Coram Deo Church — Bremerton, WA: Recent Episodes
Coram Deo Church
Coram Deo is a non-denominational church in Bremerton, Washington that exists to love God, connect people, and change the world. Follow our podcast for the latest sermons, classes, and other content to help you grow in the historic Christian faith.
Amos doesn't just have a message of judgment for the pagan nations around Israel; he also has a message of judgment for his covenant people. God's covenant people have often had the signs of the covenant but haven't had the faith and righteousness that those signs point to. When Amos confronts Judah and Israel, it is clear that they have, by varying degrees, become apostates. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how God's judgment works, what apostasy is, and how people become apostates over time, step by step.
We hope you enjoy it. As usual, if you have any questions about Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores how the sanctity of life changes the way we think about the major challenges of our culture and how we talk about abortion.
The Lord roars, and Amos shoots straight and to the point. God is the judge of all, and all will answer to him. This means nations that don't even recognize his lordship will have to give an account. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the relevance of Amos for our world today, the calling of a normal "Joe" like Amos, and the universal Lordship of Christ over every nation.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon shares what Trump's presidency means for us in Kitsap County.
The golden calf incident in Exodus 32 is a paradigm for idolatry in the Bible. Examining this story helps us understand the nature of idolatry and the ways that we are led into it. The character of Aaron also reveals to us the sinner's tendency to make excuses for sin and blame others for them. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the lessons that we can learn from this story of idolatry and how blame-shifting keeps us from enjoying freedom from the snares of idolatry.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
It is not uncommon to hear the phrase "filled with the Spirit" in connection to some kind of erratic spiritual experience. But in the Bible, that phrase is first connected to the skills necessary to build the tabernacle. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss what it means to be filled with the Spirit in light of the skill and wisdom given to Oholiab and Bezalel to manufacture the parts of the tabernacle. What might this mean for our understanding of the phrase? They also discuss the charismatic view and compare it to the task-oriented nature of work. Finally, they discuss the importance of work and Sabbath for the Christian.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
The worship of the tabernacle involved a lot of visceral components that people experienced through the senses. Incense, fire, smoke, water, and oil each play their part in the tabernacle. While many of these are shadows that point to heavenly realities, they also point to the creaturely nature of our worship. We may lean into a gnostic tendency to focus exclusively on spiritual things. But the visceral components of worship speak to the importance of bringing all our creaturely life to God in worship. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the spiritual referents of these visceral things while also discussing how we should avoid an overly spiritualized and gnostic-leaning worship.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
The coming new creation is one of the big themes of the New Testament. This new creation is so deeply related to our current redemption in Christ that we read that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17). But does the Old Testament teach new creation? Are there hints within the tabernacle and priesthood of the new creation that Christ came to bring? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the pervasive theme of the new creation within the Old Testament portrait of the high priest. As we look at the ordination process of the high priest, we see that new creation was always the plan.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Exodus 28 is all about the clothing that the high priest wore when serving in the tabernacle. Examining the details of the high priestly clothing helps us to understand how Christ is our High Priest. This clothing points to Christ's incarnation and mediatorial as our second Adam. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Rusten and Pastor Jon discuss the meaning of the priestly underwear, the materials of the garments, and the glorious high priestly ephod.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
A crucial aspect of the tabernacle construction is its dimensions and geographical order. While we might scratch our heads and wonder why all these details are important, we haven't been left without the keys to understand what they mean. To understand the tabernacle, we need to look back to Sinai and Eden. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the tabernacle calls back to these moments to convey God's redemptive purposes to his people in a geographic and tactile way.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
God has a purpose for his people. He didn't just save them from Egypt, he reconciled them to himself and made them a new people that were to live for him and worship him. The number of words and chapters giving the details of God's prescription for the tabernacle speaks to the importance of corporate worship for his people. This is an important lesson for us today. Just like we might de-emphasize the intention of the tabernacle details, many evangelical Christians today tend to de-emphasize the importance of the Church. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the importance of God's purpose for his people and God's redemptive work in history.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
When God instructs Moses on the construction of the tabernacle, there are details...lots of details. While these things may seem foreign or arbitrary to us, every detail was intentional and spoke something crucial that God's people needed to hear. It is helpful to think of the tabernacle as a kind of word of God communicated through the fabricated objects of the tent and its furniture. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how they communicated that God has provided a way to invite his sinful people to come home to him.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
How do the covenants of the Bible relate to the new covenant? How is Sinai related to the coming of Christ? Is Sinai a gracious covenant? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the unfolding nature of God's promises and administrations of his covenant of grace. At Sinai, we see a covenant that is incomplete and unfulfilled. But it is still a gracious covenant that points to the fulfillment that was to come in Christ.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon shares his concerns for the direction of our country, and explains why he is voting for Trump.
God is against partiality in justice. But today, we are seeing an intentional institutionalization of partiality in the law. For example, in many cities, theft is being decriminalized by applying partiality to certain "disadvantaged" groups. This is exactly the kind of partiality that Exodus 23 addresses and condemns. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss why justice must be impartial and how we are seeing the abandonment of this principle today through laws, lawfare, and partial application of the law.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jon preaches on Exodus 23. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
What is 'new' about the new covenant? Were there baptisms in the Old Testament? What can we learn from household baptisms? What is baptism a sign of? Is baptism necessary for salvation? In this special episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten answer questions from the Baptism and Unity in the Church lecture held on July 2, 2024. As they consider your questions, they discuss the continuity and discontinuity between the old and new covenants as well as the meaning and importance of baptism.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon responds to the gay Last Supper scene at the Paris Olympics. Would Jesus have invited those people to the Passover?
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Rusten preaches on Psalm 71. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
The eighth commandment prohibits theft. This means that God acknowledges personal property. God calls us to respect the property of others while being thankful for what God has given us and being good stewards of it. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss ideas like Communism and how they subvert God's law by undermining personal property. They also discuss books on Christian economics, including Jerry Bowyer's 'The Maker vs. The Takers."
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
The sixth commandment forbids murder. How does this commandment inform our understanding of capital punishment? Or war? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss why God forbids murder and why he commands capital punishment. They also discuss how Christians can be pro-life and yet for capital punishment or just war.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any question for Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jon preaches on Psalm 68. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
//
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
We live in a world of sexual confusion that has largely ignored the the seventh commandment. The results have been catstrophic. In this commandment to not commit adultery we have a world of instruction about what God's good design is for sexuality. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss why God forbids adultery and the implications for this commandment. They discuss the reality of natural law as it pertains to our created bodies. They also discuss the implications of the seventh commandment for what it requires and what it prohibits (for instance those outlined in the Westminster Larger catechism) with regard to marriage.
We hope you enjoy and as usual, if you have any question for Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
In this special pride month episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses how the LBGTQ community uses elitism to silence ordinary people from saying things that are obviously true.
Could John Calvin and Charles Spurgeon get along in the same church?
This, According to the Word lecture, addresses this very topic. Watch as Pastor Jon unpacks baptism through the historicity of the Church.
The fifth commandment reveals God's heart for the family. By God's design, the family is the building block of culture and even the foundation of good government. The basic unit of the family makes a community, society, or nation strong. But a breakdown in the family results in bad and even tyrannical government. Likewise, bad culture and tyrannical government tends to undermine and destroy the integrity of the family. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the importance of the fifth commandment with regard to our knowledge of God and the stability of society. They also discuss practical ways that children (including adult children) ought to actively honor their parents.
We hope you enjoy and as usual, if you have any question for Sermon B-sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
In this special pride month episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why Christians who fly the rainbow flag should be brought under Church discipline.
In this special pride month episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains how sodomy ultimately kills a society and destroys the future.
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jon preaches on Exodus 20:17. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
What does it mean to "take the name of the Lord your God in vain"? Is this commandment all about language at the construction site? What is the significance of the name of the Lord? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the third commandment and how we are called to take the name, but not take the name in vain. They discuss baptism as one way in which we take the name and hypocrisy as the way that the name is taken in vain. They also discuss the age of baptism and how it relates to this discussion.
We hope you enjoy and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why churches must address pride month and what topics he will be covering during the month of June on The Blitz.
This week Pastor Rusten Harris takes us through 1 Peter 4.
Our Midweek Discipleship class on the book of 1 Peter meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM, April 30- May 28.
Exodus 20:14 • Sunday Sermon Join us this Sunday as Pastor Rusten preaches on Exodus 20:14. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
Why did God forbid making graven images? Does this include images of Jesus or Christian art? What about Christian traditions that use images in their worship? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the second commandment and how it applied during Old Testament times and since the coming of Christ. They discuss Eastern Orthodoxy and their use of images, as well as popular media like the Chosen and the Passion of the Christ. They also discuss the warning and encouragement that violating or obeying this command has implications on discipling our children.
We hope you enjoy and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
Midweek Class on the book of 1 Peter meets Tuesdays, April 30 to May 28, from 6:30 —7:30 PM.
You can view last weeks class here!
God meeting his people on Mount Sinai is a grand and terrifying event. First comes fire and smoke, then thunder and lightning, and finally the voice of God. The people were trembling, and for good reason; the holiness of God is dangerous. If anyone touches the mountain, they will die. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the Sinai scene, what it means, and how Christ is our better Moses who brings us to a holy God. They also discuss the covenant language that God introduces to Israel and its implications for Christians today.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides--or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
Who is Jethro? Is he a pagan priest who comes to faith in Yahweh, or is he a Gentile believer who already knows God? What does Jethro bless Moses with? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon & Pastor Rusten examine some of these questions and look at the history of Jethro and his ancestors. They also discuss covenant theology and the differences between the covenant of grace and the covenant of works.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides--or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
How should Christians seek to positively impact their culture for Christ? Instead of only looking to politics, how can Christians work to reform culture in more grassroots ways from the bottom up? How should Christians approach civics and politics? What are Christians to make of "Christian Nationalism" and the different meanings given to that term? In this special episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss some of the points from the "Building for Cultural Reformation with Dr. John West" event hosted at Coram Deo Church.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides--or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
After God delivers his people from Egypt, he teaches them to rely on him as their Father by providing food and water in the wilderness. In chapter 17, the people grumble because they are without water again. This time, God provides water by instructing Moses to strike the "Rock of Horeb" with his staff. After this, God's people enter their first military conflict, but the way they win is through Moses lifting his hands. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how God's provision in the wilderness point to and are fulfilled in Christ.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
If you missed the Coram Deo Church event: Building for Cultural Reformation with Dr. John West, you can now watch it here.
Is American culture in a death spiral? If so, what can the church do about it? Increasingly, the institutions we depend on for vibrant communities—churches, families, schools, businesses, and the media—appear to be failing. Less than two in ten Americans have a “great deal” of confidence in the church, public schools, banks, newspapers, the medical system, or the criminal justice system. More than 80% of Americans think the moral state of the nation is getting worse. We are told by some we live in a “negative world” where Christianity itself is now viewed as a threat rather than a help. In this situation, how can Christians respond constructively? Join Dr. John West as he draws on lessons from America’s past to explore how churches and Christians today can play a positive role in reforming our culture.
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jon preaches on Luke 12:49-53. You are invited to watch our 9:30 service on Facebook Live.
\
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
In this follow-up episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why attending a wedding between two unbelievers is not the same as attending a same-sex wedding.
The Exodus isn't just about delivering the Hebrews from slavery to the tyrant Pharaoh; it's also about delivering God's people from the tyranny of sin. This is why the story doesn't end after the slaves are free from Egypt. They are then brought into the wilderness where God reveals their sinful grumbling through testing. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how God uses trials to reveal areas where we are tempted to trust in something other than God, and how God's abundant provision teaches us to live in light of his care for us.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon shares his thoughts and concerns regarding the He Gets Us Super Bowl commercial.
When God's people are finally delivered from their Egyptian enemies, they respond by singing a song of praise. They praise God for bringing judgment on the Egyptians, for casting the horse and rider in the sea, and for establishing his people. It is not the kind of worship song that most evangelical churches are used to today. Why is that? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how Exodus 15 challenges our modern notions about who God is and who Jesus is, especially in light of recent efforts to soften God's edges in order to make him more palatable to our age (e.g., the "He Gets Us" campaign).
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What are Christians to do when they are surrounded by a culture that is opposed to them? What kind of expectations can Christians have for the Kingdom under such circumstances? Pastor Rusten Harris takes us through answers to these questions this week in James 2.
The Red Sea crossing is one of the most celebrated acts of God's deliverance in the entire Bible. In an epic way, God saves his people from slavery by crushing the final threat of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. But this story also shows us that God's act of rescue was also meant to confront and cure Israel's cowardice. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how God removes our fear of man in order to set us free from slavery to man. Rather than promoting the passivity of God's people in the face of enemies, this story gives us reason to have courage as we fear God instead of any man.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses ways in which you can talk about abortion with people who do not share your convictions.
What does it mean that the firstborn sons of Israel were to be consecrated? Some critics of the Bible claim that the Old Testament originally commended the sacrifice of the firstborn sons, but what we see in scripture is actually the exact opposite. The firstborn sons were redeemed and consecrated for a special calling. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Exodus 13, the meaning of the consecration of the firstborn, the mixed multitude, and how Israel was made up of non-ethnic jews.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon responds to advice given by Pastor Allistair Begg for Christians to participate in the celebration of gay weddings.
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jon preaches on The Sanctity of Life. You are invited to our 9:30 service through Facebook Live as we worship together.
\
Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
Throughout Scripture, God divides days and seasons. He gives us holidays and feast days, and he gives us the Sabbath day. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how God marks time according to his works of creation and redemption. They discuss how God uses seasonal liturgies to disciple Christians and form their imaginations. They also discuss why only the circumcised were allowed to eat the Passover meal.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Rebelling against God makes you stupid. We see this principle in Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go free when his son's life is on the line. Today, one way we see this principle is in the teaching of intersectionality, which Exodus 11 utterly rejects as a worldview. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how those who reject God become futile in their thinking, and also how God's judgment comes upon both the king and the slave girl behind the handmill. When judgment is coming, your race, gender, and socio-economic status do not matter. The only distinction that matters is the blood of the Passover lamb.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
The family is the fundamental building block of society. Pagan tyrants feel threatened by Christian family and the Church because they represent a future contrary to their rule. This is why, in Exodus 10, Pharaoh goes after the women and children. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the importance of the family for the discipleship of God's people. They discuss many ways the enemy seeks to undermine the gospel through attacking the family. We see this today in public education, LGBTQIA+ ideology, and the perversion of femininity. They also discuss how God strengthens the family in the faith through worshipping together at church and at home.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What does it mean for God to be sovereign? The story of the Exodus reveals the answer to that question. God demonstrates his sovereignty through the plagues he brought upon Egypt and by hardening Pharoah's heart. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the sovereignty of God is clearly taught in the book of Exodus. They discuss the difference between Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism. They also discuss how God's sovereignty demonstrates his greatness and should give us great hope, especially in evangelism and missions.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Why does God judge? Why does God send ten different plagues to Egypt? Why frogs? Why flies? Why gnats and other swarming things? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the particulars of the plagues are not accidental or arbitrary. They discuss how the plagues against Egypt reveal that God is the true Creator, how his judgment is a form of de-creation, and how, ultimately, God's judgment is good and reveals his goodness.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What happens when a nation abandons the truth? What lies do people start to believe? Why do nations who abandon the truth always seem to become more coercive? In this episode of Sermon B-sides, Pastor Rusten and Pastor Jon discuss Exodus 7 and the culture of ancient Egypt. They discuss how the choice facing a people is always Christ or chaos. They discuss tyranny, idolatry, the demonic, and sorcery.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Why does God allow setbacks and roadblocks to the things he has called us to do? How do Christians fight despair? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Moses' confusion and frustration after confronting Pharoah for the first time results in failure. They discuss how setbacks are part of God's plan. They also discuss how Christian hope for the future fights despair through faith and looks to God to keep his promises, even in the midst of roadblocks.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why so-called social justice warriors at our universities support the extremely violent acts committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians.
What is evangelism? Why does it matter? Who is it for? What does it look like in a post-Christian culture? These are just a few of the questions we will be tackling this Fall in our Evangelism 101 Class.
Is there a conflict between feasting and reverence? Is the worship of the Church supposed to be joyful and triumphant? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss feasting in the Bible and how God desired to free the Hebrews from slavery so they would hold a feast to him. This feast is not only joyous; it is also an act of spiritual warfare. The Lord has set a table for us "in the presence of our enemies." This is important because being faithfulness will often cause Christians to "stink" to the world around them. In moments like that, Christians need to hold the line and continue to rejoice and feast together.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What is evangelism? Why does it matter? Who is it for? What does it look like in a post-Christian culture? These are just a few of the questions we will be tackling this Fall in our Evangelism 101 Class.
Sometimes the Bible is weird. Sometimes we rush past things too quickly to understand how the Bible is speaking to us through meaningful signs and the strange events in the story. Exodus 4 is a good example of that. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the meaning of Israel being God's "firstborn son," the meaning of signs, and one of the stranger events in Scripture: the story of the "bridegroom of blood."
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What is evangelism? Why does it matter? Who is it for? What does it look like in a post-Christian culture? These are just a few of the questions we will be tackling this Fall in our Evangelism 101 Class.
Why does God reveal himself to Moses through the burning bush? How does knowing God prepare Moses his great and difficult task of confronting Pharaoh? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how knowing and fearing God gives Moses, and us, the courage we need to face any of our fears.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In the midst of conflict and tyranny, God raises up his man. While Pharaoh decrees forced abortions for all the new baby boys born to the Hebrews, Moses is born and set apart by God to deliver his people from slavery. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss God's pattern of raising up men during times of conflict, and how these men are often not accepted by those who need deliverance.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon revisits the story of Jonah and considers how different Christian leaders and the Church might respond to a national leader initiating national repentance.
What is evangelism? Why does it matter? Who is it for? What does it look like in a post-Christian culture? These are just a few of the questions we will be tackling this Fall in our Evangelism 101 Class.
In the opening chapter of Exodus, Egypt, the nation that used to know the God of Joseph, has become serpent-like. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the strategies of Egypt's tyranny and consider the ways that Christian families and strong Christian men are threats against tyrannical rule.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon addresses the idea that Christians should only ever be gentle when addressing cultural issues, and explains why that can't be the case.
In this special pride month episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains how and why our culture got itself into this hot mess.
In this special episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon reflects on the passing of Tim Keller and shares some of the unique ways Keller influenced his preaching and teaching ministry.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains how pastors and organizations slowly drift away from biblical convictions and into liberal theology.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon compares the courage, clarity, and conviction of Tucker Carlson with some well-respected Christian leaders and organizations.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon shares some of his experiences with Acts 29, Mars Hill Church, and Mark Driscoll, and explains why Coram Deo Church left the Acts 29 Network.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores what Batman can teach us about the Asbury revival.
We are living during a time when authority structures have been widely deteriorated and are now being actively subverted. How are Christians to respond to this trend in light of the scriptures which teach that relationships of authority and submission are designed by God and are to be honored under Christ?
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider the way that the scriptures establish multiple "spheres" of government and how especially how healthy household governments are crucial to having a healthy civil government, they also discuss the trend in many evangelical churches to embrace egalitarianism in the house and in the pastorate.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
What does it mean that we have died in Christ? What does it mean to live in Christ? What does it mean to "put on" Christ? What happens to Christians immediately after they die? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider how Christians objectively have a new life in Christ and how this has ethical implications upon our lives.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Merry Christmas! Pastor Rusten preaches from Luke 2:15-20 on this Christmas Lord's day.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon critiques Andy Stanley's position on the virgin birth and explains why the virgin birth is so important to the Christian faith.
A new classical Christian school coming in the fall of 2023. Now accepting student applications at https://coramdeoacademykitsap.com.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores whether or not Christians can consistently hold to their biblical worldview and also vote democrat.
In Colossians, Paul calls Christ the "firstborn of all creation." To understand what he means, we need to interpret Scripture with Scripture. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the deity of Christ, how Christ is the second Adam, and how Scripture helps us to understand what Colossians is referring to. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Why do so many churches lose the gospel? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how thankful we ought to be when a church truly understands and treasures the gospel. They also discuss how the key to not losing the gospel is to keep your eyes on Christ while avoiding the traps of legalism and antinomianism.
We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon considers some of the issues and challenges that arise when thinking through theonomy.
Acts 28:1-31 preached by Pastor Rusten Harris
Big Ideas
-
Con voyage Paul was one of many prisoners present on the ship that wrecked at Malta (Acts 27:41-43). This is why, when he was bitten by a viper, the natives assumed that he was a murderer getting what he deserved. When they discovered that Paul was unharmed by the bite, they decided he must be a god. In the end, Paul healed a number of sick people on the island, and they demonstrated their gratitude by providing him with supplies for the rest of his journey.
-
Jesus, from beginning to end In the opening chapters of Acts, we saw how Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Christ from the Law and the Prophets. We saw how Stephen claimed that the entire history of Israel was fulfilled and realized in Jesus. Now here, in the final chapters, we find Paul seeking to persuade his countrymen that Jesus is the Messiah, arguing from the Law and the Prophets. From beginning to end, the Bible is about Jesus.
-
Unhindered Acts begins with a promise and ends with a proclamation. In the beginning, Jesus promised his people that they would be his witnesses, receive power from the Holy Spirit, and that the Gospel would go from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Now, in the final chapter, we see that promise being fulfilled. Not only did Paul complete his mission by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, but the good news of the Gospel continued to spread without hindrance.
Study Questions
-
Despite Paul’s circumstances, there always seemed to be an opportunity to witness to or serve others. Whether it be soldiers, prisoners on the boat, or the superstitious and fickle people of Malta, Paul always had an audience and an opportunity to bless. What can you learn from Paul’s example?
-
Throughout this study, we have emphasized how the early Church, and specifically the Apostles, preached the Gospel from the Old Testament. How has your understanding of the Gospel and the Old Testament changed or grown because of this study? What questions do you still have about the Old Testament and Jesus?
-
Acts concludes with the Gospel continuing into the world, transforming lives, and saving sinners. How might this encourage you in evangelism, church ministry, and specifically church planting?
Acts 27:1-44 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Acts is history It is not uncommon for people to imagine the Bible as a collection of stories with a moral to be identified and applied; while the veracity of the story may be in question, the moral is not. Acts 27 destroys this faulty way of thinking. From beginning to end, Luke records, and intends for us to read his work as actual history. In fact, Luke is not simply retelling a story he heard from someone else. He’s telling the story that he personally witnessed (Acts 27:1) These events actually took place, and it is because they actually took place that they matter so much.
-
Storms and sovereignty Storms seem to be a somewhat regular occurrence in the Bible. Whether it be Jonah who was running from God (Jonah 1:4), Jesus who was busy taking a nap below deck as the waves raged on (Luke 8:23), or Paul and the other 275 passengers, sometimes God’s people find themselves in storms. In every instance, it is clear that God is the God of the storm and has power over it. He can call up storms, and he can calm them. He can also sustain us in their midst.
-
The promises of God In a life-threatening storm, Paul possessed a rare confidence. This confidence was not just prideful arrogance or foolish ignorance. Rather, it was confidence in the promises of God. Once again, Jesus appeared to Paul in a dream and promised him that he would stand before Caesar and that neither he nor any of the other men on the ship would lose their lives. God had promised it, and Paul could be confident that God keeps his promises.
Study Questions
-
What if Acts was not history but just a collection of stories meant to inspire you? How would that impact the way you read Acts? How does understanding that Acts is history change the way you read it?
-
God’s sovereignty did not mean that Paul would avoid suffering and storms. Rather, God’s sovereignty meant that Paul had hope in the midst of his troubles. How does the sovereignty of God change the way you relate to your own struggles? What if God was not sovereign? How would that impact the way you understand difficult times?
-
To the eye, it looks as if certain death is coming to the ship and all aboard. But Paul did not assess his situation based on what he could see but on what God had promised him. He chose to walk by faith and not by sight (Hebrews 11:1). Do you tend to walk according to what you see or what you believe? How can you grow in walking according to the promises of God?
Acts 26:1-32
Big Ideas
-
It’s about the resurrection The physical resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian hope and faith. Christians believe that Jesus is the Christ because Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4). This is not only the heart of Paul’s preaching, but it is the primary thrust of Paul’s apologetics. Every Jew knew and believed that God was able to raise the dead. Any “God” who could not do that was not much of a god. Therefore, according to Paul’s argument, no Jew had any reason to reject the claim that God could have raised Jesus. The question was not, “Can God raise the dead?” The question was, and is, “Did God raise Jesus?” If so, he must be Lord.
-
Which “felt needs?” It is not uncommon to hear preachers appeal to the felt needs of their listeners. People have needs, and Jesus meets those needs. Preachers will claim that if you want your needs to be met, you need to come to Jesus. Of course, there is some truth to that. However, that is not how Paul presents the Gospel in this text. Instead, Paul refers to the resurrection of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, the defeat of Satan, and salvation, to name a few. It is important, when communicating the Gospel, to not confuse the benefits of the Gospel with the Gospel itself.
-
A Christian nation? It is clear from this text that Paul’s desire was not a pluralistic society in which Christianity, secularism, and other religions could occupy space and co-exist until the end of time. No, Paul wanted everyone to become Christian, even the king and the governor (Acts 26:28-29). While many today might be embarrassed by this, and even argue that it is inappropriate for those in power to govern in light of their Christian convictions, Paul was unapologetic about his desire to see all come to faith.
Study Questions
-
How central is the resurrection of Jesus in your conversations with others about your faith? Why should the resurrection of Jesus be primary in our evangelistic conversations?
-
How can felt needs be a distraction from the Gospel? What is the difference between the Gospel and the blessings we receive from the Gospel?
-
Is it appropriate to call our leaders to repentance and faith in Christ? Is it appropriate for leaders to govern according to their Christian convictions? Why or why not?
