do something about it?
Salvation comes through faith alone. This is a basic concept of Christian faith and was the cornerstone of the Protestant reformation 500 years ago. Yet, as German theologian and Nazi resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminded us, grace without response is cheap. God’s mercy compels us to act. How are we to resolve the tension between the call to simply believe and the call to do something about it?
The Christian belief that Jesus came to save the world and establish the kingdom of God is a given. But what does “kingdom” mean? For first century Jews, a kingdom didn’t mean a state of truth, spirit and relationship, but a physical ruling government. His followers expected Jesus to begin a revolution: attack the Romans and seize political control of the region. But that wasn’t Jesus’ plan at all. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he had a different plan in mind.
It’s typical to think of true Christianity as a pure transfiguration experience. But the truest experience of Jesus isn’t found on the mountaintop, but down in the valley and in the grime of the city, at the foot of the cross. We love the shiny moments, but Christianity isn’t shiny and smooth, but dingy and gritty, among the people of the world, whom God loves.
It’s typical to think of true Christianity as a pure transfiguration experience. But the truest experience of Jesus isn’t found on the mountaintop, but down in the valley and in the grime of the city, at the foot of the cross. We love the shiny moments, but Christianity isn’t shiny and smooth, but dingy and gritty, among the people of the world, whom God loves.
The Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah to release them from Roman oppression. But Jesus had a different image of what it meant to be released. When he travels to the east side of the Sea of Galilee and heals a man chained in a graveyard, he shows us what it really looks like to be a part of God’s kingdom. As Jesus sends out the man released from his demons, so he sends us - healed, released, and unqualified, yet ready.
The Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah to release them from Roman oppression. But Jesus had a different image of what it meant to be released. When he travels to the east side of the Sea of Galilee and heals a man chained in a graveyard, he shows us what it really looks like to be a part of God’s kingdom. As Jesus sends out the man released from his demons, so he sends us - healed, released, and unqualified, yet ready.
Some assume the story of Jesus is only about his death. The story of Jesus is also about serving, which is about life. Ministry is not only for the select few. Even when you have every excuse to say no, Jesus is still calling you to serve others.
Some assume the story of Jesus is only about his death. The story of Jesus is also about serving, which is about life. Ministry is not only for the select few. Even when you have every excuse to say no, Jesus is still calling you to serve others.
Jesus entered into human flesh without our modern technologies but with the same temptations. Temptation is as much a part of his first-century world as it is our 21st century world, because temptation is part of the Christian life. It is not that we are tempted, but how we respond that matters.
Jesus entered into human flesh without our modern technologies but with the same temptations. Temptation is as much a part of his first-century world as it is our 21st century world, because temptation is part of the Christian life. It is not that we are tempted, but how we respond that matters.
The story of Christ begins with the shadow of the cross falling across the manger. God knew his death was going to happen the day he entered into human flesh. While we may assume being a good Christian brings health and wealth, suffering and crucifixion are part of life, for Jesus and for us. But there is no suffering we experience that Jesus hasn’t known.
The story of Christ begins with the shadow of the cross falling across the manger. God knew his death was going to happen the day he entered into human flesh. While we may assume being a good Christian brings health and wealth, suffering and crucifixion are part of life, for Jesus and for us. But there is no suffering we experience that Jesus hasn’t known.
Talking about money makes us nervous because while we want it to be permanent, it is not. Money is a sign of faith. Rather than something to idolize or something to reject, Jesus teaches us that money comes from God, and how we tackle our money says a lot about how much we trust in God and how well we treat other people.
Talking about money makes us nervous because while we want it to be permanent, it is not. Money is a sign of faith. Rather than something to idolize or something to reject, Jesus teaches us that money comes from God, and how we tackle our money says a lot about how much we trust in God and how well we treat other people.
The gap between Jesus and the lifestyles of those who claim to follow Jesus can be so wide that it becomes the reason an unbelieving world does not believe. Our basic nature is not to love God and our neighbor—this is why the Christian life is hard. When Jesus redeems us, he also calls us to a new way of living. This means something very different than simply avoiding immoral actions; it means changing our hearts and lives.
The gap between Jesus and the lifestyles of those who claim to follow Jesus can be so wide that it becomes the reason an unbelieving world does not believe. Our basic nature is not to love God and our neighbor—this is why the Christian life is hard. When Jesus redeems us, he also calls us to a new way of living. This means something very different than simply avoiding immoral actions; it means changing our hearts and lives.
We know we need God's grace—so what do we do? Jesus tells us to "Seek first." We do this with God by engaging in the practices that allow God to have the biggest impact on our lives. Through the routine habits of daily faith, God is trying to reach us and give us transforming grace, care and love, to do something profound and life-changing.
We know we need God's grace—so what do we do? Jesus tells us to "Seek first." We do this with God by engaging in the practices that allow God to have the biggest impact on our lives. Through the routine habits of daily faith, God is trying to reach us and give us transforming grace, care and love, to do something profound and life-changing.
The world wants to hand out participation trophies for life. But acknowledging our brokenness and limitations isn’t a downer; it is the starting place of wisdom. Sin is a reality—as is the grace that God offers to heal us.
The world wants to hand out participation trophies for life. But acknowledging our brokenness and limitations isn’t a downer; it is the starting place of wisdom. Sin is a reality—as is the grace that God offers to heal us.
Even as God offers us unlimited grace and love, God calls us to a life of perfection. This is not an unattainable goal, either but something we can achieve when we follow God’s moral laws and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our lives.
Even as God offers us unlimited grace and love, God calls us to a life of perfection. This is not an unattainable goal, either but something we can achieve when we follow God’s moral laws and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our lives.
Even as God offers us unlimited grace and love, God calls us to a life of perfection. This is not an unattainable goal, either but something we can achieve when we follow God’s moral laws and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our lives.
What happens the day after a person accepts Jesus as their savior? While the life of the almost-Christian practices the rituals of religion and tries to be nice to other people, the life of a real Christian is characterized by real love - sacrificial, giving love, which can begin only on the full realization that God has first loved us.
What happens the day after a person accepts Jesus as their savior? While the life of the almost-Christian practices the rituals of religion and tries to be nice to other people, the life of a real Christian is characterized by real love - sacrificial, giving love, which can begin only on the full realization that God has first loved us.
On the surface, asking the question, “are you saved?” seems simple - it is a question about the soul. But at different times, Jesus talks about four different kinds of salvation. That’s because Jesus was concerned with the whole person - heart, mind, soul and strength. Salvation is both for the future, and for right now.
On the surface, asking the question, “are you saved?” seems simple - it is a question about the soul. But at different times, Jesus talks about four different kinds of salvation. That’s because Jesus was concerned with the whole person - heart, mind, soul and strength. Salvation is both for the future, and for right now.
The kingdom of God is not a set of correct opinions or beliefs, nor is it a physical destination in the clouds for us to go to when we die. It is a state of the soul. The overriding message of Jesus, and therefore of the whole Bible, is that in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the kingdom of God has come. Christianity is a religion of the heart.
The kingdom of God is not a set of correct opinions or beliefs, nor is it a physical destination in the clouds for us to go to when we die. It is a state of the soul. The overriding message of Jesus, and therefore of the whole Bible, is that in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the kingdom of God has come. Christianity is a religion of the heart.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
Christmas is about God making a home among us. God isn’t distant but is up close and personal, right in your home. As you look home for Christmas this year, allow Jesus to become the king of your house. A home is only complete when Jesus is its head and ruler.
Christmas is about God making a home among us. God isn’t distant but is up close and personal, right in your home. As you look home for Christmas this year, allow Jesus to become the king of your house. A home is only complete when Jesus is its head and ruler.
