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WINTER 2023 - ANYTHING: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Anything: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 1:1-5
Why does anything matter? Is life just a series of disconnected events that will just come to an end one day? Does it really matter what I do with my life? Is there meaning or purpose for our existence? In this vast universe, how can we believe that life on this one planet has any substance at all? At the end of the day, does anything really matter?
We will begin the year with a conversation about ultimate meaning and purpose. Why do we believe that anything really matters in this world? What are the signs that point to a purposeful and meaningful creation? Does our life actually count for something?
January 1, 2023: We Are Here!
We have concluded our focus on Re-Everything! We are now here! A new year. New opportunities. New challenges. A fresh new start. God continues to lead us forward as we seek to live as blessed people!
Daily Bible Readings
January 2: Psalm 1
January 3: Psalm 23
January 4: Romans 8
January 5: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
January 6: Philippians 2:1-18
January 7: Re-Flection
January 8, 2023: In the Beginning . . .
The Bible begins with a simple, but profound declaration. In the beginning . . . God! God has no beginning. He simply exists. He is! He existed independently of anything else. He is eternal. He is both in time and beyond time. As the Bible declares, “In the beginning . . . God!
Daily Bible Readings
January 9: Genesis 1:1-2:3
January 10: Exodus 3:1-15
January 11: Hosea 11:1-11
January 12: Isaiah 55
January 13: John 1:1-18
January 14: Re-Flection
January 15, 2023: God Created . . . Everything!
Creation is the result of the willful activity of God. Everything owes its beginning to Him. Through His creative imagining, His unparalleled power, and His will ----- everything came into being. Why does anything matter? Because of God’s creative genius!!!
Daily Bible Readings
January 16: Genesis 1:1-2:3
January 17: Psalm 19
January 18: Job 38
January 19: Job 39
January 20: John 1:1-18
January 21: Re-Flection
January 22, 2023: Humanity: God’s Glory
God’s crowning achievement is humanity! He has placed His image in every human being. He has designed human beings to uniquely bear His image and reflect His glory in His world. Human beings matter because God designed us for a unique relationship with Him. His desire is for us to flourish!
Daily Bible Readings
January 23: Psalm 8
January 24: Genesis 2:4-25
January 25: Isaiah 43:1-13
January 26: John 4:1-26
January 27: John 7:25-44
January 28: Re-Flection
January 29, 2023: Putting Things Right
God has created the universe. Inherent within His creation is the desire for justice --- the hope to make things right. The God of the Bible is a just God. He is interested in true justice. The universal human desire for judgment points to the greater hope that one day, everything will be made right!
Daily Bible Readings
January 30: John 7:1-24
January 31: John 8:1-11
February 1: John 8:12-30
February 2: John 8:31-47
February 3: John 8:48-59
February 4: Re-Flection
February 5, 2023: Love Is . . .
Human beings have an innate desire to love and be loved. Love is at the heart of John’s Gospel. Jesus embodied love. He has shown us how to love. His life is a life of love. Jesus is love incarnate. Love exists in relationship. God has designed us as relational creatures and we find fulfillment when our relational needs are met----first in our relationship with Him and then with others.
Daily Bible Readings
February 6: John 10:1-21
February 7: John 10:22-42
February 8: John 11:1-16
February 9: John 11:17-37
February 10: John 11:38-57
February 11: Re-Flection
February 12, 2023: Soul Life
Human beings demonstrate a universal desire for and capacity for spiritual life. There is just something spiritual about all human beings. This reality points to the truth that we have all been created in the Image of God. All human beings have a soul. We find life for our soul through a deep relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.
Daily Bible Readings
February 13: John 15:1-8
February 14: John 15:9-27
February 15: John 16:1-15
February 16: John 16:16-33
February 17: John 13:1-17
February 18: Re-Flection
February 19, 2023: To Tell the Truth
Human beings have a deep longing for truth. We know we believe in truth. It can be hard to find. It can be hard to take. However, we still long for it. The existence of truth points to a greater reality ----- The Truth! Jesus is the embodiment of truth. One of the reasons that our lives matter is that we can discover ultimate truth. Truth exists and it makes a difference in the lives of all who discover it!
Daily Bible Readings
February 20: John 14:1-14
February 21: John 14:15-31
EASTER 2023 - YOUR STORY: WHY DOES IT MATTER
FEBRUARY 22 -APRIL 15, 2023
Your Story: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 1:9-13
Each of us has a story. We all are living real lives in real time. Our lives actually matter. Our
stories matter. Life is lived in the everyday. That is where meaning is discovered and
manifested. This Easter Season, we invite you to consider your story ----- and enter into The Big
Story.
