Groundwork: Biblical Foundations for Life

God Always Cares and Never Leaves

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Whether life’s changes are good or bad, not knowing outcomes and not yet having answers can lead us to question God. We might feel lonely, uncertain, and anxious and even wonder if God cares or hears our cries. Yet, turning to scripture in the storms of life can provide the comfort and reassurance we long for. Join Groundwork as we study passages in both the Old and New Testaments that remind us and give us examples of just how much God cares about us and the details of our lives. Discover again how his constant, reliable presence and character can encourage us in our discipleship and give us strength to cope with life’s changing circumstances.

Stand Firm in the Reality of Christ's Resurrection

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

After the Apostle Paul started the church in Corinth, others came after him that began to teach the Corinthian Christians differently. These false teachers were challenging Paul’s teaching on the resurrection, a crucial and important truth at the heart of the Christian faith. Influenced by the culture around them, they suggested that Christ’s resurrection was not a true, physical, bodily resurrection. As Paul responds to these false teachings, he is adamant that it is necessary to believe in the truth of Christ’s bodily resurrection. Discover what Paul says are the consequences for our faith if Jesus is not raised from the dead and why this truth is crucial to the gospel message. Learn from Paul’s message to the Corinthians why you can continue to stand firm today on the truth and reality of Christ’s resurrection.

Love: the Guiding Principle for Christian Living

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Every church is made up of broken, sinful believers redeemed by the blood of Christ. But far too often our human condition gets the better of us and we argue, disagree, inflict pain on one another, and sometimes even experience a break in a relationship. This reality is not unique to the modern church. The Corinthian church struggled with unity too. They did not care for one another as they should have and the church had an almost clique-like mentality. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul calls their behavior unacceptable and instructs them to make Christ-like love their guiding principle for their thoughts, motives, and actions. He also gives them further teaching on spiritual gifts so they can better understand the value of each of their members. Studying Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian Christians provides guidance for us still today as we seek to worship and live well together in community.

Understanding Christian Freedom

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Freedom is a value most of us cherish and protect. But what happens when our personal freedom is in direct conflict with someone else’s personal freedom? How do our Christian faith and our freedom in Christ help us navigate these conflicts and make it possible to continue living in unity? And how can we be sure that our efforts to live in unity don’t compromise our integrity or cause us to become lukewarm or wishy-washy Christians? Join us as we study the Apostle Paul’s guidance to the early Christians in 1 Corinthians to discover the wisdom we seek to reconcile these questions. Discover why Paul does not equate personal freedom with Christian freedom and why remembering the second Greatest Commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39)—helps us embrace our Christian freedom more fully.

Sex, Food, and Faith-Informed Choices

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

How does faith in God affect the daily choices you make? Sometimes, it’s easy or clear to see how faith influences a decision. Should I steal? No, that wouldn’t be the choice of a faithful Christian. But other things are less clear. Can I enjoy sex or is it sinful? Can I eat anything I want or do I need to be more discerning? The early Christians in Corinth had many questions about how they should best honor God through their choices and they sought advice from the Apostle Paul. Let’s study Paul’s guidance to the Corinthians so that we can glean his wisdom and gain a better understanding of God’s vision for how we honor and glorify him through our choices and how our faith informs how we act—in our personal lives, in our relationships, and in our communities.

You Belong to Jesus! Act Like it.

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The early Christians in the Corinthian church had many questions about how their faith impacted various aspects of their lives. You might be surprised that many of the topics the Apostle Paul advised them on in his letter are things we’re still wrestling with today: sexuality and sexual immorality, accountability in the life of the church, and lawsuits or disagreements among believers. Discover why in each of these situations Paul admonished believers to remember their identity as those baptized in Christ and to act accordingly.

Only Glorify Jesus

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

As humans, we almost can’t help but make comparisons. But when comparing distracts us from what’s true and what’s important, then it becomes unhelpful and even problematic. The Christians in Corinth struggled with a comparison problem. As Paul addresses their problem in 1 Corinthians, he offers not only the Corinthians, but us too a valuable perspective on power, authority, and leadership in the church, and a vital reminder that Christ is the foundation upon which we should build all things. Together, let’s study Paul’s guidance to the Corinthians to gain a better understanding of what it means to dwell in Christ and live and work as believers today.

