The Problem with Suffering
Romans 5:1-5
It’s understandable why people question where God is in the midst of suffering…especially when we watch those who cheat to get ahead or seem to lead lives outside of what might be deemed righteous. Paul seek to address this difficult topic in his address to the Romans. But careful reading is required to fully understand how God is at work in the toughest times of our lives.
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- Jun 23, 2019The Problem with SufferingThe Problem with SufferingRomans 5:1-5It’s understandable why people question where God is in the midst of suffering…especially when we watch those who cheat to get ahead or seem to lead lives outside of what might be deemed righteous. Paul seek to address this difficult topic in his address to the Romans. But careful reading is required to fully understand how God is at work in the toughest times of our lives.
- Jun 16, 2019You Don’t KnowYou Don’t KnowJohn 16:5-15In a time when more information is available at our fingertips than ever before in history, we can still find ourselves seeking answers that seem to elude us. It feels at times as if we are living in a land of confusion. Jesus asks us to open our eyes to witness what He is doing all around us and to focus our attention on the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Jun 9, 2019Stranger in a Strange LandStranger in a Strange LandJohn 14:8-14Like Abraham, we are sometimes called out of what we know. Even when this means leaving a place that is dangerous or unable to support us, there is still comfort in “knowing” a place or people. How does the Pentecost event help us to access a new paradigm to trust God with all that we are?
- Jun 2, 2019Do You Have the Right Number?Do You Have the Right Number?Genesis 12:1-9Abraham is called the father of nations as well as being the exemplar of faith. While we view his call as nothing more than miraculous, the trust Abraham puts in God is equally extraordinary…at times. At other times, we find that Abraham exhibits some of the same moments of weakness we do. Yet, here we stand as a result of Abraham’s ability to heed the call of God.
- May 26, 2019More than Meets the EyeMore than Meets the Eye2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Does helping hurt? How we define poverty will heavily influence how we respond to and attempt to alleviate that poverty. Jesus’ ministry focuses on reconciliation which means “putting things back into right relationship again.”
- May 19, 2019Tug of WarTug of WarMatthew 6:1-8As children, we are taught to be humble in receiving praise and to use our manners. On the other hand, we are also taught that our actions speak louder than our words. Jesus instructions during the Sermon on the Mount can be confusing regarding our witness and our piety.
- May 12, 2019Don’t Worry, Be HappyDon’t Worry, Be HappyMatthew 6:25-34Spring demands a lot of attention. The end of school, the new garden and the seeming annual wedding season require that our energies be directed in a multitude of ways. Our split attention inevitably causes stress and worry at times. Yet we are called to release our worries and to put our focus on God who prides for our every need. It’s a comforting reminder that we are held in the hands of the creator!
- May 5, 2019Speak LordSpeak Lord
- Apr 28, 2019Having the Last WordHaving the Last WordJohn 19:25-30After the death and resurrection of Jesus, there was surely a lot of discussion about the last interactions individuals would have had with Jesus just prior to his arrest. Similarly, his last words upon the cross would have led many to wonder about the significance and meaning of his last utterances. We’ll take a brief look at these phrases and some of the lessons we might draw from them.
- Apr 21, 2019A New LookA New LookLuke 24:1-12Once Jesus enters our lives, we are never the same again. We might resemble in some ways the person we used to be, but we are restored in ways we couldn’t do on our own by the magnificence of the one able to rise from the dead. Now that’s restoration!
- Apr 14, 2019Tune In and Tune UpTune In and Tune UpLuke 19:28-40Jesus demonstrated a clear sense of purpose and obedience to his Father beginning with his entry into Jerusalem. While he experienced a joyous welcome, he knew it was the beginning of a very difficult next few days in which he needed to be fully tuned in to the will of God. In difficult and joyous times, so do we.
- Apr 7, 2019The Joy of LifeThe Joy of LifePhilippians 4:4-9Many of us are familiar with the Greek term Eucharist, or another way of stating Holy Communion and the Lord’s Supper. But this is not meant to be simply a moment in time or a part of our worship experience. Rather, this is a call to each of us that in all things we would give thanks…with grace and joy.
- Mar 31, 2019Just Like NewJust Like NewLuke 7:36-39Our own brokenness continues to hamper us in our journey with God. Yet we witness Jesus work in the lives of countless lives in which restoration is but the beginning of a new life in Him. And it is by God’s grace that we are invited to a new and restored life!
- Mar 24, 2019In Need of GuidanceIn Need of GuidanceRomans 12:1-5Part of the restoration process is guidance. As Christians, we experience this through Holy Scripture and the edification of the Body of Christ. We need mentors and teachers along the way to help us in areas we do not yet know ourselves.
- Mar 17, 2019Son of AbrahamSon of AbrahamLuke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus was person reviled in his own community and seen as a traitor to his own people. Some might have seen him of little worth to those around him. But Jesus saw something wholly different…a person who could be restored!
