Sun, Mar 12, 2023
1600 years ago Christians began calling the last days of Jesus' life "Holy Week." This week is important because the last days of Jesus' life are also the days that lead to Jesus' coronation as King. On Resurrection Sunday Jesus is raised from the dead and enthroned over all other nations, powers, and rulers. During Holy Week we celebrate that Jesus is the true King of the world, life, and death, just as he claimed to be.
Sun, Apr 30, 2023
In his letters, John encourages a congregation under attack by a group of false teachers he calls antichrists. These antichrists are preaching a message contrary to the Gospel and doing all they can to sow discord and confusion. Through John's letters, we learn about the Good News that Jesus has come in the flesh and why a simple Gospel is the best antidote to the complexity, confusion, and discord sown around us.
Mon, Jun 12, 2023
In Jude's day, there was a destructive belief secretly spreading in the early church. A group of believers were teaching that God's love on the cross effectively canceled his moral commands. So Jude, the brother of Jesus, responds to this theological crisis and calls his people to fight for the faith given to them by Jesus.
Sun, Jul 16, 2023
In the book of Micah, the prophet indicts Israel's kings and prophets for using their power to prey on their citizens and failing to lead their nation towards justice. Micah then laments for his people because he knows Israel must pay for her sin, and that Jerusalem will soon fall. Jesus embodies the judgment of Micah, even to the point of death. Ultimately, Micah reveals to us that in Jesus' death, there is the hope of a new Kingdom.
Fri, Sep 1, 2023
The book of Obadiah condemns the arrogance and pride of Edom, a brother nation to God's chosen people, Israel. But Obadiah's critique isn't just for Edomites but all sons and daughters of Adam. God stands opposed to the proud, but all who humbly accept God's chosen son, Jesus, will be raised.
Sun, Oct 8, 2023
The book of Jonah is not about a fish but God's scandalous mercy. In it God's prophet, Jonah, believes it would be wrong of God to give mercy to a guilty and ruthless people. But through a fish, a plant, and ultimately Jesus, we learn that the only hope for all people is in God's offensive and scandalous mercy to the undeserving.
Wed, Dec 6, 2023
In the book of Habakkuk God's prophet asks why God tolerates evil and why he seems slow in punishing injustice. God responds that he has a plan to judge all evil thoroughly and finally. But God also says that Habakkuk must learn to endure his current sufferings and trust his God. Ultimately, God's answer to the problem of evil begins to be answered in the death of Jesus. In Jesus God endured suffering, trusted his God, and was ultimately raised from the dead. Habakkuk shows us that because of Jesus we know that God will judge evil and rescue his people.