Groundwork: Biblical Foundations for Life

The stories of Jesus' life and teachings recorded in the Book of Luke highlight recurring themes of economic justice and Jesus as a prophet in the tradition of the Old Testament prophets. Together, let's explore how Jesus' teachings about justice continue God's emphasis on justice in the Old Testament. Let's discuss what Luke still teaches us today about how and when we should care for justice as Christians.

Like Matthew, Mark, and John, the gospel of Luke was written to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. Together, let's examine the author, audience, and background of Luke to better understand its unique and valuable perspective on Jesus. We'll also observe the central role of the Holy Spirit throughout Luke's gospel and discuss the impact of a Spirit-empowered life on our discipleship today. 

Each year, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. The impact of the resurrection is so profound that each of the four gospels tells the story. The details vary, but each account clearly announces that Jesus Christ is risen! As we study the gospel stories of Jesus' victory over death, we're invited to participate in telling Christ's story again and again.

Many events formative to our Christian faith occurred in the last week of Jesus' life. On Palm Sunday, we remember how he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey to shouts of “Hosanna!” from a crowd that did not understand who he was or what he was doing. On Maundy Thursday, Jesus and his disciples sat down for a traditional Passover meal that broke tradition: Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and gave a new command, “Love one another” (John 13:34). That night, Judas betrayed Jesus, leading to Good Friday, the day Jesus endured trials and beatings, and ultimately, died on the cross. Finally, we reach Holy Saturday. For the disciples, it was a day of sabbath and sorrow; for us, it is a day of introspection, meditation, and anticipation. As we journey through Holy Week together, we create space for God's Word to nurture our faith and deepen our gratitude for God's great love and Jesus' profound sacrifice. 

As Jesus journeyed nearer the cross, he urgently taught the disciples about who he was, why he had come, and his mission from the Father. Over and over in the gospels, we witness a repeated rhythm of Jesus' teaching and the disciples' misunderstanding or resistance. We are not immune to falling into this rhythm ourselves. But, as we journey to the cross with Jesus during Lent, listening to him and studying his teaching provides the understanding we need to learn what it means to be humble and watchful servants waiting for the day when Jesus will return. 

The gospels of Mark and Luke both tell us that Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his death. He wanted them to know what type of Savior he would be, but the disciples had difficulty understanding and even argued with him. The season of Lent invites us into somber reflection on Jesus' death and sacrifice on the cross. Let's discuss the biblical sources that Lent is based on, and then we'll study and reflect on Jesus' words to the disciples as he turns his face to the cross. Together, we'll see how they are an invitation to follow him in faith, sacrifice, and hope for us.

As the apostle Paul continued to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, crowds became increasingly contentious, and he was once again arrested and beaten. During the long series of trials that eventually led him to Rome, Paul seized every opportunity to share his testimony and preach the gospel. As we study Paul's journey to Rome, we too can gain confidence and readiness to share the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. 

Not long after completing his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul left Antioch again to start his third missionary journey. Luke records the events of this trip in Acts chapters 18-21. This journey was marked by faith, courage, and love. Paul spent four to five years revisiting many of the cities where he had planted churches on his previous journeys, teaching, strengthening, and encouraging the believers. By studying Paul's incredible third journey, with all its challenges, opportunities, and heartbreaking goodbyes, we learn how to live with the same bold trust and purpose in our own lives.

On his second missionary journey, Paul carried the message of salvation and resurrection of the dead through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit led him to more than a dozen cities over the course of the four-year journey. Everywhere he went, Paul convinced Jews and Gentiles alike of the gospel message. But his work also stirred up opposition. Paul suffered ridicule, imprisonment, and physical harm as he shared the good news of Jesus. Paul's preaching and encouragement recorded in Acts 15-18, provide us with theological clarity for our own efforts to share the gospel and remain faithful to Jesus Christ in all circumstances. 

As the church grew, Jewish believers disagreed about integrating new Gentile believers into the church. Must they become Jews first? Should they abide by all the laws and traditions of Jewish culture? What about the practice of circumcision? Paul discussed important theological implications with the other apostles, including Peter and James, to guide the growing church. Together, they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit to resolve their division and seek unity. This Jerusalem Council reached pivotal conclusions that set the pattern for Paul's subsequent missionary journeys and shaped the church's future. What they discovered about grace, unity, and God's plan for his people guides the church to this day.