Acts 25:1-27
Big Ideas
-
Foiled again Numerous times, the Jews sought to kill Paul. Whether it was stoning him and leaving him for dead outside the city gates (Acts 14:19) or devising a plan to ambush him in transit, Paul was constantly in danger (2 Corinthians 11:24-29). In this text, Paul once again escapes a murder plot. This highlights not only the fierce opposition Paul dealt with on a regular basis, but also the incredible resolve he had to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The closer he gets to fulfilling his mission, the harder it gets.
-
Salvation and suffering If we step back and look at Paul’s life, we see both high and low points. He witnessed incredible works of God, even being used by God to miraculously heal people. And yet, Paul also suffered and walked through drawn-out, difficult seasons. How many times would he be falsely accused? How many times would he narrowly escape a plot to take his life? How many times would he have to stand before a ruler or judge to plead his case yet again? Salvation and grace do not mean that everything goes our way. It means that when nothing goes our way, our God is still with us and still loves us.
-
Testifying to kings After Paul encountered the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, Jesus revealed that he would testify before kings (Acts 9:15). What Paul did not know at that time was that the relentless accusations from the Jews, both of a religious and political nature, would be the mechanism by which God would use Paul to testify to the Gospel before kings. With each accusation, a hearing would take place, and at every hearing, Paul would testify about Jesus.
Study Questions
-
Sometimes it feels like you just can’t catch a break. How do you respond in seasons like that? How do you feel about God?
-
Our salvation in Jesus does not make us immune to suffering in the world. How have you experienced suffering and how has God used that experience to grow and sanctify you?
-
In many ways, Paul’s Christian life and ministry was a series of divinely placed disasters, each moving him closer to God’s ultimate goal. How has God used divine disasters in your life? Looking back on your life, how do you see God continually moving you toward his ultimate goal?
Big Ideas
-
Lies, lies, and more lies Paul had to deal with at least three false accusations made against him by Tertullus. First, he was accused of stirring up riots, which, in fact, were stirred up by the Jews, not Paul. Second, he was accused of leading an uprising against the Jews. Though there were a number of rebellions against the Jews, Paul had no interest in leading one. Third, he was accused of profaning the temple by bringing a Gentile into the inner court. Each accusation was an attempt to destroy Paul’s reputation and undermine his ministry.
-
Paul’s defense Each accusation leveled against Paul was patently false. He was guilty of nothing. But he was not content to simply argue his innocence. Paul argued the continuity between what he believed and what the Pharisees believed, identifying their shared faith in the God of Abraham, belief in the Law and the Prophets, and the resurrection of the dead. In making his case this way, Paul was not simply refuting their false accusations but was also exposing that they were out of step with their own Jewish faith.
-
Going there John the Baptist was a prisoner of Herod because he spoke out against Herod’s immorality and adulterous marriage (Mark 6:18). As a result, he was imprisoned, and though Herod was curious about John, he ultimately beheaded him. Paul’s story follows a very similar arc: imprisoned by an immoral, adulterous king who is intrigued by Paul’s message and teaching. Luke shares that Paul spoke to Felix about righteousness and self-control, things Felix knew little about. Additionally, Paul spoke about the coming judgment, something that would have been deeply troubling to Felix, given his rampant immorality. It was clear that Paul cared more about the truth of God and the salvation of Felix than he did about his own freedom.
Study Questions
-
Have you ever been the victim of false accusations? How did you respond? What did the accusations reveal about your accuser?
-
Throughout the book of Acts, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the Jewish people, not a break from it. In what ways did Jesus fulfill the Old Covenant and the Old Testament story and expectations?
-
There are times when witnessing to the truth of Jesus will put you in very uncomfortable situations. How can Paul’s bold witness to Felix encourage you in bold witness?
Acts 23:12-35 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Narrow escape Whether it be Moses being rescued from the river, the spies being protected in Jericho, or Jesus escaping Herod’s massacre, narrow escapes are everywhere in the Bible. Here, Paul narrowly escapes an assassination conspiracy. While these escapes may be narrow, they are never coincidental or dumb luck. Rather, these are examples of God’s divine providence. God was not done with Paul, and nobody was going to kill Paul until he was.
-
Strange supporters One cannot read this text without seeing the great and sad irony. Paul was a Jew who believed in Christ, and yet his own Jewish brothers were conspiring to kill him, even vowing not to eat until they took his life. It is the Gentiles who come to Paul’s rescue, protecting him from the Jews’ murderous conspiracy and transporting him safely to Caesarea via military escort. God is always full of surprises!
-
Luke, the historian Acts is not a myth or wishful thinking. Acts is history and Luke, the author, is a historian. In this text, we find a great example of how thorough Luke’s investigation was. Beginning in verse 26, we have a summary of the letter from Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix. How Luke got this document or became aware of its contents is unclear. What is clear is that Luke did the necessary heavy lifting to get ahold of such information. Acts isn’t just a story; it’s true history.
Study Questions
-
Life can be full of close calls and narrow escapes. But God is sovereign over all of it. What are some of your close calls and how did God protect you during those moments?
-
Sometimes we are surprised by who opposes us and who supports us. Have you ever been caught off-guard by the opposition or support you received from an individual? How did you handle it? What was the outcome? What did you learn?
-
When reading the amazing stories in Acts, it’s easy to forget that these are real stories about real people. Acts is not just some fairy tale meant to inspire us; it is the true history of the early first-century Church. How does seeing Acts, and the rest of the Bible, as history change the way you read it?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why the literal, physical, historical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most important issue in the world.
Acts 22:30 — 23:11 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Living in all good conscience Paul narrowly escaped an unlawful beating, but he was far from being out of trouble. Wanting to know more about the accusations that were brought against Paul, the Roman tribune called together a meeting with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul begins his address by declaring that he had lived his “life before God in all good conscience up to this day” (Acts 23:1). While Paul’s good conscience did not protect him from false accusations and brutal treatment, it did give him the confidence to trust that, whatever man may say about him, he was innocent before God.
-
Paul’s apology Like Jesus when he was unlawfully arrested, Paul was punched in the mouth. This act of aggression violated the law, and Paul called it out. Paul apparently did not know that the High Priest had ordered that punch. Speaking against the High Priest was a violation of the Law, and, when it was brought to Paul’s attention, he owned his mistake. This humble action powerfully demonstrated that Paul was not opposed to the Law of Moses, but deeply committed to it (Exodus 22:28)!
-
A little diversion The Pharisees and Sadducees both opposed Jesus, but for different reasons. The same was true about their view of Paul. But Paul knew that these groups disagreed vehemently over the issue of resurrection. The Pharisees believed in it, while the Sadducees did not. In what appears to be a stroke of brilliance, Paul ignites a heated debate between these two groups, making their disagreement the focus. As a result, Paul once again escapes.
Study Questions
-
Dealing with false accusations can be devastating. However, a good, clean conscience before God is a blessing that can anchor us when we are falsely accused. How is your conscience before God? Are there any areas of unconfessed or unrepented sin in your life? What would need to happen for you to have a clean conscience?
-
Apologizing to someone can be the most difficult and humiliating experience, especially when that person has hurt you, as was the case with Paul. Yet, being hurt or offended does not negate our responsibility to apologize when we have sinned against someone else. Are there any people in your life to whom you need to apologize?
-
Jesus told us that, among wolves, we must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Many people find this instruction to be confusing, but, in this text, Paul becomes an example of this for us. What can you learn from the way Paul evaded trouble in this text? How was he wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove?
Ephesus was full of spiritual darkness, and it was a city where the cures were as bad as the ailments. We see this in the syncretistic exorcists and magic books full of spells to cast out demons or heal from sickness. What is magic exactly? Do Christians need to be on guard against spiritual darkness today? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Acts 19 and consider how the gospel delivers people from spiritual darkness.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why faithful preachers must address the LGBTQ+ revolution ideology from the pulpit, and what it means if they don't.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten continues looking at Bible passages on labor, work, wealth, and economics. In the opening pages of Genesis, God forms the original and foundational economic unit: the household. Pastor Rusten explores the particular roles of men and women in the household.
Acts 21:26 — 22:29 preached by Pastor Brandon Johnston
Big Ideas
-
Blinding bias and assumptions Once again, Paul was in trouble with his Jewish brothers. Not for what he had done, but, rather, for what they claimed he had done (Acts 21:28). Gentiles were not allowed into the temple beyond the court of the Gentiles, and Paul was thought to have violated this law. Paul, however, was innocent. Bias and assumptions can lead us to “see” what we want to see. They can blind us to the truth because it is at odds with what we want to be true. This mistake nearly cost Paul his life.
-
Speaking their language When Paul was allowed to address the mob, he spoke to them in their language, which, of course, was Hebrew. This was more than mere pragmatism. Paul knew that he was falsely seen as being opposed to the Law of Moses. As Paul shares his elite Jewish pedigree as a student of the prestigious and well-respected Gamaliel, he speaks in their language. This was clearly an attempt on Paul’s part to build a bridge with his Jewish brothers so they might understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not against their Jewish heritage, but the very fulfillment of it.
-
Fight for your right Once again, we see Paul appealing to his legal rights as a citizen. While this makes some Christians uncomfortable, Paul had no problem doing it. As a Roman citizen, he was protected from being beaten without a trial (Acts 22:25-29). Submission to the authorities did not mean having to accept or obey whatever the Roman tribune had ordered. No, the centurion himself was under the law. In appealing to his rights as a Roman citizen, Paul asked the centurion to act in conformity with the law. Christians should not hesitate to follow Paul’s example.
Study Questions
1. Have you ever been dealt with unfairly because of false assumptions someone had about you? How have you acted unfairly against others because of your own biases or assumptions? How can you avoid this in the future?
-
Communicating with others often requires both content and connection. What are some ways that you can “speak their language” as you try to share the Gospel with others?
-
Sometimes Christians misunderstand the biblical command to submit to authorities as submitting no matter what (Romans 13:1). How do Paul’s actions help us understand what submission to the authorities looks like? In what sense can resistance to the authorities be an act of loving obedience?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains how Biden's nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson is antithetical to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of a world in which character is more important than skin color.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at the gospel ministry in Ephesus. Ephesus was a strategic location for the gospel. The gospel began to spread in Ephesus through the ministry of Apollos. Then, Paul spent over two years teaching there, resulting in all Asia Minor hearing the gospel.
You are invited to join us for our midweek class on the book of Revelation. We will be gathering on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Classes will run from January 25 through March 15, take a short break, and resume for the Spring Session.
We often think about the fourth commandment only as a command to rest on the Sabbath day, but it is much more than that. It completely reshapes our understanding of why we work and what our work is for. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten explores how this commandment to rest is also a commandment to work.
Acts 20:17-38 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Biblical eldership Knowing that he would never again visit the Ephesian church, Paul offers his final instruction and encouragement to the elders, whom he charged to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28). This model of Church leadership is consistent throughout the entire New Testament. Local churches are to be governed by a plurality of biblically qualified men entrusted with their oversight (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
-
The whole counsel of God’s Word It is not uncommon for Christians to think that the Old Testament is not for them. After all, isn’t Christianity a New Testament thing? Well, yes and no. Jesus does show up in the New Testament, but the Old Testament from beginning to end testifies to Jesus (John 5:39). This is why Paul was committed to teaching the entire Old Testament to the early Church. The whole Bible is for the whole Church.
-
Beware of the wolves Paul knew that wolves—false teachers pretending to be Christians—would attack the Church, attempting to teach erroneous doctrine. This is exactly what happened to the Ephesian church, which lead Paul to write 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-20). The Church must always be on guard against wolves. This begins with elders who are deeply committed to sound biblical theology and unafraid to call out false teachers and teaching when necessary.
Study Questions
-
What is the biblical model for Church leadership in this text? How is it similar to or different from other models of Church leadership you are aware of or have experienced?
-
What parts of the Bible are most confusing or intimidating to you and why? What does this text teach you about those parts of the Bible?
-
What is a wolf and what do they do? What wolves or false teaching is threatening the Church today?
Pastor Kim Highfield teaches on how men's identities ought to be formed by the person and work of Jesus.
You are invited to join us for our midweek class on the book of Revelation. We will be gathering on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Classes will run from January 25 through March 15, take a short break, and resume for the Spring Session.
Does the Bible have anything to say about my career and my workweek? In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at the beginning of the Bible story when God first creates humanity in his image. At that point, God gave them a vocation that fit that image, what many theologians call "the cultural mandate" or "the dominion mandate." This has profound implications for our careers and labors.
Acts 20:1-16 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Teaching, teaching, and more teaching Paul was a prolific teacher. In this text, he provided teaching and instruction for believers, through the night and well into the early morning hours. Even after one person fell asleep and fell from a window, narrowly escaping death, Paul continued. Not only was Paul a teacher, but the Church had an appetite for and commitment to biblical teaching and instruction.
-
The necessity of encouragement When we think of Paul, we tend to think of writing, teaching, preaching, and church planting. Of course, he did all of those things, but in this text, we are also told about how he encouraged Christians. While sound doctrine and proper theology are absolutely vital for the life of the local church, we also need a consistent diet of encouragement.
-
Kids and Church We do not know how old Eutychus was, but we do know that he was young and present for Paul’s late-night teaching marathon. Many of us grew up believing that “Church” was for adults and that the kids belonged in a special age-appropriate ministry environment. These “environments” follow individuals well into their college years. What we know from this text and others such as Ephesians 6, is that kids were present for worship with their families and were expected to participate in weekly worship.
Study Questions
-
Why is Bible teaching so important for the Church? How have you grown through biblical instruction?
-
How have you been blessed by the encouraging words or presence of a friend? How can you encourage those around you?
-
What, if any, experience did you have as a kid in the Church? Why is it important to include kids in weekly worship? What reasons exist for not having kids present for corporate worship on Sundays?
In the Bible, God uses normal people like Paul and Elijah as instruments in his mission. We may think that Paul and Elijah were invincible, but they struggled with despair and the pressures of their task. But in these moments, we see God graciously comfort and strengthen them. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at the story of Paul in Corinth and Jesus' promise that Paul would not be harmed there.
Acts 19:11-41
Big Ideas
-
Naked and ashamed In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul wrote that we battle “against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). Satan is real. Demons are real. The battle is real. However, Jesus is Lord over everything, even dark spiritual forces. The demons actually know that (James 2:19)! This truth is powerfully demonstrated in the text. Those who seek to confront dark spiritual forces in their own power and for their own personal gain will only be left naked and ashamed. Apart from Jesus, we have no power over or protection from demons.
-
Jesus, idols & riots Because the Gospel proclaims the absolute lordship of Jesus over everything, it always draws a line and brings division (Luke 12:51). It doesn’t just call us to believe something privately in our hearts. It calls all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Some believe and repent, while others dig in their heels. In this text, the transformation taking place in the city turned people away from idolatry, which was a lucrative business. In other words, Christianity was hurting the bottom line of those who profited from idolatry. Consequently, those who lost business stirred up a riot in an effort to intimidate the Christians.
-
Unavoidable conflict Conflict is a constant theme throughout the book of Acts. It always arises because of preaching and teaching the Gospel. This conflict is not initiated by the Church. Rather, the rebellious world reacts to the Gospel with disdain, opposition, intimidation, and sometimes riots. This kind of conflict is unavoidable. Many of us have been taught to avoid all conflict at any cost. We assume that a lack of conflict is the greatest sign of Christian maturity. The book of Acts invites us to rethink how we understand and relate to Gospel conflict.
Study Questions
-
Why were the sons of Sceva powerless against the evil spirit in this text?
-
What do you think motivated the riots at Ephesus? To what were the people truly devoted?
-
How do you relate to conflict? What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict? What will avoiding conflict cost you?
Women's Training: Christ-Shaped Identity taught by Kelly Highfield
How does God's Word instruct women to live? Coram Deo member Kelly Highfield teaches about the model we find in Proverbs 31 and instructs ladies in how they can be shaped into the likeness of Christ as they find their identity in him.
What happens when the Gospel confronts the cultured pagans of Athens? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Paul's address to the Areopagus. In this passage, Paul shares the Gospel with people who are not familiar with the Old Testament. We can learn from Paul's example here; while he sought to make the Gospel understandable, he did not soften the claims of the Gospel that the Athenians found offensive.
Acts 19:1-10 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
John’s baptism This can be one of the most confusing texts in all of Acts. But it doesn’t need to be. John’s baptism was a baptism of preparation (Matthew 3:1-3). It marked turning from past sins toward the Christ who was to come. However, baptism in Acts is baptism into Christ and his Church (Romans 6:3, Ephesians 4:4-5). It wasn’t about what God was about to do, but rather about what he had already done through Christ. Now, because of Jesus, our atoning sacrifice, we can receive the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:31-33).
-
Speaking boldly Luke refers to the Apostles and the Church as speaking boldly numerous times throughout Acts. It’s one of his favorite adjectives to describe their preaching. It emphasizes the confidence, clarity, and conviction of the speakers. They knew what they believed and understood why it mattered. They were willing to pay the price for their boldness, as they often did. But regardless of the outcome, they would not be silenced or discouraged.
-
Protecting the flock It was Paul’s regular practice to reason with Jews in the synagogue about Jesus and his Kingdom wherever he went. Some were convinced, but others remained skeptical. However, in this text, the situation became unhealthy as skeptics began speaking evil of the believers. In an effort to protect the flock, Paul removed himself and his converts from the synagogue and found another place to gather for instruction. Though the attacks would have been nothing new for Paul, they would have created an unnecessary burden for the new believers.
Study Questions
-
Why is baptism so important? Have you been baptized? Why or why not? How is John’s baptism different from other baptisms recorded in Acts?
-
Talking about your faith can be intimidating, especially in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. How can you grow in clarity and confidence around sharing your faith?
-
Do you think Paul was right to remove himself and his converts from the synagogue? What principles might you take away from his decision?
Acts 18:18-28 preached by Pastor Jon Needham
Big Ideas
-
Evangelism and discipleship There were two primary elements to Paul’s ministry. The first was evangelism, in which Paul proclaimed the Gospel to people who did not yet know Jesus; the goal of evangelism is conversion. The second was discipleship, which is the ongoing biblical teaching and instruction of Christians. The goal of discipleship is maturity and growth in obedience. Both of these are important tasks and neither can be ignored.
-
We never stop learning In this text, Luke introduces us to Apollos, a gifted and passionate teacher. However, his gifting and passion did not negate his need for ongoing growth, instruction, and theological development. Through Aquila and Priscilla, God provided the instruction that Apollos needed to continue growing and maturing as an effective Bible teacher so that others could be encouraged and blessed by his ministry.
-
New gifted leaders are not a threat Paul has occupied much of Luke’s attention in the recent chapters of Acts. He has been the leading evangelist and teacher, traveling from city to city, preaching the Gospel and establishing new churches. But in this text, Luke mentions Apollos, another gifted and powerful teacher, who, like Paul, effectively proved that Jesus was the Christ. Rather than seeing Apollos as a threat, Luke commends him as a gift to the Church.
Study Questions
-
The Church needs both discipleship and evangelism. Which do you feel more equipped for and why? How are you using your gift to benefit others?
-
Disciples never stop learning. How have you experienced personal growth over the past year? In what areas of your life would you like to grow over the next year?
-
How do you feel when another individual who is gifted in similar ways shows up at your work, your community group, or in any other sphere of your life? What would need to happen in order for you to see them as a gift to be encouraged?
As the Gospel spreads throughout the Greek world, the Church experiences more and more conflict. Religious leaders stir up riots. Paul and his team are accused of turning the world upside down. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Paul's missionary trips to Thessalonica and Berea, and why it's significant that Luke mentions converted women in Acts.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon responds to the idea that a woman who feeds her own children is an oppressed victim of the patriarchy. He also explores a theology of food.
God made the world in such a way that little things add up. A field bears fruit after many steps of cultivation and care. We mature by walking step-by-step in Christ. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten begins a series on a biblical view of work and vocation. He starts by looking at Proverbs 24:30–34 and considering the Bible's teaching on habits. He discusses the importance of cultivating holy habits that are in step with the Spirit as we grow into the likeness of Christ.
Acts 18:1-17 preached by Pastor Jon Needham on February 6, 2022.
Big Ideas
-
Jesus and the Old Testament...again Whenever Paul attempts to reason with the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, he always argues from the Old Testament. Always. Why? Because the Old Testament, with all of its types, antitypes, shadows, and promises, is all about Jesus. He is not an add-on to the Old Testament. Rather, he is the very foundation—the heart and soul of it. To reject Christ is to miss the entire point of the Old Testament.
-
Protection promised, protection provided Paul did not live an easy life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Nearly everywhere he traveled and preached he faced opposition, riots, personal attacks, and physical violence. Yet God was gracious and merciful to him and his suffering was not endless. God knew Paul’s suffering and the limitations of his finitude and promised Paul protection for a season of approximately 18 months as he contended for the Gospel (Acts 18:9-11).
-
Protection from the magistrates Throughout Acts, some Jews incite trouble for the Apostles. At times they did this by stirring up the local magistrates (Acts 17:6 & 18:12). However, in this text, Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, refuses to participate in the Jews’ opposition to Paul, because their issue with Paul was theological, not legal. In doing so, God provided protection for Paul from the Jews through the local magistrates who are God’s servants (Romans 13:4).
Study Questions
-
How does rejecting Jesus change the way we understand the Old Testament? In what ways is Jesus prefigured and promised in the Old Testament?
-
Sometimes we just need a break. How has God provided you with seasons of rest during difficult times in your life?
-
God is sovereign over all, even godless magistrates. How might this truth encourage you during a time of political turmoil?
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the sanctity of human life is rooted in the image of God. They also discuss how the fear of God should shape our posture towards this issue—especially with regard to abolishing legal abortion.
Acts 17:16-34 preached by Pastor Rusten Harris
Big Ideas
-
Provoked by idols G.K. Chesteron is believed to have said, “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in everything.” When we reject the Creator, we end up believing in myths. This was certainly the case in Athens. Paul observed the overwhelming religious devotion of the people. They were, however, devoted to idols: false, empty, and powerless gods. It was their vain hope in these false gods that provoked Paul to preach the Gospel of the true and living God.
-
Our God is not needy Seeing an altar that was dedicated to an unknown god, Paul takes the opportunity to declare the one true God. Unlike the false gods that were worshipped throughout the Roman Empire, the God revealed to us in scripture and through his Son Jesus is not needy. He does not need us to give him a temple nor does he need anything else from anyone, for he alone is the self-sufficient triune creator of all things. In every way, he is infinitely superior to the false gods represented at the Areopagus.
-
The God who pursues Nothing is coincidental. Not the times we live in, the families we are born into, nor our zip codes or addresses. God determines all of this with the intention of drawing us to him. He has determined a day of judgment and has appointed his Son, Jesus, to be both judge and deliverer for all who put their trust in him.
Study Questions
-
Paul was provoked by the vain things that the people were trusting. Though our culture doesn’t erect statues and idols, we do put our hope in things that cannot save us. What are some of our cultural idols? What are some of yours?
-
Read Psalm 115. List the ways that God is superior to idols.
-
In this text, Paul claims that God has arranged our lives in particular ways in order that we might find him. In what ways has God arranged your life specifically to bring you to him?
It is popular among Christians today to reduce the Gospel to personal "spiritual" application only. We believe that Christ has no plan to make an impact on the wider culture. As a result, we forget that Christ is Lord of all. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Acts 16:16–40 and discuss how, even in the early Church, we see Christ's impact in all aspects of life—including economics, civics, and the family.
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James resume their series on Coram Deo's worship liturgy. The Confession of Sin holds a prominent position in our worship services. It uniquely speaks to us about the person and work of Jesus Christ as our perfect sacrifice and priest, through whom we come to offer holy worship to God.
Big Ideas
-
Women and Jesus Twice in this text, Luke mentions that powerful and influential women were coming to faith in Jesus through the ministry of Paul. These simple details contradict many misrepresentations of the Gospel and Christian theology. First, the Gospel was attractive to both men and women, rich and poor. Second, these leading, influential, and financially independent women did not see the Gospel or the Church as a threat to their womanhood. Rather, many of them enthusiastically embraced the Gospel and a Christian worldview. Far from feeling repressed, these women of high standing were compelled by the Gospel.
-
An ad hominem compliment When an individual engaged in a debate can no longer defend their position or overcome their opponent’s argument, they often resort to personal attacks. It is essentially an admittance of defeat. These sorts of attacks are not uncommon in Acts. Paul had clearly demonstrated from the Old Testament that Jesus was the Christ. When his opponents could not disprove his argument, they sought to discredit the character of his team by causing a public uproar. This is the ad hominem compliment.
-
The political Gospel We are often told that the Gospel is not political. That, however, is a misrepresentation of the Gospel and would have made no sense to the early Church; Luke highlights this fact for us in the text. The Church was rightly accused of claiming that Jesus was King and that Caesar was not. The implications of such a claim “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). It was not a simple misunderstanding but rather an accurate assessment of the Gospel which commands every knee to bow to him and all tongues confess that he alone is Lord, not Caesar.
Study Questions
-
How do the numerous influential women coming to faith in this text contradict modern objections to Christianity?
-
What is an ad hominem argument? Have you ever been on the receiving end of such an argument? How might you respond in the future when you find yourself being accused?
-
What does this text teach us about the political nature and implications of the Gospel?
Today, the Church faces constant pressure to redefine loving our neighbors to fit with the world's definition. This tendency can undermine the Gospel. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how redefining "sin" and "love" robs our neighbors of the truth of the Gospel: that Christ came to save us from our sin. When we do this, we compromise both the Gospel and the distinction between the Church and the world.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores the meaning of inalienable rights. He also explores how the biblical worldview forms their foundation. As SCOTUS prepares to hand down decisions on abortion and vaccine mandates, the issue of inalienable rights will be front and center.
Crucial to the witness of the Church in the world is maintaining the distinction between the Church and the world. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten takes a look at Paul's commands in 1 Corinthians 5:9–6:5, which are increasingly controversial in our world today.
Big Ideas
-
Slavery and freedom In this chapter, we are introduced to a nameless slave girl who was apparently owned by a group of people (Acts 16:19). She was also slave to a dark spirit that enabled her to tell fortunes, a lucrative business that generated a great deal of revenue for her owners. Consequently, she was a dual slave. After growing irritated, Paul rebuked the spirit that possessed her, rendering her useless to her owners, who were slaves to money. In return, they had Paul and Silas beaten up and thrown into prison. Though shackled and guarded, Paul and Silas are actually more free than even their captors.
