The oldest written document of the New Testament is 1 Thessalonians. It gives us the oldest foundational principles of the church. 1 Thessalonians begins by turning the clock back to remember how the gospel saves and changes pagans.
In Psalm 119, the Psalmist uses 176 verses on a single subject: the beauty and benefits of God’s word. The Psalmist’s goal is the same as our goal for Edgewater; to be a Church who approaches scripture seeking its greatest benefit.
Daniel lives a life of difficulty from being ripped from his home as youth, to being thrown to the lions as an old man. It would be natural to ask, “Is this worth it?” Daniel’s book concludes with God telling him this is the end and it is brilliant.
Amos is a prophet who uses his voice for the poor, used, and overlooked. He demonstrates that God cares about justice and gives us the hope of a coming King and Edenic Kingdom that will ultimately remedy the human problem.
Biblical Grit, which is defined in scripture as Christian steadfastness and endurance. This type of Christian grit is full of hope because it has at its core a faith that rests in God’s promises, and is empowered by grace.
As we watch our society shift and change it can be easy to want to disengage and run. But is there a better way? Jeremiah the prophet battles this mentality when God gives him the remedy and the recipe for exiles to thrive in Babylon.
What is the Old Testament about? The repetition of sin and failure can get monotonous and confusing. What is the goal? What is the solution? How can a people be changed? Zephaniah gives us the heart of the message of the Old Testament.
Grudges, retaliation, revenge and bitterness are themes in human history. Obadiah’s short prophetic message is a warning to all of us to rid ourselves of the radioactivity of retaliation.