The Apostle Paul's first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13 and 14 and tells the story of how the gospel spread beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles. It's a story of the Holy Spirit and the perseverance of the early church in the face of determined persecution. We are encouraged when we recognize parallels between Paul's experiences and our modern efforts to partner with the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

We don't have to look far to find examples of broken relationships. Many of us have our own stories, and almost all of us know someone with a story of brokenness, betrayal, or abuse. The Song of Songs offers us a vision of relationships in stark contrast to the self-serving models we see around us in culture. The celebration of intimacy in the Song of Song shows us that God's design for love and sex is deeply rooted in his own character and filled with self-sacrifice, mutuality, commitment, delight, and respect. 

We do not often hear sermons on the Song of Songs. But this book of love poetry in the Bible helps us understand God's perspective on love, intimacy, and sex. As we study the passionate exchange between two lovers, we uncover themes of intense desire, the constant seeking and finding of each other, and the celebration of romantic love and physical intimacy. The Song of Songs helps us see the truth that love and sex are divine gifts from God and part of his design for us. 

Before his death, Jesus prayed for himself, his disciples, and finally, all believers in the future—including all of us today. When we study Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, we witness the depth of his love for us as he prays for us to experience unity, the Father's love, and for the world to know God through our lives. Together, let's discuss what it means to live in the reality of Jesus' prayer, how it shapes our relationships, and how we can reflect the transformative power of God's love to others. 

Offering his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus interceded on behalf of his disciples, praying for their protection, unity, joy, and sanctification. Together, let's discuss what his prayer meant for his disciples then, what it means for us as his disciples today, living as sanctified people in a world that doesn't always welcome our faith. 

How do you pray when you know you're about to face something hard? Facing his imminent death, Jesus prayed to be glorified. As we begin our study of Jesus' prayer in John 17, we'll discuss the background and context of Jesus' prayer and why Christians commonly refer to it as his “High Priestly Prayer.” Then we'll examine the opening verses that record his petition to the Father to glorify him so that he might glorify the Father. Together, we'll unpack the meaning of Jesus' words and the implications of his prayer for our own lives.

Does God still punish us for our sins, even though through Jesus he has already forgiven all our sins? We may ask ourselves this question when confronted by the fallout of our own sins. As we continue our study of the story of David and Bathsheba, the Bible helps us understand the relationship between the consequences of sin, our repentance, and God's forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 12, God sends his prophet Nathan to confront King David about his sins. As we study their exchange, we witness God's mercy in action and discover important differences between punishment and consequence in the light of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. 

What was I thinking? How did I let this happen? These are the questions we ask when our choices lead to consequences we did not expect. In the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, we find valuable lessons that will help us lean into God in times like these. When complacency and desperation lead David to compound sin upon sin as he unsuccessfully relies on his own power and abilities to right his wrongs, there is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and our deep need for God's grace. Studying David's fall from grace, the consequences of his actions, and his journey can illuminate our own path toward honesty, repentance, and a life that pleases the Lord. Ultimately, we'll discover hope only God can provide. 

Did the Christmas story really happen? Wasn't Christmas originally a pagan holiday? Why do some churches celebrate Advent? Join Groundwork as we dig into Scripture to answer commonly asked questions about Christmas and Advent. 

Have you ever wondered what will happen when Jesus Christ returns? Whether you call it the Day of the Lord, Judgment Day, or the Second Coming, all these titles refer to the time and events of Christ's return to earth. The early Christians waited expectantly for Christ's second coming, but when he didn't appear, scoffers planted seeds of doubt among the believers. Concluding his second letter to the believers in Asia Minor, the apostle Peter encouraged them to view life through the lens of eternity patiently. Join us as we reflect on God's divine timing and patience and learn from Peter how we can live holy, purposeful lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord.

We will always experience pressure to compromise our faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter urged the early Christians to remain vigilant against deceptive influences and trust that God would ultimately hold false teachers accountable for their deceit. In our world today, we continue to deal with false teachers who distort the truth of the gospel and seek to lead believers astray. Together, we'll study how Peter's ardent defense of the gospel helps us stay rooted in God's truth, learn discernment through the Holy Spirit, and live lives that fully align with the teachings of Christ.

Do you ever feel like God asks the impossible of us? The apostle Peter reminds us that we need to rely on God's divine power to live godly lives. The Holy Spirit nurtures in us virtues like goodness, self-control, and perseverance in our lives, empowering us to grow in our salvation. This, and the authority of Scripture, equips us to recognize truth, resist cultural pressures, and persevere in our faith, distinct as followers of Jesus Christ. 

