Last week was Epiphany! We began 2026 asking God for ‘revelation’, eyes opened to see, ears open to hear, feet ready to follow and hands ready to work, a heart eager to grow. Lord, hear our prayer.
Sunday was a significant Sunday in our discipleship series, turning the page from ‘not the way it’s supposed to be’ to ‘the now, but not yet.’ And this transition has everything to do with Jesus! Jesus is God’s revelation of salvation – the greatest Epiphany! We will explore God’s Word of truth (Scripture) and God’s living Word of truth (Jesus) to more fully understand, know, experience and live into God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. Last week, justification. This week, atonement. Next week, redemption… In these next few weeks we will be moving between the Old and New Testaments to better know God’s plan of salvation!
Atonement: Do you ever wonder about all the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament? Why all the shedding of blood? What is the purpose of all the priestly roles of the Levites for God’s people? Many have difficulty seeing the forest through the trees with these things… Let’s come together Sunday, seek God together, ask for an epiphany.
A couple of Scripture texts for preparation Sunday: Leviticus 16 (entire chapter), Isaiah 53 (entire chapter), and Romans 3:25-26. What connections do you see between the Old Testament sacrifices, the prophecies of a Messiah (One who saves), and Jesus? How does this impact your understanding of salvation in Jesus Christ?
For the Glory of God, God’s Kingdom come, God’s will be done,
Pastor Mark