Unmet Expectations?

Have you ever had expectations of God that you don’t believe He met? Or perhaps He met them differently than you had hoped?

The followers of Jesus who worshipped Him as He rode through town on a colt the week before His death and resurrection would deny and betray Him just days later. Why? They didn’t believe He had met their expectations.

On Palm Sunday, they laid down their cloaks, waved palms, and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

They recognized He was there to save. But they believed He would reign as a politically powerful, earthly king. They believed He would restore Israel to her glory, with wealth, political might, and security. This was their expectation.

A week later, Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, and hope seemed to be lost. After His resurrection, when Jesus came upon Cleopas and his friends on the road to Emmaus, He found them downcast, talking about their dashed hopes regarding the One who had been sentenced to death and crucified. They said they had hoped this man – not realizing they were in the presence of Jesus Himself – would redeem Israel. Had they been fools for believing in this Messiah who had so clearly not met their expectations?

Their chatter would change, of course, moments later when they realized Jesus Himself was sitting in front of them. They realized that He had exceeded their wildest expectations. When they saw Him face to face, their expectations were filled to overflowing.

John Calvin wrote this many years ago: For, this is eternal life; to know one, only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, whom he has established as the beginning, the middle, and the end of our salvation. Jesus Christ is Isaac, the beloved Son of the Father who was offered as a sacrifice, but nevertheless did not succumb to the power of death. He is Jacob the watchful shepherd, who has such great care for the sheep which he guards. He is the good and compassionate brother Joseph, who in his glory was not ashamed to acknowledge his brothers, however lowly and abject their condition. He is the great sacrificer and bishop Melchizedek, who has offered an eternal sacrifice once for all. He is the sovereign lawgiver Moses, writing his law on the tables of our hearts by his Spirit. He is the faithful captain and guide Joshua, to lead us to the Promised Land. He is the victorious and noble king David, bringing by his hand all rebellious power to subjection. He is the magnificent and triumphant king Solomon, governing his kingdom in peace and prosperity. He is the strong and powerful Samson, who by his death has overwhelmed all his enemies.

It follows that every good thing we could think or desire is to be found in this same Jesus Christ alone. For He was sold, to buy us back; captive, to deliver us; condemned, to absolve us; He was made a curse for our blessing, sin offering for our righteousness; marred that we may be made fair; He died for our life; so that by him fury is made gentle, wrath appeased, darkness turned into light, fear reassured, despisal despised, debt canceled, labor lightened, sadness made merry…

Whatever unmet expectations we might have – and if we’re honest, surely we all have some – the Gospel and the resurrection promises us that Jesus does not merely meet our expectations. He fills them to overflowing.

Whatever your sorrow, your suffering, your unmet expectations – a broken marriage, a struggling child, illness, loss, loneliness, betrayal, a thorn in the flesh that will not go away despite prayer after prayer – the same God who raised Jesus from the dead hears your cries. And He is faithful to the end. This resurrection power - this life - is at work in us!

As we enter into Holy Week, may we be people who confess our unmet expectations to our God, so that He can fill them to overflowing. May we be people who refuse to deny Jesus, even in the midst of confusion and despair. May we be people who long to know Jesus, in whom "every good thing we could think or desire is found." May we be people who can truly say from experience, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

See you Sunday,
Erika

References: Mark 11:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:8-18; James 1:17; Luke 24:13-35

The Bridge Directory - Get Connected!

Dear Bridge Family:
 
Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download on their Apple, Android and Kindle Fire devices. 
 
To download the app to your Apple device, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instant-church-directory/id589542221?ls=1&mt=8

To download the app to your Android device, click here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instantchurchdirectory.members

To download the app to your Kindle Fire, click here:
http://www.amazon.com/Communication-Resources-Inc-Instant-Directory/dp/B00D76604E/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1371671565
 
You will be asked to enter your email address as it's listed in our directory. (If your email address isn't listed in the directory, please email erika.paul@bridgetograce.org with the correct email address so it can be added.) Once you enter your email address follow the directions on screen to complete the login process. After you login, the directory will be downloaded to your device. Anytime updates are made, they will update on your device too. In the app you will be able to search for families and members and call, email and text right from the app!

You may also access the directory from any web browser. To view the directory online, simply go to members.InstantChurchDirectory.com and follow the directions to create an account. Again, if it does not recognize your email address, it means we do not have it in our database. Please email  the correct email to erika.paul@bridgetograce.org.