Christmas is about God making a home among us. God isn’t distant but is up close and personal, right in your home. As you look home for Christmas this year, allow Jesus to become the king of your house. A home is only complete when Jesus is its head and ruler.
Christmas is about God making a home among us. God isn’t distant but is up close and personal, right in your home. As you look home for Christmas this year, allow Jesus to become the king of your house. A home is only complete when Jesus is its head and ruler.
Christmas is about God making a home among us. God isn’t distant but is up close and personal, right in your home. As you look home for Christmas this year, allow Jesus to become the king of your house. A home is only complete when Jesus is its head and ruler.
The beauty of a good home is that it is a place for love and building one another up. Home is about people - those that are with us now, and the ones who have come before. The promise of Christmas is that ultimately, we will get to be with everyone - those we are with now and those with whom we will one day be reunited.
The beauty of a good home is that it is a place for love and building one another up. Home is about people - those that are with us now, and the ones who have come before. The promise of Christmas is that ultimately, we will get to be with everyone - those we are with now and those with whom we will one day be reunited.
The beauty of a good home is that it is a place for love and building one another up. Home is about people - those that are with us now, and the ones who have come before. The promise of Christmas is that ultimately, we will get to be with everyone - those we are with now and those with whom we will one day be reunited.
Earth is our home. God made this earth for all of us, and there is no other option or place to go! When God comes home he invites us to join him in making things right again. Our task is to help prepare the way through our love for each other.
Earth is our home. God made this earth for all of us, and there is no other option or place to go! When God comes home he invites us to join him in making things right again. Our task is to help prepare the way through our love for each other.
Whether we’re children waiting for Christmas morning or adults longing for home, Christmas brings out a wish list in all of us. But wishes are little more than foolish little lies we tell ourselves to make the day better. The difference between wishful sentimentality and confidence in the future is Jesus. The arrival of God incarnate is the basis for a hope that cannot be shaken. The Prophets weren’t fools, and neither are we.
Whether we’re children waiting for Christmas morning or adults longing for home, Christmas brings out a wish list in all of us. But wishes are little more than foolish little lies we tell ourselves to make the day better. The difference between wishful sentimentality and confidence in the future is Jesus. The arrival of God incarnate is the basis for a hope that cannot be shaken. The Prophets weren’t fools, and neither are we.
Ever since our original habitat and fellowship with God was broken, God has been calling us home. Because Jesus came to Earth at Christmas, we can indeed go home again. And in the end, we will be at home in a new heaven and a new earth, with no more suffering nor memory of it, where we are present and at peace with God and one another.
Ever since our original habitat and fellowship with God was broken, God has been calling us home. Because Jesus came to Earth at Christmas, we can indeed go home again. And in the end, we will be at home in a new heaven and a new earth, with no more suffering nor memory of it, where we are present and at peace with God and one another.
Ever since our original habitat and fellowship with God was broken, God has been calling us home. Because Jesus came to Earth at Christmas, we can indeed go home again. And in the end, we will be at home in a new heaven and a new earth, with no more suffering nor memory of it, where we are present and at peace with God and one another.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
In the middle of several stories in Matthew’s gospel about meeting people in their place of need, Jesus stops the most selfish man in town and challenges him to learn what it means to give. When we give, we see that God does more than give us things in return - God is giving himself, through his son Jesus and through the Holy Spirit, who reshapes our hearts to be like Christ’s. Our generosity becomes a reflection of the love, sacrifice and self-emptying of the Creator, who is the source of all gifts.
In the middle of several stories in Matthew’s gospel about meeting people in their place of need, Jesus stops the most selfish man in town and challenges him to learn what it means to give. When we give, we see that God does more than give us things in return - God is giving himself, through his son Jesus and through the Holy Spirit, who reshapes our hearts to be like Christ’s. Our generosity becomes a reflection of the love, sacrifice and self-emptying of the Creator, who is the source of all gifts.
We give because God is the source of every good thing in our lives. While we may begin giving for a variety of personal interests and needs, we eventually discover that through our belief in and journey with Jesus, we become members of his holy church and that in this holy community we are called to a duty and a responsibility to give.
We give because God is the source of every good thing in our lives. While we may begin giving for a variety of personal interests and needs, we eventually discover that through our belief in and journey with Jesus, we become members of his holy church and that in this holy community we are called to a duty and a responsibility to give.
Paul describes the church as an interconnected organism in which nutrients benefit the whole body and not just one part. While our motivation to give may begin with our own needs, we soon discover that the need is great, and when we give, we help others. As Jesus says, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.”
Paul describes the church as an interconnected organism in which nutrients benefit the whole body and not just one part. While our motivation to give may begin with our own needs, we soon discover that the need is great, and when we give, we help others. As Jesus says, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.”
While it may seem counter to the selflessness Jesus aspires us to attain, why we give begins with our own story. Just as people asked Jesus for help, and he responded with compassion, why we give may begin with us - for the betterment of our loved ones, our families and friends, and ourselves. Be encouraged! Jesus loves us and meets us in our places of need.
While it may seem counter to the selflessness Jesus aspires us to attain, why we give begins with our own story. Just as people asked Jesus for help, and he responded with compassion, why we give may begin with us - for the betterment of our loved ones, our families and friends, and ourselves. Be encouraged! Jesus loves us and meets us in our places of need.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We find our story and identity as Christians within the powerful, transformative narrative of Christ. We explore our faith journeys in this brief series as our church leaders share their personal testimony to Jesus.
We end with the vice of pride, which is the chief of all vices, as it aims to replace faith with self-sufficiency. Our creative impulse is good, and God-given. The secret is to bathe our view of the world in a rightly-ordered vision of creation, as God designed. The result of this right-ordering, and the practice of good habits, is that we end up creating both the desire of our heart (Psalm 37:4-5) and the desire of God, which become one and the same.
We end with the vice of pride, which is the chief of all vices, as it aims to replace faith with self-sufficiency. Our creative impulse is good, and God-given. The secret is to bathe our view of the world in a rightly-ordered vision of creation, as God designed. The result of this right-ordering, and the practice of good habits, is that we end up creating both the desire of our heart (Psalm 37:4-5) and the desire of God, which become one and the same.
To be human isn’t simply to know things, but to be directed toward something. When we’re on the move, we’re alive. This movement and purpose comes from what we want. We are defined not by what we know but by what we desire. Jesus isn’t content to simply deposit new ideas into our minds; he is after nothing less than the passionate regions of our hearts. The practice of worship points our hearts in the right direction.
To be human isn’t simply to know things, but to be directed toward something. When we’re on the move, we’re alive. This movement and purpose comes from what we want. We are defined not by what we know but by what we desire. Jesus isn’t content to simply deposit new ideas into our minds; he is after nothing less than the passionate regions of our hearts. The practice of worship points our hearts in the right direction.
Consumerism is the act of buying something because of the momentary elevation it offers our lives. In a world built on consumption, we can treat our faith as a consumer activity, too. But often, spiritual moments are unsustainable. Instead, God wants a relationship, built on daily habits. In a consumer culture where indulgence leads to a form of spiritual poverty, discover the joy of a restraint that leads to abundance.
Consumerism is the act of buying something because of the momentary elevation it offers our lives. In a world built on consumption, we can treat our faith as a consumer activity, too. But often, spiritual moments are unsustainable. Instead, God wants a relationship, built on daily habits. In a consumer culture where indulgence leads to a form of spiritual poverty, discover the joy of a restraint that leads to abundance.
Consumerism is the act of buying something because of the momentary elevation it offers our lives. In a world built on consumption, we can treat our faith as a consumer activity, too. But often, spiritual moments are unsustainable. Instead, God wants a relationship, built on daily habits. In a consumer culture where indulgence leads to a form of spiritual poverty, discover the joy of a restraint that leads to abundance.
