Sermons
Into the Unknown – Genesis 32:1-21: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Genesis 32:1–21 | Into The Unknown Key Terms Mahanaim – Mahanaim (v. 2) means “two camps.” Jacob chooses this name when he comes to see that—in addition to his own camp—God is present with him as well. Angels/messengers – In Hebrew, the word for angel (v. 1) and messenger (v. 3 & 6)…
Read MoreThe Masquerade Party – Genesis 27:1-46: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Blessing – In Ancient Near Eastern culture, it was common to pronounce blessings or curses on others. These blessings/curses were not seen as mere wishful thinking but were believed to be influential ways to call upon God to act in a certain way towards an individual or a nation. This means…
Read MoreAlive in the Mission of God – Colossians 4:2-6: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Being watchful – The phrase being watchful (v. 2) could have two emphases. It’s possible Paul is encouraging believers to be “watching” for Christ’s return (see Col 3:4; when Christ…appears). However, this word basically means “to be awake” and is used more often in the NT to encourage Christians to be…
Read MoreNew Creations at Home and Work – Colossians 3:11-4:1: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Submit – The primary meaning of this word in the NT is to voluntarily “put oneself under” the authority or direction of someone or something else (see James 4:7 with respect to God, Rom 13:1 to government, and 1 Cor 16:16 to leaders). Paul uses the word obey when speaking of…
Read MoreGrowing Up In Christ, Part 3 – Colossians 1:1-17: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide *This is our last of four Sundays in this same passage. This week’s reflection guide is topical, focusing on one of the major theological themes of this section. Key Terms Justification – Justification is an act of God in declaring a person to be righteous, or in “right standing” with God, because of…
Read MoreCommon Mistakes Spiritual Seekers Make – Colossians 2:16-23: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Festival/new moon/Sabbath – These are Jewish holy days found in the OT with the Sabbath being a weekly celebration, new moons a monthly celebration, and festivals as annual celebrations. Shadow – With this term Paul is using a popular image from Greek philosophy of a “shadow” and corresponding “substance.” Plato famously…
Read MorePrayer & Worship Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide This Sunday we will spend extended time in worship and prayer. To prepare for our worship gathering, take some time to reflect on Jesus’ famous words in John 15 about abiding in him. Following the reflection is our latest all-church axiom, Prayer Is the Path to Spiritual Vitality, and some discussion questions based…
Read MoreTaking the Torch – Acts 28:17-31: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Rome – The home of the Roman Empire, which spanned much of the Mediterranean region in the 1st century. Christians were present in Rome by the 40’s AD and the city would eventually become the base of the Catholic Church. Sect – Also used in Acts to describe Pharisees and Sadducees,…
Read MoreA Non-Anxious Presence in a Shipwreck World – Acts 27:1-28:16: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Syrtis – An area of quicksand and shoals off the coast of Libya widely known as an extremely dangerous area for sailors. Malta – An island in the Mediterranean Sea located between Italy and Libya. Luke calls the people on Malta barbaroi (meaning “non-Greek speakers”), which reveals they were likely a…
Read MoreThe Way of the Cross – Acts 21:37-26:32: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Felix – Felix was a former slave who was promoted to governor over Judea and Samaria by Claudius Caesar. Agrippa – One of the Roman appointed Jewish rulers of Israel who was part of the Herod family. Caesar – Originating from Julius Caesar, the title “Caesar” came to be applied to…
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