Genesis 5-9
The flood story in Genesis is hard to believe, isn't it? How could a loving Creator wipe 99.9% of his creatures off the face of the earth? And if he did it once, what keeps him from doing it again? (or, why hasn't he done it again?) The story of Noah takes us into the deep end (pun intended) of theology, where we swim in the waters of creation, character and covenant. This is no kids' story ... this is for all of us who want to understand God's intent for this world we inhabit.
Topics: Regrets, Starting Over
This is Life to You | Genesis 3
Bible Study 101 teaches us that when we read scripture, we are reading over the shoulders of the audience who first read these texts. In the ancient world, that would mean people hearing stories and teaching from Genesis would be hearing through a tribal filter and as tribal people they lived, worked, worshiped, and played together. For them, community was essential. In other words, there was no "you do you" in an ancient culture. And for us, this is great news. Our core value is embedded in the first chapters of Genesis! I can't wait to open the Word again on Sunday and discover what Genesis has for us today.
In the Beginning | Genesis 1
Happy New Year! At the beginning of this new season, we at Mosaic are also at the beginning of many new and creative opportunities. As we step into the "new," it seems right to begin where God began: in the Garden. So, this Sunday, we'll start at the beginning, in the first chapters of Genesis and the story of creation. Our Genesis study will continue all the way up to Easter.
The book of Genesis is a book of tensions — original design vs. fallen nature, garden of God vs. exile, covenant vs. rebellion, grace vs. striving, promise vs. human ingenuity. Each of these tensions teaches us something about the nature of God and also about our own design. It will be a joy to explore together in earnest the path from the Garden to the heart of God. So, get ready, friends, and let's get started!
On Sunday, December 24, we will celebrate this great news of Christmas with two Candlelight Christmas Eve Services. Each service will have its own worship and message, so you have two reasons to come enjoy cookies and coffee in the Gathering Hall ... and you have two reasons to bring a guest!
Topics: Forgiveness, Jesus, Love
Faith in the Story
It is a miracle that Mary would have such faith as to believe that God's plan could be accomplished through her. But the miracle of faith is not just Mary's. There are miracles of faith all over the Christmas story. Joseph believed the word of angels. The shepherds talked to angels, too, and believed what they were told. Elizabeth (Mary's aunt) was filled with the Holy Spirit and believed that God was working out his plan through her also. And what the Story of Christmas asked of those faith-stretched people, it asks of us too. And every time faith happens, it is a miracle. What is the story of Christmas asking you believe about God? What is it asking you to believe of the world around you? What new level of faith is it calling you toward?
Hypostatic Union
Last week, we talked about the 5% and the 95% and were challenged by Mary's story to live in the 95% realm of believing in a supernatural God who does supernatural things. This week, we will explore one of the most powerful proofs of his miracle-working power — the union of God and man in the life of Jesus. Brothers and sisters, this is good theology! He who was fully God became fully human — two distinct natures in one Person. He had both the power of his divinity and the experience of his humanity, and only Jesus was able to reconcile those two natures inside one personality. The nature of Jesus is a miracle and THE great mystery of his existence. He IS God, and yet he has lived my life and yours. Why does that matter, and why does it give such hope? Come on Sunday and let's dive in.
Topics: Divine/Human, Faith, Jesus
The 5 and The 95
The miracles are there from the very beginning, from the moment in which the angel Gabriel announced the conception and birth of Jesus to the humble virgin of Nazareth, whose name was Mary. Miracles are not, by definition, an everyday occurrence. Nor are they non-existent in our world. I suspect they happen much more often than we recognize. How would your faith be renewed and your hope restored by watching for where God is at work this holiday season, so you can join him?
