Throughout history, many have claimed that their contributions have “changed everything”. Yet these things fail to endure. Only one moment in history has stood the test of time: the resurrection of Jesus. Two thousand years later we are still talking about the moment when Jesus made reconciliation and relationship with God possible. Our response cannot … [Read More…] This Changes Everything: The Resurrection and the Life
There are things in Christianity that seem like paradoxes. At first glance, these things don’t quite seem to make sense. In this final sermon in the series, we find Jesus celebrating Passover with the apostles. Jesus’ teaching on servanthood turns our human expectations for honor upside down. The economy of God is so very different … [Read More…] Celebrate the Passover
Why is Jesus considered the “greatest of all time”? In this passage, we find four reasons why: He is the God of all, He is Creator of all, He is Sustainer of all, and He is Lord of all. Colossians 1:15–20
Have you ever had to answer a loaded question? In this passage we find Jesus answering three questions from the Pharisees. His answers teach us three important lessons about our relationship with God. Mark 12
Why should we be all in for Jesus? When we are “all in” it means we are fully committed; there are no half ways or half measures. In this passage, we find the motivation for us to be all in for Jesus: we are rescued by the father, resettled into the Son, and redeemed by … [Read More…] Deliverance from Darkness
Jesus’ ministry is about replacing old, worn out things with something new. In this passage, we see the story of a withered fig tree representing Israel and temple-based Judaism. Jesus teaches us a powerful truth through the visual of the fig tree, foretelling how something new is coming through his life and ministry. Mark … [Read More…] Explain the Fig Tree
How should we go about pursuing spiritual growth? In this passage, we find Paul, enchained in Rome, praying for the spiritual maturity of believers in Colossi whom he had never met. His words teach us how to lead a life pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 1:9-12
What makes our cities celebrate and rejoice? In this passage, we find the early church scattered following great persecution. Yet even during this time, the church preached the gospel in Judea and Samaria, and it was recorded that there was great joy in those cities. Ultimately we learn that city renewal comes through the preaching … [Read More…] Advancing the Gospel in Cities
How does the expansion of the early church into Europe inform our contemporary church missions strategy? In this passage, we find Paul and Timothy being called to come over and help plant the first church in Europe. The story teaches us that church planting begins and ends with a heart for evangelism. Yet even as … [Read More…] The Macedonian Call and Moody Church
Pastor Paco Amador, New Life Community Church in Little Village, challenges us to think about our role in missions to the city of Chicago. We learn about the parable of the vine and branches; and we are invited to hunger for the pruning of knife of God in our lives. Fruit in our lives follows … [Read More…] The Vine And The Branches
