We are a community of believers in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. We are part of the United Methodist Church. We have both contemporary and traditional worship.
The story of Habakkuk offers profound insights into trusting God even when life doesn't make sense. Habakkuk lived during great turmoil as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced destruction and exile. Yet, his journey of faith and prayer provides a roadmap for us today. Whether it's personal struggles, economic difficulties, or global crises, we can trust in and depend on God and find joy in His presence.
The story of Habakkuk offers profound insights into trusting God even when life doesn't make sense. Habakkuk lived during great turmoil as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced destruction and exile. Yet, his journey of faith and prayer provides a roadmap for us today. Whether it's personal struggles, economic difficulties, or global crises, we can trust in and depend on God and find joy in His presence.
Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and humility, declaring herself the Lord's servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from self-sufficiency and embrace God's sufficiency by relinquishing control and trusting in His plans. Mary's words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God.
Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and humility, declaring herself the Lord's servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from self-sufficiency and embrace God's sufficiency by relinquishing control and trusting in His plans. Mary's words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God.
After God's people were exiled from the Promised Land to Canaan, God raised up Nehemiah as a great leader to re-establish them in their land. Nehemiah's great leadership began in prayer. We may not feel like leaders, but all of us can be used by God wherever we are. The key to God's work in and through us is dedicating ourselves to Him in prayer. Nehemiah's prayers teach us the importance of combining prayer with action in response to the world's brokenness.
After God's people were exiled from the Promised Land to Canaan, God raised up Nehemiah as a great leader to re-establish them in their land. Nehemiah's great leadership began in prayer. We may not feel like leaders, but all of us can be used by God wherever we are. The key to God's work in and through us is dedicating ourselves to Him in prayer. Nehemiah's prayers teach us the importance of combining prayer with action in response to the world's brokenness.
In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament, we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although Abraham's nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, Abraham calls on God to act justly, almost like he is bargaining. with God. From Abraham, we have much to learn about pleading with God in prayer on behalf of the lost.
In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament, we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although Abraham's nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, Abraham calls on God to act justly, almost like he is bargaining. with God. From Abraham, we have much to learn about pleading with God in prayer on behalf of the lost.
Jesus rising on Easter morning was more than a showy miracle to shock and awe His attackers and followers. When Jesus rose, He turned the entire order of the universe on its head. The Resurrection shows us that death does not have the last word. God has the last word, and His word is Life. Suffering and death end, but God's Kingdom lasts forever.
Jesus rising on Easter morning was more than a showy miracle to shock and awe His attackers and followers. When Jesus rose, He turned the entire order of the universe on its head. The Resurrection shows us that death does not have the last word. God has the last word, and His word is Life. Suffering and death end, but God's Kingdom lasts forever.
Our desire to be popular, even as adults, is normal. This desire emerges from our longing to be in community and feel like we belong. Rather than seeking to be popular, Jesus sought to be unpopular. Popularity and acclaim in the eyes of others are fleeting. If we put all our faith in them, we will be disappointed. Instead, God calls us to put our faith in His love and grace.
Our desire to be popular, even as adults, is normal. This desire emerges from our longing to be in community and feel like we belong. Rather than seeking to be popular, Jesus sought to be unpopular. Popularity and acclaim in the eyes of others are fleeting. If we put all our faith in them, we will be disappointed. Instead, God calls us to put our faith in His love and grace.
The concept of giving up our lives isn't foreign to us. It happens most often when we embark upon new relationships. When we exchange vows with our spouse, we give up our old lives for a new one. When parents welcome a child into the home, they give up their old lives for a new one. A faithful response to our call to live a life rooted in the Gospel requires us to give up our old lives to embrace a new life where we embody Christ's love and compassion.
The concept of giving up our lives isn't foreign to us. It happens most often when we embark upon new relationships. When we exchange vows with our spouse, we give up our old lives for a new one. When parents welcome a child into the home, they give up their old lives for a new one. A faithful response to our call to live a life rooted in the Gospel requires us to give up our old lives to embrace a new life where we embody Christ's love and compassion.
Loving our enemies can sometimes feel as idealistic as instantaneous world peace. Still, Jesus showed that caring even for those who persecute us is a real, actionable mandate we can carry out by following His example. The paradoxical kingdom truth is that the way to deal with an enemy is to do him good, which in turn does us good. By loving our enemies, we witness Christ to them.
Loving our enemies can sometimes feel as idealistic as instantaneous world peace. Still, Jesus showed that caring even for those who persecute us is a real, actionable mandate we can carry out by following His example. The paradoxical kingdom truth is that the way to deal with an enemy is to do him good, which in turn does us good. By loving our enemies, we witness Christ to them.
God doesn't care about the artificial lines we draw to make ourselves feel superior to others. In God's eyes, we are all equal. God's Word and His message of salvation are far more important than and superior to any lines we draw in the sand, any distinctions we make among us. We need to give up on our superiority and our desire to be” better than.
God doesn't care about the artificial lines we draw to make ourselves feel superior to others. In God's eyes, we are all equal. God's Word and His message of salvation are far more important than and superior to any lines we draw in the sand, any distinctions we make among us. We need to give up on our superiority and our desire to be” better than.
