Focus: With so many needs, we can become compassion weary.  The volume of sorrow can lead us to put a filter on our hearts.  We feel bad, but do nothing.  We sympathize, yet don’t bring true relief.  Jesus is more than someone we can turn to for sympathy when we need someone to understand.  He is aware of our deepest need before we can even name it.  He cares by taking our suffering upon Himself.  He actually joins us in our pain and shares the experience.  Jesus goes beyond simply feeling bad for us.  Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS COMPASSIONATE!  As we follow Him we learn what it means to be humane, kindhearted, forbearing, merciful, tenderhearted, moved to action. Main Text: Matthew 9:35-38

Focus: It is utterly impossible for us to do anything without some element of self-focus.  We rarely do something without any thought of how it will affect us.  As a result, we often resist the leadership of God.  Jesus faithfully followed the will of His Father.  He emptied Himself and became obedient-to death.  He was devoted to others.  And because of this God raised Him to the place of highest honor and glory.  Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS SELFLESS!  As we follow Him we learn what it means to be other-centered, secure, humble, generous, consistent. Main Text: Matthew 20:25-28; John 12:24-25

Focus: So much of what we do or choose to not do revolves around our perception of how others will see us.  As a result, we often put on masks.  “The real me might get rejected,” we think.  Jesus knew who He was.  He understood the mission.  He wasn’t concerned with how people would receive him.  This freed Him to be the most genuine leader of all time.  Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS GENUINE!  As we follow Him we learn what it means to be authentic, real, vulnerable, true, consistent. Main Text: Matthew 9:9-13

Focus: There are some moments in life when we’re detached.  We’re physically present, but for one reason or another, we’re really somewhere else.  Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS ENGAGED!  As we follow Him we learn what it means to be fully present, in the moment, attentive, interested, devoted, focused.Main Text: Matthew 26:36-46

Sometimes words lose their effectiveness because they get used so often.  Sometimes words need to be redefined.  “Leader” is one of those words.  Today we recalibrate a familiar word so that it becomes a familiar designation for everyone.  In the Kingdom of God, is leadership reserved for a select few who have proven themselves?  Or, does every Jesus-follower bear the title and privilege of leadership? Main Text: Colossians 3:13-17

Focus: Praying…Caring…Sharing…   The Lord is still seeking 1more Friend.  Will you choose to be 1more Friend? Main Text: Matthew 28:18-20  Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 30

Focus: True love will show itself in curiosity.  One of the hallmarks of a Spirit-infused life is the presence of genuine interest in others.  Will you be among those who invest in discovering the truth about your neighbors?  If you do, you may understand the secret wisdom of God.  Main Text: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 29

Focus: Every time we are interrupted, we are given a choice:  Stick to our agenda, or turn our attention to the new opportunity in front of us. Main Text: Isaiah 6:8-9 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 28

Is there any benefit to knowing God?  How have those benefits satisfied YOUR deepest longings?  Don’t forget, the benefits of being connected to life in Jesus…they might just satisfy someone else! Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5 Resource:“Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 27

Focus: Undone; holes in our souls that we are powerless to fill.  When we place all of our flaws out on the table and join them together with the flaws of our neighbors and friends we discover what we all hold in common. We are all the same.  We all have the same basic need.  Text: Romans 5:1-11 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 26

The fact that God is attentive to prayers prayed in faith should build anticipation.  How will God answer?  How will God show up? How will He choose to use me? Text: 1 Peter 3:12a

Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood”  Week 25

Focus: God knows everything about you, there are no secrets hidden from Him. The same holds true for your neighbor. He knows every detail of every life. God has zeroed in on us. We are in his plans, his dreams, and his desires. God wants the same personal intimate relationship with your neighbor that he has with you. Do you wake up every morning excited that you’re part of that big picture? Main Text: Psalm 139: 1-3

Focus: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” We hear it all the time.  It may sound a bit different, yet the meaning is still the same as if spoken by Cain today. Jesus commanded his followers to love one another as He loved us. Jesus was a living example of God’s love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus love. You matter to God. Your neighbor matters to God. Does your neighbor matter to you? Main Text: Genesis 4:9-10

God placed your neighbor next to you for a reason. Is that a burden or a joy? Consider what God has done for you, how bright your future is. Now, consider that God desires the same future for your neighbor. “How is that possible?” we say. “You don’t know my neighbor.” Our God can do the impossible. What a joy it should be to be called to partner with Him. Text: Mark 10:24-27

