Mars Hill

Guest Teacher, Peter Mutabazi, shared his story of finding acceptance and true worth. Psalm 139:1-6, 14

A fight song gives encouragement and declares victory and perseverance - even in defeat. Paul's final words to Timothy are a fight song of their own, inviting us to consider what makes up a "good fight" of faith. What all is included when strategizing to fight well, both offensively and defensively? Whose victory do we proclaim? 1 Timothy 6: 11-21

The writer of this letter highlights two prevailing attitudes that power behaviors - conceitedness and dissatisfaction. It is wise to pay attention to these attitudes and to be aware of their power to influence our behaviors. 1 Timothy 6: 2b-10

Each person, especially the most vulnerable among us, are worthy of very specific kinds of honor. This honor is ascribed to us by Christ for the benefit of others especially widows.  1 Tim 5 - 6:2a

Paul invites Timothy [and all disciples] to consider whether they will wholly pursue living in freedom and authenticity in community or continue to pretend like they've got it all together.  1 Tim 4: 9-16

Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to embody, uphold and be changed by the Truth—but how might the church tell the difference? At the beginning of chapter four, we see Paul encouraging Timothy in ways meant to help him, and us today, discern between what's deceptive and what's true. 1 Tim. 4: 1-8

At the halfway point of this ancient letter, the writer returns to the theme of behaving in ways that centralize and correct the Truth. Every person and every church is encouraged to be faithful to this calling.  1 Tim. 3:14-16

What if the call to church leadership was for everyone? You are invited and called to grow in Christ and lead. We also dive into economic and social context of ancient Ephesus to see how profound Paul's challenge of discipleship and loyalty to Jesus really was.  1 Tim. 3:1-16

One of the most debated texts in the New Testament is nestled within a bigger picture. Is this text about all women remaining silent, even today? Exploring the larger cultural and historical context, we'll see how Paul urges the church in Ephesus to prayer, proclamation of the truth, and a righted posture.  1 Tim. 2:1-15

This text helps us continue to answer the question, "What kind of church do we want to be?" We are encouraged to centralize the good news of the gospel and to courageously love people toward that good news. 1 Tim. 1:12-20

A young pastor's origin story of shame and exclusion leads to a path of healing and empowerment. See how the gospel at work in Timothy and the Ephesian church breaks down barriers of who is IN and OUT - ushering in a new humanity - the Body of Christ. What would it look like to be a church that fosters such restoration and reconciliation... what might that require of us?

This universally loved psalm forces us to confront the neediness of the sheep. This need not discourage anyone because the Good Shepherd can be trusted to meet the sheep in the middle of its neediness. Psalm 23

In our moments of calling out to God, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", we can have confidence in the testimony of the faith community, that Jesus speaks these words with us, and that God has done something about it. Psalm 22

This psalm gives us a glimpse of what spiritual hunger looks like and how it can be sustained.  Psalm 42

Psalm 146 What kind of wisdom might we gain from this particular song of praise? The psalmist calls us to guard our trust, and to place it in the only place where salvation can be found.

Psalm 84 Is being in God's presence really better than a thousand days anywhere else? We explore the three encouragements tucked within the three sections of Psalm 84 and talk about the difference between being distant from God and truly dwelling.

Psalm 4 This psalm gives us a glimpse of vulnerability before God. the One who is perfect peace and safety. We are encouraged to faithfully and honestly lament and be confident because God does what God promises.

Psalms 120-134, Psalm 120, Psalm 121 We are invited and re-invited to take a journey, a pilgrimage with God. Joining with the ancient Israelite's songs we discover God's invitation to step into dynamic transformation and healing. 

Psalm 8 Many people connect with the questions the writer of this psalm poses: who am I that God would care for me? We are offered a few encouraging words about our identity in this psalm.

Psalm 137 What do we do with graphic and painful parts of Scripture? Through Psalm 137, we'll explore invitations related to collective trauma, as well as specific calls to examine our allegiances and depths of compassion.

Psalm 139 + Psalm 8 The Psalmist poetically and profoundly assures us of God's faithful and intimate love for us. We are fully known and fully loved. Even so, God invites us into partnership and conversation for a transformed future; the way everlasting. 

Psalm 46 The central theme of Psalm 46 emphasizes the protective presence of God. This Psalm honestly tells the truth about how things are and how things will be. 

What does it mean for us to choose praise as a command? Following the structure of Psalm 103, we explore invitations to and implications of what it means to praise God individually, communally and cosmically.

The yearly observance of Pentecost reminds all followers of Jesus that the Spirit has been poured out generously. Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 12 stress the gifts of the Spirit are for each one and for the common good.  1 Corinthians 12:7-11

A curious pattern seems to emerge in the middle of Nehemiah. When Israel finds themselves having a moment, God invited them to rediscover themselves in his story, honestly confess what seems incongruent and find renewal in the covenant promises of God.  Nehemiah 8, 9, 10