Not a day goes by that something isn't expected of you, or you expect something of someone else. We have expectations of ourselves and God, too, and they are not always healthy. When our expectations are based on God's Word, they will never fail to be met. Cast aside your expectations, trust in God, and count the blessings He's already given you. We can expect God to do exactly what He says He will do.
Not a day goes by that something isn't expected of you, or you expect something of someone else. We have expectations of ourselves and God, too, and they are not always healthy. When our expectations are based on God's Word, they will never fail to be met. Cast aside your expectations, trust in God, and count the blessings He's already given you. We can expect God to do exactly what He says He will do.
We are used to having control over so many things that we often fail to seek God's will for our lives, and we try to call all the shots ourselves. Everything in culture teaches us to take control. You must take charge, make it happen, and control your destiny. But the truth behind our need to control might show us one of our biggest areas of spiritual vulnerability. What you most attempt to control often reveals where you trust God the least.
We are used to having control over so many things that we often fail to seek God's will for our lives, and we try to call all the shots ourselves. Everything in culture teaches us to take control. You must take charge, make it happen, and control your destiny. But the truth behind our need to control might show us one of our biggest areas of spiritual vulnerability. What you most attempt to control often reveals where you trust God the least.
Once you claim to be a Christian and know what it means to follow Jesus, how do you maintain that identity? How do we prevent deconstructing our faith to the point that we walk away from Christ, as others have? When we cease to believe what we once believed and are trying to figure out where we stand, it is part of the current issue of identity. Paul and others give us a series of commands and exhortations to help us continue our walk with Christ and be stable and steadfast in the faith.
Once you claim to be a Christian and know what it means to follow Jesus, how do you maintain that identity? How do we prevent deconstructing our faith to the point that we walk away from Christ, as others have? When we cease to believe what we once believed and are trying to figure out where we stand, it is part of the current issue of identity. Paul and others give us a series of commands and exhortations to help us continue our walk with Christ and be stable and steadfast in the faith.
Jesus Christ alone holds the right and authority to define our identity. We are His children, made in His image, and His divine presence is actively at work within us. Discovering our true identity begins with developing an intimate relationship with Him. Our identity in Christ is rooted in God's grace, not our achievements or failures. Our identity is meant to glorify God, not to promote ourselves.
Jesus Christ alone holds the right and authority to define our identity. We are His children, made in His image, and His divine presence is actively at work within us. Discovering our true identity begins with developing an intimate relationship with Him. Our identity in Christ is rooted in God's grace, not our achievements or failures. Our identity is meant to glorify God, not to promote ourselves.
The biblical story of Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus demonstrates the transformative power of conversion. Before Paul's encounter with Jesus, he over-identified with his Jewish heritage, his education, and his zealous but misguided religious fervor, positioning himself in opposition to Christ. This reflects a common human tendency to over-identify with certain aspects of life, leading to a distorted sense of self. After meeting Jesus, Saul received a new and true identity.
The biblical story of Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus demonstrates the transformative power of conversion. Before Paul's encounter with Jesus, he over-identified with his Jewish heritage, his education, and his zealous but misguided religious fervor, positioning himself in opposition to Christ. This reflects a common human tendency to over-identify with certain aspects of life, leading to a distorted sense of self. After meeting Jesus, Saul received a new and true identity.
Idolatry significantly shapes and impacts identity; causing individuals to become like what they worship. Worshiping created things over the Creator distorts our sense of self. Scripture tells many stories that illustrate how idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and the loss of true identity as imagebearers of God. What is essential? Return to God, seek identity and purpose in Him, and submit to Christ's transformative work in your life.
Idolatry significantly shapes and impacts identity; causing individuals to become like what they worship. Worshiping created things over the Creator distorts our sense of self. Scripture tells many stories that illustrate how idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and the loss of true identity as imagebearers of God. What is essential? Return to God, seek identity and purpose in Him, and submit to Christ's transformative work in your life.
There is a profound relationship between our identity and God's intimate knowledge of us. God is omniscient; He knows every detail of our lives, from mundane actions to our innermost thoughts. We must be reassured that God loves us with an immeasurable, covenantal, saving love. We should place our identity in God's understanding and love, finding security in our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of true self-knowledge and significance.
There is a profound relationship between our identity and God's intimate knowledge of us. God is omniscient; He knows every detail of our lives, from mundane actions to our innermost thoughts. We must be reassured that God loves us with an immeasurable, covenantal, saving love. We should place our identity in God's understanding and love, finding security in our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of true self-knowledge and significance.
There is much confusion around identity in modern culture. Human beings are created by God in His image. Our identity is embodied, meaning our physical bodies are integral to our identity. We are created with purpose and are morally accountable to God, not autonomous beings. Sin has marred our understanding of identity, but through Jesus Christ, we can be restored to our true identity as image-bearers of God. We need God's help understanding and living out this true identity.
There is much confusion around identity in modern culture. Human beings are created by God in His image. Our identity is embodied, meaning our physical bodies are integral to our identity. We are created with purpose and are morally accountable to God, not autonomous beings. Sin has marred our understanding of identity, but through Jesus Christ, we can be restored to our true identity as image-bearers of God. We need God's help understanding and living out this true identity.
