Thursday, August 31, 2017

One More Letter to the Church: Ephesians



This week marks the end of our journey through the Pauline epistles of the New Testament. We're finishing with one of my favorites--Ephesians. I think it is, far and away, the most beautiful of the epistles, one with many passages that deeply challenge and inspire me. We'll be reading pretty big chunks of the first four chapters in worship, but I hope you'll take time to read all six chapters before Sunday so you can appreciate the scope of Ephesians' vision. Get started here.

As you read, make ample reference to the helpful Bible Project map above, and take time to watch the video below or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y71r-T98E2Q.

Then, I REALLY hope you'll take time, if you haven't done so yet, to respond to the survey that is helping me craft my sermon for next Sunday, September 10, which marks our 10th anniversary. Take 10 minutes to share your thoughts with me here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3S2DJJ7



Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Letters to the Church: Colossae

This week our journey through the letters of Paul takes us to Colossians. This four chapter letter would lend itself well to you reading one chapter each remaining day this week, starting with Chapter 1. Then check out the Bible Project map above and video below (or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXTXlDxQsvc) and see what you think...are there things our church today can learn from the letter to this church long ago?

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Letters to the Church: Thessalonica, Revisited


From the one of the longest New Testament letters we move to one of the shortest: 2 Thessalonians. It can easily be read in one sitting; in fact, we will read most if not all of it together on Sunday, but you'd do well to read it in advance (start here). Unlike our letters thus far, there's a lot more debate over when this letter was written, under what circumstances, and whether it was written by Paul himself or a later follower of Paul (this will be true of the next few letters we address). But no matter who wrote them and when, letters like 2 Thessalonians have words of truth to speak to us in this place and time. What do you hear in this letter that connects with you, or with our church or culture?

Check out the accompanying video from the Bible Project below or by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPBDKOn1cc. I look forward to diving together into this book that doesn't usually get much attention on Sunday!