If you have any problems at all, have no fear! We will have a computer set up at The Bridge this Sunday in the lobby to help you troubleshoot. In addition, just bring your phone to us, and we'll help get you logged in. You may also ask questions by commenting below.

Thank you for your help in creating a tool that will empower us to love and serve one another more effectively!

Joyfully,
Erika Paul
Director of Missional Living
erika.paul@bridgetorgrace.org

Discussion Questions: Mark 11:1-11

1. Has anyone ever asked you to do something that didn’t make sense? What was it? Did you do it? If you did, how’d it go?

2. What do you think these two disciples would have thought when Jesus asked this question?

3. What do you think the owner of the colt would have felt?

4. How do you view your personal belongings? Are they at the Lord’s disposal?

5. Why did Jesus want a colt? (See Zechariah 9:9)

6. Put yourself in the “time machine.” What feelings does the crowd have? What words to you hear?

7. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” What’s this mean?

8. We know from other accounts of Palm Sunday (Luke 19:41-44) that many people missed the real day and the real visitation of Jesus. How might we miss it today?

9. How can we make sure we “don’t miss it” as Easter approaches?

Happy Five Year Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!!!

I wrote the below email a few years ago and my feelings haven't changed.  Thank you for all you do and for your partnership in the Gospel!!!

Five years ago today on March 17, 2013 28 people gathered at Gent Funeral Home with a vision and dream that God had put in our hearts.  A feeling that God was going to birth a new church in our community.  A dream that it would be a church that unites people by making much of Jesus.  

In the last five years we have witnessed God work through The Bridge by continually connecting us to His indelible grace.  We have witnessed baby dedications and baptisms.  We have been privileged to send people out on the mission field.  We have seen marriages and families restored.  We have watched God grow and develop leaders that "gossip the Gospel" - good news of great joy for all people.

When I think back over the last four years tears flood my eyes because of gratitude.  Gratitude to God and gratitude to all of you who heard and answered God's call to be a part of something so special.  I count it a privilege and honor to know each one of you and you all have made an indelible mark on my life.  Your friendship and partnership in the Gospel means so much.

And...greater things are still to come!

With love and thanksgiving to God for all of you,
Steven
John 3:30

Are you blind?

"I am blind...
I am a beggar...
I am a blind beggar."

This was the identity of Bartimaeus...for days, weeks, months, years, perhaps decades.

What is your identity?  Have you ever seen yourself as blind?  As a beggar?

There is wisdom and freedom in identifying ourselves this way.  It protects us against self-delusion and self-sufficiency.  It sobers us up to our true state apart from the healing touch of Jesus.  We no longer have to be the "hero" of our story.  We are free to look to the True Hero.

Financial poverty and desperation helped this blind beggar see something many people never see.  When Bartimaeus hears Jesus walking by he CRIES OUT.  He gets loud.  Very loud.  He needs rescue and he knows it.

But the crowd isn't comfortable with this noise.  Perhaps they believe Jesus has more important people to deal with.  Maybe they're embarrassed with this blind beggar's outburst.  They want to "hold him at bay."  Keep the "crazies" quiet.  So the crowd rebukes Bartimaeus.

Have you ever been rebuked when you're calling out for help?  How'd the rebuke feel?  Did it stop you?  Paralyze you?  Make it feel inferior?  Did it shut you up?  Are you willing to face rebuke to get to Jesus?

"But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."  I love this part!  The rebuke didn't stop Bartimaeus.  Blind Bartimaeus saw something in Jesus the others didn't see.  "And Jesus stopped."  Jesus is not too busy or too embarrassed or too inconvenienced to help blind beggars.

Friend, you may be a blind beggar, but you don't have to stay that way.  Cry out to Jesus.  He hears.  He stops.  He will call you.  And when He calls you He will restore your sight and you will follow Him along the Way.

May we be a people who see our spiritual blindness and poverty.  May we be a people who CRY OUT to the only One who can help.  May we be a people who follow Jesus along the Way.