-
According to plan The imprisonment of Paul and Silas seems like a major defeat. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that things are working out perfectly. As a result of their imprisonment and God’s amazing rescue, a Philippian jailer and his family come to faith in Christ. The one who was responsible for their mistreatment ends up inviting them over for dinner. Indeed, God had prepared a banquet for Paul and Silas in the presence of their enemies (Psalm 23:5).
-
Our rights as citizens After realizing that they had screwed up, the magistrates who threw Paul and Silas into prison decided to secretly let them go. One might imagine that Paul and Silas would happily make their escape, but that’s not what happened. Paul refused to let the magistrates off the hook for their mistreatment of Roman citizens. He could have easily just walked away, but instead he demanded that the magistrates own their mistake and apologize to them. Rather than escaping, Paul held the magistrates accountable for their violation of his rights as a citizen.
Study Questions
-
In this text we see many examples of how we can be enslaved: spirits, people, the love of money. What are some ways in which you have experienced slavery, and how has Jesus set you free?
-
The imprisonment of Paul and Silas looks like a disaster, but it ends up being a victory. How has God turned apparent disasters into victories in your life?
-
Paul refused to allow the magistrates to violate his rights as a Roman citizen. What principles can you take away from his example?
Big Ideas
-
Timothy’s circumcision In this text we are introduced to Timothy, the son of a Jewish Christian mother and an unbelieving Greek father. Given the mission to deliver the verdict of the Jerusalem counsel to Jews living in other regions, Timothy was circumcised. At first glance this may seem out of line with Paul’s strong words against requiring circumcision of new believers in Galatians (Galatians 2:11-16). Why, then, was Timothy circumcised? There is a fundamental difference between being circumcised out of respect, as is the case in Acts 16, and requiring circumcision for salvation, as was the case in Galatia. Works are not bad, but relying on works for salvation is inconsistent with the Gospel. The distinction matters.
-
When the Spirit says “No” Perhaps one of the most surprising things in this text is the Spirit of God prohibiting Paul and Timothy from entering specific regions for Gospel work (Acts 16:6-7). Why would the Spirit of God keep Paul and Timothy from certain places? One reason this text offers is that God had other plans for them. Rather than Asia or Bithynai, God wanted them in Macedonia. God is all about bringing the good news of the Gospel to the entire world. But he’s not doing it all at once, nor is he doing it through a single missions team. We each play a role in God’s mission and his plans for us are particular. That means sometimes God will keep us from certain tasks in order to use us for others.
-
Lydia’s conversion At first glance, Paul and Timothy’s interaction with Lydia may seem coincidental. They just happened to run into her at a place where people from the community gathered for prayer, and Lydia just happened to be there. However, Luke tells us that Lydia was already a believer in God, meaning she had rejected the prevalent polytheism of her day and committed herself to the monotheistic worldview of the Jewish people. But she still had not heard about Jesus. Upon hearing the news, she and her family converted and were baptized. God was at work in Lydia long before Paul and Timothy showed up, and he would continue to work in and through her long after they left.
Study Questions
1. What is the difference between being circumcised out of respect and being circumcised as a requirement for salvation? What are some more modern examples of this principle?
-
Has God ever closed a door in your life that made no sense at the time? Where did that closed door eventually lead you?
-
How might the story of Lydia’s conversion encourage you in mission?
What does the Bible teach about angels? Why do the stories of Christ's birth have so many scenes with angels? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider how the Bible talks about angels, their relation to the Old and New Covenants, and how they often inspired fear in those who encountered them.
Christ the King is born! Oh come let us adore Him! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! You are invited to join us as we celebrate that light on Friday, December 24 at one of our Christmas Eve services. You can expect a simple and warm time that will include singing traditional Christmas songs, Scripture readings, a short homily, and of course, the lighting of candles.
Merry Christmas! At the fullness of time, Christ was born in Bethlehem. The coming of Jesus was the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise given at the beginning of the story in Eden. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider how the practices and traditions of Advent teach us to consider Jesus' long-awaited arrival so we can learn to wait in hope for his coming kingdom.
In this special Christmas edition of The Blitz, Pastor Jon examines what the creeds, confessions, and (more importantly) the Scriptures teach us about the identity of Jesus.
Santa Claus is one of the most prominent symbols in the modern celebration of Christmas and yet he's also one of the most hotly contested. How should Christians interact with the story of Santa? In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James dive into the historical roots of the Santa Claus story and unearth the actual man behind the sleigh.
Merry Christmas! What exactly happened on that first Christmas? Was that baby that in the manger also God? Is Jesus also a human? Did the Old Testament anticipate this at all? In this Advent Episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the deity of Jesus, the incarnation, and how the Bible anticipates the astounding miracle of the Word made flesh.
To the Jew first, and then to the Gentile—we see that pattern throughout the book of Acts. The mission starts in the synagogues until Peter or Paul get kicked out. Then they preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Acts 14 notice wild swings that Paul would experience in his missions. In this chapter, Paul and Barnabas bring the Gospel to the Gentiles in Lystra. At first, the crowds worship Paul and Barnabas as Zeus and Hermes, but then they stone Paul and drag him outside of the city. These experiences become the way God advances his kingdom and spreads his Gospel.
The Gospels often say that Jesus fulfills prophecy, but we don't always understand how. For example, how does Jesus fulfill the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Matthew 2:15)? In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers how the birth of Jesus fulfills some of these prophecies and why that gives us good reason to celebrate this Christmas.
Have you ever noticed how different the sermons preached in the book of Acts are from the sermons you might hear today? Rather than being mere motivational boosts, the sermons in Acts focus on how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and they do so in a punchy, to-the-point way. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider these sermons and the way they put trust in the Word and promises of God.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon addresses some common objections to the claim of virgin birth.
Within the Church, there are good kinds of unity and bad kinds of unity. There are good kinds of division and bad kinds of division. While the goal is that the Church be united in the same mind and the same judgment, this doesn't happen automatically. We must pursue proper unity and strive towards this goal. In this Episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten takes a look at 1 Corinthians and considers how Paul addresses the factionalism that was present there.
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James talk about producing "Advent 2021: Devotionals & Liturgies."
Pick up a free copy this week in person. Download a digital version or purchase additional print copies at coramdeochurch.org/advent.
Big Ideas
-
Debating doctrine Some people assume that doctrinal debates are useless or even harmful. Yet in this text, we see the importance of coming together to consider what the Bible says and working to pursue doctrinal accuracy and clarity. This is not at odds with peace. Rather, it is through doctrinal clarity that peace is cultivated, extended, and protected.
-
Moses and the mission of the Church The issue of circumcision comes up over and over again throughout Acts. In many ways, it is the doctrinal debate of the 1st century Church. Must Gentiles who come to faith in Jesus also become Jews by adopting Jewish practices such as circumcision? Or, is faith in Jesus sufficient to save? The Jerusalem council is a key moment in Acts and the life of the early Church. As a result of the council, three decisions were made. First, faith in Jesus is sufficient to save and circumcision is not necessary. That is a Gospel issue. Second, the Gentile believers should respect their Jewish friends by not eating meat sacrificed to idols. That is a love issue. Third, Gentile believers were to avoid sexual immorality. That is a moral issue. Through this decree, the council clarified what was necessary for salvation, how peace could be protected among the Jewish and Gentile believers, and reaffirmed the Old Testament sexual ethic as binding for all believers.
-
Disagreement among key leaders Disagreement among key church leaders is not common, but it does happen. And when it does, this text almost always comes up. This debate, unlike the Jerusalem council, was not doctrinal nor was it binding for others. This disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was personal and pragmatic. Barnabas wanted to take Mark on the next journey. Paul did not. In the end, they went their separate ways, each doing important mission work.
Study Questions
-
How do you feel about doctrinal debates? Do you tend to have an unhealthy aversion or attraction to them? Why do they matter?
-
In many ways, the Jerusalem council’s goal was to maintain doctrinal clarity and practical unity within the Church. How are doctrine and unity related to one another?
-
To maintain unity, the Gentile converts were asked not to eat certain foods for the sake of their Jewish brothers. This was not a forever binding decision, but a temporary way to protect the unity of the early Church. What preferences have you had to give up to protect the unity of the Church? How can preferences destroy the unity of the Church?
King Herod killed James and continued to persecute Christians because it was politically advantageous. God later strikes him down. Shortly after this, we see the conversion of Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor of Cyprus. Why does Acts emphasize kings and rulers? How is Sergius supposed to rule now that he is a Christian? In this Episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider these questions, and share some general thoughts on various versions of Two Kingdom Theology.
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James explore the first movement of Coram Deo's worship liturgy: the Call to Worship. The call orients us around God our creator and sustainer.
Big Ideas
-
A divided city A cycle of controversy seems to continually follow the missionary work of the Church in Acts. Missionaries are sent. The Gospel is preached. The city erupts in conflict and division. Christians are beat up and/or threatened. Repeat. These stories in Acts question many of the assumptions we have regarding mission, evangelism, and Church life. We must remember that Jesus himself told us that he did not come to bring peace but division on earth (Luke 12:51). This is because the peace that Jesus offers is a peace the world does not want.
-
Holy Fear When Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel and perform miracles, the people of Lystra confuse them for mythological gods and offer them worship. Imagine the power and financial gain Paul and Barnabas would have possessed had they not corrected the people of Lystra. Rather than taking advantage of the people, Paul and Barnabas cried out, corrected the people, and continued to teach the Gospel and point them to Jesus. Only a holy fear of God can protect our hearts from such temptations.
-
The mission must go on Paul was stoned and left for dead outside the city gates. The preacher lay there lifeless, bloodied, and abandoned. This is how the crowds responded to Paul’s Gospel preaching. But Paul wasn’t dead, and he certainly wasn’t done. Instead of abandoning the mission, Paul got up and went back to work preaching and teaching the Gospel. The world can’t stop beating up preachers, and preachers can’t stop preaching the Gospel.
Study Questions
-
How do you tend to respond to conflict with others over issues of the Gospel? Are you intimidated and filled with fear? What expectations do you have? In what ways does this text encourage or challenge you?
-
In one city, the people wanted to worship Paul. In the next, they wanted to kill him. How can we avoid the temptation to accept false peace and the temptation to avoid righteous suffering?
-
In what ways has false peace or righteous suffering kept you from sharing your faith with others?
Jew and Gentile. Circumcision, food laws, and the ceremonial law. The Holy Spirit and the conversion of the Gentile centurion Cornelius and his household. Ethnic identity and covenant identity. "Ordinances" and the "elementary principles of the world." Why does the Old Testament have laws that Christians don't observe anymore, while it has other laws that they do? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider questions that seem like foreign concepts to us, but were very prevalent and monumental in the New Testament. Considering these questions will help you understand major themes of the New Covenant and the Gospel.
Fathers have a uniquely weighty job as they are called by God to lead their families and raise their children in the fear and admonition of the LORD. In this training, Elder Candidate Kim Highfield looks at how fathers ought to discipline their children by making and executing a plan to train them in righteousness.
The church in Corinth was a mess! Divisions, incest, and drunkenness at the Lord's Supper are a few of the problems we learn are going on there. Yet Paul expresses his gratitude to God for them, and even says he is confident Jesus will sustain and be faithful to them. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the reality of God's grace and the messiness of Church.
Big Ideas
-
Stephen’s seminary This text is primarily made up of a sermon that Paul delivered on the Sabbath. He began with the calling of Abraham and followed the story of God through Egypt, King David, and the prophets, claiming that the entire story was about Jesus. Where did Paul learn to preach Christ from the Old Testament in this way? Paul heard a very similar sermon from the lips of Stephen whose death Paul condoned (Acts 7). It is impossible not to hear Stephen’s voice in Paul’s sermon. Though Paul approved of Stephen’s death, Stephen’s sermon would continue to bear Gospel fruit in the ministry of a radically changed Paul.
-
Getting the Gospel right Gospel confusion is not uncommon, but Gospel clarity is everywhere in Acts. Whenever the Gospel is preached, it always entails the announcement that Jesus is Lord over all and that there is forgiveness of sins in his name alone. You won’t find much about how Jesus meets and fulfills all of our felt psychological and emotional needs. You won’t find anything about how Jesus will take away all of your sadness. But you will find plenty about the need for repentance, the coming judgment, and the salvation that Jesus offers to all.
-
Conflict and conversion Nobody is indifferent to the announcement that Jesus is Lord. Neutrality is a myth. When the Gospel is proclaimed, some respond in repentance and faith to the good news that Jesus is Lord. Others respond with anger, hatred, and judgment because the Gospel threatens their sense of autonomy. The Gospel always produces conflict and conversion.
Study Questions
-
Stephen’s teaching clearly had a profound impact on Paul. What Christian teachers or pastors have had a profound impact on your understanding of the Gospel?
-
Take a moment to go back and read the sermons in Acts 2:14-36, 7:1-53, 13:16-41. How would you summarize these sermons? What is the Gospel according to them? Is it different from what you tend to think the Gospel is?
-
Conflict and rejection are normal responses to the Gospel in Acts. How might this encourage or challenge you in personal evangelism?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores the simple wisdom and truth that Genesis 1 provides for a world gone mad.
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James discuss the idea of covenant renewal worship. God established this pattern of worship in the Old Testament before fulfilling it in Christ.
On the evening of November 2, 2021 at Hale's Ales Barrelhouse in Bremerton, Washington, Dr. Glenn Sunshine delivered a lecture on the history of the Christian theology of resistance to tyranny. He concluded the lecture with a brief time of Q&A.
Jesus commands his disciples to love their enemies because he wants them to reflect the kindness and love of God expressed in the Gospel. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at this section of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" in Luke 6 and considers what it means to love our enemies.
Big Ideas
-
Prayer and fasting In this text, the Holy Spirit calls out Paul and Barnabas for a particular missionary venture. This call, however, came in the context of worship, devotion, prayer, and fasting. As the Church pursued God through worship and devotion, God spoke to the Church. How did the Holy Spirit speak to the Church? Well, we don’t exactly know. But we do know that this encounter occurred in the context of worship. As we meet God in worship, he directs our steps.
-
A real and present darkness In our last text, we were confronted with angels who are sent by God to help his people. In this text, we see that there are also very real dark realities at work in this world seeking to deceive people. Elymas was a Jewish magician and false prophet. He was an evil man and an enemy of God who sought to distract others from the truth of God. Paul called him a “son of the devil” (Acts 13:10). Christians need to understand that these enemies exist and that there are dark spiritual realities behind these people who seek to undermine the truth and work of God.
-
Jesus wins Elymas sought to distract and deceive the proconsul, that he might eternally suffer. But Jesus saved the proconsul. Ironically, Elymas, a man who claimed to be able to see, was stricken with blindness, while the proconsul was given sight to see the truth and glory of God in Christ. Jesus always wins.
Study Questions
-
The Church encountered God in the context of worship, prayer, and fasting. How are you doing in personal spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible reading, and fasting?
-
Have you ever personally encountered a uniquely evil person like Elymas who intentionally sought to distract and deceive people? How did you respond?
-
Sergius Paulus was the proconsul of Cyprus. He served in an official political office much like that of a governor. Paul taught him the Gospel and Sergius became a Christian. How might this text challenge the assumptions we make regarding the separation of Church and state?
Big Ideas
-
Angels and Peter’s great escape Once again in our text, we find angels doing God’s work and providing aid and rescue to God’s people. Christians often don’t know what to do when it comes to angels. Some obsess over angels while others try to avoid the topic altogether. What’s clear throughout the Bible is that angels do exist and God does use them to help his people in times of great need. Angels should not be worshipped, for only God deserves our worship. On the other hand, angels should not be avoided or feared. They are God’s servants and our helpers. The author of Hebrews goes as far as to say that some of us have encountered angels without even knowing it (Hebrews 13:2)!
-
Our enemies fall into their own pit In the imprecatory Psalms, David prays that his enemies would fall into the pit they have dug for him (Psalm 35:8). This text in Acts is a perfect example of God doing just that. The leaders that killed James and imprisoned Peter, presumably with plans to kill him also, had their evil turned back on them. The guards were put to death and King Herod died in the most public and humiliating way. God will not be mocked and his enemies will not escape his justice and judgment.
-
The gates of hell shall not prevail This text ends with the most incredible contrast. Those who seek to destroy the Church will themselves be destroyed by God. Meanwhile, the Church, which is hated by the world, continues to grow and multiply, especially in the face of opposition. Psalm 2 speaks plainly of this reality. When the world conspires against Jesus, God laughs and mocks them. Jesus promised us that the gates of hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18). We ought to expect nothing else.
Study Questions
-
What do you think about angels? Do you tend to ignore or obsess over them? What does this text teach us about angels?
-
Opposition and suffering were ordinary experiences in the early Church, and yet the Church was not discouraged. How do you think the Church was able to endure these experiences without losing heart?
-
How can this text encourage you when you face opposition or endure suffering because of your faith in Jesus?
Soon after meeting Jesus and beginning to preach that he was the Christ, Saul was on a hit-list. In Acts 9 we read of two separate conspiracies to kill Saul. Saul could've avoided this by being silent or by pursuing a life of private piety. But that wasn't an option for Saul. Instead, God used him to stir up holy controversy. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the dynamics of Saul's 'lightning rod status' and how this was actually a gift to the Church.
The letter of Jude is a letter of warning. It seeks to convict, equip, and strengthen its readers to stand against the temptations of unbelief, sexual immorality, and rebellion against God's authority. It encourages God's people to persevere in the faith once for all delivered to the saints. But the power that makes all this encouragement possible is found in the last two verses of the letter. In this Episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten finishes the letter of Jude by looking at its concluding doxology, where we learn that Christ holds us and keeps us from stumbling.
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James kick off a series of episodes on Coram Deo's worship liturgy. But before diving into the specifics of our liturgy, they address the basic question: "What is liturgy?"
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses how God used evil for good in the life of Joseph. Then he explores how God might be using this season to bring an explosion of Christian entrepreneurship in our community.
Big Ideas
-
An imperfect Church While the majority of this text is about faithful and obedient Christians loving and serving others, Luke does mention those Jewish believers who refused to share their lives with non-Jews. This issue was among the biggest issues the Church in Acts faced. This isn’t the first time Luke has mentioned it, and it’s not the last. Being a historian, Luke is not interested in painting the prettiest picture of the Church. Instead, he speaks the truth. And the truth is that the 1st century Church, like every other Church, was an imperfect Church. We need not be afraid to acknowledge the sin and brokenness in our history. We are not the heroes, Jesus is.
-
Doctrine matters When the Jerusalem Church heard of conversion in Antioch, they didn’t just celebrate the news; they sent Barnabas to observe the reports of conversions. Certainly part of Barnabas’ mission was to verify that these people had actually come to faith in Jesus and had not just been caught up in some new religious fervor. Barnabas also brought Paul in so that he might teach and instruct these new believers. Why? Because providing faithful biblical teaching and instruction is a practical way of caring for and loving Christians. Doctrine matters.
-
Financial generosity Upon hearing about the forthcoming famine, the Church in Antioch mobilized to provide financial support for their brothers in Judea. Financial generosity is one of the repeating themes throughout Acts. As recipients of God’s generosity in Christ, Christians are eager to share with those in need. This is especially true when it comes to sharing with other Christians in need (Galatians 6:10). Financial generosity is a practical expression of God’s love and care for others and is a natural expression of godly gratitude.
Study Questions
-
Does Luke’s honesty about the moral issues and sin in the early Church build or erode your confidence in the truthfulness of his account? Why?
-
Ongoing teaching and instruction is essential to Christian growth and maturity. In addition to weekly worship, how do you pursue doctrinal and theological instruction? Is this an area of strength or weakness for you?
-
Have you ever been the recipient of financial generosity? How did it affect you? How can you grow in financial generosity?
When Saul met Jesus on the Damascus Road, everything changed. The sovereign grace of God met Saul and made a train wreck of his life as it was. He went from persecutor to ardent supporter of the Church; from opposed to mixing with Gentiles to uniting Gentiles and Jews within the Church; from hauling Christians to the magistrate to preaching the Gospel to kings. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the grace of God meets us and subjects everything in our lives to him.
Being a mother is hard work. Moms have the rewarding yet difficult job of raising little disciples of Christ while also growing in Him themselves. In this teaching, Lacey Kuhns reminds moms about the joy and challenge of growing as Godly mothers in Christ.
There is a sense in which the gospel of Jesus is both "against the world" and "for the world." This isn't just a theoretical tension, but a tension that shows up in our relationships and lives in tumultuous ways. It is a tension that we are called to walk through in faith and the love of God. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the letter of Jude, specifically the call on the church to persevere in times of increased tension.
Big Ideas
-
Circumcised critics The Church has no lack of critics. Sometimes, when the Church is in error or in sin, the criticism is warranted and should be received as God’s gracious invitation to repent. But at other times, the criticism is baseless and motivated by jealousy, insecurity, and fear. The circumcised critics in this text fall into the latter category. What better way to respond to Peter’s successful evangelism than to criticize his efforts? When God is on the move, you’ll always find a church member complaining about it.
-
Prejudice and racism die slowly Peter had a front-row seat to the conversion of Cornelius and his Gentile buddies. When he was criticized for it, he defended the Gospel and stood up for his new Gentile brothers and sisters. But Peter’s struggle with prejudice and racism was not over. Later, Paul would confront Peter for slipping back into his old ways, favoring Jews and marginalizing the believing Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-13). Our struggle against sin never ends. Though we are forgiven and have new power to live new lives in Christ, we still struggle against sin and must be brought back to the truth of God over and over again.
-
The unity of the Church Something unprecedented was taking place in the early Church. Individuals and families from every ethnicity were being brought together and reconciled to one another in the Church. This had never been seen before. Not in Israel. Not in the world. In Jesus, God was creating a new humanity in which people from every nation were invited to repent, trust in Jesus, receive forgiveness, and be reconciled to God and one another.
Study Questions
-
When have you received justified criticism? When have you received unjustified criticism? How did you respond?
-
Peter, and some in the early Church, struggled to see the Gentile believers as equals. Faith in Jesus did not make this sin automatically disappear. Against what sins have you or do you continue to struggle? What growth have you seen? What work remains to be done?
-
Church unity is something that Luke continues to emphasize through Acts. How can you contribute to and cultivate unity in your church?
In this episode of Doxological, Pastor Ryan interviews worship leader and songwriter, Wendell Kimbrough. Wendell has written several songs that we sing at Coram Deo Church. Ryan talks to him about singing the Psalms, his writing process, and how the Psalms have shaped him and his faith.
Listen to Wendell's new single, See How Good It Is (Psalm 113), featuring Sandra McCracken! https://www.wendellk.com/shg
Wendell's Site: https://www.wendellk.com/ Wendell's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wendellkmusic
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores some of the theological, Christological, philosophical, ethical, and legal issues that must be considered when thinking through whether or not the COVID19 vax mandates are biblical.
Who doesn't want to be liked? Who doesn't want to be thought of as wonderfully winsome and radically relevant by all people? It's a temptation for the church today, and it's been a temptation in the past as well. So, Jesus warns his disciples of it. What might it mean if everyone speaks well of you? Jesus compares this situation to the false prophets that went before, and he pronounces his "woe" upon them. But how does this square with things like the expectation that pastors are to "be well thought of by outsiders" (1 Corinthians 9:22) or Paul's method of becoming "all things to all people, that by all means I might save some" (1 Timothy 3:7)? In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Jesus' warning and considers these questions.
Big Ideas
-
Dreams, visions, and angels The primary way God speaks to his people is through his Word. However, at times, God uses dreams, visions, and angels to communicate with and instruct individuals. God used the angel Gabriel to announce the coming birth of Jesus to Mary. God used an angel in a vision to instruct Joseph not to leave his pregnant virgin fiancé. In this story, God uses both visions and angels to help Peter and Cornelius learn about the blessings of the Gospel.
-
Divine appointments One of the things that stands out in this text is how God was at work in both Peter and Cornelius, arranging for their introduction and fellowship. God spoke to Peter three times in a dream. He also gave Cornelius a vision in which an angel appeared to him. Both of these unique experiences brought Peter and Cornelius together for a divine appointment which would prove transformative for the early Church.
-
God shows no partiality among those who trust in Christ The encounter between Peter and Cornelius accomplished two important things. First, Peter brought the Gospel to Cornelius and, as a result, numerous Gentiles at Caesarea believed and were baptized. Second, God demonstrated to Peter that the ethnic divisions that had been part of Israel’s past history had been demolished in and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). Believing Jews and Gentiles were now equals in Christ. Neither Peter nor anyone else could reject those to whom God had given his Spirit.
Study Questions 1. What is the significance of Peter’s vision? What did it mean for God to instruct Peter to kill and eat any animal? 2. Has God ever spoken to you or given you encouragement through a dream or a vision? What is the danger of trusting in dreams or visions? 3. The early Church, which was primarily made up of believing Jews, struggled to accept believing Gentiles as equals in Christ. Are there any believing groups or individuals that you struggle to see and accept as equals in Christ?
The doxology we often hear at the end of the Lord's Prayer, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen," may not have been part of the original prayer. But it uses language that has calls back to a prayer of King David in 1 Chronicles 29. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten takes a look at King David's prayer and considers why we ought to pray doxologies.
Big Ideas
-
Like Jesus, like disciple This story in Acts reads like a retelling of two of Jesus’ miracles found in the Gospels (Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56). Jesus healed a woman who had been sick for twelve years, then brought a young girl back to life. In Acts, Peter healed a man who had been sick for eight years and then brought a dead woman back to life. Luke’s point seems to be that Jesus is continuing his work through his people. The similarities in the stories indicate that Jesus is at work through Peter. Remember that Jesus promised his disciples that they would do even greater works (John 14:12).