Holy People, God's Wisdom, and the Power of the Cross

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The Apostle Paul opens his letter to the Corinthian church by addressing those who are "sanctified and called." But we quickly discover that much like ourselves, the Corinthian church was full of imperfect believers sorting out the impact of their faith on how they lived in the world. In the opening chapters of this letter, Paul reminds believers that God’s wisdom may not make sense by the world’s standards, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Join us in digging into Paul’s reminder that when we are confused or need help discerning God’s way, we should return back to the basics and the heart of the gospel message.

Discipleship During Life's Tragedies

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

There are so many unexpected situations in life that are beyond our control and that have a profound impact on our faith: the death of loved ones, natural disasters, lost jobs...How do we respond with faith when we suffer? What happens to our discipleship while we experience grief, pain, frustration, and anger? How can we be sure that tragedy and trauma don’t shatter our faith? Join us as we study scriptures together and receive assurance that God cares about all your experiences and emotions, good and bad. Find out what the Bible says it takes, and what God provides, to stay the course of discipleship in the midst of life’s tragedies.

When Discipleship Growth Stalls

Fri, 28 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the things we do and say are out of sync with the faith we profess to believe as disciples of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we make mistakes and consequently experience setbacks in our discipleship journey. These seasons of stagnation in our spiritual growth are not necessarily evidence of weak faith or failure. Even the Apostle Peter experienced setbacks in his journey of discipleship. Scripture is clear that God is with us even during these seasons, guiding and helping us understand what he expects and what he is doing for us. Join us as we study the scriptures to better understand the value of repentance and the ready abundance of God’s grace and forgiveness for reinvigorating our own discipleship growth.

Grow as a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Fri, 21 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

We should expect to grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ. What does that growth look like? What is this “solid food” the Apostle Paul says is for mature followers of Jesus? How can we be sure we’re maturing? Thankfully, we don’t need to figure it all out on our own. By his grace, God provides his Holy Spirit to guide us, teach us, and supply what we need for spiritual growth. Find out how to live as a maturing disciple of Jesus and discover the signs of dynamic discipleship already apparent in your own life.

Be a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Fri, 14 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

So you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, now what? While Jesus Christ has done the heavy lifting of salvation for us, that doesn’t mean we are fully formed disciples of Christ at conversion. In fact, our discipleship journey is a lifelong one. So, what do Christians mean by the term discipleship? When does discipleship begin? What does it look like? The Apostle Paul talks about spiritual milk, what is that? Explore these questions with Groundwork as we look to scripture to help us understand what it means to live as disciples of Christ today and as we explore the importance of community in our discipleship journey.

Our Faithful God and His Enduring Word

Fri, 07 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes neutral, and sometimes downright awful. Any type of transition in life can create uncertainty and anxiety in us. But one thing scripture assures us over and over again is that our God is faithful and constant. No matter what we’re going through, God is with us. We may feel distant from him or wonder what he’s doing, but through it all, we can trust that he’s with us because the Bible assures us this is true. Today, we’ll examine some of those promises in scripture as we recognize a significant change here on Groundwork. Together, we’ll say goodbye, thank you, and God bless you to our co-host, Dave Bast, as he retires and we’ll also welcome his successor, Darrell Delaney, to the co-host seat alongside Scott Hoezee. While one voice behind the mic may be changing, God’s Word endures and so does our commitment to dig deeply into scripture to lay the foundation for our lives.

Lean Into God's Grace

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

During any season of rebuilding, it’s vital to reacquaint ourselves with God’s word. Whether we’ve been faithful to God all along or whether we’ve strayed from him long ago, we can only rediscover our place in God’s story by reading and retelling it in community. Discover how Ezra led the Israelites in reading God’s word during their rebuilding of Jerusalem and be reminded that when life’s challenges feel insurmountable, when the guilt of the past overwhelms, when loneliness and a temptation to give up creep in, we don’t need to rely on our own ability to cling to God. Because of his great love for us, God—in his grace—has already given us the antidote we need to carry us through.

