Philippians 1:2121 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Who thinks dying is even better than living? What kind of sense does that make? This statement is deeply uncomfortable. Did Paul want to die? Was he really okay with no longer living? Why would he say such a thing? Can I be comfortable with what is being said here?I don’t believe that Paul went through his life...  Read More

Hebrews 13:13-1613 So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that pl...  Read More

Mark 8:27-35"27 Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.” 29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah. 30 But Jesus warne...  Read More

1 Corinthians 1:18"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." When he spoke of the Cross, Paul was a very courageous preacher. Why? Because as you can see the Cross was not considered something that made much sense at all.The question would sound something like this: How can the gospel of Christ be a fo...  Read More

Every religion and ideology has a visual symbol. Something that illustrates a significant feature or development in its history or beliefs. For the Jewish faith, it is the star of David. For Buddhism, it is the lotus flower. For Christianity, it is the Cross. This symbol has been used for the last 2000 years as a symbol of sacrifice, of salvation, and even a fashion symbol at times. But every time...  Read More

Week 1 of 5INTRODUCTIONThe following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.OPENCan you remember a time and place where you felt deeply uncomfortable, out of place?  Where were you and how did it feel?HEADRead John 12:25, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:59-62 and 14:26, John 15:20, 2 Ti...  Read More