Focus: We live in an excuse-filled ridden world: “I can’t do that because…, I’m not available because…, I’m not fully prepared, not ready yet.” Moses had plenty of excuses too, yet, God admonished him: “Now go; I will help you speak, and teach you what to say.” It’s the same instruction for us today, “Now go”, share Me with your neighbors. Text: Exodus 4:10-12

The idea of mission is great.  The idea of praying for neighbors and friends, and even enemies is great.  But, when the rubber meets the road, will you jump to action?  Or, will you first weigh the time, energy, and financial cost?  Do you see someone who needs help, or do you see your own inconvenience? Read Text: 1 John 3:16-18

This is God’s mission, His love, His work, and we are His instruments, His agents.  Agent, are you ready for the next step+?  Is your ear-piece in? Read Text: John 16:13-15

“What are you praying about?” is a great question to get at what is really important to someone. Prayer reflects the heart, it practices the heart, and often, from that the heart is moved to action.  Are you ready to be part of God’s answer to your prayer? Read Text: John 11:38-44

How do your interactions with those you have difficulty with influence their interaction with you?  How do you reflect Christ with those who make it difficult?  Does your sense of justice fight against the unconditional love Christ shows you and gives you to share?  What if you could let go of all the anger and frustration? Read Text: Matthew 5:43-48

Focus: Why do we struggle with asking for help?  Asking for help doesn’t have to be an admission of weakness, it can be an expression of value, appreciation of another person.  What happens when we change our focus from ourselves onto other people? Read Text: John 4:7-9

How is it possible to be countercultural (not different just to be different, or to make a statement, but to follow the Bible and Jesus in our post-modern, selfie world), and still attract others?  What can we do? Read Text: Colossians 4:2-6

Focus: We’re certainly supposed to take care of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we’re also commanded to open our doors and extend invitations to people we don’t know as well, to help anyone in need.  This is one of the ways Jesus challenges with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, as we see that “neighbor” isn’t defined by proximity, but describes one who acts to care for someone in need.  Jesus transforms the question of “Who is my neighbor?” into “Who are you a neighbor to?” Read Text: Hebrews 13:1-3

He is Risen! He is risen indeed!

A look at Palm Sunday with fresh eyes.

McDonalds figured out long ago that the smell of their french fries would draw their potential customers in, and could even produce feelings of hunger in people who otherwise had no intention to eat.  The aroma of Christ is polarizing, drawing in the hungry, but reminding others of death.  Christ’s fragrance is a life of sacrifice, a fragrance we bear as His people, by His sacrifice.  And it’s a fragrance perceived by others through His love lived out in our lives and shared with others.  What do you smell like? Read Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Focus: There are many kinds of love in this world, but each and every one will let you down eventually. That is, until you know God’s love.  The same is true for your neighbors.  Once you know God’s love, though, you can share His perfect love with them.  His love never fails, never stops seeking all people, and never gives up. Read Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Focus: The sum of all of the Law and Prophets (the Hebrew Scriptures) can be boiled down to just two things:  1) Love God above all.  2) Love your neighbor as yourself. You could even try to combine them into one command to love God so much that you also love what He loves. We’ve spent 10 weeks exploring Prayer, and now we begin to see how drawing close to God’s heart can affect what we love (Care). Read Text: Matthew 22:34-40

Focus: Jesus prayed so that Peter’s faith would not fail.  Peter’s faith did not fail.  Who among your circle of influence is being tested by Satan and needs victory in Jesus?  What would it look like for you to pray for them? Text: Luke 22:31-38, 1 Peter 5:8 & 2 Peter 1:3

There is so much standing against us, so many forces that war against God, and His intentions for us.  We need support from each other in order the STAND.  Strength is built in community.  Strength is built through the prayers of the Saints.  Strength is built as followers of Jesus pray “all kinds” of prayers, “on all occasions”, “always”, and for “all the saints.”  What would that kind of prayer support look like for you? …for your friends, family and neighbors? Text: Ephesians 6: 10-18

Access to Almighty God.  An open invitation to come, to ask, to plead, for ourselves, and for those around us.  Do we really believe that this is really real? “Where do you think God would like some of His power directed through your prayers today?”  pg. 20 ,Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood Text: James 5:16-18

