HersheyFree Podcast: Recent Episodes
George Davis
Often when we talk about “grace,” we emphasize the fact that it is “free.” But is that really the case? As it turns out, the answer to that question is more complicated than you might think. While we don’t earn grace, it does come with expectations. To understand this, we must see how God’s grace restores and transforms. As it turns out, we can’t live in God’s grace without being changed. Are you experiencing that transformation right now?
Unfortunately, some people simply view grace as if it’s a transaction—you give God your faith, and he gives you his grace. Yet, that’s not the biblical concept of grace. In the Scriptures, grace is not transactional—it’s relational. Grace brings us into a new set of relationships. It changes our relationship with God, and it changes our relationships with others. So, in what sense is grace influencing your relationships?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word grace? While the concept of grace may be very familiar to us, what is familiar can also become what is easily misunderstood. If we are not careful, there are ways in which we can neglect, diminish, or misunderstand grace. As we begin to unpack this concept, we must first understand how radical it really is. With that in mind, are you living in the radical reality of God’s grace?
One day, Jesus was asked to teach on prayer. After a short example, He continued with a strange story of a person who knocked on his friend’s door in the middle of the night asking for a loaf of bread. As we read this story together, we will learn about asking and receiving through prayer.
In our society, it is easy to practice reciprocity: “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” What isn’t easy is receiving grace, and then extending grace to someone else. In today’s parable, we will hear a descriptive story of grace and responsibility. If grace defines one’s relationship with God, then grace ought to define one’s relationship with others.
We all understand that there is a difference between hearing and listening. But we do not always recognize that understanding what is said, and believing it, always result in action. In today’s message, we will learn a parable Jesus told that illustrated the absurdity of placing one’s faith in Jesus without rearranging one’s life around his call to discipleship.
Starting today, Hershey Free Church will spend five Sundays studying parables. The first is a story Jesus told after being accused of befriending undesirable people. They said, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” Jesus did not defend himself, but rather told three parables about those who lost something valuable and searched assiduously until it was found.
Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. The idea of heaven is so mystical, so unknown. And the thought of what happens after death is confusing at best; petrifying at worst. How do we know that heaven is where we’ll end up? What will a believer’s inheritance be in heaven, anyway? In today’s message, we will explore questions like these, discovering what is the end of our salvation.
Becoming a Christian is a life-altering decision that changes a person from the inside out. The change begins on the inside, influencing one’s thinking and desires, and works its way out into actions. In this message, you will learn what it means to be in Christ while also having Christ in you.
“Believe in Jesus, and you’ll have eternal life.” That is easy to say but hard to fathom. For starters, what is eternal life? Furthermore, all we have to do is believe in Jesus? In this message, we will take the time to unpack these themes from scripture. Belief can mean different things: understanding something, acknowledging something, or trusting in something. Life also brings up different pictures for most of us. As you listen, we hope you grasp how life changing this text can be for the present and the future.
The death of Jesus was a bloody, gruesome, shameful event. Why was this necessary? And what did this accomplish? The writer of Romans says his death was substitutionary in that Jesus’ death paid a moral debt. This event was the means by which mankind can have a right relationship with God, having his or her sins atoned. In this message, we will acknowledge the gruesome event of Jesus’ crucifixion and discover how this sacrifice made a way for us to be justified in our sinful condition.
The writer of Ephesians has some pretty sour things to say about mankind: we are enslaved to unfiltered desires and thoughts, attempt all means to gratify our cravings, and live in perpetual moral failure. To top it all, he declares we are “dead in transgressions” and, therefore, “deserving of [God’s] wrath.” This is a serious spiritual heart condition. The cure only comes by God’s grace. Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for our sin, taking the brunt of that wrath; therefore, by faith in Jesus we can cure spiritual death and be made alive. In this message, we will explore the decaying effect of our sin, learning how the death and resurrection of Jesus can reverse these effects.
