Paul had a vision of the church, the new humanity of Christ, that solved the ills of the world. As he spanned the globe in his mind’s eye, Paul saw that women, children, and slaves throughout the Roman empire were hurting, just as they often hurt today. He knew the new civilization of the church could help every category. In Ephesians, Paul wrote to Christian husbands, fathers, and masters, urging them to walk out their faith for the betterment of those in their care.
Read moreJesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 2 (Mark 2:13–17) — His Kingdom Is for Sinners
Now, the day of salvation in your life should be a day of celebration, and that's how Levi saw things. He invited Jesus to his house and invited his friends, many tax collectors and sinners. They gathered around the table and, as was their custom, reclined as they feasted together. It was a celebration, but also a farewell party. Levi had a new life, calling, and adventure in front of him. (4 Minutes/1100 Words)
Read moreGroaning for Resurrection (Romans 8:18-25)
Nearly 2,000 years ago, on a Sunday morning a couple of days removed from the Passover, in Israel, a group of women went to a tomb. Their beloved teacher, leader, and friend had been crucified. They had hoped he was the one to save the world from its chaos and brokenness. Instead, he had suffered and died at the hands of jealous religious leaders, the Roman government, and a bloodthirsty mob. Still, he was special to them, and because he'd been buried with haste, they determined to go to his grave to complete his burial process. (9 Minutes/2300 Words)
Read moreMark 11:1-26—God Renews His People By Coming For Us
Palm Sunday Sermon: Mark 11:1-26—God Renews His People By Coming For Us
Read moreJesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 1 (Mark 2:13–17) - He Calls People Like Levi
The first time Jesus spoke in Mark's gospel, he said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). And, at this point in Mark's gospel, we have learned many introductory things about the kingdom of God Jesus said was at hand. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)
Read moreJesus Famous Podcast | Nehemiah 13 - Coffee Naps, Confronting Sin, & Seeing God’s Plan When Things Are Sad
When should I speak up about sin? Why do some Bible end without resolve? And how can we take amazing naps!? Today, Pastor Nate and Pastor Riley help us answer these questions by wrapping up the book of Nehemiah.
Read more03 Jesus Famous Men Walk With God All Life Long
Growth Nights #3-—03 Jesus Famous Men Walk With God All Life Long
Read moreNehemiah 13—God Renews His People On An Ongoing Basis
Sunday Sermon: Nehemiah 13—God Renews His People On An Ongoing Basis
Read moreArchival Post: The Call of the Father
Buck the dog, in Jack London’s classic The Call Of The Wild, had grown up in lazy and sunny Northern California. He had lived what many would call the good life, roaming Judge Miller's spacious property in the Santa Clara Valley. But since Buck was a beast of an animal, a strong and fine specimen, one day he was stolen, sold, and shipped to Alaska. There, he worked as a sled dog delivering mail and, eventually, searching for gold. The tale is one of discovery, for Buck thought he was happy on those sun-kissed days in the valley, but it turned out life in the Yukon was a fuller and more vibrant life.
Read moreJesus Fills Our True Need (Mark 2:1-12)
The story pivots us from the introductory days of Jesus' ministry to the controversial ones. We know Jesus wasn't popular with all people at all times—he was, after all, crucified. And most of us know that Jesus became disliked by the religious leaders of his day. So, his popularity must have become mixed with opposition at some point. (10 Minutes/3000 Words)
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