Episodios

  • The New Covenant

    The New Covenant
    Nov 2 2025
    This profound exploration of Jeremiah 31:31-34 invites us to discover that God's faithfulness isn't just a theological conceptit's a living pattern woven throughout history. We journey from ancient campfires in Babylonian exile to the upper room where Jesus spoke of a new covenant, discovering that God's rescue mission has never changed. The exiles who sat in darkness heard a promise that seemed impossible: God would write His law on their hearts, forgive their sins, and restore their relationship with Him. What makes this message so compelling is realizing we're part of this same story. The new covenant isn't merely about Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy; it's about God doing what He has always donerescuing people who cannot save themselves. We see shadows and echoes of God's redemptive work in the Exodus, in the return from exile, in Christ's sacrifice, and ultimately in the future restoration described in Revelation. The four promises Jeremiah proclaimedinternal transformation, intimate relationship, universal knowledge of God, and complete forgivenessare simultaneously fulfilled and still unfolding. We live in the 'already but not yet,' experiencing the Holy Spirit writing on our hearts while anticipating the day when God will fully dwell among us. This isn't just history; it's our story of grace, hope, and divine rescue. In what ways do you currently feel 'in exile' or distant from God, and how might Jeremiah's promise of a new covenant speak hope into that situation? How does understanding that God's rescue pattern repeats throughout historyfrom Egypt to Babylon to Jesuschange the way you view your current struggles? What does it mean practically for God's law to be 'written on your heart' rather than simply following external rules, and how have you experienced this transformation? The sermon mentions that Israel broke the covenant almost immediately after receiving it at Sinai. Why do you think we repeatedly fail to keep our commitments to God, and what does God's repeated forgiveness reveal about His character? How does recognizing that 'our future is determined not by who we are, but whose we are' shift your perspective on personal identity and security? Jeremiah was told to proclaim a message even though God warned him the people wouldn't listen. When have you felt called to faithfulness despite knowing the outcome might be discouraging? The sermon suggests we're living between the 'already' and 'not yet' fulfillment of God's promises. How does this tension affect the way you live today and hope for tomorrow? What does it mean that we still need to teach our neighbors about God if Jeremiah prophesied a day when everyone would know Him? How do we reconcile partial fulfillment with complete promise? How does the practice of communion help you remember and participate in God's ongoing story of rescue and covenant relationship? The exiles in Babylon told stories around campfires to remember who they were as God's people. What spiritual practices help you remember God's faithfulness when you feel captive or hopeless?
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  • Lament and Faith

    Lament and Faith
    Oct 26 2025
    The prophet Habakkuk invites us into a profoundly honest conversation with God that feels strikingly contemporary. We encounter a faithful servant wrestling with the violence, injustice, and corruption he sees among God's own people, crying out in lament: 'How long, O Lord, must I call for help?' This ancient prayer resonates deeply with our modern experience as we witness oppression, political violence, and moral decay in our world and even within our faith communities. What makes Habakkuk's message so powerful is that lament itself becomes an act of faith. When we cry out 'when, God?' rather than 'if, God?' we demonstrate trust that God will act, even when the timing remains mysterious. God's unexpected answerthat He will use an even more violent nation, Babylon, to bring judgmentchallenges our assumptions about how divine justice works. Yet Habakkuk chooses to wait on his watchtower, trusting that God's vision will ultimately prevail. The central message emerges clearly: the righteous will live by faith. This means trusting God's promises even when circumstances seem contradictory, acting as if God's kingdom is already breaking into our reality, loving our neighbors amid disagreement, forgiving wrongs, releasing anxiety about the future, and giving daily thanks. Living by faith is not passive waiting but active trust that shapes how we engage with an unjust world while anticipating God's ultimate restoration. How does Habakkuk's lament challenge our understanding of what it means to have faith, especially when we feel God is silent or inactive in the face of injustice? In what ways might God's answer to our prayers be different from what we expect, and how can we cultivate the patience to wait and see what God is doing? What is the difference between lamenting to God and doubting God, and why is lament an important expression of faith rather than a sign of weakness? When we look at injustice in our own communities or churches rather than just pointing to external enemies, what does that reveal about our willingness to be honest before God? How can we discern whether we are fighting for truth out of love or simply because we want to win arguments and prove ourselves right? What does it practically look like to live by faith in a world that is clearly not as it should be, while waiting for God's promised kingdom to come? How does the story of God using Babylon, an even more evil nation, to judge Israel challenge our assumptions about how God works in history and current events? In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in yourself rather than living by faithfulness to God, and what would it look like to shift that trust? How can we practice loving our neighbors, even those we disagree with strongly, while still standing for truth and justice as God defines them? What would change in your daily life if you truly believed and acted as if God will fulfill all His promises and bring His kingdom to completion?
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  • The Servant

