Thanksgiving Rest
God created us with a need for rest, which the curse and our culture have magnified, and we should use Thanksgiving as a chance to receive God’s gift of rest.
Genesis 1:31-2:3
The Peace Of Judgement
Judgement is real, judgement is satisfying, and judgement is elevating. Jesus as the judge is a delight.
Matthew 25:31-46
Living as Dual Citizens
Christians are citizens their country, but their primary citizenship is in heaven and this primary citizenship determines how they live as citizens of the country of their earthly life.
1 Peter 2:9-12
Leaving Success for Significance
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads where we must choose between pursuing worldly success and embracing a higher calling. The story of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee offers a powerful illustration of this pivotal moment.
Luke 5:1-11
Greater Love Has No One
Jesus emphasizes the greatest commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. Genuine love always involves sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s ultimate act of laying down His life for us.
Matthew 22:34-40; John 15:13
The Missionary Heart of God
We become the most like Jesus when we join the missionary heart of God to move out, into the unknown, to be a blessing to Bay Ridge and beyond.
Genesis 11:27-12:3
Way to Worship
Scripture tells us a lot about worship, but how do we become true worshipers of God? And why is it so important as Christians to participate in worship?
John 4:19-26
The Meaning Opportunity
Everyone has faith in something, we are all believers in something. This raises questions though. How we think about meaning and purpose drive our behavior and inform our thinking. But we fool ourselves if we put faith in things that aren’t true; and fail to adequately address the doubts we all have whatever we believe.
John 18: 33-38
Jesus Is the Victor
All of creation is under a curse and subject to constant evil which leads to suffering and death. But Jesus has won a monumental victory over Satan, sin, suffering and eternal death, and followers of Christ can live boldly and rejoice in knowing that they have eternal life and freedom from the antagonists of God.
Revelation 20:15-22:7; Genesis 3:1-19
The Pattern of Discipleship
Disciples personally respond to Christ in repentance and faith, obey His command to be baptized, and are vital members of a local church.
Acts 2:36-47
Transformed by Trinity
Trinity makes salvation possible and Trinity makes salvation sweet. Only with a God of Trinity can we be freely welcomed in together as brothers and sisters to share the joy of God and cry together, “Abba Father!”
Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-3
The Resurrection Changes Everything!
The physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead changes everything, and His followers gather each week to remember His resurrection and then take the Good News forth to everyone.
John 20:19-29
The Great Reversal
Easter celebrates the Great Reversal, when God overruled the wicked decision of humanity to reject and crucify Jesus, raising Him from the dead so that life has swallowed up death for all who trust in Him.
Acts 2:22-24
Fight for the Faith
Christians must contend for the faith so that they can hold to what is true, identify what is false, and build up both their own faith and the faith of others.
Jude 3-4; 17-22
Fast From, Feast On
Following Jesus’ pattern of fasting and feasting, abstaining from food and activities to feast upon the Presence of God, is key to experiencing a flourishing life.
Matthew 4:1-4; Luke 7:33-34
When Less Is More
True abundance is not found in a life full of distractions but in one that has reduced activities to allow time to listen to Jesus speak.
Luke 10:38-42
The Gift of Sabbath Rest
Sabbath rest is not a legalistic restriction but rather a gift from God to allow us to be refreshed as we rest from our daily vocations and activities so we can focus on God and His provision for us.
Leviticus 23:1-3
The Blessing of God
God calls His people, and especially leaders, to bless brothers and sisters in Christ, passing on the covenant blessings God has promised to His people
Numbers 6:22-27
Glory Bound!
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
Forming A Grateful Soul
We are called to form a grateful soul by consciously taking time to notice and give thanks to God for His many blessings and trusting Him to work for our good in all circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Gift of God’s Word
God has given us His Word, the Bible, to feed us, guide us, point us to Christ, and show us how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and for our good.
Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Good Portion
We can be distracted by many things, even good things, but fellowship with the Lord should always be our top priority.
Luke 10:38-42
On Mission Together!
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
Life Is Better Together!
The Church is called to be a community that worships together, shares life together, and is on mission together.
Acts 2:42-47
The Joy of Confession and Forgiveness
Concealing our sin brings only death, suffering, and pain, but confessing our sin brings life, forgiveness, healing, and true joy.