Question #1:  ”Who among those who will believe in Jesus are you praying for?” Question #2:  “Do I care enough about the unsaved to pray earnestly for their salvation?” pg. 18, Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood  Question #3:  What am I willing to do in response to this? Text: 2 Peter 3:9; John 17:20; Romans 10:1-17

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”  Isaiah 9:2  Can you imagine the people you pray for coming to know the truth about themselves and the truth about God as a result of your prayers?  What do you see? Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4

To intercede, to plead, advocate, intermediate, intervene, to speak on behalf of…  Who in your life today needs your active and persistent intercession?   How would the story of your neighborhood, your friends, be impacted by your active intercession? Text: Ezekiel 22:23-31; Hebrews 7:15-28

It’s great to have friends in “high places.”  Certain relational connections can gain us access to places we would not otherwise be able to access.  “Knowing someone” has gotten me into sporting events, concerts, in the presence of the President of the United States.  Jesus has given us permission to use His name to gain a hearing with the Lord of Heaven and earth.  What would it look like for you today to really know God’s will and ask what Jesus would ask? Text: John 16:16-24

Focus: God already owns everything we have.  There is nothing we can give God, that He hasn’t already given.  Except…our praise.  Acknowledging and celebrating worth is part of our culture.  Yet, with God, we spend very little time celebrating Him.  Why is that?  What would it look like for you today to celebrate God’s worth? Text: Psalm 34:1-3

“Lord, (YOU) teach us to pray.” There are just some things that don’t belong to us. Prayer does not start with us. The requests, thoughts, cries don’t emanate from our minds or hearts. They begin with God. They flow from His mind and heart. What would it look like for you today to allow God to shape or determine the content of your prayers?

Text: Romans 8:26-27; 1 John 5:14-15; 2 Chronicles 7:1-15 (esp. 14-15)

Focus: Can you imagine having a friendship with someone and never being with them?  Friends stay in touch.  Friends talk and listen.  Friends keep company.  Friends don’t have to discipline themselves to share life.  There’s a natural desire and inclination to keep company with our friends.  What would it look like for you today to approach your relationship with God the way you do with your friend? Text: Psalm 16:11; Exodus 33:8-11a & 12-23; John 15:1-17

The Kingdom of God advances 1 person at a time.  2014 will be a trajectory-changing year for us at the Church.  Every single personal decision to own our mission will be celebrated.  Every single person will be resourced to “connect people to life in Jesus.”  This will be a highly practical season for us. Text: John 3:1-18
Jesus is looking for 1more friend. Will God’s people at the Church choose to be a friend?
Jesus is looking for 1more leader. Will God’s people at the Church choose to be a leader?
Jesus is looking for 1more giver. Will God’s people at the Church choose to be a giver?

Jesus was born of flesh and blood because His friends (those who He is called to redeem) were born of flesh and blood.  There could be no other way.  Jesus had to be fully human in order to die and break the curse of sin.  The end of the Law’s brutal justice that demands “an eye for an eye” began in a manger in Bethlehem.

Home+

because a home centered on Jesus becomes the epicenter of an active life of faith 

Focus: Watch the Holy Family.  Learn the patterns of the Holy Family.  And your home will become an epicenter of the hope, peace and joy you seek this Christmas! Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 & Luke 2:21-40

Generosity+  because generosity empowered by Jesus fuels a contagious, others-centered culture

Focus: “You’ll always have the poor.  You won’t always have me.”  Such brashness.  In this season of self-satisfaction will we allow Jesus to redefine generosity?  Texts: Matthew 2:9-11; John 12:1-8 

Friendship+   

because friendships infused with Jesus expand the reach of true community

How do you actually do that today?  If you had a day to spend with Jesus, how would spend it?  What would you do? Friendship with Jesus changes every other friendship. Text: John 1:35-39; 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Step+

because simple steps guided by Jesus accelerate the impact of new life

“You feed them…”   How do you respond to an overwhelming challenge?  Jesus gives us a pretty compelling answer:  “Bring them here.”  Today we are invited to bring what we have to Him.  That’s the very next step.  The results will be staggering. Text: Matthew 14:13-21

Ordinary+  because ordinary people connected to Jesus share in Christ’s extraordinary mission.

“Peter fell to his knees…”  “The woman was surprised…”   

It’s amazing what we can do when we covenant with each other.  We can do great things when we work together.  We can accomplish much when we’re intentional. 

