One-Word Check-In

We hear the rest of the story this week about what happened after Jesus reads scripture in his hometown synagogue. The people go from having their eyes fixed on Jesus to running him to the edge of a cliff after hearing the truth of Jesus' good news.

When Jesus read scripture, the "eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him" (John 4:20). Are our eyes fixed on Jesus when we read scripture?

In Jesus' first miracle, he turns water into wine. The NRSV Bible says "the water had become wine." In this episode, Pastor Kristie explores the process of becoming who God wants us to be. Who are you becoming?

John the Baptist teaches that he will baptize with water, but Jesus will baptize with fire, an unquenchable fire.

When the Magi came searching for Jesus, they asked, "Where is the child?" (Matt. 2:2). The scholars knew that the person who was worthy of their worship was a child.

God is love. When we love others, we experience the divine! Yet, often, we allow fear to prevent us from truly experiencing the fullness of Christ's love.

When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in her womb "leaped for joy" (Luke 1:41). How would you respond to a greeting?

John the Baptist's calling was to prepare the way for Jesus and to guide people's feet to the way of peace, according to Luke 1:79. What is the way of peace, and how do we guide our feet to it?

On this First Sunday of Advent, Jesus encourages us to "stand up and raise our heads" to see for ourselves the signs of redemption around us.

Jesus said, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world” (John 18:37). What is "this?" What specifically did Jesus come into the world for?

Jesus foretold the fall of the Temple in AD 70, but said, "This is but the beginning of the birth pangs" (Mark 13:8). In other words, this is the beginning of something new that is coming.

Jesus was a "people watcher" and observed that the widow gave more than anyone else because she gave "everything she had." What does this teach us about extravagant generosity?

The voice on the throne acknowledges that the writer of Revelation can see a home of God in Revelation 21:1-6. What does a home of God look like? Can you see it?

Jesus asked Bartimaeus, a blind person, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Let me see again."

In Mark 10:35-45, James and John ask Jesus to appoint them to sit on the right and left of him in glory. Jesus responds in an interesting way.

In Mark 10:17-31, a rich man goes to Jesus and asks what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus looks at him lovingly and tells him, "You lack one thing." How would that make you feel if Jesus told you, you lack one thing. Would you be open to hearing what it is?

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 reminds us that when we eat and drink together and when we participate in holy communion, we are sharing Christ with one another. It is a blessing, in fact, for us to share it.

Paul writes about the dividing wall of hostility between the Jews and Gentiles, and that Christ is the peace that put an end to the hostility.

Hebrews 10:19-25 encourages readers to find a community that will help us hold fast to our faith. Do you have a community that helps you keep a firm grip on Christ?

Jesus said in John 15:3 to the disciples: "You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you." What words have Jesus spoken to you that have cleansed you and kept you connected to him?

Paul teaches to "walk in a manner worthy of your calling" (Ephesians 4:1). We are called to be people of faith, so we should keep "walking" in ways that build up our faith and transform our lives. 

The Holy Spirit fell upon the people in the form of wind and fire that empowered them to proclaim the good news boldly.

Jesus tells the disciples that they are no longer mere servants. He calls them friends and invites them into friendship with Jesus.

Jesus prays for the Father to protect his disciples in John 17:6-19.

Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you" (John 15:4). Is it even possible for Jesus to not remain in us?