We likely have more content on the beginning, middle and end of Peter's life as a disciple of Jesus than we do on any other apostle. Which brings a richness to his themes of being chosen, identity, suffering, submission and humility. We are told this book was written to encourage and to testify to the true grace of God (1 Peter 5:12). 1 Peter was greatly needed to strengthen a church going through horrific persecution, but also serves as great encouragement to us as we become fully devoted followers of Christ.
God has created the church, a fellowship of His flawed followers, to carry out his purpose and will in the world. (see Matt. 16:18 and 28:16-20) When we consider the biblical teaching on the church, we realize the church is vitally important for growing in Christ. Like a branch that grows because of its connection to the tree, we thrive when we stay connected. The book of Ephesians provides rich theological teaching on the value of the church and its importance in our Christian faith and to a full understanding of the Gospel.
It is not good for us to be alone (see Gen. 2:18)— for us to be isolated from other human beings. Why? Because we are created in the image of a relational God for loving relationships with God and each other. Yet even in the church of Jesus Christ—where loving relationships should have the best chance of flourishing— the cultivation of community remains a constant challenge. And so, an obvious question arises: Is community worth pursuing? The Bible’s answer is yes, yes—a thousand times, yes. We were created for community!
The last words of the Apostle Paul included this admonition to the church via Timothy: Preach the Word. This series is a collection of sermons that do just that. As pastor Paul transitions to a new phase of ministry in retirement, these sermons represent the foundational truths he has tried to emphasize over the first 30 years of Countryside's ministry.
The book of James is unlike most others in the Bible. It has been loved by many for its straight talk about faith, and it has been questioned and even marginalized by some for its apparent lack of grace and emphasis on the work of Jesus. Written by the brother of Jesus who himself was a key leader in the early church, this book "gets up in our business" and challenges us to practically live out what we believe in the real world that tests that faith at every turn. It's a book we all need to return to time and again as we strive to become better followers of Jesus.
Why does God permit the righteous to suffer and the wicked to flourish? The small but important book of Habakkuk answers this question. Does God know about the injustice of our world? Does He care? How are we to respond when injustice abounds in our world? How are we to respond when our prayers seemingly go unanswered? This series is full of good news that addresses these questions.
Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. Advent means 'Coming' in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. We celebrate the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
The books of Kings continues the story of kingship begun in Samuel, and their primary purpose is to record the 'covenant failure' of the Hebrew united and divided monarchies.
