Groundwork is a half-hour weekly audio program that digs deeply into scripture as a foundation for our lives. https://groundworkonline.com/ en-us info@reframeministries.org 1977-2025 ReFrame Ministries 2009-2025 GroundworkOnline.com https://groundworkonline.com/assets/images/Groundwork-podcast.png https://groundworkonline.com/ en-US Mon, 05 May 2025 01:08:04 -0500 info@groundworkonline.com Mon, 05 May 2025 01:08:04 -0500 60 info@groundworkonline.com https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/christian-civility-defending-our-faith-without-being-defensive https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/christian-civility-defending-our-faith-without-being-defensive Groundwork Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Christian Civility Defending Our Faith without Being Defensive

How do we disagree without being disagreeable? How do we handle conflicts when people slander or talk against us? Everywhere we turn, it seems as if our culture encourages division. It feels like there is little room for civil debate on nearly any topic, and confrontation and hatred of those with different viewpoints are becoming normal. Even when our faith is challenged, the Bible urges Christians to respond differently than the world would expect. Join us as we seek biblical wisdom for navigating a divisive culture in faithful and Christlike ways.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/easter-jesus-is-risen https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/easter-jesus-is-risen Groundwork Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Easter: Jesus is Risen!

Each year, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. The impact of the resurrection is so profound that each of the four gospels tells the story. The details vary, but each account clearly announces that Jesus Christ is risen! As we study the gospel stories of Jesus’ victory over death, we’re invited to participate in telling Christ’s story again and again.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/holy-week-the-week-of-jesus-death https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/holy-week-the-week-of-jesus-death Groundwork Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Holy Week: The Week of Jesus' Death

Many events formative to our Christian faith occurred in the last week of Jesus’ life. On Palm Sunday, we remember how he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey to shouts of “Hosanna!” from a crowd that did not understand who he was or what he was doing. On Maundy Thursday, Jesus and his disciples sat down for a traditional Passover meal that broke tradition: Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper and gave a new command, “Love one another” (John 13:34). That night, Judas betrayed Jesus, leading to Good Friday, the day Jesus endured trials and beatings, and ultimately, died on the cross. Finally, we reach Holy Saturday. For the disciples, it was a day of sabbath and sorrow; for us, it is a day of introspection, meditation, and anticipation. As we journey through Holy Week together, we create space for God’s Word to nurture our faith and deepen our gratitude for God’s great love and Jesus’ profound sacrifice. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/what-jesus-taught-in-his-final-days https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/what-jesus-taught-in-his-final-days Groundwork Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What Jesus Taught in His Final Days

As Jesus journeyed nearer the cross, he urgently taught the disciples about who he was, why he had come, and his mission from the Father. Over and over in the gospels, we witness a repeated rhythm of Jesus' teaching and the disciples' misunderstanding or resistance. We are not immune to falling into this rhythm ourselves. But, as we journey to the cross with Jesus during Lent, listening to him and studying his teaching provides the understanding we need to learn what it means to be humble and watchful servants waiting for the day when Jesus will return. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-predicts-his-death https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-predicts-his-death Groundwork Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Jesus Predicts His Death

Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his death. He wanted them to know the kind of Savior he would be, but the disciples did not understand and even argued with him. The season of Lent invites us into somber reflection on Jesus’ death and sacrifice on the cross. Let’s discuss the biblical foundations upon which the Lenten tradition is based. Then, we’ll study Jesus’ words to his disciples as he turns to face the cross. Together, we’ll see how Jesus invites us to follow him in faith, sacrifice, and hope for us.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-journey-to-rome-proclaiming-jesus-everywhere https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-journey-to-rome-proclaiming-jesus-everywhere Groundwork Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Paul's Journey to Rome: Proclaiming Jesus Everywhere

As the apostle Paul continued to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, crowds became increasingly contentious, and he was once again arrested and beaten. During the long series of trials that eventually led him to Rome, Paul seized every opportunity to share his testimony and preach the gospel. As we study Paul’s journey to Rome, we too can gain confidence and readiness to share the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-third-journey-strengthening-and-encouraging-believers https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-third-journey-strengthening-and-encouraging-believers Groundwork Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Paul's Third Journey: Strengthening and Encouraging Believers

Not long after completing his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul left Antioch again to start his third missionary journey. Luke records the events of this trip in Acts chapters 18-21. This journey was marked by faith, courage, and love. Paul spent four to five years revisiting many of the cities where he had planted churches on his previous journeys, teaching, strengthening, and encouraging the believers. By studying Paul’s incredible third journey, with all its challenges, opportunities, and heartbreaking goodbyes, we learn how to live with the same bold trust and purpose in our own lives.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-second-journey-jesus-the-messiah-and-the-resurrection-of-the-dead https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-second-journey-jesus-the-messiah-and-the-resurrection-of-the-dead Groundwork Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Paul's Second Journey: Jesus the Messiah and the Resurrection of the Dead

