Messages and announcements from Renewal Church in Denver, Colorado. RenewalDenver.org
God's people should always expect to face some opposition from the world. Whether from friends and family or larger societal agents and values, how do we prepare for opposition and meet it as Jesus did?
When the people begin rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple, before anything else, they go to the scriptures and resume the sacrifices that God had commanded. As we navigate a new era, the Church might have to get creative at times, but we must always start with the commanded essentials like corporate worship, prayer, and the like.
In this powerful text, the foundation for the new temple is laid. Some cheer, but those who remember the glory of the old temple cry because it doesn't look as magnificent. It is easy today to long for the days when it felt like the Church has power and prestige in society. However, God calls us not to long for past days but to rejoice in and come alongside what he is doing now.
In this powerful text, the foundation for the new temple is laid. Some cheer, but those who remember the glory of the old temple cry because it doesn't look as magnificent. It is easy today to long for the days when it felt like the Church has power and prestige in society. However, God calls us not to long for past days but to rejoice in and come alongside what he is doing now.
More so than almost any point in history, our homes have become isolated places cut off from many friends, family, and neighbors. However, the heart of God is one of invitation and hospitality towards us, making us, who were strangers to him, part of his family. How can we in our own homes embody this and welcome others in?
More so than almost any point in history, our homes have become isolated places cut off from many friends, family, and neighbors. However, the heart of God is one of invitation and hospitality towards us, making us, who were strangers to him, part of his family. How can we in our own homes embody this and welcome others in?
The way we spend our time and the practices we employ shape and refine us as people and as followers of Christ. A household that is praying, reading God's word, and more will be spiritually nourished for life's highs and lows. How can we begin to implement these practices in our own households to the blessing of its members and those we come in contact with?
The way we spend our time and the practices we employ shape and refine us as people and as followers of Christ. A household that is praying, reading God's word, and more will be spiritually nourished for life's highs and lows. How can we begin to implement these practices in our own households to the blessing of its members and those we come in contact with?
Conversations are a huge part of human life. We talk with all sorts of people, and in doing so, we learn, grow, encourage, refine, and bless others. How can we foster meaningful conversations in the home that will help our household grow in faith and love as we follow Jesus?
Conversations are a huge part of human life. We talk with all sorts of people, and in doing so, we learn, grow, encourage, refine, and bless others. How can we foster meaningful conversations in the home that will help our household grow in faith and love as we follow Jesus?
When God designed this world, he designed the household as the primary training ground for learning how to live as God's creature and child. Often we compartmentalize aspects of our lives and pass them over to the experts. But when it comes to following Jesus, we cannot simply leave that to any expert. We each are called to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What would it look like if all of our households were spiritually vibrant homes where life and faith could flourish and those coming in could get a glimpse of God's work here on earth?
When God designed this world, he designed the household as the primary training ground for learning how to live as God's creature and child. Often we compartmentalize aspects of our lives and pass them over to the experts. But when it comes to following Jesus, we cannot simply leave that to any expert. We each are called to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What would it look like if all of our households were spiritually vibrant homes where life and faith could flourish and those coming in could get a glimpse of God's work here on earth?
In Daniel, God compares Nebucanezzar's kingdom to that of a tree where many can find food and shelter. Then Jesus compares his new kingdom to a tree sprouting from a mustard seed. This picture shows that God's kingdom has room for all to come and be blessed, and it sprouts from the tiniest seed, Jesus's own death. In depicting it in this way, Jesus shows us that the smallest act, the sharing of His Word of grace, can be used to sprout forth the kingdom.
In Daniel, God compares Nebucanezzar's kingdom to that of a tree where many can find food and shelter. Then Jesus compares his new kingdom to a tree sprouting from a mustard seed. This picture shows that God's kingdom has room for all to come and be blessed, and it sprouts from the tiniest seed, Jesus's own death. In depicting it in this way, Jesus shows us that the smallest act, the sharing of His Word of grace, can be used to sprout forth the kingdom.
One of the most common images for the Christian's life is that of bearing fruit like a tree. This fruit includes our good works, our acts of service, and the work of the Spirit in our lives. However, this is only true so long as we're planted in Jesus. Without him, we are bound to shrivel up and dry out.
One of the most common images for the Christian's life is that of bearing fruit like a tree. This fruit includes our good works, our acts of service, and the work of the Spirit in our lives. However, this is only true so long as we're planted in Jesus. Without him, we are bound to shrivel up and dry out.
Trees were planted by God to be a blessing to the world. However, like any gift, they can easily become idols. This becomes apparent when God's people pick up the idolotrice practice of worshiping Asherahs, poles made from trees. Much like today, these embody our temptation to look for blessing from the things of this earth instead of from God.
Trees were planted by God to be a blessing to the world. However, like any gift, they can easily become idols. This becomes apparent when God's people pick up the idolotrice practice of worshiping Asherahs, poles made from trees. Much like today, these embody our temptation to look for blessing from the things of this earth instead of from God.
The people of Israel looked hopeless when the exile came, and Israel compared their state to a stump, a tree once full of life that was cut down. However, a branch was promised that would rise again from the lineage of Jesse who would restore the fate of His people. This branch, Jesus, had to be "cut down" so he could sprout once again and became life for all who believe. Even today when the state of things might be dire, we are reminded that God works through death and dire situations to bring life, so long as that life is centered around Jesus.
The people of Israel looked hopeless when the exile came, and Israel compared their state to a stump, a tree once full of life that was cut down. However, a branch was promised that would rise again from the lineage of Jesse who would restore the fate of His people. This branch, Jesus, had to be "cut down" so he could sprout once again and became life for all who believe. Even today when the state of things might be dire, we are reminded that God works through death and dire situations to bring life, so long as that life is centered around Jesus.
Trees are first mentioned in the Bible as something to decorate the earth and to provide food for man and beast. Trees then serve as a picture of God's provision as one cannot make a tree grow fruit. Their abundance also shows that God gives more than is needed, and thus his people are called to use what they are given but to also use it to bless others.
Trees are first mentioned in the Bible as something to decorate the earth and to provide food for man and beast. Trees then serve as a picture of God's provision as one cannot make a tree grow fruit. Their abundance also shows that God gives more than is needed, and thus his people are called to use what they are given but to also use it to bless others.
When God planted the Garden of Eden, two trees were named, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man was given the tree of life to eat, but told not to eat from the other. In disobeying, mankind decided that they would decide what was good and what was evil, turning from God's good direction. Jesus would come to finally walk according to the God's will and in dying on the cross, brought the evil the world in contact with the goodness of God, thus offering life once again.
When God planted the Garden of Eden, two trees were named, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man was given the tree of life to eat, but told not to eat from the other. In disobeying, mankind decided that they would decide what was good and what was evil, turning from God's good direction. Jesus would come to finally walk according to the God's will and in dying on the cross, brought the evil the world in contact with the goodness of God, thus offering life once again.