As we celebrate Christmas and re-tell the story of baby Jesus—the Savior of the world born in a lowly manger—may we also remember that he is the one the prophet Isaiah called the “Prince of Peace.” As we study the story of Jesus’ birth, we will reflect on the real need for this peace in our lives today. Together, we will dig into Scripture to discover the deep and meaningful shalom that Jesus brought to us in his birth, a peace that he promises to establish permanently when he returns. It’s this peace that we share as his witnesses to the world. 

The prophet Isaiah continued to reveal the nature of the coming Messiah when he prophesied that he would be the “Everlasting Father.” Join us as we discuss how our understanding of the Triune God clarifies how the Son of God can also be our Everlasting Father. Together, let’s prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas with an Advent reflection on the true nature of a father as revealed to us in both the Old and New Testaments. We’ll better understand how this extraordinary title reveals the nature of Jesus and discover the comfort and belonging he brings to us.

The words of the prophet Isaiah offered hope during one of the lowest points in the history of Israel. As God’s people faced exile, Isaiah identified their Messiah as “Mighty God;” the one coming to save them would be more powerful than the enemies that persecuted them. We now know that the Messiah Isaiah prophesied about is Jesus Christ. As we look toward Christmas, we dig into Scripture to discover what the title “Mighty God” communicates to us about Jesus. Together we examine  Christ’s character and deeds and explore how his presence as a helpless baby displayed the awesomeness of God’s power. We discover how the promise of our “Mighty God” continues to give us hope as we anticipate Christ’s return. 

In Isaiah 9:6, the first title the prophet Isaiah gives to the coming Messiah is “Wonderful Counselor.” Join us as we dig into Scripture to discover what this title communicates about Jesus and how it connects to the biblical wisdom tradition. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we will discuss what it means that Jesus is the wisdom of God and is, therefore, a wonderful counselor whose guidance, when we seek and follow it with humility, keeps us on the right path.

Did the Christmas story really happen? Wasn’t Christmas originally a pagan holiday? Why do some churches celebrate Advent? Join Groundwork as we dig into Scripture to answer commonly asked questions about Christmas and Advent. 

Have you ever wondered what will happen when Jesus Christ returns? Whether you call it the Day of the Lord, Judgment Day, or the Second Coming, all these titles refer to the time and events of Christ’s return to earth. The early Christians waited expectantly for Christ’s second coming, but when he didn’t appear, scoffers planted seeds of doubt among the believers. Concluding his second letter to the believers in Asia Minor, the apostle Peter encouraged them to view life through the lens of eternity patiently. Join us as we reflect on God’s divine timing and patience and learn from Peter how we can live holy, purposeful lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord.

We will always experience pressure to compromise our faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter urged the early Christians to remain vigilant against deceptive influences and trust that God would ultimately hold false teachers accountable for their deceit. In our world today, we continue to deal with false teachers who distort the truth of the gospel and seek to lead believers astray. Together, we’ll study how Peter’s ardent defense of the gospel helps us stay rooted in God’s truth, learn discernment through the Holy Spirit, and live lives that fully align with the teachings of Christ.

Do you ever feel like God asks the impossible of us? The apostle Peter reminds us that we need to rely on God’s divine power to live godly lives. The Holy Spirit nurtures virtues like goodness, self-control, and perseverance in us, empowering us to grow in our salvation. This, and the authority of Scripture, equips us to recognize truth, resist cultural pressures, and persevere in our faith, distinct as followers of Jesus Christ. 

In closing his first letter to the early Christians, Peter offers some final advice that remains valuable for us today. Peter urged his readers to remain vigilant in their faith and act with love and humility. Speaking to their anxiety, he assured them that God indeed cared and that he would ultimately have the final say. Today, we can stand firm in our faith because we are not alone; in everything, it is the God of all glory who calls us, restores us, and makes us strong. 

Have you ever been tempted to hide your faith for fear of judgment or ridicule? By studying the words of the apostle Peter, we’ll find courage in the grace of Jesus Christ to remain faithful to the gospel in the face of injustice and suffering. In his letter to the early Christians, Peter reminds us that we have the strength to live this way because Christ lived this way first.