Groundwork: Biblical Foundations for Life

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.

Jesus Christ is...

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In its opening chapter, the gospel of John declares that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. The gospel writer begins his book with a prologue, confidently and urgently declaring the truths he will spend the rest of his book revealing through a carefully curated record of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. So if you’d like to know more about who Jesus is, if you’d like to better understand his identity, his character, and his purpose, then join us in studying the prologue found in John 1. Together we’ll learn about Jesus’ identity and character and discuss what we can learn about being Jesus’ disciples.

Welcome and Care

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Another major theme found in Leviticus is God’s instruction to Israel to care for the aliens...the immigrants...the strangers living in their midst. These individuals were particularly vulnerable and God makes clear that he cares for them and that Israel should too. Does this theme of hospitality extend to Christians and the church today? Studying these teachings in Leviticus, in the light of our salvation in Christ, can inform our thoughts and behaviors toward non-Christians and vulnerable people in our world today.

Blood, Sacrifices, and Forgiveness

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Christians have many rituals and traditions, but offering sacrifices is no longer one of them. In the book of Leviticus, God provided Israel with a holiness code and sacrificial system that addressed the sin they, as unholy people, would inevitably commit and removed the guilt they would inevitably bear. Though we no longer need to offer ritual sacrifices, studying the sacrificial system in Leviticus helps us understand more fully our need for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and deepens our gratitude for the unimpeded relationship we can have with our God, who lives in our midst, today.

Be Holy

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The book of Leviticus, often called the “the holiness code” by scholars, contains all the rules and laws Israel was to follow in order to be holy. Why did they need to be holy? Because God is holy and his presence dwelt among them. This holiness code may feel out-of-date to Christians today, because Jesus Christ’s sacrifice has freed us from the burden of these rules and laws. But when we read the New Testament, we quickly discover that the theme of Leviticus—to be holy because God is holy—still applies to followers of Christ today. Studying the holiness code can help us better understand God’s command to“Be holy because I am holy” and what it means for how we live our lives.

A Holy God Lives Among Us

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

After he delivered his chosen people from Egypt, God resided among his people in the tabernacle. Today, our Holy God continues to choose to live in our midst, but his presence is no longer limited to the tabernacle. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God dwells among us, an unholy people. Study Leviticus with us to discover why it is so important for us to acknowledge God’s presence among us and to live our lives according to this wonderful truth.

Answer God's Call for Justice

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

If we want to think about justice, there are plenty of opinions and articles available on social media. Yet engaging pithy posts and news clips online makes it pretty easy for us to affirm what we already think. As Christians, though, it is essential for us to start, not with the media, but with scripture when seeking justice. In order to best reflect on the social inequities and the calls for racial justice in our world today, we invite you to turn with us to scripture to better understand the meaning of biblical justice and what that means for our role in pursuing justice as Christians.

Worship and Fellowship Together

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

During the COVID-19 pandemic, church worship has been anything but normal. But it has caused us to reflect like never before on the question “What is the Church?” Join us as we study scripture to discuss why being in a spiritual community matters, to give thanks for the technology that has allowed us to continue meeting together in modified ways, to explore the questions churches have wrestled with (and answered differently) about communion, and to reflect on our experiences as we consider what we’ve learned and what it means for our relationship with God and with his people.

Trust God's Providence

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

As we continue to struggle with the effects of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistence of racism in our world, many of us long for assurance that God still cares. We may wonder, “Where is God?” “ Why isn’t he doing anything to help us?” “Did God send the pandemic?” or “Does God allow bad things to happen?” These are the hard questions of providence. Join us as we study scripture to remind ourselves of God’s character and gain valuable wisdom to help us understand God’s involvement in our current circumstances and why we can confidently continue to put our trust in him.

Lament: A Faithful Response to Tragedy

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

As individuals, communities, and a society we’ve experienced significant loss this year—some of us have lost loved ones, others have lost a sense of security, and many of us grieve relationships and our loss of normalcy. Questions like “why?” and “how long?” groan within us as we weigh facts and opinions and try to make the best decisions possible for our families and communities. As we experience lives altered by the COVID-19 pandemic and we come face to face with the disparity and inequality it has brought to light in our society, what should our response as Christians be? Together, let’s turn to scripture and allow scripture to guide us in lament, a response that engages our faith and acknowledges our reality.

God's Church Seeks Biblical Justice

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

What does justice really mean; what does it look like in our world; and what can any of us really do to help bring it to pass? What is the role of the Church in seeking justice? How do we balance our calling to save souls with our justice calling? Join Groundwork as we turn to scripture to learn what it means for us as God’s people and as God's church to seek biblical justice that stems from God's own character.

Justice, Heroes, and Jesus

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The pervasive nature of injustice can make our efforts to seek justice feels insignificant. It's easy to feel discouraged when corruption and abuse seem so powerful and able to continue despite laws or morality. Yet Kristen Deede Johnson, co-author of The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance, joins our Groundwork conversation to discuss how the Bible reveals that our responsibility and passion for justice as believers stems from God's own character, and how we find encouragement in our pursuit of justice through scriptures that highlight Christ's role as prophet, priest, and king.

Justice, Lament, and Flourishing

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Recognizing and acknowledging injustice is the first step in toward making justice a reality. But then what? How do we incorporate a sense of longing for justice into our prayer life? How do we look and work for it in our communities and our world? Studying scripture to discover God's design for justice and flourishing in our lives helps us begin to see how our pursuit of God's justice will find expression through our prayer life, through our actions, and through our obedience to the law of God.

Justice and Righteousness

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

It seems that on earth, justice cannot keep up with evil and corruption. Yet in both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible makes it clear that God cares about justice and the social well-being of his people. The words of the prophets and of Jesus reveal to us that in God's eyes, justice is intricately connected with righteousness. Studying the relationship between justice and righteousness leads us to a better understanding of what this means for how we live faithfully as followers of Jesus Christ.

God Answers Job

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Job gets the opportunity many of us wish for: God breaks his silence and, in dramatic fashion, speaks directly to Job. The experience leaves Job humbled. See how God answers Job, and discover what God’s response teaches us about why bad things happen to good people. In its conclusion, the story of Job once again reframes our perspective and enables us to experience profound joy, yet it doesn’t minimize the reality of our suffering.

Choosing Hope in Suffering

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

When we have every right to lament and despair, what is the source for our continued hope? After losing his children, his wealth, and eventually his health, Job is justified in his complaint. But even as Job expresses his grievances to God, he professes a steady faith and rising hope despite his suffering. Listen to Job’s laments, and find out what he declares is the source of his continued hope at a time when all hope seems lost.