Section 1

This teaching returns intentionally to Colossians 3:1–2 as a foundational verse for the year, emphasizing its central role in shaping perspective and daily living. Since believers have been raised with Christ, they are commanded to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. That position is not passive; Jesus is actively interceding for His people. To seek the things above is to set the mind there deliberately. Faith becomes the governing lens, echoing 2 Corinthians 5:7: we walk by faith, not by sight. Christianity often feels upside down to the world—believing before seeing, giving to receive, dying to live—but that inversion is the pathway to true life. Limiting vision to the natural world limits solutions to the natural realm. When Jesus is placed in the center of the picture, perspective changes everything.

Section 2

The call to walk by faith is reinforced through 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, which teaches that outward decline is paired with inward renewal. Present troubles are described as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory being prepared. The contrast is dramatic and deliberate. What is seen is temporary; what is unseen is eternal. Fixing our eyes on what cannot yet be seen requires intentional faith, but it prevents discouragement and loss of heart. Hebrews 11 affirms that faithful people welcomed God’s promises from a distance, understanding they were strangers on earth and citizens of a better country. God is not ashamed to be called their God because they lived oriented toward eternity. Storing treasures in heaven, as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, is not optional spirituality but essential kingdom living.

Section 3

This perspective directly confronts fear. God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind—safe, biblical thinking shaped by truth. When believers operate only from earthly perspective, fear multiplies. When they recalibrate their thinking through Scripture, peace and clarity return. Saving our brains means choosing faith-filled lenses rather than natural-only reasoning. The destination, not merely the journey, defines Christian hope. Eternity with God outweighs every present burden, no matter how heavy it feels. The invitation is urgent and hopeful: reset your focus, set your mind above, trust God’s Word, and live anchored in the unseen reality that will outlast every visible struggle.

Section 1

This message centers on what could be called a personal Armageddon—the war between our ears. The real battle is not primarily political or cultural, but mental and spiritual. Influences of darkness press constantly against the light of truth, and perspective determines which voice gains ground. “Save Our Brains” is not about positive thinking, but about biblical thinking. A sound mind, as described in 2 Timothy 1:7, is safe thinking—thinking rooted in God’s truth rather than emotional reaction or cultural noise. Truth breaks the power of lies, and lies are what place people into bondage. Jesus declared that knowing the truth brings freedom, but that freedom requires continual alignment of our minds with God’s Word and His love.

Section 2

Colossians 3:1–2 provides the corrective lens for distorted perspective: set your heart and mind on things above, not on earthly things. Much of human struggle comes from tunnel vision—focusing on a three-inch corner of a five-by-five painting and mistaking it for the whole picture. Earthly focus magnifies fear, grief, and self-centered interpretation, while heavenly focus reframes everything within eternity. Robo’s call about his cousin Jerry illustrates this shift beautifully. Grief is real and permitted, yet when perspective widens, sorrow is held alongside hope. A believer going home to the Lord is not ultimate loss, but ultimate gain. Being “too heavenly minded” is not a flaw; it is faith in action. When minds are set above, earthly pain is not denied, but it is properly placed within God’s greater story.

Section 3

The conversation underscores that perspective is not automatic; it is chosen. Feelings are valid, but they cannot lead unchecked. Biblical thinking means filtering emotions through truth, remembering that eternity dwarfs temporary suffering. Setting the mind on things above does not remove grief, unemployment, illness, or hardship, but it rescales them. God’s kingdom, Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, and the promise of eternal life become the dominant frame. This is how believers walk in freedom—not by pretending difficulty does not exist, but by refusing to let it define reality. To save our brains is to continually reset them to God’s vantage point, allowing His truth to govern our thoughts, steady our hearts, and keep us anchored in hope that reaches beyond this world.

Section 1

Psalm 72 continues to unfold the majestic vision of the coming King, a reign marked by endless peace and universal authority. Solomon’s words move beyond his own limited kingship and point directly to King Jesus, the descendant of David whose rule will never end. The declaration that all kings will bow before Him and all nations will serve Him echoes the promise found in Philippians 2, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not political optimism or national pride; it is divine certainty. No government, culture, academic institution, or media force ultimately governs the earth. The earth belongs to the Lord, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. Revelation affirms that people from every tribe and language stand before Him, reminding believers that God’s kingdom is global, sovereign, and unstoppable.