Finally, after years of waiting, Abraham’s wife has a son. Yet, just when the story reaches the “happy ever after” stage, there’s a new complication—God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Why does this happen? How does this fit into Abraham’s story, and what does this say about our story? Join us this Sunday as we conclude our study of Abraham’s journey of faith.
In response to Sarah's laughter, God asks: “is anything too hard for the Lord?” The term 'hard' communicates the idea of wonder. In other words, her daily grind has robbed her of her awareness of God’s awe and transcendence. When God does provide a child, Sarah laughs again. Robert Alter notes that this text implies that Sarah has the freedom to laugh at herself. She has discovered the joy of God working through the daily grind.
Sometimes, despite our successes, we still experience the weight and troubling realities of doubt. For various reasons, doubt is inevitable, yet we'll discuss on Sunday how God can deconstruct our doubts.
While Abraham’s initial response to God’s call is bold and positive, he quickly becomes overwhelmed by fear and stress. In essence, he caves under pressure. So, why did his life get off track, and how can we respond if this happens to us? Join us Sunday as we continue our study of the life of Abraham.
God’s call is an invitation into his bigger plan. Abraham is challenged to leave his past; yet, God does not ask Abraham to give up anything he is not going to replace. What must you leave behind as part of God’s mission?
In different places, Paul highlights Abraham as an example of faith. While some argued that Abraham was a paragon of virtue who was justified by his works, Paul argues that God’s promise to Abraham came through faith. So, how are we to understand faith and what difference does it make?
For many of us, Easter is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends—it’s a time to celebrate the work of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it’s a moment to wrestle with these questions: what does the resurrection actually mean? What does the resurrection actually do? There are many ways to answer these questions. Yet, as we will see by examining a short letter in the New Testament—resurrection leads to restoration. Christ’s resurrection means, that whatever your life looks like right now, you can be restored.
Here’s a question you may never have asked: what legacy will my life leave behind? While that might not seem important now, Paul the apostle invites us into a way of life that has ongoing influence. What does this look like, and why should we embrace it? Those questions he will answer as we explore his final letter, 2 Timothy.
In 1 & 2 Timothy, as well as Titus, Paul addresses issues of false teaching. He urges Christ-followers to live lives that reflect Christ.
In encouraging early followers of Jesus, the Apostle Paul addresses an interesting topic--how we think. For instance, in his letter to the Philippian church, he makes reference to thinking in each of the letter's chapters. As it turns out, he wants us to see that God's work of transformation includes a transformed mind.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul wanted to convey the idea that Jews and Gentiles alike had a home in this new community based on life in Christ. The message that God’s grace and the gospel are open to all rings out in this letter. God’s desire is for all who believe to find unity in Christ.
This week in our journey through Paul’s letters, we come to Colossians. On the one hand, this letter reveals the positive things taking place in this church community. On the other hand, Paul also confronts a danger lurking under the surface. It’s a danger that can draw us away from the wonder of Christ’s work and the freedom that we can experience as his followers. Join us this Sunday as we diagnose this danger and highlight Paul’s remedy.
During all of the tension and polarization of the last few years, have you lost certain relationships because of disagreement? Have you “unfriended” someone because you got tired of the material they were posting? As we continue our journey through Paul’s letters, he shows us that the gospel should foster a particular type of culture—a culture of unity. So, what does that look like and how is it possible? That’s the focus of Sunday’s message from Romans 14-15.
Are you able to truly comprehend the richness of the grace offered by God in a way that transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Paul's life was never the same because he encountered God's grace in a life-changing way. We pray that the same can be said of us.
Paul's goal in these verses is for the reader to grasp the depth of the gospel message. He uses strong words to emphasize that we will face hardships and challenges brought on by sin in the world, but that in us is the life that renews us every day. Ultimately, Paul is leading the Corinthians to understand and experience a Spirit-filled life that is transformed in Christ and shaped by the cross.