    The Servant
    Oct 19 2025
    In this exploration of Isaiah's prophetic vision, we discover a profound answer to one of humanity's most pressing questions: can God use broken, imperfect people to accomplish His purposes? The ancient Israelites sat in Babylonian exile, wondering if their failures had disqualified them from God's mission. They were called to be servants, a light to the nations, yet God Himself described them as blind and deaf. Into this despair, Isaiah introduces a mysterious figurethe Servantwho would accomplish what Israel could not. This Servant, anointed by God's Spirit, would bring justice with gentleness, enlightenment to the blind, and liberation to captives. Centuries later, Jesus stood in a synagogue and declared these very words were about Him. What makes this relevant to us today is the stunning reality that the same Spirit that empowered Jesus is available to us. We're invited into a mission that combines justice and compassion, truth and gentleness, preaching forgiveness while working to set the world right. The question isn't whether we're qualifiedIsrael wasn't eitherbut whether we'll trust the Spirit to work through us as He worked through the ultimate Servant.
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  • Where is your trust?

    Where is your trust?
    Oct 12 2025
    This exploration of Isaiah's prophecy challenges us to examine where we place our trust in times of crisis. The ancient kingdom of Judah faced overwhelming threats from neighboring powers, and their kings were tempted to seek protection from mighty empires like Assyria and Egypt. Yet Isaiah's message was clear: trusting in worldly power always leads to disappointment and destruction. Instead, God offers a radically different kind of powerone that looks like vulnerability, humility, and even a child. This prophetic vision points us toward Jesus, whose greatest victory came not through military might but through death on a cross. We're invited to consider how often we, like the kings of old, turn to the wrong sources for securitywhether technology, political power, education, or human institutions. These may offer temporary relief, but they ultimately fail or even turn against us. The profound lesson here is that God's power works differently than we expect. It doesn't look impressive by worldly standards, yet it's the only power that truly saves and never abandons us. As we navigate our own uncertainties and threats, we're called to trust in the God who reveals Himself through weakness and transforms darkness into light through His passionate commitment to His people. In what ways do we as modern Christians find ourselves trusting in 'chariots and horses' rather than in God's power, and what would it look like to shift that trust? How does the image of God's power manifesting through a vulnerable child challenge our cultural understanding of strength and effectiveness? The sermon suggests that whenever the church has aligned itself with political or military power throughout history, it has lost its witness. Do you agree with this assessment, and what are the implications for the church today? Isaiah warned that trusting in nations like Assyria or Egypt would ultimately lead to betrayal and destruction. What modern equivalents might we be tempted to trust in that could similarly fail us? How can we discern the difference between wisely using resources like technology and medicine versus placing our ultimate trust in them instead of God? What does it mean practically to trust in God when circumstances don't improve or even get worse, as they did for Jesus on the cross? The prophet Isaiah called the people back from idolatry and pride to being 'a light to the nations.' How does misplaced trust prevent us from fulfilling that calling today? Why do you think power tends to corrupt, and how can individuals and churches guard against this corruption while still engaging responsibly in the world? The sermon mentions that God's deliverance looks like 'hammering swords into plowshares' rather than replacing one oppressor with another. What does this vision of peace mean for how we approach conflict and justice? How can reading and meditating on biblical stories of trust help reshape our instincts when we face threats, uncertainties, or the temptation to seize control?
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  • True Worship