Section 2

The psalmist then reveals the heart of this King’s reign: He delivers the needy, spares the poor, helps those with no defender, and redeems lives from oppression and violence. This is not sentimental language but covenantal commitment. God does not disregard the poor; He esteems faith above wealth and declares the poor of this world rich in faith. Needy simply means those who have need, and Scripture consistently shows that God responds to such cries. Jesus is the Redeemer who purchases people back with His blood, proving their worth in His sight. Their lives are precious to Him. While believers may feel battered by financial pressure, relational conflict, or cultural storms, safety ultimately belongs to the Lord. He is the protector who calmed the waves, lifted Peter from sinking, and remains attentive to every storm His people face.

Section 3

The teaching closes by calling believers to anchor their hope firmly in Jesus Christ. Governments rise and fall, voices grow loud and fade, and cultural winds shift constantly, but God remains in charge. Scripture repeatedly affirms that He rules over kingdoms and appoints authority according to His purposes. Nothing He allows is empty; everything carries divine purpose. Though circumstances may feel overwhelming, hope in Jesus acts as an anchor to the soul, preventing believers from being blown apart by fear or confusion. Emmanuel means God with us, and Jesus promised to be with His followers always. The invitation is steady and reassuring: remember who reigns, remember who loves you, remember who stands with you, and live anchored in the unshakable truth that the King who redeems also protects and governs all things with wisdom and love.

Section 1

This teaching highlights Paul’s deep affection for believers he has not yet met face to face, revealing the extraordinary bond that exists among Christians through the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. Writing to the Romans, Paul expresses eagerness to visit them after completing his work in other regions, demonstrating that fellowship in Christ transcends geography, time, and personal familiarity. Even without direct relationships, there is a spiritual resonance that connects believers who share the same faith. This connection mirrors how modern believers feel close to teachers, pastors, and fellow Christians they may never meet, yet deeply know through shared truth and spiritual unity. The family of God is uniquely formed not by proximity or frequency of interaction, but by God Himself, who joins His people into one body destined for eternity together.

Section 2

Paul’s plan to delay his visit to Rome in order to deliver aid to the struggling believers in Jerusalem becomes a powerful testimony of genuine Christian maturity. The offering collected by believers in Greece was not motivated by denominational alignment, obligation, or recognition, but by compassion for suffering brothers and sisters. This act of generosity crosses cultural, geographic, and organizational lines, reflecting the true heart of the Church. The believers in Greece felt the hardship of those in Jerusalem because they understood themselves to be one family. This is what it means to be united in Christ: when one part suffers, all feel the pain. Their giving was immediate, joyful, and sincere, demonstrating faith that moves beyond words into sacrificial action that honors God and blesses His people.

Section 3

The teaching concludes by calling believers to embrace this same spirit of unity, generosity, and shared responsibility today. Paul’s example reveals that the Church is meant to function as a living testimony to the world, marked by love that acts, gives, and responds without hesitation. True Christian giving cannot be outdone by God, because it reflects His own generous nature. When believers live as blood relatives through Christ, supporting one another across distances and differences, the gospel shines with unmistakable clarity. This unity is not manufactured by committees or programs, but maintained through the Holy Spirit, as urged in Ephesians. The message is clear and compelling: the Church is strongest when it remembers who it is, lives out genuine fellowship, and allows God’s love to flow freely through generosity that reflects the heart of Christ.

Section 1

This conversation opens with Rosalyn sharing a hopeful and steady update following her PET scan and oncology appointment. Although the tumor has not shrunk, it remains stable, which creates a real and viable opportunity for surgical removal. Rather than despair, the tone is marked by gratitude, trust, and confidence in God’s timing. The stability itself is received as mercy and provision, opening the door to next steps that may lead to healing. The prayer that follows reflects biblical community in action, inviting listeners everywhere to share the burden, just as the Good Samaritan did. Faith is not passive here; it is active, communal, and anchored in the belief that God is coordinating every detail, including doctors, timing, strength, and peace. The posture throughout is clear: trust God, ask boldly, and rest in His authority rather than human outcomes.

