Eat This Scroll

What is authority?

Authority is a topic that's enjoying the limelight in our society right now, though not always for the right reasons. Sean helps us understand what kids of authority exist and how Christians should think about its application.

What do you expect from Jesus?

How we approach Jesus has everything to do with what our expectations are. If Jesus doesn't come through on our expectations it has the potential to really rattle our faith. Connor discusses how what we want out of Christ should be examined and purified by God. 

When God throws a party, we want to be invited. 

But, how do we get into the party? Sean breaks down the parable of the wedding feast to help us understand what it is that ensures our admittance. 

How does Jesus end His public ministry?

Reconciliation of the human race was God's plan from the beginning. Not just with Himself, but also with each other. Chris Watkins unpacks the final teaching of Jesus as He bookends His own ministry. 

How do you think about the church body?

Sometimes it's fun to get a peak behind the curtain of our roles here at the church. Jamie shares how her new position as Family Ministry Director is targeting specific ways to serve each of the existing ministries. 

Are we double-minded in our worship of God?

Sometimes the things we find ourselves doing aren't cohesive to inviting others into encountering the Living God. Jerell examines Jesus' words as He cleanses the temple of the money changers and shops. 

Why do you eat bread?

Well, probably because you're hungry and seeking satisfaction. Jamie discusses how Jesus uses bread to reach His listeners and offer satisfaction beyond the physical realm. 

What was with the palm leaves?

Jesus' last days before His death a filled with significant moments that sometimes get overlooked. Jerell shares with us how understanding some of the historical context behind Jesus' arrival during Passover bring color and richness to the biblical event. 

When have I given enough?

When we consider how relationships and our understanding of the Christian life intersect, sometimes it can be messy. Lew discusses how biblical boundaries create a framework for life that is both deeply compassionate as well as honoring our stewardship as God's creation. 

Who were the Essenes?

As a matter of fact, who were the Pharisees and Sadducees, or the Zealots? The life and ministry of Christ saw Him cross paths with several different groups, but have you stopped to consider who they were? Jerell helps shed some light on these groups, what their motives were, and offer us insight into the conflicts that Jesus had with them. 

What happened between the Old Testament and the time of Jesus in the New? 

How we understand the history and context of a place and time is often a helpful, if not essential, piece of understanding the Bible. Jerell helps us understand the backdrop of Jesus' ministry, what the Jewish people would've thought and understood, and how we can benefit from the context. 

How do we do friendship in a fallen world?

At each point in our life we've experienced the incredible joys and difficult trials that come with friendships. They're an essential part of being human, but can often bring as much pain as anything else. Jamie shares with us how the redemption and model found in Christ can be our source for walking in redeemed friendships in our lives. 

Are you tired, weary, and worried? 

Everybody suffers the exhaustion of this life. We are all worn down by the challenges we face, whether our own or due to circumstance. However, Jamie shares with us the great comfort that Psalm 27 offers us if only we'll dwell in the house of the Lord. 

Do you take Christmas lights for granted? 

Light is an ever-present and overlooked blessing we have in life. In fact, without it we wouldn't be able to live. Jamie shares how the beauty of the Christmas season points us to our Savior. 

Why did God do what He did?

Some parts, namely events in the Old Testament, can sometimes leave us scratching our heads. We find it difficult to reconcile the New Testament with the Old. Our "modern" sensibilities recoil at some of the actions God's people had taken in  obedience to God. However, Lew examines Deuteronomy 12 to help uncover part of what motivated God's actions. 

What happens when we read the Bible?

Sometimes reading Scripture can feel like a complete chore and other times we find ourselves distracted away from it time and again. Sean brings insight into how the Word is effective in our lives as we engage with it by faith. 

What should I do if I don't feel bad about sin?

How we respond to sin can be a helpful measuring tool for where we are with Christ. Sean discusses two possible positions for those who encounter sin but lack the affectionate repulsion to it. 

What is authorial intent?

Sometimes we read a story, say for example the story about Peter catching a fix with cash money in its mouth, and we wonder what it's about. Discovering authorial intent is central to faithfully and accurately identifying what God's Word is saying, and this particular story is jam packed with Gospel Truth. Sean helps us unpack this seemingly difficult passage. 

Busy, busy, busy!

It's our favorite feeling to grouch about. Yet, we built business into our lives and we're resistant to make it leave. Jamie shares how intentional silence and solitude have impacted the busy lives of women in our  church with the guidance of the twenty-third Psalm. 

It's almost the most wonderful time of the year!

But, do we slow down long enough to appreciate what makes Christmas so special? Jamie shares with us how advent helps prepare our hearts for Christ as we contemplate His incarnation. For the busy, read everyone, this is a great time to slow down and remember what the season is all about.