Pastor Josh returns as Lifepointe Youth takes a break from the Bible Engagement Project. Examining the Easter story, PJ speaks of the impact in the aftermath of the event that shapes the foundation of our faith.

The Easter story is fairly well known, but we easily forget how impactful each aspect of the story can be. As Jesus is on the cross, breathing his last breathes before giving up his spirit, a lot is happening. There was darkness that supernaturally covered the land at 3 in the afternoon. The curtain in the temple that separated God and man for generations was torn, not from the bottom but from the top. There even was a resurrection of the dead as they came out of their tombs and walked around in the Holy city for witnesses to see. Jesus’ death was powerful, not only for us today, but immediately. As Jesus told his disciples, he was resurrected three days later. Jesus appears to his followers and assures them that he real and alive. He even forgives the disciples as they abandoned him in his last days, calling them his brothers. All of this speaks to the miracle of the resurrection. When reunited with the disciples, Jesus gives them the Great Commission to spread the teachings and message of Christ throughout the world. This request is so special because it is still continuing today, both individually and as a Church family. Everything we do in our life is to continue to spread the love and hope of Jesus and the way we can be saved through him!

Scripture References: 

Matthew 27:45-55

Matthew 28:1-10

Matthew 28:18-20

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This week, we continue our deep dive in the Bible Engagement Project with a look at 1 Kings 18. Pastor Josh tells his “favorite Bible story” about Elijah and the prophets of the Baal.

1 Kings 18 is the culmination of a battle between the prophet Elijah and the king of Israel, Ahab as the drought that the nation found itself in only made Ahab dig his heels into the worship of false gods in addition to Yahweh. As the story progresses, the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is set to happen at Mt. Carmel so the real God can show Himself and win the battle. The challenge: for fire to come down and burn the sacrifice. As they meet in the morning, the prophets of Baal are first up to call down their god to show up. They danced, shouted, and begged for him to prove himself, even slashing themselves and limping around. Elijah mocks them, asking where Baal went and if he was asleep. He even asks if he is on vacation! Like Elijah, our confidence grows when we’ve seen God move and we know He is at work. After trying to get Baal’s attention from morning to midday, Elijah’s turn to ask Yahweh to show is up. In preparing the altar, he asks his servants to douse the altar with water over and over. Why? So that God can prove Himself to not only show up, but undoubtably show up! God has no need to bring fire down to prove Himself true, but He does still! This has not changed over time. God continues to fight our battles and show up for those who call on Him.

Scripture References:

1 Kings 18:20-39

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Pastor Josh is back, closing out the “Set Apart” series as he examines the end of the period of judges in 1 Samuel 8.

In 5 short chapters, Samuel finds himself in a similar position to Eli. His sons were wicked and using their offices as a means to elevate themselves, he was aging, and people were looking for a replacement. They told him that they wanted to have a king over them. This prompted Samuel to go to the Lord because he knew the danger in what that would bring. God tells Samuel to honor their wishes but warn them. Still, knowing the consequences, they called for a king. In all of this, Israel wanted a king so they could be like other nations. But that wasn’t what they were called to be! God was their king and there was no reason to look to man’s leadership. In the same way they looked around and wanted to fit in, we can too. But we are called to be different, no matter how different it may look!

(Note: This message was in conjunction with small groups following the first half of the passage)

Scripture References:

1 Samuel 8:1-9

Pastor Josh is back and continuing the Set Apart series, diving into the story of Samuel hearing from the Lord.

The background of 1 Samuel 3 is truly baffling when its examined. The people had grown so cold and corrupt to God that visions and revelations were rare in the time. Even Eli, the prominent leader, had sons who defiled the temple and used their positions of influence to manipulate people. He was losing his ability to hear from God and even refused when a prophet told him to fix the situation. Samuel, on the other hand, slept by the ark of God and was close to Him both physically and spiritually. Like him, we must put ourselves in the position to hear from the Lord so that He will speak to us. If we refuse to listen, we will never hear God speak the way we want. Samuel woke up in the middle of the night several times and ran to Eli, who he thought was calling him. Obviously, it was God. But the faithfulness to obey the voice, even if the details weren’t perfectly accurate, is a great lesson for us. We must obey God so that we can know His voice and trust that He has all of the issues we face figured out! In the last part of the passage, Samuel is ready to receive whatever the Lord wanted to speak to him. This attitude is important in hearing the voice of God: be ready to receive what He speaks!

Scripture References:

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Lifepointe Internship Director Suzanne Clark continues in the Bible Engagement Project, telling the story of Ruth and Boaz in its entirety.

The story of Ruth and Boaz is an amazing story of the love shown to those who were deemed worthless in almost every facet of life. Ruth and her Mother-in-law, Naomi, lost everything when they lost their spouse, but Boaz became a family redeemer and was able to provide for them. This narrative is a close parallel to the story of redemption that unfolded with Jesus. It shows us that God rewards His people. When we are faithful, as Ruth was to Naomi, God rewards us with blessings! God also is our refuge. Ruth was attracted to the life Naomi had and the model she was. It was because of her faith in God that made her that way. Ruth clung to Naomi and in doing so, clung to the Lord. The obvious take away from the story is that God is our redeemer. Through Jesus, we are allowed into the throne room of the Most High God! That is truly an amazing love story.

Scripture References:

Ruth 1:12-17

Ruth 2:8-12

Ruth 3:7-11

Ruth 4:13-22

Pastor Josh continues in the Bible Engagement Project with the new series “Set Apart.” Beginning with the story of Gideon, we see how God believes in the people He calls. 

The contrast to the fulfillment of the promise of the Promised Land and where Israel finds itself could not be more drastic. From the land flowing with milk and honey to being under the oppressive rule of foreign powers, Israel could not seem to break the cycle. Judges 6 is the fifth cycle of disobedience, oppression and asking God to deliver Israel. God chooses Gideon to do this, calling this depressed and downtrodden man a “mighty warrior” before He even accepted the call. God sees what we can’t; in both the situation and the people, God knows what He is saying! Gideon begins to argue with the angel, pointing to his own lack of prominence as the reason he cannot do what God has called him to do. But our insignificance is insignificant to God. No matter how much we disqualify ourselves, God will still call us into amazing things because He will sustain us. Skipping to verses 36-40, we see Gideon’s lack of trust in God which leads him to ask for TWO signs of confirmation. God answers the first and he asks Him for another. In our lives, we can do the same. But we have to learn to trust God before we test Him. Otherwise, our faith becomes stagnant.

Scripture References: 

Judges 6:11-16; 36-40