John19:38-20:10
The tomb is empty. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Glory! In Him we now see the living God in all of his radiant glory, and the universe will never be the same again.
Good Friday: How Deep the Father's Love for Us
John 3:16-20
How deep the Father's love for us? How vast beyond all measure? That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. Only this love can make a Friday of death "good."
Palm Sunday: The King Received
John12:13-19
On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A great crowd comes out to receive him as King. But that reception is short lived. It takes more than palm branches to truly receive Christ as King.
Discussion Questions
Abiding: He Gives. Wait.
Isaiah 40:27–31
When you feel like God isn't showing up, you know the solution. Go back to God.
Abiding: Enter His Rest
Hebrews 4:1–13
In our passage we read much about “rest.” What is God’s rest? Sabbath rest? Eternal rest? How can we know this rest, and what things can we do to grow into all that God offers?
Abiding: Refuge
Psalm 46
In a world going mad, where is there any hope of comfort or stability? In this, and this only: "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Transcendent Prayer
Ephesians 6
Transcendent prayer goes beyond physical needs, material needs, social needs, and comfort needs, even needs of freedom. It is a supplication for the greater need of the kingdom and is focused on the very vision and mission entrusted by the Lord.
Abiding: The Rest Giver
Matthew 11:25–30
.Jesus doesn't get frustrated when we come to Him for fresh forgiveness—for mercy and love! Or even when we come in distress and in need and in emptiness... BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT HE CAME TO HEAL!
Abiding: Sheltered
Psalm 91
Having God as a shelter and refuge gives strength and courage to the people of God!
Abiding: Abide in Me
John 15:1–17
What does it mean to abide in Jesus? The call to follow Jesus isn’t one defined by individual moments – it is a lifestyle.
Entrusted for Endurance: Enduring Witness
2 Timothy 4:1–22
Paul concludes his letter to Timothy with a charge that ensures an enduring witness. We would all do well to consider how our lives are being lived for endurance.
Entrusted for Endurance: Enduring Conduct
2 Timothy 3:10–17
In contrast to the "appearance of godliness" in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, the apostle Paul offers two essentials for endurance in true godliness. Don't miss this equipping!
Entrusted for Endurance: Power of Godliness
2 Timothy 3:1–9
Paul offers a depressing list of behavior descriptive of people in his (and our?) time and then concludes with, "having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power." What is the power of godliness? Why should it matter?
Entrusted for Endurance: Avoiding Catastrophe
2 Timothy 2:14–26
In accomplishing God's mission, the church is God's Plan A in the world. Paul offers Timothy wise counsel for avoiding the catastrophes that could sideline the church from the mission.
Entrusted for Endurance: Salvation that Endures
2 Timothy 1:13–2:13
We do not put our faith in our faith, or in our feelings, because they will change and fail. We put our faith in Jesus Christ.
Entrusted for Endurance: Not Ashamed
2 Timothy 1:8–12
For many, suffering feels pointless and is to be avoided. But Paul calls Timothy to share in suffering because Jesus brings meaning to it and equips us to endure it.
Entrusted for Endurance: Remember
2 Timothy 1:1–7
The apostle Paul begins his heartfelt letter to Timothy with several key reminders. It's in remembering what's been given to us that we really know life.
My Desert Island Psalm
Psalm 63
If I could take only one Psalm onto a desert island, Psalm 63 would be it. David prays and sings about the delicious goodness of God. This is the gospel in eleven verses!
This Baby Changes Everything: Everything!
Colossians 1:15–23
The birth of Jesus Christ brings about the greatest turning point in all of history; nothing will ever be the same again. It is no exaggeration to say that this baby changes everything. This Christmas, let him bring about deep and lasting change in your life, as well. That's why he was born. That's why he died.
This Baby Changes Everything: Science
Matthew 2:1–12
Wise men follow a star that goes before them and then stops over where Jesus is living? Nice story, but it seems to conflict with science. No, the coming of Jesus enables us to do true science.