-
Wonders and faith The wonders, signs, and miracles in Acts are never an end in themselves. Rather, they serve to validate the claims and teaching of the Apostles as they establish the doctrine of the early Church. Additionally, they play a vital role in the initial conversions of various communities. As God’s power is demonstrated through an Apostle in a particular region, the message is then believed and the mission moves forward (Acts 9:35 & 42).
-
Resuscitation vs. resurrection While there have been miraculous healings mentioned in Acts thus far, this is the first instance of a dead person being brought back to life. It is a common mistake to call a miracle like this a resurrection story. Resurrection is far more than a return to life from death. Resurrection entails the giving of a new body that is immortal in nature (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). Only Jesus has experienced resurrection and received a new immortal body. The story of Tabitha in Acts is an example of resuscitation. She was dead, and her close friends knew it. Her situation appeared totally hopeless. However, some disciples reached out to Peter, knowing that, as an Apostle, God had done great and amazing things through him. By God’s power, Tabitha was brought back to life. Though not immune to the sorrows and ailments of life, she was granted more years of faithful service and acts of mercy. And consequently, many in Joppa believed in Jesus.
Study Questions
- Take a moment to read one of the miracle stories listed in the first point above. What similarities do you see between Jesus’ miracle and Peter’s? What differences do you find?
- What is the functional purpose of miracles in the book of Acts? How can we pervert the purpose of miracles and miss the point?
- Why do you think we do not see miracles as frequently today as the early Church did in Acts?
In this episode of the The Blitz, Pastor Jon covers why the COVID vaccine mandates are 100% biblical.
Announcing a new podcast from Coram Deo Church! Doxological is an ongoing conversation about the crossroads of music, liturgy, and theology, and how they shape everything from the Lord's Table to the dinner table. In this inaugural episode, Pastor Ryan James and Brynn James ask, “Why do we sing together in corporate worship?” Ryan and Brynn explore how singing uniquely honors God, uniting, teaching, and transforming the Church as we submit to the Lordship of Christ.
Big Ideas
-
Jesus changes us Paul’s story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle.
-
Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul’s testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus.
-
Conflict outside the Church, peace within the Church Twice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth.
Study Questions
- How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position?
- How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience?
- What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world?
- How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?
In this episode of the The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses some concerning comments from John Piper and Tim Keller and offers advice on what to do when your heroes say dumb things.
Why is it that God sometimes rescued his people in obvious and miraculous ways, but at other times God had them take part in battles and conflict? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Psalm 44. They consider how God often doesn't deliver us in miraculous ways so he can mature our faith in him. They also consider that, even when God is silent or seems distant, we should bring him our frustrations and cries for help.
After Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for forgiveness, he teaches them to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at the last petition of the Lord's prayer and considers what temptation is and why Jesus teaches us to pray for God to deliver us from it.
Big Ideas
-
Jesus changes us Paul’s story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle.
-
Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul’s testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus.
-
Conflict outside the Church, peace within the Church Twice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth.
Study Questions
- How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position?
- How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience?
- What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world?
- How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?
Sometimes, circumstances and conflict reveal that we've founded our hope on something that isn't solid. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Psalms 42 and 43. They discuss how in our trials, conflict, and inner turmoil, we often need to fight for our faith and joy in God rather than fall into a distorted version of lament. These Psalms show us two weapons we have in this fight: God's Word and worshiping with his people.
When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, he also teaches them to pray for forgiveness. Did Jesus intend for us to pray this every day? What does Jesus mean by "debts"? Why does this petition comes with a qualification ("As we have forgiven our debtors")? In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten picks up the series on the Lord's Prayer to consider the petition "Forgive us our debts" and what it means for us today.
In our lives, we will inevitably suffer. What do you do with your suffering? What do you learn from it? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider how Psalm 41 teaches us to bring our sufferings to the Lord and how our sufferings teach us to consider and care for the poor and needy.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten takes a break from the Lord's Prayer to consider an observation from the book of Job and its similarities to the life of Jesus. The suffering of Job and Jesus are both preceded by God's delight in each of them.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon considers the growing trend of ordaining women in the Church. He examines the teaching and pattern of leadership throughout the Bible and the distinct roles within the Trinity, then explains why pastors must be men.
Moments of distress and affliction remind us of our need for help and reveal what we are putting our trust in. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Psalm 40 and consider how trusting in God may look like overconfidence to the world, while distrusting God may look like humility to the world.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers what it means to pray for God to give us our daily bread and how daily bread might remind us of manna in Exodus. When Jesus teaches us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread," is he teaching us to live hand to mouth? Should we not save, or should we wait passively for God to provide for us? Rusten also goes on and on about how much he loves homemade bread.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses the recent vaccination mandates and reasons people have for not yet getting the vaccination, and suggests that you can be pro-vax and anti-coercion at the same time.
Everyone's life is shaped by their fears. What you fear will determine how you live, how you speak, and what you love. Every fear outside of the fear of the Lord leads to a self-salvation project that leads to self-destruction and personal dissonance. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Psalm 34 and consider how the fear of the Lord delivers us from all other fears and how it shapes our speech.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers what it means to pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. How is this prayer consistent with the biblical view of redemption? And what does it look like for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven in light of the Great Commission?
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses how Trent Reznor and Johnny Cash can help us better read, understand, and enjoy the Psalms.
There is a Psalm to give a voice to every human experience. Some Psalms, known as the imprecatory Psalms, call on God to judge our enemies and evil in the world. Are Christians called to pray or sing these Psalms? Are they inconsistent with Jesus' call to love our enemies? On this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss these questions and why the imprecatory Psalms are so important and needed in the life of a Christian.
We tend to think that prayer is only a practice for the sake of spiritual health, or that prayer doesn't do anything because "God is sovereign, after all." In this episode of Bible thoughts, Pastor Rusten continues looking at the Lord's Prayer with the petition "Your kingdom come, your will be done." Here, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for God to change the status quo. He also teaches his disciples to pray this way because God delights in this way of changing things.
In this episode, Pastor Jon examines the falls of some of the titan leaders in the the American Church such as Bill Hybels and Ravi Zacharias, and explores what we need to do to avoid this pattern of leadership failure.
The ancient heresy of Gnosticism is alive and well, but the Psalms will have none of that nonsense. Want to know how to be Anti-Gnostic? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten look at Psalm 33 and consider how good God's creation is and how we ought to feast upon and enjoy God's generous provision.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at part of the Lord's prayer and considers what it means to ask God to hallow his name. What does "hallowed" mean anyway? And why is this the first thing Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for?
What would the aroma of your family and church be if you were committed to the habit of confessing sin to one another and reminding one another of the gospel of Jesus? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Rusten discuss Psalm 38 and the grace of God's "heavy hand" in bringing us to grief over our sin. To be apathetic over our sin would be a death sentence, but when we are grieved and confess our sin to God we can receive forgiveness, cleansing, and healing.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at the introduction of the Lord's prayer and considers what it means that Jesus teaches us to address God in our prayers as "Father." We usually miss how astonishing it is that Jesus teaches us to pray to God as Father. We often assume a familial connection to God, but don't understand the depth and the cost of what the words "Our Father" mean. Nor do we remember the grace Jesus shows us by inviting us to pray them.
Wickedness seldom comes to being abruptly, but rather it grows slowly and follows a regular progression. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Rusten discuss Psalm 36 and the contrasting pictures it gives us of the progression of man's wickedness on one hand and God's steadfast love on the other.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Jeremiah 44 to learn from an example of pragmatism gone awry. The Bible is not pragmatic when it comes to prosperity. Prosperity sought intentionally without God is a curse, and will fade into a wasteland. Prosperity that comes through faithfulness to God is a gift he loves to give. Yet prosperity is never the determining factor of faithfulness.
Psalm 36 (Sermon by Brandon Johnston)
Join us this Sunday as Brandon preaches on Psalm 38. You are invited to join us at 9:30 am on Facebook Live as we worship together!
~~ Coram Deo is a nondenominational church that meets in Bremerton, WA. We exist to love God, connect people, and change the world. When we gather together on Sundays, we hear the preaching of God’s Word, and respond by worshipping & taking communion together.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and how the Gospel is for all people. They also ask whether we can use this passage to make a case for affirming a plethora of sexual identities.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains what the Bible teaches about God's judgment and the LGBTQ revolution that has taken root in our culture.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Simon the magician, the worldview behind magic, the revival of the occult in modern times, and the difference between science and scientism.
Why do some hear the Gospel and respond with faith while others disbelieve? It can be tempting to "practice cunning or tamper with God's Word" to make the Gospel less offensive or more palatable. But we must remember, like Paul, that we do not proclaim ourselves; rather, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why seeking the welfare of our communities is incompatible with Pride Month and the LGBTQ agenda.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the joy and deliverance that the Gospel brings to those who are dead in trespasses and sins. This is a joy that surpasses understanding, it is a joy that we can't quite make sense of, and it is a joy that we desperately need. The early Church knew this joy, which is why they kept spreading the Gospel despite persecution. Is this a joy that we know too?
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Psalm 100 and considers the joy of gratitude and the hope that we have because of God's steadfast love.
Big Ideas
- The Holy Spirit is on the move.
The interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch was anything but coincidental. Philip wasn’t building a relationship of trust and respect with the Ethiopian. In fact, there is no indication that any previous interaction had ever taken place. The Spirit was already at work in the Ethiopian’s life. An angel directed Philip to head south. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to join the Eunuch in his chariot. There was no slick strategy to this. All of it was the work of God by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus and Isaiah.
The Eunuch in this story is reading Isaiah 53, one of the clearest and most beloved Old Testament depictions of Jesus’ atoning death. But the Eunuch is understandably confused. He doesn’t know who the text is speaking about. Through Philip, he comes to understand that the faithful suffering servant of Isaiah is none other than Jesus. Once again, we see how the entire Bible points us to Jesus.
- Supernatural events.
You can’t read this story and walk away without questions. How exactly did Philip encounter the angel in verse 26? And what does it mean that Philip was “carried away, and the Eunuch saw him no more”? The truth is that these are mysteries that should lead us to awe and wonder, not skepticism and doubt. God is able to do anything he wants to do. He is not bound in the ways that we are.
Study Questions
-
What can this interaction between Philip and the Eunuch teach us about evangelism and the work of the Holy Spirit?
-
Take a moment to read Isaiah 53. What does that text teach us about Jesus?
-
How do you respond to incredible stories in the Bible like this that defy any sort of rational explanation?
In light of Pride Month, Pastor Jon addresses one of the most common statements Christians face when dealing with the LGBTQ agenda: "Aren't all sins the same?"
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the sermon and martyrdom of Stephen and how it unpacks and demonstrates a theme that is consistent through Scripture. God sends his prophet, judge, or ruler to his people, and they reject him. And through that rejection, God vindicates his man and delivers his people from bondage.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Ezekiel 37:1–14 and the valley of the dry bones. God confronts this seemingly hopeless situation, rescuing the dead bones through the power of his Word. God loves to do wondrous things through his Word because it demonstrates his glory.
Big Ideas
- Excitement, baptism, and authentic faith.
The story of Simon begins with excitement. Simon was known for his dark powers and the whole community was amazed by him. When Philip began preaching the Gospel, the community began to be drawn to Jesus. Initially, Simon appears to believe and even gets baptized. However, after time, it becomes very clear that whatever Simon was pursuing, it was not the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself warned his disciples of this type of superficial faith (Mark 4:1-9).
- Faith and the Holy Spirit.
The order of events in this story is atypical. In Acts 2, faith, repentance, and the Holy Spirit all come together in a singular event. But here, Samaritans believe but do not immediately receive an outward indication of the Spirit’s presence, whatever that may have been. Why would God choose to act in this unique way at this point in the Church? The giving of the Holy Spirit, in the presence of Peter and John, seemed to serve as evidence to Peter and John, that the Spirit of God and the good news of the Gospel was for all peoples and not just the Jews.
- Persecution and the advancement of Jesus’ mission.
The evangelism of Samaria came as a direct result of the death of Stephen and the following persecution of the Church. As Christians relocated to safer regions, they brought the Gospel with them. Through persecution, Jesus’ command to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth was being fulfilled.
Study Questions
-
What is the difference between spiritual excitement and authentic conviction? Are they mutually exclusive? What warnings might we take from this text?
-
Why would it be important for Peter and John, who were Jews, to personally witness the Holy Spirit being given to the Samaritan converts?
-
How have you seen God use difficult and perhaps painful experiences in your life to bring others to himself? What might this teach us about how God fulfills his promises?
In this episode, Pastor Jon questions the ambiguity of popular Christian voices and provides a brief summary of the consistent and clear teaching of Scripture about marriage, gender, and sexuality.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the role of deacons within the church, the question of female deacons, the ordination of women, the call to care for widows and the impoverished, and the call to be encouraged in the Lord in making a living through hard work.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Matthew 18:15–18 and considers Jesus’ teaching on Church discipline, and the context of this teaching. Church discipline gets a bad rap and, sadly, many churches seem to slight or ignore Jesus’ words to the detriment of God's people. The reality is that Jesus gives us this instruction because he loves us. We ought to pay closer attention and heed what he says.
Big Ideas
- Suffering and the sovereignty of God.
In Acts 1, Jesus promised his disciples that they would be his witnesses in Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8). Up until this point, the Gospel was exclusively located in Jerusalem. But after the death of Stephen, a great persecution broke out which caused Christians to move to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). And where Christians went, the Gospel went with them, to the very places Jesus had promised it would go (Acts 8:4).
- Demonic oppression.
Many people tend to ignore the reality of demons and dark spiritual forces. Conversely, some overemphasize this spiritual reality. Luke, however, makes it clear that demons do exist and that they do torment people. Just as Jesus delivered people from demonic torment during his earthly ministry, so this work continued in the early Church as people were delivered from demonic influence and torment.
- Physical healing.
As we saw earlier in Acts, miracles served to confirm the Gospel message. This was also the case as the Gospel entered into the new region of Samaria. Luke, a trained doctor, reports that people were healed of physical sickness, including those who were paralyzed and lame, which demonstrated the immediate and miraculous nature of the healings. The result of these healings was joy in the city.
Study Questions
-
The stoning of Stephen and the following persecution was the vehicle that moved the Gospel out of Jerusalem and into the surrounding regions. What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty as it relates to the mission of the Church? How might this affect the way we view suffering, persecution, and “failure”?
-
Do you tend to neglect or overemphasize dark spiritual realities? How should this text shape the way we think about spiritual oppression?
-
What was the purpose and effect of supernatural healings in this text? How does this text affect the way you think about praying for miraculous healings?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses the attributes of Christ that are frequently celebrated in books such as "Gentle and Lowly" by Dane Ortland, as well as those attributes that mainstream Christianity tends to overlook, such as wrath.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the priority of the ministry of the Word in the early Church and the establishment of deacons within the Church to serve. They consider the question: "Why is the ministry of the Word so important?"
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers Ezekiel 33:7–11 and the responsibility that God gives Ezekiel to warn his people of their wickedness and to turn to God. God warns them because he desires that they would repent and live. It's God's warning, but it is Ezekiel's responsibility to carry it.
Big Ideas
- The entire Old Testament points us to Jesus.
As Stephen responds to his accusers, he recounts the entire metanarrative of the Old Testament. He speaks of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and the prophets to name a few. His point? The entire Old Testament points to Jesus! Faith in Jesus is not a blasphemous departure from the Old Testament as Stephen’s accusers falsely claimed (Acts 6:11). Rather, failing to believe in Jesus is a failure to understand what the Old Testament is all about.
- Sometimes, Gospel preaching elicits rage and anger.
While Luke has recorded a number of conflicts in Acts, this is the most violent opposition the Church had faced so far. It resulted in the murder of Stephen. Today, it is all too common to assume that the Gospel is some warm, fuzzy story that makes everyone feel good inside. However, in this text, the Gospel caused men to be filled with anger and led them to scream and gnash their teeth in dark defiance. Why? Because the Gospel declares that Christ alone is Lord and that we are not.
- The grace and boldness of Stephen.
How did Stephen respond in the midst of blood-thirsty, false accusations and murderous threats? He didn’t cower in fear nor did he explode in anger, both of which would have been understandable given the situation. Rather he boldly proclaimed the Gospel and prayed for the forgiveness of those who stoned him to death. His actions mimicked those of Jesus as he was crucified (Luke 23:34).
Study Questions
-
The Old Testament is all about Jesus. What are some ways that we tend to misunderstand the Old Testament and/or make it about something other than Jesus?
-
Why do you think the men, who heard Stephen preach the Gospel, were so angry? What does this teach us about the Gospel and faith in Jesus?
-
What stands out most about Stephen’s response in this text? How does his response encourage and/or challenge you?
In this episode, Pastor Jon explores how the recent change in mask mandates and COVID guidelines might expose an otherwise hidden fear.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Acts 5 and the imprisonment of Peter and the Apostles. In a time when the authorities are encroaching on more and more of our basic liberties, it is a deep encouragement to know that Jesus is our Lord and that joy in him is our strength.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers how God provides for the poor and the sojourner through the gleaning laws for landowners. He also considers how these laws show us one of the main ways God cares for the poor: by providing them with the dignity of work.
Big Ideas
- Pastors need to be focused on the right priorities.
Today, it seems as if there are always a million different things vying for the attention of pastors. In reality, not much has changed. People need the Word, and people also need practical help with necessities like food and shelter. Both matter. However, God has appointed different roles within the Church to see that both needs are adequately met. Pastors are to focus on teaching the Word, leading, and prayer while deacons focus on the numerous other needs of the body (1 Timothy 5:17).
- Deacons are essential to the health of the Church.
The word deacon simply means server. In a sense, all Christians are to lovingly serve one another and their neighbors. However, deacons do this in an official capacity, caring for and meeting many practical needs in the Church body. In fact, in this text, it is through the deacons and their service to the Church, that the unity of the Church is protected and nourished. Deacons play a vital role in the health of any local church.
- Unity is not uniformity.
Elders are not deacons, and deacons are not elders. Each office performs a unique and vitally important role within the body of Christ. No church can be healthy without both elders and deacons. This principle of unity in Christ and diversity in gifting and role is true for the entire Church body. Each member has a gift to give and a role to play. It is only when we embrace God’s unique calling for our lives that the Church is able to be all that God has called it to be.
Study Questions
-
What are some common expectations that people have of pastors? How are these expectations similar or different from their biblical roles?
-
How is a deacon different from a pastor or elder? How/why is this difference an important blessing?
-
Not everyone is called to formal leadership within the Church, but everyone has a role to play and a gift to give. How has God uniquely created you to be a blessing to your Church family?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon shares an awkward and enlightening experience he recently had in Vegas while explaining why our culture tends to get angry over all the wrong things.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how, even during COVID-19, Governor mandates, lockdowns, etc., the message and the commission of the Church to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit has gone forward unhindered. They also discuss how the Book of Revelation carries an attitude and confidence that is instructive for the Church today.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Acts 26:22–29 and considers how Paul's mission to proclaim the gospel confronts those who are in political office, and how we might think about Christianity, the state, and religious liberty.
Big Ideas
- Pastors in prison.
The world is not indifferent or neutral when it comes to the Lordship of Jesus. Jesus told us that the world would hate his Church because it first hated him (John 15:18). Sometimes that hatred is hidden. At other times it is exposed through public persecution such as is recorded in this text. The Apostles found themselves thrown in prison for preaching the Gospel. Even after being physically beaten by the officials, they would not quit preaching the Gospel.
- The gates of hell do not prevail.
Persecution and imprisonment are no match for Jesus and his Gospel. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail (Matthew 16:18). Neither will prison gates hold back the work of the Spirit in the world. God is able to send his angels to help his people whenever they are in need. The imprisonment of the Apostles only served to demonstrate the greater power of God which resulted in great witness and testimony.
- Godly disobedience.
God has placed rulers and authorities over his people for their good. Consequently, we are to humbly submit to our governing authorities (Romans 13:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-15). However, whenever our governing authorities command us to disobey or restrict us from obeying, we are bound by the Scriptures to disobey them and obey God.
Study Questions
-
What motivated the high priest and Sadducees to imprison the Apostles? Explain why this was such a big deal.
-
What does this text teach us about angels? How might this encourage you? How might it be a distraction?
-
Can you give some practical examples of when you might have to disobey the government? How does this text encourage you?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon identifies the Marxist roots and ideology of Black Lives Matter while questioning why BLM ignores the leading causes of death among young black men.
Ananias and Sapphira sold their property and gave most of it away. But they lied about how much they sold the property for because they wanted folks to believe that they gave more than they did. So, God struck them dead. What is up with that? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss why God Struck down Ananias and Sapphira and how it is a lesson for us today to not take lightly the holiness of God.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Ezekiel 13:8-14 and considers this question: What is the difference between a false prophet who says "'Peace' when there is no peace" and the peacemakers who Jesus says "will be called the sons of God"?
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores Jemar Tisby's book "How to Fight Racism." In it, he explains why Tisby sees systemic racism everywhere and exposes some of the main issues with this worldview.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the story of the woman at the well and the need to not avoid the subject of sexual sin. Our culture is increasingly averse to this kind of confrontation and, often, we feel that we cannot proclaim Christ as the one who saves from sin. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Ezekiel chapters 8-9. This particular passage tells an eerie story of God showing Ezekiel the abominations and idolatries that are taking place in Judah, and what God is going to do about them.
What is the Bible? There is no other book in the history of our world that has had such an impact on civilization. Some believe that the Bible is just another book from antiquity. But for Christians, the Bible is nothing less than the written Word of God. Christians believe in God, and, as Francis Schaeffer put it, we believe that "He is there and He is not silent." He has given us his Word: His self-revelation in the narrative and words of God-breathed scripture. There is no other book quite like it.
In this class, Bible 101, Pastor Rusten Harris will spend three sessions covering foundational teaching about how the Bible is God's authoritative Word, his story of redemption, and the means by which he sustains his people.
Big Ideas
- The purity of the Church.
Christians love to romanticize the early Church. However, somehow this scene is often conveniently overlooked. The issue with Ananias and Sapphira is not how much or how little they gave. That was entirely up to them. Rather the issue was lying to God (Acts 5:4). Deceit and dishonesty destroy the integrity and the witness of the Church. A pure Church is a powerful Church.
- The numerical growth of the Church.
Many Christians don’t like to talk about numerical growth in the Church. Some even see it as unspiritual. But the fact is that Luke makes a point of tracking the numerical growth of the Church through Acts. In this text, he tells us that many people were converted and put their faith in Christ. The interesting connection in this text is that numerical growth followed the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. Growth in holiness and purity often leads to growth in converts.
- The unique power of the Apostles.
As we noted earlier in this study, the Apostles were given a unique power and authority to build and strengthen the Church. Their miraculous signs authenticated their Gospel message. This followed the example of Jesus who used miracles to demonstrate and confirm his power and authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10-12).
Study Questions
-
Why is personal holiness and purity important for the witness of the Church?
-
Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira lied about how much they sold their land for?
-
Why were “signs and wonders” important for the early Church? Do you think they serve the same role in the Church today? Why or why not?
The wrong audio was initially used for this episode of The Blitz. The problem has been corrected and the episode will now air as intended.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why there is no neutrality; your choices are either Christ or Chaos.
The Church tends to easily dismiss Christ in his Kingly office, either by spiritualizing his rule or by saying that his Kingly rule is non-existent until the second coming. "Surely, if he was really reigning the world wouldn't look like the mess that it is" is the kind of criticism that one might hear against the claim that Jesus reigns as King. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the Kingly office of Christ and how he is reigning now. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides—or anything else for that matter—e-mail us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
If you don't fear God, you will fear man—whether that means craving the approval of man or fearing what man might do to you. Fearing man or death over and above God always leads to slavery. But if you fear God, you will fear little else. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the rescue of God's people through the Red Sea and how it was, by all human measures, a statistical and algorithmic impossibility for Egypt to be conquered and for Israel to be saved.
What is the Bible? There is no other book in the history of our world that has had such an impact on civilization. Some believe that the Bible is just another book from antiquity. But for Christians, the Bible is nothing less than the written Word of God. Christians believe in God, and, as Francis Schaeffer put it, we believe that "He is there and He is not silent." He has given us his Word: His self-revelation in the narrative and words of God-breathed scripture. There is no other book quite like it.
In this class, Bible 101, Pastor Rusten Harris will spend three sessions covering foundational teaching about how the Bible is God's authoritative Word, his story of redemption, and the means by which he sustains his people.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why pastors are becoming more vocal about politics and why it matters.
Was there a priestly role in the garden of Eden before the fall of humanity? What are all those other sacrifices and offerings, (e.g. bread offerings, wave offerings, drink offerings), in Leviticus all about? What does it mean that the Church is a royal priesthood? (1 Peter 2:9) In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how Jesus is the fulfillment of the office of Priest and how Jesus makes us a royal priesthood. We hope you enjoy and, as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers a couple of the specific ways that Jesus is mocked while being crucified and what those ways reveal to us about our sinful condition. What does Jesus mean when he says that he is "the way, and the truth, and the life?" (John 14:6)
What is the Bible? There is no other book in the history of our world that has had such an impact on civilization. Some believe that the Bible is just another book from antiquity. But for Christians, the Bible is nothing less than the written Word of God. Christians believe in God, and, as Francis Schaeffer put it, we believe that "He is there and He is not silent." He has given us his Word: His self-revelation in the narrative and words of God-breathed scripture. There is no other book quite like it.
In this class, Bible 101, Pastor Rusten Harris will spend three sessions covering foundational teaching about how the Bible is God's authoritative Word, his story of redemption, and the means by which he sustains his people.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores how cowardice in the pulpit leads to confusion in the pews, sexual immorality, and ultimately to God's judgment.
