Posts with the category “weekly-teaching-reflections”

Many people struggle with distorted views of God, believing God only loves them when they’re good or that Jesus had to come to change God’s mind about humanity. This is far from the truth. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). God’s love is constant, unchanging, and available to all—on our best and worst days. We are invited to receive and accept God's love.  Read More

Jesus’ most famous teaching, often called the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), was challenging and confusing. Early hearers would have wrestled with it, wondering what the teaching means and how to apply it. Jesus’ words remind us we are invited to live within a Heavenly Kingdom, here and now. But what is this Kingdom? How are we able to see and live into it?  Read More

Life often feels like a series of decisions, each branching into countless possibilities. You might wonder, does God predestine everything, or do we have the freedom to shape our lives? The truth is both profound and reassuring: God’s sovereignty embraces human agency, and His promise is to be with us in all of it.  Read More

The story of Jesus’ birth doesn’t end in the manger. Matthew 2 introduces us to a dramatic encounter between two kings: King Herod, a ruler consumed by insecurity, and Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews. Through the journey of the Magi, we are drawn into a narrative of contrasts—two kings, two kingdoms, two ways of life. Herod’s rule is defined by fear and paranoia, while Jesus’ reign embodies service, sacrifice, and hope. This story challenges us to reflect: are we building our lives like Herod’s kingdom or aligning with Jesus’ eternal Kingdom?  Read More

For most of us, the year begins with January 1st, filled with resolutions and goals. But the church calendar begins differently—with Advent. This intentional choice centers the rhythm of life around Jesus, resisting the pull of worldly calendars. Advent invites us to reorder our lives around hope, reminding us of Emmanuel, "God with us," and that Christ abides with us even now. The first Sunday of Advent focuses on hope—a fitting start to the year. As Hebrews 11:1 teaches, "Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see." Hope and faith are bound up in each other. Hope isn’t passive; it’s faith in action, shaping how we live.  Read More

Belonging is one of life’s most profound needs. We all experience seasons of integration and disconnection with God, ourselves, and others. These “desert seasons” test us, making us question where we stand. But even in those tough moments, one thing never changes: you belong to God.  Read More

Have you ever wondered what makes the Bible unlike any other book? The Apostle Paul answers this in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, where he describes Scripture as "God-breathed." This is an extraordinary and puzzling term, but what does that mean for us today? And how can we see God’s fingerprints in the Bible we hold? Let’s explore how God’s Spirit has worked through history to give us a living, breathing Word.  Read More

As we look around today, “community” seems like a word everyone understands but few people genuinely experience. But in the Bible, community is far more than surface-level relationships or occasional gatherings. The Greek word koinōnia invites us into a vision of true Christian community that’s richer and deeper than just friendship or association. The term koinōnia means fellowship, association, communion, and joint participation, but in practice, it’s a way of life that brings people together through Christ. Let’s explore what this unique word really means and how it can transform the way we live and connect.  Read More