In his final letter, the Apostle Paul writes to his beloved protégé Timothy, reminding him that faith is both a gift from God and a heritage to be stewarded. Paul recalls the “sincere faith” that first lived in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, now alive in Timothy himself. This is a portrait of spiritual legacy: faith passed down, nurtured, and now called to action. Paul's encouragement to Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” is also a call to action for us today. How will we remember our own spiritual heritage and continue building upon that legacy of God's grace in our lives for future generations to come?
What happens when leaders fail? When pastors fall and churches compromise, it can leave us discouraged and shaken. In Isaiah 3–4, Isaiah speaks into a time of failed leadership, pride, injustice, and spiritual collapse. Yet in the midst of judgment, God gives a surprising promise of hope. Isaiah points to the glorious Branch of the Lord, Jesus, who alone can cleanse, protect, and save his people. Join us as we consider where true hope can be found when leadership fails.
In our pride, we often look to our achievements, possessions, abilities or even religious devotion to bring us safety and security. But are those things really worthy of our trust? Isaiah 2 gives us a glorious vision of the last days, when the pride of man will be humbled, and God alone will be exalted. In the light of that coming day of judgment, will we continue trusting our idols, or bow before the one true God?
It’s possible to engage in many religious acts, while our hearts are far from God. It’s possible to attend church and serve outwardly, while our hearts lack genuine obedience. In Isaiah 1, God condemns the empty religion of his people. Yet, the Holy God still holds out hope for the repentant. Join us as we consider what genuine faith and true repentance really look like.
We live in a world deeply divided by race, gender, status, and many other things. But the gospel brings us together, uniting us as one people in Christ. In Philippians 1:27–2:11, we are called to stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. We’re reminded that true unity comes as we embrace the mindset of Christ and imitate him in humble, sacrificial service of others.
Godly examples of ministry are vital for churches and their leaders. Ministry is a weighty and dangerous calling, with threats from both inside and outside the church. In Acts 20:17–38, as Paul meets the Ephesian elders, he shows them what model ministry looks like and calls them to follow his example. What about us? Will we live as though Jesus and his gospel are the most important things in the world? Join us this Sunday as we consider Paul’s model ministry.
At first glance, this passage seems like a travel log. But beneath it lies a picture of faithful, persevering ministry of encouragement. As Paul meets believers possibly for the last time, he strengthens them, raises the weary, and presses on with urgency toward the next step in God’s mission. This is what gospel work often looks like: steady, sacrificial, purposeful, encouraging. Will we encourage others and keep going?
When the gospel goes out, it does not leave lives unchanged. It calls people to turn from their old lives and worship Jesus alone. In Acts 19, the preaching of Jesus turns a city upside down. Idols are exposed, profits are threatened, and the whole city erupts in chaos. When the gospel challenges what people worship, opposition is inevitable. The question is: Will we stand firm in proclaiming Jesus when it puts us at odds with the world?
When the disciples first heard that Jesus had risen from the dead, they struggled to believe it. Even Thomas insisted that he needed to see the evidence for himself. But when the risen Jesus appeared, doubt gave way to faith. Join us as we reflect on these events written by Jesus' own disciple John so that we too might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we might have life in his name.
Have you ever felt that you failed Jesus? Have you ever felt that by what you said or did, you really let him down? Could Jesus really love someone like me? If that is you, then this passage ought to be of enormous relief. Here, John puts side-by-side the failure of Peter and the faithfulness of Jesus. Through that, we’re invited to a greater understanding of the cross, where Jesus suffered in our place.
