Refuge

At the beginning of Romans 9, the Apostle Paul expresses great sorrow and continual grief for his fellow Jewish brothers and sisters. This week, we further explored the reasons why he experienced such deep emotions. 
 
Paul knew that the Jewish people have so much evidence of God’s existence. No other people group has maintained their national identity, religion, culture, cuisine, and language for as long as the Jewish people have. All of this was woven in within the history and regular rhythms of daily life for the Jewish people. 
 
Also woven in within this heritage is the evidence of the validity of Jesus being who He said He was—the long-awaited Messiah. For all of what was entrusted to the Jewish people for all of their existence was to point to Jesus. And that is what prompted Paul to feel great sorrow and continual grief—the realization that many of his Jewish countrymen were lost without Jesus. 
 
Watch our study of Romans 9:4-5 as we considered the great heritage of the Jewish people and the great hope that is offered through Jesus. 
 
Join us Sunday mornings at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Bible. We gather in person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; or on the radio at 96.1 FM (St. Cloud) or at http://refuge.fm. 
 
For more information about Refuge, visit www.Refuge.mn

At the beginning of Romans 9, the Apostle Paul expresses great sorrow and continual grief for his fellow Jewish brothers and sisters. This week, we further explored the reasons why he experienced such deep emotions. 

Paul knew that the Jewish people have so much evidence of God’s existence. No other people group has maintained their national identity, religion, culture, cuisine, and language for as long as the Jewish people have. All of this was woven in within the history and regular rhythms of daily life for the Jewish people.

Also woven in within this heritage is the evidence of the validity of Jesus being who He said He was—the long-awaited Messiah. For all of what was entrusted to the Jewish people for all of their existence was to point to Jesus. And that is what prompted Paul to feel great sorrow and continual grief—the realization that many of his Jewish countrymen were lost without Jesus.

Watch our study of Romans 9:4-5 as we considered the great heritage of the Jewish peop

Romans 9:4-5 – Woven in Within

There are a finite number of days left until we are with Jesus in Heaven—forever! Until then, we lift up our heads and stand on our toes looking for and eagerly awaiting what is to come. As we wait, we have this hope of Jesus and Heaven in our hearts. 
 
And yet…this time of waiting can seem unbearable and difficult, can’t it? At times, we find we don’t know what we should be praying for. We have the hope, but is there help? 
 
YES! There is help from a Helper—the only Helper who helps us in so many ways. The Apostle Paul knew of the difficulties in this time of waiting. He also knew of the help that God offers us—and encourages us in Romans 8:26-30. 
 
Watch our study from this past Sunday as we considered the many ways the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.

There are a finite number of days left until we are with Jesus in Heaven—forever! Until then, we lift up our heads and stand on our toes looking for and eagerly awaiting what is to come. As we wait, we have this hope of Jesus and Heaven in our hearts.

And yet…this time of waiting can seem unbearable and difficult, can’t it? At times, we find we don’t know what we should be praying for. We have the hope, but is there help?

YES! There is help from a Helper—the only Helper who helps us in so many ways. The Apostle Paul knew of the difficulties in this time of waiting. He also knew of the help that God offers us—and encourages us in Romans 8:26-30. 

Watch our study from this past Sunday as we considered the many ways the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.

Romans 8:26-30 – The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weaknesses

It’s been said that the greatest commentary of the Bible is the Bible itself. There’s so much that the Bible has to say about itself that it illustrates examples of key aspects that it describes at lengths elsewhere. 
 
As we have been studying what it means to follow the Spirit, it’s helpful to look to the many examples of followers of Jesus in the past who have kept in step with the Spirit that we can learn from. 
 
This past Sunday, we considered one of those examples in the life of Philip in Acts 8. In this passage, we see not only what it looks like to have our mind set on the things of the Spirit, but also about baptism—which is a great preparation for our time for baptisms this coming Sunday (September 11) at Wilson Park right after service. 
 
Watch our study of Acts 8:26-40 as we looked to the life of Philip as an illustration of what it looks like to be in step with the Spirit. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in Romans. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

It’s been said that the greatest commentary of the Bible is the Bible itself. There’s so much that the Bible has to say about itself that it illustrates examples of key aspects that it describes at lengths elsewhere.

As we have been studying what it means to follow the Spirit, it’s helpful to look to the many examples of followers of Jesus in the past who have kept in step with the Spirit that we can learn from.