Right thinking doesn’t necessarily bring right living. A life of faith truly begins when we are honest about what we want, and discovering what we truly want in life begins in relationship and not detached isolation. We begin to understand God’s desires for our lives as we spend time with others in Christian community, and in talking with God in prayer.
Right thinking doesn’t necessarily bring right living. A life of faith truly begins when we are honest about what we want, and discovering what we truly want in life begins in relationship and not detached isolation. We begin to understand God’s desires for our lives as we spend time with others in Christian community, and in talking with God in prayer.
Improving the problems in our lives start not with fixing our beliefs, but changing our behavior. Our actions form our character, which over time shapes our belief. While the conventional wisdom says that we believe then act accordingly, science is learning that we form beliefs out of our actions. We are what we love. Fixing the problems of our lives begins with re-ordering our desires from what the world calls “the good life” to a life oriented around God.
Improving the problems in our lives start not with fixing our beliefs, but changing our behavior. Our actions form our character, which over time shapes our belief. While the conventional wisdom says that we believe then act accordingly, science is learning that we form beliefs out of our actions. We are what we love. Fixing the problems of our lives begins with re-ordering our desires from what the world calls “the good life” to a life oriented around God.
Improving the problems in our lives start not with fixing our beliefs, but changing our behavior. Our actions form our character, which over time shapes our belief. While the conventional wisdom says that we believe then act accordingly, science is learning that we form beliefs out of our actions. We are what we love. Fixing the problems of our lives begins with re-ordering our desires from what the world calls “the good life” to a life oriented around God.
On this Labor Day weekend, we explore the purpose of our work as Christians in the world. A good theology of work is rooted in the Holy Spirit and the transformation of the new creation. If we want to flourish, to hit “pay dirt,” then our best bet is to accept God’s kingdom invitation to both receive and carry the seed of the kingdom through all of the land. The test of our work is its meaningfulness in relationship to this new creation.
On this Labor Day weekend, we explore the purpose of our work as Christians in the world. A good theology of work is rooted in the Holy Spirit and the transformation of the new creation. If we want to flourish, to hit “pay dirt,” then our best bet is to accept God’s kingdom invitation to both receive and carry the seed of the kingdom through all of the land. The test of our work is its meaningfulness in relationship to this new creation.
Our understanding of fruit has become detached from the garden. Like Cain in Genesis 4, we’re removed from the soil. We act like the purpose of fruit is consumption. As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to cultivate “fruits of the Spirit” - but the purpose of God’s fruit in us isn’t just to eat, but also to till new soil with the good news of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is the measure of untilled land which marks the inauguration of God’s kingdom. How dirty are your hands?
Our understanding of fruit has become detached from the garden. Like Cain in Genesis 4, we’re removed from the soil. We act like the purpose of fruit is consumption. As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to cultivate “fruits of the Spirit” - but the purpose of God’s fruit in us isn’t just to eat, but also to till new soil with the good news of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is the measure of untilled land which marks the inauguration of God’s kingdom. How dirty are your hands?
Our lofty theological word “incarnation” really just means to be “of the flesh”. It is simply a way of saying, God got down in the dirt to be with us. God invites us to be with him in the garden, living in a full, four-season rhythm of tending and tilling. Jesus is God “in the dirt,” coming to give us full life - body, mind and soul; spring, summer and fall; joy, sadness and pain.
Our lofty theological word “incarnation” really just means to be “of the flesh”. It is simply a way of saying, God got down in the dirt to be with us. God invites us to be with him in the garden, living in a full, four-season rhythm of tending and tilling. Jesus is God “in the dirt,” coming to give us full life - body, mind and soul; spring, summer and fall; joy, sadness and pain.
The word that gives us humanity is the word that gives us earth. We're made of dirt. But that doesn’t mean we are worthless; rather, we are both part of creation and God’s greatest creation. The garden - the world - is God’s and it is good. Our understanding of creation has direct bearing on how we treat the world today. Though marred by sin, the world we inhabit is God’s, and it is worth our work.
The word that gives us humanity is the word that gives us earth. We're made of dirt. But that doesn’t mean we are worthless; rather, we are both part of creation and God’s greatest creation. The garden - the world - is God’s and it is good. Our understanding of creation has direct bearing on how we treat the world today. Though marred by sin, the world we inhabit is God’s, and it is worth our work.
Two by two, the story tells us - every kind of living thing boards the boat. At the end of the great storm, God sends Noah a sign in the form of a rainbow. Animals, boats and rainbows may decorate our nurseries, but is this the worst children’s story ever? It’s the time when God was so frustrated with humanity that God wiped everything out and started over.
Two by two, the story tells us - every kind of living thing boards the boat. At the end of the great storm, God sends Noah a sign in the form of a rainbow. Animals, boats and rainbows may decorate our nurseries, but is this the worst children’s story ever? It’s the time when God was so frustrated with humanity that God wiped everything out and started over.
In the famous story, Jonah is swallowed by a whale. But the Bible actually tells us that it's an unspecified "big fish" - like a killer whale, except what is getting killed isn't Jonah or the sailors on the ship but Jonah's insistence that he ought to go his own way in life.
In the famous story, Jonah is swallowed by a whale. But the Bible actually tells us that it's an unspecified "big fish" - like a killer whale, except what is getting killed isn't Jonah or the sailors on the ship but Jonah's insistence that he ought to go his own way in life.
Born in his father Jacob’s old age and by his father’s first love, Joseph was both set apart from and despised by his older brothers from the start. When Jacob gives Joseph a luxurious, ornamental robe (the famous “coat of many colors,” as described in the King James), his older brothers plot to kill him. But from the things people plan for evil, God turns to good.
Born in his father Jacob’s old age and by his father’s first love, Joseph was both set apart from and despised by his older brothers from the start. When Jacob gives Joseph a luxurious, ornamental robe (the famous “coat of many colors,” as described in the King James), his older brothers plot to kill him. But from the things people plan for evil, God turns to good.
It’s the original underdog story. The enemy Philistines stand before King Saul and the Israelites in the Valley of Elah. For weeks, the massive Philistine warrior Goliath calls for the Israelites to send out a challenger. Saul is afraid, but offers a reward to anyone willing to fight Goliath. The young David hears and accepts. He declined the king’s armor and takes only his staff, a slingshot and five smooth stones.
It’s the original underdog story. The enemy Philistines stand before King Saul and the Israelites in the Valley of Elah. For weeks, the massive Philistine warrior Goliath calls for the Israelites to send out a challenger. Saul is afraid, but offers a reward to anyone willing to fight Goliath. The young David hears and accepts. He declined the king’s armor and takes only his staff, a slingshot and five smooth stones.
Zaccheus, whose name ironically means “pure,” was a hated part of the Jewish community. A corrupt employee of the Roman oppressors, he extorted tax money on their behalf from his own people. He has money in his pocket and a hole in his heart. But when Jesus comes to town, Zaccheus gets more than he bargains for.
Zaccheus, whose name ironically means “pure,” was a hated part of the Jewish community. A corrupt employee of the Roman oppressors, he extorted tax money on their behalf from his own people. He has money in his pocket and a hole in his heart. But when Jesus comes to town, Zaccheus gets more than he bargains for.
Zaccheus, whose name ironically means “pure,” was a hated part of the Jewish community. A corrupt employee of the Roman oppressors, he extorted tax money on their behalf from his own people. He has money in his pocket and a hole in his heart. But when Jesus comes to town, Zaccheus gets more than he bargains for.
“The world did not know him...” Many times, Jesus shows up in our lives in unexpected ways. It can be such a challenge in the midst of our everyday lives to recognize that God is present. Yet the truth of incarnation is that God chose to enter into creation, revealing God’s grace in miraculous and surprising places. We must simply learn to receive.
