The psalms show us God's people longing to return to the house of God, to His dwelling place. At the start of the world there was an overlap of God's dwelling (heaven) with humanity's (earth) in Eden. This was lost because of mankind's rebellion. The temple for Israel was a picture of this, where God's dwelling would overlap with humanity's. Israel also lost their home and access to the temple because of their own rebellion. Psalm 65 shows us a virtual return to God's house and reminds us that God has not given up on His creation. He is still very much at work in His world, bringing healing and reconciliation to the land and to the people. One day, His home will overlap again with man's.

In the beginning of creation there were two trees at the center of the story holding out a choice to humans: will you trust the Creator to show you what is good and what is not, or will you rebel against Him to try and make yourself king of your own life? Psalm 1 reminds God's people that one of these choices leads to life and the other leads to death. How have the first humans chosen? How have you and I chosen? If we've already gone to the wrong tree, is there any hope to find our way back to the right one?

As we begin our series in the Psalms this summer, we start by looking at four eternal truths about who God is. So far 2020 has been a tumultuous and strange year. These truths about who God is and how He is at work in His world give us anchors during the storm - something to hold onto and to rest in, knowing that no matter what may change in our present circumstance, God is always Good, Great, Glorious, and Gracious.

If Jesus was resurrected, what does that mean for you? For humanity? For all of creation? We continue through 1 Thessalonians for this 'physical distancing' Easter worship. He is risen!

Because of the love of Christ, our love ought to motivate us to good works for the sake of our neighbors.

What does it look like to overflow with love for all around you? Not just those you like or feel comfortable around, but even those who seem unlovable? How can we have this type of love?

Faith is an essential part of the Christian life and a word you've likely heard even if you haven't been around the church too long. But what does that word actually mean and how do we live it out? How much faith do we need to have? Where should we put that faith?

God calls us into His work with Him… to be co-workers with Him. Our job is simple really: let our lives witness to His kingdom. The problem is there is a tempter also at work to pull us away from this task. How do we fight off the temptation and live in our purpose of witnessing to God’s kingdom?

Paul saw the resistance and opposition that ran them out of Thessalonica and kept them from coming back as a play by the enemy. Not the Jewish religious leaders who actually stirred up the trouble. No, they were just a tool used in the process. The real obstacle came from a different enemy. How do we press on with such an enemy in our way?

You're suffering for believing this message. Just like the first church in Judea did. Just like the prophets did. Just like Jesus. Is it worth believing? I guess that all depends on whether this is a message from people, or from the living God who brings true life.