This past Sunday, we considered one of those examples in the life of Philip in Acts 8. In this passage, we see not only what it looks like to have our mind set on the things of the Spirit, but also about baptism—which is a great preparation for our time for baptisms this coming Sunday (September 11) at Wilson Park right after service.

Watch our study of Acts 8:26-40 as we looked to the life of Philip as an illustration of what it looks like to be in step with the Spirit.

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in Romans. We gather in-person at 9

Romans 8:5-6 - In Step with the Spirit

Join us on Friday, April 15th at 7pm for a special worship service as we remember the sacrifice Jesus made so we could have eternal life with Him!

John 19:1-42 - The Power to Lay His Life Down

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

Romans 4:1-8 – The Fellowship of Those Who Believe God

As the Apostle Paul continues his ordered and logical argument for God’s grace in his letter to the Romans, he looks back in history for an example of righteousness to which he can point. In his search, he looks beyond the prophets, beyond the kings of Israel and Judah, and beyond Moses. He finds the example he’s looking for in Abraham—the father of the faith. 
 
It's faith, Paul tells us, that is the means through which we are justified. It's not by our works we are saved, or anything we can earn, but a gift of God that is received by faith (Ephesians 2:8). We see this faith that justifies throughout the life of Abraham. Just like the covenant that God made with Abraham, we have no contribution in the covenant He made with us through His son—we only have the opportunity to believe. 
 
Watch our study from Romans 4:1-3 as we considered the faith of Abraham and the righteousness God credited to him—and credits to us—through belief. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in Romans. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

As the Apostle Paul continues his ordered and logical argument for God’s grace in his letter to the Romans, he looks back in history for an example of righteousness to which he can point. In his search, he looks beyond the prophets, beyond the kings of Israel and Judah, and beyond Moses. He finds the example he’s looking for in Abraham—the father of the faith.

It's faith, Paul tells us, that is the means through which we are justified. It's not by our works we are saved, or anything we can earn, but a gift of God that is received by faith (Ephesians 2:8). We see this faith that justifies throughout the life of Abraham. Just like the covenant that God made with Abraham, we have no contribution in the covenant He made with us through His son—we only have the opportunity to believe.

Watch our study from Romans 4:1-3 as we considered the faith of Abraham and the righteousness God credited to him—and credits to us—through belief.

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue

Romans 4:1-3 – Abraham Believed God

In the opening of his letter to the Romans, Paul expresses his desire to go to Rome. He is eager to build up Roman believers and tell everyone in that city that they are not only loved by God, but that they are the beloved of God, and this same God is calling them out of the darkness into the light to be set apart for a good good work. 
 
That’s and intense desire, especially when you consider who was in Rome at this time. People like Caesar Nero, a madman who found a twisted enjoyment in persecuting Christians. Paul understood that Nero needed the Gospel—just like him. Remember that Paul (who used to be Saul) was so much worse, yet God loved him and called him and used him to preach the gospel. 
 
Paul would arrive in Rome. He would come in chains, but did not see himself as a prisoner of Rome. Paul always referred to himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, knowing that he had put his life in the hands of Jesus. 
 
Watch our study from Romans 1:8-15 as we continued to work our way though the opening of this amazing letter. 
 
Join us on Sundays at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

In the opening of his letter to the Romans, Paul expresses his desire to go to Rome. He is eager to build up Roman believers and tell everyone in that city that they are not only loved by God, but that they are the beloved of God, and this same God is calling them out of the darkness into the light to be set apart for a good good work.

That’s and intense desire, especially when you consider who was in Rome at this time. People like Caesar Nero, a madman who found a twisted enjoyment in persecuting Christians. Paul understood that Nero needed the Gospel—just like him. Remember that Paul (who used to be Saul) was so much worse, yet God loved him and called him and used him to preach the gospel.

Paul would arrive in Rome. He would come in chains, but did not see himself as a prisoner of Rome. Paul always referred to himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, knowing that he had put his life in the hands of Jesus.

Watch our study from Romans 1:8-15 as we continued to work our way though the

Romans 1:8-15 — Faith, Love, and Hope

In Hebrews 12:3, we are invited to “consider Him”. Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). 
 
As we encounter the cross in Mark 15, we consider Him—we wonder together what (or who) that joy is that empowered Jesus to endure the cross. 
 