    True Worship
    Oct 5 2025
    What if the worship songs we sing on Sunday morning mean nothing to God? This challenging message from the prophets Amos and Micah confronts us with a startling reality: God can actually despise our worship when it's disconnected from how we live the rest of the week. The prophets paint a vivid picture of God plugging His ears to our songs, closing His eyes to our offerings, and holding His nose at our sacrificesnot because worship is bad, but because it becomes detestable hypocrisy when paired with injustice and unrighteousness. Instead, God calls for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. He's already told us what He requires: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. This isn't about abandoning rituals or worship gatherings; it's about recognizing that love for God and love for neighbor are inseparably linked. We can't claim to love God while mistreating people, engaging in dishonest business practices, or ignoring the poor and disadvantaged. The prophets remind us that we were called to be a light to the world, and that calling requires our Sunday worship and our Monday-through-Saturday lives to align. True worship transforms how we treat our neighbors, conduct our business, and pursue justice in every corner of our lives. How might our Sunday worship be disconnected from the way we live Monday through Saturday, and what specific areas of our lives need to align more closely with our professed love for God? In what ways do we sometimes treat church or religious rituals as a 'den of thieves'a safe place we retreat to after living however we want the rest of the week? What does it mean practically to 'do justice' in our daily lives, workplaces, and communities, and where might we be falling short? How can we cultivate 'hesed' (steadfast, loyal, covenant love) in our relationships with family, neighbors, and even strangers? What does walking humbly with God look like in contrast to the prideful swagger of self-sufficiency, and how can we tell which way we're walking? If God were to examine the connection between our worship and our treatment of others this past week, what would He seealignment or hypocrisy? Why do you think the prophets spent 92% of their message on present obedience rather than future predictions, and what does that say about God's priorities for His people? How might economic practices like payday loans, dishonest business dealings, or unfair wages be modern examples of the injustice the prophets condemned? What would it look like for justice to 'roll down like waters' and righteousness to flow 'like an ever-flowing stream' in our church community and beyond? In what ways might we be bringing offerings to Godwhether time, money, or servicewhile simultaneously withholding love, mercy, or fairness from our neighbors?
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  • Tear Down That Barn

    Tear Down That Barn
    Sep 21 2025
    In Jesus' parable of the Rich Fool, we're challenged to reconsider our relationship with wealth and possessions. The story, found in Luke 12, serves as a stark reminder that life's true meaning isn't found in material abundance. As we delve into this teaching, we're invited to shift our focus from earthly treasures to being 'rich towards God.' This isn't just about money it's about where we place our trust, our security, and our hearts. The parable prompts us to examine our own lives: Are we, like the rich man, storing up treasures for ourselves without considering God's kingdom? It's a call to reorient our priorities, recognizing that true security comes not from full barns or bank accounts, but from a life rooted in God's care and provision. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to cultivate a spirit of generosity, to seek first God's kingdom, and to find our ultimate security in Christ alone. This teaching challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, reminding us that our choices today have profound implications for our spiritual lives. How might our perspective on wealth and possessions change if we truly believed that 'life does not consist in an abundance of possessions'? What would that look like in practice? In what ways do we sometimes seek security and pleasure in material things rather than in God? How can we shift our focus? How does Jesus' parable of the rich fool challenge our modern attitudes towards retirement and financial planning? What are some practical ways we can be 'rich towards God' in our daily lives? How might this impact our spending and giving habits? How does reflecting on God's care and provision for us, as illustrated by the ravens and wildflowers, potentially change our relationship with money and possessions? In what ways might our society's messages about wealth and success conflict with Jesus' teachings in this passage? How can we resist those cultural pressures? How might regularly praying 'Give us this day our daily bread' reshape our attitudes towards God's provision and our own desires? What does it mean to 'seek first the kingdom of God' in terms of our financial decisions and use of resources? How can we cultivate a heart of generosity and care for the poor without falling into guilt or legalism about giving? In what ways does the truth that our ultimate security is found in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection challenge how we view and use our possessions?
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  • The Math of Forgiveness

