We Are Not Abandoned
In the midsts of this Advent Season, the gospel calls us to remember that we are not abandoned. There is a kind of comfort that actually comforts. There is a way through even the most difficult circumstances. And there is something we can depend on. It is the presence of Christ among us. It is the presence of Christ building community among us.
This week, we wrap up our series on wisdom with a profound teaching from James that defines wisdom in its most gracious and fruitful form. My deep prayer as we have walked through the Word looking for signs of wisdom is that you have been challenged to care more intentionally for your own mind, seek more intentionally the mind of Christ, and pray more fervently to be transformed by the renewing of your mind ... so that we can all love God with all our minds!
The Humble, Audacious, Mind of Christ
In our series on wisdom and the mind of Christ, we’ve learned that there’s a strong connection between wisdom and humility. But . . . isn’t humility kind of wimpy? Isn’t it out of fashion in our current culture? This Sunday we’ll hear the Apostle Paul face those questions head on. In the first two chapters of 1 Corinthians, we’ll find out what he has to say about wisdom and weakness and what it means to have the mind of Christ. To Paul, Jesus's humility is not to be confused with weakness or timidity. Following a humble, gentle Jesus into hostile environments takes a great deal of audacity which is only possible in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom & Assumptions
Often assumptions color what we see more than what is seen itself. Wisdom calls us to check our assumptions at the door so that we can receive revelation from God -- so we can see things the way He sees them. Join us this Sunday as we learn from Jesus and His cousin John the Baptist about how to walk in godly wisdom which comes through revelation from the Father.
Solomon’s Prayer
Solomon had an unexpected encounter with God. In this encounter we discover the great connection between a discerning heart and God's wisdom. Join us for this message over 1st Kings 3.
Daniel 12 The Good News of Judgment Day!
Daniel 12 finishes this unique book of scripture in a powerful way. It asks us to consider where God might be in the midst of a world where suffering and evil is far too common. Daniel’s vision inspires the faithful to remain faithful as well as warns against living without as sense of the wisdom of God. Ultimately, it calls us to consider the suffering in this life as an opportunity to be refined by God so that we may one day reign with Him.
There is a beautiful scene in the Old Testament story of Daniel that reveals something deep and beautiful about prayer. We learn from his vision and surrender that God doesn’t just want to listento the things we need. He wants us to listen to him, too. And He wants to speak and in fact, does speak. God is always ready for a conversation that moves beyond a laundry list. So ... are you giving God room to speak? And are you expecting to hear?
The Sacred Stand – Daniel 9
What does it mean to love our country as a Kingdom people? It can feel so tempting to speak in condescending tones about the social ills that we see around us, but is this how God would have us respond? It can also feel tempting to create a "Holy Huddle" and simply avoid the world around us as much as possible, but does that welcome and advance God's Kingdom? Mark Freitag calls us to the heart of prayer and repentance as a people who are willing to stand in the gap and pray for our country.
