Groundwork: Biblical Foundations for Life

Sharing Your Faith Makes Disciples

Fri, 20 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Our calling to share our faith is rooted in the biblical story of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It was on that day that Jesus gave his disciples the command we refer to as the “Great Commission,” to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). But as we study this important event, we learn that Jesus is not asking us to do anything he has not equipped us to do. He’s calling us to share our witness. To tell the truth about what we’ve seen, what we’ve heard, and what we’ve experienced. And he does not leave us alone to figure out how to do this. As we study the biblical accounts of Ascension Day, we’ll see that he promises the Holy Spirit, who will give us the power to share our faith and through our ordinary, daily testimony, he will multiply his disciples and increase his kingdom.

Follow: Jesus on the Shore

Fri, 13 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

When we read the story of Jesus meeting the disciples on the shore in John 21, we learn that even after seeing him twice, Jesus’ own disciples still don’t recognize him. We too have moments like that today, when we don’t recognize God or what he’s up to in his world. The disciples’ story helps us recognize that Jesus is there in the ordinary and that he’s willing to fellowship with us right where we’re at. As we observe his interaction with Peter specifically, we realize that Jesus’ command is consistent from the beginning of his ministry—follow me. So just as Peter’s faith in his risen Lord and Savior grew, so too can we cultivate our faith when our focus stays on the resurrected Jesus, our hope, and his simple command for us to follow him.

Believe: Jesus and the Disciples

Fri, 06 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The faith of the first Christians was grounded in their unshakable belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But even the disciples experienced fear and doubt as they began to hear stories of people who claimed to have seen the resurrected Jesus. As we study the first interactions between Jesus and his disciples, and particularly the disciple we’ve come to know as “Doubting Thomas,” we find assurance that Jesus is ready and willing to meet us wherever we are in our faith journey. These biblical accounts provide encouragement for times when believing in Jesus isn’t easy and they remind us that believing is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. Join us as we study John’s account of Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearances to his disciples, and together we’ll witness how believing cultivates faith and provides us hope to nurture our faith today.

Understand: Jesus on the Road

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

On the evening of the very first Easter, two of Jesus’ followers listened as their companion on the road to Emmaus explained various Old Testament scriptures to them. Unknowingly, they were walking this road with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As they listened that evening, their understanding of Scripture grew and so did their faith. In time, they realized that it was Jesus himself teaching them along the way. Much like those first believers, our faith is a journey too and Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit as our guide. Discover how the Holy Spirit helps us cultivate our faith yet today as we develop a greater understanding of God and his ways through Scripture.

Experience: Jesus and the Women

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Experiencing Jesus is one way we can cultivate our faith. In the gospels, we read about Jesus’ encounters with his female followers, and later his disciples, on that very first Easter day. Their experience of him deepened and grew their faith, and it can do the same for us. As we study their experience of Jesus that day, together we come to see and know again that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. We are reminded that Jesus meets us in the ordinary and that we can experience the presence of our resurrected Lord and Savior in our tears, in our doubts, and in the humbleness of our everyday lives.

Crucified and Raised to Life with Christ

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Good Friday and Easter mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the climax of the Christian church year. There’s no doubt these are the events at the heart of our Christian Faith. During Holy Week, Christians around the world pause to remember and celebrate the great gift of salvation that we receive through Christ’s sacrifice. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we receive this gift of salvation by faith, but he also makes clear, it’s not just something that happens to us, but that we participate in both Christ’s death and resurrection as well. Join us as we study Paul’s teaching and discuss what it means and how it impacts our lives as faithful followers of Jesus Christ today.