As a church we have been intentionally focused for the past 3 years on pursuing our vision “One Church. Regional Impact.”  Many of us have participated during these three years in a Vision Campaign called 1impact.

We press on…until Madison is transformed.  Until no one is thirsty for Good News.

Jesus is looking for individuals to make an impact- 1 person, 1neighborhood, 1region at a time. Will you make an impact?    Text: Philippians 3:10-21; John 6:39

Some of us have been sent to Fitchburg, some to Verona, some to East Madison.  All of us to “connect people to life in Jesus.”  As each of us responds to the questions we’ve been asked over the past three weeks (Will you choose to be a friend?  Will you choose to be a leader?  Will you choose to be a giver?) new communities will emerge as mission fields that we labor in with the Lord.  Jesus is looking for 1more community to impact.  Will you choose to join Him?  Texts: Luke 10:1, Jeremiah 29:5-7; 11-13; John 10:16; Luke 4:43; Acts 2:42-47

We are saved by God’s generosity alone.  The command to give, to be generous in no way saves us or makes us right with God.  We are already made right with God through Jesus.  Yet, by learning generosity, we claim the benefits of life in Jesus in greater fullness.  When I clutch, I strain.  When I give, I am set free.  When 1more person chooses to be a giver, people get to experience the generosity of God.  Jesus is looking for 1more giver.  Will you choose to be a giver?   Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

A vast majority of us actively choose to not lead.  We self-exclude.  “Leadership is not for everyone,” they say defiantly.  Today we hear a different word.  Today we learn that leadership is influence.  When 1more person chooses to be a leader, more and more people learn how to follow Jesus.  Jesus is looking for 1more leader.  Will you choose to be a leader? Text: Luke 10:1-9:  John 20:21 

Perhaps the most memorable tagline ever was “Just DO it.”  With that bold exhortation, NIKE encouraged many people to get physically active.  Jesus teaches us today that His friends are the ones who DO.  There is a stark contrast between those who choose to be friends and those who do not.  When 1more person chooses to be a friend, there is a rippling effect of love that transforms our neighborhoods, our communities, and our world.  Jesus is looking for 1more friend.  Will you choose to be a friend?  Text: Luke 10:25-37 

Jesus builds a community of believers, equips them, and then sends them out to carry his mission forward. Many are persecuted and even killed for their faith in Jesus.  In the midst of their struggles and circumstances, God gives a message of hope and victory to believers to help them persevere.  Is the cost of being a Jesus-follower worth it?  Where does your allegiance lie? Text: Acts 1:8

Just who is Jesus?  He is our “all in all”.  Who do you say that he is?   Text: Philippians 2:5-11

The Israelites think the grass is greener on the other side.  Forget having God lead them.  They want an earthly king like all the other nations have.  God meets them where they are at, and grants their desires.  We hear about kings like Saul, David, and Solomon.  Their power and pride often cause them to stray from God.  Yet God never abandons his people.  He patiently shepherds his fickle sheep.  Will you stay faithful to God?  Text: 1 Samuel 8:5-22     

God continues to focus on his community of people as he shapes their identity and mission.  Identity as God’s people is formed by faithfulness in obeying the mission God lays before them.  His people are to be priests representing a holy God in the midst of a broken and corrupt humanity, mediators of God’s covenant.  God also teaches his people that he is faithful to his promises as he leads them into the Promised Land.  From where does your identity and mission come?   Text: Psalm 119:41-48

To save us from ourselves and to mend the broken cosmos, God continues the work of new creation by choosing to bless all people through one family.  God calls Abraham to leave his three sources of security: his country, his relatives, and his father’s house.  With that sending, God also gives Abraham a promise – a covenant that impacts all generations, including us!  God shapes his community to understand who he is and what he is doing.  How is God working in your life to help you understand who he is? Text: Genesis 12:1-3   

Creation is about gift-giving.  It is amazing how many gifts God gives to mankind in and through his creation.  Catastrophe comes when man rejects God’s gifts in favor of man-made substitutes.  What are those gifts, and what are the consequences of rejecting God’s gifts?  Will you receive all that God has for you?  Text: Genesis 1:26-2:4; 2:15-23 

God is the Ultimate Victor!  Satan is defeated; sin is banished; and death is no more.  We are heading towards a time when all that is left is the Upper Story.  We will be in heaven experiencing the presence of God and the majesty of Christ in all their fullness and glory.  Come Lord, Jesus quickly.  Many of us are waiting and not one of us will be disappointed! Text: Revelation 19:1-10