Section 2

The teaching then beautifully connects Rosalyn’s testimony to Scripture, illustrating how what appears delayed from a human perspective is often precisely aligned with God’s purpose. The discussion highlights how being in Houston longer than expected led directly to the formation of a Bible study that may not have existed otherwise. What seemed like lost time becomes redeemed time. This theme is reinforced through biblical examples, including Saul searching for donkeys while God was preparing him to be king, and Paul’s delayed visit to Rome because God had other gospel work for him to accomplish first. Human plans move forward with limited sight, but God’s plans unfold with eternal vision. The tapestry metaphor is revisited to show how confusion on the backside makes sense only when seen from God’s side. Delay is not denial; it is often divine redirection.

Section 3

The teaching closes by anchoring these lived experiences directly in Romans 15, where Paul openly acknowledges that his plans were altered by God’s greater mission. The message expands to show how even the enemy misunderstands God’s purposes, using the crucifixion of Jesus as the ultimate example of apparent defeat becoming eternal victory. What Satan intended for destruction, God used for salvation. The same pattern appears throughout Scripture, from Balaam’s curse turning into blessing, to Saul the persecutor becoming Paul the apostle. God consistently transforms human “uh-ohs” into divine “wows.” The encouragement is steady and hope-filled: trust God’s timing, submit plans to His will, and remember that even when outcomes seem unclear, God is always working with clarity, purpose, and redemptive power for those who love Him.

Section 1

This teaching places us squarely in the tension of the Last Supper in Matthew 26, where Jesus openly declares that one of the Twelve will betray Him. The reaction of every disciple—each asking, “Is it I?”—reveals humility, self-examination, and awareness of human weakness. Even those closest to Jesus recognize their own vulnerability, reminding believers that self-doubt and sober reflection are not signs of weak faith, but of honest discipleship. In this charged moment, Jesus models gratitude by blessing the bread before breaking it, reinforcing that even ordinary meals are gifts from God. Life itself is mercy, not entitlement, and the ability to eat, enjoy, and be sustained is reason enough for thanksgiving. Jesus’ actions establish a pattern for believers: gratitude precedes participation, and humility precedes understanding.

Section 2

As Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, He makes unmistakably clear that the bread and cup represent His body and blood, not a repeated physical sacrifice. The focus is not mysticism or ritual performance, but remembrance and meaning. Jesus identifies His blood as what seals the covenant between God and His people, anchoring forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation entirely in His sacrifice. Scripture consistently affirms that redemption flows from innocent blood willingly shed, not from human merit or effort. The covenant is secured not because humanity is worthy, but because God is generous. This truth dismantles every notion of entitlement before God. Salvation is received, not claimed. Forgiveness is granted, not earned. The proper response is not pride or assumption, but gratitude for a covenant sealed by grace alone.

Section 3

Jesus’ statement that He will not drink the wine again until He does so anew in the Kingdom points forward to future celebration, hope, and fulfillment beyond the cross. The meal ends not in despair, but in worship, as they sing a hymn together and go out to the Mount of Olives. In this simple act, Jesus establishes the essence of the new covenant already at work—received by faith, sustained by grace, and rooted in love. The central question is not whether the covenant applies, but whether it is received with thanksgiving. Believers do not respond with entitlement or obligation, but with humble gratitude, saying thank You for what could never be deserved. The covenant stands secure because of God’s generosity, and the only fitting response is a life marked by faith, worship, and continual thanksgiving for the body given and the blood poured out for many.

Section 1

This teaching reaches the emotional and theological center of Genesis 22, where Isaac’s question exposes the weight of the moment: “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Isaac’s awareness is neither naïve nor accidental. He recognizes the absence of what is normally present, and his question is honest, perceptive, and unavoidable. Abraham’s response in verse eight stands as one of the greatest declarations in all of Scripture: “God will provide the lamb, my son.” This is not speculation or optimism; it is a prophetic statement rooted in trust. Humanity needed a lamb it did not possess, and Abraham proclaims that God Himself will supply what is required. This moment establishes a pattern that runs through all of redemptive history, revealing that what humanity lacks, God faithfully provides. It also reminds believers that calling upon the name of the Lord is not limited to conversion, but is a continual posture of dependence, need, and trust throughout life.