See you Sunday,
Steven

Discussion Questions: Mark 10:46-52

1. What do you love most about the gift of sight?
2. What do you like about not “being bankrupt?”
3. What does being a blind beggar do to a person?
4. When did you first hear about Jesus?  What feelings, emotions, questions did Jesus stir in your mind and heart?
5. What does Bartimaeus do when he hears Jesus of Nazareth is coming?
6. Have you ever cried out loudly for Jesus to have mercy on you?
7. If you have, what led you to the “loud cry?”
8. If you haven’t...why not?
9. When Bartimaeus gets loud the crowd rebukes him.  Have you ever been rebuked before?  How’s it feel?
10. What does rebuke cause you to do usually?  Shut up? Give up?  Apologize?  Or cry out even louder?
11. What does Bartimaeus risk by getting even louder?
12. What might the Lord be leading you to do but it might be difficult because of people rebuking you?
13. (Depending on what ppl say here provide time for prayer support)
14. When Bartimaeus continues to cry out Jesus stops and calls him.  What do you think Bartimaeus thinks and feels as he hears that Jesus is calling him?
15. Bart “throws off his cloak.” He leaves his “place and position” of former life.  He no longer trusts in the cloak he sits on to beg.  He’s now trusting Jesus.  What things and people are you sometimes tempted to trust instead of Jesus?  What makes us slow to “throw off our cloaks.”
16. Jesus asks Bartimaeus...”what do you want me to do for you?” Wow! What a question! What if Jesus asked you this today? How would you answer it?
17. Bartimaeus asks for a “big” supernatural thing. Not five dollars. He wants his sight!  How might this instruct us on what we ask Jesus?
18. Jesus invites Bart to “go his way” but after this transformational encounter with Jesus his way becomes Jesus’ way.  This is indelible grace.  How has “going your way” transformed into going Jesus’ way?

Spring Forward!

This is just a friendly reminder to set your clocks forward one hour tonight.

See you at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning!

For Our Good & His Glory

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
- Romans 8:28-29a

Do you believe this?

Do you believe, even in your most challenging of times – the deepest of valleys – the most uncertain of moments, He works all things together for good?

He has a plan in all of it. He wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” God wants us to become more like Jesus. This is His heart and plan for us on this planet – to be transformed into His likeness – and to grow closer and closer to Him.

Why?

“For God so loved the world.”

He loves us. And He knows we are at our best when our hearts and minds love Him. He is good to us, and He is good for us. We were made for Him. And we were made to be like Him.

When we consistently follow the desires of our flesh – when we place ourselves on the throne of our hearts – when we believe that we can work things together for our good better than our Creator can – we become “dull of hearing.”

The original readers of Hebrews had become “dull of hearing.” Just after telling them about Jesus’ role as High Priest, the author of Hebrews wants to dive deeper in spiritual teaching that would make them more like Christ – for their good and for His glory. But he has to pause and lament their need for spiritual milk, rather than meat. He can’t take them where he wants to take them, because they have chosen other things over Jesus.

Where does God want to take you? What’s in the way?

If you identify with those still sipping on the bottle, rather than feasting at the table, there is encouragement to come! Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The good news is this: your growth is not dependent on you alone! He is faithful. But He’s inviting you to put down the bottle. He can’t do what He desires to do in your life while you’re still prioritizing other things over Him. Open His Word. Sit with Him. Pray to Him. Enter into community with His people. Serve Him and others. Know Him. Know His goodness! Be quick to hearing. He is faithful. It won't always be easy, but it will be good, and you’ll be feasting at the table before you know it!

If you identify with those eating hearty steak and mashed potatoes, with whom are you sharing your meal? You’ve tasted and seen that God is good; don’t be gluttons with the good news. Ask God what He doing around you, and enter into it! Share your meal! Make space at the table! No matter your season of life, God is not finished with you yet. We’re all on this side of eternity, and there are hearts to reclaim and a kingdom to build. Find someone today who may be cautiously sipping on a bottle, and faithfully walk with them until they can feast at the table beside you. There is much to be learned along the way.

He loves us, and He wants more of us, for our good and His glory. Will you let him reclaim territory that's rightfully His in your heart? May this be our prayer heading into this weekend: Father, please take what's yours. We trust You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday!
Erika

CG Questions: Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Here are two sets of questions that will help facilitate and guide your discussions this week.  Praying for you!

1.       Have you ever struggled to master a subject or concept in school? Did you need to have someone explain a topic more thoroughly to you? How did you feel when the light finally turned on and you grasped the concept? Were you able to master the material? 

2.       The writer of Hebrews encourages us to study the word of God diligently so we can begin to understand the deeper truths of our relationship with God. Is there a concept of the word of God with which you struggle? Would you be willing to share it? God sent His Spirit to us to lead us into all truth. He also gives us each other to learn together as we review His word.