Have you ever found yourself in a complicated situation and wondered: “how did I get here?” Sometimes, our challenges are beyond our control, yet, in other situations, they are complications that result from our own decisions and actions. This week, as we look at 1 Corinthians, Paul looks back into Israel’s history and says, “there are lessons for you to learn from the past, so that you don’t repeat the mistakes of others.” In 1 Corinthians 10, he highlights an important lesson that all of us should learn—we will unpack that lesson on Sunday as we continue Love this Book.
So, how should our faith affect our approach to work? In writing to the Thessalonian church, Paul argues that following Jesus should encourage us to be responsible at work. So, what does this look like and how do we develop it? Paul answers those questions as we look at 2 Thessalonians.
A key theme in the letter to the Thessalonians is the return of Jesus Christ, known as the second coming. However, another significant focus is how the gentile Christians are living as followers of Jesus. The gospel message made a fundamental difference in how they lived, and Paul celebrates their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope.
As we begin our journey through the letters of Paul, one reality becomes clear early on—Christianity can be misunderstood! In Galatians 5, Paul acknowledges how Christianity can be misunderstood, and he shows us two ways our lives can get off track. However, he not only warns us about these dangers, he also shows us the way forward. Ultimately, the guidance he provides leads to a life of true freedom.
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders in the early Christian movement; he took the message of Jesus throughout the Roman world. Furthermore, he wrote numerous letters providing ongoing guidance and counsel to newly-established churches. While he addresses a variety of issues and divergent circumstances, there is one phrase that he uses that summarizes what he was doing, and what he wanted to see happen in the lives of these early Christians. Likewise, it's a phrase that describes the ways his letters can encourage you as we begin Love this Book Part 4.
As we begin 2023, we want to take time to focus on the importance of prayer. It was Ronald Rolheiser who said that the most important thing you can when it comes to prayer is to simply, “show up.” It’s not about doing it right or wrong, it’s about praying. Developing a posture of prayer matches Paul’s words, “pray without ceasing.” This week our study will focus on three different prayers of Paul, and instead of answering questions about the passage, spend time this week approaching the passage with an attitude of prayer. During the Love This Book series, there will be opportunities to pray using different methods and postures that will enhance and deepen your practice of prayer.
Can you imagine what it would be like to have a conversation with an angel? Mary and Zechariah each communicated with the angel, Gabriel. As we look at their conversations, think about how they each engaged the angel and had different perspectives on what they heard. In the end, each one had the privilege of participating in God’s story and experienced the hope that is rooted in Christmas.
Some of us naturally get “into the spirit of Christmas,” while others may find it a challenging holiday for different reasons. In two distinct conversations in John’s Gospel, Jesus shows that whether you are an “insider” or an “outsider” he has a way of life for you to consider. Don’t go through the activities of this season without realizing that the message is directed to you.
For some, while they enjoy the festivities of Christmas, they have little interest in the actual message of Jesus. Interestingly, that type of skepticism is actually present in the Gospels in a conversation where Nathanael expresses doubt about Jesus’ identity. So, how do we respond to doubt and skepticism? Furthermore, why should we take Jesus seriously if we do have doubts?
Over the holidays, you may find yourself in the awkward situation of seeing friends and family with whom you disagree. Ironically, this season in which we celebrate peace can also be one that reminds us of conflict. In some ways, this shouldn’t surprise us. As we will see in this week’s message, conflict was part of the experience of early followers of Jesus. Acts 15 shows us the depth of their conflict and also how the gospel can equip us to work through hard situations well.
The gospel message is spreading as Paul and Barnabas are commissioned as missionaries and sent by the Holy Spirit to preach and teach in new regions. These two evangelists will encounter government officials, religious leaders, and even a magician as they share the gospel in new cities. In these chapters, Saul becomes Paul, and the gospel is shared with Jew and Gentile alike. Some welcome the message with gladness, while others reject it completely.
As we continue our study in Acts 11, we see that God had much bigger plans for the gospel. He was moving beyond the world of Judaism and taking the gospel to the Gentiles. We also learn about Barnabas, the encourager, and should be motivated by his attitudes and actions.
