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)

Thanksgiving 2025

 Thanksgiving might seem a time to consider the fall of Israel (2 Kings24), but as a time of over-indulgence and self-satisfaction, the holiday might remind us of why God allowed the fall of that great nation. Will accept your feast day with humility and share your bounty with your neighbors, or will you simply fill your own desires and consider it your privilege to do so?

I can't wait for Jesus to return, or can I?

Christians often anticipate Christ’s return, but our motives can be murky—are we seeking reward, vindication, or true redemption? If we truly grasped what the second coming entails, our eagerness might give way to humility. Malachi 3

 

Loving the hate

 Jesus often depicted the most hated people of His day, like the tax collector (Luke 18), as exemplars of God's righteousness, mercy, and love. Who do you believe you should hate, or who do you hate in spite of God's commands and examples to love your neighbor?

The funnest king

Daniel describes a lavish party thrown by a dishonorable king, where sacred temple vessels were misused (Dan 5). But beyond the objects, the people—meant for holy worship—were also misused, reduced to props in the king’s spectacle. How do you misuse the sacred vessels called people?

Killing it with the letter of the law

Many Christians focus on Old Testament law to judge others, but Paul knew true life comes from loving ministry, investing in others, rather than in pronouncing legalistic judgements (2 Co 3:6). Are you investing in people with love, or just offering judgment?