3.       What does it mean to be dull of hearing? Have you ever found yourself in conversation with someone but not really listening? Have you ever been found out?  Ouch! The writer shares our dullness of hearing is often the reason we don’t understand. How can we better tune our ears so we are able to listen closely to God and His Spirit as He seeks to teach us?

4.       In chapter 6 verses 1-3, the writer lists the basics or the ABCs that his listeners should have mastered by now. What are they? What are the basics of the faith that you rely upon and that give you the most comfort? Is there the need to continually revisit these truths? How have you built upon these truths?

5.       The writer encourages his listeners to move on from the basics (milk) to solid food (more in-depth truths of God’s word and our relationship with His Son). How are you doing in applying yourself to diligent study? How might you improve your efforts to learn from His Spirit and from one another?

6.       What is the outcome that the writer is seeking for his listeners as it relates to their powers of discernment? Can you think of a time that you sought the truth of God’s word and the Spirit’s guidance as it relates to a situation you have faced recently? Would you be willing to share it?

7.       The writer has an expectation that we grow so that we will be able to explain the truths to others. Is there someone you know with whom you are sharing or want to share the good news of the gospel? How can we pray for you as you seek to share?

And here is the second set:

Icebreaker
Has this study in Hebrews had any positive effects on your life? Please explain.

1. What is the writer referring to in verse 11 when he says “About this, we have much to say”

2. How has the audience demonstrated dullness of hearing?

3. What does the writer mean when he says “the basic principles of the oracles of God” and “the word of righteousness“?

4. What is the milk that the writer is referring to?  Solid food?

5. Why do you think the writer refers to his audience as unskilled and as a child in reference to the word of righteousness?  How does the writer expect them to be?

6. Is the writer addressing a case of childlike faith or defiance?

7. How do you see your current need?  Seeking milk or solid food? Why?

8. Reflect: Do you find yourself more inclined to seek teaching or give it in regard to the gospel of Jesus?

9. Share some ways that you’ve seen the power of discernment help you along in your faith journey?  Ways Gods used it in you to help others?

10. What are ways we can practice distinguishing good from evil?

11. How vital is growth as a follower of Jesus? What signs of growth do you see in your life as a follower of Christ?

12. How vital is your growth to helping others mature in Christ? What is God’s part to play in our growth & maturity in Christ?

He gets it.

“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people…In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 5:1-3;7-10

Jesus lives to intercede for us. Right now, He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, and if we know Him and call Him Savior, He is also our high priest, praying on our behalf.

Let’s pause and reflect on this for a moment.

Jesus is lovingly, willingly, and passionately standing in the gap between our broken humanity and God's perfect holiness.

Wherever you are right now – whatever you are walking through – whatever challenge you are facing – Jesus understands. He willingly endured the depths of the worst this world has to offer. He isn’t some polished, cherubic, far-off, impersonal deity. Jesus experienced temptation, betrayal, rejection, and horrific pain, even to death on a cross. He is a battle-tested Savior. If anyone gets your struggle, Jesus does. He gets it. He lived it.

And now He – this sympathetic King of Kings whose favorite name for Himself was Son of Man – lives as the source of life and eternal salvation for all who obey Him. He has our backs. He is doing the heavy lifting. Friend, He has you. Even now, He is praying for all we carry to Him. Rely on Him. Rest in Him. Rejoice in Him!

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for giving us a King and a Savior who miraculously gets us. Please make us more like Him, whatever it takes. We know this isn’t a light prayer, but we want to know you more. Please give us His willingness to enter into hard places and discomfort in order to bring life and light. We want to humbly and gracefully bring Your kingdom to this earth. We want to glorify you, and we want our friends, families, and strangers to know You. Give us Your heart for this world, God. We love you and ask this in the Name of our magnificent High Priest, Amen. 

CG Questions: Hebrews 5:1-10

CG Questions: Hebrews 5:1-10
Qualifications of the High Priest

1.     Have you ever been asked to represent someone? What qualified you to fill this role? How important is it that the person that represents you really knows you and your circumstances? How did Christ become qualified to represent us before God? 

2.     Have you had a time in your life when you dealt with a difficulty/temptation that later gave you greater understanding/compassion for another person? Have you ever been able to help someone who has gone through a similar trial, illness, difficulty? How is Jesus able to identify with our weaknesses and trials?

3.     Have you ever been required to make recompense for something you had done? Did you ever have someone agree to perform a service on your behalf? How moved are you when you realize that God sacrificed His Son on your behalf to pay the penalty you could never pay? 