We will use John’s Gospel to assist us in this journey. We will explore some of the profound
conversations between Jesus and various characters in the Gospel. We will ask God to guide us
to “enter into” these conversations as participants and not mere bystanders.
So, think about it --- what if you had been present when Jesus and Nicodemus met that fateful
night? Why did Jesus respond to Nicodemus with a treatise of new birth? What did He mean by
“being born of water and the Spirit?” What questions do you have for Jesus? Are you at a place
where you also would approach Jesus “at night” because your issue is so private?
What about the miracle at the wedding at Cana? The family hosting the wedding was
desperate. Have you ever sensed “desperation” in your own marriage? Do you know of someone else who is experiencing a desperate moment in theirs? Would you bring it to Jesus
just like Mary in the story in John 2 brought the situation to her Son’s attention?
Here is a lengthy quote from N.T. Wright’s insights on this type of Scripture reading where we
learn to read, prepare ourselves to hear God’s message to us, and listen attentively:
I said before that the conversations between Jesus and various people in John’s
gospel—much fuller and more wide-ranging than any conversations in the other three
gospels—give us a strong sense of what Jesus was like as a person, as a friend, as
someone you could talk to, even though he might frequently switch tracks and answer
the question you should have asked instead of the one you actually did. And I’ve said
that reading these stories encourages us to treat him like that in real life too. Jesus is
alive and real. When he calls his followers “friends” in John 15 and elsewhere, he clearly
intends that circle of friends to grow, to include us today.
But suggesting that we could have conversations with Jesus rather like those
conversations in the gospel only goes so far. What if we could actually become part of
those conversations? Supposing we join in?
Many readers will be familiar with this idea. Some, in fact, may have learned it as a way
of reading the gospels before they began to read them any other way. But it bears
repeating, because others may not have heard of it, and even those who have may
value a reminder.
It’s all about bringing prayer and scripture reading together in a fresh way. When you
read the Bible you ought, in any case, to be laying yourself open to whatever God wants
to say to you. But this requires that you go on the initiative. You pray for God’s Spirit to
guide you. You take, shall we say, that remarkable story of Jesus and Nicodemus and, in
prayer, you say to Jesus, “D’you mind if come in on this?” Nicodemus may be surprised;
but if Jesus is happy (which he will be), Nicodemus has no cause for complaint.
So you join the conversation. This is the point where the line between prayer and
imagination become thin to a vanishing point. “And yes, I know that imagination can
then take over and lead you into mere fantasy. That’s always a danger. But the
imagination too is a gift from God to be used prayerfully.) So you listen, respectfully, as
Nicodemus asks Jesus his opening question and Jesus replies to a different one. This
happens a lot with Jesus, but you learn to go with it. He cuts to the heart of it: being
born from above is what counts in God’s kingdom. Nicodemus has obvious questions:
How can an old person be born again? Jesus responds, talking about water and Spirit.
More questions, more answers. Then, before it gets any more complicated, they both
pause for breath. Now it’s your turn. What do you have on your heart and mind as you
listened to what’s been said so far?
. . . But there’s no reason to confine yourself to things Nicodemus and Jesus were talking
about. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, presumably because he didn’t want to be
seen. What is ther about your life—and what is there about Jesus!—that might make
you want to come to him secretly, without anybody knowing? What would you really
want to ask him about? Jesus isn’t fussy about the time of day. Come in the dark if that’s
what you need to do.
-N.T. Wright, Broken Signposts, pp. 133-135
So, here we go. Let’s lead our people to reflect upon their own faith journey --- their story. Past,
present, and future. What has happened so far? What is happening right now in their
relationship with Jesus? What do they need to do? What do they need to know? How do they
connect their story with The Grand Story of Redemption?
Each Sunday we will explore a significant conversation or encounter in John’s Gospel. We will
learn what happened between Jesus and these characters. What does Jesus reveal about
Himself? What did the characters in the story learn about Jesus? What did they miss? What are
we learning? How can we “enter into” the story and connect our story to it?
Ash Wednesday 2023: The Big Story
We begin our Easter journey by setting the context. God has answered the deepest
need of humanity by sending His Son to answer the darkness of this world with the
brilliant light of His glory. We join our lives to Him and we are written into the script of
the Greatest Story of all.
Daily Bible Readings
February 22: John 1:1-18
February 23: John 1:19-34
February 24: John 1:35-50
February 25: Reflection
February 26, 2023: Wedding Planning!
Weddings are great celebrations in most every culture. However, they can be very
stressful. So much planning goes into these special events. Sometimes things go awry!
However, it turns out, marriages are much more than weddings! The family in this story
faced a desperate moment in their wedding. Many couples can identify with this
experience. Even more couples can identify with desperate moments in their marriages.
We will watch and see how Jesus responds to this couples’ needs ---- and then reflect on
how Jesus can respond to the moments of desperation in our marriages.
