Genesis 4
Cain, filled with anger against his brother Abel, murders him. God doles out both justice and mercy onto Cain in response t0 sin. This passage outlines the mess that humans have made in giving in to sin, as it festers, grows, and drives us into restless wandering. This passage also shows God’s character, in light of human evil. RenKids teacher Reid Megathlin shares teaching points prepared by Scott Axtmann about the Genesis narrative of Cain and Abel.
Luke 5: 17 - 26
It’s the 1st century AD. The people of God hold high expectations for a Messianic King to arrive at any moment. Prophecies foresaw this to happen around that time. Then Jesus enters the synagogue, and a new reality bursts upon the scene: “The Kingdom of God is near!” he preaches. And people react. Some reject, some doubt, and some drop everything to follow this Jesus. A few men even break through the roof of a crowded place to lower down a paralyzed man right to him. Here, Jesus sees their faith and forgives their sins. Then, he instructs the paralytic to walk, and the man picks up his mat and walks home. Who but the Messiah could heal AND forgive sins?
This message from Mark Skillin will give you a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God, of the beauty of faith embodied, and why Jesus is the Messianic King who is worthy to rule the world.
Genesis 1 - 3
Good stories often introduce the most important characters at the beginning of the narrative. The opening chapters of Genesis set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, casting who God is and how humans came to be. Listen in as Pastor Scott walks through the layers of Genesis 1 - 3.
2 Kings 4: 1 - 7
Told in 2 Kings, a widow is about to lose her sons to slavery if her debt is not paid, but through a miracle God multiples one jar of oil into many jars of oil, in order for her to sell them and pay off the debt. Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths shares how we can see God’s power and presence increase through small things. Imagine what we can see God do when we trust Him.
John 12: 1 - 8
The Stories of God series highlights countless narratives in the Bible. This message looks at the account of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume one evening at dinner. One of the disciples rebukes her unusual offering, but Jesus advocates for her. Just as Jesus responded to Mary’s motives, Jesus notices and delights in the things we do for Him today.
Matthew 9:35 - 10:1
In this message, guest speaker Emily Cordon Drainville, a pastoral resident from Sanctuary Church in Providence, preaches about Jesus’ compassion for lost people. While it seems that people in Providence do not appear “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36), many are walking with deep hurt inside and are searching for answers. In recent months, Emily has witnessed an openness to Jesus like never before from her peers locally and from testimonies around the world. In summary, the harvest is plentiful! There is a great need for people to go bring the light of Jesus into their communities here in New England, and Jesus is empowering you through His Spirit to join Him in the healing work. This message is meant to encourage anyone who needs needs a fresh wind of Jesus’ compassion for people in our lives.
2 Corinthians 13: 11
To conclude this series on 2 Corinthians, Pastor Scott unpacks what it means to live a life that aims for restoration and living in peace with one another.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 12: 1 - 10
Why doesn’t God always deliver us from hardship, even when we cry out to Him? What if we tried everything we could to remove intense suffering, yet nothing seems to change? While there is some mystery, we do know that God permits troubles in our lives to form us into the image of Jesus. He cares more about our character than our comfort. Pride, unaddressed, would destroy us. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 refers to being given “a thorn in [his] flesh” so as to keep him humble, learning how to “boast all the more gladly about [his]weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on [him.]” The hope for this message is to consider responding to hardship as an embrace of the way God wants to shape us.
2 Corinthians 11: 16 - 33
When we think of the way the Christian life is often described, what comes to mind? Sometime we focus only on the sweet elements (peaceful, fulfilling, powerful, secure), but Paul in 2 Corinthians 11 testifies to the bitter elements (dangerous, painful, feeling weak) of walking with God as the marks of authenticity. The American vision tends to preach living one’s best life now and basking in God’s blessings. In response, Pastor Scott gives ten reasons why authentic Christians will suffer.
2 Corinthians 10
The problem of people being deceived by teaching is more relevant now than ever. A flood of information comes at us through social media, TV, and YouTube, and so much of it is biblically messed up. Many Christians fall for the persuasions, falling away from the true gospel. In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul defends the validity of his gospel preaching and calls out the false teaching going on in the Corinthian community. Given that this issue persists through every generation, Pastor Scott ends this message with practical tips for how to stay grounded in the truth of the gospel in the midst of deceitful teaching.