In closing his first letter to the early Christians, Peter offers some final advice that remains valuable for us today. Peter urged his readers to remain vigilant in their faith and act with love and humility. Speaking to their anxiety, he assured them that God indeed cared and that he would ultimately have the final say. Today, we can stand firm in our faith because we are not alone; in everything, it is the God of all glory who calls us, restores us, and makes us strong. 

Have you ever been tempted to hide your faith for fear of judgment or ridicule? By studying the words of the apostle Peter, we'll find courage in the grace of Jesus Christ to remain faithful to the gospel in the face of injustice and suffering. In his letter to the early Christians, Peter reminds us that we have the strength to live this way because Christ lived this way first.

As humans, we long for significance and the sense that our lives have value. This is especially acute when we're experiencing suffering. When we're through challenging times, we may find ourselves wondering: “Does my life matter? Am I making a difference?” But the apostle Peter confidently proclaims that all who have put their trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ have value and purpose. As we study 1 Peter 2, we'll see how Peter comforts Christians experiencing suffering by affirming their identities in Christ and their intrinsic value as God's chosen people. 

When the culture we live in seems to restrict our faith to a list of rules focused on what we shouldn't do, the apostle Peter challenges believers to embrace godly behavior that produces God-honoring fruit because we are grateful for our salvation in Jesus Christ. Learn what it means to live a holy life, set apart by God for his purposes, and how dwelling in God's Word provides the spiritual sustenance needed for an active faith that flows naturally from us in all circumstances. 

Life is full of ups and downs: times of great joy and seasons of significant hardship. When early Christians faced mockery, persecution, and forced dispersion, the apostle Peter wrote to encourage them that even in suffering we have reason for great joy: our living hope and identity in Jesus Christ. This remains true for us today. Discover the incredible value of our faith as Peter opens his letter by praising God for the living hope and inheritance we receive as a direct result of our faith in Jesus Christ.

The fourth major theme of the Bible is that of consummation, the time when God will complete his redemptive plan and make all creation new. Join us as we study biblical passages that describe a future where God's presence eradicates suffering and evil, and brings justice and eternal joy. We'll talk about what the hope of consummation means for us as we live in anticipation of the ultimate restoration of creation while persevering in God's work of love and justice now.

The biblical theme of redemption is unique to Christian theology and sets Christianity apart from other religions. Join us as we trace God's story of redemption from Genesis through the Old Testament to the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. Together, we'll learn how our loving God sent his only Son to accomplish our salvation, without expecting anything from us first. We'll discuss distinctives of depravity, election, and grace as articulated by the confessions in the Reformed faith tradition. Reflecting on the transformative power of God's redemptive work, we'll talk about living redeemed lives as we go about our daily lives.

Just after the story of creation, the Bible tells us the story of humanity's fall. The immediate result of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden was alienation from God and relational discord. It released sin and brokenness into the world with all the strife, suffering, and decay we see around us to this day. Together, let's examine the second major theme of the Bible, the Christian doctrine of the fall. Drawn from both Old and New Testament Scriptures, this theme emphasizes the catastrophic impact of sin on humanity and creation and clearly articulates our universal need for a Savior in Jesus Christ.

The Bible begins with an origin story: God's creation of our world and of us, his image bearers. It's a story that introduces us to our loving Creator God and the theme of creation that echoes throughout the Bible. Join us as we study the creation theme and discuss what it reveals to us about God's character, love, and intentions. We'll marvel at God's acts of creation, ponder creation as God's temple, and consider our call to reflect God's creativity with our own as bearers of his image.

The Christian belief in the Holy Trinity significantly influences our worship, prayer, and daily living. As we reflect on the Lord's Prayer Jesus taught his disciples, the Great Commission he gave them before he ascended to heaven, and other apostolic teachings in the New Testament, we can see how these biblical truths shape our worship and prayer. Together, let's discuss the implications of our trinitarian theology for our sanctification and Christian community and witness the essential work of our triune God in every aspect of our lives.

Within the triune nature of God, each person of the Trinity is distinct from the others. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each have important traits, attributes, and roles. Three persons, united as One. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must accept the Trinity as a mystery. Yet, we can study Scripture to better understand the nature of each person of the Trinity and the awesome phenomena of their unity as One. Together, let's discuss what this reality means for our faith, what we believe, and how it transforms our worship and daily Christian living.