Have you ever heard someone tell you that the God revealed in the Old Testament is mean and grumpy and that they prefer the Jesus of the New Testament because it seems like God has finally chilled out? Have you ever heard of folks who call themselves "red-letter Christians," meaning they only affirm the words spoken by Jesus himself in the New Testament rather than the whole counsel of God in the Scriptures? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how Jesus is the fulfillment of the office of Prophet and how these low views of the Old Testament actually result in having a low view of Jesus since Jesus is the fulfillment of God's revelation in the Old Testament. We hope you enjoy and, as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
It is worth considering why Jesus did not simply die a simple, clean, dignified death when he bore the sins of his people. Instead, Jesus dies the heinous death of crucifixion: an execution that aimed to remove any and all dignity of the person being executed. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers a couple of the specific ways that Jesus is mocked while being crucified as well as what they reveal to us about our sinful condition.
In the book of Acts, being moved by the Gospel and the love of God, the early Christians loved each other and sold their belongings so they could give to one another wherever there was a need. Where does this kind of love come from and how is this love for the Church different from the love for our neighbors that are not members of Christ's Body? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Acts chapter 4 and how love for the Church is an essential fruit that comes from knowing Jesus. They also discuss practical ways that members of the Church can continue to meet the needs of one another today. We hope you enjoy and, as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explores how, contrary to conventional mainstream evangelical wisdom, defying government mandates can be an act of love to our neighbors as well as those who govern over us.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the final plague in the Exodus story. In the warning to Pharoah, God makes it clear that this plague will come upon everyone from Pharaoh who sits upon the throne down to the slave girl who sits at the hand mill. Here, in this plague, we see how the holiness of God and his judgment comes upon all sinners without distinction. It doesn't matter if you are a king or if you are oppressed and marginalized. God's holiness is not satisfied by those conditions. Under his holiness, all sinners are leveled and the only distinction that matters is the blood of the Lamb.
"Why do the nations rage?" Those are the opening lines from Psalm 2, one of the most quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament. It was a passage often referred to by the Church to declare the sovereign reign of the Lord in the midst of kings and nations that sought to cast off God. It was this God who "laughs" at rebellion against his Christ that gave the early Church the confidence and boldness to face suffering and conflict. It is also the Psalm that encouraged them to preach the Word and the Gospel with boldness, knowing that God's Word is the way that he reconciles sinners to himself. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Acts chapter 4 and the need for the Church today to continue preaching the Word with boldness. We hope you enjoy and as usual if you have any questions for B-sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon discusses the nomination of Dr. Levine as Assistant Secretary of Health, John Piper's confusing pre-election blog, and what is in store for churches that hold to an orthodox understanding of gender.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the way that God leads his people like a father through the pillars of cloud and fire after the Exodus. This somewhat humorous and redundant passage reveals both the childhood of God's people and the Fatherhood of God. Children need instruction and here in this passage, God displays himself as a father that leads his children by the hand as they learn to walk. Once again, this passage reveals a reality that is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Jesus who brings us into the family of God so we can call God our Father.
Is egalitarianism the gateway drug to transgenderism? In this episode, Pastor Jon explores the connection between egalitarianism and the transgender movement that is taking our country by storm. Does celebrating women in the pulpit lead to men in dresses?
The book of Acts is rife with conflict. The public preaching of the Gospel often resulted in the imprisonment and reproach of the Apostles. Ever wonder why the Apostles didn't just start house churches and invite people to attend those to "find out who Jesus is"? Wouldn't that have been an effective "mission" strategy that bypassed all the public conflict? Today, we often think being missional means avoiding conflict at all costs, but that is emphatically NOT the way the Apostles went on mission. Join us for this episode of Sermon B-Sides as Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss conflict in the book of Acts and why the public declaration of the Gospel and the public singing of praises to God is so important. We hope you enjoy and as usual if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers Mordecai in the story of Esther. This guy gets in trouble for refusing to pay homage to Haman. He's like the lone guy in the crowd in that famous photo who is not giving the "heil Hitler" sign. Thus begins the story of conflict between the Jews and Haman. When Haman complains to Ahasuerus he makes the point of calling out that "these Jews" follow a different law than the Persians. Here we learn where the conflict often lies between God's people and the world they live among: God's law.
In the book of Acts and throughout the New Testament, the Apostles and Jesus himself don't even flinch from discussing and preaching judgment, the wrath of God, and hell. Jesus speaks about hell more than any other person in the scriptures. This topic is never avoided because it is the very thing that Jesus came to save us from; he is glorified because he saves sinners from judgment and the wrath of God. But this topic is taboo in many churches today. Which leaves many wondering no doubt, that if Jesus is savior, what does he save us from? Join Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten for this episode of Sermon B-Sides as they discuss why this difficult topic is important and yet often skipped. We hope you enjoy and as usual if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers a small word from the book of Isaiah. In this passage, Isaiah paints a picture of the adversaries of God as those who are trapped in a dream. In their dream, they believe they are healthy but in reality, they are starving and thirsty. How might shape the way we consider the adversaries of God?
Is the Church ugly drunk on the approval of the world? In this episode, Pastor Jon explores how the Church tends to trade in the clear teachings of Scripture in exchange for respectability in eyes of the world. Often this is justified as a necessary measure to reach the world, however, the more the Church becomes like the world the less attractive it actually becomes.
At the heart of the Christian faith is not a philosophy, a political system, or a moral code, but a person. That person is Jesus.
Your understanding of and relation to Jesus affects every part of your life including philosophy, politics, and morality. Your relation to Jesus is a question of life or death, sin or forgiveness, light or darkness, and hope or despair. It is not an overstatement to say that there is nothing more crucial in your life than reckoning with who Jesus is and knowing him.
In this class, Jesus 101, Pastor Rusten Harris spent three weeks covering foundational teaching of the person and work of Jesus Christ who is God, Savior, and Lord.
Big Ideas
-
Chaos outside, community within. With the Apostles being threatened and thrown into prison, we might expect to see the Church deeply unsettled and discouraged and on the brink of utterly falling apart. Instead, we find the Church deeply united, living as one, giving sacrificially and generously to meet the needs of one another. In the midst of chaos and suffering, the Church experienced an other-worldly peace and unity that reeked of heaven.
-
Some were uniquely positioned to financially bless the Church in ways that others could not. Sacrificial financial giving is a major part of Church life. All Christians are called to give generously and joyfully to support the work of the local Church. But God, in his wisdom and sovereignty, puts some people in positions to make significant financial contributions that others simply cannot make. Joseph is an example of this. As a land owner, he was in a unique position to make a significant contribution to the Church. Through his gift, the entire Church was blessed. When each person plays their role, the entire body is built up.
Study Questions
1. What does this text teach us about the importance of Christian community?
2. How is it that opposition and suffering lead to deeper and sweeter fellowship between Christians?
3. Why is financial giving an important element of Church life and Christian growth? What role has God called you to play in the furthering of his Kingdom?
Church member Kim Highfield teaches on the topic of “The Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind of Men in Christ.”
Early on in the book of Acts, God works healing signs and wonders among the early Church through the Apostles. Are these signs normal in the life of the Church? Should we expect and ascribe veracity to faith-healers? Or is there perhaps a pattern in scripture that shows why this isn't the norm in the life of the Church? After discussing this question, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the trend throughout the book of Acts for the spicy, in-your-face, pull-no-punches sermons. Is there a reason why this kind of preaching is less common in our day? We hope you enjoy and as usual if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus chapter one. The slaughter of Hebrew boys could have been safe, rare, and legal if the midwives had only compromised and followed Pharaoh's direction. Instead, their rebellion leads to Pharaoh weaponizing his entire citizenry. What is God's response to their pragmatic oversight? Apparently, he blesses them. What might we glean from the story of these two brave midwives?
At the heart of the Christian faith is not a philosophy, a political system, or a moral code, but a person. That person is Jesus.
Your understanding of and relation to Jesus affects every part of your life including philosophy, politics, and morality. Your relation to Jesus is a question of life or death, sin or forgiveness, light or darkness, and hope or despair. It is not an overstatement to say that there is nothing more crucial in your life than reckoning with who Jesus is and knowing him.
In this class, Jesus 101, Pastor Rusten Harris spent three weeks covering foundational teaching of the person and work of Jesus Christ who is God, Savior, and Lord.
Big Ideas
-
Christ is Lord and sovereign over all of history. When faced with persecution, the Church looked to the Word of God for help, hope, and wisdom. Specifically, they looked to Psalm 2 which reminds us that while the world rages against the Lord, he remains seated in victory on his throne and he will not be moved. While the world conspires against God, God laughs. Therefore, God’s people, though they face intense persecution and opposition, shall not be moved because Christ is the sovereign Lord over all of history.
-
The Church prayed for boldness, not for relief. One might expect that in the face of opposition, that the Church would have prayed for relief. Perhaps, at times they did, but that is not what is recorded for us in this text. Rather, what Luke tells us is that in the face of opposition, the Church prayed for continued boldness in preaching the Word.
Study Questions
-
What does this text teach us about the relationship between God’s sovereignty and the details of historical events? How does this affect the way you understand and relate to the specific events of your own life?
-
Why do you think the Church prayed for endurance and boldness instead of relief?
-
Luke tells us that the place in which the Church had gathered was shaken. Why do you think he mentions that detail? What is important to the story?
The early Church was known for their love for another and how they shated they shared with one another out of their love. Many take this information and assume that because they shared, that they were communistic. In this episode we discuss the major differences between communism and Christian sharing. Another thing that comes up in this episode is the early Church's commitment to sharing meals together and a biblical theology of food. We hope you enjoy and as usual if you have any questions for Sermon B-sides, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers how the fear of God is key to living in the midst of tumultuous times. The idea that God should be feared above all else seems crazy to the world, but what the world doesn't realize is that the fear of God is the key to freedom and living in hope. The world stumbles on this, but this is a sanctuary for Christians.
Big Ideas
-
Cultural conflict was an ongoing reality in the early Church. This is the first of many recorded collisions between the Church and the religious and/or cultural establishment. At the heart of this conflict was the Apostle’s preaching that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and was, therefore, Lord of all. As a result, some of the Apostles were thrown into prison. In the midst of this conflict, Luke tells us that many believed and were converted. There rarely is mass conversion without significant conflict.
-
Knowing Jesus gave the Apostles a unique power and confidence. The Apostles were not highly educated, religious experts. Peter himself was a blue-collar, small business-owning fisherman. He had calloused hands and a strong back. And yet, the religious elite were no match for him and they themselves knew it. What was the difference? Peter knew Jesus and they did not. Peter’s knowledge of Jesus gave him a bold confidence that could not be shaken, even after being imprisoned.
Study Questions
1. Why do you think the religious elite were so threatened by the Gospel preaching of the Apostles? 2. What astonished the religious elite? How does this affect the way we think about our own Christian growth? 3. How did the early Church respond when the governing authorities forbid them to preach the Gospel? How do you reconcile that with 1 Peter 2:13-14?
At the heart of the Christian faith is not a philosophy, a political system, or a moral code, but a person. That person is Jesus.
Your understanding of and relation to Jesus affects every part of your life including philosophy, politics, and morality. Your relation to Jesus is a question of life or death, sin or forgiveness, light or darkness, and hope or despair. It is not an overstatement to say that there is nothing more crucial in your life than reckoning with who Jesus is and knowing him.
In this class, Jesus 101, Pastor Rusten Harris spent three weeks covering foundational teaching of the person and work of Jesus Christ who is God, Savior, and Lord.
While we lament our divisions as a people, we also must remember that there was a kind of unity on display in the story of the Tower of Babel that God intentionally disrupted. Apparently, according to God, unity is not good in and of itself. Even today, our attempts at unity are fraught with Babel-like, man-exalting foundations. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon & Pastor Rusten discuss the ways that Acts 2:1-41 gives us a picture of the basis of good unity and the ways that the Gospel undoes the curse of Babel. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future B-Sides episodes, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten considers the story of Jesus' Transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew. While perhaps this is a strange passage, what if the best way to understand what is going on in the Transfiguration is to consider it alongside echoes of similar moments in Scripture?
Big Ideas
-
The Old Testament is all about Jesus. Why should the Jewish people have expected Jesus? What were they ignorant of? The Old Testament, from Abraham to Moses and through all of the Prophets, was ultimately about Jesus. Jesus is not a new idea per se. Rather, he is the fulfillment of the old promises. He is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant and it is through Jesus that the nations shall be blessed.
-
Gospel preaching calls us to repent and turn from eternal destruction. Conventional wisdom tells preachers, churches, and Christians to avoid speaking on hard topics such as sin, repentance, eternal judgment, sexual immorality, and the exclusivity of Jesus. The preaching in Acts demonstrates not only the necessity of speaking on these things but the power and faithfulness of God to bless strong and biblically faithful preaching. God honors those who unashamedly honor his Word.
Study Questions 1. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the promise that God made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4)? 2. What did the prophets foretell about Jesus? Can you find specific examples of this in the Old Testament? 3. How is Jesus a better and greater Moses? In what ways are their stories similar? 4. Why would it be important to discuss issues like sin and judgment when talking to someone about Jesus?
Join us for the second half of our Ask Anything episode of Sermon B-Sides. Pastor Jon & Pastor Rusten answer your submitted questions including questions regarding the value of motherhood, statistics and risk assessment, creation in six days, the NAR, hell being annihilation vs. conscious torment, and the doctrine of heaven vs. new creation. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future B-Sides episodes, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Big Ideas
-
The Apostles were given a unique power and authority to heal the sick and the lame. How did people in the early Church come to realize that the Apostles had been given a unique power and authority to teach the Gospel? One of the ways their Gospel teaching and preaching was vindicated was through publicly witnessed miraculous healings. While there are a number of miraculous healings performed by the Apostles in the book of Acts, it is important to understand that not everyone was healed and that this special role was uniquely assigned to the Apostles.
-
Miraculous healings are not the point. Jesus is the point. It is easy to be distracted by the stories of miraculous healing in Acts. However, in every instance of a miraculous healing, the Apostles point away from themselves and the miracle that was performed. Instead, they use the healing to point people to Jesus. They clearly identify Jesus as the One who heals and they urge those who witnessed the miracle to put their trust in him.
-
Gospel preaching is not soft. This is the second sermon we have read so far in our study of Acts. Just like the first sermon, Peter boldly preached hard truths about Jesus. First, Peter connected Jesus with the entire Old Testament narrative. Second, Peter identified the specific sins of the people. Third, Peter proclaimed both the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rather than appealing to the felt needs of the crowd, Peter boldly proclaimed the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"...how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." Hebrews 2:3b-4 (ESV)
Study Questions
1. How would the miraculous healings performed by the Apostles have helped to authenticate their message?
2. What danger might there be in ignoring the miracles in Acts? What danger might there be in overemphasizing the miracles in Acts?
3. Acts records the first sermons the New Testament Church ever heard. How would you describe these sermons? How should Peter’s sermons shape our expectations for preaching in the Church today?
Join us for this special Q&A episode of Sermon B-Sides. Pastor Jon & Pastor Rusten answer your submitted questions including questions regarding Calvinism, original sin, faith and cognitive disability, family discipleship, and the relationship of statistics to ethical judgments. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future Sermon B-Sides episodes, email pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Big Ideas
-
The early Church was devoted to the teaching of the Apostles. The Apostles served a very unique and specific role within the early Church. One of the most important roles was that of establishing doctrine and theology. This did not mean that the Apostles created new theology out of nowhere. Rather, they worked to help the Church understand the life, work, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and all of the implications of the Gospel. The early Church recognized and submitted to the authority of the Apostles, especially in the area of doctrine and teaching.
-
The early Church was committed to fellowship. You can’t read this text and not feel your heart being warmed and even filled with a desire to experience something similar to what Luke is describing. People in the Church were sharing their lives with each other, visiting in homes, sharing meals, and learning to live new lives in light of the Gospel. Being reconciled to God the Father through God the Son made the believers brothers and sisters with each other. This objective Gospel reality transformed their relationships with each other.
-
The early Church was committed to taking care of one another. Too many people misunderstand the common sharing of goods in this text as an argument for Communism. It is not. Communism requires the forceful taking of goods from others and fails to acknowledge personal ownership of property and goods. The exact opposite of that is taking place in this text. People who owned personal property and goods were choosing of their own accord to sell what was rightfully theirs in order that they might share with their new Christian family. This is a very practical outworking of the Gospel grace. Jesus gave of himself for us. Therefore, we can give of ourselves and our goods to others in need.
Study Questions
1. What does it look like today for you to be devoted to the Apostle’s teaching?
2. How much of a priority is Christian community to you? In what ways does this text encourage or challenge you?
3. This text makes it clear that financial generosity was one of the unique marks of the early Church. How are you doing in the area of financial generosity? Does your giving reflect the heart and the actions of the early Church?
A quick announcement for Sermon B-Sides about an upcoming "Ask Anything" Episode. Ask your questions at slido.com and enter the event code 'b-sides'. We look forward to getting your questions!
Ever wonder how it is possible that Judas, who witnessed Jesus and all that he did in person, could possibly have betrayed him? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the fate of Judas and the warning contained in his story. Not only is the story of Judas a warning, according to Peter it was also written of in the Psalms. Which leads to another question, how did the early Church read the scriptures and how might this be a challenge to some of the ways that we read them? If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code b-sides.
Big Ideas
-
The Holy Spirit empowered the Church to bear witness about Jesus. This text has proven to be confusing for many people, though it need not be. Jesus had commissioned the disciples to disciple the nations. This would require a special linguistic bridge. In this text, we read how the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak the languages (dialects) of the nations, though they themselves had no previous experience speaking these foreign languages. These languages were known and understood by those who heard the preaching (Acts 2:7-8).
-
Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion or movement. Rather, he came as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. As Peter addresses the crowd, he reminds them that what has taken place in the life of Jesus is nothing less than what the Old Testament prophets had foretold. He then goes on to quote from Joel the Prophet. Additionally, Peter appeals to King David, being careful to point out how David himself, through the Psalms, had spoken of the coming of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Peter refers to the promise God made to Abraham, connecting Jesus with the most famous of Jewish Patriarchs (Acts 2:39). He proves that Jesus did not come to do away with the Old Testament, but rather to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
-
The Gospel demands a response. This is the first sermon recorded in Acts. In it, we have a faithful and biblical model of Gospel preaching. Peter did not stand up to give the people good advice or practical wisdom on how to live their lives. Peter stood up to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he was crucified and raised on the third day just as the Scriptures had foretold. This was proclaimed both faithfully and forcefully so that the people knew a decision had to be made. Peter called the people to turn from their sins and to put their faith and trust in Jesus. He called the people to repent and be baptized. In doing so, Peter gives us a powerful example of what preaching is supposed to look like in the Church.
Study Questions
1. Acts 2:1-13 can be a confusing text. What questions do you have about what is happening in this part of the story?
2. In what sense is Acts 2:1-13 an answer to the curse at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11?
3. What Old Testament evidence does Peter offer to prove that Jesus is the Christ?
4. What effect did the Gospel have upon those who heard it? How would you explain the crowd’s response?
The circumstances of 2020 and 2021 have been cause for pastors and the Church to ask questions that have not had to be considered in our lifetime. Are Christians bound to obey the civil authorities when they issue mandates to cease singing or gathering? What is the presence of the Church in the world supposed to look like? In this episode of Sermon B-sides, Pastor Jon & Pastor Rusten discuss the reasons for starting our study through the book of Acts, the key Luke gives to understanding Acts and the importance of the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes, send us an email at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.
Big Ideas
-
Prayer is vitally important for the life of the Church. Jesus was crucified and then rose on the third day just as he promised. He commissioned his Church to bear witness to the world regarding the Gospel. Then he ascended back to heaven. The disciples had personally witnessed all of this. What is the next thing we find them doing? Praying! Prayer was something they had learned to devote themselves to. As the story of Acts unfolds, we will see how prayer is vitally important for the life of the Church.
-
The Scriptures were the final authority in the early Church. (Sola Scriptura) Judas had betrayed Jesus and ended up taking his own life. This left a void among the disciples that needed to be filled. How did the early Church find their way through this challenge? They looked to the Scriptures for wisdom and instruction and submitted themselves to what the Scriptures taught. Remember that at this point, there was no New Testament. The early Church had only the Old Testament Scriptures. They did not act as if the events of Jesus’ life had somehow made the Old Testament outdated or irrelevant. Rather, they sought out God’s wisdom from the Old Testament and submitted themselves to it. The whole counsel of God must always have the final and ultimate say in the life of the Church. This is Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone).
Study Questions
1. How do you think you would feel if you personally witnessed the resurrected Jesus ascending back to heaven?
2. We read in Acts 1:14 that the early Church was unified in their devotion to prayer. Why do you think this was the case? What is currently keeping you from being devoted to prayer?
3. How do you tend to think about the Old Testament? Is it outdated? Irrelevant? Confusing? Impractical? What can we learn from the example of the early Church in regards to how we approach the Old Testament?
Coming out of 2020, one of the most volatile years many of us have experienced, we are all hungry for peace. Our politicians are promising peace, and yet we recall the words of Jeremiah when he said "They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace" and are reminded that so often those peddling peace are also those who historically have been the greatest troublers of a nation. It was under the Pax Romana (the infamous Peace of Rome) that Christ was crucified after all. In this episode, Pastor Jon & Rusten discuss the Peace that Christ came to bring in contrast to the volatility of our times and the broken promises of politicians. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
Big Ideas
-
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are foundational to the book of Acts. The book of Acts includes numerous incredible stories. Thousands of people are converted to Christ. Sometimes people get healed. At other times Christians get beat up and thrown into prison. There are frequent riots incited by Gospel preaching. Churches get planted. But everything that occurs in Acts is a consequence of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Apart from the death and resurrection of Jesus, Acts makes no sense.
-
The book of Acts is about the continued work of Jesus in his Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is common for people to think of Acts as a record of the acts of the Apostles or the acts of the early Church. This is understandable as Acts does give us a front row seat to the first century Church. However, Luke makes it clear that Acts is about the continued work of Jesus in his Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like the rest of the Bible, Acts is primarily about Jesus.
-
The Church bears witness to the acts of Jesus. What is the purpose and mission of the Church in the world? According to Acts, Jesus intends for his Church to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This means that the Church is a community of people that speak the truth regarding the life, death, burial, resurrection, and reign of Jesus over all things.
Study Questions
1. Why do you think Luke mentions the “many proofs” of Jesus’ resurrection? 2. What does this text teach us about the importance of the Holy Spirit? 3. What were Jesus’ disciples distracted by in this text? What tends to distract you? 4. What does Jesus tell us about the purpose of the Church? 5. What does Luke tell us to expect in the future regarding Jesus? Why does that matter?
For Christians, joy is not accidental, superfluous, or a distraction. In this episode, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the joy and delight of the triune God was the context for the creation of all things, how our misery is due to our estrangement from him, and how the redemption Christ accomplished for us brings us into his joy. They also discuss how Christian fellowship and worship is an essential aspect of this joy. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
Big Ideas
-
Luke/Acts are based on eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life It is not uncommon for people to think of Christianity as a set of values or morals. While the Christian faith certainly profoundly affects the way in which a person thinks about values and morals, Christianity is not primarily about values or morals. Rather, Christianity is primarily concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christianity is based on public historical events that were witnessed by many others, researched by Luke, a doctor, and recorded for us to read. The stories contained in Luke/Acts are not meant to simply warm our hearts. They are meant to be read and received as historical eyewitness accounts of events that actually took place. Either they happened or they didn’t. There is no other option.
-
There are enough eyewitness accounts and information available to provide us with certainty regarding the person and work of Jesus. Luke/Acts was written by Luke for a man named Theophilus. While we cannot be sure exactly who this person was, it is clear that Luke believed that his thorough research and documentation of Jesus’ life was sufficient to provide Theophilus, and all other readers, with certainty regarding Jesus and his Gospel. Luke does not tell us to trust our own hearts or to seek out our own truth. Rather, he tells us to trust the facts, the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection that were witnessed by many and recorded for our own benefit.
Study Questions
1. What does Luke tell us about the reliability of his research work regarding Jesus? 2. How does this affect the way you might approach reading Luke/Acts? 3. How do Luke’s sources and material compare to what modern people might write regarding Jesus? 4. What does Luke hope will be the result of our study of his work in Luke/Acts?
During this episode of B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the Advent theme of Love. Though our culture puts a high value on love, often our conception of love is contrary to that which Scripture teaches. In what ways does the love revealed by Christmas and the incarnation confront our understanding of love? Join us in this episode as we discuss the surprising love of God. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
During this episode of B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the Advent theme of "Hope." In what has been an incredibly disorienting year, hope has been in high demand. A pandemic, lockdowns, economic turmoil, and future uncertainty have all exposed our fragility. How does the hope of Christmas speak into this situation? What kind of hope and future does the Christian story proclaim to this world? How does this hope confront our fears? How does this hope show up in the way that we live? If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
In this final episode on the Ten Words about the 10th commandment, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the tenth commandment: Does the 10th commandment prohibit desire or ambition? How does this commandment relate to the rest of the commandments? They discuss the way that coveting is discontentment with the beauty and wisdom of God as well as how this commandment relates to economics and idolatry. They also spend some time discussing the "music" and beauty of scripture and the internal harmony of scripture. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for Sermon B-sides. In this episode, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the 8th commandment: "Thou Shalt not Steal"... They discuss topics including the theology of personal property, economics and providence, as well al socialism and communism. We tackle questions like "Was the early church basically communist?" as well as discuss historic implications of not heeding the 8th word. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
Discussion Questions 1. How is Biblical hope different from wishful thinking? 2. What does the birth of Jesus reveal about God's heart towards us? 3. How will Jesus' future return be different from his first advent at Christmas? 4. How does the knowledge of Jesus' return give us objective hope in the present?
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for Sermon B-sides. In this episode, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the 6th and the 7th commandments and the way these are related to the sanctity of life, the gift of gender, and the joy of marriage and children. In this episode, we discuss how God created us to display him in our relationships and how both the sexual revolution and abortion are attacks upon his revelation. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
In this episode of B-sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten consider more questions from our God & Government According to the World lecture from October 27. Questions include subjects such as immigration, good governance vs. bad governance, Just War Theory, Christian participation in the military vs. turning the other cheek, honoring the civil-government vs. unlimited submission, Christians and the United States Constitution, and more. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
What does obedience to parents have to do with national security? What might doing the dishes have to do with God's mission in the world? How does God's institution of the family guard against snares that lead to slavery? Grab your favorite beverage and join us in this episode of Sermon B-sides as we discuss the implications of the fifth commandment and family discipleship. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes, go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
It's election day, so grab your favorite beverage and kick back and relax while we discuss what the Sabbath might teach us about the current stress and anxiety that this political season has brought to our lives. In this episode, we also discuss the history behind the "weekend," the question of why God's people meet on Sunday instead of Saturday, as well as what a "holy convocation" is. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes, go to slido.com and put in the code coramdeo.
