Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 3, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLike Ads for LoveScripture:Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will be with me. (Revelation 3:20)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement reveals a God who is unendingly invitational. God does not ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 2, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLove That Leads to ChangeScripture:Or do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life? (Romans 2:4)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement matters because it shows that God’s love is not only ...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Why Did Jesus Have to Die? – Part 1Written by Denee Bowers and Jenny HuffmanFrom Pastor CharityThis week we begin our new Lenten series, which invites us to wrestle with one of the most important questions of the Christian faith: Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The series creates space to explore that question honestly, faithfully, and with hope as we prepare for Easter.Our shared pra...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 1, 2026Written by Dave MerrillTurning the Lights OnScripture:We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. (1 John 4:16, CEB)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement teaches that Jesus saves us by revealing the depth of God’s love and inviting our hear...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 28, 2026Written by Melissa RossThe Lamb of GodScripture:  29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31 Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with w...  Read More

In a little over a month, we will have a service on Good Friday, the day that the church remembers the death of Jesus on the cross. If you read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John you’ll find that about a third of the entire story is devoted to Jesus’ suffering and death. Paul writes that the world has its own wisdom but, “we preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1.23). Much of the New...  Read More