“The world did not know him...” Many times, Jesus shows up in our lives in unexpected ways. It can be such a challenge in the midst of our everyday lives to recognize that God is present. Yet the truth of incarnation is that God chose to enter into creation, revealing God’s grace in miraculous and surprising places. We must simply learn to receive.
In an age of church division, it can seem fashionable, even righteous, to be willing to divide the church for the sake of ideological purity. While not eschewing the need for sound doctrine, Methodism counters this divisive trend by emphasizing relationship and community. Since its beginning, Methodism has been a vast river that cuts through the middle of the wide range of Christian faith.
In an age of church division, it can seem fashionable, even righteous, to be willing to divide the church for the sake of ideological purity. While not eschewing the need for sound doctrine, Methodism counters this divisive trend by emphasizing relationship and community. Since its beginning, Methodism has been a vast river that cuts through the middle of the wide range of Christian faith.
Understanding how to reconcile the idea of a single body of Christ with the reality of so many different beliefs and institutions is one of the greatest challenges to Christian faith. If we are one, why are there so many denominations? We dismiss people because they’re different, and emphasize our rightness, but in Christ, we’re called to live as one body.
Understanding how to reconcile the idea of a single body of Christ with the reality of so many different beliefs and institutions is one of the greatest challenges to Christian faith. If we are one, why are there so many denominations? We dismiss people because they’re different, and emphasize our rightness, but in Christ, we’re called to live as one body.
Understanding how to reconcile the idea of a single body of Christ with the reality of so many different beliefs and institutions is one of the greatest challenges to Christian faith. If we are one, why are there so many denominations? We dismiss people because they’re different, and emphasize our rightness, but in Christ, we’re called to live as one body.
The Trinity is both mysterious and central to Christianity. It is the belief that God exists as three persons, but is one being, having a single divine nature. The members of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - are co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. The Trinity is both relational and of one essence.
The Trinity is both mysterious and central to Christianity. It is the belief that God exists as three persons, but is one being, having a single divine nature. The members of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - are co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. The Trinity is both relational and of one essence.
Debate over which gospels and letters were true and which weren’t led the church body to formally declare a canon, or an agreed upon understanding of what makes up the Scriptures we hold to be true. Though we may disagree on interpretation, these shared texts have remained constant for centuries. It is through them we have access to Jesus.
Debate over which gospels and letters were true and which weren’t led the church body to formally declare a canon, or an agreed upon understanding of what makes up the Scriptures we hold to be true. Though we may disagree on interpretation, these shared texts have remained constant for centuries. It is through them we have access to Jesus.
In the third century, some began to teach that Jesus was a created being and therefore different and subordinate to God the Creator. Eventually the church declared what seemed like a paradox: Jesus is fully God and fully human. We continue to debate this today when we emphasize the divine or human side of Jesus. As the two natures are equally present, the challenge is to live set apart from, and yet sent into, the world.
In the third century, some began to teach that Jesus was a created being and therefore different and subordinate to God the Creator. Eventually the church declared what seemed like a paradox: Jesus is fully God and fully human. We continue to debate this today when we emphasize the divine or human side of Jesus. As the two natures are equally present, the challenge is to live set apart from, and yet sent into, the world.
The presence of God's Spirit is the sign of the new believer. Yet some in the early church insisted that new believers adopt certain laws, too. Do we do the same today? We teach that grace is sufficient, yet do we expect the Holy Spirit to see to it that other people become like us? What does it mean to be one in the Spirit?
The presence of God's Spirit is the sign of the new believer. Yet some in the early church insisted that new believers adopt certain laws, too. Do we do the same today? We teach that grace is sufficient, yet do we expect the Holy Spirit to see to it that other people become like us? What does it mean to be one in the Spirit?
The presence of God's Spirit is the sign of the new believer. Yet some in the early church insisted that new believers adopt certain laws, too. Do we do the same today? We teach that grace is sufficient, yet do we expect the Holy Spirit to see to it that other people become like us? What does it mean to be one in the Spirit?
Many of the wisdom Proverbs use natural or agricultural elements as teaching tools. How poetic is it that God uses this same method to show us who God is in the life of Jesus? Jesus' life in the natural world is the ultimate tool for us to learn who God is and how God interacts with us as human beings.
Many of the wisdom Proverbs use natural or agricultural elements as teaching tools. How poetic is it that God uses this same method to show us who God is in the life of Jesus? Jesus' life in the natural world is the ultimate tool for us to learn who God is and how God interacts with us as human beings.
Jesus was raised in a tradition which valued memorizing scripture from early childhood, long before students were given permission to interpret. When God's word lives in our heart, every word becomes a shield, protecting us from danger. The best source for gaining wisdom is the Bible.
Jesus was raised in a tradition which valued memorizing scripture from early childhood, long before students were given permission to interpret. When God's word lives in our heart, every word becomes a shield, protecting us from danger. The best source for gaining wisdom is the Bible.
Wisdom in Proverbs is not a set of mystical sayings, but a practical look at the choices you make in life. The effects of your daily habits may seem invisible, but over time these choices form your character, so that one day you will stand like a majestic oak rising over the landscape.
Wisdom in Proverbs is not a set of mystical sayings, but a practical look at the choices you make in life. The effects of your daily habits may seem invisible, but over time these choices form your character, so that one day you will stand like a majestic oak rising over the landscape.
Studies have shown that over a period of years, you become like the people you associate with. In the Proverbs, a fool is someone who thinks they have it “together.” Fools don't know their own limitations. They reject wisdom because they don’t think they need it. Avoid fools, and surround yourself with friends more concerned with loving than being right.
Studies have shown that over a period of years, you become like the people you associate with. In the Proverbs, a fool is someone who thinks they have it “together.” Fools don't know their own limitations. They reject wisdom because they don’t think they need it. Avoid fools, and surround yourself with friends more concerned with loving than being right.
There are two ways to gain wisdom, the “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment,” according to Google. The first is the world’s way, the way of common sense and mom-isms and the philosophers. Then there is God’s way. Two paths; no other. According to the book of Proverbs, these two paths are the ways of Folly and Wisdom, for the only way to true wisdom is through God. We all have to choose. Which path will you take?
There are two ways to gain wisdom, the “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment,” according to Google. The first is the world’s way, the way of common sense and mom-isms and the philosophers. Then there is God’s way. Two paths; no other. According to the book of Proverbs, these two paths are the ways of Folly and Wisdom, for the only way to true wisdom is through God. We all have to choose. Which path will you take?
Join us as we journey through Holy Week in preparation and anticipation of Easter morning, when we will celebrate the risen Lord together! Experience Easter morning at St. Andrew, where your entire family will be welcomed home.
Join us as we journey through Holy Week in preparation and anticipation of Easter morning, when we will celebrate the risen Lord together! Experience Easter morning at St. Andrew, where your entire family will be welcomed home.
On Good Friday, we accept the finality of Christ's crucifixion, understanding the suffering he underwent for our sake.
“Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem stirs emotions that should not be denied. It is a moment filled with possibility. The thought of what might be exhilarated all who followed Jesus. Might this be the king who would deliver them from the Romans? Who would return all the children of God who had been scattered abroad? This was the moment on which the wheel of history would turn. Either God’s kingdom would be established on earth, or the people’s hope would be forever shattered.” – R. Alan Culpepper
“Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem stirs emotions that should not be denied. It is a moment filled with possibility. The thought of what might be exhilarated all who followed Jesus. Might this be the king who would deliver them from the Romans? Who would return all the children of God who had been scattered abroad? This was the moment on which the wheel of history would turn. Either God’s kingdom would be established on earth, or the people’s hope would be forever shattered.” – R. Alan Culpepper
“Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem stirs emotions that should not be denied. It is a moment filled with possibility. The thought of what might be exhilarated all who followed Jesus. Might this be the king who would deliver them from the Romans? Who would return all the children of God who had been scattered abroad? This was the moment on which the wheel of history would turn. Either God’s kingdom would be established on earth, or the people’s hope would be forever shattered.” – R. Alan Culpepper
Christian friendships are sacred. They are about more than just the here and now. Christian friendships have a combined mission and they aren’t limited by life here on earth. When done right, Christian friendships change the world and last for eternity.
