The creation, the Creator, and the King… A battle begins, and the world is cursed. The devil and his purpose versus God and His. The choosing of a people, and God’s promise of a coming King who will destroy the enemies of God. Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, […]
Jesus is King! The beginning was perfect both spiritually and physically. Then there was the great rebellion and its consequence, the curse. Jesus came, and Kingdoms collided. He came as a lamb to offer Himself for our sin—to pay for the decision to sin and rebel. He is a relational King. He came to reveal […]
The End of Summer Pit Stop: We need pit stops often to recalibrate. This summer, we have sought to walk through the book of Mark and to focus on Jesus. We have answered the questions, “Who Is Jesus? What does it mean to be His disciple?” and looked at Jesus’ mission, the cross, Jesus’ commands, […]
We all need a pit crew, but we are all part of others’ pit crews, as well. Often times we see ourselves as the driver in the race and not as a pit crew for others. Philippians 2:1–8 (NIV) 1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I CAN BE OK WITHOUT THE CHURCH.” WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS? BIBLICAL FOUNDATION The Bible alone gives a clear and complete picture of what God wants done (His mission) and how He wants it done (His methods). Genesis 2:18 (NIV) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I CAN BE OK WITH GOD WITHOUT THE CHURCH.” IS THIS TRUE? We often hear: I am closer to God in the mountains. People are too hard, so it’s just me and God. A few of us will just meet in our living room because we don’t agree with the church. I […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I CAN BE OK WITHOUT THE CHURCH.” IS THIS TRUE? So many want a church they like, and others say, “There is no church I like.” What does God’s Word say? Jesus made disciples and then sent them out to make disciples—to build the church. (Matthew 28:19-20) The […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I’VE BEEN ATTENDING CHURCH ALL MY LIFE, SO I’M A MATURE BELIEVER.” SPIRITUAL MATURITY: WHAT IS IT? Loving and valuing what Jesus loves and values Continually growing and being more and more like Jesus A life-long process that is obtained through relationship with God and others WHAT DOES JESUS LOVE AND VALUE? […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING CHURCH MY WHOLE LIFE, SO I AM A MATURE BELIEVER.” Remember: Our mission is to make disciples, baptize, and teach to obey all Jesus commanded. Our mission is to do with others what Jesus did with the first disciples. They did this in the church. […]
MYTH: “AS A CHRISTIAN, LIFE WILL BE ALL GOOD. IT WILL GO MY WAY.” DON’T BE SURPRISED 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) 12Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his […]
THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “IF I’M A CHRISTIAN, LIFE SHOULD BE EASY.” A DISCIPLE OF JESUS IS: Committed to following Jesus Committed to being changed by Jesus Committed to the mission of Jesus WHAT ARE THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS KNOWN FOR? Loving one another Generosity Serving Believing LOVE/RELATIONSHIPS ARE NOT […]
Matthew 7:24–27 QUESTIONS AND REFLECTION Define the sand in your life. Some unproductive hobbies might be social media, binge watching TV and YouTube, aimlessly browsing the internet, or watching spectator sports. What are your big rocks, your most important principles? Audit your time, energy, and money—if you look at your calendars and […]
AS BELIEVERS, WE ARE BECOMING MATURE DISCIPLES Matthew 4:19 (NIV84) Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Disciples are following Jesus, being changed by Him, and are committed to His mission—in the “four spheres.” THE CONCEPT OF FAKE NEWS In our culture, we hear this term […]
JUDGING—SHOULD WE JUDGE PEOPLE OR NOT? Judge: form an opinion or conclusion about Judgmental: having or displaying an excessively critical point of view1 Matthew 7:1-5 1Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will […]
THIS WEEK: HATE SPEECH How do we speak about the truth? Remember the warning that if we want to live a godly life, we will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12) THE CONTEXT OF STEPHEN: THE DISCIPLES Acts 4:8–12 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If […]