July 12, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 42

July 12, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 42

In this week’s message, guest pastor Jodi Swee explores the story of Esther and we discover that while God’s name is never mentioned, His faithful hand is at work on every page. Rather than calling us to be the hero of our own story, Esther reminds us that God is the one carrying His plan of redemption, inviting us to trust Him and faithfully participate in the work He has placed before us, one step at a time.  Primary Text * Esther Entire Book — The sermon centers on the whole narrative of Esther, especially God's hidden providence, Esther's faithfulness, and God's preservation of His covenant people.  Key Passages from Esther * Esther 4:13–14 — Mordecai's message to Esther: * "If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place..." * "...Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" * This passage forms the theological center of the sermon, emphasizing that God—not Esther—is carrying the story of redemption.  * Esther 4:15–16 — Esther's response:  *  Calling the Jews to fast.  * "If I perish, I perish." Old Testament References * The First Book of Samuel 15 — Haman is identified as an Agagite, connecting him to King Agag and Israel's ancient conflict with the Amalekites. This was mentioned in the Bible Project summary to explain Haman's lineage.  BibleProject overview video on Esther:  https://youtu.be/JydNSlufRIs?si=UM3fcCQDuyXqqEW9

July 5, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 41

In this week’s message, we wrestle with one of life’s hardest questions: Why do we suffer? Through the story of Job, we’re reminded that suffering isn’t always the result of something we’ve done, but that God meets us in our pain, invites us to trust His wisdom, and ultimately points us to the cross and the empty tomb, where Christ entered our suffering to bring lasting hope and victory.  Primary Text * Job 1–42 — The overall story of Job serves as the foundation for the sermon, with particular emphasis on Job’s suffering, his friends’ speeches, God’s response, and Job’s trust amid suffering.  Key Passages from Job * Job 1:20–22 — Job’s response to tragedy: he falls down and worships God.  * Job 2:9 — Job’s wife: “Curse God and die.” * Job 4:7–8 — Eliphaz argues that the innocent do not perish and suffering comes from wrongdoing.  * Job 8:3–6 — Bildad insists God is just and Job’s children must have sinned.  * Job 11:13–15 — Zophar urges Job to repent so God will restore him.  * Job 38:1–7 — God answers Job out of the whirlwind: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” This is the sermon’s climactic passage.  Old Testament References * Psalms 22:1 — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Referenced both in Job’s suffering and as Jesus’ cry from the cross.  New Testament Themes While not quoted directly, the sermon repeatedly referenced: *  Jesus’ crucifixion as God entering into human suffering.  *  Jesus’ resurrection (the empty tomb) as the ultimate answer to suffering and death.  Additional Biblical Allusions The sermon also referenced several broader biblical events without quoting specific verses: *  The Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea, noting that Job never mentions these events, suggesting the story may predate Israel’s national history.  *  Israel’s Babylonian exile, as the likely period when Job may have been written down.

June 28, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 40

In this week’s message, we step into the mysterious opening chapters of Job and explore the reality of the spiritual world, the presence of evil, and the three great enemies of the Christian life: the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature. Yet amid the struggle, we’re reminded of the good news of the resurrection—that Christ has already won the victory, crushing sin, death, and the powers of darkness under His feet. Join us as we learn what it means to live with our eyes fixed on Jesus, standing confidently in His victory even in the midst of life’s battles.  Primary Text * Job 1–2 — The opening dialogue between God and Satan, introducing the role of the accuser and Job’s suffering. This is the sermon’s central text.  The Divine Council and Spiritual Realm * Psalms 82:1 — “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” Used to discuss the spiritual realm and the divine council.  * The First Book of Kings 22:19–23 — The prophet Micaiah’s vision of the heavenly court and the deceiving spirit sent to Ahab’s prophets.  * Daniel 7:9–10 — The Ancient of Days seated on His throne with thousands upon thousands attending Him.  Satan and Spiritual Evil * Genesis 3 — The serpent in the garden and the temptation of Adam and Eve. Referenced extensively in discussing Satan and the accuser, though the name “Satan” is not used in the text itself.  * Philemon — Mentioned in passing because every Pauline epistle except Philemon references spiritual powers and evil.  The Three Great Enemies and Baptism *  The baptismal renunciations (“the devil… the powers of this world… the ways of sin”) were discussed thematically, though no specific biblical citation was given.  Christ’s Victory * Genesis 3:15 — “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” A key verse used to describe Christ’s victory over Satan in the resurrection.  Additional References *  The resurrection narratives from the Gospels were referenced thematically through the image of Jesus stepping out of the tomb and defeating sin, death, and the devil, though no specific Gospel passage was cited.  This sermon referenced two notable non-biblical books/resources: * The Screwtape Letters — Pastor Scott quoted Lewis’s famous observation that there are “two equal and opposite errors” regarding demons: disbelieving in them entirely or becoming overly fascinated with them. This was used to frame a balanced Christian understanding of spiritual evil.  * New Dictionary of Biblical Theology — A quotation from this theological reference work was read to explain the Old Testament and New Testament development of the concept of Satan and the role of the accuser.  The sermon also alluded to: * The Passion of the Christ — specifically the opening scene of Jesus crushing the serpent in the garden, used as an illustration of Genesis 3:15 and Christ’s victory over Satan

