The Teaching Series

It's really easy to focus on what’s notgoing well in our lives, rather than being grateful for what isgoing well. But what would happen if we allowed gratitude to be what grounded us? How would we then view the challenging things in our lives?

One thing I’ve learned about Jesus is that nothing is random. It’s utterly remarkable how his words and actions tie into the Old Testament story and then propel the overall story forward. Take Luke 7.

The Sea of Galilee is bursting with life and vitality. The Dead Sea is toxic and nothing can survive. And yet they’re both fed by the same source – the Jordan River. How can this be? The answer is utterly fascinating, and its truth speaks to one of the most significant realities of how we flourish in life.

I’m a really hopeful person, especially on the heels of celebrating the resurrection. But at times, I despair about the condition of our world and the struggles of life. Perhaps you do as well. That’s why I share a fascinating story that has helped me tremendously in addressing these moments and finding the courage to press on.

The Resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in human history, and each of the gospel writers tell the story in a way to highlight different aspects. This teaching explores how John records it, and how he employs the “8th Sign” and “garden” themes to boldly declare that sin, death, pain, brokenness, and chaos do not get the final word.

One of the most challenging aspects of faith is unmet expectations - that gap between what we thought/hoped God would do and what actually occurred. So how do we deal with those moments? That's what this teaching addresses as we explore the bizarre exchange between Jesus and Peter at Caesarea Philippi.

The future is often really fuzzy. And trying to figure out what is to come or understand what God is doing can leave us confused, frustrated, anxious, or even angry. So how we do we approach an unknown future? 

There are only two paths in life according to the Scriptures. There is God’s path, and there’s every other path. Life, freedom, and flourishment abound on God’s path. But what happens when we stray from God’s path?

Being intentional with God’s Word is essential to living a deep and meaningful life. In the biblical period, God’s people were called to not only dig into the Scriptures but also to have an ongoing discussion with their friends and family about them.

Identity is a big deal. It breeds mission and behavior. It’s why God called His people to be a “kingdom of priests,” and why the Apostle Peter confirms this for all followers of Jesus in one of his letters. It’s a central identity of God’s people and yet most of us have no idea what it means or entails.