As You Go

Have you ever had to wait to hear good news? When you finally got the news, how did you receive it? God's Word is good news for us...but sometimes it is also difficult news! How are we supposed to receive it?

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, it is important to consider what we are to expect from this Jesus. In this series, we examine the roles that we know that Jesus fulfilled, starting with Prophet. Was Jesus just a prophet like any other?

How do we know anything at all about God? Well, because He has revealed Himself to us. He used to do that through prophets. But now, God has revealed Himself most of all through Jesus, the ultimate prophet!

During this season of Christmas, you'll likely sing the phrase, “God and sinners reconciled.” That verse reflects how Jesus fulfilled the role of reconciler, being our ultimate High Priest!

To understand Jesus as our great High Priest, we've got to look back...WAY back...all the way to an interesting  character named Melchizedek.

We need the good and righteous rule of a king. Jesus is and forever will be our Superior King!

What comes to mind when you think of a king? There's one thing that all kings have in common...except Jesus. He is a different kind of king!

Our study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is directly connected to our study of Acts, which we will return to later. In this session, we examine 1 Thessalonians 1 and the topic of imitation.

We are all imitators. We are copy cats. Is that a bad thing? Who should we imitate?

As Paul continues encouraging his friends in 1 Thessalonians 2, he recounts his ministry among them, describing it by what it is NOT. By understand all that gospel ministry is not, we get a better picture of what it is!

Can you guess what something IS by getting clues about what it is NOT? Paul thinks so! And in 1 Thessalonians 2, he describes what his ministry was NOT so that we can better understand what it IS!

The Thessalonian church, as well as Paul, were enduring a great deal of suffering. Paul doesn't sugarcoat this, but instead encourages everyone to push through trial, knowing who holds the victory. (1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13)

We all need encouragement! And, we probably also all need to give a little encouragement!

How much is enough? How much faithfulness or obedience or Christ-likeness is enough for us? Paul's answer is, “Just a little more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

How much is enough? When it comes to really good things, the answer also feels like, "MORE!"

What is our only hope in life and death? And what can we expect when Jesus returns? Paul explains our hope and the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Sometimes bad things happen that make us really sad. Life can be really hard! Sometimes we will grieve. But do Christians grieve like everyone else? What is our reason to hope? 

How much time do we have left? More importantly, what do we do with the time we have left? Aspen Grove elder Chris LaChance unpacks 1 Thessalonians 5 for us.

Special guest Matt Trombley gets us started in Pauls second letter to the Thessalonians!

How can Christian's prepare for the end and for Christ's inevitable return? In all the strangeness about the Antichrist described in 2 Thessalonians 2, how are we to stand firm?

When things feel unsteady, shaky, or unsure, how can we find stability? How can we stand firm?

As Paul squeezes in some final ideas at the end of 2 Thessalonians, we see one central theme: Remember the Gospel. 2 Thessalonians 3.

How fast are you? Do you think Jesus is fast? Why would Paul ask the Thessalonians to pray for Jesus to be fast, and for "the word of the Lord to speed ahead"?

When it comes to the resurrection, Jesus called His shot. He openly and accurately predicted all that would happen. Why? And why didn't His disciples understand?

We don't always understand wise teaching right away. Sometimes understanding comes later! Why did Jesus tell His disciples about His resurrection if they wouldn't understand it?

In addition to giving specific and detailed predictions of His resurrection, Jesus also offered us a deep and meaningful demonstration of His resurrection power in John 11 and the raising of Lazarus.

Sometimes we need more than a description. Sometimes, for us to fully understand something, we need a demonstration! And when it comes to the resurrection, Jesus gave us a great demonstration!

As we prepare to celebrate our resurrection Hope on Easter Sunday, we should take the time to consider the cost. What did Jesus endure during His crucifixion in order to achieve our resurrection hope?

We are able to celebrate Easter because Jesus fulfilled the law! But what does that mean?

The resurrection of Jesus means everything to us, because it is proof the God can bring dead things to life! We celebrate this Easter by examining the truth of Ephesians 2:1-10.

Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the grave? Why do we need resurrection if we are already alive?

As Paul enters Athens, his spirit is tired within him. What can we learn from he evangelistic pattern? Acts 17:16-34

You know a lot! But what about what you don't know? Do you even know what you don't know?

Acts 18 covers nearly two years of Paul's life and ministry in just a few paragraphs. These small episodes not only add to his story, but they also help us to see several essential elements of a long-term life of ministry.

Life can be pretty scary sometimes! In fact, Paul felt afraid, even when he was serving and obeying the Lord! But in today's passage from Acts 18, Jesus Himself comforts Paul and helps him to be courageous!