Christians believe there is only one God. Since its beginning, the Christian faith has always been monotheistic. But after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, early Christian teachers recognized the divinity of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit and formulated the doctrine of the Trinity to encapsulate these truths. Join us as we explore passages in both the Old and New Testaments that provide the rich foundation for our belief in the Holy Trinity. Together, we'll discuss how the Church creeds have helped us articulate this mystery, aiming to give believers a deeper understanding and experience of God's triune nature.

As Christians, many of us long to make the world a better place. When we want to effect real change in the world, we may be tempted to seek the power or position to make it happen. Whether or not we serve in the public sector, turning to Scripture to weigh our motivations and guide our methods will help us find the most Christlike way forward. Join us as we examine the servant mindset that Jesus modeled throughout his ministry to help us understand the relationship between the Christian Church and political power.

Should Christians engage in politics? What about issues of social justice? Together, let's delve into the complexities of Christian engagement in societal issues. We'll examine Scripture to uncover practical wisdom that empowers us to stand for righteousness while navigating the intricacies of governmental authority. Join us as we acknowledge the tension between complacency and courage and discern together what it means to embrace our role in shaping a more just and God-honoring society.

How do we disagree without being disagreeable? How do we handle conflicts when people slander or talk against us? Everywhere we turn, it seems as if our culture encourages division. It feels like there is little room for civil debate on nearly any topic, and confrontation and hatred of those with different viewpoints are becoming normal. Even when our faith is challenged, the Bible urges Christians to respond differently than the world would expect. Join us as we seek biblical wisdom for navigating a divisive culture in faithful and Christlike ways.

Throughout the book of Galatians, Paul makes it very clear that we can't do anything to earn our salvation. So, do our actions and behavior even matter? Keeping laws and customs won't benefit our salvation at all, but that doesn't mean our actions don't matter. Paul explains the importance of freedom with limits. These limits empower us to serve each other in love. Paul reminds believers that faith in Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that we should live accordingly. Join us as we close our study of Galatians by examining Paul's description of how to live in Christ. Together we'll discuss the Fruits of the Spirit and what grateful Christian living looks like as we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In Galatians 3 and 4, Paul continues to impress upon the new believers in Galatia that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by their works nor by their ability to follow the Mosaic law. Paul explores in depth the contrasting paths of legalism and freedom in faith. As we study Paul's teaching, we discover that God gave us his law to protect and guide us, not to save us. Together, let's hear Paul's loving heart as he urges the Galatians, and consequently, us to stay focused on Christ, to embrace our identity as God's children, and to find our unity as believers in Christ.

As Paul continues his letter to the Galatian Christians, he continues to address their confusion about salvation. He tells them that the esteemed leaders in Jerusalem affirmed Paul's message of salvation and his calling to preach to the Gentiles. He reiterates that Jewish customs like circumcision are not required for salvation. Then he publicly confronts the apostle Peter for his hypocritical behavior which had become a stumbling block for new believers. Studying Galatians 2 underscores the importance of Paul's emphatic message that the cross of Jesus is the only way to salvation. Join us to explore the struggle the apostles faced as the Christian faith spread, and along the way find the courage to embody the truth of salvation in your relationships and daily life.

The Christian faith spread as Paul and the other apostles traveled around and shared the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, after Paul left Galatia, other teachers came in and added to his message, spreading false truths about the requirements needed to receive salvation. When Paul gets the news, he urgently writes a letter to the Galatian Christians. In the opening of his letter, Paul adamantly emphasized the importance and power of the unaltered gospel: salvation comes by grace through Jesus Christ alone, no additional works required. To underscore this truth, he then reminded the early Christians that he received his apostolic authority directly from Jesus Christ. Together, let's study Paul's salvation teaching to examine what makes Christianity transformative and evaluate our own hearts to ensure we're guarding and preserving the gospel rather than corrupting the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Malachi prophesied to God's people after they had returned to Israel from exile in Babylon. His message was one of caution and warning. Back in their homeland, the people were finally comfortable again and spiritual apathy began to settle in their hearts. Through Malachi, God addresses Israel's indifference and unfaithfulness to him. Join Groundwork as we study the profound words of Malachi and witness how out-of-sync life can get when we go through the motions of faith without investing our hearts. We'll learn from his warnings against spiritual apathy and his encouragement to examine our hearts, and discover how our faithfulness to God impacts our lives and our communities. Together, let's explore how the timeless wisdom of Malachi can illuminate our faith and transform our worship today.

