The Vine Church TC

Looking at the biblical narrative from creation to Jesus to the early church, we explore the invitation to mutuality and an egalitarian posture.

The Psalms of Ascent, sung on the pilgrimages up to Jerusalem, remind us of God's profound presence in our lives and our communities. Our invitation is to know the Creator and be known.

John tells the story of Jesus engaging with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. What could have been a volatile or contentious meeting opens a doorway to further understanding God's plan and a posture of worship.

In Matthew 6 Jesus teaches about prayer. Today we learn about and experience Jesus' prayer.

God is love. We are invited to receive God's love and reciprocate it in this world. Loving God and loving people are inseparable.

Having concluded our series in the Prophets, we continue to explore how the story played out. Today we explore Jesus' life and teachings as they relate to the continued narrative of God's work in this world.

In response to the Pharisees grumbling about Jesus spending time with sinners, he tells 3 parables. The third describes God's forgiveness and loving embrace of those that have strayed (prodigal son) as well as His invitation to those too caught up in their own righteousness to celebrate with Him.

The Law calls to attention humanity's need for a savior. Jesus is our savior, the fulfillment of the Law, who invites us to know the heart behind it all...LOVE.

Ezra returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the people around God's Law. Nehemiah engages in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. These efforts involve opposition and mourning, but also an invitation to celebrate in God's presence.

Ezra 1-6 tells the story of a remnant of Israel returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple.

Exile in Babylon was a season of suffering, though it also produced a few opportunities and developments. Today we explore how we might understand God and his work in the context of exile or suffering.

The prophet Joel invites us to realize that even in seasons of pain and loss, there is hope. God is at work confronting evil, bringing about new creation and filling His people with His Spirit.

Ezekiel speaks a message of hope to Israel and to all the nations. The Spirit of God gives life!

Unique to the prophets, Habakkuk levels his accusations at God instead of Israel. Why, God, do you allow violence and injustice to reign? God assures that he is engaged, and Habakkuk pivots to praise.

The God who created, continues to create and give life. Jesus has risen and all humanity is invited to new life in Him.

In preparation for Easter, today we explore the last day of Jesus' life, from the Garden of Gethsemane to his death on a cross.

Jeremiah encourages the Israelites in exile to become a part of the community and seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon. How will we live in the messy middle - between the reality of the challenges we are facing and God’s promised restoration?

The later part of the book of Isaiah describes a suffering servant. A king (Jesus) that operates differently than others, who brings peace and hope.

Isaiah prophesied to the southern kingdom regarding Israel's idolatry, greed and mistreatment of the poor. He warned that Babylon would conquer Israel, but there was hope regarding a remnant and a new king.

Hosea was called to expose and prophecy against Israel's unfaithfulness. Though there was consequence, God demonstrates his character in promising restoration for his people.

Amos urges Israel to repent from idolatry and social injustices. He reminds Israel of their covenant with God inviting them to live out justice and righteousness.

The book of Jonah, unique among the prophets, is a narrative. It is the story of God's prophet at odds with God's intent to show mercy to Assyria.

The prophets were called by God to speak judgement (and hope) to an Israelite nation in breach of covenant. Context and literary genre and important to understanding the Prophets.

Though pride and arrogance are often celebrated, the way of the Kingdom of God is walking in humility.

A merciful and compassionate God invites us to be people of mercy and compassion.