Messages

Part 5: Faith Under Fire

Jesus warned believers that we would be hated and even persecuted for our faith. How do we navigate a culture that potentially sees us as a problem? Matt 10:17-20; John 1 5:19-20; 2 Tim 3:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14

Salvation as Your Helmet: Equipped and Announcing Boldly “Jesus is Lord”

Paul is a masterful teacher skilled in the use of metaphors for memorable messages in a murky world. Paul draws upon powerful imagery from Scripture he knows to be both very present to the eyes of God’s people in Ephesus and strikingly familiar to their minds. Paul challenges the hearers of his letter to see deeply God’s grace andappreciate a repositioning in battle against the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-17 Isaiah 11:5, 59:15b-21

Identity in Christ: Beloved

Paul, chosen by the will of God to be sent out to teach and represent Christ, writes a letter to God’s holy people in the city of Ephesus. Paul knows these people well. A dark history and world culture permeates their lives. But God has revealed His plan to Paul, and Paul is eager to reach and teach God’s holy people. Paul’s imprisonment leads to the necessity of a letter and Paul’s letter pours forth praise, prayer and a pervading…

Part 4: Echoes of Injustice

Power dynamics and their abuse inevitably create a society where justice is distorted. The law becomes a tool to benefit the privileged, while accountability for acts of injustice is ignored. Proverbs 31:8-9; Micah 6:8;  Ecclesiastes 3:16-17; Matthew 12:18-21

Part 3: Blind Hubris

There is an adage that says, “Might makes right.” This emobodies the essence of Empire. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for navigating the complexities of faith and societal power dynamics. Isaiah 13:19-21; 47:5-15, Jer 50:31-32; Rev 17:3-18; 18:7

Part 2: Counterfeit

Empires tend to project power and influence that seem god-like, but ultimately serve as counterfeits, leading individuals away from true spiritual connection with God. Daniel 3:3-7; Romans 1:21-23; Colossians

Part 1: The World We Embrace

We live in the tension of two worlds, whether we recognize it or not. It’s a clash of values where each side applies pressure to confrom. The world we choose to embrace becomes the world we choose to become. Titus 2:12; Hebrews 11:3; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:16-17

Between Folly & Revenge: The Wisdom of Abigail

In this dramatic story, Abigail stands between her foolish husband and a future king bent on revenge. Through her wisdom and courage, Abigail prevents David from committing a great sin and is remembered in Jewish tradition as one of the great prophetesses of Israel. 1 Samuel 25

Part 10: Cruciformed

In the latter years of his life, Peter emerged as a prominent leader and elder statesman within the early church. Peter’s ministry was marked by an emphasis on perseverance in faith amid persecution. He encouraged believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, often drawing on his own experiences of suffering and redemption. 1 Peter 5:1-4

Part 9: People Pleaser

A confrontation between Peter and Paul occurs during a pivotal moment in the early Christian community. This episode highlights the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers while underscoring the challenges of unity in the early church. Galatians 2:11-16

Part 8: Divinely Protected

In one of the more amusing stories in the New Testament, Peter is miraculously released from prison. As he arrives at the home where people are praying for his release, the shock and confusion remind us that even when confronted with a miracle, our first reaction is often doubt. Acts 12:1-19