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry vary in their selections of stories and in their details. Each gospel writer has a different audience in mind and a different goal, both of which influence what and how they retell Christ’s life. However, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion is so important to the message of salvation that we find an account of it in each of the four gospels. Examining the story of Jesus’ crucifixion in each of the four gospels reveals a beautiful tapestry of perspectives as each writer retells the event and stories of people at the cross. Together we’ll study each of the four crucifixion accounts in the gospels to witness the fulfillment of Scripture and remember the significance of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. We’ll also see where we can recognize ourselves in the story and consequently, find hope and encouragement in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

The Complete Sufficiency of the Cross

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

When something seems too good to be true, we might find ourselves raising an eyebrow, reading the fine print, and asking “what’s the catch?” But when it comes to salvation, there really is no catch and beyond having faith there is nothing else we need to do. When Christ died on the cross, he paid our debts in full. There is absolutely nothing we can add to his work to ensure our salvation. And yet, sometimes we subconsciously begin to believe that our actions matter for our salvation. During Lent, we pause to remember the truth of Christ’s work on the cross. We’ll study scriptures that help us remember why Christ’s sacrifice is completely sufficient to satisfy God’s wrath, and we’ll discuss how we can keep our fears at bay and keep the right perspective about our salvation and our deeds.

The Paradox of the Cross

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The cross is a paradox. By human standards, it shouldn’t make sense, it shouldn’t work, and yet, it does. In fact, it’s the greatest paradox—life from death, pardon from penalty, and justification from judgment. In the Roman empire, the cross brought death in a brutal, humiliating way. But instead of shame and defeat, believers of Jesus Christ find life in the cross. Studying the paradox of the cross in Scripture reminds us of the profound love of God. It reminds us how much God values and regards his relationship with us and that only Christ can accomplish the impossible. Join us as we explore how sometimes the life of faith contradicts the logic of this world and what it looks like to live in light of this paradox.

The Shame of the Cross

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Shame is a very raw, acute, and distressing feeling. We experience shame when we’re humiliated by our own sinful behavior. Jesus had no sin, yet he too knew shame— the shame of the cross. It’s another aspect of the cross that will help us comprehend the fullness of Jesus’ sacrifice. Together we’ll discuss the relationship between sin and shame in Scripture. We’ll study passages that help us revisit how Jesus experienced shame and unpack why it was necessary for our salvation.

The Curse of the Cross

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Crucifixion was a particularly gruesome way to die, but when Jesus died on the cross it wasn’t just gruesome, it was cursed. Seeking to understand the cursed nature of the cross leads us to make connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament, between our deep-seated guilt and the extreme cost Jesus paid to set us free. We were rightly cursed by God for our failure to keep his covenant, but Jesus became that curse to pay our debt. Join us as we study Scripture to better understand the meaning and implications of the curse of the cross and consider the implications for our lives of faith today.

Why Jesus Had to Die on a Cross

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Sometimes habits or traditions become so ingrained in our lives that we can go through the motions of them without spending much time reflecting on their meaning. Sometimes, it benefits us to slow down and once again ask, “why?” We’ll begin our Lenten series “The Cross of Jesus” by examining scriptures that help us answer the question, “Why did Jesus have to die on a cross?” Together, we’ll grow in our faith by seeking to understand what went wrong, recalling God’s covenant, and remembering God’s character and love so that we can better understand why Jesus Christ’s awful death was necessary.

Finding Meaning in Life and the Passing of Time

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

As humans, we are uniquely aware of time. We talk about the passing of time, we think about the end of time, and we often wish for more time. Sometimes it feels like time is fleeting and sometimes feels like time drags on. Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes contains one of the book’s most well-known passages. The Teacher opens “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” He then goes on to share a well-known list of life’s seasons. He calls time a burden, but also says God has “set eternity in the human heart.” Join us as we discuss the association between wisdom and recognizing the seasons of life, as we seek to understand what it means to have eternity in our hearts, and as we receive the Teacher’s encouragement and advice for finding hope and meaning in life.

A Wise Perspective on Work

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Do you find joy and satisfaction in your work? Or do you consider work a necessary evil? Many of us spend huge portions of our life working, sometimes doing paid work, other times unpaid. You might say that work is a common theme in each of our lives. It’s also a common theme in the book of Ecclesiastes. In his writings, the Teacher repeatedly comes to the conclusion that work, labor, and toil are meaningless. But is it really that simple? If we carefully study the Teacher’s conclusions, we’ll discover some insightful wisdom about work and our identity, about why our motivation for work matters, about work/life balance, and about the secret for finding joy and satisfaction in our work.