Paul's time in Ephesus in Acts 19:1-20 is tumultuous to say the least! How are we to interpret the unusual and even strange occurrences there? And what do they show us about the work of the Holy Spirit?

Have you ever felt outmatched? When it comes to facing evil in this world, if we know Jesus, we are never outmatched! 

Acts 19:21-24 describes a riot in Ephesus that actually doesn't reach any satisfying conclusion. What tendencies can we observe in this text, and how can we apply those observations to our own walk of faith?

We don't want to make people upset! But sometimes it can happen accidentally. In fact, sometimes our faith in Jesus can make people upset...even if we don't me to!

A large portion of Paul's 3rd missionary journey is condensed in Acts 20. What ideas and principles can we gain from this chapter for our own journeys of faith?

Do you ever get bored at church? Did you know there is actually a story in the Bible about someone getting bored TO DEATH? 

Christians desire to do the will of God! But how can we know what God's will for us? Acts 21:1-26 shows us the realistic difficulty of discerning and following the will of God.

It's good for us to be careful and safe! But can it also be good for us to be dangerous? In Acts 21, Paul chooses the dangerous path. But why?

In Acts 21:27-22:21, the prophecies of Paul's impending suffering and arrest at Jerusalem begin to come to pass. We also know that our lives will certainly include hardship. But for Christians, hardship is not only certain, but it is also meaningful!

Who are you most like? Do you think you have anything in common with the worst people in the world? You might be surprised!

We believe that God does deliver us from pain, evil, and trouble. But does He always deliver us? What if He doesn't? Acts 22:22-23:11

When you are scared, would you rather be alone or with someone else? In Acts 23, when Paul is feeling very scared and alone, he gets an amazing reminder from Jesus Himself!

Paul's troubles increase as some plot to kill him and the Romans try to make sense of it all. And yet, God's hand is clearly at work. Acts 23:12-35

Where are you the most safe? In a vault? In the Whitehouse? Maybe in an underground bunker? Or is it somewhere else?

Chris LaChance unpacks Acts 24 and Paul's continued time in custody.

As Paul's wrongful imprisonment continues, his trust in the Lord is tested. And yet, through this trial, Paul session Jesus' word fulfilled in that he will bear witness before governors and kings! Acts 25

Who would you be nervous to speak to? Would you be scared to testify before governors and kings? That's what Paul is going to do! And Jesus says you might, too!

In Acts 26, Paul finally gets the opportunity to make his case before governor Festus and King Agrippa. His message is simple: the gospel changes everything!

Old sayings can be pretty weird, especially when they includes words that we don't know. Jesus used a saying that included the word "goad" to Paul. But what in the world does it mean?

Acts 27 gives a detailed and exciting description of a harrowing sea journey. What can we learn about God and His sovereignty from it?

In a ship full of tired, angry, hopeless, and probably very smelly sailors, Paul takes time to say..."Thank you"!?! How? Why!?!

We finally reach the conclusion of this epic book of Acts! But what can we take away from this somewhat disappointing ending in Acts 28?

Laying the groundwork for our study of the Psalms, we discuss how to approach biblical poetry and the value of Psalms for New Testament believers. We also practice by interpreting Psalm 1 and 2.

In our study of Psalms by category, we first look at Psalms of Praise.

Studying the Psalms by category, today we look at Psalms of lament. How can God be glorified through our sorrow? How can it be healthy for us to complain to God?

David was a king, ruling under the authority of God, hoping for an even greater king. How can we interpret the Royal Psalms?

The New Testament clearly and repeatedly treats some Psalms as direct prophecies of the Messiah. How can we understand and rightly interpret the Prophetic Psalms?

Using Psalm 19 as our framework, and referencing various other Wisdom Psalms, we build a strong definition of biblical wisdom.

Imprecation means speaking curses upon people. Many psalms include the imprecations. So what can we learn from the Imprecatory Psalms?

Psalm 23 serves not only as the most popular Psalm, but also as a framework for what it means to trust in the Lord.

We close out our series in Psalms on this special anniversary Sunday by considering Psalms of Thanksgiving.

Genesis 24 offers us a long and detailed account of how Rebekah was chosen as Isaac's wife and the new matriarch for the people of Israel. Many of the details remind us of why these stories of our faith heritage are important for us to know.

The chapter on Abraham closes with an interesting development, and Isaac takes center stage. Unfortunately, the drama and tension continue!

(Genesis 25:29-34) The story of Esau giving up his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew is iconic and also somewhat difficult. It leads to other passages that describe how God said, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau I have hated.” What are we to do with that?

The various failures and missteps of Isaac in Genesis 26 remind us of one very important thing: God is patient with us!

The well-known story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac by disguising himself as his brother Esau is messy. Everyone involved makes major mistakes. What can this cautionary tale teach us about following the will of God?