Grab your favorite beverage and join us while we discuss construction site language and how bizarre it is that even atheists invoke the name of God while swearing. We also discuss how the 3rd commandment is about much more than our speech and other ways we might understand "taking the name." As usual, we had a good time making this one and hope you enjoy it as well. If you have any questions you would like us to address in future episodes, go to slido.com and use the code coramdeo.
Have you ever thought about the Ten Commandments as a biography? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss how the Law of God pre-figures Jesus, what it means to be adopted into God's family, as well as how graven images lie about God.
Coram Deo Church is going through a series on the Ten Commandments (Ten Words), and in this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss the sad reality of how common it is today for Christians to be embarrassed by the Old Testament and the Law in particular. They also discuss mildly controversial subjects like Theocracy, Theonomy, and the Chaos of 2020.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss the brutal honesty of the Psalms, Anger, Hippie Jesus, how the Cross is simultaneously judgment and salvation.
In this episode In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss the dangers of tranquility and God's grace of disrupting our self-sufficiency.
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss the scriptural theme of worship as warfare and the importance of corporate worship.
Related sermons: June 28, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 21 August 2, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 26 August 9, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 27
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris revisit some of the themes that were covered in the last several weeks of our Sermon series through the Psalms. In this conversation, they considered the Kingly aspect of the Psalms, Cultural Idols, and the Lordship of Christ.
Related sermons: June 28, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 21 July 5, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 22 July 12, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 23 July 19, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 24 July 26, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 25 August 2, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 26 August 9, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 27 August 16, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 28 August 23, 2020 — Psalms — Psalm 29
Understanding the text
Joseph’s story is an emotional rollercoaster full of seemingly random, tragic events. It starts off with his brothers selling him into slavery—a life that would be short and full of suffering. From there, he is purchased by Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officers, only to be falsely accused of sexual perversion by Potiphar’s wife. Next, he ends up in prison where his unique ability to interpret dreams puts him in Pharaoh’s favor. Consequently, Joseph becomes the second most powerful person in Egypt. It is this unique position of power that will allow Joseph to save his brothers and the people of Israel.
We might expect Joseph to be exceedingly bitter towards his brothers. In fact, given his powerful status in Egypt, Joseph could have potentially imprisoned them or worse! But what did Joseph do? Joseph knew that what his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. The God of Israel had put Joseph in a position to protect and provide for his family, the very family from which Jesus would come.
Additional scripture
- Acts 2:22-24
- Romans 8:18-30
- Luke 6:27-36
Applying the text
- How does faith in the sovereignty of God protect Joseph and us from bitterness and vengeance?
- In hindsight, the random and tragic events of Joseph’s life can be seen as God’s wise and good plan to bring blessing to Israel. How have you experienced this same dynamic in your own life?
- In what way is Joseph’s life story similar to Jesus’? How does Joseph’s life point forward to the promised and coming Christ?
“You cannot judge God by your calendar. God may appear to be slow, but he never forgets his promises. He may seem to be working very slowly or even to be forgetting his promises, but when his promises come true (and they will come true), they always burst the banks of what you imagined.” —Tim Keller
Understanding the text
Life can often feel random, as if the individual moments and chapters aren’t necessarily connected or part of some larger story. Sometimes it feels as if our vocation and faith don’t share common space, making it difficult to see how they connect. This episode in Joseph’s life assures that even when we can’t see the big picture, there is, in fact, a bigger picture. God had sovereignly ordered the events of Joseph’s life to put him in a position to work for the common good of all of Egypt.
Joseph had a well-earned reputation as dream interpreter. Upon learning this, Pharaoh seeks out Joseph’s unique skills to help him understand the meaning of his own mysterious dreams. Joseph correctly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, which not only wins him Pharaoh’s favor, but also puts him in a position to save Egypt, and ultimately, the very brothers who sold him into slavery.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 2:10
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Acts 17:26-27
Applying the text
- What past decisions and events helped to place Joseph in a position to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams? What does this teach us about God’s purpose in the small events in our lives?
- Who benefitted from Joseph’s work and wisdom? What does this teach us about the power of God and the impact of obedient Christians in the workplace?
- How does Joseph foreshadow the coming of Jesus who would bless the nations?
Understanding the text
It is no coincidence that, while the previous chapter presented us with an example of sexual sin, this chapter provides us with an example of sexual obedience. Joseph had been sold as a slave by his insecure and jealous brothers, but God’s hand was upon Joseph. He was slowly moving him into a place where Joseph would be able to deliver his entire family, preserving all of Israel.
But in this story, Joseph finds himself as the object of Potiphar’s wife’s lustful desires. Through this chapter, we learn a number of important things. First, women are not immune to lust. Sexual perversion knows no boundaries. Second, our battle against sexual sin must be ongoing and requires a great deal of commitment and determination. Third, obedience can land us in trouble when those with power prefer perversion over holiness.
Additional scripture
- Genesis 4:7
- James 4:7
- 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Applying the text
- Sexual temptation and sin is a universal reality. How have you dealt with this temptation and/or sin in your own life?
- What motivates Joseph to resist the temptation of sexual sin? (vs. 7-9) What principles can you apply to your own battle against sexual sin and temptation?
- How is Joseph treated as a result of his obedience? Why do you think this happens? (1 Peter 4:4-5).
“The man who rings the bell at the brothel, unconsciously does so seeking God.” —Bruce Marshall
Understanding the text
The story of Joseph and his fancy, multicolored coat has to be one of the best-known and well-loved stories in the entire Bible. Joseph, the youngest son born to an older father, becomes the object of his brothers’ jealousy because of the dream God gave him in which Joseph is given a unique position of power over his family. Is this just a younger brother trying to irritate his siblings or is there more to it?
As it would turn out, the dream was prophetic and spoke to the deliverance Joseph would ultimately bring to his family. What his brothers initially despised would turn out to be for their own salvation. But in the meantime, their jealously would lead to Joseph’s enslavement and years of sorrow and suffering.
Additional scripture
- Psalm 139:1-17
- Psalm 29
- Exodus 20:17
Applying the text
- Do you think Joseph shared the details of his dream with his family out of a sense of superiority or was he just being open and honest about what he had experienced?
- What motivated Joseph’s brothers to dispose of him? How have you experienced similar desires in your own heart towards others?
- In what sense does the story of Joseph mirror the story of Jesus?
Understanding the text
What happens physically in this story demonstrates what has been going on in Jacob’s life for quite some time. Jacob was wrestling with God. This is how God would reveal himself to Jacob and also how God will reveal who Jacob is to Jacob himself! Jacob was alone. It is often the case that God does His greatest work in our hearts when we are alone and removed from all distractions.
Through Jacob’s encounter with God, he learns two very important things. First, God has great and incredible power. By simply touching Jacob’s hip, He was able to injure Jacob. Second, Jacob saw that though he had indeed wrestled with God, God had withheld His great power and not destroyed Jacob. God’s power was used for Jacob, not against Jacob. Jacob would be reminded of this important truth by the limp that would accompany him from that day forward.
Additional scripture
- Proverb 26:7
- Romans 12:3
- Psalm 37:7
Applying the text
- Why do you think God waited until Jacob was alone to have this encounter with him? What does this teach us about the importance of getting alone with God?
- In what sense can Jacob’s wound and limp be seen as a gift from God?
- How does this story reveal both God’s great power and His gentle care?
In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris dive into the material that wasn't able to fit into the past two sermons in our Jesus Stories sermon series. They talked about topics like how we ought to interpret parables, loose living, lost sons, effectual calling, and more.
Related sermons: April 19, 2020 — Jesus Stories — The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) April 26, 2020 — Jesus Stories — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
In our first episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon Needham and Pastor Rusten Harris discuss the evidence for the resurrection, why the Resurrection of Jesus means that everything matters — from whiskey to vocation, and how the Exodus story pre-figures the deliverance of the Resurrection.
Understanding the text
One of the reasons that Leviticus forbids men from marrying more than one woman is the inevitable contempt, strife, and jealousy that it creates. This is powerfully and tragically demonstrated in this text. Leah and Rachel were sisters and shared the same husband, Jacob. Leah had not yet had any children. This was a matter of great shame for her and she believed that if she could just produce children that her husband would certainly and finally love her.
This is a tragic and heartbreaking story to read. Leah believes that having children will secure her identity and value as a woman and finally win over Jacob’s greatest love. However, the text tells us that though Leah did have children, her heart was not satisfied. For Leah, children had become an idol of sorts. Through her disappointment, God gently taught her that only He could ultimately satisfy her heart. Then and only then could she enjoy the gifts that God had blessed her with.
Additional scripture
- Jeremiah 2:13
- Exodus 20:1-3
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
Applying the text
- The circumstances of Leah’s life led her to feel as if she were an utter disaster and failure. What things in your life can cause you to feel empty and worthless?
- Leah had to learn that good things cannot ultimately satisfy. Good things can become idols as easily as bad things. What good things are you tempted to cherish as ultimate in your own life?
- Read Genesis 29:35. What did Leah learn was the antidote to empty idolatry? How can you guard your own heart against the good things you tend to elevate to the place of God? In what ways is God superior to the gifts He gives?
“...our minds cannot find calm repose until we arrive at the unmerited love of God.” —John Calvin
Understanding the text
Jacob, who deceived his own father, now experiences deception at the hand of Laban, his uncle. After greatly desiring to marry Rachel, who was beautiful, and after working seven years to earn her hand in marriage, Jacob is tricked by Laban into marrying Rachel’s sister, Leah. There is a certain irony in this twist of events. Jacob gets a taste of his own medicine. Leah, who is less desired by Jacob is precious to God. He hears and answers her cries.
However, Jacob is not satisfied. He agrees to work another seven years in order to receive Rachel as his wife. From the outside, this seems absurd. Fourteen years of labor for a wife? Yet it was not too much to require of Jacob, for he loves Rachel. Through Jacob, we see how love radically transforms the way we relate to work. (Genesis 29:20)
Additional scripture
- John 3:16
- Leviticus 18:18
- Hebrews 12:1-2
Applying the text
- What does this story teach us about the honesty of the Bible? What details would you have left out to make this story more “respectable”?
- How might this text be misused to promote polygamy? How would you respond to such a claim?
- In what sense does Jacob shed light on the love that Jesus has for His bride, the church?
Understanding the text
God speaks through the Word, creation, and through His Son. But at times, God also speaks through dreams, as is the case in this particular text. In Jacob’s dream, God reaffirms His covenant promise to provide land and numerous descendants. God is still carrying out the plan and promise He gave to Abraham.
However, in this dream, there is an added element that foreshadows Christ. Jacob sees a ladder that connects heaven and earth. In Genesis 11, the people of Babel tried to build their own ladder to reach into the heavens and were cursed for it. This, however, is different. This ladder is no human-built contraption. It is God’s ladder reaching from heaven to earth. It is not a ladder that Jacob can ascend. Rather it is a ladder that God himself must descend to be with His people.
Additional scripture
- Genesis 11:1-9
- John 1:43-51
- Psalm 15
Applying the text
- What is the difference between the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the ladder in Jacob’s dream?
- What is the purpose of Jacob’s dream? What is God seeking to teach him?
- How is Jesus the fulfillment of Jacob’s dream?
Understanding the text
The Bible is full of examples for us to consider. Sometimes these examples show us how to conduct our lives in a godly manner, and sometimes they show us what not to do. In this particular text, we get a glimpse of the mess that sin can make in a family.
Dad (Isaac) seeks to secretly bless his oldest son so that his wife (Rebekah) won’t find out. This was done in direct opposition to what God had foretold about the blessing and the brothers. (Genesis 25:23) Rebekah creates a sneaky plan to help Jacob trick his father into blessing him instead of Esau. In this mess, we get a picture of what happens in our hearts and lives when we fail to trust in the promises of God.
Additional scripture 1. Proverb 28:10 2. Proverb 20:25 3. Hebrews 12:15-17
Applying the text
- Read Genesis 25:23. What do Isaac’s intentions in Genesis 27:1-4 reveal about his character? What was he attempting to do?
- How would you describe the family dynamics in this text? What can we learn from this mess?
- What does this text teach us about our sin and God’s sovereign plan?
Understanding the text
At times, reading Genesis can be like driving around a cul-de-sac again and again. As we work through each chapter, we begin to notice familiar territory, reoccurring themes, and stories. In this text, Isaac, like his father Abraham, deceives Abimelech, King of the Philistines, in order to spare his wife. All of this was brought on by his attempt to avoid a famine, much like Abraham in Genesis 12.
While the characters in the story have changed, the story itself remains painfully familiar. Will Abraham trust God’s provision? Will Isaac follow Abraham’s example? Will yet another woman be put in harm’s way? And why do famines play such a central role in the movement of the story? None of these details are coincidental. Each serves to highlight the power and faithfulness of God in the midst of human sin and folly.
Additional scripture
- Genesis 12:10
- Exodus 34:6-7
- James 5:11
Applying the text
- How many similarities are there between Abraham in Genesis 12 and Isaac in this text? What is the point of these similarities?
- What do Isaac’s choices reveal about his faith?
- What is the connection between faith and obedience? Take time to consider how your own sin and harmful choices are connected to a lack of faith in God’s promises.
Understanding the text
Once again in Genesis, we meet a woman who struggles to have children. As was the case with Sarah, Rebekah’s barrenness presents a threat to the covenant promise. But as He did for Sarah, (and as He would do for Mary, the mother of Jesus), God provides a son. In fact, God provides two sons.
These two men could not be more different. Esau, by virtue of being the older brother would have naturally been the one to receive the blessing and inheritance of his father, but his character excluded him and he finds himself serving his younger brother, just as God had promised Rebekah. Jacob, the younger son, is the child of promise through which the covenant promises and family line would continue. Ultimately, Israel arose from Jacob’s descendants, while the Edomites came from Esau. Through the drama of these two boys, the faith and character of the parents were exposed and refined and the doctrine of grace was once again demonstrated.
Additional scripture
- Romans 9:1-16
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8
- Numbers 23:19
Applying the text
- What does this text teach us about the sovereign decrees and election of God?
- What does this text show us about the character of Esau? How would you describe his actions in this story?
- We are told that Esau despised his birthright. What were the consequences of this tragic choice for him? What happens to us when we, like Esau, despise the promises and favor of God?
“The mystery of God’s choosing will always offend those who stand before God in pride. Forgetting their rebellion and guilt before God they are ready to accuse Him of favoritism. But those who God’s love has drawn to Christ will always confess the wonder of his initiative in grace...” —Edmund Clowney
Understanding the text
Abraham had a front row seat to the sovereign covenant-keeping ways of God. He was called out of his homeland into the unknown, having only the promise of God to cling to. He had witnessed God’s power in granting him a son through Sarah, his once barren wife. He also saw how God had spared Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 22:8), by providing a sacrificial lamb for their offering. But God had also promised Abraham a family more numerous than the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:1-6). How is God going to make good on His promise to give Abraham descendants?
In order for that promise to come to fruition, Isaac would need a wife. But who would be Isaac’s bride? Abraham had two primary concerns. First, she should not be a Canaanite, for the Canaanites were an idolatrous people. Abraham’s second concern was that Isaac not leave the land to go find a wife. To leave the land would be to abandon what God had promised. Finding a wife would require the conviction that God, again, would provide and not abandon His promise to Abraham and his family.
Additional scripture
- Proverb 31:10-31
- 1 Peter 3:1-7
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Applying the text
- What do Abraham’s concerns in this text teach us about the importance of marriage?
- The Bible clearly warns against marrying an unbelieving person or a person of another faith. What challenges might we experience if we neglect or ignore the Bible’s clear teaching on this matter?
- What desires might tempt or motivate a Christian to ignore the Bible’s instruction regarding being “equally yoked?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Applying the text
- Take a moment to remember your own past. What was your life like before Jesus saved you? What were you like?
- How is your life different now because of what Jesus has done?
- What needs do you see in our community? How might God use you to provide for the needy and powerless?
Applying the text
- What does the text teach us about the love of God?
- Why is our love for one another the test for the genuineness of our relationship with God?
- How is God challenging you to grow in your love for others? What specific changes need to be made in your life?
Applying the text
- Matthew tells us that the question about the greatest commandment was intended to be a test. In what way do you think the lawyer was trying to test Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus made a distinction between the first and second great commandments? Why is this distinction so important?
- How can understanding our inability to keep this command actually cause us to grow in our love for God?
Understanding the text
The world is full of false and empty gospels that offer vain hope and strength. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to save, sustain, and transform us because it is the truth. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are objective historical events, and therefore have genuine power. As Christians, we must be on guard against false hopes and false gospels. As a church family, we are to “stand firm” in the truth of Jesus.
Even Peter, an Apostle and eyewitness to the resurrected Jesus, needed other people in his life. Without the support and friendship of people such as Sylvanus and Mark, he could not have accomplished the work that God had given him. Consequently, standing in the truth of the gospel is a community project that requires us to live in brotherly love with one another. As we live in this truth, we increasingly experience the peace of Christ.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 6:10-20
- John 14:6
- 1 John 4:1-6
Applying the text
- What are some of the false hopes or gospels you are tempted to believe?
- How has Peter demonstrated his own neediness in 1 Peter?
- Take a moment to list the people in your life that you depend on. Pray for them, giving thanks for their presence, and ask for God’s protection and provision in their lives.
Understanding the text
Peter has exhorted us to obey Christ and resist sin. We are to endure suffering while witnessing to the world of the saving power of God. This isn’t a solo project. Rather it’s a team effort and requires that we exercise humility towards one another. Elders are to oversee the Church of Christ. They are to serve the body through teaching, preaching, prayer, and practical care. In this, the elders serve under Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, seeking to glorify God, not for personal gain.
Additionally, the Church is to act in humility towards one another. We are to leverage our strengths and gifts for the sake of one another, pursuing each other’s joy and flourishing. We can humble ourselves knowing that it is God who defends and protects us. In this, we are able to lay aside our anxiety and resist the sin that fear, uncertainty, and the desire to be in control so often leads to.
Additional scripture
- Hebrews 13:17
- Acts 20:17-35
- Romans 12:3-8
Applying the text
- How does the gospel transform the way we think about leadership and authority in the Church?
- How does the gospel transform the way we think about submission to one another?
- How can anxiety and fear lead to sinful and destructive behavior (Genesis 3:6)?
Understanding the text
Christ promised His Church that suffering, opposition, and difficulty in the world would be the normal experience, not the exception. However, not all suffering is the same. Peter makes an important distinction between two fundamentally different causes of suffering. The first is the kind of suffering that comes from wrongdoing. We are warned against this kind of suffering. The second kind of suffering is the suffering that comes from being obedient to Christ. When we experience this kind of suffering, we are to rejoice.
When we suffer for obedience, we are reminded that Jesus’ crucifixion preceded His resurrection. Likewise, when we suffer for doing good, we need to remember that ultimately our suffering will lead to resurrection. Additionally, suffering for Christ’s sake deepens our assurance because it confirms that Christ is indeed in us by His Spirit. This deepens our confidence in God and we are able to trust and obey Him in the midst of suffering.
Additional scripture
- John 15:18-19
- James 5:7-11
- Philippians 3:8-11
Applying the text
- When was a time that you suffered for doing good or for obeying God?
- How does Jesus’ death and resurrection give us power and hope in the midst of suffering?
- In what sense does suffering for the sake of Christ give us assurance of our union with Christ?
Understanding the text
In a sense, each Christian has two lives. The first is the life that they lived pre-conversion. This life was dominated by the desires of the flesh and characterized by selfishness, indulgence, and empty idolatry. But at the point of conversion, that life ends and a new life begins. This new life comes to us by the power of God and frees us from our old desires, giving us a growing appetite for the things of God.
Peter identifies a few key elements that mark our new life in Christ. First, we become acutely aware of the coming judgment. This motivates us to repent and allows us to see the emptiness of godlessness. Second, as a people who have been loved by God, we become a people who love and forgive each other. Third, as those who have been invited into God’s family, we become increasingly hospitable to others. And fourth, we begin to act more like our servant King Jesus.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 4:17-24
- Galatians 5:16-26
- Romans 7:7-25
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am." — John Newton
Applying the text
- How would you describe your life before coming to faith in Jesus Christ? What kind of a person were you?
- How has coming to know Jesus changed you? What are some of the more significant changes you have experienced?
- Identify the areas of personal holiness you would like to grow in over the next year. What practical steps can you take to pursue increasing Christ-likeness?
Understanding the text
Christ’s atoning death on our behalf gives us the love and humility to serve and suffer for the sake of others. But it is Christ’s triumphant resurrection from death that gives us the courage to face and endure opposition, persecution, and suffering. We are called to follow Him in both courage and humility.
Peter reminds us of Noah who faithfully preached the gospel with love, and faced massive opposition with courage. God did not neglect Noah’s work. Though he was ridiculed by the masses, in the end he was vindicated by God. Likewise, we who are in Christ can have the assurance that in the end, our sacrifice and witness will be vindicated through our ultimate salvation in Christ, our Ark.
Additional scripture
- Romans 6:1-5
- Matthew 14:27
- Acts 4:13
Applying the text
- As Christians, we are called to both servant-like humility and death-defying courage. Which comes more naturally to you? Which do you struggle with more and why?
- In what sense is our salvation in Christ a better version of the story of the flood and Noah’s ark?
- What does this text teach about the role and importance of baptism?
Understanding the text
Unfortunately, many Christians approach the Church with a consumer mentality. Once a local church fails to provide the desired goods, they move on to another church, which only perpetuates Christian immaturity. Peter sees the Church very differently. Because of our objective unity in Christ, we can not give up on each other. Rather we are to imitate Christ with “sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8). Through this, the Church is built up and sanctified.
But our love is also the supreme apologetic to the onlooking and skeptical world. We tend to think of apologetics in terms of well thought out and formulated arguments for faith in Jesus. While that is important, time and time again, the New Testament reminds us that genuine, sacrificial, gospel-motivated love for others is the authenticating sign of our discipleship.
Additional scripture
- John 13:35
- Matthew 22:34-40
- 1 John 3:11-16
"The Church is both a living apologetic appeal and the formative context out of which apologetic arguments are supported as plausible." —Joshua D. Chatraw
Applying the text
- What role did meaningful relationships with Christians play in your own conversion?
- Why is love such a powerful argument for the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- What does this text assume about the presence and purpose of Christians and the Church in the world?
Understanding the text
In the previous text, we learned that all authority is given by God and therefore, Christians can and should submit to authority. In this text, the principle of submission and authority is applied to marriage. Wives are exhorted to submit to their husbands. Peter assumes that some women had become Christians while their spouses had not yet converted. Rather than focusing on external beauty, Christian women are to cultivate holy character, knowing that their character is a powerful argument for the gospel. Likewise, husbands need to be considerate of their wives, taking into account their needs and unique disposition. Husbands are not to use their strength to intimidate or bully their wives. Instead, their strength is to be used to love and serve their wives as equal heirs in the Kingdom of God.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 5:22-33
- 1 Timothy 2:8-10
- 1 Corinthians 7:14
The silent eloquence of his wife’s pure and reverent behavior can preach daily the transforming power of Jesus Christ. —Edmund Clowney
Applying the text
- What is most challenging about this text?
- Why is a spouse’s character so powerful in the life of a marriage?
- How does the gospel transform the way a husband relates to his wife? What might this look like in the day-to-day life of an ordinary marriage?
Understanding the text
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means that He and He alone is Lord. The Father has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). As Abraham Kuyper famously said, “...there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” This supremacy, which Christ has over all creation, enables Christians to obediently submit to authorities and structures, knowing that all authority is ultimately given by, and therefore consequently under, the sovereign rule of Jesus.
Therefore, Christians can joyfully submit not only to one another but also authorities and structures, as unto the Lord. This frees Christians up to embrace their role as Christ mimicking servants. Just as Christ suffered injustice at the hands of the ruling authorities for our wellbeing, so we too can suffer injustice knowing that our suffering is not in vain.
Additional scripture
- Romans 13:1
- Ephesians 5:21
- Philippians 2:4-11
Applying the text
- How does the sovereignty of Christ over all things free us from the fear of submitting to authorities?
- In what sense have you benefited from Jesus’ submission to injustice? How might your suffering also bring life to others?
- How does this text challenge you to grow as a disciple? What steps do you need to take to grow in obedience to this text?
Understanding the text
How we live is an expression of what we are. In other words, what we do and how we act flows out of who and what we are. This text is full of identity words. Peter uses rich Old Testament words like “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” and “holy nation” to describe every Christian’s identity. He then connects these identity words with our conduct as he urges us to live holy lives for the sake of our neighbors and community.
It is not uncommon for discussions regarding evangelism to focus almost exclusively on words, arguments, and apologetic methods. However, 1 Peter reminds us that one of the most important things we can give our community is our holiness. It is through putting away our “malice and all deceit and envy and all slander” that the world is attracted to Jesus and His gospel (1 Peter 2:1). This means that there is a direct connection between the sanctification of believers and the conversion of skeptics.
Additional scripture
- Isaiah 42:6
- Matthew 5:13-16
- 1 Peter 1:15
Applying the text
- Take a moment to look through the text and make a list of all of the identity words that Peter uses. What themes can you identify in his language?
- Look over the text again, but this time make a list of all of Peter’s activities or imperatives. What themes can you identify?
- Why do you think Peter makes a direct connection between the holiness of Christians and the conversion of skeptics? How does this transform the way we think about mission and evangelism in our own community?