When Life is Meaningless

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Does life ever feel repetitive, monotonous? Like day in, day out your struggles are the same, your joys seem fleeting, and nothing ever changes. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes echoed this very sentiment. Throughout the book, we repeatedly read his refrain, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” He considers wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure and determines that all of these are meaningless pursuits in life, they will not provide any lasting value. Join us as we examine what the Teacher means by declaring everything meaningless and discover what we can learn about our life of faith and where we can find value, meaning, and hope in life in the midst of, and in spite of, the Teacher’s grim pronouncement.

Spiritual Attacks and the Armor of God

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like your faith was under attack? In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul warns believers to expect spiritual attacks on their faith. He makes it clear that the devil will always be scheming to undermine and distract them. This continues to be true for us today. But thankfully, Paul also makes sure to remind us of how God has equipped us to defend ourselves. Paul calls this the “armor of God.” Rightly understood, this passage gives us strength and confidence in our faith, but it is a passage that has also been misused in Christian history. Join us as we study Paul’s imagery to better understand his purpose and intent, discuss how this passage has been misused, and apply this to how we live our faith today.

Living God's Way in Our Relationships

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Relationships are part of life. Whether personal or professional in nature, we are always interacting with other people. And the way we treat others matters. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that once we believe in Jesus Christ, our faith gives us a new identity in Christ and our behavior should change. This includes how we live in relationship with one another. In Ephesians chapter 5 and the beginning of chapter 6, Paul focused on three particular relationships prevalent in the early church in order to flesh out for the Ephesians Christians what it meant to live God’s way in their relationships. By focusing on the marriage relationship, the parenting relationship, and the master-slave relationship, as it was culturally practiced then, Paul gave guidance for both parties in each relationship, challenging cultural expectations and encouraging all of us to submit to each other. Join us as we study Paul’s teaching so that we can better understand what he meant by submission and how it helps each of us live as God intends us to in our relationships today.

Your Identity in Christ and Your Behavior

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Whether you are a new Christian, a life-long believer, or fall somewhere in between, it’s natural to have questions about how your faith should influence your choices and behavior. Does faith only influence our church attendance or does it impact our jobs, our sex life, and the everyday words we speak? In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus that believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior should change your behavior, in all spheres of your life, because your very identity comes from Christ. Thankfully, Paul also teaches us what our new identity in Christ means for us and provides guidance and instruction for how we should live and behave in light of this reality.

You Belong. Be Rooted in Christ’s Love.

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Keeping a strong faith can be hard when life’s circumstances are difficult. It’s easy to second guess what we know to be true when everything around us seems to challenge or oppose that truth. The Ephesian Christians knew firsthand how it felt to question whether or not God’s promises really extended to them and whether or not they were really part of God’s plan. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds the believers of God’s original plan for inclusion and affirms their identity in Christ and their belonging to God’s family. Join Groundwork as we study Ephesians 3 to receive the Apostle Paul’s assurance that we belong in God’s family, that his promises are, indeed, for us, and to be blessed by his prayer for the Holy Spirit to root us in Christ’s love.

Life and Reconciliation in Christ

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Injustice and sin are rampant in our world. And much of it flows from humanity’s sinful inclination to literally and metaphorically build walls to exclude others. In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul discusses this human tendency. He reminds us that before Christ we were spiritually dead, and without Christ, we continue to be so. But Paul seeks also to energize our faith in the midst of discouraging circumstances. He unpacks the profound truth of God’s grace so we can find hope in God’s gift of life to us through Jesus Christ. But God doesn’t just break the curse of sin and then leave us alone; no, says Paul, God draws near. Join us as we reflect on Paul’s assurance that, in Jesus Christ, God’s grace is abundant and in it, we can find justice, reconciliation, and belonging in God’s family.

God's Plan and Spiritual Blessings

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

When life seems inexplicable and out of control, it’s easy to feel anxious or unsure. Having a plan can bring us assurance in such circumstances. Having a plan ensures we know what direction we’re headed. It often also means we know what comes next and who is going to do what. In Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul reassures the early Christians in Ephesus, and us, that God most definitely has a salvation plan, and that his plan isn’t just a reaction to what’s going on in the moment. God put his salvation plan in place before creation. Join us to study and discuss Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 1 and find assurance that God has not abandoned us, but that he actively cares for his creation and provides his Holy Spirit to us as a seal that helps us trust that God is in control.