Daily Bible Readings
February 27: John 2:1-12
February 28: John 2:13-25
March 1: John 3:1-15
March 2: John 3:16-21
March 3: John 3:22-36
March 4: Reflection
March 5, 2023: How Can This Be?
Nicodemus had some questions. He was looking for answers. Finally, “at night” he came
to Jesus to get some insight. Jesus gave him more than he could have ever imagined!
Jesus offered insight to Nicodemus that has enlightened billions of people since that
fateful conversation! What do you need to know from Jesus? What is troubling you?
What is your ---- “How can this be? ----- issue? Do what Nicodemus did. Come to Jesus.
Even if you need to come “at night” as well.
Daily Bible Readings
March 6: John 4:1-26
March 7: John 4:27-42
March 8: John 4:43-54
March 9: John 5:1-15
March 10: John 5:16-30
March 11: Reflection
March 12, 2023: The Past is . . . Past!
Everyone has a past. For some folks, the past is really hard to overcome. Our present
circumstances are often the result of past decisions. However, Jesus can enter into our
lives and bring healing and hope. He can redeem our past, restore us, re-frame our
present, and bring hope for our future. The woman at the well had a past. We don’t
know all the details. She may have been more victimized than we might first realize.
Regardless, she felt a certain level of “imprisonment” because of what had happened to
her. Jesus brought healing and hope to her. What about you? What does He need to
redeem in your life? How can He re-frame your present circumstances? He can bring
hope into the midst of hopeless situations.
Daily Bible Readings
March 13: John 6:1-15
March 14: John 6:16-24
March 15: John 6:25-40
March 16: John 6:41-59
March 17: John 6:60-71
March 18: Reflection
March 19, 2023: The Great Physician
As the story in John’s account unfolds, Jesus reveals more and more about Himself. He is
God in the flesh. He is providing signs along the way that point to His glory and
demonstrate His authority. He is manifesting the Kingdom of God in unprecedented
ways. His power is real and personal. At the pool of Bethesda, he demonstrated His
power to heal and restore a hopeless paralytic. As we enter into this story, we may need
to acknowledge the need for healing in our own lives. Jesus is still the Great Physician.
He heals ----- physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, and holistically. Who needs
His healing touch today in your life?
Daily Bible Readings
March 20: John 7:1-24
March 21: John 7:25-52
March 22: John 8:1-30
March 23: John 8:31-59
March 24: John 9
March 25: Reflection
March 26, 2023: The Great Provider
What happens when you need a miracle? The disciples knew they could not possibly
feed the crowd that had followed Jesus. They felt responsible but overwhelmed with the
need. Sometimes we find ourselves in a similar position. We have an overwhelming
need and limited resources. Jesus is never limited in resources! His power to provide in
miraculous ways is not limited to the New Testament era. He is alive today and He still
provides for His children!
Daily Bible Readings
March 27: John 10
March 28: John 11
March 29: John 12
March 30: John 13
March 31: John 14
April 1: Reflection
April 2, 2023: What Can You Give?
Mary seized a moment in this story and gave something precious to Jesus. She broke
open the alabaster vial and poured the sweet perfume on his feet. This act of grace and
generosity filled the house with a beautiful aroma. Generosity does that. It is beautiful
and contagious. As we reflect on all that Jesus does for us, sometimes we need to pause
and ask --- What can I give to Him? What might you offer to Jesus today?
Daily Bible Readings
Holy Monday: John 15
Holy Tuesday: John 16
Holy Wednesday: John 17
Maunday Thursday: John 18
Good Friday: John 19
Holy Saturday: Reflection
Easter Sunday, 2023: He is Risen!
It is Easter Sunday! He is Risen! He is risen indeed! The resurrection of Jesus Christ
changes . . . everything! Let’s join with the disciples today at the empty tomb and
rejoice! We serve a risen Savior! He is in the world today. He is in your life and mine!
Hallelujah!
Daily Bible Readings
April 10: John 20
April 11 John 21
April 12: John 1:1-18
April 13: John 3:1-21
April 14: John 14
April 15: Reflection
SPRING 2023 - FAMILY: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
APRIL 16 - MAY 3, 2023
April 16 – May 31, 2023
Family: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 1:12-13
Why do some folks place so much emphasis on family? Why is it so important? Families can be filled so much pain and brokenness. And what actually is meant by “family”? Can we define our own families? Is there supposed to be some kind of “normal” family?
We will use the Spring season to address the Biblical teachings about family. The family is God’s idea in the first place. Jesus, Himself, was born into a family! We will take advantage of the holidays and rites of passage in the Spring that afford us the opportunity to focus on families.
April 16, 2023: The Family is God’s Idea!