In the history of the early Christian movement, the storyline includes some unexpected developments. In Acts 8-12, there are multiple scenes where people you would not expect become followers of Jesus—including Saul, who had been a persecutor of this movement. As we will see, the journey of following Jesus includes surprises along the way. Are you open to being surprised by God?
We celebrate the faithfulness of God as we remember 50 years of Hershey Free Church’s ministry.
A wave of persecution is building against the believers. In response to that, they begin leaving Jerusalem and scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. The words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 are coming to fruition as the gospel moves from Jerusalem to the surrounding areas.
As the book of Acts describes the history of early Christianity, we see not only the growth and vitality of the church in Jerusalem, we also see the challenges that can get in the way. In this message, we will encounter 3 obstacles that can sidetrack us as followers of Jesus. If we are not careful, these obstacles will limit our experience of the life that Jesus desires for us.
Last week, we served others throughout our region motivated by the love of Jesus. As Acts shows us, living out our faith isn’t simply something we do on scheduled occasions, it’s to be a way of life. However, if we are to embrace this mission, it will require something from us. It’s something that is mentioned specifically as Christians gather and pray in Acts 4. That something is boldness.
What does it mean to be healthy? What does it look like for a church to be healthy? In the opening scenes of the church in Jerusalem, Acts provides a summary statement of this church at work. As they lived out their mission empowered by God’s Spirit, they were learning together, loving one another, and they were filled with worship and great joy.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “power”? Perhaps we think of the power of politicians, corporate executives, or social influencers. In one sense, the book of Acts is a book about power, but it’s a different type of power. It’s the power at work when God’s presence is at work. Acts 2 describes the coming of God’s Spirit at Pentecost, and it reveals what it’s like for us to be the recipients of God’s power.
As Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, he challenges them and encourages them. First, he challenges their assumptions about what God is doing and how he operates. Then, he encourages them with the promise of God’s Spirit—the Spirit who would move them into mission to those like us, near us, and far from us.
To understand the book of Acts, we need to understand the work of God’s Spirit. The Spirit’s work was actually the focus of Jesus’ final instruction to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. They needed to understand how the Spirit would work in their lives and in the world around them. Likewise, we need to understand how the Spirit is at work today.
As Jesus prays for his followers, he acknowledges that they will experience oppositions and complications. Yet, his plan is not one of isolation and separation—it’s one of mission. He sends his followers out to continue the mission that he has begun. For us, to be drawn into this new relationship is to be drawn into mission.
As Jesus prays for his followers, he doesn’t simply pray for their growth, he also prays for their unity. When we become part of his mission, we also become part of his community. Consequently, we are not simply the recipients of his love, we are also to be agents of that love in each other’s lives.
Jesus prepares his followers for life in a complicated world by inviting them into his mission. This mission is rooted in his gift of eternal life. However, this doesn’t simply involve forgiveness and a place in heaven—it ultimately involves a new relationship with him. In the midst of chaotic and unexpected circumstances, we are invited to live with Jesus and experience the peace that only he can give.
Over the last several years, much of our attention has focused on external realities beyond our control—from COVID restrictions to political tribalism and cultural conflict. For some, these issues have consumed a great deal of time and emotional energy. While these issues may be significant, Proverbs encourages us to live life from the inside out, rather than the outside in. In other words, don’t simply focus on external circumstances—focus on your heart. In this message, we will explore what it means to “guard your heart” and why that is so important.
What questions come to your mind when we talk about money? For instance, how do I deal with the rising cost of inflation? How much do I need to retire? How will I get out of debt? While those questions are importaant, Proverbs invites us to think more deeply about our finances. It asserts that money issues aren’t just about the money—they are also matters of the heart. Thus, the author warns that we should be aware of the dangers of having too little and having too much. He challenges us to understand what it looks like to handle money wisely.
As Proverbs invites us to develop wisdom for living productively, the book gives us insight into how we are to engage our work. On the one hand, it encourages us to be diligent, trustworthy and generous towards others. By contrast, it challenges us to avoid the lifestyle of a sluggard—a person who experiences restlessness and uselessness because they don’t start things, they don’t finish things, and they don’t face hard things well.
