It was customary to give an update at the beginning of a letter. Paul gives the church a synopsis of his situation but adds a twist. He views his imprisonment not as a setback but as an advance of the Gospel. By seeing Paul's perspective, we too can view our sufferings as the work of God for us and through us. 

Paul didn't pray like we do. In this opening prayer in Philippians, Paul asks for something that God has already promised, that our love would abound more and more and turn into discernment. By following the course of this prayer we can learn how God designed us to produce fruit for the Kingdom.

The Letter to the Philippians is different from Paul's other letters. His joy, gratitude, and warmth convey the depth of his love for them and their history together. But this love wasn't just based on their history; it was based on what God had done in their community and the promise that he would finish what he started.

Jesus's final words to his disciples give us a glimpse of his top priorities. It should come as no surprise that Jesus talked to them about love. In John 14, he comes back to the greatest commandment: love God with everything you have and everything you are. This is a steadfast, obedient, all-in kind of love, exactly the kind of love Jesus demonstrated for us on the cross. We love him because he first loved us.

Preacher: Kerwin Dees

Easter 2024. The resurrection changes everything! It is the turning point in all of history. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, everyone must consider what to do with the empty tomb and everyone has the opportunity to encounter the risen savior of the world.

In the final scene of Exodus, God has kept his promise. He brought his people out of Egypt, made a covenant with them, gave them the law, revealed the plans for the Tabernacle, and descended to dwell in their midst. In many ways, this reflects the way God still interacts with us today. The Exodus story is our story and the same God is still our God.

The golden calf is a famous "uh-oh" moment in the Bible. After God delivered them from Egypt, gave them the law, and entered into a covenant with them, Israel went back to their old ways and worshiped an idol. In contrast, in the following chapter, Moses worships God and pleads to see his glory. These two stories teach us some important lessons on how we should worship God today.

How do the long chapters describing the plans for the Tabernacle apply to us today? Simply put, they are the most detailed descriptions of God's character, his plan for salvation, and the coming of his Son in the Old Testament. 

The high point of the covenant ceremony comes when God completes his promises and dwells with the people of Israel. In this scene, Moses and the elders go up on the mountain and feast with God. The chapter presents a picture for us of what it's like to worship God and live with him at the center of our lives.

The Ten Commandments are revered outside of religious settings; they adorn our law courts and government buildings. Why have they had such an enduring appeal? What can they teach us now? At Mount Sinai, Israel is invited into a formal covenant with God, but the order is highly significant. In this passage, God reveals more than just his law, he reveals his grace, character, and the coming Messiah who will perfectly fulfill the law.