Why is the King Silent?

Like David ignoring Tamar’s rape (2 Sam 13), the Church can condemn what isn’t sin while ignoring real abuse—inside its walls and throughout the world. Have we become part of that silence? Are we ready to confess, repent, and act?

Being Like David

 The Old Testament hero, David, illustrates that not every act in the Bible is something that Christians should emulate. David seems very comfortable with violence, like having Uriah killed and slaughtering non-combatants in order to keep his duplicity a secret (1 Sam 27). What sins do you justify in order to make your life easier?

 The apostle Paul invites us to step back from our selfish and hypocritical ways and enjoy each other with love and respect (Romans 12). Who do you find hard to love? How do you step back from yourself and love them as Christ loved you?

Pastor Awesome's Super Spirit Soaker

 Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will carry His Spirit like streams of living water (John 7:37-40). When people meet us, do they taste that refreshment or something far less life‑giving. Some days we overflow; other days it feels like the tide has slipped away. Yet the comfort remains—His Spirit never leaves, even when our hearts feel dry.

Truth Framers

Pilate’s “What is truth?” pushes back against Jesus’ claim that those who love truth hear His voice (John 18). We say we seek truth, yet we keep bending it to fit our needs. How do you reshape truth to suit your own story?

questions = slapping

 When protecting the system matters more than seeking the truth, religion turns violent. In John 18, a guard slaps Jesus for “disrespecting” the High Priest. What happens in your heart when your beliefs are challenged—does truth rise, or does violence stir?

Leading with a towel

When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, he dismantled the "Power Over" hierarchy and illustrated the power of servanthood (John 13). Do you find yourself seeking power and control over those around you, or do approach everyone with humility and care?

What no favors?

In John 4, Jesus meets a desperate official but offers no favors—only mercy. His response shows that faith and love cross all boundaries. How can you love like that today?

Song of the Season

 Maybe it's appropriate that we fill our hearts with song during the Advent season. After receiving Elizabeth's prophetic proclamation, Mary can't seem to help but burst out in song (Luke 1). What kind of songs do you find bursting from your lips when you consider the hope that is in Christ?

Awesome Exiles

 During the season of Advent, the church often remembers Bible passages like Ezekiel 37 that were meant to give hope to God's people while in exile. In what ways do you feel exiled? Can you find hope of restoration through humility and by looking to the example of Jesus Christ? 

The Call to Worship?

 We might laugh at the scene of Hebrew people being forced to worship the king's idol, but are we really different (Daniel 3)? Do we also worship our leaders and lust after gold? Do we long for praise parties that rally our emotions with exciting music and dreamy lyrics? Do we love in deed as well as with words? (1 John 3:18)

If you must perform good works...

Christians reconcile James and Paul by understanding that true faith produces good works (James 2, Eph 2). Yet today, “works” are often reduced to worship, recruitment, or politics—far from James’ call to care for those in need. So, how does your faith show up in action?

 

Protected?

 Like many modern Christians, the ancient Israelites became convinced that God was obligated to provide divine protection. (Ez 22:1-12). Just as Ezekiel warned Israel that they could not manipulate God, we should remember that God may also require an accounting from the Church. How are living out Christ's commands to love God and to love your neighbor?

High Steppin

 Christians have long received hope from passages like Luke 6:17-26. Perhaps we should be reading the passage as an indictment on our self-interest driven lives instead of as a secret password for entering paradise. What do you want to be doing when Jesus returns? Will you be loving in Word or deed (Jn 3)?

Breaking News - I want attention

 When feeling helpless during difficult times, we often look for 'signs' of a great change. We cling to hope based on unique interpretations of current events and passages like Luke 21 to foster a belief that we will soon be saved. Maybe if we spent less time trying to interpret the news, we would have more time to look for ways to be Jesus to those around us. How do you spend your "Jesus" time?

Awesome Sword of Fire

 

Christians have used Christ's teaching from Luke 12 to maliciously defend attacks on non-Christians. By skewing what Jesus tells us is inevitable to say that these divisions are desirable, we miss Christ's central teachings on humility and self-sacrifice. Do you create divisions to serve others and defend the persecuted, or do you divide by persecuting others?

Sure, I'll repent...of what?

 John the Baptist condemned his audience for their sins and called them to repent (Luke 3). While the sins are not named, the remedy is to remember God and who He is. How had they forgotten God? Do we consider the great sin of Israel their lack of temple attendance, or do we recognize the Old Testament prophet's call through John as a need to cast off greed and provide relief to those suffering around us?

Trash the people

 When confronted with the question of divorce, Jesus surprised the religious leaders by undermining their interpretation of the Law and their understanding of who God is (Mark 10). Jesus asserted that God did not allow the arbitrary removal of support for a wife through divorce. We might consider how our interpretations of God and His word affect how we care for vulnerable people.

Why is it so hard to see Jesus?

 in Mark 6:45-52 the disciples are caught in a storm while crossing a body of water. When Jesus responds to their fear by walking over to the boat, they don't recognize Him and become even more afraid. Were they so fixated on the storm and waves that they missed the one they called "master." What troubles or contexts cause you to miss seeing Jesus in your situations? Are you fixated on your problems or on Jesus?

Prioritizing God's work

When asked to heal a very important man's daughter (Mark 5), Jesus allowed Himself to be diverted by a powerless woman who also needed healing. Although Jesus was on-task to help someone who was in a more dire situation with a more impressive family, Jesus noticed the woman and took time to confront her and provide the words she needed to hear. How do you prioritize your helpfulness?