Watch our study from this past Sunday as we worked our way through Mark 15 and considered Jesus—what He suffered and why He endured. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

In Hebrews 12:3, we are invited to “consider Him”. Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

As we encounter the cross in Mark 15, we consider Him—we wonder together what (or who) that joy is that empowered Jesus to endure the cross.

Watch our study from this past Sunday as we worked our way through Mark 15 and considered Jesus—what He suffered and why He endured.

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

The Gospel of Mark 15:1-41 – Consider…Him

“If I have to die with you, I will not deny you!” 
 
In our previous study in the Gospel of Mark, Peter and the other apostles made this bold declaration to Jesus after He revealed to them that they would all soon fall away (Mark 14:27-31). And this past Sunday, we see that none of them lived up to their promise. 
 
No one felt this failure more than Peter. His failure taught him some important lessons. Through them, he changed from Simon (which means ‘shifting sand’) to Peter (which means ‘a rock’)—living up to the name Jesus gave him as a prophecy of who he would become. 
 
How many times have we made a similar expression of pride or self-confidence in a vain attempt to impress or earn favor? Unfortunately, this bluster doesn’t bless or impress anyone—not even God. 
 
Peter’s failure can be our teacher too so that we don’t have to repeat his mistakes. Watch our study in Mark 14:37-72 as we learn the lessons that transformed Simon to Peter. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

“If I have to die with you, I will not deny you!”

In our previous study in the Gospel of Mark, Peter and the other apostles made this bold declaration to Jesus after He revealed to them that they would all soon fall away (Mark 14:27-31). And this past Sunday, we see that none of them lived up to their promise.

No one felt this failure more than Peter. His failure taught him some important lessons. Through them, he changed from Simon (which means ‘shifting sand’) to Peter (which means ‘a rock’)—living up to the name Jesus gave him as a prophecy of who he would become.

How many times have we made a similar expression of pride or self-confidence in a vain attempt to impress or earn favor? Unfortunately, this bluster doesn’t bless or impress anyone—not even God.

Peter’s failure can be our teacher too so that we don’t have to repeat his mistakes. Watch our study in Mark 14:37-72 as we learn the lessons that transformed Simon to Peter.

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and c

The Gospel of Mark 14:37-72 – From Shifting Sand…to a Rock. How?

Our journey though the Gospel of Mark has finally brought us to Passover in the upper room—the final hours before Jesus would be captured, beaten, mocked, flogged, and crucified. 
 
For the disciples, no amount of denial could take away the underlaying fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that they would face without Jesus being by their side. For Jesus, the crushing emotional weight of what was about to happen caused His soul to be exceedingly sorrowful. 
 
Nevertheless…Jesus was obedient to the will of God. He looked beyond the shame and suffering of the cross to a greater joy that allowed Him to endure it all (Hebrews 12:2). 
 
Watch our study from Mark 14:12-36 as we paused and considered the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area). 
 
Learn more about Refuge and find additional studies at https://Refuge.MN

Our journey though the Gospel of Mark has finally brought us to Passover in the upper room—the final hours before Jesus would ...

The Gospel of Mark 14:12-36 – Nevertheless…

Join us Sunday mornings at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Bible. We gather in person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; or on the radio at 96.1 FM (St. Cloud) or at https://refuge.fm. 
 
For more information about Refuge, visit https://www.Refuge.mn

Join us Sunday mornings at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Bible. We gather in person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; or on the radio at 96.1 FM (St. Cloud) or at https://refuge.fm.

For more information about Refuge, visit https://www.Refuge.mn

The Gospel of Mark 12:12-44 – Jesus is Seeking Genuine Worshippers

The Herodians, the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Saducees…there were many groups who saw Jesus as their enemy. In Mark 2:18-3:6, we observe three interactions Jesus had with these people, who weren’t really enemies from Jesus’ point of view. Although they came at Him in the craziest and pettiest of ways, Jesus didn’t consider them His enemies. To Him, they were hurting people who hadn’t yet found the courage to confront what was really going on in their hearts. Jesus didn’t take it personally. Instead, He gently led them again and again to God’s word and to God’s work. 
 
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. Gather in person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; or on the radio at 96.1 FM (St. Cloud) or at https://refuge.fm.

The Herodians, the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Saducees…there were many groups who saw Jesus as their enemy. In Mark 2:18-3:6, we observe three interactions Jesus had with these people, who weren’t really enemies from Jesus’ point of view. Although they came at Him in the craziest and pettiest of ways, Jesus didn’t consider them His enemies. To Him, they were hurting people who hadn’t yet found the courage to confront what was really going on in their hearts. Jesus didn’t take it personally. Instead, He gently led them again and again to God’s word and to God’s work.

Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. Gather in person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; or on the radio at 96.1 FM (St. Cloud) or at https://refuge.fm.

The Gospel of Mark 2:18-3:6 – Hurting People…Hurt People

Hello Parents! 
We've been working our way though Proverbs 3 with the K-5th graders at Refuge. It's a wonderful chapter full of applications and insights into the character of God. Part of our time with the kids is working on memorizing the chapter. It's a venture of faith, but one that we hope will bless the kids and their walk with the Lord. To help with memorizing, two awesome ladies have set the scripture (NLT version) to a tune and created actions that we've been reviewing with the kids during our time together Sundays. 
Even if your K-5th child accompanies you during Sunday services, we hope this video (and the versions to come) will be a blessing to you and your family as you work with your child to hide God's word in their heart. 
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with Pastor Nate at nate@refuge.mn. For more information about Refuge, visit www.Refuge.mn 
 
For more information about Refuge, visit www.Refuge.mn

Hello Parents!
We've been working our way though Proverbs 3 with the K-5th graders at Refuge. It's a wonderful chapter full of applications and insights into the character of God. Part of our time with the kids is working on memorizing the chapter. It's a venture of faith, but one that we hope will bless the kids and their walk with the Lord. To help with memorizing, two awesome ladies have set the scripture (NLT version) to a tune and created actions that we've been reviewing with the kids during our time together Sundays.
Even if your K-5th child accompanies you during Sunday services, we hope this video (and the versions to come) will be a blessing to you and your family as you work with your child to hide God's word in their heart.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with Pastor Nate at nate@refuge.mn. For more information about Refuge, visit www.Refuge.mn

For more information about Refuge, visit www.Refuge.mn

Proverbs 3:1-25 Actions

“Boldness to Enter…” 
 
(Our study in Hebrews 10 begins at 50:58) 
 
As we continue our study in the book of Hebrews, we need to remember that this text was a letter to the Hebrews. The writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was writing to Hebrew Christians—those who grew up under the rules and rituals of the Old Covenant. At some point, these individuals were born again—saved by grace through faith. 
 
But when the ropes of religion were removed, only grace was left. This was scary for some of them, who chose to retreat back into the ritual of religion under the Old Covenant. Out of fear and uncertainty, they were turning their backs on the New Covenant (and even on Christ Himself). So the writer of Hebrews is addressing them and calling them back to Christ. He does this by constantly comparing the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. 
 
Watch the replay of our live stream as we considered how the rules, regulations, and rituals of the Old Covenant pale in comparison to the righteousness and relationship we have by grace through faith. 
 
For additional messages or more information, visit www.Refuge.mn.

“Boldness to Enter…”

(Our study in Hebrews 10 begins at 50:58)

As we continue our study in the book of Hebrews, we need to remember that this text was a letter to the Hebrews. The writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was writing to Hebrew Christians—those who grew up under the rules and rituals of the Old Covenant. At some point, these individuals were born again—saved by grace through faith.

But when the ropes of religion were removed, only grace was left. This was scary for some of them, who chose to retreat back into the ritual of religion under the Old Covenant. Out of fear and uncertainty, they were turning their backs on the New Covenant (and even on Christ Himself). So the writer of Hebrews is addressing them and calling them back to Christ. He does this by constantly comparing the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. 

Watch the replay of our live stream as we considered how the rules, regulations, and rituals of the Old Covenant pale in comparison to the righteou

Hebrews 10:1-25

“Another World…With Another King” 
 
(Our study in Hebrews begins at 44:12) 
 
Learn more about Refuge at www.Refuge.mn.

“Another World…With Another King”

(Our study in Hebrews begins at 44:12)

Learn more about Refuge at www.Refuge.mn.

Hebrews 7:4-28

“The Key” 
 
(Our study in the book of Hebrews begins at 35:47) 
 
Hebrews 7 opens with the writer mentioning Melchizedek. It’s not the first time this name has come up in this first century letter written over 2,000 years ago. Before that, he was mentioned 3,000 years ago in the book of Psalms (Psalm 110), and 4,000 years ago in the book of Genesis. 
 
So what about this mysterious man did the writer of Hebrews want us to know? Who was he? Why does it matter? And why is any of it important for us today? 
 