On his second missionary journey, Paul carried the message of salvation and resurrection of the dead through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit led him to more than a dozen cities over the course of the four-year journey. Everywhere he went, Paul convinced Jews and Gentiles alike of the gospel message. But his work also stirred up opposition. Paul suffered ridicule, imprisonment, and physical harm as he shared the good news of Jesus. Paul’s preaching and encouragement recorded in Acts 15-18, provide us with theological clarity for our own efforts to share the gospel and remain faithful to Jesus Christ in all circumstances. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/the-jerusalem-council-the-church-resolves-division-and-seeks-unity https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/the-jerusalem-council-the-church-resolves-division-and-seeks-unity Groundwork Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The Jerusalem Council: The Church Resolves Division and Seeks Unity

As the church grew, Jewish believers disagreed about integrating new Gentile believers into the church. Must they become Jews first? Should they abide by all the laws and traditions of Jewish culture? What about the practice of circumcision? Paul discussed important theological implications with the other apostles, including Peter and James, to guide the growing church. Together, they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit to resolve their division and seek unity. This Jerusalem Council reached pivotal conclusions that set the pattern for Paul’s subsequent missionary journeys and shaped the church's future. What they discovered about grace, unity, and God’s plan for his people guides the church to this day.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-first-journey-the-gospel-spreads-and-the-church-grows https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/pauls-first-journey-the-gospel-spreads-and-the-church-grows Groundwork Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Paul's First Journey: The Gospel Spreads and the Church Grows

The Apostle Paul's first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13 and 14 and tells the story of how the gospel spread beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles. It’s a story of the Holy Spirit and the perseverance of the early church in the face of determined persecution. We are encouraged when we recognize parallels between Paul’s experiences and our modern efforts to partner with the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/gods-design-for-sex-and-relationships https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/gods-design-for-sex-and-relationships Groundwork Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

God's Design for Sex and Relationships

We don’t have to look far to find examples of broken relationships. Many of us have our own stories, and almost all of us know someone with a story of brokenness, betrayal, or abuse. The Song of Songs offers us a vision of relationships in stark contrast to the self-serving models we see around us in culture. The celebration of intimacy in Song of Songs shows us that God’s design for love and sex is deeply rooted in his own character and filled with self-sacrifice, mutuality, commitment, delight, and respect. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/a-beautiful-celebration-of-love-and-intimacy https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/a-beautiful-celebration-of-love-and-intimacy Groundwork Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A Beautiful Celebration of Love and Intimacy

We do not often hear sermons on the Song of Songs. But this book of love poetry in the Bible helps us understand God’s perspective on love, intimacy, and sex. As we study the passionate exchange between two lovers, we uncover themes of intense desire, the constant seeking and finding of each other, and the celebration of romantic love and physical intimacy. The Song of Songs helps us see the truth that love and sex are divine gifts from God and part of his design for us. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-prays-for-us https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-prays-for-us Groundwork Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Jesus Prays for Us

Before his death, Jesus prayed for himself, his disciples, and finally, all believers in the future—including all of us today. When we study Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, we witness the depth of his love for us as he prays for us to experience unity, the Father’s love, and for the world to know God through our lives. Together, let’s discuss what it means to live in the reality of Jesus’ prayer, how it shapes our relationships, and how we can reflect the transformative power of God’s love to others. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-prays-for-his-disciples https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/jesus-prays-for-his-disciples Groundwork Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Offering his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus interceded on behalf of his disciples, praying for their protection, unity, joy, and sanctification. Together, let’s discuss what his prayer meant for his disciples then and what it means for us as his disciples today, living as sanctified people in a world that doesn’t always welcome our faith. 

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]]> https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/when-jesus-prays https://groundworkonline.com/episodes/when-jesus-prays Groundwork Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

When Jesus Prays

How do you pray when you know you’re about to face something hard? Facing his imminent death, Jesus prayed to be glorified. As we begin our study of Jesus’ prayer in John 17, we’ll discuss the background and context of Jesus’ prayer and why Christians commonly refer to it as his “High Priestly Prayer.” Then we’ll examine the opening verses that record his petition to the Father to glorify him so that he might glorify the Father. Together, we’ll unpack the meaning of Jesus’ words and the implications of his prayer for our own lives.

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