In the very beginning of the human story, God decided to create the family. In His wisdom, He designed us with both the need for and the capability of intimate relationships that begin in a family setting. All humans begin life in the context of human intimacy. Life begins in the womb of a mother. We are born in an absolutely dependent state. We must be nurtured and fed to survive. Our physical, social, relational, emotional, and spiritual needs are on full display and can best be met in the context of our family. Beautiful.
Daily Bible Readings
April 17: Genesis 1:1-2:3
April 18: Genesis 2:4-25
April 19: Psalm 68:1-6
April 20: Psalm 103
April 21: Psalm 127
April 22: Re-Flection
April 23, 2023: I Do! . . . We Do!
There are many helpful images used to help us understand marriage. From a Biblical perspective, we learn that marriage is a covenantal relationship. Marriage is used in the Bible to both depict the relationship between God and Israel – and between Jesus and the Church. Marriage is the foundational relationship in human society. Consequently, it is an institution worth honoring, protecting, and preserving.
Daily Bible Readings
April 24: Revelation 19:1-10
April 25: Revelation 21
April 26: Mark 2:1-22
April 27: Ephesians 5:1-20
April 28: Ephesians 5:21-33
April 29: Re-Flection
April 30, 2023: Parents: You Must . . . Parent!
By God’s divine design, children are born to . . . parents! Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children. Parenting is not optional! No one else has been called to parent our children but parents. It is a God-given privilege and responsibility. Parents play a unique role in the life of each child.
Daily Bible Readings
May 1: Ephesians 6:1-4
May 2: Proverbs 22
May 3: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
May 4: Proverbs 29
May 5: Hebrews 12:4-13
May 6: Re-Flection
May 7, 2023: Family Life: Anger Management
Family life is . . . real! We live in real families! We develop helpful life skills in our families. One of the realities of human existence is that we both feel and express anger. We have disagreements and conflict. We get mad. However, we must resist the recurring temptation to always get even! Families are great laboratories for learning how to feel and express our feelings in responsible, productive, and redemptive ways.
Daily Bible Readings
May 8: Ephesians 1
May 9: Ephesians 2
May 10: Ephesians 3:1-13
May 11: Ephesians 3:14-21
May 12: Ephesians 4
May 13: Re-Flection
May 14, 2023: Stress Doesn’t Have to Fracture Families!
Mother’s Day
We live fast-paced lives in the 21st century metroplex. We know that all manner of factors contributes to the stress experienced in families. However, our families don’t have to be fractured by those stressors. In fact, the family can be a shock absorber for life! We can help each other in our families manage stress and anxiety. God’s presence, power, and peace can all be experienced in our families!
Daily Bible Readings
May 15: Philippians 1:1-26
May 16: Philippians 1:27-2:11
May 17: Philippians 2:12-30
May 18: Philippians 3
May 19: Philippians 4
May 20: Re-Flection
May 21, 2023: Friends and Framilies!
We live in a fairly mobile society. Unlike eras gone by, many people live a significant portion of their lives away from their biological families. Deep friendships --- especially in and through the church can serve as familial contexts for believers. The family of God is exactly that – a family! God can use the deep and healthy relationships with friends to create a . . . framily!
Daily Bible Readings
May 22: Ecclesiastes 4:1-12
May 23: Proverbs 17
May 24: Proverbs 18
May 25: Proverbs 27
May 26: Colossians 3:1-17
May 27: Re-Flection
May 28, 2023: The Family Will Survive!
The family will survive! It is God’ idea! He created this beautiful reality for human beings. He has placed His hand of blessing on the family. It is the oldest institution on earth! God has uniquely designed us to live in families. We must do our best to strengthen and steward this beautiful gift from God!
Daily Bible Readings
May 29: Genesis 2
May 30: 1 Corinthians 13
May 31: Joshua 24:1-15
SUMMER 2023 - ETERNITY: WHY DOES IT MATTER
JUNE 1 - AUGUST 5, 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 3:16
Daily Bible Readings
June 1: Ecclesiastes 1
June 2: Ecclesiastes 2
June 3: Ecclesiastes 3
June 4, 2023:
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is
We begin the series with a message on the nature of time itself --- with an emphasis on the reality of and the Biblical teachings about eternity. We will explain terms like “transcendence”, “immanent frame”, “late-modernism”, and “the secular age”. This message will serve as the foundation for the entire series. And – we will acknowledge that last summer was given to an examination of the entire Book of Ecclesiastes!
Daily Bible Readings
June 5: Ecclesiastes 4
June 6: Ecclesiastes 5-6
June 7: Ecclesiastes 7-8
June 8: Ecclesiastes 9-10
June 9: Ecclesiastes 11
June 10: Ecclesiastes 12
June 11, 2023:
The Righteousness of Judgment
We know that Hell is a controversial topic. Is Hell a real place? Does God actually condemn people to Hell? If He does, is this not a violation of the goodness of God? Even if He does condemn people to Hell, is it eternal? How can we reconcile Hell with the love of God? In this message, I will cover these questions as we contemplate the righteous judgment of our holy and loving God.