Building Blocks for Biblical Success

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

When we are rebuilding after our life has fallen apart, even the smallest opposition can feel like an insurmountable force. Sometimes people mean well but derail our progress. Other times people purposely thwart our efforts, simply because they don’t want to see us succeed. Whether our opposition comes from external pressure or even our own internal fears, doubts, and shame, we can learn a lot about the essential building blocks for biblical success from Ezra and Nehemiah. Their response to the external and internal opposition that threatened their progress while rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple, model for us how prayer, work, compassion, and grace can align us with God’s will and help us maintain forward momentum as we rebuild against all odds.

Making Sense of Setbacks

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Struggle, discouragement, and setbacks are unpleasant, yet all too common experiences in life. Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get ahead? Maybe you’ve been given a second chance and you’re trying to do your best against all odds, but you’re confused about the way forward. While we may not always understand why things happen, the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah and the setbacks they faced while rebuilding Jerusalem encourage us to persevere. Their stories offer us a biblical strategy for enduring our own trials and setbacks today.

Know that God is Working

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

When the circumstances of life create an uncertain future, people of faith long to know where God is in their situation and what he’s doing. Whether we’re in the midst of a naturally occurring life change like retirement or rebuilding after something devastating like cancer or job loss, we can turn to the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah as they rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and discover reassurance that God is at work in our lives—even when progress is slow or we aren’t sure what he is doing.

It is Finished

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It’s easy to assume that when Jesus Christ declares “It is finished,” he means his suffering is finished. But as we study his final word from the cross, we discover it is really a cry of accomplishment. He is declaring his work done. His sacrifice is complete and death conquered. The victory is his! The triumph we proclaim at Easter is just the beginning of our reconciled, reunited relationship with God. Because of Jesus, it is once again possible for God to dwell among his people and for us to respond to him in faith.

Father, into Your Hands

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

As we observe Jesus' final moments on the cross, he continues to exemplify for us the faith and conviction of a strong believer. He identifies both what it means to be abandoned by God and intimately close with God. Through these same words Jesus teaches us profound truths about our relationship with God and life after death. In the finality of Jesus Christ’s dying words we discover hope.

I Thirst

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

How does this simple, human request make it to the permanent record of the gospel? Why does John want to be sure we remember that Jesus expressed thirst as he hung dying on the cross? John knows that through this simple human need we uncover profound theological truths about Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of scripture. Through these words of Jesus' he also addresses our spiritual condition as we seek to satiate a spiritual longing and desire deep within.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!?” Is it possible for God to abandon Jesus Christ as he hangs dying on the cross? What actually happens in this moment as Jesus cries out in agony? What does it mean for those times we think God has forsaken us? Discover deep truths about hell, salvation, what it means for Jesus to be God's Son, and God's promises to us as we study what is quite possibly the most famous of Jesus' words from the cross.

With Me in Paradise

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Jesus speaks this word from the cross to the man we usually call the penitent thief, who was crucified with him. In his words, "Today, you will be with me in paradise", Jesus defines salvation in its simplest terms and makes a comforting promise to us, that he is ready to fulfill, if only we make our request.

A New Family

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

With agonizing breath, Jesus speaks to a disciple and his mother standing at the foot of his cross. His words reveal a deep compassion for his mother, even while he endures the anguish of the cross. During Lent, discover what Jesus’ great concern for his family shows us about his humanity and uncover the profound theological implications that arise from this earthly concern.

Father, Forgive Them

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

With his dying breaths, Jesus petitions the Father to forgive. Why was Jesus’ first word about forgiveness? Who was he forgiving? Studying these brief, yet pointed words of intercession Christ speaks from the cross gives us greater understanding of the Christian practice of forgiveness, what makes it so powerful, and why it relates to our salvation.

Fellowship

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Scripture shows us that intentional fellowship is a valuable practice for cultivating our faith. Together, let’s examine the descriptions of fellowship found in both the Old and New Testaments to gain a biblical perspective on this essential spiritual discipline. Through this study, we’ll come to better understand the relationship between fellowship and peace, the connection between our fellowship and our worship, and how fellowship with each other deepens our relationship with God.