Section 2

As the narrative progresses, Scripture removes all ambiguity about Abraham’s obedience. The altar is built, the wood is placed, Isaac is bound, and the knife is raised. This is not symbolic obedience or partial surrender; it is complete and irreversible. The parallels to Jesus Christ become unmistakable. Isaac is laid upon the wood just as Jesus would be laid upon the cross. Abraham’s knife is raised, but heaven intervenes. In contrast, when Jesus stands in that place, there is no interruption. The Father does not withhold His Son. Jesus, completely innocent and fully obedient, carries the sacrifice through to completion. Abraham’s declaration that God would provide the lamb finds its fulfillment at the cross, where the Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world. This moment makes clear that God’s promises are never abandoned, even when obedience leads through pain, loss, and profound testing.

Section 3

The teaching closes by anchoring this account in God’s love and personal provision. The Lamb was provided not in abstraction, but for individuals, personally and intentionally. God’s supply meets eternal needs, present struggles, and future hope. Even after this moment, Abraham’s life continues with sorrow, loss, and challenge, yet the Lamb has already been provided, ensuring that grace remains available through every hardship. The story affirms that suffering and grace often coexist, but grace never runs out. Revelation confirms that the Lamb remains central forever, both wounded and victorious. This is not merely a powerful story, but a foundational truth declaring God’s love, faithfulness, and provision. The message is steady and reassuring: God has provided the Lamb, He has secured redemption, and those who trust Him can rest in the certainty that His grace is sufficient for every season, every trial, and every need.

Section 1

This teaching returns to Genesis 22 and slows the moment down so its weight can be fully felt. Abraham’s obedience is not romanticized or softened; it is presented as costly, deliberate, and deeply personal. Abraham tells his servants that he and the boy will go worship, a statement that does not guarantee Isaac’s return but reflects Abraham’s settled trust in God. The scene becomes vivid as Abraham carries the fire and the knife while Isaac carries the wood. This mirrors the sacrificial system where the offering carries what will be used for its own sacrifice, leaving nothing to bring back. The symbolism is impossible to miss. Isaac is not portrayed as ignorant or unaware, but as a participant who understands enough to ask the right question. The moment is heavy with silence, movement, and faith, revealing obedience that moves forward without explanation, negotiation, or escape routes.

Section 2

The parallels between Isaac and Jesus are drawn with clarity and reverence. Isaac carrying the wood anticipates Jesus carrying the cross, both moving toward a place of sacrifice under the authority of a father’s will. Abraham’s hands holding both fire and knife symbolize judgment and blood, underscoring that this is not metaphorical obedience but real surrender. The teaching emphasizes that God is foreshadowing what humanity could never accomplish on its own. God would ultimately provide the Lamb because people could not. This moment is not about God abandoning His promises, but about demonstrating that He alone fulfills them. Scripture must be read in balance, not cherry-picked to fit personal comfort or cultural narratives. God never breaks covenant, never abandons His word, and never contradicts Himself. What He promises, He completes, even when the process is beyond human comprehension.

Section 3

Isaac’s question, “Where is the lamb?” becomes the emotional and theological center of the passage. It is an honest, perceptive question that acknowledges the reality unfolding before him. This is a moment between father and son, but also between God and Abraham, where faith is stretched to its deepest point. Abraham is asked to lay down the very promise God gave him, trusting that God remains faithful regardless of outcome. The teaching confronts the false idea that family, comfort, or human understanding outrank obedience to God. Faith that pleases God holds nothing back. Heaven itself watches this moment as God demonstrates His wisdom through human obedience. The scene leaves no room for casual faith or shallow theology. It calls believers to trust God fully, even when obedience requires carrying the wood, walking forward, and believing that God will provide exactly what He has promised, exactly when He chooses to reveal it.