Understanding the text
Difficulties and trials can have an intoxicating effect on us. They can lead us to see God and the world through a myopic and self-centered lens. It’s as if we forget everything except the truth that we are hurting. Faith in Jesus does not ignore the difficulties of life, but it does provide a biblical context for thinking about it. By remembering that in spite of our suffering, the death and resurrection of Jesus are still objectively true, we can prepare ourselves to move forward, instead of being hijacked by our trials.
We need to remember that God is our Father and that He always makes the right decision, every time. We need to remember that we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We need to remember that our faith is not in ourselves, but is in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. As our hearts grow in astonishment at His incredible saving power, our lives will grow to reflect our holy God in increasing measure.
Additional scripture
- James 1:2-4
- Romans 8:28
- Genesis 50:19-20
Applying the text
- How have you experienced the blinding or intoxicating effects of sorrow or difficulties in your life?
- How does knowing and trusting that God is a holy, faithful, and true Judge give us hope when we suffer for our faith?
- Why do you think Peter exhorts us to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22)? What role does this have in the midst of trials?
Understanding the text
Nothing challenges our faith like the ongoing experience of “various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). But these trials also present us with great opportunities to grow in our faith in ways that ease and comfort cannot. Peter knows the Church was experiencing difficulties and wanted to encourage them. But how do you do that? What is it that encourages and empowers Christians to endure faithfully and patiently in the midst of trying times? Rather than appealing to inner strength and commitment, Peter points us to the objective reality of the gospel.
First, Peter reminds us of God’s past redemptive works. We have been elected by the Father, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and sanctified (set apart) by the Spirit. Then he reminds us of our future in Christ because we have been “born again to a living hope.” Consequently, we have an inheritance that cannot fade (1 Peter 1:3-4). Additionally, Peter reminds us that we are being guarded and protected by God, even in the midst of trials. Therefore, though our trials may present us with a variety of difficulties, they cannot rob us of what God has done. While our difficulties are temporary, the blessings of God in Christ are eternal and unchangeable.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- Psalm 29
- Numbers 23:19
This, in short, is the difference between us and the others who know not God, that in misfortune they complain and murmur, while adversity does not call us away from the truth of virtue and faith, but strengthens us by its suffering. —Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage
Applying the text
1. How do you typically respond when your faith is tested by difficulty? 2. What redemptive works of God does Peter list in the first 12 verses of this letter? 3. How can recalling the redemptive works of God (past, present, future) empower you to patiently and faithfully endure trials?
Discipleship Questions
-
How has prayer made a difference in your life?
-
How would you assess your own prayer life? Where is it strong? Where does it need to grow?
-
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Take a moment to pray for those who occupy positions of authority in your life.
Discipleship Questions
-
Read Romans 8:32. How does the Gospel give us confidence that God will meet our daily needs?
-
In what ways has God provided you with strength and stability?
-
How does God give us hope for the future? Apart from God, what hope is there for the future?
On August 26, 2019, Pastor Jon Needham was invited to speak on the topic of biblical sexuality at a gathering for Thrive Kitsap; a group of young adults from different local churches that meets regularly for Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
This recording contains the teaching time and also a lengthy Q&A session at the end.
Discipleship Questions
-
When was a time that you remember experiencing God's glory through His creation?
-
Read Psalm 19:7-14. David lists a number of ways that God interacts with His people through His word, (e.g. the law of the LORD, the testimony of the LORD, etc.), and the outcomes that should accompany those interactions. What are the outcomes that are mentioned? How have you experienced those outcomes in your life as you have spent time with God's word?
-
It is not enough that we know what God's word says. Rather, the Psalmist's goal is that we would know AND delight in God's word. How have you grown in delighting in God's word? What opportunities do you see for growth?
-
How would you describe David's response to God in verses 1-3? In what ways can you identify with his response?
-
What attributes of God does David celebrate in the first 30 verses of this Psalm?
-
What is the connection between David's theology and his confidence seen in verses 29-30? How can the truth of who God is give you greater confidence and joy?
Discipleship Questions
-
How does God’s presence in your life give you the strength to bring your requests to Him when you fear or are in distress?
-
In what ways have you experienced delight in God’s people? What might hinder your delight in God’s people?
-
In what ways do you delight in God? How do you need to exercise repentance and initiate delight?
Discipleship Questions
-
According to Psalm 14 and Romans 1, unbelief is a willful choice that our hearts make. What do you think motivates our unbelief?
-
The rejection of God leads to societal harm. List some of the examples of these harms that are mentioned in Psalm 14. How have you personally experienced some of these consequences as a result of your own unbelief?
-
How does belief in the God of the Bible change the way you think about purpose, morality, justice, and meaning?
On July 14, 2019, we gathered at Lincoln Avenue Bible Church to celebrate our 15th birthday. It was a wonderful time of worship, feasting and celebrating God’s faithfulness towards our church.
Discipleship Questions
-
Make a list of all the emotions you imagine David might be experiencing in this Psalm. When have you had a similar experience in your walk with God?
-
David models "brutal honesty" in his conversation with God. Do you feel free to approach God with similar freedom? How does understanding God's grace empower you to be increasingly honest with God?
-
In the future, what will you do to process your feelings and experiences with God?
Discipleship Questions
-
What does this story teach us about the nature of faith?
-
In order to be faithful, Abraham couldn't simply rely on his feelings. To be obedient, he had to actively think about the promises of God. Do you tend to be more of a thinker or a feeler? How does this affect your walk with God?
-
How is Jesus the better and truer version of this story? How does his faithfulness on the cross help you grow in your faith and obedience to him?
Discipleship Questions
-
Have you ever had to wait on God for a significant amount of time? What did the waiting expose in your own heart?
-
How would Abraham's story be different if he had consistently believed that God was both powerful and trustworthy?
-
In what areas are you struggling to trust and wait for God? How does the life of Jesus demonstrate the power and trustworthiness of God to you?
PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED This sermon deals with mature subjects like rape and homosexuality and may be inappropriate for young children.
Discipleship Questions
-
How would you change the way Lot acted in Genesis 19? Why?
-
Read Psalm 1:1. How do you see this progression working itself out in Lot's life?
-
Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What does this text teach us about homosexuality and the gospel?
Discipleship Questions
-
This week, the text focuses on God's wrath and judgment. What questions do you have regarding these attributes of God? How does the text shape our understanding of these attributes?
-
In what way does Jesus, the righteous one, resolve the tension in this text?
- Abraham fulfilled a priestly duty by interceding for the people of Sodom, though they were extremely wicked. In Christ, we also become priests who intercede for others. Take a few moments to pray that God would bring salvation to those in your life who do not yet know Jesus.
Marriage is inherently beautiful because it was created by God and it reflects his image and nature. Reclaiming Marriage needs to first begin with reclaiming a Biblical view of God and his purpose for the world. In this session, we unpack how the Gospel affects the way we are to understand God and subsequently, marriage.
To achieve a goal, you need an action plan for how to reach it. Marriage is no different. In this session, we explore how to build up your marriage toolset and apply the truth of the Gospel to your marriage in practical, helpful ways.
If marriage is beautiful, then why is it so hard? In this session, we seek to answer this question by exploring the ways that sin has crept into our marriages and marred God's good design.
Discipleship Questions:
-
Covenant and circumcision aren't words we use every day, but they do play a key role in Genesis. What does chapter 17 teach us about these words and their significance for the story and people of God?
-
In what sense did God speak to Abram through the sign of circumcision?
-
What does God communicate to us through the sign of baptism? (See Romans 6:1-11)
Discipleship Questions
-
Sarai's struggle to trust in God's provision and timing brought untold sorrow to her family and others. How has your struggle to trust in God's provision and timing lead to negative consequences in your own life?
-
Instead of reminding his wife of God's faithfulness, Abram went along with Sarai's foolish plan. When have you chosen cowardice over conviction and what were the consequences? In hindsight, what did you learn?
-
God approached Hagar in the midst of her shame, hurt, and need. What does this reveal to us about the heart of God? How can we imitate God's compassion to others in need?
Discipleship Questions
-
In Genesis 15, Abram is struggling to believe in God's promises. In what ways are you currently struggling with God? What questions seem to haunt or plague you?
-
How would you describe the way God responds to Abram's questions? What about his response do you find surprising or encouraging?
-
Like the bloody animals reminded Abram of God's faithfulness to him, the bloody cross and the empty tomb remind us of God's faithfulness to us. How can Jesus' death and resurrection speak to your anxiety when you're not sure what God is up to in your life?
Our church family potluck and meeting from May 2019. Updates on membership, finances, Kid's Ministry, and other topics presented by our Pastors and staff.
Discipleship Questions
-
Take a moment to compare and contrast Abram's actions in Genesis 12 and 14. How can you identify with the inconsistencies of Abram's character?
-
How does remembering the promises and works of God lead to courage and conviction in daily life? What are some ways that you need to grow in these areas?
-
Abram's tithe demonstrated the superiority of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:6-7). What things in your life can demonstrate the superiority of Jesus?
Discipleship Questions
-
What does the text teach us about the relationship between the promises of God and our faith and obedience?
-
How does Abram's fear affect his obedience? How has your fear gotten in the way of your obedience?
-
How can faith in the God of promise free you from your fear of man?
Discipleship Questions
-
Genesis introduces us to the call of Abram. Take a moment to share or write out the story of how you were called.
-
The call of Abram required a total reorientation of Abram's life. How has the the call to be a disciple of Jesus reoriented your life? How are things different? What still needs to change?
-
Just as Abram was called into God's global mission, we are also called to participate in God's global mission. What has this looked like for you? Do you have a sense of what this might look like for you in the future?
Discipleship Questions
-
What does being told, by this we know love, do for our understanding of love?
-
How does Christ demonstrate love? How can we follow in that example?
-
How well are we doing when looking out for the needs of the Church?
-
What does following Christ’s example do for the world around us?
Discipleship Questions
-
What are the Works of the Devil? How are these works evident in the world around us and in our personal life?
-
God’s Wrath is "revealed against all unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). Sometimes we think of God’s wrath as opposed to his love - is this an accurate way to think about it? How might the Cross reveal God’s wrath against the “Works of the Devil” as an expression of his love?
-
How does the Crucifixion of Jesus destroy the works of the devil? In what way is this already accomplished, and in what ways in this not yet accomplished?
-
How does knowing that Jesus’ Crucifixion was a victory over evil and sin in order to deliver us from the “domain of darkness and transfer us into the kingdom of his Beloved Son” (Col. 1:13) change the way that we consider our relationship to sin?
Discipleship Questions
-
Take a moment to work through Isaiah 53:1-11 and make a list of all of the things that associated or connected to “he” or “his" in the text. Make another list of all the things that are connected or associated with the “us” and “our”. What does this show us about the cross?
-
What does verse 10 teach us? Why is this point so important? What would Jesus’ death have accomplished if this verse was not true?
-
In his sermon, Pastor Jon suggested that in light of the truths taught in this text, we ought to repent, rest, and rejoice. How are each one of these responses an appropriate response to the cross? What do they look like in your life?
On the evening of March 26, 2019, Pastor David Richmon from Trinity Church Seattle delivered the first address in a lecture series titled "According to the Word."
Pastor David addressed the question "What should Christians believe about the Old Testament based on what it says about itself as well as what Jesus and the New Testament authors have to say about it?"
Discipleship Questions
-
What differences do you see between the genealogy of Noah’s family in Genesis 10 and Shem’s family in Genesis 11? In what ways do these differences matter?
-
Take a moment to consider how God has entered into your story and rescued you. In what ways has He showed His faithfulness to you?
-
Are there any habitual sins or idols that you need to turn from? In what ways can others encourage you to continue in faithfulness towards God?
Discipleship Questions
-
What does the text teach us about the motives behind building the Tower of Babel?
-
What does the story teach us about the right and wrong ways to approach God?
-
According to the text, how can confusion and division be a gift to humanity?
Discipleship Questions
1. How does our common ancestry in Noah change the way you look at people from other cultures or ethnicities?
-
Take a moment to quickly look over Genesis 1-10. What do you notice about the presence of genealogies? Why do you think these were so important for Israel to know and remember?
-
Genesis 10 demonstrates the cascading affects and generational impact that our decisions can have. What kind of a legacy have you inherited from your family? What kind of a legacy will you leave for your future family?
Discipleship Questions
-
How does the Bible transform the way you relate to your vocation or calling? How does God use your work to bring form and/or fullness to the world?
-
What is your relationship to alcohol? How does the Bible shape and form the way you think about and relate to alcohol?
-
What does it look like to honor your parents? In what ways have you done this well? In what ways have you failed to do this? Seek God in prayer and ask Him if there any issues that you need to address with your parents.
Discipleship Questions
-
Noah’s sacrifice and worship are his response to God’s rescue. How do you see this pattern repeated in Scripture? How is it different from God’s arrangement with Adam in Genesis 2?
-
According to Genesis, why is the death penalty humane and protective?
-
How might Noah and subsequent generations find hope and assurance in the sign of the Noahic Covenant?
Discipleship Questions
-
Genesis 8 is a re-creaton story. Take a moment to look over Genesis 1. What is similar between chapter 1 & 8? What is difference?
-
How does God’s salvation and preservation of Noah shape the way we think about the future of redemption?
-
Read Isaiah 11:6-19. In what ways with the New Creation be like our current world? In what ways will it be different?
Discipleship Questions
-
According to the text, why did God send the flood? What does this teach us about the nature of God and the nature of humanity?
-
Why did God provide the ark? In what sense is the ark a picture of the gospel?
-
In what sense was God’s judgment (the flood) also a saving act?
Discipleship Questions Text: Genesis 6:9-22
-
The author of Genesis describes Noah as a righteous man, blameless in his generation, and as a man who walked with God. How does Hebrews 11:7 help us to better understand this?
-
What is a covenant? Why do you think God relates to His people in covenants? How does this give us hope?
-
How does this text point us to the hope found in Jesus? How might these truths stir us up in our mission and evangelism?
Discipleship Questions
-
Based on the text, who do you think the “sons of God” are? Why?
-
What does this text teach us about the righteousness of God? What other attributes of God are highlighted in this text?
-
How does this text connect with you personally? What personal applications can you make?
Discipleship Questions
-
If you sat down to talk about your family history, what names and stories would stand out? What might this teach you about what’s happening in Genesis 5?
-
Why do you think God chose to record specific names tracing the family line from Adam to Noah? What does this teach us about what God values?
-
How did your family shape and influence the way you think about God?
Discipleship Questions
-
In what ways is the city/culture described in this text similar to our own culture?
-
What are cascading effects of sin as demonstrated in this text?
-
What sins in your life have you been ignoring? What can you do to begin addressing them?
-
How is God keeping his promise to Eve?
Discipleship Questions
-
Take a moment to reread the first half of Genesis 3. Compare the ways that Adam, Eve, and Cain experience temptation and deal with their sin. What has changed? What is the same?
-
How does Cain’s sin grow throughout Genesis 4? What can this teach us about the nature of sin. How have you personally experienced this?
-
How would you characterize God’s response to Cain’s sin? What does God’s response reveal about His nature and character?
-
What warnings or encouragements does this text have you for your personally?
Discipleship Questions
-
John tells us that God is love. How does this effect God’s other attributes?
-
How does Jesus as the propitiation for sins reveal God’s love to you? How does this effect your view of God as the God of love?
-
In what ways do you struggle to show love to others? How does the gospel empower you to love as Jesus loved?
-
Are there specific people you have been withholding love from or that you need to intentionally love? What would repentance look like in this relationship?
Discipleship Questions
-
John is writing that we might experience joy. How would you define joy in your own words?
-
In these few verses, John repeats himself several times. Why do you think he does this? What is trying to communicate to us?
-
What different words does John use to refer to Jesus? What do each of these words communicate to us about Jesus?
-
John writes not just for the joy of others, but also for his own joy. What does this teach us about the nature of joy and fellowship?
Discipleship Questions
-
According to Matthew, what is the primary purpose for which was Jesus born? How does this affect the way we read the rest of the Bible?
-
In what ways are you tempted to reduce Jesus to something other than savior of sinners?
-
Read Isaiah 53:5. Take a few moments to consider specific personal sins that Jesus came to die for.
-
Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does it mean for you to become the righteousness of God? How does this transform the way your view yourself and God?
Discipleship Questions
-
What questions do you have about the virgin birth of Jesus? What is confusing? Inspiring?
-
Read Romans 5:12-14. What does that text teach us about the importance of the virgin birth?
-
How does King Jesus use power and status differently than Caesar or other “earthly” kings?
-
As citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom, how ought we to use our power, status, and resources differently? What specific steps might you take to grow in this area?
Discipleship Questions
-
How did you experience darkness in your life before coming to faith in Christ? How has the light of Christ affected your experience of darkness?
-
All of God’s people are a people of waiting. Think of a time when you had to wait for God. What was it like? How did use that time to shape and form you?
-
Take some time to reread Isaiah 9:2-5. Describe in your own words what God is promising to do for his people in the text.
-
There are a number of titles that describe who Jesus is in verse 6. Take some time to think about how each title reveals who Jesus is and how he relates to you.
Discipleship Questions
-
In what ways do you see people commonly try to “cover” shame and sin?
-
In what ways do you tend to “cover” your shame and sin?
-
How can the gospel bring you hope as you struggle with sin?
-
What lies have you been believing? What Gospel promises do you need to embrace?
Genesis 3:14-19 Discipleship questions
-
Romans 8 tells us that because of sin, the creation (physical world) is groaning. How have you encountered this groaning in your own life?
-
What are the unique consequences that women deal with as a result of the fall? How have you witnessed or experienced these?
-
What are the unique consequences that men deal with as a result of the fall? How have you witnessed or experienced these?
-
Genesis 3:15 is the first proclamation of the gospel. What does this text teach us about God’s story and plan? How does this promise give you hope?
Discipleship Questions
-
Read through the text and pay special attention to how Satan tempts Eve. What are his tactics? What are some of the lies Satan is telling today?
-
According to the text, why did Eve choose to eat from the forbidden tree? How have you been tempted by these same desires or motivations?
-
How did Adam and Eve respond to their sin? How can you identify with their attempts to manage their sin?
-
How does God respond to Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden? What surprises you about his response? What does this teach us about the heart and nature of God?
Discipleship Questions
-
What stands out to you from the text regarding marriage?
-
What are some of the differences between the way the world thinks about marriage and what Genesis teaches about marriage?
-
What elements of this text do you find most challenging? What is most encouraging? Why?
-
What areas of your current life and thinking need to change in light of this text? How can you pursue these changes in your life?
Discipleship Questions
-
These verses provide details while also leaving many questions unanswered. What are some of the questions you have about this part of the creation story?
-
How does the description of God creating man in Genesis 2 compare to the account in Genesis 1 of God creating other living things? Why is this difference important? What does it teach us about God? What does it teach us about man?
-
How would you describe the job description God gives Adam? What does this teach us about the purpose of life?
-
Why do you think God gives Adam instructions regarding Eden before God creates Eve?
Discipleship Questions
-
What are some healthy examples you have seen of work and rest rhythms? What are some unhealthy examples?
-
Why do you think that God would give His people a law instructing them to rest weekly? What does this teach us about the heart of God? What does this teach us about what it means to flourish as humans?
-
In what ways have you tied your identity and personal value to your work?
-
How can weekly worship reorient you to truth of Jesus’ finished work? How much of a priority is this in your life?
Discipleship Questions
-
How does Genesis 1 define the “good life”?
-
What does Genesis teach us about the importance and purpose of marriage, family, and children? What parts of the this text challenge you the most? Why?
-
Vocation is a blessing from God. Take a moment to think of the many ways in which your vocation helps other people flourish.
-
How have you struggled to be content with the work that God has given you? How might Genesis change that?
Pastor Justin Guy of Keyport Bible Fellowship speaks at a special event on the English Reformation at Hale's Ales Barrelhouse in Bremerton, WA.
Discipleship Questions
- In what different ways do people image God? 2. How should people being made in the image of God effect how we view and treat people? 3. In what ways do you need to grow in viewing people as being made in the image of God?
- For the christian, consider how you have come to faith in Jesus. In whats has God been conforming you into the image of Christ?
Discipleship Questions
-
What questions do you have about the origins of life and creation? What answers does Genesis 1 offer? What questions remain?
-
What things can you learn about the nature and attributes of God from Genesis 1?
-
How does Genesis 1 affect the way you look at and relate to the world around you?
-
How could Genesis 1 give you hope in a time of darkness and hopelessness?
Discipleship Questions
-
What questions do you have about the first 2 verses of the Bible? What seems confusing? What makes you curious?
-
Why is it important to answer questions about God before answering questions of identity or morality?
-
What do the opening 2 verses of Genesis reveal about the attributes of God? Try to identify as many as you can.
-
Identify some practical ways in which Genesis 1:1-2 affects the way you relate to God, the world, your neighbor, and yourself.
In case any of you missed it, here's the audio from our Church Family Meeting on Sept. 16, 2018.
Discipleship Questions
-
In verse 9, Peter uses a number of Old Testament words to describe what the church is. What is the significance of each term? How do the specific words that Peter uses affect the way we understand what the church is?
-
How did you come to faith in Jesus? Who were the people in your life that God used to influence you?
-
Why is ongoing regular repentance so important to the mission of the church in the world?
-
What does it look like to live a good life among the gentiles? How can you grow in this area?
Discipleship Questions
-
How have you been significantly affected by the words of others? How have your words impacted others in significant ways?
-
How does the Psalmist describe the words of the children of men? In what ways have your own words fit this description?
-
How does the Psalmist describe the words of the LORD? How does this encourage you trust more in God?
-
In verses 7 and 8, the Psalmist presents us with a paradox. How does paradox help us to understand what a life of faith and obedience looks like in a broken and fallen world?
Discipleship Questions
-
How do you see the foundations being destroyed in our world? Think of specific examples.
-
How do you typically respond when you see the foundations falling apart? Do you respond more like the Psalmist of the more like those tell you to flee? Why?
-
How can trails and difficult refine your faith? Can you think of specific examples of this in your own life?
-
Can you imagine any ways in which the crumbling foundations of a culture could ultimately lead to the repentance and conversion of the wicked?
Discipleship Questions
-
Who or what are the enemies in your life that challenge you to despair?
-
What could you recount about God’s wonderful deeds in your own life?
-
How does the relationship between God’s great deeds and the suffering of the poor and needy work?
-
Using the formative structure of Psalm 9, If you could write an anthem for your life, what would it say?
Discipleship Questions
-
Have you ever been hurt by false accusations or rumors? How did it affect you? Were you able to resolve the issue?
-
Throughout the Psalms, David brings his heart, his tears, his doubt, and his questions before God. Why do you think he is able to do this? Is this a regular part of your relationship with God? Why or why not?
-
Deliverance from evil and injustice goes hand in hand with judgment. Can you think of stories in the Bible where God’s judgment and deliverance occur in the same event?
-
As we consider the pain we have received through the words of others, its imperative to also consider the hurt we have caused others. Take a few moments to ask God to show you any sins that you need to address with those whom you have hurt.
Discipleship Questions
-
Have you ever suffered because a judge or person in authority failed to do their job well? How did you feel? How did it affect you?
-
In Psalm 5, David not comes to God with his words, but also with his groaning. What does this teach us about the heart and character of God?
-
What are some of God’s attributes listed in this Psalm? How do those attributes influence the way you see and approach God?
-
This Psalm teaches us that those who take refuge in God sing for joy. What is the connection between God as refuge and our own personal joy?
Discipleship Questions
-
How have you experienced distress in your life? How has your distress affected your heart towards God?
-
How does knowing that God is your righteous Judge encourage you when you suffer?
-
So often, anger can lead to sin. What are some examples of individuals experiencing anger that does not lead to sin?
-
The joy of knowing God far exceeds the joy of “grain and wine”, but sometimes grain and wine can take the place of ultimate joy in our lives. What things are you tempted to seek your ultimate joy in?
Discipleship Questions
-
Do you feel to approach God with your pain, sorrow, or fears? Why or why not?
-
What does it mean for God to be our shield? How has God been your shield in the past?
-
In the sermon, Pastor Jon talked about bring the truth of the gospel to bear on our experiences. How does David do that in this Psalm? How does it transform him?
-
What areas in your life do you currently need to bring the truth of the gospel to bear upon? How does presently believing the gospel transform your perspective on your current situations?
Discipleship Questions
-
Think of time in your life when things felt out of control. How did this affect your faith in God? Why?
-
In the midst of the nations raging, God is unmoved. What does this reveal about God’s attributes?
-
How can these verses give you hope and steadfastness in the midst of conflict?
-
This text speaks of the entire earth belonging to Jesus. How does this truth affect the way we see the world? How does this affect the way you think about Jesus?
Discipleship Questions
-
The Psalms are full of powerful and meaningful images. What images of contrast can you identify in Psalm 1? What do they mean?
-
What does Psalm 1 teach us about what it means to be flourish as a human being?
-
What is the outcome of a life lived in defiance to God and his law?
-
What is the outcome of a live lived in submission to God’s law?
Discipleship Questions.
-
Of the evidence provided to support the resurrection account (empty tomb, personal encounters, appearing to large crowds) which do you find most compelling? Why? What questions do you have regarding the resurrection of Jesus?
-
Mark tells us that the disciples were very reluctant to believe the Jesus had risen. How can this fact encourage you in your own discipleship?
-
Mark stressed the importance of belief and baptism. Why is baptism so important? What does it mean?
-
Jesus promised that he would help his church. How did he fulfill that promise in the book of Acts? How have you seen Jesus help his church in your own life?
Discipleship Questions
-
Have you ever lost a close friend or dearly loved family member? How did you feel? How might your own experience provide insight to how Jesus’ friends felt after his crucifixion?
-
Read 1 Corinthians 15:14 & 17. Why do you loose the gospel when you loose the resurrection?
-
Jesus plainly told his disciples multiple times that he would be crucified and would rise on the third day. Why do you think they were so slow to believe? What does this teach us about the nature of our own hearts?
-
Why do you think the two Mary’s responded to the resurrection with trembling, fear, and astonishment?
Discipleship Questions
-
The crucifixion is the world’s verdict against God. What does the verdict reveal about the world and the way it sees God?