Reconciliation

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

When relationships are broken, re-establishing peace and justice can be understandably difficult. And yet, this is the work to which God calls us. First, God reconciled us to himself, then he gave us the message of reconciliation to share with the world. Studying scripture helps us better understand the spiritual discipline of reconciliation and how our reconciliation with God impacts our ability to be peacemakers. Discover our responsibility to God, to each other, and to the world and what exactly Jesus Christ calls us to do.

Prayer

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

We all know that as Christians we are supposed to pray, but do you ever wonder how to pray or why we pray? Prayer, at its core, is a conversation with God. It seems simple, and yet many Christians struggle to pray during various seasons of our lives. If you’re struggling with feeling unworthy or unequipped to pray or if you’re questioning whether prayer does any good when God already knows our hearts and the future, take heart that the rich tradition of prayer found in scripture serves as our guide and demonstrates just how important prayer is to the Christian life. So, join Groundwork as we examine scripture to better understand the spiritual discipline of prayer, learn how this discipline strengthens our connection with God, and discuss how we can cultivate this practice in our daily lives.

Confession

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

It can be difficult to admit when we’re wrong or that we’ve made a mistake. While pride, shame, and fear can make confession difficult, knowing our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ and being confident in God’s mercy, allows us the freedom to confess our sins and find healing for our souls. Join us in studying key passages of scripture to better understand the spiritual discipline of confession, to discover why it keeps us spiritually healthy, and to learn how it’s beneficial to our relationship with God.

Worship

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

What makes worship a spiritual discipline? Weekly worship has been a central practice in the lives of Christians since the early days of the Christian church. Gathering together to express our praise and thanksgiving to God is a natural response to God’s great gift of salvation. As we study the call to worship throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we learn why our pattern of worship matters and how habitually engaging in thoughtful, intentional, and Trinitarian worship is profoundly formative for our faith and life.

Sabbath Rest

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

In our work-driven culture, it can be hard to rest. And yet, in the Ten Commandments, God commands us to 'Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.' What exactly is God asking of us with this commandment? Does Sabbath rest just mean taking a day off? Or is there more to it than that? Join us as we trace the spiritual discipline of Sabbath rest through Scripture to better understand what God designed Sabbath for. Together we’ll evaluate commonly held ideas and traditions about the Sabbath, consider healthy ways to keep the Sabbath, and discover how cultivating this time-honored practice can strengthen our faith and draw us closer into relationship with our Creator God.

Commitment and Discipleship

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Following Jesus is not always easy. How many times have you said you’d do personal devotions every day, only to have your plan fizzle after week one? Or what about a time when you discovered that what God wanted of you was completely opposite of what was trending in society? Join us as we study scripture to better understand the spiritual discipline of commitment and learn how we can cultivate the lifelong discipline of following Jesus Christ.

Faith Questions We All Ask

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

As we experience new or unexpected situations in our daily lives, it’s right and good to see them through the lens of our Christian faith. But what happens when they cause us to ask questions of our faith? A trusted faith community is a valuable resource for biblically sound advice and answers. That’s why we’re thankful to dig into scripture with you. Let’s discuss some of the questions faithful believers have sent to Groundwork this year, questions like: “Do we still need the Old Testament or has the New Testament replaced it?” “Does God really love me? If he does, why is my life falling apart?” and “ Will we make it through the pandemic? Where is the hope?” We’ll seek answers to these questions from scripture and be encouraged as we grow stronger in faith together.

Focus on Jesus

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Our world is full of distractions and tempting “promises” of deliverance from all our earthly woes. But as we celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, it is wise to heed the caution and guidance that the Apostle Paul sent to believers in the city of Colossae. He reminds the Colossians to remember that Jesus Christ is the firstborn over everything. He is the only one worth believing in. There’s no Jesus and...it’s only Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, who can save and deliver us from our sins. Paul urges the Colossians and us to remain steadfast and focus on Christ alone. By studying these words of Paul in Advent, we experience anew the great gift of love we receive through Christ’s incarnation and we rediscover the good news that through believing in Jesus Christ we are reborn in faith and have eternal life.