Christmas Hope: Mary and Christ's birth

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

As our study of the women in Jesus’ family tree draws to a close and we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we’re reminded that even his birth was mired by the appearance of scandal. Join Groundwork for a Christmas reflection on the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus and the last woman named in his genealogy. Together, we’ll discover a God and a Savior who draws close, who does not move away from our sin and pain, but instead comes alongside us, and in the process, redefines righteousness and who belongs in God’s family. Find comfort in God’s grace and great love as we study the true wonder of Christmas together.

Christmas Hope: Bathsheba

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Life is messy. No matter how hard we try, it’s impossible to be perfect. This can be so hard and uncomfortable at Christmas when we want everything to feel cheerful and bring back warm fuzzy memories, but the reality is, our stories are filled with sin and brokenness: mistakes, missteps, and moments when our best simply was not enough. Join Groundwork for an Advent reflection on the story of Bathsheba, the fourth woman referenced in Jesus’ genealogy. Through the story of “Uriah’s wife,” Bathsheba, we witness the traumatic results of King David’s sin and we are invited to take an honest look at our own experiences of brokenness. Together, through Bathsheba’s story, we’ll remember why Jesus needed to come, seek the truth of God’s abundant forgiveness, and celebrate Jesus’ coming at Christmas.

Christmas Hope: Ruth

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Life has its difficult seasons and when the trials and challenges drag on with no end in sight, it’s easy to wonder if God cares. Sometimes we even question if continued faithfulness is worth the effort. Join Groundwork for an Advent reflection on the story of Ruth, the third woman named in Jesus’ genealogy. Ruth faced many trials in her life that left her very vulnerable. But in her story, we’ll discover how God uses the simple faithfulness of both her and Boaz to ensure the continuation of the Messiah’s family tree. Together, we’ll remember that God does not forget his people and that he chose to enfold faithful foreigners into his family in order to bring forth his salvation plan for the entire world.

Christmas Hope: Rahab

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever question why God would want you in his family? Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong or that you’re too messed up to bother saving? These feelings are difficult any time of the year but can be particularly acute during the Christmas season. Join Groundwork for an Advent reflection on the story of Rahab. Rahab is the second woman named in Jesus’ genealogy. She was a prostitute, she wasn’t an Israelite, and she was seemingly as unworthy of belonging in God’s family as one could get. Yet, Rahab is called by name in Jesus’ family tree. Join us in discovering biblical truths about faith, deliverance, and belonging in Rahab’s story. Together, we’ll find encouragement for our own faith in this unexpected story of God’s grace.

Christmas Hope: Tamar

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

If you feel far from God this Christmas—or if you just need a reminder that nothing can separate you from his love—then join Groundwork for an Advent reflection on the story of Tamar. Tamar is the first woman named in Jesus’ family tree. She is not an Israelite. Her story exposes sinfulness and sexual sin in Jesus’ genealogy. But it also reminds us that this is why Jesus comes. In his love and grace, Jesus comes to provide a way to belong for outsiders, sinners, and those who are sinned against. This Christmas, find hope to bolster your faith in the story of Tamar.

Jonah: Discovering God's Heart

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

If someone asked you whether or not you wanted to know and understand the heart of God, you’d likely say “yes!”Join Groundwork as we conclude our study of Jonah, gain deeper insight into the heart of God, and witness the stark contrast between our human tendencies and God’s sovereignty. As God questions and teaches Jonah, he gives us a unique opportunity to see his heart. Together, we’ll marvel at the ways God continually provides in order to deliver us and meet our needs, we’ll hear God’s strong critique of the us vs. them mentality, and we’ll recognize God’s invitation to align our hearts with his. We’ll close by reflecting on how we can respond to God’s relentless love and abundant mercy in our own lives today.