-
Why do you think the manner of Jesus’ death lead to the centurions confession?
-
Multiple times, Jesus was offered a drink that would have eased his suffering. Each time, he refused. Why do you think he chose not to receive what was offered?
-
What is the significance of the curtain tearing? Read Hebrews 9 for helpful insights.
Discipleship Questions.
-
How would you describe the actions and words of the crowd in this text? In what ways can you relate with them?
-
How would you describe the words and actions of Pilate? In what ways can you relate with him?
-
Read Psalm 115:3-8. What does this text teach us happens as a result of rejecting God? How have you experienced this principle in your own life?
-
The release of Barabbas and the condemnation of Jesus provides a powerful picture of the gospel. Take a few moments to consider how this event reflects the truth of the gospel.
Discipleship Questions
1) How do you respond when attacked unjustly? What does Jesus response teach us in these moments?
2) What ways does it cost a disciple to follow Jesus closely?
3) In what ways are you tempted to follow him from a distance?
4) How does God use your brokenness and shortcomings in life to display his glory?
Discipleship Questions
-
Read Isaiah 53. In what ways do you see Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage?
-
How does Jesus’ previous teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 relate to the disciples’ command to pray and be watchful?
-
How does believing the gospel help you be alert and watchful over your soul?
-
Are there certain areas in your life or your desires that you need to be alert and watchful towards that you might not be tempted? Who knows about these areas that they might encourage you and help keep watch?
Pastor Brandon shares the one another command to serve one another in love from Galatians 5:13
Discipleship Questions
1. What is your initial reaction to hearing the interaction between Jesus and the disciples?
-
Do you find yourself resonating with the disciples? Do you find yourself agreeing with Peter’s devotion, or Peter’s denial?
-
How does denial and faith work in this text?
-
How does Jesus keep us ‘faithful’?
-
What has shaped you in how you believe in the Gospel today?
Pastor Brandon shares the one another command to encourage one another with the words of the Gospel
Discipleship Questions
-
Verse 10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship, or his poem. What does that mean to you? How have you struggled to believe this truth of Scripture in your life?
-
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of good works God has prepared for you?
-
How has God used the “ordinary” life of others to influence you?
-
In the sermon, Pastor Jon talked about living as sent servants in our families, our work places, and our communities. Take a few moments to think about how you can grow as a sent servant in those areas.
Pastor Brandon shares the one another command to show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Discipleship Questions
-
Read Matthew 5:43-48. Jesus identifies two loves or two ways of loving. How are these two loves different? With which love would you prefer to be loved?
-
The Bible teaches us that Jesus is our propitiation. What images of propitiation can you identify in the Old Testament? Why do we need propitiation?
-
How does the cross of Christ transform our understanding of God’s love? How does it affect the way we hear the command to love others?
-
How has God used the love of others to grow your understanding of God’s love? In what ways can you grow in your love for others?
Pastor Brandon shares the one another command to be bearing with one another and forgiving each other.
Discipleship Questions.
-
God speaks to us through His Word (the Bible). In what ways does reading God's Word help us grow in our love for God?
-
In what ways has God's Word been changing you?
-
In what ways can you gather around the Word this week with your friends or family?
-
What can you do this week to prepare for the Word of God as you gather for worship this upcoming Sunday?
Discipleship Questions
-
Jesus shared many meals with people. What makes for a memorable meal?
-
In what different ways does the passover meal and communion meal tell us about Jesus?
-
Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the new covenant Jeremiah speaks of?
-
How does feasting with Jesus in heaven give you hope for today?
In Mark 9:50 Jesus says "be at peace with one another". Jesus teaches his disciples how the Gospel transforms and preserves disciples that they might find peace with one another.
Discipleship Questions
-
Take a moment to read Exodus 12. In what ways does the story point forward to Jesus? What does the story teach us about the nature of salvation?
-
In Jesus’ day, lepers and women were often regarded as “outsiders”. Who are the outsides of our day? What would it look like to follow Jesus’ example from this text?
-
The unnamed woman in this story gave her most valuable gift to Jesus. She serves as an example of discipleship. In what sense has discipleship been costly for you? Are there “things” in your life that you are currently struggling to surrender to Jesus?
-
In the text, Jesus says some very curious things about money and the poor. What do you think he means?
Pastor Brandon shares how the kid's liturgy journal is designed to help kids as they gather for worship.
Discipleship Questions
-
What have you heard from other people or sources regarding the return of Jesus? How does it compare with what Jesus says in Mark 13:32-37?
-
Why do you think God has kept hidden the details pertaining to the time of Jesus’ return?
-
What do you think Jesus means by telling us to “stay awake”? What does this mean for you and your life?
-
In what ways do you tend to get “sleepy” in regards to being prepared for Jesus’ return?
In John 13:34-35, Jesus says"
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The command is new in it's extent: how Jesus has loved us, we are to love other disciples. Today we can remember the love of Jesus shown to us on the cross and worship Jesus, that we might be transformed to love other disciples the way Jesus has loved us.
Discipleship Questions
-
What do you find most confusing about this text? Why?
-
The text seems to indicate the Jesus is warning his disciple of tragic events that would take place in their immediate future. What does this teach us about the character of Jesus?
-
How can Jesus’ intimate knowledge of future events help us in times of anxiety, worry, confusion, or suffering?
-
Jesus leaned heavily upon Old Testament stories and imagery in teaching his disciples. What does this teach us about the way Jesus viewed the Old Testament? How does his approach to the Old Testament differ from your own?
Discipleship Questions
-
Jesus offers a stern critique of hypocritical religion. How could his words be an in-road to talking with people who are critical of religion?
-
Jesus provided a few examples of skin-deep superficial religion and worship. What are some more current examples of these same issues? Which do you struggle with most?
-
In what sense did the widow give more than the large sums given by the wealthy? What does this you about what Jesus values?
-
What connections can you identify between faith in the gospel and generosity towards those in need?
Discipleship Questions.
-
In the 1st century, to say that Jesus was Lord was to also say that Caesar was not. Take a moment to identify what rival “lords” exist in your own life.
-
How does the divine inspiration of the Scriptures affect the way you relate to passages in the Bible that you don’t understand or don’t like?
-
Mark tells us that many in the temple heard Jesus gladly. What are some reasons that the lordship of Jesus is good news?
-
In what sense is the announcement of Jesus’ Lordship a threat?
Discipleship Questions.
-
If you could ask Jesus any question, what would it be and why?
-
Take a moment to read the the first four commandments. (Exodus 20:1-11). How is each commandment and expression of love towards God?
-
Read the last 6 commandments. (Exodus 20:12-17). How is each commandment an expression of love towards our neighbors?
-
Jesus tells the Scribe in this story that he “not far from the kingdom of God”. What does this exchange between Jesus and the scribe teach us about the Kingdom of God?
Discipleship Questions.
-
When you think of God's power, what comes to mind?
-
What are the implications that God is the God of the living and not the dead?
-
In what ways does the death and resurrection give you hope today?
-
In what ways do you need to hope in God?
Discipleship Questions.
-
In this text, the Pharisees and the Herodians are seeking to cause trouble by pitting the government against religion. What are some current example of this? How does this usually end up?
-
Read Romans 13:1-2. What does this text teach us about our responsibility as Christians to the government? How can this text give us peace in the midst of political turmoil?
-
Why do you think both the Herodians and the Pharisees both wanted to put an end to Jesus?
-
What does it practically look like to render to God the things are that God’s?
Discipleship Questions.
-
The tenants in this story aren’t interested in God, but they want his vineyard. When or how are you tempted to neglect God or desire his stuff more than him?
-
How does this story reveal God’s patience? How does God’s patience affect the way you understand His judgment?
-
In the story, the land owner sends his own son. This is very similar to what John 3:16 teaches. What does the sending of the son teach us about the heart of the land owner/father?
-
At the end of the story, the Chief Priests, Scribes, and the Elders are conspiring to kill Jesus. Why do you think that God’s patience and anger could cause such hatred? What does this teach us about our hearts and what we desire?
Discipleship Questions.
-
We are entering a section in Mark’s gospel in which Jesus is going to be asked many questions. What is the purpose of the question presented to Jesus in this text? What can this teach us about questions, purpose, and our hearts?
-
Take a moment to look over the previous chapters of Mark. What are some of the miracles that Jesus performed? What do they reveal about his identity and authority?
-
Why do you think Jesus is unwilling to answer the question from the Scribes? What does this teach us about discipleship?
-
The Scribes used a question to keep themselves from having to deal with the truth. When have you used questions this way? What was the outcome?
Discipleship Questions.
-
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a borrowed colt. What does teach us about the kind of King Jesus is?
-
How does Mark describe the condition of the Temple? Why would this frustrate Jesus?
-
Take a moment to list the ways in which Jesus replaces the temple for God’s people. How does Jesus fulfill what the temple foreshadowed?
-
Read Mark 11:20-25. What is it that Jesus wants for us?
Discipleship Questions
-
What about Bartimaes’ interaction with Jesus is most interesting to you?
-
In what different ways do you see the analogy of physical blindness and spiritual blindness in Mark 10?
-
What does Jesus stopping and listening to Bartimaeus’ cry tell you about who Jesus is?
-
In what areas have you acted blindly to the Gospel? What truths of the Gospel do you need to believe?
-
John 3:16 is a summary of the things Nicodemus ought to have known. What does this teach us about the way Nicodemus thought about God?
-
John 3:16 is often seen as a simple verse, and yet it is full of complex and beautiful truth. Take a moment to list all of the things it teaches us about God and man.
-
How would you sum up what is God is like in 2-3 sentences? Write it out.
-
So often, we focus on trying to impress God, we forget the incredible truth that God loves us. Take a few moments to enjoy God and praise him for the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Discipleship Questions. 1. What does John say about Jesus in this text? Why should we trust what John has to say about Jesus?
-
How would you define Biblical joy? How is it similar to happiness? How is it different?
-
How is knowledge about God different from knowledge of God?
-
John said that he was writing that “our joy may be complete”. How do you think writing helped to complete John’s joy? What does teach us about the nature of joy?
Discipleship questions.
-
In this text, Luke introduces us to both Caesar and Jesus. Based only this text, what are some of the differences between Caesar and Jesus?
-
Roman citizens looked to Caesar to bring them peace. Who or what are do you have a propensity to look to for peace?
-
It is no mistake the God announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds. Why do you think God chose shepherds to be the first to hear of the good news?
-
Make a list of all the things the angel of the Lord announces to the shepherds. Define or describe each of these things, paying special attention to how they effect you personally.
Discipleship Questions
-
How is Biblical hope different from wishful thinking?
-
What is the foundation of our future hope? How does this foundation guard us from hopelessness?
-
How does Biblical hope based on God’s redemptive work in the past empower you to live a self-controlled Godly life in the present?
-
In what ways are you tempted to create your own “heaven on earth”? How can you remind yourself of the future hope that is yours in Christ?
Discipleship Questions. 1. Describe a time when you wanting recognition before others. Why do you think people desire honor and recognition?
-
In what ways does greatness from the world's view differ than greatness described by Jesus in this text?
-
In what ways does the death of Jesus Christ empower you to serve others and be a blessing?
-
What practical ways can you serve and bless others this week? How can encourage you and keep you accountable?
Discipleship Questions.
-
This text is full of unexpected responses. Take a moment to identify some of them. Which response is most unexpected to you? Why?
-
How would you characterize the Young Rulers approach to Jesus and eternal life? In what ways can you identify with him?
-
How would you characterize the ways the kids were approaching Jesus? In what ways can you learn from them?
-
How can you find encouragement in the promise Jesus gives to his disciples regarding homes and families? How might this apply to you?
Discipleship Questions.
-
What are some examples of healthy and unhealthy marriages that you have witnessed. What lessons or principles can you learn from these examples?
-
What is most surprising about what Jesus says in this text? Why?
-
In what sense does obeying Jesus’ commands regarding marriage call us to depend on him in faith?
-
Take some time to pray for your marriage, future spouse, or those whom you know are currently struggling in their marriage.
Discipleship Questions.
-
When Jesus was questioned about marriage and divorce, he referred to Genesis creation. What does this teach us about the origin and purpose of marriage?
-
How does having a shared Biblical understanding of marriage help to protect and encourage us?
-
What part of the text seems most controversial to you personally? Why?
-
Read through Ephesians 5:21-33. How does Biblical marriage display the beauty gospel?
Discipleship Question:
-
Ephesians 1 provides us with a list of our spiritual blessings in Christ. Why do you think Paul mentioned spiritual blessings instead of physical blessings?
-
Take a moment to meditate on the blessings that are ours in Christ (election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, eternal inheritance, sealing by the Spirit).
-
How does these blessings change us in the here and now? (Hint: Ephesians 5)
-
Each of us are prone to look to other “saviors" and other “Lords” to provide us with joy and comfort. Take a moment to pray and confess the ways that you tempted to “practically” reject or ignore the doctrine of Christ Alone.
Discipleship Questions.
-
Before you came to understand the gospel, what did you think was the purpose of the law? How has faith in Jesus changed your understanding?
-
Romans 3:21 teaches us that the Law and the Prophets (short for the Old Testament) point to the gospel. What are some examples of this?
-
How might justification by faith alone affect the way you see and relate to others who struggle with sin?
-
How can justification by faith alone be a powerful motivator for obeying the law?
Pastor Justin Guy from Keyport Bible Fellowship speaks about the Protestant Reformation at a special event hosted at Hale's Ales Barrelhouse in Bremerton, WA
Discipleship Questions.
-
Ephesians describes our condition outside of Christ as death and slavery to sin. What did this look like for you before you came to faith in Jesus?
-
Why is it important to understand what we have been saved from?
-
According to this text, what are some of the implications or benefits of being “in Christ”?
-
How does this text challenge your understanding of God’s love, grace, mercy, and salvation?
Discipleship Questions.
-
The doctrine of Sola Scripture states that the Scriptures are the only infallible authority for the church. How can this doctrine protect the church from corruption, both morally and doctrinally?
-
What other “authorities” are you tempted to submit to in place of the Scriptures?
-
Take some time to read through Psalm 19. What does this Psalm teach us about the two primary ways God speaks to us? How are they similar? How are they different?
-
Before the Protestant Reformation, ordinary people did not have access to the Bible. How has access to the Word of God benefited you? In what ways can you grow in appreciation and understanding of the Word?
Discipleship Questions.
-
What ideas or beliefs, if any, did you have about hell growing up? How have they changed?
-
Why do you think Jesus speaks so graphically about the reality of hell?
-
How does what we know about Jesus character from Mark affect the way we hear his challenging words from this text?
-
What would be some practical implications for a solid Biblical understand of the doctrine of hell?
Discipleship Questions.
-
What do you believe Jesus is primarily concerned with in this text? How would you sum up with Jesus is saying in this text in your own words?
-
Jesus instructs his disciples to violently oppose their own sin. What areas of sin in your own life have you neglected to address?
-
How is it that grace can be free and costly at the same time?
-
How has God been transforming your heart through fire? Take a moment to thank God for his faithfulness in your own life.
Discipleship Questions.
-
Why do you think the idea of a dying King would have been so unexpected for the disciples? What about our own day?
-
Mark reveals that the disciples hearts were bent on personal greatness. How does Jesus redefine our definition of “greatness”?
-
What is most challenging about “receiving children”? Who are the children that Jesus is calling you to receive?
-
Rivalry and jealousy have no place in Jesus’ Kingdom. What do you think drives our sense of rivalry or jealousy? Take some time to thank God for and to pray for some of the other churches in our community.
Discipleship Questions.
-
If you had approached the scene in this text, what would have been most shocking to you? Why?
-
What does Jesus’ response of frustration in verse 19 reveal about the way he sees the world?
-
How has God used times of desperation or suffering in your own life to grow your faith and dependance upon him?
-
Jesus teaches us that there is a direct correlation between personal devotion and public mission. How does prayer, bible reading, and regular worship help prepare you for life and mission in the world?
Discipleship Questions:
-
The transfiguration story is loaded with imagery. What are the images and how do they draw attention to Jesus? Why are these images used?
-
The cloud speaks, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” What are the disciples to listen for? What is Jesus saying?
-
How does Mark 1:14-15 fit in with the transfiguration text?
-
How does the transfiguration story apply to the Gospel? What does this text mean for us today?
Discipleship Questions:
-
Consider a time when you had a wrong view of someone. How did this effect your ability to love or relate to them?
-
How might people in your life answer the question “who do you say I am?” How does our culture's view of Jesus differ from what Jesus has revealed about himself through the Bible?
-
In what areas of your life do you need to exercise self-denial as a way to love and embrace Jesus?
-
What does it look like to have a biblical community that encourages you to turn from your old self and turn to Jesus? Who in your life can encourage you this way?
Discipleship Questions: 1. The Gospel of Mark confronts us with the reality of Jesus as King. In what ways does King Jesus challenge you or challenge the way that you approach life by default?
-
When the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign, they are not coming to Jesus for help in their faith but rather are confronting Jesus with the challenge that he prove himself to them. This kind of approach to God assumes a position towards God in which we are the judge and God is on trial. In what ways are you prone to such a a disposition?
-
Idolatry, placing our ultimate hope in anything other than God, has a way of making us deaf and blind to the beauty of the Gospel. What are you prone to make into an idol? How do we keep on guard against idols?
Questions.
-
There are a number of odd and potentially offensive elements to these two stories. What elements stand out to you most? Why? How do they challenge your view of Jesus?
-
Mark clearly portrays Jesus as the Messiah who embraces the “other”. While we may not call people “dogs” we all have people that we consider as “then”. Who do you tend to label this way? Why? How can the gospel change the way you view outsiders?
-
How do the stories of physical healing in Mark’s gospel impact your understanding the gospel? The Kingdom? Of God?
-
How does this story challenge you to trust and obey Jesus? What areas of your life need to change in light of what Mark teaches us about Jesus?
Discipleship Questions
-
What stands out to you about the rituals of washing hands and observing traditions?
-
In what ways do you struggle with justifying yourself before God or others through rule following and obeying?
-
What is challenging for you to believe when Jesus says that the heart is what defiles us? How does the Gospel speak good news into this?
-
In what ways can you share the good news of the Gospel to others this week?
-
Take a moment to list some of the miracles recorded in Mark thus far. What sort of picture do the miracles paint of Jesus?
-
What does this text teach us about the prayer life of Jesus? How does this challenge/encourage/convict you?
-
Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal himself in the midst of a storm?
-
In what ways have you experience the peaceful presence of Jesus in your life?
Discipleship Questions:
-
How do you respond when your plans are interrupted by the needs of others? What does your response reveal about your priorities and commitments?
-
The disciples assessed their situation in light of their own resources. In what situations are you most prone to trust in your own ability and neglect the power and provision of God?
-
In compassion, Jesus taught the crowd many things. How does Jesus’ response challenge your notion of compassion? In what sense can teaching be an act of compassion?
-
Why do you think Jesus provided enough food to fill 12 extra baskets? What was he trying to teach his disciples? What are the implications for you?
-
Read Psalm 20:7. Take a moment to consider what “horses and chariots” would have meant to people in that day. Take some time to identify what things you are tempted to trust in other than God.
-
Read through Mark 6:14-29. Make a list of the ways you see Herod’s idolatry affecting his life as well as the people around him.
-
Take some time to consider how your own idolatry has affected you and those around you.
-
Thomas Chalmers argued that the only way to deal with our idols is to replace them with the glory of God. What would this practically look like in your own life?
-
How would you describe the relationship between Herod and John the baptist? Have you ever experience a similar relationship with another person? What was that like?
-
What does John’s conduct teach you about what grace and discipleship look like in real life?
-
What do you find most challenging about John’s conduct? Why?
-
Herod responds to John in some very unexpected ways. What might his varied responses teach you about mission and discipleship?
Discipleship Questions. 1. How will you grow inwardly in your love and devotion to God through personal study and prayer this year?
-
How will you grow outwardly in Christian community with others in the coming months?
-
How will you grow upwardly in your worship of God?
-
What competing priorities may need to be adjusted in order for you to be more committed to the corporate gathering of God’s people for worship?
Discipleship Questions. 1. Why do you think Luke mentions Caesar Augustus and the decree that went out? Why is this important?
-
Luke tells us that a very large group of angels announced the birth of Jesus to poor shepherds. What might the significance of this be?
-
The angels brought the shepherds good news, not good advice. Why is this distinction so important?
-
What other “lords” distract your heart with the offer of peace?
Discipleship Questions. 1. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?
-
What does this text teach us about the purpose and power of the Holy Spirit?
-
What stands out to you most about Mary’s song? Why?
-
What does Mary’s song teach us about the values of the Kingdom of God?
Discipleship Questions. 1. What stands out most to you from Luke 1:26-38? Why?
-
Consider what Gabriel the angle says concerning who Mary’s baby is. What does this teach us about the identity of Jesus?
-
Read Isaiah 7:14. Consider that those words were written approximately 750 years before the birth of Jesus. How does this affect the way you look at the Bible? The birth of Jesus?
-
Mary responds to the angels words with bold confidence. How can the Christmas story grow your confidence in the power of God?
Discipleship Questions. 1. Read Luke 6:27-36. What stands out to you most? What is most confusing or challenging?
-
If you could ask Jesus one question about his words in this text, what would it be?
-
What principles can you take away from this text?
-
What would it look like it you applied those principles to the way you do Christmas?
Discipleship Questions. 1. What are some things that you are thankful for? What are different ways that you can give God thanks for the grace in your life? 2. Have you ever experienced joy during a trial or suffering? How is that joy different than other types of joy you have experienced? 3. How can remembering who God is and what He is like bring you encouragement? 4. In what ways do you need to trust the promises of God in your life?
Discipleship Questions. 1. How can religion, the belief that acceptance comes through obedience, keep us from actually knowing God?
-
In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul speaks of the offense of the cross. In what sense is the cross of Christ offensive? Why?
-
What does it mean to “boast in your flesh”? How are you tempted to do this?
-
What does it mean to “boast in the cross”? Why would this produce peace and mercy in your life?
Discipleship Questions. 1. Think of a time when you experienced gentleness, humility, or generosity. What happened? How did it effect you?
-
How do gentleness, humility, and generosity all reflect the heart of Jesus?
-
Which of these three attributes do you think needs the most attention in your life today?
-
In what ways might believing the gospel produce more gentleness, humility, and generosity in your life?
*1. What hope does the promise of verse 16 offer a believer?
*2. Read Galatians 5:19-25. What is the root of the contrast between the two ways of living described here?
*3 Consider the character qualities which are called “the fruit of the Spirit” in verses 22 and 23. What is significant about the fact atet why are called “fruit” in contrast with the “acts” of the sinful nature?
*4. Which of the fruit of the Spirit have you sensed in yourself or been told that other see in you? Which of the fruit of the Spirit do you chronically lack?
- questions taken from John Stott’s study guide on Galatians.
Discipleship Questions.
-
Paul says that the life of a Christian is in many ways similar to a race. How did your race begin?
-
Read Revelation 21:3-5. What excites you most about God’s future? What confuses you most?
-
As we run, there is great danger in falling into the ditch religion (salvation through the law) or the ditch of antinomianism (obedience doesn’t matter). Which ditch do you find most dangerous for you?
-
How can the gospel help you to "eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness”?
Discipleship Questions. 1. Have you ever been baptized? Why or why not? 2. Why do you think that Jesus commanded, not merely suggested, that all believers be baptized? 3. Read Romans 6:3-5. What does this text teach us about baptism? Is it a symbol? Does it do something? 4. In what ways is baptism a powerful picture of the gospel?
Discipleship Questions:
- What does it mean to be an exile and how might seeing yourself as an exile affect the way you view your community?
- What do you find most difficult when it comes to seeking the welfare of people who oppose you?
- What unique gifts, abilities, talents, or resources could you invest in our community?
- In what ways has Jesus fulfilled all that Jeremiah commanded to Israel in exile? How can Jesus’ obedience motivate your own obedience?
Discipleship Questions. 1. What does it mean to be created in the image and likeness of God? How does this affect the way we view ourselves? Our neighbors? Our community? 2. How can a Biblical understanding of creation transform the way you relate to your job or vocation? 3. Why do you think the church has tended to be silent about issues pertaining to nurturing and caring for the earth? 4. How can a Biblical view of creation enrich your understanding of the gospel and Jesus’ mission?
1. How do you see the Trinity at work in these verses? 2. What are some situations in which you especially need to hear again that you as an individual are a child of God? 3. When are you most in danger of living as a slave and not a son? Taken from N.T. Wrights Galatians study guide. Taken from Tim Keller’s Galatians study guide.
Discipleship Questions. 1. Think back to your conversion, or the first time you understood the gospel. How did your view of God’s law change? 2. How does knowing God’s law increase your gratitude to Christ? What difference does this make to your affections? 3. Why do you obey God’s law? Do you ever obey it for the wrong reasons? Taken from Tim Keller’s Galatians study guide.
Disicipleship Questions. 1. In what ways are you tempted to forget the gospel and to look to your own work for the basis of your acceptance with God? 2. How does having righteousness credited to us change the way we see ourselves? Our Christian lives? Jesus Christ? 3. Paul reminds us that Christ was portrayed to us as crucified. Why is this so important? How can you remind yourself of this truth? taken from Tim Keller’s Galatians study guide
Discipleship Questions. 1. Have there been times in your life when you have begun to think that your performance counts towards your salvation? what caused you to think this way? 2. What are the “nice” and “proper” attitudes that your culture and upbringing has taught you? How could you add these on to belief in Christ as an expectation for other Christians? *3. Do you ever feel guilty or insecure on your relationship with God? What might this be telling you about how you view your acceptance with him? 4. What could you do to remind yourself of the freedom you have in Christ? * this question was taken from Tim Keller’s study guide on Galatians.
Discipleship Questions. 1. What does the text explicitly and implicitly teach us about the gospel? 2. In what sense is the gospel exclusive? In what sense is the gospel inclusive? 3. Why do you think the Apostle Paul uses such harsh language in verses 8-9? 4. How might you be tempted to “distort” the gospel?