As hunger testifies to the reality of food, so our fears testify to the reality of the hell we fear. But as Jesus dies, on a cross, there remains good news for us. He took our hell so that we could not only experience the kingdom of heaven, but help bring it to earth.

We’re all guilty and somewhere deep inside, for those who are willing to admit it, we know it to be true. In Matthew 27 each of the characters in the story must wrestle with their guilt and try to show themselves innocent. What can we learn about our options for finding innocence?

We are living in a world where it’s hard to know who to trust. Political leaders, religious leaders, even friends and family let us down and fail us. In a world of confusion and falsehood, Jesus alone proves ultimately trustworthy.

We are living in a world where it’s hard to know who to trust. Political leaders, religious leaders, even friends and family let us down and fail us. In a world of confusion and falsehood, Jesus alone proves ultimately trustworthy.

Elders are a gift to the church. God has designed His church to function and flourish under healthy, humble, Christ-like leaders. As both and Apostle and “fellow elder” Peter writes to instruct believers on the high calling and responsibilities God has given to them. May we be exhorted and encouraged as we hear and heed his words.

Every church has a culture. It’s the lived experience of our community. What shapes the culture of a church? In Ephesians 4:1-16, the Apostle Pauls urges the church to remain true to its calling in the gospel. The church that does this will be a distinguished community that reflects the redeeming power of God to the world.

The unrealized dream of Moses is now fulfill in us: Christ is now in us! He is our hope and He is our power as we toil to proclaim His great name to the world.

As we follow Christ to the cross we observe the only one who obeyed perfectly. Seeing his obedience, rooted in agonizing heartfelt prayer, reminds us that prayer reveals, prepares, and reorients our hearts.

Jesus doesn’t look like much to most people. His name is a curse word or a joke. His followers are written off in the world. And even to our own eyes, we (as his followers) look like failures. Does all this speak to who Jesus really is?

We’ve never lived in a time when more things were uncertain. Yet this one thing is certain. We will stand before Jesus the Judge and King. It is certain that in that moment, all humanity will be divided. Are you ready?