This Summer, we spent our Sunday mornings looking at key themes in the letters by the Apostle Paul. The series “13 Letters” gave us a chance to look at the astounding wisdom, experience, and hope Paul shared with his friends, churches, and, even now, with today’s followers of Jesus. These invaluable letters make up half of the Bible’s New Testament.
At the highest level, the letters provide us a compelling picture of what the early church looked like, what the first followers of Jesus wrestled with in their own lives, and how they lived in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Majors themes of faith, hope, and love are apparent. But as we listened on Sunday mornings, we also heard of the freedom, unity, and encouragement given to us through Jesus. Through our generosity, by living the Spirit, and in our relationships with one another, we can actually bring pleasure to God. We were challenged to embraced the mystery, to see Jesus throughout the entire story of the Bible, and to “honor the emperor” while remaining faithful to the true and better King.
A great resource to help you continue walking through the 13 Letters, and even the rest of the New Testament, is the “New Testament for Everyone” series of books from N.T. Wright (you can buy them individually or as a set). Also check out the great Bible Plans from the Bible App to help you make the Bible a daily priority. And of course, you can always go back and listen to these messages below or any past messages in our Series Archive.
Matt Carder - December 14, 2014
Today (Expectant, Pt. 2)
We do our best to celebrate the significance and occasion of Jesus' birth at Christmas. But if we're honest with ourselves, do we really expect the birth of Jesus to make a difference in our lives, today? Sometimes we lose sight that the birth of Jesus has incredible implications for us here and now. What are they? Tune into this message to find out.
From Series: "Expectant"
No other holiday throughout the year comes with as much excitement and anticipation as Christmas. But here's the real question: do we anticipate what Christmas implies for believers, the literal ushering in of the Kingdom of God, with the same fervor and intensity? In this Advent sermon series, we explore what it means to eagerly anticipate, and even actively participate, in the coming of the Kingdom of God where all is redeemed and made new.