In Genesis 28, we see the increasing division caused by sin. Isaac's family is in turmoil. And as Jacob departs on his journey to find a wife, he has a majorly significant and impactful prophetic dream…a dream that is only fulfilled in Christ.

The story of Jacob and Rebecca begins as a pretty sweet love story. However, things don't go as planned. The story reminds us of the truth about our experiences of love here on earth and points us to the hope of a far superior love. Genesis 29:1-30

Genesis 29:30-30:24 describes the family dynamic of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, as well as the names and circumstances of their offspring. The family is an absolute mess! What can we learn about the nature of sin and how it affects our relationships?

As Jacob prepares to depart from Laban, having completed his agreement, he is tricked by Laban once more. In this story of bargaining for sheep and goats, what can we learn about the Christian work ethic? Genesis 30:25-43

In Genesis 31, Jacob hastily departs from Laban. His recollection, passed down for generations, included the good and the bad. Christians should be able to communicate their own journey similarly.

Chris LaChance opens up Genesis 32, looking at Jacob's faith development and struggle with God, culminating in an actual wrestling match!

The often-overlooked story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is not only important to the story of Christmas, but also shows us how the whole story of God comes together in Christ. The waiting is over. The King is coming. Luke 1:1-25, 57-59

What did Mary know? Well, in contrast to the popular Christmas song, Luke 1 tells us that Mary knew and understood a lot about the coming Messiah!

After the birth of Jesus, a prophecy revealed to Simeon is fulfilled. Simeon then speaks his own prophecy to Mary and Joseph…a prophecy that builds the tension over who this Savior would be. Luke 2:22-35

In Genesis 33, after over 20 years apart, Jacob is faced with an unavoidable encounter with his brother Esau. In this story we can see good, biblical concepts that help us in our own interpersonal conflicts.

Genesis is filled with highs and lows, and Genesis 34 is an intense low! What are we to make of such moral failure?

After the dramatic failures of Genesis 34, Jacob and his people are invited to return to closeness with God. They are called to draw near to God as He draws near to them.

As the saga of Isaac and Jacob comes to a close, things don't exactly end on a high note. In fact, the passage reminds us of the harsh reality of sin in our world, all while pointing back to our need for a Savior. (Genesis 35:16-36:42)

In a politically charged time, it's important for Christians to know where we stand, and more importantly, where we belong. In session 1 of God and Country we examine our identity as Citizens of Heaven.

Understanding our first citizenship and allegiance to be in heaven, how are we supposed to live as citizens in our nations? How are we supposed to “submit to the governing authorities“?

In the opening of the letter of 1 Peter, two main ideas are established for his Christian readers: Identity and Inheritance. In Christ, we can be confident in who we are and where we are going! 1 Peter 1:1-8

Is our faith without sight? How are we blessed to believe without seeing? 1 Peter 1:8-12

Why should Christians have a grace mindset? How does a grace mindset lead us to pursue holiness? Is holiness even achievable? Peter addresses all these questions in 1 Peter 1:13-25.

At the end of 1 Peter 1, Christians are given the command to "be holy." But what does that mean? How are we supposed to be holy? Well, as Peter begins chapter 2, he gives specific, applicable examples. (1 Peter 2:1-8)

Peter, writing to a wide variety of people across a vast region, calls believers into unity. While some issues may divide us, there are central, core beliefs that bind us together. Join us as we examine 1 Peter 2:9-12.

We all live under various authorities and bosses. How are we supposed to live as followers of Christ while also being under those authorities? 1 Peter 2:13-25 gives guidance and shifts the focus back to Jesus.

Taking a break from our verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter, we celebrate the resurrection from Peter's perspective. In the story of Peter, we see a unique aspect of what was accomplished by the real, bodily resurrection of Jesus!

Building on the concept of a general life of Christian submission, Peter turns his attention to wives and husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-7. What does it mean to "be subject"? And is this passage just an outdated patriarchal relic that demeans women? 

Peter believes that Christians will change the world, but his strategy and advice for how they will do so is much more reserved than you might think. In 1 Peter 3:8-12, Peter gives practical advice for simply, humble thinking and living.

How can Christians endure suffering? How can our response to suffering be serve as a witness to the gospel? Peter answers those questions in 1 Peter 3:13-22, while also giving us one of the most mysterious verses in the New Testament!

In 1 Peter 4:1-9, Peter continues with practical advice for followers of Jesus as they prepare to suffer.

In 1 Peter 4:10-19, Peter continues with his theme of suffering. Suffering for the name of Jesus is a harsh reality with real consequences. Peter says clearly that it is to be expected! But what is our hope as we suffer for the name of Jesus?