Jesus Christ Came with a Purpose

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

What is Christmas all about? Some might say, family. Christians hopefully say the birth of Jesus. But is that all? Is that the whole reason we celebrate? The Apostle Paul would urge us to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, but he would also want us to remember why Jesus came. As Paul tells Timothy “Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Together, let’s study Paul’s words to Timothy to deepen our understanding of why the incarnation matters and marvel at the great love that really gives profound meaning to our Advent and Christmas celebrations.

Jesus Willingly Humbled Himself

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever wish there was a way to make the Christmas spirit last all year long? The Apostle Paul would suggest humility is the answer. When Paul wanted to address issues of conflict and division in the Philippian church, he implored them to preserve unity. How could they do so when differences and disagreements inevitably arose? Paul advised them to look to the example of Christ and examine Christ’s approach to privilege. Study Paul’s message to the Philippians to gain a deeper understanding of the incarnation and what it means to be Christlike.

The Son of God Became Like Us

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Are the circumstances of Jesus Christ’s birth important? Do they matter for our salvation? The Apostle Paul thinks so. As he writes about the incarnation to the Galatian Christians, Paul makes it clear that the Son of God took on human flesh. He was born the same way and was subject to the same laws as all humans. Join Groundwork to discover how these and other small details inform our understanding of Jesus and his rescue mission—the mission that restored relationships and welcomed us into God’s family.

Jesus Christ Restores

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered if you’re too broken, if you’ve sinned too much, or if you’re just too far gone for Jesus to love you? Witness an interaction between Jesus and Peter that gives us the hope and courage to love Jesus despite our failings and to trust that Jesus is more than willing to restore us to full relationship with him. Join us as we study this post-resurrection appearance of Jesus Christ in the closing chapter of John’s gospel and discover what Jesus calls all of his followers to go and do.

The Final Events of Jesus' Earthly Life

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

As the gospel of John details the final events of Jesus’ earthly life, it is clear that Jesus goes to the cross knowingly and willingly. Study the stories of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, and witness the truth woven through John’s gospel. Hear Jesus pronounce his work finished, remember the resurrection, and watch Thomas’ doubt dissipate. See the fulfillment of the message John urgently declared in his opening chapter “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” and let the final events of Jesus’ earthly life lead you to believe more fully in him.

Christ Glorified: the Holy Spirit and Growing in Christlikeness

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

The gospel of John points its readers to Jesus’ glory through its faithful account of Jesus’ teachings. Even as Jesus repeatedly warns his disciples that he will soon go away , he also reminds them they will not be alone. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit and teaches them about the Spirit’s ministry and work. Jesus urges his disciples to abide in him and find assurance because he is “the true vine.” Study these teachings of Jesus’ in the gospel of John and discover what it really means to abide in Jesus and how we too can grow in Christlikeness as disciples of Jesus Christ today.

Christ Glorified: Love and Humble Sacrifice

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Halfway through the gospel of John, there is a noticeable shift. John turns our attention from Jesus’ public ministry to focus instead on the foundational teachings Jesus shared with his disciples in his last week. Jesus acknowledges that his hour has indeed drawn near and with a new urgency, he conveys the most important truths about himself and about God the Father. As we study the stories about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and declaring that he is the only way to the Father, we discover the deep love of a God willing to do whatever it takes to save us. Join us as we discuss what humility in service looks like today when we follow Jesus’ example in becoming a servant of all.

Signs of Christ's Power

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

What is power? Having power means having the strength, ability, or influence to accomplish something. As we continue studying the gospel of John, we read about signs that point to Jesus and help us recognize his power. We’ll witness Jesus’ power to provide, his power to heal, and his power over death. And through these signs Jesus Christ reveals himself to us and gives us a glimpse into his coming kingdom. John records these signs of Christ’s power so that all might believe in Jesus Christ, the one who brings life.

Signs of Christ's Glory

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The gospel of John recounts a number of events that reveal Jesus Christ’s glory. Studying his miracle at the wedding at Cana, his prophetic words and actions as he cleanses the temple, and his interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well give us insight into who Jesus is, what he can do, and what he offers us. These three stories help us better understand what glory is and where we can expect to encounter the glory of Jesus in our own lives.