Mar 3, 2024
True Center: John 2:13-22
Series: Lent 2024
We typically use this passage to justify our anger, but there is more at work here. When reading scripture, it is always good to ask, “What is God doing in this text?” to filter out our inclination toward self-centered readings. Yes, in John 2 God demonstrates a concern for justice in the workings of religion, but is also moving the center of worship from the physical temple in Jerusalem to the person of Jesus. We take for granted the ease of accessibility in worship, but it is important to remember the significance of Jesus being the center of our worship.
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
  • Mar 3, 2024True Center: John 2:13-22
    Mar 3, 2024
    True Center: John 2:13-22
    Series: Lent 2024
    We typically use this passage to justify our anger, but there is more at work here. When reading scripture, it is always good to ask, “What is God doing in this text?” to filter out our inclination toward self-centered readings. Yes, in John 2 God demonstrates a concern for justice in the workings of religion, but is also moving the center of worship from the physical temple in Jerusalem to the person of Jesus. We take for granted the ease of accessibility in worship, but it is important to remember the significance of Jesus being the center of our worship.
  • Feb 25, 2024Losing and Finding:​ Mark 8:31-38​
    Feb 25, 2024
    Losing and Finding:​ Mark 8:31-38​
    Series: Lent 2024
    Continuing the theme of trusting God’s sustenance, Mark 8 calls us to consider what defines success in life. True life is a life lived in communion with God, and that might mean sacrificing the ideals, goals, and expectations that the world has for a “normal life.” All of which requires that we trust in God to provide for us rather than ourselves.
  • Feb 18, 2024God Sustains​ Mark 1:9-15​
    Feb 18, 2024
    God Sustains​ Mark 1:9-15​
    Series: Lent 2024
    It is in our moments of testing that the essence of our faith is revealed, as we grapple with the fundamental question: Will we rely on our own strength or surrender to the sustaining power of God?
  • Feb 17, 2024Drop Everything: Mark 1:14-20
    Feb 17, 2024
    Drop Everything: Mark 1:14-20
    There’s something about Jesus that compels people to drop whatever they are doing and change direction. When he calls people stop everything to follow Jesus and join in the work he is doing. Jesus is contagious, compelling, magnetic, and life changing. Jesus has come near, so we repent and believe the good news – dropping everything to pick up our crosses.
  • Feb 11, 2024Listening in Fear: Mark 9:2-9
    Feb 11, 2024
    Listening in Fear: Mark 9:2-9
    We spend a lot of time talking to God, or talking at God is probably more accurate. A lot of that talk comes from a place of fear, much like Peter here in Mark 9. Fear of the circumstances of life, fear of the unknown, or even fear of God’s punishment. However, Mark 9:2-9 reminds us of the need to listen to Jesus in these moments of fear, and in listening we find peace.
  • Feb 4, 2024Presentations: Luke 2:22-40
    Feb 4, 2024
    Presentations: Luke 2:22-40
    Simeon proclaims an odd assortment of identity markers about Jesus: light to the gentiles, glory to Israel, salvation for all, falling and rising of many, a sign to be opposed, and a sword that pierces souls. How is it that Jesus can be presented all of these ways? How do we present Jesus to others?
  • Jan 28, 2024Expectations: Mark 1:21-28
    Jan 28, 2024
    Expectations: Mark 1:21-28
    The unclean spirit asks an interesting question: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” I wonder what we expect Jesus to be? The spirit in Mark expects destruction, do we? Or do we expect something else entirely. More importantly, is what we expect in alignment with who Jesus is?
  • Jan 14, 2024Fear or Joy: Matthew 2:1-12
    Jan 14, 2024
    Fear or Joy: Matthew 2:1-12
    Matthew presents a dichotomy between the reactions of Herod and the Magi as they hear the news of Jesus’ birth. Where one responds with joy, the other with fear. It begs us the question of how we approach Jesus – with fear or joy?
  • Jan 7, 2024Grace and Truth​: John 1:1-18​
    Jan 7, 2024
    Grace and Truth​: John 1:1-18​
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of Grace and Truth. Do we reflect his likeness?
  • Dec 24, 2023A Notable Birth
    Dec 24, 2023
    A Notable Birth
    Series: Advent
    A Notable Birth that continues to bless us today.
  • Dec 17, 2023Straight Paths​
    Dec 17, 2023
    Straight Paths​
    Series: Advent
    John's call to make the paths straight is about clearing the debris. As we prepare for Christ, let's actively engage in the work of spiritual landscaping—removing the obstacles and making room for His presence.
  • Dec 10, 2023Age of Emmanuel​: Mark 1:1-8​
    Dec 10, 2023
    Age of Emmanuel​: Mark 1:1-8​
    Series: Advent
    The incarnation is the pivotal moment when the Infinite took on finitude, the Eternal entered time, and the Unseen became visible.
  • Dec 3, 2023Anticipating Christ​
    Dec 3, 2023
    Anticipating Christ​
    Series: Advent
    As we anticipate the return of Christ we actively participate in his kingdom of compassion, justice, and mercy.
  • Nov 19, 2023Persevering Readiness​: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11​
    Nov 19, 2023
    Persevering Readiness​: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11​
    Being alert and prepared for the day of the Lord requires perseverance. We'll reflect on the call to remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, knowing that our Lord's return is certain. 
  • Nov 12, 2023Persevering Hope: 1 Thes 4:13-18
    Nov 12, 2023
    Persevering Hope: 1 Thes 4:13-18
    Christ's return and the resurrection underscore our perseverance in hope. This blessed hope keeps us steadfast in our Christian walk.
  • Nov 5, 2023Persevering Encouragement: 1 Thes 2:9-13
    Nov 5, 2023
    Persevering Encouragement: 1 Thes 2:9-13
    The diligent labor and unwavering faith of both Paul and the Thessalonians is an encouragement to us. We follow their example to persevere in our efforts and stand strong in our faith.
  • Oct 29, 2023Persevere as a Family: 1 Thes 2:1-8
    Oct 29, 2023
    Persevere as a Family: 1 Thes 2:1-8
    Paul’s ministry was not without criticism and trial, but he uses the language of family to remind the Thessalonians to persevere together.  In the face of difficulty we too lean on each other to persevere in our own faith journey.
  • Oct 22, 2023Steadfast Perseverance: 1 Thes 1:1-10
    Oct 22, 2023
    Steadfast Perseverance: 1 Thes 1:1-10
    The Thessalonian believers' steadfastness amidst opposition as an inspiring example of Christian perseverance. Their faithfulness in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Oct 15, 2023Persevere in Rejoicing: Philippians 4:1-8
    Oct 15, 2023
    Persevere in Rejoicing: Philippians 4:1-8
    There is enduring strength in prayer and virtuous thinking. These practices not only sustain our faith but also help us persevere, even rejoice, in times of trial.
  • Oct 8, 2023Persevere in Joy​: Philippians 3:4-14
    Oct 8, 2023
    Persevere in Joy​: Philippians 3:4-14
    Joy and gratitude are sources of resilience in our faith. A joyful heart and a thankful spirit can help us endure hardships and cultivate a Christ-centered perspective.