Spirit of Empowerment: Acts 1:1-11
In Acts 1:1-11, we encounter the scene of Jesus' ascension, where He instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the essential role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for the mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Just as the disciples were commissioned to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, so too are we empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the message of salvation and participate in God's redemptive work in the world. The ascension reminds us of the ongoing presence and power of Christ through the Holy Spirit, equipping us for the task of making disciples and advancing the Kingdom of God.
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- May 12, 2024Spirit of Empowerment: Acts 1:1-11
Spirit of Empowerment: Acts 1:1-11In Acts 1:1-11, we encounter the scene of Jesus' ascension, where He instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the essential role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for the mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Just as the disciples were commissioned to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, so too are we empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the message of salvation and participate in God's redemptive work in the world. The ascension reminds us of the ongoing presence and power of Christ through the Holy Spirit, equipping us for the task of making disciples and advancing the Kingdom of God.
- May 5, 2024Spirit of Inclusion: Acts 10:44-48
Spirit of Inclusion: Acts 10:44-48In Acts 10:44-48, we witness the Holy Spirit being poured out not only on Jewish believers but also on Gentiles, challenging the early Church's understanding of who is included in God's kingdom. The conversion of Cornelius and his household highlights God's inclusive love and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the community of faith. This passage calls us to embrace diversity within the Church and to recognize that the Holy Spirit is not bound by human categories but moves freely among all who open their hearts to God's grace.
- Apr 28, 2024Spirit of Awareness: Acts 8:26-40
Spirit of Awareness: Acts 8:26-40In Acts 8:26-40, we witness the Holy Spirit guiding Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, facilitating the encounter that leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism. Through this narrative, we see how the Spirit orchestrates divine appointments and opens doors for the proclamation of the gospel, even in unexpected places and to unlikely recipients. Philip's obedience to the Spirit's prompting serves as a model for us, reminding us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own lives and to actively engage in sharing the message of salvation with those around us.
- Apr 21, 2024Spirit of Courage: Acts 4:5-12
Spirit of Courage: Acts 4:5-12
In Acts 4:5-12, we witness the bold witness of Peter and John before the religious authorities, despite facing opposition and threats. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter fearlessly proclaims the name of Jesus as the source of healing and salvation, refusing to be silenced by those who seek to suppress the message. This passage challenges us to emulate the courage and conviction of Peter and John, standing firm in our faith and boldly proclaiming the truth of Christ even in the face of opposition and adversity.
- Apr 14, 2024Spirit of Repentance: Acts 3:12-19
Spirit of Repentance: Acts 3:12-19In Acts 3:12-19, we encounter the healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate, an event that serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Peter's subsequent proclamation of repentance and forgiveness underscores the intimate connection between personal transformation and the proclamation of the gospel message. As witnesses to God's healing and redeeming power, we're called to boldly testify to the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of new life found in Him, inviting others into a life-changing encounter with the living Christ.
- Apr 7, 2024Spirit of Caring: Acts 4:32-35
Spirit of Caring: Acts 4:32-35In Acts 4:32-35, the early Christian community exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit through their radical generosity and communal living. Their shared resources were not a result of coercion but flowed naturally from their shared commitment to Christ. This passage challenges us to consider how the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit can inspire similar acts of generosity and mutual support in our own communities today.
- Mar 31, 2024Fearless Witness: Mark 16:1-8
Fearless Witness: Mark 16:1-8Easter Sunday means proclaiming the gospel, first and foremost. It is a time to tell the age-old story with freshness and boldness. Which is an odd pairing with Mark 16:1-8, which ends with silence and fear. How do we feel about the story, and how do we respond?
- Mar 24, 2024Taking the Form of a Servant
Taking the Form of a ServantPhil 2:5-11. What does it look like when we have the mind of Christ as a body of believers?
- Mar 17, 2024Choosing Glory: John 12:20-33
Choosing Glory: John 12:20-33As Jesus looks toward the cross, he asks an important question, “What should I say – Father, save me from this hour?”. Faced with the choice of going to the cross or not, he still chose the cross for one specific reason: that God’s name be glorified. Jesus chose the cross for the opportunity for God to work in that suffering to bring glory to God. Could we do the same? Could we also allow God to work through our suffering for God’s glory?
- Mar 3, 2024True Center: John 2:13-22
True Center: John 2:13-22We 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
Losing and Finding: Mark 8:31-38Continuing 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
God Sustains Mark 1:9-15It 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
Drop Everything: Mark 1:14-20There’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
Listening in Fear: Mark 9:2-9We 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
Presentations: Luke 2:22-40Simeon 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
Expectations: Mark 1:21-28The 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
Fear or Joy: Matthew 2:1-12Matthew 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
Grace and Truth: John 1:1-18And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of Grace and Truth. Do we reflect his likeness?
- Dec 24, 2023A Notable Birth
A Notable BirthA Notable Birth that continues to bless us today.
- Dec 17, 2023Straight Paths
Straight PathsJohn'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.
