Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 25, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel In Christ, freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal  Scripture:In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.  He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 24, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel Marginalized Prophetic Voices Emphasize God’s CharacterScripture:Take away the noise of your songs; I won't listen to the melody of your harps.  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  (Amos 5:23-24) Reflection:Black Theology centers God’s character by leveraging the prophetic ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 23, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel The Bigger Picture -  Exodus, Jesus, and the God of the OppressedScripture:Then the LORD said, "I've clearly seen my people oppressed in Egypt. I've heard their cry of injustice because of their slave masters. I know about their pain.  I've come down to rescue them from the Egyptians in order to take them out of that land a...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Why Did Jesus Have to Die? – Part 4Written by Denee Bowers and Jenny HuffmanWelcomeThis is the fourth week of our series Why Did Jesus Have to Die? This week we are discussing a response to that question that may be pretty familiar to those who grew up in or around the church. However, it is also a response that leaves many of us saying, “Wait a minute. That seems kind of intense...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 22, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel Jesus is Liberator of the Oppressed - Atonement through the lens of Black TheologyScripture:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.  He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclai...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 21, 2026 Written by: Jan BrooksOnly Later Did It Begin to Make SenseScripture:3:1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus answered, “I assure you, u...  Read More