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

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

What is the Lord’s Supper?

This teaching covers question 78 of our catechism. The Lord’s Supper is the sacramental meal Christ commanded all believers to eat, in which the death of Christ for our salvation is represented in the breaking of the bread and the pouring out of the cup, and through which the believer spiritually feeds upon Christ, giving thanks to God as the elements are received in faith.

Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16

What Is Water Baptism?

Water baptism is the sign and seal of our union with Christ and the cleansing He provides for sin, a means of grace to provide strength in our struggle against sin, and the medium through which we testify of our faith in Christ and membership in the church.

Colossians 2:9-15; Romans 6:3-7

Disciples, Followers, Apprentices of the Master

Jesus is calling a community of disciples/followers/apprentices to learn from His teachings, be transformed to have His character, and imitate His practices and life rhythms.

Mark 1:16–20

The Church – The Community of Worship

Question 71: Are Christians only called to be part of the universal Church?
Worship is the assembly of the local church where God speaks to us through His Word, meets and strengthens us in the sacraments, and we respond as a community in spoken and sung prayers.

Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16

Disciples Love Our God

Disciples love God with their whole being and express that love in worship with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Disciples Embrace the Gospel of Grace

Disciples embrace the gospel, admitting their sin and receiving God’s grace offered to them in Christ.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

Shema – Hear and Speak God’s Word

The Shema is the most important command in Scripture, and it teaches us that to love God with all our being we must hear and speak God’s Word regularly.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Enjoying Jesus Through His Table

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Table so we might remember and commune with Him, repent of our sin, and receive His grace and joy to strengthen our walk with Him.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Enjoying Jesus Through Fellowship

God has given us a wonderful gift in fellowship with other believers, and we should not neglect this habit of grace.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Enjoying Jesus Through the Habits of Grace

Christians enjoy their relationship with Jesus as they regularly practice the habits of grace – those activities which God has promised to use to give His grace and joy to His people. Acts 2:42 To Listen to the teaching click [Here] To download the teaching outline click [Here]

The Feast of Fasting

Biblical fasting is a call to not only abstain from food but to feast upon the Word and will of God.

Matthew 4:1-4

Grace Based Initiative

As we have been blessed with God’s grace through Jesus Christ, the gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to respond with grace to others in our relationships. God’s command to us for others is clear: Love others as He loves us.

1 John 4:7-11; 19-21

Communion

As we partake of Communion in faith, Christians are united in fellowship with Christ and His Body, the Church.

Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

A Thriving Growth

Luke describes the early church as thriving with continuous growth as it is strengthened by the Spirit through the means of grace to fulfill the Great Commission – even in the face of severe opposition.

Acts 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20

A Thriving Community

A thriving church is a true community, centered on Christ, awed by God’s power, showing practical love, living life together, and experiencing God’s favor.

Acts 2:42-47

A Thriving Spirituality

As the church, we thrive only by the grace of God which we experience through the means of grace. Therefore we must embrace and intentionally seek to cultivate that grace in our lives as part of the church.

Acts 2:36-42

Spiritual Nourishment for a Life of Brotherly Love

As God’s chosen people, we are called to be nourished spiritually and to love our fellow believers fervently.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3

The Benefits of Baptism

Water baptism is the sign and seal of our union with Christ, a means of grace to provide strength in our struggle against sin, and the medium through which we testify of our faith in Christ and membership in the church. Romans 6:1-7 Reading: Colossians 2:9-15 Benediction: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 […]

Letting the Word Dwell in You Richly

The Bible is the only infallible and inerrant rule of faith, sufficient for salvation and holiness. Other creeds and confessions may be helpful summaries, but must be tested by Scripture, which is the final authority.

Colossians 3:16

The Spirit, the Word, and the Means of Grace

God wants to fill His people with His Spirit and this is primarily done as we consistently participate in faith with the means of grace He has ordained for His people.

Acts 2:42