The Apostle Paul had some deeply held convictions that once drove him to approve of the killings of countless disciples of Jesus. He was  schooled, powerful, well-connected and on the rise as a future leader in his Jewish community. He had been taught that Jesus was a raving heretic leading his brethren off into error. Each executed Christian would have represented a victory over the heretics who ...  Read More

Zacchaeus was the man who had everything the world desires. Power. Wealth. Access. Possessions. But yet, something was missing. So he launched out on a quest to see Jesus … and when his life intersected with the Savior … he was forever changed.  Read More

Friday First - Invitation to the Journey with JesusLast Sunday, Matt led us in a great lesson where he detailed Jesus' methodology for saving the world, and how we are trying to adopt his same mindset, values and strategies here in Dayton, Ohio. Jesus recruited the twelve, invested in them, challenged them, encouraged them, equipped them and sent them. Jesus made disciples who made disciples. They...  Read More

The results of what Jesus accomplished cannot be argued. He is the most influential historical figure who ever lived. What is the methodology behind Jesus’ ministry?  Read More

Friday First - 99 -> 1 (Go After Lost Sheep)So far through this month, we have been discussing "Doing What Jesus Did." We have talked about service, forgiveness and humility. Jesus' life is the pattern we are meant to follow—to do what he did. This means leaving comfort, pleasure and security in order to bend down, serve God, meet a need, and show some mercy.Jesus' life and identity was paradoxica...  Read More

Do you feel it is easier to forgive adults or children? What about grown adults who do us wrong, take advantage of us, or stab us in the back? How do we respond when we are on the wrong end of someone’s irresponsible behavior? How can we do better, in the realm of forgiveness, so we can do what Jesus did?  Read More

On Sunday we’ll examine the opening verses of Matthew 18. It is a chapter that focuses on relationships in the church. Here, Jesus answers the question of how we function together as kingdom citizens. It is important to get this right, because our performance does not always match our profession. If we mess up here, the church will be unable to effectively and credibly do what it needs to do.  Read More

Over the summer we have spent our time talking about receiving the heart of Jesus. What does it mean to love in the way He loved? I hope that you have seen the progression as we talked about the need to allow the Spirit to uproot our selfish priorities, doubts, and misgivings. As He does that, I hope we’re committed to allowing Him to plant our hearts with mercy, compassion, justice, and holiness....  Read More

As we study Luke 23.32-43 one of the things that should move us is the absolute patience of our God. When we would run out of patience, God would not. God is far beyond us … in all He thinks and acts. Even when He is offended He warns of judgment and offers forgiveness, grace, and mercy.  Read More

Jesus walked a life of sacrificial love. He touched down on earth in the form of a servant, knowing and embracing his purpose of redemption from the moment creation began. He knew he'd feel the nails in his hands. He knew a crown of thorns would be twisted over his head. He knew he would be hurt. Still, he left the comforts of heaven.So, what made it worth it?What was Jesus' motivation to pour out...  Read More

Jesus is the Son of God, who moves with compassion and power. In Luke 7.11-17, He illustrates this by raising the only son of a widow woman from the dead. Its the only place in the gospels where this story is mentioned and is one of three instances where Jesus raises a person from the dead.  Read More

As we reflect on the freedom we enjoy, we also need to be aware of those living here who remain in bondage. Yes, physically and emotionally they may be free, but spiritually they remain captive to sin. As we will see in our examination of Luke 4.14-21 on Sunday, it is our mission to point the way to Jesus so they can be freed by His power and mercy.  Read More