There are things we cannot control, like our past, our genetics, other people's actions and our external circumstances. While we may not have control over the circumstances life throws at us, we always have the ability to choose our responses and attitudes. This week, we will see how important it is to refuse a victim mentality, which blames others or your circumstances for your state of mind and keeps you wallowing in self-pity, and instead see yourself as a victor in Christ.
There are things we cannot control, like our past, our genetics, other people's actions and our external circumstances. While we may not have control over the circumstances life throws at us, we always have the ability to choose our responses and attitudes. This week, we will see how important it is to refuse a victim mentality, which blames others or your circumstances for your state of mind and keeps you wallowing in self-pity, and instead see yourself as a victor in Christ.
God's calls and commands can often feel murky and unclear, yet they are designed to strengthen our faith in ways we can't anticipate. God's call often comes without clarity, and we must trust and obey despite uncertainties. We need to make up our minds to follow God's commands, even when we don't fully understand the “why” behind His requests. His wisdom is beyond our own!
God's calls and commands can often feel murky and unclear, yet they are designed to strengthen our faith in ways we can't anticipate. God's call often comes without clarity, and we must trust and obey despite uncertainties. We need to make up our minds to follow God's commands, even when we don't fully understand the “why” behind His requests. His wisdom is beyond our own!
We all understand that if you keep doing what you've done, you keep getting what you got. So, if you want something new, you need to make up your mind to try something different. The New Year is a perfect time to do that. God would have us stop hobbling back and forth between two options or opinions. We must realize the importance of making a decisive commitment to follow God wholeheartedly rather than wavering between different priorities or influences.
We all understand that if you keep doing what you've done, you keep getting what you got. So, if you want something new, you need to make up your mind to try something different. The New Year is a perfect time to do that. God would have us stop hobbling back and forth between two options or opinions. We must realize the importance of making a decisive commitment to follow God wholeheartedly rather than wavering between different priorities or influences.
The cornerstone of Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus. This is the central tenet of the Christian faith, the one that serves as the foundation of hope and salvation. Jesus was crucified and died, His body buried in a tomb that was found empty three days later, and His disciples encountered Jesus with a newly resurrected body!
The cornerstone of Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus. This is the central tenet of the Christian faith, the one that serves as the foundation of hope and salvation. Jesus was crucified and died, His body buried in a tomb that was found empty three days later, and His disciples encountered Jesus with a newly resurrected body!
Science doesn't move us away from God, science actually draws us toward God. Intelligent design points to a Creator and complements biblical teachings. Science does not negate faith because science and religion are based on different aspects of human experience and address different parts of human understanding.
Science doesn't move us away from God, science actually draws us toward God. Intelligent design points to a Creator and complements biblical teachings. Science does not negate faith because science and religion are based on different aspects of human experience and address different parts of human understanding.
Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies because God's plan for human salvation was fulfilled in Jesus. The New Testament, especially the Gospel of Matthew, documents this belief by correlating statements about Jesus with Old Testament prophecies.
Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies because God's plan for human salvation was fulfilled in Jesus. The New Testament, especially the Gospel of Matthew, documents this belief by correlating statements about Jesus with Old Testament prophecies.
This week we will explore the historical and textual reliability of the Gospels. There are eyewitness accounts, historical and archeological findings to support what we read in the Bible. But what is most important in lending accuracy to the Bible is the history of redeemed and transformed lives.
This week we will explore the historical and textual reliability of the Gospels. There are eyewitness accounts, historical and archeological findings to support what we read in the Bible. But what is most important in lending accuracy to the Bible is the history of redeemed and transformed lives.
Hearing and accepting God's correction is vital to our spiritual growth. God's discipline is different from flawed human correction; it is meant to confront our sins, lead us to repentance, and ultimately bring about healing and righteousness in our lives. God's correction, while challenging, is designed to transform us and align us more closely with His will. As Christians, we are called to support one another through correction. When done with love and grace, correction leads to restoration and growth. Be open to receiving correction from trusted Christian friends, mentors, or leaders who can provide godly counsel and help you grow.
Hearing and accepting God's correction is vital to our spiritual growth. God's discipline is different from flawed human correction; it is meant to confront our sins, lead us to repentance, and ultimately bring about healing and righteousness in our lives. God's correction, while challenging, is designed to transform us and align us more closely with His will. As Christians, we are called to support one another through correction. When done with love and grace, correction leads to restoration and growth. Be open to receiving correction from trusted Christian friends, mentors, or leaders who can provide godly counsel and help you grow.
God has given us a compass, the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us to give us guidance and direction every day of our lives. God's guidance often comes through subtle nudges and impressions, requiring believers to cultivate intimacy and trust in Him. In Acts, Luke tells the story of how God sovereignly speaks and acts through ordinary people to bring about His plan of salvation. We need to stay in step with the Holy Spirit, trust God's wisdom and guidance, and be open to His leading in our interactions with others, as these moments can lead to significant spiritual transformations.
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