The Ascension: The Forgotten Work of Christ
The resurrection of Jesus is the central hope of the Christian faith—but it’s not the end of the story. After rising from the grave and appearing to His disciples for forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven. For many believers, the ascension receives far less attention than the cross or the empty tomb. Yet in the eyes of the New Testament authors, the ascension wasn’t just a transitional moment—it was essential.
Resurrection: Peace, Prophecy and Power
The resurrection of Jesus didn’t end the story—it launched a new one. After celebrating the empty tomb, the Christian life continues in light of that victory. This new series, Resurrection and Beyond, explores what it means to live after the resurrection, empowered by the risen Christ.
He Took Our Place to Give us His Life
In 1973, Chuck Colson sat alone in his car, weeping. Known as President Nixon’s “hatchet man” during the Watergate scandal, Colson had built his life on pride, power, and control. But everything changed when a friend read to him from Mere Christianity—C.S. Lewis’ words on pride pierced him to the core. That day, the Cross became personal. Colson realized Jesus didn’t just die for the world—He died for him. For his ambition, his pride, his guilt.
From Babylon to Pentecost
The Tower of Babel stands as a powerful reminder of humanity’s pride—and a pivotal moment in God’s redemptive story. People united to build a tower that would reach the heavens, hoping to make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered. But their ambition was rooted in pride, not obedience. God responded with both judgment and mercy: He confused their language and scattered them across the earth—not to destroy them, but to prevent deeper rebellion.
Noah and The Need for Salvation
In Genesis 6-9, we witness a pivotal moment in human history: the story of Noah and the flood. This narrative underscores humanity’s desperate need for salvation, God’s justice, and His mercy, which serves as a prelude to the ultimate salvation in Jesus Christ. The story of Noah is not just a tale of an ancient disaster but a timeless reminder of the consequences of sin, the hope of salvation, and the covenantal promise that God offers to those who trust in His provision.
The Way of Cain
To overcome sin, we must mortify the flesh before it destroys us. Drawing from Cain’s story in Genesis 4, we’re reminded to daily examine ourselves, walk in humility, seek accountability, and practice proactive obedience. When we fall, confession, repentance, and trusting in Jesus’ blood restore us to right relationship with God.
Bringing Chaos to Clarity: Kingdom Rebellion
The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden marks the beginning of humanity’s struggle with sin, temptation, and separation from God. Recognizing the enemy’s lies and resisting his temptation is crucial for overcoming sin. Understanding the consequences of sin reveals how it affects our relationship with God and others. However, the story doesn’t end with defeat—God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the “Snake Crusher,” offers hope and forgiveness. By placing our faith in Christ, we are restored to a right relationship with God, overcoming the consequences of the fall.
Broken Promises and a Victorious Savior
Have you ever been part of a situation that started off poorly, showed promise, built up hope, but ultimately ended in disappointment? It’s like the Dallas Cowboys’ football seasons since the ’90s — a cycle of hope and heartbreak.
Fools and Our Faithful God
Nehemiah 9-10 recounts Israel’s history, contrasting God’s constant faithfulness with humanity’s repeated failures. Despite the Israelites’ ongoing rebellion, God always showed mercy and offered forgiveness. This serves as a reminder that, no matter how often we stumble, God remains true to His promises.
Centrality of God’s Word
The contrast between the rebuilding of the physical walls and the rebuilding of the people is striking, and Nehemiah’s leadership highlights that it’s not the physical that ultimately matters, but the spiritual.
Dealing With Opposition
In this section, we reflect on how Nehemiah faced immense opposition, both external and internal, as he led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. We can draw several key lessons from Nehemiah’s leadership that help us deal with opposition in our own lives and ministries.
How to Live Our Identity: Abide Transform Imitate
The idea that our individual identity in Christ cannot be separated from our identity as a local body of believers is powerful.