Where Do I Stand? – Part 4: Open Eyes and Open Heart
The Resurrection changes everything. Mark 15:40-41;16:9-16
Where Do I Stand? – Part 3: Victim
The cross literally stands as a signpost. If you view it from one perspective, Jesus becomes nothing more than a victim, from another, he becomes so much more. Luke 23:44-49
Where Do I Stand? Part 2: What’s In It for Me?
For some, they know just enough to want Jesus on their side. It’s a relationship more about the advantage of having Jesus as an ally as opposed to having him as our Lord. Mark 11:1-11; 15:6-15
Where Do I Stand? Part 1: It’s Only Natural
Belief in Jesus upends our entire worldview. It shapes the way we see others and the startling change that happens in us. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
The Grudge – Part 4: Faith and Forgiveness
Forgiveness becomes an important part of our faith expression. It not only conveys what God in Christ has done for us but what he can do for others. Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 4:30-32
The Grudge – Part 3: Me, Myself, and I
As difficult as forgiveness is for many, nothing is more challenging than forgiving ourselves. How do we shut down the voice of accusation that echoes in our own heads? 1 John 1-8; Romans 5:1-2
The Grudge – Part 2: The Forgiveness Equation
Forgiveness has many layers, and the deeper the hurt the more complicated forgiveness gets. A major stumbling block for many is this: does forgiving mean forgetting? Luke 17-1-4
The Grudge – Part 1: The Tension
Why is forgiveness so hard, especially when it is an expected part of what it means to be a believer in God? How do we understand and navigate forgiveness when we’ve been deeply hurt? Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21
Part 6: Love
Similar to God’s goodness, love is another attribute that when misunderstood, creates a one-dimensional caricature that misrepresents the very heart of God. Exodus 34:5-7; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 John 4:8
Part 5: Good
The goodness of God in modern culture is either the most embraced or the most refected. How do we understand God as good in a world where suffering and evil exists? Exodus 33:19; Psalm 145:5-9; Romans 12:21;1 Thess. 5:15
Part 4: Holy
One characteristic that sets God apart from his creation is holiness. It is also a characteristic that becomes an important part of our faith journey as we grow in our relationship with God. Isaiah 6:1-7; Leviticus 20:26; Matthew 5:48; 1 Thess 4:7; 1 Peter 1:16
Part 3: Spirit
For centuries, the question of God’s material essence has been the cause of speculation and theological argument. Scripture, though, provides important details to inform our worship and obedience. John 4:24