Dr. Swanson |  The odd thing about the trial of Jesus before Pilate is that while Jesus was being examined by Pilate, Pilate was also being examined by Jesus. The Word is always examining our hearts - and are we ready for that examination? Perhaps the question is not "What will I do with Jesus?" but "What will Jesus do with me?"

John 18:28-40

Dr. Swanson | In that last week, so many aligned against Jesus, especially in this scene in the garden. In this rapidly changing culture, on what side do we find ourselves standing today?

John 18:1-12

Rev. Dean Weaver | Two episodes with Jesus concerning a fig tree help us understand how walking with him ultimately bears fruit in our lives.

Mark 11:12-26

Dr. Swanson | We all struggle with the notion of innocent suffering. Children being shot randomly, human trafficking, etc. In this text, we see an innocent man being cruelly treated - and why?  He's done nothing.  Answer: He suffered for us.

John 19:1-3

Dr. Swnason | While the church finds its expression in local communities, it is part of the larger church, called to impact the world for the gospel. Thus, we live in the world distinctively and not apart from it. And as we impact our culture, we realize we are encouraged by the impact being made by our brothers and sisters around the world - of which we are part - and to which we BELONG. 

Revelation 7:9, Revelation 21:2-3

Dr. Swanson | When the church understands her mission based on the grace of God poured out for her, then she becomes financially generous in order to enable that mission to advance. 

2 Corinthians 8:1-6

Rev. Jack Peebles | The Church has a twofold rhythm - we come in and we go out. Going out means loving service and faithful witness. as "partners" in the gospel of Jesus. Hill 8, Scott 3)

Philippians 1:3-6

Dr. Swanson | We are described as "saints" 60 times in the NT, but that process of sanctification is a community project. We are in the same family, and we grow in Christ as we do so TOGETHER. This is the hard part of church life: discipline, pastoral authority accountability, restoration, temptation - but all necessary because God calls his people to be HOLY. 

1 Corinthians 1:2-3

Rev. Case Thorp |  With our common story, we are called into a common community. The church is a family. 

Matthew 12:46-50

Dr. Swanson | As we renew our baptismal vow to start the year, we are reminded the church is a called people of a common, singular testimony. We are all part of the one story revealed in the Biblical narrative: what we were, what we are now, and what we will one day be. 

Psalm 136