2023 Standalone
Listening for Change
December 31, 2023 • Walter Henegar • Luke 2:40–52
The only story about Jesus' childhood in the Bible is bookended by two summary statements which cover about 90% of Jesus' life—from infancy to age 30. Together they remind us that Jesus' entire life was one of physical, spiritual and relational growth. He shared the secret of this growth when his parents found him in the temple after the Passover: "I must be in my Father's house" (v. 49) — or more literally, "about my Father's business." This daily dependence on his Father is how Jesus, who already had the favor of God (v. 40) could also grow in favor with God (v. 52). In the same way, we who believe already have the favor of God through Jesus' sacrifice for us, yet we can grow in that favor as we depend on the Father like he did.
A Bunch of Marys in a World Full of Marthas
November 26, 2023 • Chad Jowers • Luke 10:38–42
In this passage today, we see that Martha is a lot like us. She is driven and has goals and a plan for the evening; she has an idea of how the night will go. She also knows that she has to take charge because Mary isn’t doing it. Martha is also restless and anxious. What we find, though, is that Martha and Mary have different postures around Jesus, the King of kings. Yet, one has chosen something completely different from the other. What does this look like for us today?
Faith Working Through Love: Closing the Gap Between Hypothetical and Actual Gospel Culture
October 1, 2023 • Scotty Smith • Galatians 5:1–6
The book of Galatians is a case study in loving well and loving poorly. Paul’s letter highlights the importance of building, nurturing, and protecting a relational culture shaped by the Gospel. The Gospel creates a very unique relational culture—a culture that affirms our beauty, acknowledges our brokenness, and anticipates the Day we will “be made perfect in love” (1 John3:1-3). We who love poorly now will love perfectly forever. The local church is called to inhabit this tension with honesty, humility, and hope.
Easter Every Day
April 9, 2023 • Walter Henegar • 2 Corinthians 4:7–18
What difference does it make to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Paul says it means carrying the death of Jesus, and looking for the life of Jesus—in our bodies. This dynamic engine of grace includes repentance and release, along with expectation to see the “weight of glory” in the mosaic God makes of our own stories and the people around us. The very physical, bodily nature of God’s redemption dignifies the “jars of clay” through which he accomplishes his work.