Christian friendships are sacred. They are about more than just the here and now. Christian friendships have a combined mission and they aren’t limited by life here on earth. When done right, Christian friendships change the world and last for eternity.
Christian friendships are sacred. They are about more than just the here and now. Christian friendships have a combined mission and they aren’t limited by life here on earth. When done right, Christian friendships change the world and last for eternity.
David and Jonathan is the quintessential friendship in Scripture, so deep and rich that it is described using the word “covenant”, like God’s relationship with us. The friendship of Jonathan and David survives everything. This is what a covenant is: a promise that no matter what, the relationship will persevere.
David and Jonathan is the quintessential friendship in Scripture, so deep and rich that it is described using the word “covenant”, like God’s relationship with us. The friendship of Jonathan and David survives everything. This is what a covenant is: a promise that no matter what, the relationship will persevere.
David and Jonathan is the quintessential friendship in Scripture, so deep and rich that it is described using the word “covenant”, like God’s relationship with us. The friendship of Jonathan and David survives everything. This is what a covenant is: a promise that no matter what, the relationship will persevere.
Even after they separated for the good of their respective families, Abraham kept Lot’s best interests. When he heard that Lot had been captured, he risked everything in order to rescue Lot and Lot’s people. A true friend doesn’t release responsibility at the first opportunity, but continues to protect others.
Even after they separated for the good of their respective families, Abraham kept Lot’s best interests. When he heard that Lot had been captured, he risked everything in order to rescue Lot and Lot’s people. A true friend doesn’t release responsibility at the first opportunity, but continues to protect others.
Even after they separated for the good of their respective families, Abraham kept Lot’s best interests. When he heard that Lot had been captured, he risked everything in order to rescue Lot and Lot’s people. A true friend doesn’t release responsibility at the first opportunity, but continues to protect others.
When she was no longer bound to Naomi by marriage, and when others would return to their home, Ruth remained with her grieving mother-in-law. When brokenness happens, sometimes the greatest gift comes from those who stay. A true friend doesn’t pursue comfort, but seeks the love and health of another.
When she was no longer bound to Naomi by marriage, and when others would return to their home, Ruth remained with her grieving mother-in-law. When brokenness happens, sometimes the greatest gift comes from those who stay. A true friend doesn’t pursue comfort, but seeks the love and health of another.
When she was no longer bound to Naomi by marriage, and when others would return to their home, Ruth remained with her grieving mother-in-law. When brokenness happens, sometimes the greatest gift comes from those who stay. A true friend doesn’t pursue comfort, but seeks the love and health of another.
The greatest prophet since Moses, Elijah performed miracle upon miracle. It would have been easy for him to brag in a way that prevented him from developing real friendships. Yet after Elijah finishes his most amazing miracle, he throws his cloak—his authority—over his friend. A true friend doesn’t brag, but brings another along.
The greatest prophet since Moses, Elijah performed miracle upon miracle. It would have been easy for him to brag in a way that prevented him from developing real friendships. Yet after Elijah finishes his most amazing miracle, he throws his cloak—his authority—over his friend. A true friend doesn’t brag, but brings another along.
The greatest prophet since Moses, Elijah performed miracle upon miracle. It would have been easy for him to brag in a way that prevented him from developing real friendships. Yet after Elijah finishes his most amazing miracle, he throws his cloak—his authority—over his friend. A true friend doesn’t brag, but brings another along.
Sin creates a break between us and creation. But we won't be able to compare our suffering to the glory that is to come. God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. God isn't just recreating us and other people, but is making everything new.
Sin creates a break between us and creation. But we won't be able to compare our suffering to the glory that is to come. God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. God isn't just recreating us and other people, but is making everything new.
Sin creates a break between us and creation. But we won't be able to compare our suffering to the glory that is to come. God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. God isn't just recreating us and other people, but is making everything new.
Sin creates a break between us and one another. Life becomes marked by division and hostility. But God promises to reconcile all people into one new humanity and, with a new covenant, to create peace.
Sin creates a break between us and one another. Life becomes marked by division and hostility. But God promises to reconcile all people into one new humanity and, with a new covenant, to create peace.
Sin creates a break between us and one another. Life becomes marked by division and hostility. But God promises to reconcile all people into one new humanity and, with a new covenant, to create peace.
Sin creates a break between us and ourselves. One of the most insidious lies of sin is the idea that when we rebel from laws and rules, we “find ourselves.” The reality is that when we run from God, we run from who we truly are. God promises that with faith in Jesus, we will be made whole.
Sin creates a break between us and ourselves. One of the most insidious lies of sin is the idea that when we rebel from laws and rules, we “find ourselves.” The reality is that when we run from God, we run from who we truly are. God promises that with faith in Jesus, we will be made whole.
Sin creates a break between us and ourselves. One of the most insidious lies of sin is the idea that when we rebel from laws and rules, we “find ourselves.” The reality is that when we run from God, we run from who we truly are. God promises that with faith in Jesus, we will be made whole.
Sin creates a break between us and God. While we think we get what we deserve and doubt things can get better, God promises to replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. God doesn't just want to make us feel better. He wants to renew our thoughts, actions and will - our entire lives.
Sin creates a break between us and God. While we think we get what we deserve and doubt things can get better, God promises to replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. God doesn't just want to make us feel better. He wants to renew our thoughts, actions and will - our entire lives.
Sin creates a break between us and God. While we think we get what we deserve and doubt things can get better, God promises to replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. God doesn't just want to make us feel better. He wants to renew our thoughts, actions and will - our entire lives.
In biblical culture, birth was very public. The entire town knew about it. It was social, messy, painful and noble. All of these ideas apply when Jesus uses birth as a metaphor for spiritual renewal. With faith in Christ, we are made new by the breath of God’s Holy Spirit.
In biblical culture, birth was very public. The entire town knew about it. It was social, messy, painful and noble. All of these ideas apply when Jesus uses birth as a metaphor for spiritual renewal. With faith in Christ, we are made new by the breath of God’s Holy Spirit.
In biblical culture, birth was very public. The entire town knew about it. It was social, messy, painful and noble. All of these ideas apply when Jesus uses birth as a metaphor for spiritual renewal. With faith in Christ, we are made new by the breath of God’s Holy Spirit.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus did the things he did? Why exactly twelve disciples in his inner circle? Matthew’s story of the Magi and the aftermath can help us to understand Jesus in ways we have not before.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus did the things he did? Why exactly twelve disciples in his inner circle? Matthew’s story of the Magi and the aftermath can help us to understand Jesus in ways we have not before.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus did the things he did? Why exactly twelve disciples in his inner circle? Matthew’s story of the Magi and the aftermath can help us to understand Jesus in ways we have not before.
The new year brings new resolve to do more and be better. This impulse is good. God wants to do a new thing in us. But the catch is, we cannot find new life by trying to be better, but only through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that renews us.
The new year brings new resolve to do more and be better. This impulse is good. God wants to do a new thing in us. But the catch is, we cannot find new life by trying to be better, but only through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that renews us.
Jesus’ arrival isn’t only for our individual salvation. It’s for the restoration of all people, made in the image of God. The arrival of the Christ child, God made flesh, is for the sake of the community - to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to those held captive, sight to the blind, liberty to those held oppressed.