Jonah: Doing God's Work

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

God has work for each of us to do. It doesn’t matter who we are, what we’ve done, or how inadequate we feel, God has a message of relentless love and abundant mercy for us to share with people who need to hear it. As we continue studying the book of Jonah, we’re reminded that our God is a God of second chances—both for us and for others. Whether we like it or not, God is eager to spread his compassion and mercy through us. Together, let's grow deeper in our understanding of how much God cares even about people who don’t know—and maybe even don’t care—about him, and let’s discover the courage to never give up on someone or let our bias hinder our commitment to follow God’s call in the world today.

Jonah: Praying for God's Deliverance

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

When we find ourselves in a situation that we cannot fix, it’s natural to feel anxious, desperate, overwhelmed, exhausted, and scared. Sometimes our own bad choices or actions have caused our situation, sometimes not, but the story of Jonah reminds us that no matter what we’ve done or what we’ve experienced, it is never too late to pray. God is ready to hear us, to deliver us, and to offer his abundant mercy. In Jonah, we find encouragement for times of trouble, assurance of God’s constant presence, and a better understanding of the work of Jesus Christ.

Jonah: Running Away from God

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, doing what God wants us to do is no easy task. It may be uncomfortable. It may be countercultural. It may even cause others to judge or turn away from you. Sometimes, when God calls us to act, we simply just don’t want to do it. There are so many reasons we might neglect, ignore, or even run away from God’s call in our lives. God’s prophet Jonah knew this feeling all too well. As we study the story of Jonah running away from God, we discover important truths, not only about obedience but about the very character of God. We recognize his persistent and relentless love for us. And we begin to understand that at the heart of God’s call in each of our lives is a call to love people as he loves them.

Your Questions about Discipleship, the Holy Spirit, and Death

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

As we encounter our life experiences from the perspective of faith it is natural to develop questions about the Bible and what it means to live faithfully in each season of our lives. On this episode of Groundwork, we're discussing questions and topics you sent us this past year. Together, we’ll study Scripture to talk about our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and what happens after death.

Your Questions about God, Sin, Evil, and Evangelism

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Faith is a journey, and whether you are new to the Christian faith or whether you have been a believer your whole life, it is normal to have questions along the way. We’re honored when you share those questions with us. In this episode, we’re discussing questions and topics you sent us this past year. Together, we’ll study God’s Word to talk about: the forgiveness of sins and whether or not we need to be able to identify and remember all of our sins, God’s sovereignty and whether or not he is the author of evil, and both our role and the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism.

You Shall Not Covet

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Have you ever desired to possess what God gave someone else? Maybe a job, a house, an opportunity, or a talent? When we covet, it not only reveals a lack of trust in God’s providence, but it can have a pervasive and damaging effect on our attitudes, our relationships, and our communities. Together, let’s study the tenth commandment that tells us not to covet so that we can better understand the spiritual and relational implications of coveting and identify ways we can combat covetousness and enhance gratitude in our lives.

You Shall Not Give False Testimony

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It is surprisingly easy to break the ninth commandment and often more tempting than we realize. It might seem like giving false testimony or false witness is limited to lying in a court of law, but what about those times we twist someone’s words or leave out vital information in order to help us prove our point? What about those times when we keep silent instead of speaking up to defend another person? Join Groundwork as we study scripture from the Old and New testaments to learn more about the relationship between our words and our character. What does the ninth commandment reveal about the condition of our hearts when we bear false witness and the importance of truth? And how can we cultivate practices of truthfulness in our daily lives to maintain our fellowship with Jesus and with each other in the way God desires?

You Shall Not Steal

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It can be easy to dismiss the eighth command, “you shall not steal,” as irrelevant if you’ve never actually shoplifted or committed burglary, but in reality, stealing isn’t limited to physical property. We can also steal ideas, identities, or someone else’s sense of security. And when we do steal, it can be tempting to justify our actions with excuses based on our merit, desperation, or idealism. But stealing often stems from our human tendency to compare ourselves to others and it reveals our lack of trust in God’s provision. Join Groundwork as we study this eighth commandment and dig into scriptures that help us better understand the damage stealing causes in our relationships, what it says about the state of our hearts, and what attitudes we can cultivate to help curb any temptation to steal something for our own benefit.