    The Math of Forgiveness
    Sep 14 2025
    In this exploration of forgiveness, we're invited to dive deep into Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant from Matthew 18. This story paints a vivid picture of God's boundless mercy and challenges us to extend that same grace to others. We're reminded that forgiveness isn't about keeping score or setting limits, but about reflecting the limitless compassion we've received from God. The stark contrast between the enormous debt forgiven by the king and the servant's refusal to forgive a much smaller amount serves as a sobering reminder of our own tendency to withhold forgiveness. As we contemplate this, we're called to examine our hearts and consider: How can we live out God's forgiveness in our daily lives? Are we truly embracing the transformative power of grace, or are we still clinging to resentment and the desire for retribution? This message challenges us to break cycles of violence and retaliation, instead choosing the radical path of forgiveness that Jesus modeled for us. How does Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our understanding of forgiveness and its role in our spiritual lives? In what ways might our experience of God's forgiveness shape our ability to forgive others, especially when it feels difficult or undeserved? How can we cultivate a community that embodies forgiveness, as described by Miroslav Volf's parents' example? What are some practical steps we can take to break cycles of violence and retribution in our personal lives and wider society? How does the concept of forgiveness as 'putting our signature under God's' change our perspective on extending forgiveness to others? In what ways does the Lord's Prayer challenge us to connect our experience of God's forgiveness with our forgiveness of others? How can we balance the call to forgive with the need for justice and accountability, especially in cases of abuse or severe harm? What role does remembering and reflecting on God's forgiveness play in our ability to forgive others? How might our understanding of forgiveness change if we view it as an act of will rather than just an emotional response? In what ways can practicing forgiveness transform us individually and as a community of faith?
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  • The Sheep and the Goats

    The Sheep and the Goats
    Sep 7 2025
    In Matthew 25:31-46, we're challenged to reconsider what it truly means to follow Jesus. The parable of the sheep and the goats isn't just about recognizing Christ in others, but about becoming Christ-like in our actions. We're invited to reflect on whether we're developing into people who naturally respond with compassion and mercy to those in need. This isn't about tallying good deeds for salvation, but about allowing God's love to transform us from the inside out. The surprising element in the parable - that neither the 'sheep' nor the 'goats' recognized Jesus in those they served or neglected - reminds us that authentic discipleship often happens in unexpected, everyday moments. Are we becoming the kind of people who act with kindness and generosity without ulterior motives? This message challenges us to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit's work, shaping us to be living examples of Christ's love in a world desperately in need of compassion. How might our understanding of faith and works change if we view them as interconnected rather than opposed? What are some practical ways we can demonstrate our faith through acts of compassion? In what ways does this parable challenge our typical notions of recognizing Jesus in others? How might our approach to service change if we focus on being Christ to others rather than just seeing Christ in them? The parable emphasizes the surprise of both the sheep and the goats. How does this element of surprise relate to our own motivations for serving others? How does the concept of 'sins of omission' impact our understanding of sin and our daily choices? What are some examples of opportunities we might be missing to serve others? In what ways does this parable speak to the formation of our character rather than just our actions? How can we cultivate a heart that naturally responds with compassion? How does the parable's focus on serving 'the least of these' challenge our priorities and the way we allocate our time and resources? What role do spiritual disciplines play in shaping us to become more like Christ in our service to others? How can we open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit in this area? How does this parable relate to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount? What connections can we draw between authentic discipleship and acts of mercy? In what ways might our society's emphasis on individual success and achievement conflict with the message of this parable? How can we resist these cultural pressures? How does this parable challenge us to reconsider our definitions of success or blessing in light of God's kingdom? What might it mean to be 'blessed by the Father' in this context?
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