Daily Bible Readings
June 12: Matthew 5:17-30
June 13: Matthew 7:1-14
June 14: Luke 16:19-31
June 15: Revelation 14:1-13
June 16: Revelation 20
June 17: Reflection
June 18, 2023:
A New Heaven and A New Earth
God’s glory is on display through His creation. Indeed, the earth and all that is in it belongs to Him! However, we live in a fallen world as a result of human sin. The brokenness of our sinful state has even affected creation itself. But the day is coming when God will bring forth a new heaven and a new earth! Our eternal destination as believers is to live fully in the presence of God in His New Creation. Just as we have been designed for life on this earth, we are already being prepared by God for our eternal life in His New Creation!
Daily Bible Readings
June 19: Philippians 3
June 20: Romans 8:1-30
June 21: Colossians 1:1-23
June 22: Luke 6:17-26
June 23: Revelation 21
June 24: Reflection
June 25, 2023:
For . . . So . . . Loved . . . Whoever . . . Eternal Life!
God’s love is on full display through the amazing gift of His Son! In Jesus, we find forgiveness, hope, freedom, salvation, redemption, rescue, redemption, and ultimate restoration. This is all only possible through accepting Jesus as our Savior and embracing Him as our Lord. This means we recognize the seriousness of the saving act of God that necessitated the sending of His Son, the death of His Son on the cross, the resurrection of His Son from the dead, and the ascension of His Son back to the Father. It truly is an “all-or-nothing” reality.
Daily Bible Readings
June 26: Ephesians 1:1-23
June 27: Ephesians 2:1-10
June 28: John 3:1-21
June 29: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
June 30: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
July 1: Reflection
July 2, 2023:
The Power of God and the Wisdom of God
Guest Preacher: Curt Grice
The hope of redemption is connected to and emerges from the story of the Gospel itself. Paul reminded the Corinthians that the message of the cross is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. Humanity might seek to offer a message of salvation rooted in the power of mankind and the wisdom of mankind----but, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the only answer for humanity’s dilemma, which is eternal lostness without Jesus!
Daily Bible Readings
July 3: John 18:1-27
July 4: John 18:28-40
July 5: John 19:1-27
July 6: John 19:28-42
July 7: John 20
July 8: Reflection
July 9, 2023:
Eternal Life: Discover It! Declare It!
Guest Preacher: Dr. Gary Stidham
The Gospel is good news! The beautiful story of redemption is an eternal story on display in history. God’s love is never in doubt. He has made it possible for human beings to be redeemed from their sin and live forever in His presence. God’s gift is eternal life! We must claim this gift for ourselves . . . and then share it with other sinners!
Daily Bible Readings
July 10: Acts 8:26-40
July 11: Acts 10:1-23
July 12: Acts 10:23-48
July 13: John 4:1-26
July 14: John 4:27-42
July 15: Reflection
July 16, 2023:
Living Hope!
Guest Preacher: Connor Torrealba
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an eternal message with eternal ramifications—both for those who believe and those who do not. For those who believe, we have found life through the new birth made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This living hope is eternal! Our inheritance is an eternal one, preserved by the power of God!
Daily Bible Readings
July 17: 1 Peter 1:1-2:3
July 18: 1 Peter 2:4-25
July 19: 1 Peter 3
July 20: 1 Peter 4
July 21: 1 Peter 5
July 22: Reflection
July 23, 2023:
The Eternal Love of God
Guest Preacher: Katy Reed-Hodges
God’s love is powerfully on display through His Son. His redeeming grace is thorough and all encompassing. Once we are claimed by Christ, there is nothing in life or death that can separate us from Him. Our redemption is secure and our eternal relationship with our Lord is settled. This is truly good news!
Daily Bible Readings
July 24: Romans 1:1-17
July 25: Romans 1:18-32
July 26: Romans 2:1-16
July 27: Romans 5
July 28: Romans 8
July 29: Reflection
July 30, 2023:
Death Has Lost Its Sting!
Guest Preacher: Luke Stehr
In many ways, death is the great equalizer. We all will experience it. However, the good news of Jesus Christ has forever changed how believers view and experience death. In spite of its tragic reality, the eternal good news of the Gospel has removed the stinger from death. It no longer holds a victorious posture. Death has been dealt a deadly blow by the resurrection of Jesus----and it will be finally defeated by the glorious return of Jesus. So, Paul can confidently ask, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Daily Bible Readings
July 31: Romans 3
August 1: Romans 4
August 2: Romans 6
August 3: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34
August 4: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
August 5: Reflection
AUGUST 2023 - THE SUPERNATURAL: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
AUGUST 6 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 14-16
What is the supernatural? Is there a spiritual realm? What are the true spiritual forces at work today? This month, we will explore the truths about the Holy Spirit on Sunday mornings. Also, we will learn together about the uniqueness of John’s Gospel and learn to appreciate the value of this book in our fuller understanding of the Christian message.
