Reach one more

Imagine being 12 years old today. Maybe you're mastering the latest video game, binge-watching your favorite series, or trying to keep up with school and friends. Now, let's flip the scene back in time—imagine being 12 years old in ancient Judah. Your father is the king, and you've just witnessed three miraculous events: his sudden recovery from a near-deadly illness, a miraculous defeat of an invading army, and even the sun’s shadow moving backward as a sign. But then, your father says, “Son, it's time for you to rule alongside me.”

This was the reality for Manasseh, who became co-ruler with his father, King Hezekiah, at just 12 years old.

Have you ever noticed how your phone’s photo rotation feature can feel like a time machine? Every time I unlock mine, I'm greeted with a different snapshot—a cherished memory with my family, a laugh shared with friends, or a breathtaking moment on vacation. Each photo isn’t just a captured moment but a story, reminding me that life is made up of millions of these moments—some small and seemingly insignificant, others monumental.

But here's the thing: moments aren't just memories—they're catalysts of momentum. They can shift the trajectory of our lives, for better or worse. And that’s what I want to explore today as we look at the life of King Hezekiah.

In our journey through 2 Chronicles, a powerful theme emerges: kings and leaders come and go, but the Lord remains. This truth, reinforced throughout the chronicles, is a call to trust not in fragile systems like government, military, or economy but in God, who reigns above all. We’re focusing on King Hezekiah, a leader who stands out for his bold decisions and commitment to spiritual renewal, despite inheriting a kingdom marred by brokenness and idolatry.

in 2 Chronicles 28, we explore one of the Bible’s more unsettling stories – the reign of King Ahaz. It’s a story that isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it dives deep into the harsh realities of idol worship, child sacrifice, and the spiritual decay of a king who took his people down a dark path. But there’s a reason to look closely at Ahaz’s choices, especially in a world where our own modern idols may be less visible but no less real.

Friends, today we dive into the story of three generations, an evil queen, two heroes, and a boy king from 2 Chronicles 21. If you’ve been following our series, I hope you're telling your friends how rich these stories from the Chronicles of Judah are—filled with life lessons and deep history that are still relevant today. Today’s message might just be the most intense yet.

Have you ever heard someone exclaim, “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!”? If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what in the world that phrase means. It turns out, it was a “substitute cuss word” people used back in the 1800s. Just like we say, “gosh” instead of “God” or “freakin’” as a mild replacement for more intense words, folks back then used “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” to express frustration or shock.

But Jehoshaphat is more than just an old-timey exclamation. He’s a real king from the Bible, and his story gives us some powerful lessons about compromise and courage.

Why dive into 2 Chronicles? Because the Bible is a treasure on every page, and there’s always something new to discover! Today, we’re focusing on King Asa, the first ‘good king’ of Judah mentioned in this book. Asa's story shows us the power of fully committing to the Lord and the consequences when we rely on anything other than him.

2 Chronicles is a book rich in history and spiritual lessons. Written around 450 BC, it recounts the journey of the Jewish people during a time of division, exile, and return. Let’s explore some key points and how they relate to our lives today.

The study of The Chronicles of Judah offers much more than ancient history. It takes us through a fascinating journey filled with palace intrigue, power struggles, and lessons about faith that resonate deeply in our lives today. Through its chapters, we encounter heroes and villains, moments of triumph and failure, and we witness the unfolding story of a nation in decline. Yet, beneath the surface, these stories provide profound lessons that continue to shape our understanding of leadership, faith, and our relationship with God.

I recall a time not long ago when I was navigating a particularly challenging season in my life. During this period, a modern worship song became a profound source of comfort and connection. I played that song repeatedly—while driving to and from work, preparing dinner, taking walks, and even as I drifted to sleep. The music and the truth embedded in its lyrics resonated deeply with my soul. Tim Keller, in The Songs of Jesus, explains how psalms have the power to penetrate our minds and imaginations in a way that only music can.

There are times when life’s circumstances make us feel like we’re crying out into a void, with no response from the heavens. Even King David, the giant-slayer and future ruler of Israel, found himself in such a place. In Psalm 22, David's lament resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt abandoned by God:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
"Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"
"My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest."

In a world saturated with countless voices competing for our attention, the challenge of hearing God’s voice becomes even more vital. We crave to cut through the noise and connect with the pure, untainted voice of God—the pathway to life itself. Hearing his voice invites us to live in the slipstream of the supernatural, where the Holy Spirit’s presence guides our every step.

Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible power of the human brain? Consider this: your brain weighs just three pounds, is made up mostly of water and fat, and has over 100 billion neurons that transmit information at 270 mph. Yet, it has no pain receptors, allowing for brain surgeries on awake patients. The average person has about 70,000 thoughts a day.

In a world bustling with noise and distractions, the quest to hear God's voice is a desire that resonates deeply with many. God is not silent. His voice reverberates through creation, the Scriptures, and the life of Jesus. Yet, amidst the chaos of modern life, many wonder how to discern this divine communication. How do we distinguish God's voice from our own thoughts or external influences? The journey to hear God requires intentional effort, introspection, and a commitment to clear the path for divine interaction.

