In this message, Pastor Kory walks through 1 Timothy, chapter 2 to show how Timothy's context helps us better understand the (sometimes strange) advice the Apostle Paul gives to Timothy. Women will be saved through childbearing? Really? This better be good!

This sermon explores 1 Timothy 2 in its historical context, showing how Paul addressed false teaching and cultural tensions in Ephesus—especially among new believers leaving the Artemis cult. Rather than restricting women universally, Paul aimed to cultivate peace, equality, and unity in the early church. By revisiting Scripture through its original setting, the message highlights how the gospel dismantles hierarchy and calls men and women alike to mutual partnership in Christ.

The first sermon in our “How the Bible Frees Women” series explores how the Bible presents men and women as equal partners in God’s creation and calls the Church to reflect that equality in leadership and ministry. Tracing the story from Genesis through Jesus and Paul, it shows that patriarchy is a result of the fall—not God’s design. Listeners are invited to see how Christ restores mutuality between men and women and to support women in pursuing their God‑given callings.

This message was given the Sunday after one of our staff and beloved member of our church community, Holly Almhjeld, passed away. In the worship service we wanted to acknowledge our loss, but find a way to worship and give thanks even in our mourning.