4.     God appointed the high priests to represent the Israelites before God. Jesus was not only sent by the Father but was also His Son. How does the fact that Jesus is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, whose name meant the king of righteousness and the king of peace give you confidence before God? Note – we will cover Melchizedek in much greater depth when we review chapter 7.

5.     Can you recall a time Jesus offered up prayers and petitions with fervent tears and cries? How was He submissive? How important should it be for us to offer prayers to God? How should we demonstrate our submissiveness to God? 

Fully Known & Fully Loved

To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not fully loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and fully loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us. – Tim Keller

We live in a time when it’s easy to project an image that doesn’t reflect reality. Facebook and Instagram feeds are often highlight reels of otherwise imperfect lives. Selfies and filters allow for the best angle and flattering lighting. Likes and follows may be comforting in the moment, but ultimately they fall short. Research has linked heavy Facebook and social media usage with increased rates of anxiety and depression. It’s heartbreaking.

Our world is hurting. God created us with a need to be fully known and fully loved – a need that He and He alone can fill – because He is the only One who truly, fully, wholly knows the depths of our souls and still chooses to love us.

Hebrews 4:12-13 says: “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

He sees and knows the moments we’d rather gloss over. He sees and knows the sins we’d rather keep in the dark. He sees and knows the deepest motivations and thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Sounds a bit terrifying at first!

But rather than looking upon us, seeing our glaring sin and brokenness and misguided motivations, and letting us languish in them, restless and weary, He gave us His Word – His living and active Word – to allow us to see the depths of our sin. In His Word and by His Word we see ourselves for what we truly are – men and women created in His image but born sinful and broken and rebellious, born with a God-sized void in our souls. But He loved us so deeply and fully that He met us in our naked exposure with the only One who could remedy our shame: Jesus. And when we believe in Him, we get to clotheourselves in His righteousness. He actually makes us more like Himself through the reading of His Word and time with the Word Incarnate. He has the power to transform and soften the deepest motivations and thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Like clay in the hands of a brilliant potter, He begins to mold us into what He intended for us to be.

The Word of God is the most extraordinary love letter ever written.

The Word of God is nourishment for our being, fuel for our lives, and rest for our souls.

The Word of God is the means by which we know our Creator, ourselves, and our purpose in this world.

It moves. It stirs. It transforms. It is like no other. 

But we have to open it.

In Cite Soleil, Haiti, you often see children who cannot afford food walking around with biscuits made from dirt. These may briefly quell hunger pains, but ultimately they provide no sustenance and will eventually lead to death.

The stuff of this world – the likes, the follows, the faux approval from those who don’t fully know us, the sin we cling to because we’re terrified to let it go – it’s all dirt biscuits. God has offered us a feast beyond compare. What are we waiting for?

Father, sometimes our sin scares us. We hide it from other people because we’re ashamed of it ourselves. Sometimes we don’t even ask you to reveal it to us because we’re terrified of what you might find. But you know us. Please reveal our sin to us and forgive us where we fall short. You know the depths of our hearts and in your extraordinary, infinite grace, because of Jesus, you love us just the same! Thank you! Please give us a deep craving for Your Word. Thank you for offering us rest through Jesus, and as we run to You for our rest, give us courage and boldness to point others to You as well. You are good and gracious and kind. Please make us more like You. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

CG Questions: Hebrews 4:12-16

CG Questions: Hebrews 4:12-16

1. What’s your favorite book or movie?
Why do you like the book/movie?

2. What do you love about the Bible?

3. Why do you think the Word is described as a Sword? How can a sword cause damage? How can a sword cut in order to heal? 

4. Can you describe a time when the Word of God “cut you to the heart” in order to heal you?

4. How does the idea of EVERYTHING being “exposed” make you feel? (Heb. 4:13). Are we sometimes tempted to “excuse” or “defend” yourself by way of “half-truths?”

5. How does Hebrews 4:14 bring comfort to our standing “exposed” before God?

6. Jesus is described as an Advocate. He sympathizes with us. Jesus is SAFE. How do you approach Jesus through prayer? What feelings come to your mind and heart when you move toward prayer? How do you feel like your great High Priest feels about you speaking with Him?

7. Can you share a time when you encountered God powerfully through prayer?

8. Notice the author says we can approach the throne of GRACE with confidence. What if the Word said it was a “throne of JUDGEMENT” instead? How might that change things?