Jesus’ arrival isn’t only for our individual salvation. It’s for the restoration of all people, made in the image of God. The arrival of the Christ child, God made flesh, is for the sake of the community - to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to those held captive, sight to the blind, liberty to those held oppressed.
Jesus’ arrival isn’t only for our individual salvation. It’s for the restoration of all people, made in the image of God. The arrival of the Christ child, God made flesh, is for the sake of the community - to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to those held captive, sight to the blind, liberty to those held oppressed.
Jesus’ title - “The Son of Man” - isn’t just a name for his humanity. It’s a name for God taking on flesh, heaven come to earth. It is because God became down for our sake that we fall to our knees in worship.
Jesus’ title - “The Son of Man” - isn’t just a name for his humanity. It’s a name for God taking on flesh, heaven come to earth. It is because God became down for our sake that we fall to our knees in worship.
Jesus’ title - “The Son of Man” - isn’t just a name for his humanity. It’s a name for God taking on flesh, heaven come to earth. It is because God became down for our sake that we fall to our knees in worship.
In ancient times, people looked into the heavens for authority. The Magi were astrologers. They interpreted the stars. But in Jesus, the Magi found more than a star chart; they discovered Authority. In the Christ child is the very nature of the Most High God, the Creator of time and space.
In ancient times, people looked into the heavens for authority. The Magi were astrologers. They interpreted the stars. But in Jesus, the Magi found more than a star chart; they discovered Authority. In the Christ child is the very nature of the Most High God, the Creator of time and space.
In ancient times, people looked into the heavens for authority. The Magi were astrologers. They interpreted the stars. But in Jesus, the Magi found more than a star chart; they discovered Authority. In the Christ child is the very nature of the Most High God, the Creator of time and space.
This Thanksgiving, we gather together with family and friends. The table is vital to the family of faith. Everywhere you read in the gospels, Jesus is eating with people. That’s because the kingdom of God isn’t a geographical location, but a set of relationships where Jesus is sovereign. We gather around the table to express gratitude for our many blessings.
This Thanksgiving, we gather together with family and friends. The table is vital to the family of faith. Everywhere you read in the gospels, Jesus is eating with people. That’s because the kingdom of God isn’t a geographical location, but a set of relationships where Jesus is sovereign. We gather around the table to express gratitude for our many blessings.
This Thanksgiving, we gather together with family and friends. The table is vital to the family of faith. Everywhere you read in the gospels, Jesus is eating with people. That’s because the kingdom of God isn’t a geographical location, but a set of relationships where Jesus is sovereign. We gather around the table to express gratitude for our many blessings.
The constant, reliable, and permanent nature of God's steadfast love for us doesn’t depend on us returning the favor. God is extravagant beyond our understanding. The more we follow Jesus, the more we become transformed by God's blessings. When we become extravagant in our desire to share God's gifts with others, we truly discover an abundant life.
The constant, reliable, and permanent nature of God's steadfast love for us doesn’t depend on us returning the favor. God is extravagant beyond our understanding. The more we follow Jesus, the more we become transformed by God's blessings. When we become extravagant in our desire to share God's gifts with others, we truly discover an abundant life.
The constant, reliable, and permanent nature of God's steadfast love for us doesn’t depend on us returning the favor. God is extravagant beyond our understanding. The more we follow Jesus, the more we become transformed by God's blessings. When we become extravagant in our desire to share God's gifts with others, we truly discover an abundant life.
The deeper we understand God's gift to us, the higher our response rises. We become more generous because we learn to trust the giver. We begin to see giving not as something that fits into a category separate from our worship, our relationships and our time, but as part of the whole life of following Jesus.
The deeper we understand God's gift to us, the higher our response rises. We become more generous because we learn to trust the giver. We begin to see giving not as something that fits into a category separate from our worship, our relationships and our time, but as part of the whole life of following Jesus.
An inheritance is a transfer of wealth to an heir on the owner’s death. Through Jesus’ atonement on the cross, we are not only children, but heirs of God’s riches. As children who have received a great gift, we realize that all that we have comes from and belongs to God.
An inheritance is a transfer of wealth to an heir on the owner’s death. Through Jesus’ atonement on the cross, we are not only children, but heirs of God’s riches. As children who have received a great gift, we realize that all that we have comes from and belongs to God.
An inheritance is a transfer of wealth to an heir on the owner’s death. Through Jesus’ atonement on the cross, we are not only children, but heirs of God’s riches. As children who have received a great gift, we realize that all that we have comes from and belongs to God.
There are five stages to the journey toward becoming generous people. The orientation of Stage 1 people is toward self. They take – they see resources as theirs to keep or give away.
There are five stages to the journey toward becoming generous people. The orientation of Stage 1 people is toward self. They take – they see resources as theirs to keep or give away.
There are five stages to the journey toward becoming generous people. The orientation of Stage 1 people is toward self. They take – they see resources as theirs to keep or give away.
The fulfillment of God’s mission isn’t a future goal, it’s has already been completed. Like a cake that has come out of the oven but is still cooking inside, God’s mission is both finished in Christ Jesus and is still cooking, soon to be ready, through our work as Christ’s disciples.
The fulfillment of God’s mission isn’t a future goal, it’s has already been completed. Like a cake that has come out of the oven but is still cooking inside, God’s mission is both finished in Christ Jesus and is still cooking, soon to be ready, through our work as Christ’s disciples.
The fulfillment of God’s mission isn’t a future goal, it’s has already been completed. Like a cake that has come out of the oven but is still cooking inside, God’s mission is both finished in Christ Jesus and is still cooking, soon to be ready, through our work as Christ’s disciples.
Moses felt ill-equipped to do what God asked of him. But God equips those whom God calls - and God calls each of us to join in the mission. Every disciple is an agent of God’s mission. When we understand that we’re not making up our own purpose, but we’re joining in God’s work, we are free to discover our own unique part.
Moses felt ill-equipped to do what God asked of him. But God equips those whom God calls - and God calls each of us to join in the mission. Every disciple is an agent of God’s mission. When we understand that we’re not making up our own purpose, but we’re joining in God’s work, we are free to discover our own unique part.
Moses felt ill-equipped to do what God asked of him. But God equips those whom God calls - and God calls each of us to join in the mission. Every disciple is an agent of God’s mission. When we understand that we’re not making up our own purpose, but we’re joining in God’s work, we are free to discover our own unique part.
Why do we talk about Christian-ish? It’s because we understand our own selves and our own tendencies. God’s mission leads us to love and build relationship, in word and action, with all people.
Why do we talk about Christian-ish? It’s because we understand our own selves and our own tendencies. God’s mission leads us to love and build relationship, in word and action, with all people.
Why do we talk about Christian-ish? It’s because we understand our own selves and our own tendencies. God’s mission leads us to love and build relationship, in word and action, with all people.
In the institutional model of church, we develop faith, then we join the community, then we go out into the world. But just as faith can lead to action, action can lead to faith. Often, we believe not before we see God move in the world, but as we see God move - especially when we’re the ones through whom God is moving. There is no prerequisite of faith to join the mission.
In the institutional model of church, we develop faith, then we join the community, then we go out into the world. But just as faith can lead to action, action can lead to faith. Often, we believe not before we see God move in the world, but as we see God move - especially when we’re the ones through whom God is moving. There is no prerequisite of faith to join the mission.
In the institutional model of church, we develop faith, then we join the community, then we go out into the world. But just as faith can lead to action, action can lead to faith. Often, we believe not before we see God move in the world, but as we see God move - especially when we’re the ones through whom God is moving. There is no prerequisite of faith to join the mission.
We’re not in charge. God is. The Church doesn’t do missions. Rather, God’s mission includes the church. When we follow Jesus, we as God’s people are joining in God’s mission to reconcile the world. We’re following Jesus on the Way.