You Shall Not Commit Adultery

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The Ten Commandments help us see that our relationships are important to God. The seventh commandment, “you shall not commit adultery” helps us live rightly in sacred marriage relationships. Join Groundwork as we study the story of David and Bathsheba, a biblical example of adultery, and other New Testament scriptures to help us better understand why marriage is sacred, why adultery is so particularly intimate and painful, and why it negatively affects not just those who sin, but also those who are sinned against. We recognize divorce is an unfortunate, but common reality for both justified and unjustified reasons, so together we’ll discuss this commandment in light of that reality and talk about how we find the hope and grace to help us forgive or receive forgiveness and recommit to keeping this commandment.

You Shall Not Murder

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The sixth commandment “You shall not murder” seems quite straightforward. And yet, we know that sometimes people kill in wars, or in self-defense, and so we need to ask ourselves is it ever ok to kill? In Ecclesiastes it says that there is a time to kill, so how do we reconcile that with this commandment? And what exactly does the sixth commandment demand of us? Join Groundwork as we study the first murder recorded in the Bible and other passages in both the Old and New Testaments to gain a deeper understanding of the sixth commandment and discover why recognizing each person as an image-bearer of God is so vital to helping us keep it.

Honor Your Parents and Authorities

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The fifth commandment is proof that God cares about our families. At first glance, it may seem like God is only providing direction for children, but the fifth commandment has implications for those in authority too. Join Groundwork in studying God’s command to “honor your father and mother” and together we’ll examine scripture to better understand what this commandment means for children, for parents, for our spiritual life, and for our relationship with other authority figures. And because abuse of power and broken family relationships can make this commandment particularly painful for some of us, we’ll discuss what this commandment means and what it looks like to honor it in situations of abusive authority too.

Remember the Sabbath

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

What does sabbath mean to you? Is it a day with a lot of rules that mean you can’t do anything except go to church? Or is it a gift from God? Why does God want us to remember the sabbath? What does it mean to keep it holy? Join Groundwork as we study the second of the Ten Commandments to better understand the purpose of keeping a sabbath and why God wants us to follow the rhythm of sabbath in our lives and set aside time for rest and enjoyment. Together we’ll discuss the implications of sabbath on our values, our priorities, and our relationship with God and we’ll discuss the practices and activities that help us cultivate the rhythm of sabbath in our lives.

Honor the Lord Your God

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The first three of the Ten Commandments all provide guidance for our relationship with God: have no other gods before God, don’t create or bow down to idols, and don’t take God’s name in vain. These commands may seem restrictive, but their purpose is to help us honor God’s character, keep God in our hearts, and give God the reverence he deserves. Join Groundwork as we discuss the first three commandments, why we still keep them, and what it looks like to follow them in our lives today.

God is Faithful, Consistent, and Keeps His Promises

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It can be really hard to trust in God’s provision especially when we seem to repeatedly “lose” and when we so desperately need something to go our way. Sometimes, life’s difficult circumstances are the result of our failure, but sometimes we’ve done nothing wrong and life’s circumstances are simply beyond our control. No matter the reason for our suffering, the Bible urges us to remember God’s character. In story after story, scripture reminds us that God is faithful, even when we are not; it reminds us that his character is consistent and unchanging; and that he is a covenant God. Discover why covenant is important and how we can be confident that God will keep his promises.

God's Perfect Peace

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

Do you long for peace? There’s no doubt that this world lacks the peace that so many of us crave. In our personal lives, we deal with all kinds of uncertainty: maybe you’re awaiting the results of medical tests, or in the midst of a chaotic divorce, or experiencing the instability of a job change or move. Maybe your personal life is good at the moment, but you still long for peace in a world torn apart by polarization and injustice. At times like this, how do we find the strength to declare “it is well with our souls,” even though our circumstances may not be well at the moment? Join Groundwork as we study God’s promises in scripture to better understand the truth of God’s perfect peace and to discover how we can experience this peace for ourselves, even when the circumstances of our lives aren't very peaceful.