9. Why are people sometimes slow to pray? 4:16 says prayer = we are needy. We find grace in our “time of need.” Why is it hard to be needy?”

10. What needs do you have? Will you call on your brothers and sisters to pray for you as you express needs? Do that now.

Work to Rest

Have you ever "worked to rest?"  It sounds strange but it is absolutely necessary in our crazy busy lives. 

Busy...

Burdened
Under
Satan's
Yoke

The average American works 47 hours per week.  Add to that all of the sports, music, church activities, school functions and we rarely make time to catch our breath.  The US Travel Association Survey reports that 41% of Americans don't take all of their paid time off.  According to the insurance company Allianz Global Assistance 56% of Americans didn't go on vacation (defined as a week off from work traveling at least 100 miles away from home) last year.

So, am I encouraging everyone to "go on vacation?"  In a way, yes, but I'm more interested in why we are so slow to rest from our work.  Why can't I slow down?  Why can't I take a break?  Do I really feel like the world will fall apart if I'm not working?  What does work do for me that makes me keep working?

Pause for 60 seconds.  I know...you're thinking, "I don't have time...I have to get back to work."  Stop.  Breathe.  The dishes won't go anywhere.  The laundry won't move.  That text message can wait.  Ask God right now for the gift of entering in to His rest.  

Peace.  Hope.  Joy.  Love.  Serenity.  Faith.  Strength.  

All of this and more is offered to us when we enter into His rest. 

Don't fail to reach it. (Heb. 4:1) 

Strive to enter it. (Heb. 4:11)

Come to Jesus.  You will find rest for your soul. (Mt. 11:28-30)

See you Sunday,
Steven

CG Questions: Hebrews 4:1-11

CG Questions: Hebrews 4:1-11

“There remains a rest for the people of God.”

Icebreaker 

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “rest?”
Do you feel like you personally get enough “rest?” Why or why not?
Is it possible to be physically rested, but not “at rest?” Explain.

1.     There is a promise of “entering HIS rest.” How do we “fail to reach it?” What stops us from “reaching it” today?

2.     What did God do on the 7th Day? How do we “enter into the Sabbath rest” like our good Father? (God’s rest wants a rest because He was tired, but a rest to admire and delight in His work).

3.     What things and people are you presently delighting in? Share these blessings with each other.

4.     The author of Hebrews urges us to not harden our hearts and to not miss the promise of rest. What things, people, belief systems, idols prevent us from entering this rest? Get specific and ask God for strength for them to no longer be obstacles but bridges to this rest.

5.     What “works” are being spoken of in Hebrews 4:10?

6.     What can we actively do to “strive to enter in to this kind of rest?” (Hebrews 4:11)

Superheroes & Fairy Tales

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” – GK Chesterton

Last year alone, superhero films grossed more than $4 billion worldwide.

Disney, which now owns Marvel and Star Wars films and has been built on animated fairy tales, is worth nearly $100 billion. 

People LOVE superheroes and fairy tales. I love superheroes and fairy tales!

Why? Why, as humans, are we so drawn to stories of good and evil…to characters in need of rescue, fearsome villains, and selfless heroes who save the day? Why are we so obsessed with happily ever after?

We were created for happily ever after. We are the princes and princesses in distress – languishing far from where we were meant to live. There is a conniving villain constantly trying to convince us that we are fine and not in need of a rescuer. And there is a selfless hero – our Father and our King – who has saved the day and made happily ever after possible again.

And yet we settle for the towers in which we’re trapped, as if they’re our home. We sit in our towers, cowering from the dragon, while the vanquisher stands waiting to intervene on our behalf. Waiting to wrap us up in His arms and pull us out. Because we know the tower. We think we’re comfortable in the tower. We think we’re in control in the tower. In order to be rescued, we have to let go of the familiar and trust that the rescuer is good and kind. We have to trust that our hero has a better life for us beyond the tower.

Hebrews is a call to trust that Jesus is a hero worth trusting in. This letter is a call to yell “Yes!” to the Rescuer when He asks whether we need help. It is an invitation to share in His glorious rest – in His heavenly calling – in His happily ever after. It is a reminder that He and He alone slays dragons – especially the enemy who comes to seek, kill, and destroy. It is a reminder that here, on this earth, in this life, we will face trials. We will face wilderness. We will face suffering. We will face death itself. But have no fear. Because sorrow lasts for the night, but because of Jesus, joy truly does come in the morning.