We’re not in charge. God is. The Church doesn’t do missions. Rather, God’s mission includes the church. When we follow Jesus, we as God’s people are joining in God’s mission to reconcile the world. We’re following Jesus on the Way.
We’re not in charge. God is. The Church doesn’t do missions. Rather, God’s mission includes the church. When we follow Jesus, we as God’s people are joining in God’s mission to reconcile the world. We’re following Jesus on the Way.
Overcoming the grind is impossible without overcoming self-interest. When we allow God’s Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we become a full version of who God is calling us to be: people who love one another.
Overcoming the grind is impossible without overcoming self-interest. When we allow God’s Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we become a full version of who God is calling us to be: people who love one another.
Things can only get better - or so the saying goes. And sometimes they do. But often, they don’t. How do we reconcile the belief in a better future promised to us in Scripture with the often debilitating challenges and loss that seem to define daily life?
Things can only get better - or so the saying goes. And sometimes they do. But often, they don’t. How do we reconcile the belief in a better future promised to us in Scripture with the often debilitating challenges and loss that seem to define daily life?
How can we overcome the joyless anxiety that so often seems to come with daily life? In his letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul names three key ingredients to help us put mind over grind. The first is faith.
How can we overcome the joyless anxiety that so often seems to come with daily life? In his letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul names three key ingredients to help us put mind over grind. The first is faith.
One of the youngest of the early church leaders, Timothy is a protege of Paul, a “loved and trusted child in the Lord,” who excels in modeling and encouraging what it means to walk in the Way and not become distracted by poor teaching.
One of the youngest of the early church leaders, Timothy is a protege of Paul, a “loved and trusted child in the Lord,” who excels in modeling and encouraging what it means to walk in the Way and not become distracted by poor teaching.
Stephen is well-respected in the Christian movement, a man with exceptional faith. He's appointed to leadership roles to solve problems in the community. But his exposure leads to debate and then accusation. He is put on trial. Ultimately, he is murdered for his faith. Yet his story grows the church.
Stephen is well-respected in the Christian movement, a man with exceptional faith. He's appointed to leadership roles to solve problems in the community. But his exposure leads to debate and then accusation. He is put on trial. Ultimately, he is murdered for his faith. Yet his story grows the church.
Elizabeth is well aware of her connection to the tradition of God’s people. The Bible describes her as “blameless.” But her life isn't without trouble. With her husband, she has been praying for a child for years, and is now old. One day, her waiting is rewarded, and she becomes pregnant. Her child isn’t just any child, either.
Elizabeth is well aware of her connection to the tradition of God’s people. The Bible describes her as “blameless.” But her life isn't without trouble. With her husband, she has been praying for a child for years, and is now old. One day, her waiting is rewarded, and she becomes pregnant. Her child isn’t just any child, either.
Elizabeth is well aware of her connection to the tradition of God’s people. The Bible describes her as “blameless.” But her life isn't without trouble. With her husband, she has been praying for a child for years, and is now old. One day, her waiting is rewarded, and she becomes pregnant. Her child isn’t just any child, either.
Naomi loses everything when her husband and sons die in a foreign land. She decides to return home to Israel, and tries to send her daughter-in-law Ruth home to her family, but Ruth insists on staying with her. They work together to survive as widows, and even though Naomi is too old for another husband, their plan leads to new life.
Naomi loses everything when her husband and sons die in a foreign land. She decides to return home to Israel, and tries to send her daughter-in-law Ruth home to her family, but Ruth insists on staying with her. They work together to survive as widows, and even though Naomi is too old for another husband, their plan leads to new life.
Naomi loses everything when her husband and sons die in a foreign land. She decides to return home to Israel, and tries to send her daughter-in-law Ruth home to her family, but Ruth insists on staying with her. They work together to survive as widows, and even though Naomi is too old for another husband, their plan leads to new life.
When his little brother Jacob takes the prominence and privilege that is rightfully his, Esau vows revenge. But when they finally meet again, in spite of the legitimacy of the older brother’s grievance and the power he has over Jacob, Esau chooses reconciliation and peace.
When his little brother Jacob takes the prominence and privilege that is rightfully his, Esau vows revenge. But when they finally meet again, in spite of the legitimacy of the older brother’s grievance and the power he has over Jacob, Esau chooses reconciliation and peace.
When his little brother Jacob takes the prominence and privilege that is rightfully his, Esau vows revenge. But when they finally meet again, in spite of the legitimacy of the older brother’s grievance and the power he has over Jacob, Esau chooses reconciliation and peace.
Supporting characters model loyalty and friendship, even when the result benefits someone else. The eldest son of Israel’s first king, Saul, Jonathan was rightful heir to the throne. But his deep friendship with David was more important, and when Saul threatens to kill David, Jonathan intervenes and clears the way for David to eventually become king.
Supporting characters model loyalty and friendship, even when the result benefits someone else. The eldest son of Israel’s first king, Saul, Jonathan was rightful heir to the throne. But his deep friendship with David was more important, and when Saul threatens to kill David, Jonathan intervenes and clears the way for David to eventually become king.
Supporting characters model loyalty and friendship, even when the result benefits someone else. The eldest son of Israel’s first king, Saul, Jonathan was rightful heir to the throne. But his deep friendship with David was more important, and when Saul threatens to kill David, Jonathan intervenes and clears the way for David to eventually become king.
God made a promise to Abram and Sarah that set the stage for all that would follow in Scripture and to this day, that their descendants would fill the earth. But how could this be? The couple was childless and old. All things are possible with God - even when we, like Sarah, laugh at the very thought of such blessing.
God made a promise to Abram and Sarah that set the stage for all that would follow in Scripture and to this day, that their descendants would fill the earth. But how could this be? The couple was childless and old. All things are possible with God - even when we, like Sarah, laugh at the very thought of such blessing.
If we follow Micah’s commands to do justice and love mercy out of obligation rather than love, they mean nothing. Our actions aren’t about rules, but the practice that grows our relationship with God. Micah's command is an invitation to continually pursue a loving relationship with God. It is the key to becoming the people God made us to be.
If we follow Micah’s commands to do justice and love mercy out of obligation rather than love, they mean nothing. Our actions aren’t about rules, but the practice that grows our relationship with God. Micah's command is an invitation to continually pursue a loving relationship with God. It is the key to becoming the people God made us to be.
If we follow Micah’s commands to do justice and love mercy out of obligation rather than love, they mean nothing. Our actions aren’t about rules, but the practice that grows our relationship with God. Micah's command is an invitation to continually pursue a loving relationship with God. It is the key to becoming the people God made us to be.
The Hebrew word for mercy is most easily translated as “loving kindness.” This loving kindness comes first from God’s essence and God’s grace. As we experience God’s mercy in our lives, our response develops into a desire to do good for others, in body and in spirit. As some have noted, doing good for others is the certain proof of a Christian spirit.
The Hebrew word for mercy is most easily translated as “loving kindness.” This loving kindness comes first from God’s essence and God’s grace. As we experience God’s mercy in our lives, our response develops into a desire to do good for others, in body and in spirit. As some have noted, doing good for others is the certain proof of a Christian spirit.
The Hebrew word for mercy is most easily translated as “loving kindness.” This loving kindness comes first from God’s essence and God’s grace. As we experience God’s mercy in our lives, our response develops into a desire to do good for others, in body and in spirit. As some have noted, doing good for others is the certain proof of a Christian spirit.
While it is easy to focus on being "good", a better starting point may be to consider a challenging question: “Am I doing harm to others in how I live?” This question moves beyond looking for ways to act and invites us to think about how our lives affect those around us. Considering our lives in relationship to others is the first step to fulfilling the directive to do justice.
