Speaker: Nathan Guy

Without God’s presence, this world is a cold, dark, scary place, unsafe and unfit for image-bearers of God. But with God’s ever abiding presence, says Dallas Willard, “this present world is a perfectly safe place for us to be.” He won’t forget you. He won’t abandon you. And Matthew’s genealogy gives us several reasons to hope that God is with us in the darkness, so we have no reason to fear.

A look at Mark’s depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus. We examine Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 to explore how Jesus fills the role of Suffering servant, and thus becomes the stand-in vessel to suffer God’s wrath and to inherit God’s blessings. And through it all, we come to realize God’s representative is God himself.

Technology has given us some incredible things. You can now Facetime with Grandma and send mail electronically that will get to its destination in a matter of milliseconds rather than days. But no matter what devices we employ, or commodity we consume, some things you just can’t phone in. Bodies sharing life together is what presence truly means. And it’s why He came. The first lesson in a 3-part series entitled “Christmas Presence.”

A look at Jesus’ arrest and trials in Mark 14-15.

Remember to show an attitude of gratitude.

[Note: Audio issues in original recording]

We are maxed-out on credit cards, increasing our anxiety meds, and headed to marriage counseling because of money stress. All while making more money than most people in the world. And we don’t think we have a problem.

In the words of Tim Keller, money blindness leads to money sickness.

But then we have these stories. A widow who gives her last two pennies away. A Macedonian church that begs for an opportunity to give beyond their ability. A Savior who calls a man whose identity is wrapped up in money and things to sell his things and give away the money.

It challenges us to re-imagine what it means to be “blessed.” And it calls us to ask: after we give our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to the Lord (in baptism and in service), what can we give next?

Judas betrays him with a kiss; but “all the disciples forsook him and fled.” Mark 14 is a look at betrayal…theirs, and ours.

Daily Bible reading schedules go off the rails. What is the value in reading Leviticus? How do I know what to look for in Isaiah? What are the most important questions to be asking when I read 2 Corinthians?
In this lesson, I argue that all of the Bible points to Jesus Christ. Find joy and passion in reading every text of Scripture through this lens: what can it tell me about the message about Christ?

Doubt. We all have it, but we don’t always know what to do with it. The Bible heroes of faith often express doubt, frustration, and ask hard questions of God. Church is intended to be a place for people who practice a thinking faith, a faith seeking understanding. Church ought to be a place where disagreement and doubt does not destroy but leads to discernment. Christ welcomes doubters. Praise God!