Divine Paradox
Grace or Works?
September 18, 2022 • Pastor Seth Amerine
This week we finish our series on divine paradoxes with a look at what Paul says about works in Ephesians 2:8-10 and what James says about works in James 2:14-26. Take some time to read these two texts and prayerfully consider how they give us a great understanding of works and salvation rather then contradicting each other.
Love, Hate and Your Parents
September 11, 2022 • Pastor Seth Amerine
This week we are talking about love, hate, and your parents! Consider the commandments in Exodus 20:12, 21:17, and Leviticus 19:18 and see how Jesus and Paul quote these in Matthew 19:19, 22:39, and Ephesians 6:1-4. What do these passages say about how we are to treat our parents, others and even ourselves? Then consider Luke 14:26. What could Jesus possibly mean by this? What is the context - read Luke 14 in its entirety and consider how Jesus is not contradicting Himself. He said it this way on purpose in order to draw you deeper into truth. What is He trying to help you understand? (also consider Matthew 11:28-30 and Matthew 14:22-32)
Our Struggle with Sin
September 4, 2022 • Chris Alexander
“This week we are looking at the struggle with sin that is common to every believer. How can we be saved from our sin and yet at the same time still be sinful? Either we are free from sin or not, right? Paul has a great deal to say about this in his letter to the church at Rome. Spend some time in the Book of Romans as you prepare for worship this Sunday. We will hit the highlights of chapters 1-6 but our primary text can be found in Romans 7:14-25. Read it carefully - and then maybe - read it carefully again. See you on the Lord’s Day!”
Are we supposed to test God or not?
August 28, 2022 • Pastor Seth Amerine
This week we are considering the Bible's teaching on testing God. In Matthew 4 Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:16 which expressly says, "You will not put the Lord your God to the test..." But God says through His prophet Malachi in Malachi 3:10 "Thereby put the Lord your God to the test..." Which is it? While it may appear to be a contradiction - it is actually a paradox. There is a way of testing God that is wrong and there is a way of testing God that He invites us to. Take some time to prayerfully examine Matthew 4:5-7, Deuteronomy 6:16, Exodus 17:1-7, Malachi 3:10, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:8-10, and Judges 6:36-40.
To Judge or Not to Judge
August 21, 2022 • Pastor Seth Amerine
This week we examine what Jesus and the apostle Paul teach us about judgement. In one passage it seems they tell us not to judge while in another they seem to tell us to judge. Read Matthew 7:1-5, John 7:24 (read the first 23 verse for context), 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, and 1 Corinthians 5:12 (see first 11 verses for context) and consider what sort of judgement we should avoid exercising and the kind we are called to engage in.
Divine Paradoxes and Why They Exist
August 7, 2022 • Pastor Seth Amerine
This week we begin a new study called Divine Paradoxes. We will be examining a series of statements and teachings that Jesus and other Biblical figures made that at first appear contradictory but upon further examination are not only true but open the doorway to deeper truths about God, ourselves and our relationship with Him. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and look for the paradoxes - consider what deeper truths they reveal.