First Cutlerville Christian Reformed Church

When life does not go the way we expect, we are tempted toward one of two extremes. On the one extreme, there is a weak god (if there is a god at all), and we are left to the whims of the universe. On the other extreme, the God in charge simply acts...and people are just puppets. The world of Esther undermines these extremes as we meet people who are called to act in the midst of immensely difficu...

We go deep (again) on Esther 5:1, looking not at Esther's "royal robes" but instead at the first phrase, "on the third day." 

When life does not go the way we expect, we are tempted toward one of two extremes. On the one extreme, there is a weak god (if there is a god at all), and we are left to the whims of the universe. On the other extreme, the God in charge simply acts...and people are just puppets. The world of Esther undermines these extremes as we meet people who are called to act in the midst of immensely difficu...

We look more deeply at Esther 5:1 - 9 and the exchange between Esther and the king in the throne room. 

When life does not go the way we expect, we are tempted toward one of two extremes. On the one extreme, there is a weak god (if there is a god at all), and we are left to the whims of the universe. On the other extreme, the God in charge simply acts...and people are just puppets. The world of Esther undermines these extremes as we meet people who are called to act in the midst of immensely difficu...

When life does not go the way we expect, we are tempted toward one of two extremes. On the one extreme, there is a weak god (if there is a god at all), and we are left to the whims of the universe. On the other extreme, the God in charge simply acts...and people are just puppets. The world of Esther undermines these extremes as we meet people who are called to act in the midst of immensely difficu...

We reflect briefly on questions of interpretation and translation in light of several questions related to Vashti appearing "in her crown." We also note Esther has a Hebrew name, Hadassah, and reflect on its meaning and importance.  Esther 2:7

We consider the names of the different people in Esther and what they mean, as well as what kind of literature Esther is and why that matters

When life does not go the way we expect, we are tempted toward one of two extremes. On the one extreme, there is a weak god (if there is a god at all), and we are left to the whims of the universe. On the other extreme, the God in charge simply acts...and people are just puppets. The world of Esther undermines these extremes as we meet people who are called to act in the midst of immensely difficu...

Every year nativity scenes are pulled from boxes and placed carefully on mantels and tables.  Around the edges we find nameless shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.  As we considers the activities of these shepherds this Advent season, we are drawn to come adore our Good Shepherd King.

Every year nativity scenes are pulled from boxes and placed carefully on mantels and tables.  Around the edges we find nameless shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.  As we considers the activities of these shepherds this Advent season, we are drawn to come adore our Good Shepherd King.

Every year nativity scenes are pulled from boxes and placed carefully on mantels and tables.  Around the edges we find nameless shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.  As we considers the activities of these shepherds this Advent season, we are drawn to come adore our Good Shepherd King.

We wonder about the public nature of Jesus' birth and how the angel notes this is good news for "all people." We also reflect on how being alone can cause our fear and anxiety to grow and how the angel's message highlights our place in God's family. 

Every year nativity scenes are pulled from boxes and placed carefully on mantels and tables.  Around the edges we find nameless shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.  As we considers the activities of these shepherds this Advent season, we are drawn to come adore our Good Shepherd King.  

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

We look again at 1 Corinthians 11:17 - 34, particularly those first and last verses and what Paul is teaching the church about genuine communion. 

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

We look again at Galatians 6:12 and consider the tension we feel between how marketing works - fragmenting us into targeted groups - and how the gospel calls us to be - united in Jesus Christ. 

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

We engage again with Galatians 6:2 as we consider what it means to be a friend of Jesus and His people. Wesley Hill, Spiritual Friendship . 

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

In many ways, Paul's letter to the Galatians seems a world away.  It addresses first century questions of religious practice, circumcision, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.  In other ways, Galatians addresses exactly the kinds of situations we face today - race relations, identity, and how we should think about community.  This fall, we go deeper into the glorious hea...

We go deep in Galatians 4:21 - 31 as we consider how Paul uses Old Testament stories, Rabbinic teaching and practical truth to remind the Galatians of God's great mercy in Jesus Christ.