The story of Jesus sending out the seventy-two, who come back rejoicing of their ministry success.

“Is This It?” is the title of an article (3-6-23) by Wall Street Journal columnist Rachel Feintzeig, exploring why earthly success doesn’t seem to satisfy. Jesus knows the answer, and he points the disciples to what ultimately matters. How do we keep our own quest for success in perspective?

King David wrote, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

The historic strength of First Church has always been to keep Jesus Christ at the center of everything it does. What does it mean to “keep your eyes on the Lord?” How do we do that in a world that wants to pull us apart? How does God keep us from being shaken?

King David wrote, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

The historic strength of First Church has always been to keep Jesus Christ at the center of everything it does. What does it mean to “keep your eyes on the Lord?” How do we do that in a world that wants to pull us apart? How does God keep us from being shaken?

Twenty years after the Resurrection, the Apostle Paul explains the Gospel.

Popular thinking says, “all religions are the same and lead to the same place.” Do you know why that is not true?

Do you understand the difference between “gospel” and “religion?”

Do you know what makes the Christian faith unique?

Begins a 40 Day Celebration of Easter.

After Jesus’ triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, he went to the temple and drove out the money changers and the buyers and sellers of sacrifices. In John 2:19-21, Jesus explained what this meant.

Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” What was Jesus talking about? Do we see how this statement transforms our understanding of worship?

A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and is rebuked by those present. But Jesus defends her, saying that she will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

The Centrality of the Cross, #5.

The woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume has become one of the most famous people in history. How is this scene a preview and explanation of the cross?

Jesus puts himself into danger by crossing the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory and healing a demon possessed man.

The Centrality of the Cross, #3.

Our church is in the middle the city, where some of the most hurting people live. Who will go into danger to help them?

At the Lord’s Supper, Jesus predicts his betrayal.

The Centrality of the Cross, #2.

The phrase, “Very truly I tell you” is one simple word in Greek, “Amen.” But when Jesus says, “Amen,” what follows is of utmost importance. Do we understand the meaning of Jesus being betrayed by his closest friends?

As the cross comes closer, Jesus’ parables against the religious insiders get more pointed, making them even more angry.

Begins the Lenten Series, “The Centrality of the Cross.” The cross is the central truth and symbol of the Christian faith. Every minister of this church has taken a vow to uphold the cross for 250 years. Why is the cross so important? How did Jesus understand his own cross? What did he have to say about it?