In our fifth week of our Praying Through the Psalms series Pastor LeeWood leads us in a discussion over Psalm 32. In this pivotal psalm we see David describe three major movements: 1) The blessing of forgiveness in verses 1-5, 2) instructions for repentance in verses 6-9, and 3) a description of joy and sorrow depending on how we respond to God's grace in verses 10-11. The key statement that we discussed was "whatever you cover (as in conceal) God will uncover (through conviction of sin), but whatever you uncover (as in confession and repentance) God will cover with his grace and forgiveness.

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In the fourth installment Pastor LeeWood walks us through Psalm 22. In this very well known psalm that is referenced numerous times in Matthew 27 we will see that there is more here than we initially think. Whereas the opening line referencing being forsaken is well known, that is not the tone of the psalm as a whole. By looking at the three main sections : 1) 1-11-- The Worm, 2) 12-21-- The Enemies, and 3) 22-31-- The Hope, we will see that this psalm is one of great expectation and praise that sets the stage for all of us who will follow on the path of faith in God.

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In the third installment of our Praying Through the Psalms series Pastor Anthony walks us through Psalm 19. This psalm places a large emphasis on God's creative powers, as well as his graciousness in revealing himself through His Word. This psalm directly connects the creating God of Genesis 1-2 as the covenant keeping God throughout the rest of Scriptures.

In our second week of Praying Through the Psalms we take a close look at Psalm 16. In this Psalm we see David reflect on the command to love God above all else and to love neighbors well, the reality of joy in relationship with God, and we end with a discussion about David's hope of a bodily resurrection. We explore how both Peter and Paul pick up this last theme in the book of Acts, and how they apply this to Jesus, and then by extension, all who will believe in him.

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In the opening night of our Summer Equipping Institute Pastor LeeWood introduces everyone to the the Psalter by investigating Psalms 1 and 2. After discussing the format that will be used each night Psalm 2 was looked at in detail. By observing the four main portions of Psalm 2, and identifying the main themes contained therein, the group was then led to pray through these themes using the language of the Psalm itself.

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In the final week of our study about Spiritual Disciplines Joe Garner talks about fasting. Joe explores this often neglected and misunderstood discipline. Does Jesus expect his disciples to fast? How is Christian fasting differnet from the practice in Eastern Religions or the Western fitness religions? Can our own fasting serve others? These are just some of the questions he will answer in this session.

In this final week of our study of the Gospel of John Pastor LeeWood covers the closing chapter of John. Through this conversation over the epilogue of John we see how our author ties the prologue to the epilogue, as well as a discover the three purposes of this epilogue.

In the penultimate week of our study of John Pastor LeeWood discusses the unique details of Jesus' crucifixion that John adds into his account. By looking at the seven unique details that John includes we are brought to the conclusion that John was trying to articulate three simple truths about Jesus' crucifixion: 1) Jesus was always in control, even on the cross, 2) Jesus' death was a fulfillment of Scripture, and 3) Jesus serves as the perfect Passover Lamb for us.

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In the 13th week of our study of the Gospel according to John, Pastor LeeWood walks us through one of his favorite passages in the Bible. By looking at Jesus' final "I Am" statement and his use of vineyard imagery we come to a clear conclusion: abiding with Jesus is our only hope for change. Change in ourselves, change for our friends, our culture, and our futures. Jesus hits on several large themes of fruitfulness and abiding in this brief passage.

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In this twelfth week of our Gospel of John study Pastor LeeWood dives into John 14. John 14 is a series of five answers to a singular question that was raised in chapter 13: "Why is it better for Jesus to depart instead of remaining with his Disciples?" Through the course of Jesus' five answers we come to see how there is great encouragement that is given by Jesus, and wonderful promises are made.

Additional resources can be found at: https://www.ibcministries.com/Equipping-Institute-Resources