After a glorious display of courage, Elijah is overcome with despair and flees to a cave. He prays that God would take his life, because he feels that his faithfulness is in vain. God tenderly and compassionately tends to his wounded heart with food, counsel, and a series of intense revelations – fire, wind, earthquake – that concludes with “the sound of…
In defense of Paul’s legitimacy as an Apostle called into question by the “super-apostles”, Paul “foolishly” boasts in himself. However, unlike the “super-apostles”, he does not boast of his skills or physical strength, but instead, “boasts in his weakness”. For Paul has learned that it is through his weaknesses that God’s power is most fully displayed. Join us for our “After the…
In fear for their lives on the stormy sea, the disciples are shocked by a strange apparition walking on the waves that claims to be Jesus. Peter seeks to prove the identity of this unexpected visitor by getting out of the boat and walking on the waves to Jesus. For a moment, he is successful, but the sight of the winds proves…
The “super-apostles” have sought to undermine Paul’s authority by questioning his appearance, critiquing his speech, and scoffing at his sufferings, ultimately accusing Paul of being “all bark and no bite” – bold when away, but a wimp in person. Paul defends himself by speaking of his boldness in Christ that shapes his ministry through “meekness and gentleness”. He does not want the…
Jacob’s life was characterized by deception and foolhardy ambition and he paid the price for it in having to flee his home out of fear for his life. Twenty years later when he returns, he encounters God in the form of a man who wrestles with him throughout the night. In the end, Jacob’s name (which means “deceiver”) is changed to Israel…
Paul concludes his appeal to the Corinthians to complete their “Jerusalem Offering” by seeking to motivate them to “sow generously” in order that they might be “cheerful givers” who reflect the abundant giving of God. Paul’s practical principles on how and why to give are timeless, and helpful in nurturing a generous and joyful heart. Join us for our “After the Through…
The conclusion of Romans 8 is considered by many Christians to be one of the greatest statements of assurance and comfort offered in the sacred writings. In the midst of a groaning creation riddled with struggles, anxieties, injustice, and fears, the Apostle boldly argues for the absolute triumph of God’s love, concluding that “nothing will be able to separate us from the…
The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian church to follow up on its good intentions (yet poor execution) in regard to the “Jerusalem Collection”. In order to persuade the Corinthians, Paul does not use the language of the marketplace – speaking of dollars, cents, etc. – but instead uses the language of grace, pointing to God’s extravagant grace revealed in Christ: “For you…
In the middle of one of the most encouraging and inspiring chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes of a three-fold groaning, a “symphony of sighs” experienced by the world, ourselves, and God. It is in this hopeful groaning in a suffering world that we find ourselves, and it is precisely here where God is at work. Opening Hymn: Morning Has…
After an extraordinarily long digression, Paul returns to his story about his panicked search for Titus, speaking openly of the unrest and worry that accompanied it. He then describes how overjoyed he is that the Corinthians had experienced “godly sorrow” rather than “worldly sorrow” and thus had been motivated to redemptive actions rather than wallow in their self-pity. Join us for our…