The Fellowship, Truth, and Heart of the Gospel Pt. 1 (BG)
March 6, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Galatians 2:1–14
Whether one likes it or not, reputation plays an important part in various arenas of life. Most of us can remember a time when we were concerned about other people's perception about us. In business, companies go to great lengths to develop a good reputation and distance themselves from previous blunders, knowing it will impact the bottom line. In this section of Galatians, Paul has to defend his ministry and message to the skeptics. However, his greatest concern is not for how people, or the other apostles perceive him, but for the purity of the gospel message. Paul desires to show that while the ministry, calling, and context in which he worked was different compared to Peter, James, and John, they were all unified in their message. Paul knew that if he permitted a fracture in this message, the reputation of the gospel would be lost. The gospel was at work in the early church, not creating a two-tiered system between Jew & Gentile but creating one people who exhibit humility and unity in gathering together because of the grace of God.
The Fellowship, Truth, and Heart of the Gospel Pt. 1 (WS)
March 6, 2022 • Dave Williams • Galatians 2:1–14
Whether one likes it or not, reputation plays an important part in various arenas of life. Most of us can remember a time when we were concerned about other people's perception about us. In business, companies go to great lengths to develop a good reputation and distance themselves from previous blunders, knowing it will impact the bottom line. In this section of Galatians, Paul has to defend his ministry and message to the skeptics. However, his greatest concern is not for how people, or the other apostles perceive him, but for the purity of the gospel message. Paul desires to show that while the ministry, calling, and context in which he worked was different compared to Peter, James, and John, they were all unified in their message. Paul knew that if he permitted a fracture in this message, the reputation of the gospel would be lost. The gospel was at work in the early church, not creating a two-tiered system between Jew & Gentile but creating one people who exhibit humility and unity in gathering together because of the grace of God.
What is the Mission of the Church (BG)
January 30, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Matthew 28
When we tell our Gospel story we offer something the world needs desperately: a vision for the future, a story to belong to, and most importantly HOPE. Tune in as we continue our study of the purposes of the church--Ekklesia.
What is the Mission of the Church (WS)
January 30, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Matthew 28
When we tell our Gospel story we offer something the world needs desperately: a vision for the future, a story to belong to, and most importantly HOPE. Tune in as we continue our study of the purposes of the church--Ekklesia.
God is Never Late (BG)
October 3, 2021 • Jon Siebert • Exodus 5:1—7:5
Moses is stuck between a rock and a hard place. God called him to deliver the people of Israel, but Pharoah has given an emphatic NO, and Moses’ community is upset because his attempt to set them free has become a burden to them. Have you ever tried to help someone, only to make the situation appear worse? What’s a called but-not-yet-successful deliverer, to do? Moses is a lot like us; he forgot that God called him and therefore it was God who would deliver Israel. The deliverance of Israel wasn’t about Moses or even Israel, but about God keeping His word. God had put His reputation on the line; would He deliver? Moses, like us, is an instrument in God’s hand to serve God and His people, all to reveal His glory. God told Moses He would bring Israel out of Egypt in a most impressive way. God’s “delay” by means of human opposition gives both Moses and Israel an opportunity to know God and build trust with Him as He reveals He is God, He will deliver, He keeps His promises, and He will share His glory with no one.
God is Never Late (WS)
October 3, 2021 • Kenan Stolz • Exodus 5:1—7:5
Moses is stuck between a rock and a hard place. God called him to deliver the people of Israel, but Pharoah has given an emphatic NO, and Moses’ community is upset because his attempt to set them free has become a burden to them. Have you ever tried to help someone, only to make the situation appear worse? What’s a called but-not-yet-successful deliverer, to do? Moses is a lot like us; he forgot that God called him and therefore it was God who would deliver Israel. The deliverance of Israel wasn’t about Moses or even Israel, but about God keeping His word. God had put His reputation on the line; would He deliver? Moses, like us, is an instrument in God’s hand to serve God and His people, all to reveal His glory. God told Moses He would bring Israel out of Egypt in a most impressive way. God’s “delay” by means of human opposition gives both Moses and Israel an opportunity to know God and build trust with Him as He reveals He is God, He will deliver, He keeps His promises, and He will share His glory with no one.