ECCLESIASTES 2 THE EXPERIMENT The Experiment. This Sunday, we looked straight into the mirror that Ecclesiastes holds up to us: a mirror that reflects not only our endless pursuit of happiness but also the emptiness we often find in the very things we chase. We saw the difference between theoretical knowledge and lived experience. The […]
ECCLESIASTES 1 IN THE END, WHY? Words from the Teacher. We will be studying Ecclesiastes over the summer. This wisdom book can appear to be extremely pessimistic and frankly, kind of a downer. However, the author gives us words of great wisdom and deep thoughts. This book is not meant to bash us over the
COMPASSION SUNDAY COMPASSION SUNDAY One day, we will see the Lord in all His glory. This is what theologians have called the beatific vision—the vision that makes happy. As Aquinas, Calvin, and Edwards each affirmed in their own way, the deepest longing of the human soul is to behold God Himself. Where are you looking
THE KING’S MISSION Go and Tell As we close out Mark, we focus on the work of the great commission. We are to go, make disciples, baptize and teach. Does God really want us to spread the message of the gospel? If we read the gospel, we know this answer. He commissions his disciples to
Easter There is no greater event to have taken place in all of history – Jesus of Nazareth died and was raised back to life! The Resurrection Changes EverythingThe fact that Jesus is risen changes everything. It is the hinge point of all history. Through it, God secured redemption for all who put their faith
Unforsakable MARK 15 This chapter of Mark leads us to the cross. Jesus is led before Pilate to be tried by the local government. He is then mocked, crucified and buried. Throughout this chapter, “King of the Jews” is used multiple times. This is a stark contrast to references to the kingdom of God throughout
A GOOD REASON TO CRY MARK 14 As we near the crucifixion, we read about many of the most profound and iconic stories leading to the death of Jesus. Just in this chapter, Jesus is anointed at Bethany, the last supper occurs, Jesus predicts the scattering and denial of the disciples, they pray at Gethsemane,
A RETURNING KING MARK 13 Mark 13 holds deep lessons from Jesus about his return, known as the Olivet Discourse. 1. Jesus knows that he will return to claim his bride. In verse 23, he tells us to “be on your guard.” This charge to remain vigilant comes after he tells us that false messiahs
NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM MARK 12 In Mark 12, we find an interesting discussion between a Jewish teacher and Jesus. The teacher asked Jesus which commandment was most important. Jesus told the teacher that loving the Lord and loving your neighbor were the most important commandments. 1. Jesus gives a brilliant summary of the
PRAYER OR PROFIT MARK 11:15-17 This Sunday, we watched as Jesus entered the temple and, in righteous anger, overturned the tables of those who had turned a place of worship into a place of profit. His words rang out: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7). Yet, the temple had