A thankful woman spends an expensive bottle of perfume on her Savior; another disciple is incensed at the waste; and Jesus says, "For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me" (John 12:8, ESV). How should we take such strong words?
Nothing New (Jude 5-16)
In combating a moral heresy, Jude wrestles with persuading his readers that there really good be wolves in sheep's clothing among them. He does this by reminding them that it would be nothing new. In fact, there may be some in our ranks, he warns us, who are fit to be destroyed.
Contend for the Faith (Jude 1-4)
The short letter by a first Century Jesus-follower named Jude challenges its readers to contend for the faith. It's the message of the letter and, in particular, the letter's opening salvo. In the first few lines, Jude counsels his readers to not panic, to take up arms, and to know the enemy.
Only One Way to Joy (John 14:5-10)
Jesus says that he is "the way" and that "no one" has access to God except through him. That's a pretty exclusive claim in our pluralistic world. But exclusive truth claims are impossible to avoid.
Revelation (Joel 3:17-21)
In this final message from the book of Joel, we see that there is promised a future hope that is characterized by abundance, security, and presence.
Judgement (Joel 3:1-16)
Joel promises a future judgement. That's a two-edged sword. On one hand, judgement is hope and comfort and strength for God's people. On the other, quite the opposite is meant for those who oppose God. In this message, we see how these twin fates are met out.
Afterward (Joel 2:28-32)
Joel's message suddenly terms from a near-term hope to an unspecified future promise simply described as taking place "afterward." It is a promise of future doom, but that doom is paired with warning and hope, which are even now becoming visible.
Restored (Joel 2:18-27)
What does it look like to live a life restored by God? God himself paints the picture for us through the mouth of Joel. Pastor Chris unpacks the passage in this message.
Worse Than at First (Luke 11:14-26)
Picking up in a series on Jesus' hard sayings, Bryan Pummel looks into what Jesus meant in his reply to those who accused him of casting out demon's by Satan's power.
Turning Around (Joel 2:12-17)
With impending doom on the horizon, the prophet, Joel, calls on the people to turn around, to repent. And the basis for their confidence in repentance is God's character.