Focus: Jesus died for US!  He was “all-in” for doing his Father’s will.  Paul shows us what it looks like for us to be “all-in” for God.  Are you “all-in” – no matter what?   Text: Acts 20:16-24

Jesus is GOOD NEWS!  He is life-giving.  He is the author and perfecter of our faith.  Let’s spread the news! Text: Acts 13:32-49 

Jesus leaves his followers with a promise, which is fulfilled just ten days later.  The Holy Spirit shows up in a big way.  There are tongues of fire, speaking in tongues, and a boldness to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.  Thousands come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.  That same Spirit lives in us today!  Text: Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4

JESUS LIVES!  Text: Luke 24:1-12

The taunting and mockery; the whippings and beatings; carrying the cross and our sins with it.  What could be worse?  How about being abandoned and forsaken by his Father! Text: Matthew 27:35-54

He heals the sick, casts out demons, and calms storms.  Now he does something even more amazing – raises Lazarus from the dead.  Who is this Jesus?  He is Rabbi, “living water”, the Bread of Life, the God Shepherd, the Son of Man, Messiah.  He is the Son of God! Text: John 11:17-27; 39-44

Jesus teaches about many things.  His teachings are profound, challenging, and relevant to life.  He had much to say about prayer.  What can we learn and apply to our lives?   Text: Matthew 6:5-13

 We hear very about Jesus’ years growing up.  The Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, lays down his tools and begins his ministry.  He picks some men to help him.  He uses a tough interview process, checks their references, and only picks the cream of the crop, right?  How he picks them and who ends up on his team may surprise you.  The fact that he picks us too is just as surprising! Text: John 1:35-51 

Thousands of years have passed since God promised Abraham that all people would be blessed through him and numerous prophecies have been made regarding a Messiah.  Now at this moment in time, God sets his plan in motion.  The Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords, enters the world.  God uses people and circumstances that may surprise us! Text: Luke 2:1-20

God speaks bluntly and directly to His people.  They have cheated him!  They have said terrible things about him!  They have been disobedient!  God calls them to repent – to turn back to him.  We are guilty of those same sins plus more.  Repent, and receive his mercy!  Text: Malachi 3:6-18

An imminent threat looms for God’s chosen people.  For such a time as this, God uses a young, newly-crowned queen to save the Jewish people.  She risks everything to carry out God’s will.  God has you on this earth for a purpose – for such a time as this! Text: Esther 3:5-6; 4:7-16

God allowed the Israelites, with their hearts of stone, to be defeated and taken into captivity by the Babylonians.  Through the prophet Zechariah, God now gives the people a message of hope.  He will restore a remnant.  But wait, there is even more good news! Text: Zechariah 1:1-4, 14-16; 8:1-8

Stop praying to God or be thrown to the lions.  Tough choice for Daniel?  Not really!  Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the fiery furnace.  Daniel spent time with God.  Daniel knew God.  He trusted God.  How do we respond in the face of struggles and tough choices?  Text: Daniel 6:1-12; 16-23

The consequences of sin can be awful.  The worst consequence is when God removes His hand of blessing and protection, and allows us to have our sinful way.  Yet even as the Israelites are defeated, God spares a remnant.  Why does God spare us even though we continue to sin?   Text: 2 Kings 25:1-12

Rebellious and sinful.  It seems impossible for the Israelites to keep their covenant with God.  They are seemingly crushed and defeated.  What is God going to do with these stiff-necked people?  Abandon them?  Hammer them with His law?  His response may surprise you!   Text: Isaiah 53

Focus: God vs. Baal.  Only one of them is true God.  Only one of them has power.  Only one of them can do the impossible.  Only one will win.  What God do you believe in?  Is that reflected in your life?   Text: 1 Kings 18:16-40

Pride mixed with power results in sin.  Sin ruins God's design for the Israelites and the Promised Land.  The nation David and Solomon had spent their lives building up and unifying is divided.  What can we as individuals and as a church learn from this? Text: 1 Kings 12:1-20

God gives Solomon a wish, and then grants it. Solomon becomes the wisest man to ever live. But something goes wrong. Why? God richly blesses us. What can we do to avoid making the same mistakes as Solomon? Text: 1 Kings 3:3-14; 11:1-4