In good times and bad, life is full of struggles and challenges. Even when God answers our prayers, the way forward isn't always straight. The Israelites felt this truth acutely when they were finally allowed to return home after living in exile in Babylon. But God was always with them and through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, he provided his guidance and help as the people began to rebuild. Join us as we study the messages Haggai and Zechariah delivered to God's people. Together, we'll glean biblical wisdom for navigating and enduring our own spiritual and physical challenges today and find courage to continue trusting God.

When it seems like evil is winning all around us, and when we don't understand how God can be both vengeful and loving, angry and good, it can be helpful for us to turn to the minor prophets of Nahum and Zephaniah. Both prophets urge God's people to examine their hearts and act in ways that honor God and reflect his character. These prophets don't mince their words when they talk about God's anger and judgment, but neither do they leave God's people without hope. Through Nahum and Zephaniah, we're reminded that ultimately, God longs to show us mercy. He longs for our repentant hearts and for us to humbly join him in bringing justice, transformation, and reconciliation to the world as his ambassadors.

The prophet Micah is most well-known for a famous and often quoted verse: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). But the prophet Micah speaks these words in the midst of declaration after declaration of God's judgment on his people for their unfaithfulness. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied at a time when the people of Israel and Judah consistently disregarded their covenant with God. Join us as we explore the themes of both judgment and hope that are woven throughout Micah's prophecies. Together, we'll study his powerful imagery and discuss how Micah's message continues to help us understand God's character and walk faithfully in relationship with him today.

The prophet Amos had an urgent message from God. God wasn't going to tolerate the serious and grievous injustices of his people. During Amos' lifetime, oppression and exploitation were so pervasive in Israelite society that it tainted their worship. As God's people today, we have a lot to learn by studying the book of Amos. Join us to discover the intricate connection between our daily life and our worship. We'll study Amos' words to gain a deeper understanding of God's heart for justice and his definition of righteousness, and together we'll discover a guide for practical living and God-honoring worship.

The prophetic books of Obadiah and Joel are quite short and easily overlooked. However, their messages are hard-hitting and remind us that our God is a holy God. Obadiah and Joel were written hundreds of years apart, but they both call out the injustices that God's people were committing in and around Israel during the lifetimes of the two prophets. Their words underscore the seriousness of sin and the necessity of God's judgment. But their messages also include promises of hope and restoration and reminders of God's great love for his people. As we study these books in light of our knowledge of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ, we are reminded of what a truly repentant heart looks like. Join us and be encouraged that ultimately God's grace and mercy will have the last word.

Many of us are familiar with the Lord's Prayer. In it, Jesus taught his followers to pray, “...forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Through these powerful words, Jesus highlights the central importance of the virtue of forgiveness to the Christian life. However, saying we believe that forgiveness is important is a lot different than forgiving; most people would agree that true forgiveness can be quite difficult and often takes a lot of time and work. Join Groundwork as we dig into Scripture to better understand what it means to forgive, why we forgive, and what forgiveness requires of us. We'll discuss real-life complications of forgiveness, the importance of recognizing forgiveness as a process, and useful steps for cultivating the virtue of forgiveness in our daily lives.

Most people would say it is wrong to lie and good to tell the truth. Yet, most people would also admit that at some time in their lives, they've told a lie. The apostle Paul identifies truthfulness as a defining virtue of a faithful believer. So, what does that mean for us imperfect followers of Jesus today? Join Groundwork as we study truth in the Bible and explore Scripture to discover what it means to be truthful and how it can shape our lives and faith. Together we'll discuss the nature of God's truthfulness and explore the connection between truthfulness, integrity, and trust. We'll also look at what we risk when we lie and how we can practically embody the Christlike virtue of truthfulness in everyday life.

The apostle Paul encourages Christ's followers to be generous people. Yet, for many of us, generosity does not come naturally. In our human nature, we often feel resistant to giving very much of our time, talents, or money for the sake of others. Join Groundwork as we study Scripture to discover why generosity is an important virtue for Christ's followers to cultivate and what it means to be a generous person. We'll discuss the generous character of God, the generosity of Jesus, and how we can lean into their abundant generosity so that it nurtures our own. Together, we'll identify practical ways we can cultivate this important virtue in our everyday lives.

Why are thanksgiving and gratitude important virtues for Jesus' followers to cultivate? Join Groundwork as we explore the Scriptures to answer this question by defining thankfulness and gratitude and what it looks like to give expression to these essential virtues in our lives. Together, we'll look at the connection between grace and thanks and ways we can nurture thankfulness and gratitude in our thoughts, prayers, and actions.