The Door Will Be Opened (Randy)

Tomorrow, we will explore the inspiration behind the metaphor of an “open door” by looking at Luke 11:9-13 (Ask, Seek, Knock) and Revelation 3:19-22 (I stand at the door and knock). God calls us to seek him, yet we tend to focus on his blessings more than the Blesser. He draws close to us, yet the busyness of life causes us to keep him at a distance. In this lesson, we will explore how God acts on our heart, how we can respond in faith, and how engaging in a relationship with Jesus Christ enriches our lives beyond measure.

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An Open Door Family (Chris)

This is a special Sunday for our class.  As Open Door and Family Ties combine, we will consider what it means to be "An Open Door Family" as sisters and brothers of Christ and children of almighty God.  The power and promise of following Jesus are amazing and wonderful!  Let's celebrate the blessings we've been given as we start a new year of Bible study, fellowship, and discipleship together.

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Encounters with Jesus: Love is Our Treasure (Chris)

In the final lesson of our "Encounters with Jesus" series, we consider the last encounter that Christ himself chose just before his crucifixion.  It was a moment of humility and tenderness that shocked his disciples and showed intimately what following him is all about.  Listen to the lesson to hear about this demonstration of love by Jesus and what it means for us and our lives in Christ.

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Foot washing video Chris referenced

Encounters with Jesus: Big Faith (Chris)

Have you ever been worried or anxious?  Of course you have!  Fear is part of the human condition.  It also is the enemy of faith and of faithful action.  This week, Chris will lead us as we look at a teaching from Jesus, the personal example of Jesus, and an encounter with Jesus that help to address how we can faithfully overcome our fears and can be more like the bold and empowered people God intends for us to be.

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Encounters with Jesus: Overcoming Evil (Chris)

This week, we will consider Matthew 3:13 to 4:11 -- the baptism and temptation of Christ.  Our "Encounters with Jesus" in the Gospels so far have been with ordinary people and have helped to illuminate the different ways in which we engage with Christ as he engages with us.  Now, we will see how Jesus interacted with supernatural entities: his father the Lord God and the devil.  The fate of creation was at stake, and how Christ dealt with evil has much to teach us about our own relationship with the broken world around us.

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Encounters with Jesus: The Woman at the Well (Randy)

Through Jesus's amazing encounter with the Woman at the Well, we see how God seeks the least and lost (including us), how we tend to misunderstand him and his offer, and how our lives can be transformed when we finally “get it.” Based on how most Christians behave, myself included, it is clear that most of us tend to miss out on the eternal blessings that Jesus promises. Come and see what Jesus has to offer us this Sunday!

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Encounters with Jesus: Living Fully in God's Love (Chris)

This Sunday, Chris leads us into our next Encounter with Jesus. Specifically, the encounter between Jesus and Jewish leader Nicodemus produced the most famous verse in the Bible.  You likely can quote John 3:16 by heart: "For God so loved the world...."

This week, we will explore how the conviction and conflict experienced by Nicodemus parallels our own opportunities and challenges as Christ's disciples.  What does Jesus ask of us, and how should we respond?

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