To answer these questions, we need to go all the way back to Genesis 14 and meet this man for the first time with Abram—who was tired and bruised from a battle that was his fault. That’s when we meet Melchizedek—a man that seems like more than just a man. The King of Righteousness (that is what his name means) and the King of Salem (Peace)—that was his title. A King…and a priest. 
 
Watch the replay of our live stream as we took a closer look at this mysterious man named Melchizedek. 
 
For more information, visit www.Refuge.mn

“The Key”

(Our study in the book of Hebrews begins at 35:47)

Hebrews 7 opens with the writer mentioning Melchizedek. It’s not the first time this name has come up in this first century letter written over 2,000 years ago. Before that, he was mentioned 3,000 years ago in the book of Psalms (Psalm 110), and 4,000 years ago in the book of Genesis. 

So what about this mysterious man did the writer of Hebrews want us to know? Who was he? Why does it matter? And why is any of it important for us today?

To answer these questions, we need to go all the way back to Genesis 14 and meet this man for the first time with Abram—who was tired and bruised from a battle that was his fault. That’s when we meet Melchizedek—a man that seems like more than just a man. The King of Righteousness (that is what his name means) and the King of Salem (Peace)—that was his title. A King…and a priest.

Watch the replay of our live stream as we took a closer look at this mysterious man named Melchizedek.

For mo

Hebrews 7:1-3

2 Timothy 2:15-26 - “What is... meekness?” 
 
What an exciting time to be alive! How good has God been to us? He’s given us life and breath a heartbeat the hope of heaven…AND He’s given us the opportunity to serve and represent Him in the meantime. 
 
Or is it the mean time? 
 
It seems like the meantime has taken on a new meaning as insecurities are rising to the surface during this season of difficulty. People are scared and angry—fearful of losing everything. We see this anger and insecurity manifest in unnecessary meanness, unkindness, and roughness. 
 
And yet…as a follower of Jesus (who endured such hostility and brutality from truly wicked men and yet responded in love) what are we to do? How then shall we live in this mean time? 
 
As Jesus did—with love. Love that comes from eternal security. Love that is first patient, and then kind, and not arrogant…and not rude…and not easily angered. Love that suffers long. Love that goes the extra mile. 
 
God’s word that says, “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all.” This is what Paul tells Timothy in the section of Scripture we looked at this past Sunday. Watch the replay of our live stream from Sunday. Then read ahead in 2 Timothy 3 for this Sunday! We’ll open up the live stream at 9:45am (CDT) for a brief time of fellowship before starting our study at 10am. If you'd like to participate in the chat feature, you'll need to view the live stream in YouTube and be logged in to your YouTube account so we can see who you are. 
 
Learn more about Calvary Chapel Saint Cloud and find archives of previous studies at CalvaryChapelSaintCloud.org

2 Timothy 2:15-26 - “What is... meekness?”

What an exciting time to be alive! How good has God been to us? He’s given us life and breath a heartbeat the hope of heaven…AND He’s given us the opportunity to serve and represent Him in the meantime. 

Or is it the mean time?

It seems like the meantime has taken on a new meaning as insecurities are rising to the surface during this season of difficulty. People are scared and angry—fearful of losing everything. We see this anger and insecurity manifest in unnecessary meanness, unkindness, and roughness.

And yet…as a follower of Jesus (who endured such hostility and brutality from truly wicked men and yet responded in love) what are we to do? How then shall we live in this mean time?

As Jesus did—with love. Love that comes from eternal security. Love that is first patient, and then kind, and not arrogant…and not rude…and not easily angered. Love that suffers long. Love that goes the extra mile. 

God’s word that says, “a servant of the Lo

2 Timothy 2:15-26

2 Timothy 2:8-14 - "Remember and Return to the Word of God." 
 
In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, the Apostle Paul writes, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 
 
This past Sunday, we remembered Jesus, as Paul instructs us in 2 Timothy 2:8. We considered the work that God is doing right now in the unseen during this time of light affliction. 
 
Paul was very familiar with suffering—yet he held on to the hope of heaven. How did he learn to have such grit and such grace in the face of such adverse circumstances? He remembered Jesus. It’s what enabled him to persevere and endure. It’s what he encouraged both Timothy and us to do in the midst of our light and momentary afflictions. It’s the memory of Jesus in our minds and the hope of Heaven in our hearts that gives us the strength to endure suffering while pointing others to Him. 
 
