February 4, 2018

This week, Kenny talks through the last of the miraculous "signs" John records in his Gospel: Jesus's resurrection of His friend, Lazarus, from the dead. Kenny argues that this amazing event is actually best understood in light of the preceding chapter, when Jesus is almost stoned to death by several Jewish leaders in the Temple after He claimed to have the authority to interpret the Scriptures. By raising Lazarus from the dead-and by doing this in such close proximity to the Temple!-Jesus asserts His full and complete authority. Consequently, the leaders who had previously tried to kill Him were faced with a choice: is Jesus right about who He says He is-the King Messiah, come to usher in the Kingdom of God-or not? Similarly, the overwhelming nature of Jesus's power and authority force each of us to choose: do we trust ourselves to decide who Jesus is...or do we trust Him to do that? Our challenge this week is a big one: are we willing to trade our desire to know everything about Jesus before we make up our minds about Him...for the opportunity to know more about Him by investing in an ongoing and sacrificial relationship? 

Scripture: John 10 & 11

January 28, 2018

January 21, 2018

January 14, 2018

This week, Kenny looks at how changes to the postures of our bodies can anticipate and even direct changes to the postures of our hearts. In light of this, he explores the ways God insists on being set apart in Scripture as opportunities for training us in the habits of reverence. These habits-which force changes to our posture!-help us to better understand and live out another, related Truth: that God lives inside of those who believe in Him. 

Scripture studied: Exodus 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

This week, Josh talks about the ancient practice of baptism, which has been central to Christianity since its inception. Specifically, he challenges us to consider two "points of tension" in our relationship with God, as it has been mediated by Jesus:

1. The moment of "death," when we see our shortcomings clearly and recognize that change must come from a place outside of us, and that it will cost us much.

2. The moment of "birth," when we enter into seasons of transformation, "stretching new muscles," and practicing the beliefs that have become central to us through our faith.

This week, guest speaker Aaron Niequist guides us through a traditional liturgical service. Liturgy, Aaron teaches us, means "the work of the people," and he emphasizes how different elements and practices in our Sunday services and gatherings can help us "exercise" different spiritual muscles together. The service included the reading of Scripture, Confession, Assurance, a time of Teaching, and Holy Communion. We also learned more about (and then experienced) the practice of Lectio Divina, a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer! 

You can listen to the audio or watch the video below.  If you would like to follow along in the printed liturgy you can download it by clicking HERE.

This week, Josh talks about how we can have more positive interactions with people we might struggle to "get along" with. He offers 3 pieces of critical advice:

1. Lower Expectations: allow past experiences to set a baseline from which your relationship can improve...and work towards making each encounter better than the one before.
2. Live Humbly: remember that you aren't perfect, either...and lead the way in asking for forgiveness.
3. Extend Grace Before It's Needed: work to create relationships where your continued love and support can be counted on, even when people make mistakes.