June 21, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 39

In this week’s message, we explore the surprising ways God has been pointing to Jesus from the very beginning of Scripture. Through prophecies, promises, and the story of the road to Emmaus, we’re reminded that Christ is the center of God’s plan and the fulfillment of every breadcrumb laid throughout history. Join us as we rediscover the beautiful story of a God who has always been pursuing His people and inviting us into a kingdom built on love, humility, and hope.  Primary Old Testament Texts * Genesis 45:5–8 — Joseph explaining that God sent him to Egypt to preserve life during the famine. Used to show God working through nations and rulers for His purposes.  * Jeremiah 25:9 — “I will summon… my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon…” Used to illustrate God using foreign empires to discipline Israel.  * Isaiah 45:1 — God calling Cyrus “his anointed” and using him to subdue nations. Referenced to show God working through rulers outside Israel.  * Isaiah 21:2 — “Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!” Used in the context of empires rising and falling under God’s sovereignty.  * Isaiah 49:6 — “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles…” A key verse explaining Israel’s role in bringing salvation to the nations through the Messiah.  * Daniel 2:44 — God establishing a kingdom that “will never be destroyed.” Central to the sermon’s contrast between earthly empires and God’s eternal kingdom.  New Testament References * The Gospel According to John 18:36 — Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Used to explain the radically different nature of Christ’s kingdom.  * The Gospel According to Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” Framed as the mission of God’s new kingdom after Christ’s resurrection.  * Acts of the Apostles 2:1–41 — Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaking in many languages, Peter’s sermon, and the baptism of 3,000 people. This is one of the sermon’s central texts.  * Acts of the Apostles 8:26–39 — Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, especially the eunuch’s question: “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Used to emphasize the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.  * Psalms 46:1–7 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…” Used to reinforce the permanence and safety of God’s kingdom.

June 14, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 38

In this week’s message, we explore the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms—and the surprising promise of a kingdom that will never end. From the Babylonian exile to Pentecost, we’re reminded that God is building something new through Christ: a people united not by nation or power, but by grace, baptism, and the Holy Spirit. Join us as we reflect on the powerful truth that no matter what kingdoms rise or fall, God is with us, God is for us, and His kingdom stands forever.  Primary Old Testament Texts * Genesis 45: 5–8 — Joseph explaining that God sent him to Egypt to preserve life during the famine. Used to show God working through nations and rulers for His purposes.  * Jeremiah 25: 9 — “I will summon… my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon…” Used to illustrate God using foreign empires to discipline Israel.  * Isaiah 45: 1 — God calling Cyrus “his anointed” and using him to subdue nations. Referenced to show God working through rulers outside Israel.  * Isaiah 21: 2 — “Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!” Used in the context of empires rising and falling under God’s sovereignty.  * Isaiah 49: 6 — “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles…” A key verse explaining Israel’s role in bringing salvation to the nations through the Messiah.  * Daniel 2: 44 — God establishing a kingdom that “will never be destroyed.” Central to the sermon’s contrast between earthly empires and God’s eternal kingdom.  New Testament References * The Gospel According to John 18: 36 — Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Used to explain the radically different nature of Christ’s kingdom.  * The Gospel According to Matthew 28: 19–20 — The Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” Framed as the mission of God’s new kingdom after Christ’s resurrection.  * Acts of the Apostles 2:1 –41 — Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaking in many languages, Peter’s sermon, and the baptism of 3,000 people. This is one of the sermon’s central texts.  * Acts of the Apostles 8: 26–39 — Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, especially the eunuch’s question: “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Used to emphasize the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.  * Psalms 46:1 –7 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…” Used to reinforce the permanence and safety of God’s kingdom.