We are turning a page, a rather significant one. We move from Genesis 1-2 to Genesis 3. And so many things change. God nor his love changes, we change. As sin enters the world, we begin to realize that 'things aren't the way they are supposed to be.' We begin to struggle in so many ways as sin affects (infects) every aspect of human existence.
What's so special about the 7th day of the week (Sunday)? Or is it the 1st day of the week (Sunday?) How do you see it? In Scripture, God sees the 7th day as an unbelievable day of joy, rest, play, and beauty! The Sabbath Day is closely associated with another Hebrew work 'SHALOM.'
Everyone has a worldview. What is yours? I'm keen on the Biblical worldview because it speaks so much truth into our reality. Both the good and the bad of this life are contained in it. The best expression of our present reality is found in the Biblical worldview.
Following Jesus... What do we need to know? What is it we believe? How are we to live? Questions... I'm so thankful for the revelation of God in both the universe/creation/physical world and in Scripture.
What does it mean to follow Jesus? How does it look?
In worship today, we look at another image of discipleship - a tree planted by streams of water. Read Psalm 1 and ask yourself what are the blessings of being a tree planted by a stream of water? What is it about water to a tree that gives it life? Where does it show up? How can you know a tree is healthy?
Discipleship... What does it mean? How does it look? Maybe a Biblical image will help: Clay in the Hands of the Potter, capital P. Ever seen a potter work with clay? or have you worked with clay yourself? Discipleship is to be completely in the hands and care of God, with a capital G.
We kickoff this Sunday our intentional Year of Discipleship focus with our weekly rhythm of ministry life, leading us all the way to Easter.
We have journeyed through 1st and 2nd Corinthians together. Sunday, September 7th, we look at the paradoxes of the Gospel. Paul highlights several paradoxes: joy in sorrow, strength in weakness, life in death, generosity in poverty... for we have heard and now know, and trust experience that in Christ, life is lived with greater freedom, glory, and boldness.
We are wrapping up our 2nd Corinthians message series this week and next. This is a series that is building with passion and God's truth. May we enter into the truth of God's Word, leading us to take every thought, action, motivation and desire of the heart captive to Jesus Christ!
Sunday we call an audible, as we break from our 2nd Corinthians message series and take a look at a theme in Scripture that runs from beginning to end, "Do not fear!" God often says, Jesus repeatedly says, and God's message through prophets and angelic messengers to his people is, "Do not fear!"
Do you have sorrow in your heart or something of regret lingering there? Paul speaks about sorrow in two ways - worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow. 2nd Corinthians 7:10 says, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets."
This week: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 God's reconciliation through Christ compels us to be reconciled to God and to others. Are you noticing a theme? What God has done through Jesus in reconciling us to God compels us to a life of reconciliation with others. It all hinges on what God has done: "God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us."
In Second Corinthians Chapter 4, human beings are referred to as jars of clay. "God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness' made his light shine in our hearts... we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Everyone has troubles. But where can we get some comfort? Paul says our comfort is found in 'the God of all comfort, who is the father of compassion and all comfort. But there is more, not only am I comforted, but then I in turn can comfort others.
Since we have been saved from sin and saved to a new life! We see that we are saved for the ministry of reconciliation, verse 18. This Sunday we will see what that is and how it works in our life! As ambassadors of King Jesus!
The New Birth! Foundation verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17. Getting a solid understanding of what is the New Birth. So now as a believer I can see who I am In Christ! How I am now a new creature! The old is gone! The new has come! When you understand the New Birth, you will understand more fully your life.
Sunday the 6th, we make the transition from 1st Corinthians to 2nd Corinthians. Some time has passed between Paul's two letters as he refers to what seems to be, other communication with them, either a letter between these two, or an in person visit. If you thought the 1st Corinthian letter had some strong corrective teaching in it, this potential missing letter was much stronger.
The text for Sunday is 1 Corinthians 11:1-15. This text is challenging for us today for several reasons. We read it and go, "Huh?" What does that mean? Women must keep their head covered in worship? How do we understand this?
This Sunday, Jesus' resurrection takes center stage. Jesus' resurrection is the most profound mystery (truth) the world will ever know. It's the central teaching of the Christian faith alongside the cross of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15 is the longest chapter in Paul's letter to the church of Corinth by far. What's the topic? The Resurrection!