If you are a parent, how would you describe your parenting style? One approach is to parent towards a child’s happiness—as long as they are happy, life is good. Another is to parent toward habits—helping our kids develop skills for life and work. While these approaches have their place, Proverbs encourages parenting at a deeper level—parenting to the heart. In this message, we will see what this approach looks like, and why it is important.
As Proverbs guides us in developing skills for life, it addresses themes associated with marriage and family. While it speaks with clarity about the great potential for marriage, it also notes the dangers that lurk along the way. So, if you are married, what skills should you be developing and what habits should you be avoiding?
What if the effectiveness of my life is related to the quality of my relationships? According to Proverbs, if we are to live well, we won’t do it in isolation—we need good friends. In this message, we will not only see the value of friendship, we will also observe what it takes to be a true friend.
Words can be powerful tools, but words can also injure others and do great harm. Not surprisingly, then, speech is a major theme in Proverbs. If we are to develop wisdom, we must learn to use words wisely. In this message, we will learn how to speak well, and also see that our speech reflects a deeper reality—it reflects the nature of our heart.
Do you consider yourself a wise person? Do you know how to live skillfully? Do you know how to navigate life’s opportunities and its complexities? However you answer those question, the book of Proverbs offers you a path forward—a path to grow in wisdom. In this message, we will see that this growth takes place in the context of relationships. Likewise, we will learn where we need to start if our lives are to move in a wise direction.
How would you fill in this blank? “If I only had more ___________, my life would be better.” You might say money or time or even opportunities. While there are all sorts of ways we can fill in that blank, the ancient book of Proverbs invites us to think differently; it challenges us to see that what we really need is wisdom. In fact, the book even envisions wisdom as someone calling out to us right now—inviting us to pay attention. This summer we will accept that invitation and explore how this book addresses everyday topics like speech, friendship, family, work, and money. Along the way, we will see that Proverbs guides us in developing wisdom for life.
In light of the resurrection, we are to be people of hope. Without biblical hope, we can become naïve optimists who pretend that life is always good or hardened cynics who assume that life will always be bad. The hope of the resurrection empowers us to move forward, even when following Christ entails costs.
The resurrection delivers us from self-indulgence. The resurrection gives us something to live for and shows that our work matters. The resurrection means that I can give myself to something beyond myself.
We are excited to celebrate all that God has done in the community of Hershey Free this past year.
The resurrection doesn’t simply save individuals—it creates a new community. Reconciliation in Christ fosters reconciliation with others. The resurrection breaks down barriers that separate us from each other.
The resurrection creates freedom, but it takes intentionality to live in that freedom. Our sense of identity shapes our actions, which shapes our consequences, which shapes our reality. Living in freedom isn’t simply about avoiding sin—it’s about choosing to worship.
Just as Jesus literally died and resurrected, we, his followers, have metaphorically died to sin and have been resurrected to a new life. Our text this Sunday challenges us to live our lives on earth as though we are already present with the Lord in Heaven.
Because we have been united with Christ, we have been raised to a new way of life. This new way of life includes a new identity rooted in Christ. How do we live in light of this new identity?
This Easter season, we are embarking on a journey. This journey will take us to the foot of the cross, where we will be reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. It will also lead us to a new understanding of the life we have received through the resurrection. We look forward to celebrating Easter with you. All of these services will be live-streamed.
In preparing his disciples for his departure, Jesus promises that he will not leave them alone—they will receive the gift of his Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes as our advocate; he points us to Jesus and encourages our obedience. Interestingly, in the context of discussing the Holy Spirit, Jesus promises to give his followers peace. In other words, Jesus’ peace comes through the work of the Spirit. Do you know this peace?
At this point in the storyline, Jesus is moving intentionally and methodically towards the cross. Yet, even as the major storyline unfolds, there are meaningful smaller stories along the way—stories that reveal the nature of Jesus’ work. These include two scenes in Jericho where Jesus heals the blind and transforms the life of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus’ experience with Jesus shows that Christianity moves into unlikely places with transforming results.