We will acknowledge that John paints a compelling portrait of the Divine Son of God. John offers a unique perspective on the life of Christ in comparison with the Synoptic Gospels. John focuses more on the Judean ministry of Jesus and certainly gives more attention to the final week in His life.
The lengthy conversational discourses in John are unique to him. Also, his careful artistry is on display through his arrangement of “sevens” as he recounts the story of Jesus: Seven I Am Statements, Seven Signs, and Seven Stories where Jesus also echoes the exclamation of the Divine Name. This Gospel truly is a work of art!
We will set the stage on the first Sunday with an acknowledgment that John is telling a supernatural story that connects to the past, present, and future. We will then explore the powerful teachings about the Holy Spirit for the next three weeks.
Meanwhile, we will read the Gospel of John together as a church family. We will be reminded that we are continuing to live as spiritual people in a natural world. We are carrying on the very mission given by Jesus to His original followers. And, just like them, we are not solely reliant on our own power, but we have been supernaturally equipped for this eternally relevant task.
August 6, 2023: This World is Not All There Is!
John’s Gospel opens with a majestic, theologically dense, towering prologue. In this magnificent introduction, he captures a deep connection to the past revelation of God in Genesis, he expresses deep truths about the current reality of creation, and he offers a glimpse into the future. He also sets the stage for the sharing of a supernatural story played out on a cosmic stage.
Daily Bible Readings
August 7: John 1
August 8: John 2
August 9: John 3
August 10: John 4
August 11: John 5
August 12: Reflection
August 13, 2023: The Holy Spirit: Our Advocate
The Holy Spirit of God has been given to us as a Gift from God the Father and God the Son. He is our Advocate, our Comforter, our Guide Who comes alongside us and dwells within us. He empowers us and leads us into all truth.
Daily Bible Readings
August 14: John 6
August 15: John 7
August 16: John 8
August 17: John 9
August 18: John 10
August 19: Reflection
August 20, 2023: The Holy Spirit: At Work in the World
God’s Spirit is at work both in the Church and in the World. He is convicting the world of sin, holding fast the power of righteousness, and engaging in judgment of unrighteousness. He is glorifying the Son as He leads God’s people in righteous living.
Daily Bible Readings
August 21: John 11
August 22: John 12
August 23: John 13
August 24: John 14
August 25: John 15
August 26: Reflection
August 27, 2023: We Have Been Empowered and Sent!
After the resurrection of Jesus, He continued to teach His disciples about life in the Kingdom of God. In John’s account, He commissions them to engage in the mission He began. As He commissions them to this incredible endeavor, He “breathed” the Holy Spirit on them! We now have this same commission as followers of Jesus. We also have the same power and presence of the Holy Spirit!
Daily Bible Readings
August 28: John 16
August 29: John 17
August 30: John 18
August 31: John 19
September 1: John 20-21
September 2: Reflection
FALL 2023 - THE CHURCH: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
SEPTEMBER 3 - NOVEMBER 4, 2023
The Church: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
-Jesus (John 10:16)
September 3, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: On Purpose!
God has designed us for relationship. We have been created in His image. Our core relationship is with Him! Then, we can live into His purpose for our lives and also live in proper relationship with others. As Christians, we learn to do all of this best as we live in community with other believers in the church. The church is a purposeful community. Here is our purpose at First Baptist Arlington: Becoming fruitful believers, influencing our world for Christ. This statement embodies our calling as a church to enrichment and engagement.
Daily Bible Readings
September 4: Acts 1
September 5: Acts 2:1-21
September 6: Acts 2:22-47
September 7: Acts 3
September 8: Acts 4:1-22
September 9: Reflection
September 10, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: We Believe!
The disciples of Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost after the Ascension. Jesus had promised them the Holy Spirit would come and fill them with power. That is exactly what happened at Pentecost. Peter preached an evangelistic message and 3000 people were converted to Christ! They were baptized as new believers and the Believer’s Church was born! The church of Jesus Christ is comprised of believers! Disciples are believers! The followers of Jesus Christ today are believers!
Daily Bible Readings
September 11: Acts 4:23-37
September 12: Acts 5:1-16
September 13: Acts 5:17-42
September 14: Acts 6
September 15: Acts 7:1-22
September 16: Reflection
September 17, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: We are Changing!
