The Apostle Paul reveals what is at the heart of saving faith: believing God’s promises no matter the circumstances, even when one “hopes against hope”. It is God’s faithfulness that we have faith in, not our own. Opening Hymn: “Praise to the Lord” Ministry of Music: Ed Muelling – “Amazing Grace with My Chains Are Gone” Closing Doxology: “Praise God from Whom…
Paul writes from prison to a church he has never personally visited. He expresses his joy over their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He delights in their faith, hope, and love. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” at 7:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87042421327 Password is the same for regulars. Contact Jenny or Rich if you need it.
Our spirituality should be simple, pure, and honest. We do not practice piety to be noticed by others but to please God. Good works like almsgiving, prayer, and fasting should be done, first and foremost, for God’s sake, regardless of human recognition or reward. God wants our hearts and not just our hands. Wholeness and integrity are the goal. Opening Hymn: Worship…
The overwhelming and terrifying experience of Jesus’ transfiguration causes Peter to babble until God’s voice declares clearly, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him!” The experience defies full understanding, but the closest disciples completely fail to “get the point”. Opening Hymn: O Worship the King Closing Doxology: Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Chained to Roman soldier, imprisoned for his faith, the Apostle Paul uses a soldier’s equipment to describe the virtues Christ’s followers must “put on” in order to fight the good fight of faith. Christ’s followers wage a different kind of war than the world expects – a spiritual battle of truth, righteousness, and peace. All are facets of love. Paul concludes by…
In order to comfort an exiled people, the prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s immeasurable greatness and majestic holiness. There is no one and no thing like God. Nothing and no one can compare. The prophet wants the exiled community to know that God has not forgotten them because God can’t and won’t forget them. God is greater than we can imagine and…
Last week we covered the first three components of the “armor of God” – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace. In this week’s session, we consider the other three components – the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. These three components all share an outward-orientation, for we stand…
The religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus using “human bait” but Jesus refuses to play their game. The relevance of the whole event is best captured in Carl Sandburg’s quote, “The single clenched fist lifted and ready, Or the open asking hand held out and waiting. Choose: For we meet by one or the other.” Opening Hymn: Fairest Lord Jesus Closing Doxology:…
Paul begins his description of God’s subversive and counter-cultural “armor” by speaking of the importance of truth, justice, and peace-making. He is opposed to fighting the world’s powers in the world’s way. Instead he calls us to follow in the way of Christ and be a “soldier of truth, justice, and peace” in a world of deception, injustice, and division. Join us…
The dominant action of Jesus’ public ministry is the proclamation of the gospel, which Mark summarizes in this way: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” The appropriate response to this good news is repentance and belief. Opening Hymn: Be Thou My Vision Closing Doxology: Now Thank We All Our God