Even as Jesus has been teaching his disciples, he now sends a large group of them out on mission—from Jesus’ perspective, teaching and training go hand in hand. When they return, Jesus tells them that their joy is not ultimately rooted in their success but in their identity. As disciples, we have a mission that’s rooted in our identity, and we need to understand both. A mission without an identity produces legalism, while an identity without a mission produces laziness.
After beginning to talk opening about his impending death, Jesus takes several disciples up the mountain to reveal his glory. The experience of the transfiguration challenges the disciples to see that Jesus’ glory is not inconsistent with his impending death—glory and suffering are not contradictory. While the disciples marveled at this mountaintop experience, they soon had to return to the valley below. It’s a reminder for us that both mountain tops and valleys are part of the journey of following Christ.
As Jesus’ journey now moves toward Jerusalem, he challenges his disciples to understand his identity. Jesus’ conversation reveals a danger we face: we may be tempted to define Jesus on our own terms. After raising the question of his own identity, Jesus turns to the identity of his disciples. To be a disciple, we must join Jesus on his journey. We must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him.
At strategic moments in his ministry, Jesus crossed boundaries by ministering in Gentile territories. In his journey to Sidon, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who desires Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon. From the perspective of the disciples, Jesus reveals the way his kingdom mission is crossing social boundaries. From the perspective of the woman, we see the way Jesus is inviting her into faith—he’s inviting her to overcome her ignorance and the scorn of others and to trust him humbly. Thus, the journey of following Jesus overcomes both external and internal barriers.
A central part of Jesus’ teaching involved parables. Parables are indirect forms of communication designed to give us new insight and to help us see life from a different perspective. In so doing, they ultimately move us to action. The parable of the soils is a classic example of how these stories can challenge our perspective. This parable shows us different ways our hearts can be unreceptive to Jesus’ transforming work—we can be dismissive, distracted, or comfortable with discrepancies. However, when we have a receptive heart, our lives will bear fruit.
When you think of Jesus, what titles come to mind? Lord. Savior. Son of God. How about Philosopher? Whether we realize it or not, Jesus’ teachings address fundamental questions about life. Jesus’ sermon is his declaration of what human flourishing looks like. In this message, we will look at how the opening part of the Beatitudes reshapes our approach to living well. If you don’t allow Jesus to shape your thinking, your faith will become disconnected from everyday life.
These different scenes reveal the fact that Jesus’ ministry creates rising controversy. The reality is this: Jesus disrupts the status quo. These stories show that Jesus came to forgive sin, conquer evil, and create a new family. The one thing you can’t do with Jesus: simply reduce him to a good moral teacher!
This day in the life of Jesus reveals both Jesus’ power and his passion; he has power over the brokenness of our world, and he has passion to see people restored. These miracles reveal Jesus’ identity as the one bringing about God’s plan of restoration (see Isaiah 42, 61). They are signs that God’s kingdom has arrived. How we are to think about healing in our own day? We have to see it as both possible and providential. Ultimately, Jesus’ miracles give us a realistic perspective on life—they reveal life’s brokenness at its deepest level. However, they also give us hope. As Tim Keller says: “Jesus’s miracles are not just a challenge to our minds but a promise to our hearts that the world we all want is coming.”
As Jesus’ ministry unfolds, he calls others the follow. As we understand who Jesus is, we also understand ourselves as disciples. To be a disciple is to be a listener and a learner.
Appropriately, Jesus’ first miracle takes place in a scene of celebration. In some sense, the wedding feast relates to Messianic themes and imagery. While Mary focuses on the immediate need for wine, Jesus’ actions reveal something more profound is happening—it’s the coming of the new age. Interestingly, Jesus’ first miracle says something about the new age that he is introducing—it’s an age that restores and brings joy to those who participate.
John the Baptist’s ministry introduces us to the message of the Kingdom of God/Heaven. He shows that with the arrival of this comes the reality of judgment as well as the promise of God’s work of renewal and restoration. The message of Jesus changes each of us.