The Christian life is about . . . change! The Gospel is a message of transformation. Those early believers were devoted to the Apostles’ teaching. As they embraced the Apostolic witness, their lives were formed and shaped. The New Testament has much to say about us being formed, conformed, and transformed. As members of this church, we are changing to become more like Jesus!
Daily Bible Readings
September 18: Acts 7:23-43
September 19: Acts 7:44-8:1
September 20: Acts 8:2-25
September 21: Acts 8:26-40
September 22: Acts 9:1-22
September 23: Reflection
September 24, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: We are Together!
The church is just a special organism. Each church is a charismatic community. It is the Body of Christ on earth now. It offers believers an opportunity to live together in community and share life together. God has designed us for deep fellowship. The church is where we discover true community with like-minded believers. Our world is hungry for what we have to offer!
Daily Bible Readings
September 25: Acts 9:23-43
September 26: Acts 10:1-23a
September 27: Acts 10:23b-48
September 28: Acts 11
September 29: Acts 12
September 30: Reflection
October 1, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: We Worship!
All human beings have been created in the Image of God. This reality has many theological implications. One aspect of the Image of God within us is the universal desire for worship. Every civilization studied by anthropologists has some sort of an altar. Across the world and across time, human beings have worshipped. The church is now home for the people of God to experience corporate worship. Here at First Baptist Arlington, we are a worshiping congregation!
Daily Bible Readings
October 2: Acts 13
October 3: Acts 14
October 4: Acts 15:1-21
October 5: Acts 15:22-41
October 6: Acts 16:1-15
October 7: Reflection
October 8, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: Serving Others!
A part of every Christian’s journey as a believer is service to God and others. God has given us His Spirit and He has gifted us to engage in a life of ministry. There are so many ways to serve God and His Kingdom through the church. Each one of us has a role to play. Together, in ministry, we use the gifts and resources entrusted to us to serve God in practical ways through the church.
Daily Bible Readings
October 9: Acts 16:16-40
October 10: Acts 17:1-15
October 11: Acts 17:16-33
October 12: Acts 18:1-17
October 13: Acts 18:18-28
October 14: Reflection
October 15, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: Sharing the Gospel!
The church is not just a gathering of people. The church is a missional and purposeful community. We exist as a church for a reason. God has called us to share the message of Jesus Christ with our world. Our world is lost without Jesus. People are disconnected from God, from His purpose for their lives, and from each other. The church has the message to share with the world that will lead to life, purpose, and meaning.
Daily Bible Readings
October 16: Acts 19:1-22
October 17: Acts 19:23-41
October 18: Acts 20
October 19: Acts 21:1-16
October 20: Acts 21:17-36
October 21: Reflection
October 22, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: In Partnership with Others!
As the church began to spread across the Roman Empire, networks of churches developed. This is not specifically recorded in the Book of Acts, but there are hints of it. This principle of collaboration is important for us to consider as we forge ahead into the future God has planned for us. We are committed to collaborative ministry. We believe in partnership in ministry. This is our Baptist heritage. We are Baptists. We are independent. But we are not Independent Baptists!
Daily Bible Readings
October 23: Acts 21:37-22:21
October 24: Acts 22:22-23:11
October 25: Acts 23:12-22
October 26: Acts 23:23-24:27
October 27: Acts 25:1-22
October 28: Reflection
October 29, 2023: First Baptist Arlington: We are Growing!
The Book of Acts chronicles the story of the early church and its expansion across the ancient world in the first century. It is a remarkable story. That story continues today. The church is growing across the world. Christianity is the largest and most significant religious movement in the history of the world. When you become a part of the church, you are a part of a growing, thriving movement of God!
Daily Bible Readings
October 30: Acts 25:23-26:32
October 31: Acts 27:1-26
November 1: Acts 27:27-44
November 2: Acts 28:1-16
November 3: Acts 28:17-31
November 4: Reflection
MISSIONS 2023 - RELIGION: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
NOVEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 2, 2023
Religion: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 13:1-17; 21
November 5, 2023: Sacred Beliefs – Sacred Lives
At the heart of every religion is some sort of belief system. Embracing a set of beliefs leads to
emerging behaviors. As Christians, our core belief is our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Once we accept Him, we embark on a sacred journey that is marked by a deepening
relationship with the God Who created us. This is eternal life. Our missiology is rooted in our
firm belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Daily Bible Readings
November 6: John 12:1-11
November 7: Ephesians 1:1-14
November 8: John 12:12-19
November 9: Ephesians 1:15-23
November 10: John 12:37-50
November 11: Reflection
November 12, 2023: Sacred Lives – Sacred Servants
As followers of Jesus, we place our faith in Him, and our eternity is now secure. As sacred
believers. Our lives are marked by acts of sacred service. Just as Jesus washed the feet of His
disciples, He has called us to a life of service. Our missiology includes a thread of sacred service
to the peoples of the world, in the hopes that they might meet the Savior whose example we
follow.