Understanding the "heart language" is crucial for truly grasping and experiencing profound concepts. For the Deaf community, the ASLV Bible has been a monumental milestone, as it offers God's word in their native language: Sign Language. Imagine only having access to the Bible in a language other than your mother tongue—it wouldn't resonate as deeply. As Mart Green, CEO of Hobby Lobby, puts it, "We are investing in EROI (Eternal Return on Investment)." With ASLV, we are opening doors for Deaf individuals to see and know Jesus, experiencing the gospel in their heart language.

This past week, from June 23-28, I had the incredible privilege of serving as the camp speaker at Camp Rivercrest’s Junior High camp. It was an unforgettable week filled with laughter, adventure, and deep spiritual growth as we welcomed 7th and 8th graders into a space where God was tangibly present and moving in powerful ways.

Have you ever stumbled across one of those channels on YouTube that are all about “fails”? If not, let me paint you a picture. It’s a treasure trove of 10-second clips showcasing people’s misadventures—think golf carts splashing into lakes, BMX riders wiping out, or the classic guy walking into an invisible sliding glass door. It's a collage of human error, often hilarious, yet oddly relatable. There’s something about other people’s missteps that strikes a chord, bringing out our inner junior high humor.

In many ways, my attempts at sharing my faith often resemble a reel fails. I imagine myself confidently sharing my beliefs, only to find the ramp collapsing beneath me, or running headlong into an invisible wall. Can anyone else relate?

In the heart of the Gospels, we encounter profound stories of Jesus interacting with the broken and marginalized, offering them healing and hope. The Gospel of Matthew, particularly chapters 8 and 9, provides a vivid narrative of these encounters, showcasing not only Jesus' compassion but also his power to heal and transform lives. Let's delve into these passages and uncover the timeless lessons they hold for us today.

As we consider the events of one of the most pivotal evenings in Scripture, we need to note the significance of the setting—a meal. This isn't just any meal; it's the Last Supper. Jesus is dining with His disciples for the last time, making a profound impression before His crucifixion. This moment was so remarkable that John dedicates two full chapters to it. Before we dive into the text, let's consider a provocative question: Were the disciples saved at the time of the Last Supper?

Welcome to a new series called "At This Table," an early summer journey inspired by the way Jesus connected deeply with others at tables. Whether at Mary and Martha's place, the home of a Pharisee, or the Last Supper, many significant moments in Jesus' ministry happened at tables. This series comes with a challenge for you to choose your level of engagement: Easy, Medium, or Hard. But first, let’s explore the beauty and importance of food and fellowship.

In the tapestry of Paul's letters, we often encounter a mosaic of diverse themes, perspectives, and instructions. Much like the intricate mosaic I once beheld beneath the Lakeshore Drive bridges in Chicago, Paul's writings can initially appear fragmented and disparate. Each passage, like an individual tile, holds its own significance, yet it is only when we step back to appreciate the broader picture that we discern the interconnectedness of Paul's messages.

In a world often marred by division and discord, love stands as the universal language that transcends barriers and binds us together. It's a force that drives us, motivates us, and gives our lives profound meaning. Within the realm of faith, love holds a position of unparalleled importance, serving as the cornerstone upon which our beliefs and actions are built. In this blog we take a look at arguably the greatest love chapter of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, delving deep into its wisdom and uncovering the profound truths it holds about the nature of love.

Before delving into the intricate passages of 1 Corinthians 11, it's crucial to approach the text with humility and recognition of its complexity. Within Christian circles, interpretations of this chapter vary, reflecting the challenge of understanding ancient language, cultural context, and theological nuances. As we embark on this journey, let's embrace humility and a willingness to engage with differing perspectives within the body of Christ.

What defines our existence and gives it meaning? In the climactic chapter of 1 Corinthians 15, Paul points us toward the one thing that surpasses all others – the gospel. Paul's emphasis on the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15 serves as a reminder of its centrality. Amidst discussions on various matters, Paul brings our attention back to the core of our faith – the gospel. He emphasizes that the gospel is not just one among many teachings but the foundation upon which our entire belief system stands. Without holding firmly to this gospel, all other pursuits become futile.

Paul's profound commitment to adapt to different cultural contexts in his mission to spread the Gospel is evident in his letter to the Corinthians. His words resonate through the ages, echoing a profound truth about the importance of contextualization in sharing the message of Christ. As we embark on this journey, we find ourselves at a crossroads where tradition meets innovation, where cultural forms intersect with biblical norms. In this blog post, we'll explore the essence of contextualization through Paul's teachings, real-world examples from Green City to the historical legacy of St. Patrick, and how it applies to each one of us today.

Drawing from the teachings of 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, we're reminded of the profound wisdom of the apostle Paul. In addressing the young and messy church in Corinth, Paul navigates the complexities of freedom and responsibility in the context of a pluralistic society. Paul's response is both radical and instructive. Despite his freedom in Christ, he willingly becomes a servant to all, adapting his approach to reach different groups – Jews, Gentiles, and the weak among them. His singular focus? To win as many as possible to the gospel of Jesus.