In light of this unprecedented season, we are beginning a series entitled “As We Wait: Faithfulness in Uncertainty.” What would God have us do in this season of waiting? This week, from 1 Peter 1:3-9, Dave reminded us that we do have purpose; our purpose in trial is found in God’s purpose; and this purpose is the refining of our faith in Him.
Read MoreAcross history and even today, Christians have disagreed a lot about what it means to be a Christian. One slogan that helps us navigate these differences is: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, freedom; in all things, love." But what is essential and non-essential? These two stories from Luke 9 help us with the answer.
Read MoreWhen Jesus finds the disciples arguing about who among them is the greatest, he reminds them that his kingdom is not like anything they're used to. To be great, you must be the least, and you can't get more "least" than receiving a child.
Read MoreWhen the disciples return from preaching the gospel and performing miracles throughout Judea, they want to spend some time resting with Jesus. Jesus' idea of rest, however, was different from theirs. At first, they were frustrated, but in the end, all were satisfied.
Read MoreAfter watching Jesus perform miracles and announce the arrival of God's Kingdom, he sends the twelve disciples out to do the same. Isn't this a little risky, though? Luke 9 reminds us that following Jesus always involves risk. Indeed, we can't follow Jesus without speaking out.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. This is our fifth and final week of the series, where we will hear about Jesus' death and resurrection and all that Christ's work accomplished.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. In Week Four, we look closely at the message and miracles of Jesus, and also his enemies.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we continue God's story, including The Exodus, The Law and Prophets, and The Coming of Jesus.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we continue God's story, including Cain and Abel, The Flood, and The Covenant.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays have less liturgy to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we wrestle through the beginning of God's story, including the First Creatures, the First Humans, and Separation.
Read MoreIn Luke 9, the disciples finally connect that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah! But do they know what that means for Jesus? Do they know what that means for them?
Read MoreWhen people learned Jesus was a healer, they flocked to him in droves. In today's story, we not only learn that Jesus has the power to heal and raise the dead. We also learn that Jesus is after more than just healing. What else does Jesus want for us?
Read MoreWhat is behind the world's brokenness? The gospels not only show Jesus performing miracles to restore people's life and health. That alone is not enough, because behind these physical needs is a spiritual enemy ready to hurt and kill again. In this passage, Jesus casts out demons -- proving that demons are real but that Jesus is stronger.
Read MoreSo far in Luke, we've read a lot of miracle accounts. That's because Luke believes they prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Do we believe in miracles, though? What are they and what do they mean for us?
Read MoreJesus knew that not everyone heard him the same. The gospel lands differently in different hearts. To help us understand ourselves, he told the Parable of the Soils. Listen as C.J. walks through the difference between hard hearts, shallow hearts, infested hearts, and good hearts.
Read MoreChristians believe that our sins are forgiven when we have faith in Christ. But how do I know that I have faith? Is forgiveness what I really need from Jesus? In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus confirms that forgiveness is what we most need and identifies superior love as the best evidence for the experience of forgiveness.
Read MoreWhat do we do with doubt? Is doubt ever productive? In Luke 7, one of Jesus' most devoted believers doubted Jesus. Listen as Dave finds five healthy qualities in the example of John the Baptist.
Read MoreOur world is haunted by death. We don't always see it, but it's always there. In Luke 7, we read two stories of how Jesus haunts death. He can stop it. He can reverse it. And one day he will destroy it altogether.
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