John begins differently then the other gospels; he wants to make sure that we understand Jesus as God’s Word to us. Jesus communicates light and life. Without him, we are stuck in death and darkness.
Rather, then simply viewing these commandments as rules not to break, we will see that, for us as
Christians, these commandments can be guidelines and guardrails.
In the world of the first century, privacy was in short supply—most of your life was lived in close proximity to others. For Christians, this meant that choosing to live out your faith would naturally lead to questions and discussions with non-Christians. While our situation is different, what does it look like for us to have conversations about spiritual issues with those coming from other perspectives? How can we engage others well in a pluralistic context?
As we experience life in our jobs, schools, and neighborhoods, we encounter people who come from all sorts of backgrounds and hold all sorts of beliefs. At times, our relationships reveal the diversity and division present within our culture. So, how do we respond? Do we simply “stick to our tribe,” or does the Bible encourage a different approach?
Over the last year, it’s been clear that division is present not only in our culture but also in our churches. At some point during this season, you have probably experienced tension and disagreement in relationships with other Christians. So, how do we handle these relationships? How can we have healthy interaction in hard conversations?
It’s great to talk about unity; however, at times, as Christians, we can approach certain issues (e.g., politics, parenting, cultural matters) from very different perspectives. How do we engage each other well when we disagree? Does our disagreement have to be divisive?
There’s no doubt about it—right now we are in a cultural moment characterized by division and
polarization. So, how do we understand this moment? How do we respond? For us as Christians, central to our response should be our recognition that we are in this together as his church. How do we respond? By being unified!
there’s no promise of comfort and convenience, instead there’s the promise of a cross. While this may sound harsh, it’s also an invitation to a new quality of life. According to Jesus, we must lose our self-centered approach to life in order to find our true selves. That’s his invitation to follow him, and that’s his invitation to live well spiritually.
When it comes to how we view our bodies, we can make two mistakes. On the one hand, we can idolize our bodies, and we see all sorts of ways in which that happens in popular culture. On the other hand, we can misuse our bodies and assume that only our “spiritual” dimension matters. By contrast, the Bible presents a more holistic approach and encourages us to see that we are embodied creatures. Thus, if we are to live well, we must take care of our bodies.
Throughout his relationship with the Corinthian church, Paul had to deal with obstacles, opposition and disappointment. Yet, through it all, he maintained a resilient faith and a positive outlook on life. While the topic of emotions is downplayed in some Christian circles, Paul shows us that human flourishing involves living well emotionally.
The theme of living well permeates the Bible. God's plan of restoration and renewal is centered on relationships. In order to live well we must love well.
As Colossians concludes, Paul gives his final instructions to this church facing a challenging moment. Even as he has encouraged them to relate well to each other, he now reminds them that they are part of a bigger mission. Thus, to embrace the mindset of Christ is also to embrace the mission of Christ.
A popular slogan states that you can be so “heavenly minded” that you are of no “earthly good.” By contrast, Paul says that it’s actually a “heavenly” mindset that transforms our everyday relationships. This section of Colossians contains a household code, which focuses on the foundational relationships we experience—marriage, family, and work. In each case, Paul envisions relationships that are transformed because we are now related to Christ.
So often in Christian circles, the predominant messages we hear are “don’t do this” and “stay away from that.” Consequently, for some, Christianity is simply about avoiding sinful behavior. However, Paul realizes that this isn’t the authentic way to follow Christ. Paul argues that foundational Christianity isn’t about avoiding; rather, it’s about “putting on” our new identity—an identity that’s ultimately characterized by love.
If we are honest, at times, we see in ourselves, and also in others, tendencies that can damage and destroy relationships. What can we do? Can we really change? In Colossians 3, Paul argues that change is possible as we live out our new identity in Christ. Central to this change is the process of “putting off” and “putting on.” In this message we will examine Paul’s guidance on “putting off” those things that are inconsistent with who we really are.
