Paul calls on believers to radically seek to exorcise two types of vices: (1) sexual immorality and greed, and (2) anger and hateful speech. These actions are destructive to self and others and provoke the anger of God. These negatives are to be removed in order to leave room for God’s positive action in our lives – actions which build up others…
From prison, Paul continues to preach and practice the gospel. He continues to rejoice, because no matter how great the trial, God’s power in Christ is greater. Paul’s philosophy is simple: Living is Christ, dying is gain. His win/win philosophy makes him an unstoppable force in serving others in the name of Christ. Opening Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation (Hymnal 311) Closing…
This is the heart of Paul’s spirituality – a spirituality rooted in union with Christ. Because we have been raised with Christ in the past, our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” in the present, and our true selves will one day be revealed with Christ in the future. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible” Zoom Chat at…
While the disciples cower in fear for their lives behind closed doors, Jesus appears bringing words of peace. After their fear is turned to joy, Jesus commissions the disciples to share his mission on earth: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” They must leave the closed doors and enter the world, witnessing of God’s great compassion and forgiving…
Because of God’s boundless grace, our lives are hidden with Christ in God. We believe what we do not completely understand or feel. Because of this, we are tempted to establish more “certain” criteria to evaluate our spiritual state. Through a preoccupation with legalism, mysticism, or ascetism, we lose focus on Christ and become proud, self-centered, and exclusive. Join us for our…
Mark’s ending is abrupt, sober, and subdued. Women come to anoint Jesus’ dead body as a final act of devotion, but they find the stone rolled away from the tomb and inside a messenger who tells them Jesus is risen. He gives them the mission to tell the disciples to go and meet Jesus in Galilee. The women are paralyzed by fear,…
Jesus humbly enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd responds by laying out palm branches and joyfully proclaiming messianic praise: “Hosanna to the King of Israel!” Though initially embraced, Jesus’ new kind of kingship and new kind of kingdom will be ultimately rejected. Opening Hymn: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, Hymnal, #238Ministry of Music: Youth Choir – “The King of Glory” Closing Doxology: All…
Paul urges the Colossians to be united in love, growing in understanding of God’s mystery, Christ Jesus himself. In him is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that elude humanity’s grasp. Having received Christ as Lord, the church is urged to walk in him, growing in faith, overflowing with gratitude. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom…
To encourage a struggling faith community, the author of Hebrews hopes to inspire them to prayerful faithfulness by reminding them of Jesus, our great high priest. During his earthly ministry, he struggled with temptation and labored in prayer, and is therefore perfectly equipped to be our gentle guide in our own challenges. Opening Hymn: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, Hymnal #617…
Paul states the reason for which God appointed him to ministry within the church – to preach Christ, teach wisdom, and present every person complete in Christ. He performs this task with great vigor, for it is in Christ that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found. He rejoices in his suffering which is for the sake of church. Like…