Hebrews 3 reminds us of this: Do not harden your hearts. It’ll be tough. You’ll experience suffering that did not exist in Eden and will not exist in heaven. You’ll be tempted to sin and you will sin at times – but trust that Jesus is better. RUN from temptation. Repent of your sins. Don’t be duped by the enemy who tells you your dingy, dark tower is better than your Rescuer’s kingdom. Choose the kingdom. As often as you can. The Holy Spirit will enable you to do so. And leave no man behind. When any one of you is tempted to believe your sin will lead to happily ever after, join together to remind him or her that Jesus is better. The kingdom of God is better. This is not only about you. It is about you all. Collectively. Serving a Rescuer who loves you all more than you can possibly imagine.

So as you enjoy superhero movies and fairy tales, rest in this – there is a real life Hero who supersedes them all. His name is Jesus. 

See you Sunday!
Erika

Discussion Questions: Hebrews 3:7-19

CG Questions: Hebrews 3:7-19

Opening Question

The “therefore” in verse 7 of chapter 3 indicates a connection between 7-19 and what has already been said. What is this connection? What is the truth of 1-6 that leads to the call of 7-19? 

1. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Whose voice? Think of a time when you heard this voice. What was your response?

2. Has there been a time when you “hardened your heart?” What does it look like to have a hardened heart? How do you know when your heart is hardening?

3. In verse 10, the phrase, “going astray in their hearts” is used as well. How might you keep your heart soft? How might you refocus your heart when you find it going astray? (Psalm 51)

4. Have you ever been “tested in the wilderness?” In the midst of difficult times, what temptations might exist? The Israelites doubted God’s goodness in the wilderness. (Exodus 17 and Psalm 95) Have you ever doubted God’s goodness in the midst of difficult times? If so, what drew you back to the truth about His character?

5. Hebrews 3:9 refers to God’s faithfulness to His people while they were in the wilderness for forty years. As you reflect on your own moments “in the wilderness,” think about the specific moments God was faithful. Dwell on these moments. Thank Him for these moments. Allow yourself to rest in the reality of His faithfulness in the wilderness.

6. What does it mean to “enter into God’s rest?” Have you experienced this kind of rest?

7. Why is “brothers and sisters” plural in verse 12? In other words, why is this cautionary statement given to all, rather than to one? What might this say about the importance of community?

8. The word “exhort” carries many meanings in verse 13. It means to call to one’s side, to comfort, to admonish, to encourage, and to strengthen. It can even mean to “summon one’s friends to attend to in a trial.” How often are we called to exhort one another? Why? 

9. How have you been encouraged or strengthened this week by a brother or sister in Christ? How have you encouraged or strengthened someone else this week? How might constant exhortation keep you from the “deceitfulness of sin” and draw you closer to the Lord?

10. What does it mean “to share in Christ?”

11. Is there such a thing as “solo Christianity?” Can you do this life with Christ on your own, apart from community? Why or why not, based on this passage?

12. How was Moses different from Jesus?

13. What prevents us from entering into God’s rest?

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” 
- Augustine

This is us.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. - Hebrews 3:1-6

As a child, when I heard, “God’s house,” my mind often went to the brick structure with the steeple where we met on Sundays. It was common to hear little footsteps plodding up and down the hallways, followed by an adult yelling, “Hey! No running in God’s house!!!” On Sundays, we shed our exuberant rambunctiousness, our childlike curiosity, and our messiness at the door. “God’s house” was a place only for dresses and suits – our buttoned-up Sunday best. “God’s house” was NOT a place for giggling out of turn, clapping, or uncombed hair. It was a place to pretend to be something we weren’t everywhere else.

It was as though God dwelled solely within those four walls on Sunday mornings, and what’s more – God approved of us only when we were on our best behavior within those four walls.

In Acts, shortly before the apostle Stephen was to be stoned to death, he said this:

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?

Did not my hand make all these things?"

The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands!

He dwells within and among His people. Us. You and me. Individually and collectively. We are His church. Through Jesus as our indispensible, precious cornerstone and our high priest, and with God as the master builder and creator of all things, we are living stones being built into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood for God Almighty's habitation (1 Peter 2). Loved by Him, we love one another. We are God’s house!

This is not a building.

This is a people.

This is us.

So on Sundays and every other day, we bring our exuberant rambunctiousness, our childlike curiosity, and our messiness. We bring our laughter, our clapping, our uncombed hair, and our dresses and suits and jeans and t-shirts. We bring it all, and we lay it down.

