Christ Church Jerusalem

Believer vs Disciple | Bro. Eyal Friedman by Christ Church Jerusalem

Kings, Prayer, or God? | Rev. John Arnold by Christ Church Jerusalem

IF YOU OBEY | Isaiah 49:14-51:3 with Aaron Eime and John Arnold by Christ Church Jerusalem

"The Church on Earth," otherwise known as "The Church Militant," is the historic idea of God's own people, spiritually prepared and armed, who will resist and eventually overcome evil. We find early instructions for Israel to live this reality in Moses' parting speech in Deuteronomy 4. Ephesians sees righteous living as a manifestation of these same promises for God to empower His people against demonic forces of evil. And Jesus Himself embodies that power that routinely overcomes evil through His healing ministry as well as His Passion. For us today facing these same forces of evil, there is nothing stronger than offering prayer in the Spirit with fervor and faith. May we find these examples and exhortations encouraging in our lifelong struggle against evil.

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Psalm 15; Ephesians 6:10-20; Mark 7:1-23

Not to be confused with the biblical book, this haftarah pairs with the parasha of Torah known as Shoftim//Judges. This haftarah of consolation is a window into the world of those who receive hope when they need it most.

TRIBES AND MARCHES | Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4 with John Arnold by Christ Church Jerusalem

Belief, in modern minds, can be relegated to the realm of simple thought. But when Jesus commands belief, He means obedience–a kind of holistic behavior that reveals underlying belief. So when self-professed "believers" in Jesus pick and choose when to obey Him, they stir up in themselves the beginnings of eventual treachery. Even Judas' infamous betrayal of Jesus began as nothing more than a simple turning away from Jesus. May we ever prepare our hearts to repent of our own budding treacheries.

Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; John 6:56-71

Christians believe that the Kingdom of God–which the prophets envision and proclaim in their own writings–is both already here and also not-yet here among us. We feel this tension in Isaiah's comfort over Jerusalem and discuss the tension we feel in our own hearts between the Already and the Not-Yet.

Is it comforting to consider the vast differences between our fallen nature and God's perfection? Sometimes it can be, other times, it isn't. This week, we look at the blessed role of comfort in the lives of those who would willingly see their imperfections against the light of God's perfect love.

What do we do when even the most heartfelt repentance won't spare us the natural consequences of our sin? Is it possible to truly repent while also preoccupied with avoiding punishment? This week, we look at Isaiah's condemnation of Israel and Judah amidst the seemingly unstoppable punishment coming from the nations of Assyria and Babylon.