Warrior, Psalm-writer, God-fearing. Liar, adulterer, murderer. Would the real King David please stand up? David was far from perfect. Most of us can relate to David's failures more than his greatness. We might be curious to find out why God would refer to David as "a man after my own heart." Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14

Boy vs. giant. Pebble vs. sword. Confidence vs. arrogance. The stage is set. All bets are on the giant. Final score: Boy-1, Giant-0. A huge upset! How is it possible? Boy + God = Victory. What "giants" are you facing in life? How will you slay them? Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 32-50

The Resurrected Jesus! God raises His Son from death to life, and defeats sin, death, and the devil. Justification, redemption, reconciliation - what do these fancy words mean? Through Jesus we win! Are we living from victory rather than for victory? Text: John 20:1-18

Large crowds, excitement, and shouts of "long live the King". Surely this is the Messiah - the leader that God has sent to free the Jews from the Romans. The camera closes in on the King. He is weeping. Tears of joy, right? No, the people just don't get it - His Kingdom is not of this world. Which kingdom are we living for? Is Jesus shedding a tear for some of us? Text: Luke 19:28-44

The Lord speaks to Samuel, but Samuel doesn't recognize His voice. The Lord doesn't stop speaking. He continues to speak until Samuel listens. Samuel becomes a spokesperson for the Lord. Does God speak to us today? If so, how? Do we recognize His voice? How do we respond to what he "tells" us? Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Ruth, a Moabite, gives up everything to follow and take care of Naomi, her Jewish widowed mother-in-law. God blesses Ruth with a husband and a son. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg! What else is God up to? How will God use our faithfulness and obedience? The impact might extend far beyond what we'll ever know or imagine. Text: Ruth 1:1-9; 16-18; 4:13-22

Gideon's circumstances cause him to not trust God. Gideon tests God - THREE TIMES! How does God respond? Do you trust God no matter what your circumstances? Is God waiting to use you, and you are holding back - testing Him? What will it take for you to fully trust Him? Text: Judges 6:11-23; 6:36-39; 7:19-22

Forty long years in the desert - filled with numerous teachable moments. The wandering is over, and God leads a new generation of Israelites into the Promised Land. Can you imagine the hope and anticipation of the Israelites? What about us? Do we live with hope and anticipation? What are we supposed to be learning and doing as we await our promised land? Text: Joshua 1:1-10; 3:9-17

God delivers the Israelites from the Egyptians. He leads his people, and provides manna and water for them? Are the Israelites satisfied? Thankful? How does God respond to them? How about us? Has much changed today? Text: Numbers 11:1-2; 4-6; 16-23; 31-33

The Israelites had been exposed to and influenced by Egyptian religion, values, and culture for more than four centuries. How will God teach them who He is, and how He wants them to live? Two tablets - Ten Commandments. Why all the rules? Do they still apply to us today? What's the big deal if we break a couple of them? Text: Exodus 20:1-20 

Sometimes God seems to be silent or distant. But he never forgets His people. After 430 years of being in slavery, God frees His people. How does he overcome a powerful, hard-hearted Pharaoh? What is enslaving you? Do you want to be free? Text: Exodus 3:1-10; 6:6-8; 12:31-42

Sometimes people hurt us. Sometimes bad things happen in our lives. Where is God during those times? The story of Joseph gives us some clues about how God works, and how we should respond to our circumstances. Text: Genesis 37:3-8; 18-28, 45:1-8

God calls Abram to leave everything, and follow Him. God promises to make Abram into a great nation, and that all families will be blessed through him. Abraham is already 75 years old. How will God pull it off? Will He keep his promise? What promises does God make to us? Is he faithful? Text: Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6; 21:1-5)

In the opening chapter of Genesis, the Upper and Lower Stories are virtually one. God, who is love, creates the universe, and places humanity at the crown of all he brings into existence. Man and woman, as individuals and also in their collective, reflect God's image. People are both the object of God's love and lovers in return. But that all changes with a serpent, piece of fruit, and bad decision. Sin enters the world. How does God respond? Text: Genesis 1:1, 26-28, 31; 3:1-15

The Word of God is a Love Story written to you. It's written by God himself as he inspires approximately 40 different writers over a 1,500 year period. God's Word is written to us - for us. The hero of the story is Jesus. What is his story, and how does He impact our lives - our stories? Text: Ephesians 1:9-11; John 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:14-17