Read ahead for this Sunday! We’ll pick up starting in 2 Timothy 2:15 during our live stream this coming Sunday at 10am (CDT). If you'd like to participate in the chat feature, you'll need to view the live stream in YouTube and be logged in to your YouTube account so we can see who you are.

2 Timothy 2:8-14 - "Remember and Return to the Word of God."

In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, the Apostle Paul writes, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This past Sunday, we remembered Jesus, as Paul instructs us in 2 Timothy 2:8. We considered the work that God is doing right now in the unseen during this time of light affliction.

Paul was very familiar with suffering—yet he held on to the hope of heaven. How did he learn to have such grit and such grace in the face of such adverse circumstances? He remembered Jesus. It’s what enabled him to persevere and endure. It’s what he encouraged both Timothy and us to do in the midst of our light and momentary afflictions. It’s the memory of Jesus in our minds and the hope of Heaven

2 Timothy 2:8-14

2 Timothy 2:1-7 - “Be strong…in grace!” 
 
Last week, we considered Paul’s exhortation to Timothy—and to us. Hold fast! Hold fast to faith, to love, to Jesus. Hold fast to what you know about God—especially in uncertain times. You’ll need to hold fast to endure this hardship—and the hardships that are coming. 
 
As we begin 2 Timothy 2, Paul points to three different metaphors to encourage us as we hold fast and endure hardship: a good soldier of Jesus Christ, an athlete, and a hardworking farmer. Through these metaphors, Paul paints the picture of what it looks like to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 
 
But what does it mean to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus? Watch the replay of our live stream from Sunday as we began our study of 2 Timothy chapter 2. 
 
 Read ahead for this Sunday! Read through, think through, and pray through 2 Timothy 2 in preparation for our live stream this coming Sunday at 10am (CDT)—right here on our channel. If you'd like to participate in the chat feature, you'll need to view the live stream in YouTube and be logged in to your YouTube account so we can see who you are.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 - “Be strong…in grace!”

Last week, we considered Paul’s exhortation to Timothy—and to us. Hold fast! Hold fast to faith, to love, to Jesus. Hold fast to what you know about God—especially in uncertain times. You’ll need to hold fast to endure this hardship—and the hardships that are coming. 

As we begin 2 Timothy 2, Paul points to three different metaphors to encourage us as we hold fast and endure hardship: a good soldier of Jesus Christ, an athlete, and a hardworking farmer. Through these metaphors, Paul paints the picture of what it looks like to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

But what does it mean to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus? Watch the replay of our live stream from Sunday as we began our study of 2 Timothy chapter 2.

Read ahead for this Sunday! Read through, think through, and pray through 2 Timothy 2 in preparation for our live stream this coming Sunday at 10am (CDT)—right here on our channel. If you'd like to partici

2 Timothy 2:1-7

2 Timothy 1:13-14 - "Hold fast." 
 
Life is messy. But Jesus is real. These are truths we’ve been discussing during our study of 2 Timothy. Life this side of eternity is full of curve balls, blindsides, twists, and turns. These circumstances can loosen our grip, mess with our grit, and weaken our resolve. What are we to do? 
 
Follow Paul’s advice to Timothy. 
 
You see, life was messy for Timothy, too. There was the ever-present threat of persecution. One more Sunday for Pastor Timothy was one more reason for the Romans to come for him, his family, and his friends. 
 
Paul knew the circumstances Timothy was facing. He also knew Timothy. So in this second letter, Paul reminded Timothy that he was no longer an immature believer. He encouraged Timothy to hold fast (2 Timothy 1:13). 
 
Hold fast is such a strong, active phrase! It paints the picture of what to do when something or someone is trying to take away something of value from us. 
 
The wind and the waves will try to pry what’s precious from us, but we can choose to hold fast. 
 
But hold fast to what? That’s what we considered in our time together studying 1 Timothy 1:13-14. Watch the replay of our live stream and be encouraged by the strength that Jesus gives us to hold fast. 
 
Read ahead for this Sunday! Read through, think through, and pray through 2 Timothy 2:1-7 in preparation for our live stream this coming Sunday (if you'd like to participate in the chat feature, you'll need to view the live stream in YouTube and be logged in to your YouTube account so we can see who you are).

2 Timothy 1:13-14 - "Hold fast." Life is messy. But Jesus is real. These are truths we've been discussing during our study of 2 ...

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