Daily Bible Readings
November 13: John 13:1-17
November 14: Matthew 5:1-12
November 15: Matthew 6:1-15
November 16: Matthew 25:31-46
November 17: Luke 10:1-16
November 18: Reflection
November 19, 2023: Sacred Servants – Sacred Shepherds
The redemptive work of Christ in our lives truly transforms us. We are led beyond our natural
inclinations, desires, and limited perspectives. In fact, we are guided by our Good Shepherd. In
turn, we engage in the ministry of shepherding others on their journey of faith. Our missiology
includes a path of discipleship and spiritual formation for those who choose to accept the
message of eternal life.
Daily Bible Readings
November 20: John 10:1-21
November 21: John 21:15-25
November 22: 1 Peter 4:1-11
November 23: Galatians 5:13-26
November 24: Galatians 6:1-10
November 25: Reflection
November 26, 2023: Sacred Shepherds – Sacred Sharers
Jesus is the supreme object of our faith. He is our Lord and Master. He is our Good Shepherd.
He has commissioned us to become fishers of human beings. We have received the Good News.
Our lives have become sacred because of His redemptive work in our lives. Now, we must share
this Good News with a desperate and hungry world. Our missiology is guided by the Great
Commission.
Daily Bible Readings
November 27: Matthew 5:13-16
November 28: Ephesians 2:1-10
November 29: 1 Peter 2:1-10
November 30: Acts 1:1-11
December 1: Matthew 28
December 2: Reflection
ADVENT 2023 - INCARNATION: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 31, 2023
Incarnation: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 1:1-18
December 3, 2023: The Hope of Glory
The Son of God is the image of the invisible God! This is the powerful truth of the Incarnation. In Him, we have found our hope. As Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who has made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and it is through Him that the hope of glory becomes a reality.
THEME: HOPE (or Promise)
Light a PURPLE candle.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Daily Bible Readings
December 4: John 1
December 5: John 2
December 6: John 3
December 7: John 4
December 8: John 5
December 9: Reflection
December 10, 2023: The Hope of the Ages
The Incarnation was not an afterthought or a hastily hatched scheme. God spoke to the prophets of Israel centuries before the birth of Christ to prepare the hearts and minds of His people for the coming of the Messiah. What Israel was not expecting was the reality of God in the flesh! Yet, there are titles of divinity included in the prophetic pronouncements that provide Old Testament support for the New Testament reality of the Incarnation.
THEME: PREPARATION (or waiting, or prophecy)
One candle pre-lit: Purple.
Light a PURPLE candle.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”
Daily Bible Readings
December 11: John 6
December 12: John 7
December 13: John 8
December 14: John 9
December 15: John 10
December 16: Reflection
December 17, 2023: The Eternal Son of God
The opening of the Prologue to John’s Gospel sets the stage for the declaration of the Incarnation. His Gospel has obvious connections to Genesis expressed most plainly in the first sentence, “In the beginning . . .” Genesis contains the story of creation. John’s Gospel is the accounting of the re-creation. He uses the theologically faceted term “Word” (Greek, Logos) to refer to the Second Member of the Trinity, namely the Son of God. He is eternal in His essence and being. He is fully God!
THEME: JOY (or peace)
Pre-lit candles: 2 purple candles.
Light the PINK candle.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:10-11
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
Daily Bible Readings
December 18: John 11
December 19: John 12
December 20: John 13
December 21: John 14
December 22: John 15
December 23: Reflection
December 24, 2023: The Word Became Flesh!
So—here it is! The bold declaration of the Incarnation! The Eternal God became flesh. This essential truth of Christianity is stated clearly, boldly, succinctly, yet beautifully in this beloved text. This powerful truth separates Christianity from all ancient pagan religions and all modern religions. Heaven came to earth. Everything has changed as a result. This is THE Christmas story!
THEME: LOVE (or adoration)
Pre-lit candles: 2 purple and the pink.
Light the 3rd PURPLE candle.
Scripture Reading: John 3:16-19
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
Christmas Eve: The One and Only
As we gather for our Christmas Eve services, I will offer a brief reflection on the profound truth of the Incarnation.
Daily Bible Readings
December 25: John 16
December 26: John 17
December 27: John 18
December 28: John 19
December 29: John 20-21
December 30: Reflection
December 31, 2023: The Profound Humility of the Incarnation
Was this text an early Christian hymn? Regardless, it is one of the most beloved texts in all the New Testament. Paul offers his theological reflection on the Johannine declaration that “The Word became flesh!” Paul expresses the profound humility of the Incarnation!