It’s possible to engage in many religious acts, while our hearts are far from God. It’s possible to attend church and serve outwardly, while our hearts lack genuine obedience. In Isaiah 1, God condemns the empty religion of his people. Yet, the Holy God still holds out hope for the repentant. Join us as we consider what genuine faith and true repentance really look like.
We live in a world deeply divided by race, gender, status, and many other things. But the gospel brings us together, uniting us as one people in Christ. In Philippians 1:27–2:11, we are called to stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. We’re reminded that true unity comes as we embrace the mindset of Christ and imitate him in humble, sacrificial service of others.
Godly examples of ministry are vital for churches and their leaders. Ministry is a weighty and dangerous calling, with threats from both inside and outside the church. In Acts 20:17–38, as Paul meets the Ephesian elders, he shows them what model ministry looks like and calls them to follow his example. What about us? Will we live as though Jesus and his gospel are the most important things in the world? Join us this Sunday as we consider Paul’s model ministry.
At first glance, this passage seems like a travel log. But beneath it lies a picture of faithful, persevering ministry of encouragement. As Paul meets believers possibly for the last time, he strengthens them, raises the weary, and presses on with urgency toward the next step in God’s mission. This is what gospel work often looks like: steady, sacrificial, purposeful, encouraging. Will we encourage others and keep going?
When the gospel goes out, it does not leave lives unchanged. It calls people to turn from their old lives and worship Jesus alone. In Acts 19, the preaching of Jesus turns a city upside down. Idols are exposed, profits are threatened, and the whole city erupts in chaos. When the gospel challenges what people worship, opposition is inevitable. The question is: Will we stand firm in proclaiming Jesus when it puts us at odds with the world?
When the disciples first heard that Jesus had risen from the dead, they struggled to believe it. Even Thomas insisted that he needed to see the evidence for himself. But when the risen Jesus appeared, doubt gave way to faith. Join us as we reflect on these events written by Jesus' own disciple John so that we too might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we might have life in his name.
Have you ever felt that you failed Jesus? Have you ever felt that by what you said or did, you really let him down? Could Jesus really love someone like me? If that is you, then this passage ought to be of enormous relief. Here, John puts side-by-side the failure of Peter and the faithfulness of Jesus. Through that, we’re invited to a greater understanding of the cross, where Jesus suffered in our place.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds celebrated him as king. But they did not fully understand the kind of king he was. In this passage, Jesus reveals that the path to glory is the path of the cross. Like a seed that must die in order to produce life, Jesus must lay down his life to bring salvation to the world. And those who follow him must be willing to lose their lives for his sake.
Has God rejected his people, Israel? Or will God be faithful to his promises? In Romans 11, Paul shows us how Israel and the nations fit into God’s unfolding plan for the world. We are assured that God is utterly faithful and always keeps his promises. He can truly be trusted to save, and we can worship him in awe of his sovereignty and wisdom. Join us as we consider the future of Israel and what that means for us today.
Must people believe in Jesus to be saved? What about people who have never heard about Jesus? What about people who are sincere in their religion and striving to live good lives? Do all paths lead to God, or does truth matter more than sincerity? Romans 9:30–10:21 shows us why faith in Jesus really matters and why sharing the message about him is so important. Join us as we explore these important questions and what they mean for our faith and witness.
