Posts with the category “discussion-guides”

Today, we explored the profound theme of redemption as illustrated in the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his nephew Lot. This Old Testament narrative provides a foundational understanding of redemption that is later fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. As the head of his family, Abram took on the responsibility of rescuing Lot when he was captured by an enemy army. Des...  Read More

Today, we embark on a journey through the story arc of the Bible, focusing on the life of Jacob. Jacob's story is a complex one, filled with family drama that could rival any modern soap opera. He ends up with four wives and twelve sons, all of whom have their own conflicts. This summer, we will delve into the historical and cultural contexts of these biblical stories to better understand their si...  Read More

I delved into the scriptural basis for our discussion by referencing Ecclesiastes 8:15, which advocates for enjoyment in life as a gift from God amidst the toil of human endeavors. This set the stage for exploring how fun and laughter are not only permissible but also recommended in scripture to enhance our spiritual and communal life.Drawing from personal experiences and biblical narratives, such...  Read More

The core of today's sermon delved into the concept of boundaries—both human and divine. We focused on understanding and respecting God's boundaries with us, as well as the boundaries we ought to maintain in our lives. I shared how God respects our autonomy and decisions, allowing us to face the consequences of our actions, which is a divine boundary that teaches us responsibility and growth.As we ...  Read More

I explored the historical perspective of the church's relationship with technology, from the printing press to digital media, and how each phase was initially met with skepticism. I stressed that while technology can enhance our ability to connect and access information, it also presents challenges that require us to maintain a balance.Delving into Proverbs' teachings, I drew parallels between anc...  Read More

In my sermon today, I explored the complex dynamics of family relationships and the importance of setting holy boundaries within them. I acknowledged the challenges that come with family ties, some of which we choose and others we inherit. I read from Proverbs 10:23, which contrasts the enjoyment of folly with the pleasure of living wisely, and shared a personal reflection on the allure of spontan...  Read More

My sermon focused on living in the freedom Christ gives us, mainly through the lens of friendship and boundaries. I introduced the book of Proverbs as our guide for this series, acknowledging that while it's often overlooked due to its poetic nature, it contains profound wisdom on living wisely. I used Jesus' relationships as a model to illustrate different types of friendships: the crowd, the tri...  Read More

Our focus today is on Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, who experienced profound healing and transformation through her encounter with Him. Despite not being named among the twelve disciples, her dedication was such that the church later honored her as a saint and a disciple of the disciples. Her story is pivotal as she was the first to witness the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ....  Read More

Our focus today is on Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, who experienced profound healing and transformation through her encounter with Him. Despite not being named among the twelve disciples, her dedication was such that the church later honored her as a saint and a disciple of the disciples. Her story is pivotal as she was the first to witness the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ....  Read More

This sermon titled “Where is God when heaven is silent?” explores the concept of silence, focusing on Holy Saturday and parallels to our prayer life. Holy Saturday symbolizes uncertainty and doubt, testing faith and offering an opportunity for growth. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community support, creating spaces of stillness to hear God’s voice, and the role of doubt and faith in spir...  Read More