As Paul encourages the Colossians to engage their situation well and not be deceived by false teaching, he highlights the importance of clear thinking. Their self-understanding must be shaped by “setting their minds on things above.” Interestingly, before Paul talks about changing their behavior, he talks about changing their thinking. The reason is simple: what we think shapes who we are.
At some point, most parents have experienced this fear—the fear of having your child kidnapped. Fortunately, that experience is actually rare. However, in this passage, Paul addresses something that can be quite real—being kidnapped by false teaching.
The writer of Colossians was able to see people not just as they are now, but as they could be one day. How would your perception of others be different if you saw them as a work in progress or growing in spiritual maturity?
Paul seeks to get our attention with his description of Jesus Christ in Colossians 1. He shows the supremacy of Christ in creation and redemption. Simply put—the result of Christ’s work is reconciliation. Christ is the one who brings restoration, peace and wholeness.
Paul expands our understanding of prayer in the opening chapter of Colossians. Here, Paul prays that the Colossians might live a life that’s pleasing to God. In describing certain characteristics that are pleasing to God, Paul provides a framework for understanding God’s will.
As Paul begins Colossians, he celebrates the way the gospel is at work. It’s not simply a future reality, it’s a message that is at work even now in the lives of Christ followers. When the gospel is at work—among other things—it fosters faith, hope and love.
Central to this letter, is the challenge found in 2:6-7—a challenge to continue intentionally in pursuing our relationship with Christ. Writing to a church facing particular challenges, Paul encourages them to embrace this moment by being “deeply rooted together.”
To his listeners who simply wanted to live their lives unhindered, Paul argued that there is more going on than they realized. God was actually at work keeping his promises—promises that culminated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The imagery of temple is a powerful theme throughout Scripture, communicating the reality of God’s presence and his faithfulness to fulfill his promises.
If you now feel displaced in our culture, recognize that we are not the “moral majority”—we are the “missional minority.”
If we are not careful, our religious rituals can become dangerous to our spiritual health.
God purposes to give his creatures all they need to fulfill their lives in his creation as he intends for them.
How does Jesus’ response to a trick question give us a framework for thinking politically?
An important part of building bridges is communication. In talking with others, how do we talk with those who may engage life with very different viewpoints? How do we listen well to hear someone else’s story? How do we tell our own story?
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells a provocative parable to show us what service looks like. What does it look like to serve others and be for them?
Unfortunately, for various reasons, we don’t always see the people around us. We don’t know their stories, concerns or their challenges. What’s one thing you can do to begin seeing the people around you more clearly?
If we are to be willing to invest the time and energy necessary for building bridges with others, we need to realize that we have been “sent.” So, where are you sent?
The story highlights the reality of God’s grace, and how we can miss out on it in different ways. In examining this story, we will see that bridge builders are those who live in and live out the transforming grace of God.
This courage is the willingness to take risks in following him. In Psalm 27, the author acknowledges his need for courage as he waits on God and remembers God’s faithfulness.
As it turns out, the Psalms not only invite us to personal spiritual renewal, they also summon us into a lifestyle of mission. True worship always has a missional dimension—as we worship God we are to invite others to join in.
The author argues that in the stress points of life, we need to be renewed at the very core of who we are. It’s a renewal rooted in God’s faithfulness and hospitality.
The Psalms prepare us to see that while the journey of following God can be disorienting, we can be renewed by the truth of God’s word and the reality of his reign.
Contentment motivates us to address those circumstances we can change and to accept those we cannot. So, how can we learn to be content?
In this message, we will learn how we break the stranglehold that worry can have on our minds, so that we experience God’s peace, regardless of the circumstances.
In this message, we will talk about working through interpersonal conflict and handling it well.
In his story we see that people who make progress acknowledge that they are “in process.” Likewise, they focus on the future and keep their eyes on the goal. Finally, they have role models who help them along the way. So, what does it look like for you to make progress?
Our awareness of God's work through Christ empowers us in the present and equips us to look to the future with confidence.