Introduction Kirk and Ashleigh were in their late twenties and already knew the heartbreak of bad news. After three years of tests, procedures, and tears, they sat with the doctor as he explained that they would not be able to conceive. They had reached the end of their medical options. They would have to adjust…
Don’t Be Surprised By Trouble
Our hope comes in Jesus, even when He doesn’t do what we want Him to do. Even when He doesn’t fix what’s broken in our life… When Jesus is with us, He’s our anchor in the rough waters of a troubled life. If we want to survive the storm we need to cling to Him like…
Helping Friends Consider the Case for Christ
My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24 Getting Started Welcome to session one of Making Your Case for Christ. This study is about how we can better understand, explain,…
You Are Stamped with God’s Image
Key Story: God creates humankind (GENESIS 1:26–30) God’s Promise: Let Us make human beings in Our image, make them reflecting Our nature. — Genesis 1:26 MSG My Promise: I will embrace my role as God’s image bearer. Personal Study Did you know God made you to be more like Him than anything else in all…
Training Vs. Trying
The Truth About Spiritual Disciplines Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer Imagine a group of people coming to your home and interrupting your Twinkie-eating, TV-watching routine with an urgent message: “Good news! We’re from the United States Olympic Committee. We have been looking for someone to run the marathon in…
The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi: Bethlehem
Where It All Began So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While…
Dance Stand Run: Let’s Go Back
It’s okay if we’ve had some misconceptions about grace, holiness, and mission. But it’s time for us to go back to the beginning of our faith and sort them out. ✦ Suggested Reading in Dance, Stand, Run: Intro, Chapter 1 (To be read by facilitator) Intro Ladies, friends, sisters: are you ready? This week,…
Church of Small Things: Being Faithful in the Small Things
Live in Me. Make your home in Me just as I do in you… I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with Me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. — John 15:4-5 MSG Getting Settled The following paragraphs will orient you…
Is Your Faith Stuck?
Watch the Trailer for Stuck by Jennie Allen This lesson in the study describes two ways to live. One way is to know God, to be His, to be filled with His Spirit and to enjoy life and peace. The other way is to be enslaved to our flesh, constantly pleasing it, and ultimately…
In the Middle of the Mess: Brokenness Is the Beginning
Grace and Radical Acceptance You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. — John 8:32 ESV Session Overview It’s there to greet you first thing in the morning, through an unkind word from your spouse or child. It’s there again as you merge onto the highway, via the other guy’s blaring…