Studies
-
Fear of Temptation
Fear of Temptation Matthew4:1-11 Today’s reading is so very important to us. Let’s look at all of the parts, how it relates to the story of Jesus and how it relates to us. The first item that stands out to me is that the devil thought that he could tempt Jesus. Yes, Jesus was wholly
-
Transfiguration
Awe of Transfiguration Read Matthew 17:1-9 The first question I had was “What happened 6 days earlier?” Matthew shares a sequential story so the connection to the previous is foundational. Looking back at the end of 16, Jesus is sharing that He will die. The same can be found in Luke 9 and Mark 8.
-
Adam or Jesus
Is Adam to blame? Read Romans 5:12-19 These verses explain how sin and death entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, affecting all humanity. This reading takes us from the original sin thru the laws and leads us to grace of Jesus Christ, whose single act of righteousness brings justification and life to many. Through Jesus
-
Jesus Persecution & Beatitudes
Jesus shares beatitudes and persecution. Read Matthew 5:1-12 These words of scripture are called the Beatitudes. It may surprise you that there is also a secular version of this scripture—a recognition that what Jesus said is inspired by God but wanting to take human credit. Secular meditations on the Beatitudes focus on transforming them from religious
-
Jesus on Salt and Light
Jesus teaches us to be Salt and Light Read Matthew 5:13-20 Today let us focus on the first three verses first and we will summarize with the entire passage Followers of Jesus are called to be distinct, impactful agents for good in the world (salt and light) and to live out a deeper, heart-transforming righteousness
-
Psalm 40 God Protects
Psalm 40:1-11 Psalm 40 offers multiple layers. It starts sharing when David felt he was heard by God. It moves into David’s personal experience of deliverance from distress (the “slimy pit” which represents deep trouble, sin, or distress). He celebrates his and others expressions of praise and testimony. He shares his appreciation of Christ’s ultimate
-
Jesus invites us to Come and See
The day after he baptizes Jesus, John the Baptist sees Jesus and testifies about his identity: “See the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Note the following: Jesus takes away the sin of the world, not the church. Just as in John 3:16, we are called to recognize Jesus as the savior of the
-
Jesus invites us to Come on in.
Read Matthew 3:13-17 John stood in the waters of the Jordan River and shouted out, “Come on in, the water’s fine.” Some joined him, and others stood on the shore. Today, we look at one who took him up on the invitation and joined him in the waters. When Jesus climbed down the bank into
-
Jesus is the Word
Jesus is the Word. Read John 1:1-18 .The book of John opens with a two-part introduction. Today we focus on the first part, that opens with the famous line, “In the beginning was the Word.” This is an obvious reference to Genesis 1, when God created everything with his word. It also directs us to remember