While it is easy to focus on being "good", a better starting point may be to consider a challenging question: “Am I doing harm to others in how I live?” This question moves beyond looking for ways to act and invites us to think about how our lives affect those around us. Considering our lives in relationship to others is the first step to fulfilling the directive to do justice.
While it is easy to focus on being "good", a better starting point may be to consider a challenging question: “Am I doing harm to others in how I live?” This question moves beyond looking for ways to act and invites us to think about how our lives affect those around us. Considering our lives in relationship to others is the first step to fulfilling the directive to do justice.
Sometimes it's tempting to think of a relationship with God in terms of rules and requirements: what minimum sacrifices are necessary in order to be in good standing? Meeting requirements doesn’t lead to a relationship with God, and God's grace does not come with a cost. Yet, Christian faith, fully lived out, includes an outpouring of justice, mercy, and love of God.
Sometimes it's tempting to think of a relationship with God in terms of rules and requirements: what minimum sacrifices are necessary in order to be in good standing? Meeting requirements doesn’t lead to a relationship with God, and God's grace does not come with a cost. Yet, Christian faith, fully lived out, includes an outpouring of justice, mercy, and love of God.
Sometimes it's tempting to think of a relationship with God in terms of rules and requirements: what minimum sacrifices are necessary in order to be in good standing? Meeting requirements doesn’t lead to a relationship with God, and God's grace does not come with a cost. Yet, Christian faith, fully lived out, includes an outpouring of justice, mercy, and love of God.
Like Andrew, we want to be servants whose spirit of generosity and invitation will change the world.
Like Andrew, we want to be servants whose spirit of generosity and invitation will change the world.
Like when Andrew brought some Greeks from Phillippi to Jesus, we at St. Andrew are focused not just on our own community but on bringing people to Jesus from the broader culture, in North Texas and beyond. When we invite and connect, the hearts that change are both other people's and our own.
Like when Andrew brought some Greeks from Phillippi to Jesus, we at St. Andrew are focused not just on our own community but on bringing people to Jesus from the broader culture, in North Texas and beyond. When we invite and connect, the hearts that change are both other people's and our own.
Like when Andrew brought the boy with the lunch to Jesus, we at St. Andrew look for opportunities to share our resources, not matter how great or small, so that our community may experience the abundant life in Christ.
Like when Andrew brought the boy with the lunch to Jesus, we at St. Andrew look for opportunities to share our resources, not matter how great or small, so that our community may experience the abundant life in Christ.
Like when Andrew brought the boy with the lunch to Jesus, we at St. Andrew look for opportunities to share our resources, not matter how great or small, so that our community may experience the abundant life in Christ.
Like when Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, we at St. Andrew see God move through relationships and taking risks to join people in a family of faith for God's kingdom.
Like when Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, we at St. Andrew see God move through relationships and taking risks to join people in a family of faith for God's kingdom.
What do you get when you climb halfway up a mountain? Nothing except discomfort - cold, wet misery. There are no halfway commitments to reaching the summit. You must decide to go all the way if you go at all. The widow who gave her last coin knew what it meant to keep the main thing the main thing.
What do you get when you climb halfway up a mountain? Nothing except discomfort - cold, wet misery. There are no halfway commitments to reaching the summit. You must decide to go all the way if you go at all. The widow who gave her last coin knew what it meant to keep the main thing the main thing.
We long for the rare moments of clarity and joy, when life seems perfect and we’re without worry. These moments are mountaintop glimpses of God’s presence. But like the disciples in the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus calls us back down the mountain to the hurting, lost and lonely in the valley.
We long for the rare moments of clarity and joy, when life seems perfect and we’re without worry. These moments are mountaintop glimpses of God’s presence. But like the disciples in the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus calls us back down the mountain to the hurting, lost and lonely in the valley.
We long for the rare moments of clarity and joy, when life seems perfect and we’re without worry. These moments are mountaintop glimpses of God’s presence. But like the disciples in the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus calls us back down the mountain to the hurting, lost and lonely in the valley.
The space in-between glorious vision and final fulfillment can be long and lonely. God appeared to Abraham, but then years passed while he lived as an immigrant, waiting for the promise to come to pass. It’s no coincidence that the name of the valley in between the mountains of Judah was the In Between. It’s for the in-betweens of life that God gives us community.
The space in-between glorious vision and final fulfillment can be long and lonely. God appeared to Abraham, but then years passed while he lived as an immigrant, waiting for the promise to come to pass. It’s no coincidence that the name of the valley in between the mountains of Judah was the In Between. It’s for the in-betweens of life that God gives us community.
Ask any climber - it’s no small thing to walk away from a comfortable tent and toward extreme physical conditions on the side of a mountain. What motivates them? The joy up on the summit, yes, but also the struggle on the way, too. Similar discoveries await the one with spiritual courage, such as with Micaiah, the lone prophet who would speak truth to power, and the apostles, who stood before the Sanhedrin, life in their hands, knowing they must obey God over any human authority.
Ask any climber - it’s no small thing to walk away from a comfortable tent and toward extreme physical conditions on the side of a mountain. What motivates them? The joy up on the summit, yes, but also the struggle on the way, too. Similar discoveries await the one with spiritual courage, such as with Micaiah, the lone prophet who would speak truth to power, and the apostles, who stood before the Sanhedrin, life in their hands, knowing they must obey God over any human authority.
Ask any climber - it’s no small thing to walk away from a comfortable tent and toward extreme physical conditions on the side of a mountain. What motivates them? The joy up on the summit, yes, but also the struggle on the way, too. Similar discoveries await the one with spiritual courage, such as with Micaiah, the lone prophet who would speak truth to power, and the apostles, who stood before the Sanhedrin, life in their hands, knowing they must obey God over any human authority.
It’s dangerous to pull the stops out, to put all of your eggs in a single basket, to double down. Some say it’s prudent, even wise, to “keep your options open.” But you’ll never experience the summit while hanging out in camp. It may seem crazy, but risking it all is exactly what Jesus asked the disciples to do. If you want to get to the summit, you’ve got to leave comfort behind.
It’s dangerous to pull the stops out, to put all of your eggs in a single basket, to double down. Some say it’s prudent, even wise, to “keep your options open.” But you’ll never experience the summit while hanging out in camp. It may seem crazy, but risking it all is exactly what Jesus asked the disciples to do. If you want to get to the summit, you’ve got to leave comfort behind.
It’s dangerous to pull the stops out, to put all of your eggs in a single basket, to double down. Some say it’s prudent, even wise, to “keep your options open.” But you’ll never experience the summit while hanging out in camp. It may seem crazy, but risking it all is exactly what Jesus asked the disciples to do. If you want to get to the summit, you’ve got to leave comfort behind.
As the people waited for an abundant future, their ability to see God’s vision waned, until they only saw the desert of their current lives. Their complaints increased and they began to long for the slavery of Egypt. As a result, they never saw the Promised Land. As we wait through desert periods, it can become tempting to look backward with misplaced nostalgia. Getting stuck in the past is destructive. Instead, have a different spirit like Caleb and lean on God’s promised future.
As the people waited for an abundant future, their ability to see God’s vision waned, until they only saw the desert of their current lives. Their complaints increased and they began to long for the slavery of Egypt. As a result, they never saw the Promised Land. As we wait through desert periods, it can become tempting to look backward with misplaced nostalgia. Getting stuck in the past is destructive. Instead, have a different spirit like Caleb and lean on God’s promised future.
As the people waited for an abundant future, their ability to see God’s vision waned, until they only saw the desert of their current lives. Their complaints increased and they began to long for the slavery of Egypt. As a result, they never saw the Promised Land. As we wait through desert periods, it can become tempting to look backward with misplaced nostalgia. Getting stuck in the past is destructive. Instead, have a different spirit like Caleb and lean on God’s promised future.