And as we hold firmly to Jesus, our confidence and the hope in which we glory, He transforms and builds us into something we could have never even imagined apart from Him: His beloved and redeemed church, now and forevermore. Home. 

See you Sunday!
Erika

Community Group Questions: Hebrews 3:1-6

CG Questions: Hebrews 3:1-6

Opening Question

Sometimes people ask...what is "your calling in life?"  Do you know what your "calling" is?  How would you describe it?

1. The author of Hebrews 3:1 says we share in a "heavenly calling."  What's that heavenly calling look like?  Who do we share it with?

2. When you look at yourself in the mirror how do you see yourself?  How do you describe yourself?  Is the word "holy" included in your description of yourself?  That's how Hebrews 3:1 describes us.

3. What is a working definition of "holy?"  How is a person made "holy?"  How might it benefit us to see ourselves as "holy?"

4. "Consider/study/stare at Jesus."  Think of a time when you really studied another person.  It could be your spouse of child (especially shortly after our children are born) or a parent or grandparent or a friend or maybe a mentor or hero.  What all did you "study?"  Characteristics, appearance, personality, hobbies, likes, dislikes etc.  How does "considering" that other person help you know that person better?

5. Now consider Jesus.  What characteristics do you admire most about Him?  Why do you admire Him?  How does meditating on these characteristics cause your faith to grow?

6. Hebrews 3:1 describes Jesus as an apostle.  How was Jesus an apostle?  (Apostle means "sent out one.")  What was Jesus sent out to do?  How are you being "sent out" today? (See John 20:19-23)  Who are the people Jesus is "sending you to?"  Where are the places Jesus is sending you?

7. Jesus is also described as a high priest.  What does a high priest do?  How can we make sure we remember Jesus does this for us?

8. Heb. 3:3 says that Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.  How can one person have more glory than another?  

9. What are the similarities and differences between a house and the builder of the house?

10. What house did Jesus build?  

11. What's the difference between a servant and a son?

12. How are we "God's house?"  (2 Cor. 4:7)

13. What's the purpose of the "if" indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope?

14. How do we "hold fast" to our confidence?

15. What's "boasting in our hope" look like?

Sons and Daughters

A few days ago, a couple of my friends received a phone call from across the country informing them that a baby boy had been born. The voice on the phone told them he was in need of adoptive parents. They had prayed for this opportunity – for this little boy – for years. At a moment’s notice, they dropped everything, flew across the country, dropped off their daughter at a family member’s home, and then drove another 8 hours overnight to pick him up.

Upon seeing him, they immediately picked him up, cherished him, loved him. They gave him a name: Theodore, or Teddy, which aptly means God’s gift. 

In her Facebook post, my friend wrote this about Theodore: “We have waited and waited and prayed for this day to come.”

When they arrived home, their daughter Evie, who is 3, wanted to throw him a birthday party, so they bought a cake and celebrated his homecoming with a birthday party.

Teddy isn’t an intrusion, a burden, or reluctantly accepted.

He was and is prayed for. He is loved. He is precious.

We were all – at one time – spiritual orphans. Our sin and our brokenness left us enslaved and separated from our Abba Father who has always graciously offered a way back to Him. And miraculously, we were devotedly prayed for. We were desperately loved. We were undeservedly precious. 

Even when we were far from Him, Jesus was praying we would come to know Him. Jesus died so we could come to know Him. And the moment we acknowledge our sin – the moment we acknowledge our desperate need for adoption by our perfect Father – Jesus picks up the proverbial phone and tells the Father He has a brother or sister in need of adoption. And because of Jesus, we, too, have the right to become sons and daughters of God and heirs of His glory.

Hebrews 2:10-18 tells us this: we desperately need a Savior, and that Savior, Jesus, is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. That birthday party Evie wanted throw for her little brother Teddy is but a glimpse into the elation that erupts in heaven when one human being comes to know God through Jesus. Luke 15:7 says, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Father, please continually help us to see our need for You and our glorious acceptance by You in Jesus. Help us to see Your magnificence, Your glory, Your extravagant love, and may we be image bearers who reflect You in a way that causes many more to know You. May we celebrate in the way heaven does when we gain a brother or sister! Thank You for Your grace and for Jesus, who broke the power of him who holds the power of death and gave us freedom. In His Name, Amen. 

See you Sunday!
Erika