Prepare For The Celebration of Advent Webinar

Join Adam Hamilton and Susan Robb as they converse with each other about their new studies and help us anticipate and get ready for Advent. In Prepare the Way f...

Jesus Revealed: How I Am Reveals Who You Are Webinar

Join author Matt Rawle and artist Sarah Duet in conversation with Rachel Billups as they explore the rich symbolism behind the “I am” statements. Be inspire...

Amplify Live: The Big Picture Webinar

Join Jevon and Nicole Caldwell-Gross as they share how God weaves together events that seem random into a beautiful image of joy, survival, purpose, and meaning...

Amplify Live: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity

In this discussion with Harvey, who authored The New York Times bestselling Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, they will dis...

Amplify Live: The Bible Year

In this new webinar, meet some of the contributors behind this special project – including creator, Rev. Magrey deVega – as well as people who have already ...

Amplify Live: Why Did He Say That?

In this latest episode of Amplify Live, join Dr. Amy-Jill Levine as she discusses with writer Rob Simbeck her new study, The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginne...

Sharing the Christmas Story, Sharing Our Faith Webinar

Three of our most popular and thoughtful authors discuss with host Rachel Billups their new studies and what inspires them at Christmas.

Amplify Live: A Conversation About First Corinthians

Join Jaime and Ray as they discuss First Corinthians from a variety of viewpoints, so you can apply those lessons to your own faith today.

Amplify Live: The Courage of Jesus

Brave Faith and the Christian Life

In this conversation with Rachel Billups, Tom shares examining the life of Christ, we begin to understand what true courage is and how God works in the lives of...

Basic Bible: The Bible

Get acquainted with the Bible again, or for the first time, in this Amplify original that explores the basic structure of the Bible, how it developed, and what ...

Basic Bible: The Old Testament

Learn about the various books, sections, and events of the Old Testament in this introduction style Amplify Original.

Basic Bible: Genesis

See an overview of the first book of the Bible, including family drama, stories of creation, and the promise of God's love in this Amplify original.

Basic Bible: The New Testament

Learn about the various books, sections, events, and people of the New Testament in this introduction style Amplify Original.

Basic Bible: The Gospels

Step into the four accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus in this introduction style Amplify Original.

Basic Bible: Letters of Paul

Get an introductory look into the structure, style, and purpose of the Letters of Paul in this Amplify original.

The Bible Year Preview

The Bible Year is also a wonderful way for small groups or even individuals to grow closer to God, while providing a common thread that will promote new and dee...

The Bible Year Session 1: Genesis 1:1-11:32

Magrey deVega introduces The Bible Year and explores the beginning of the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. In the stories of creation that open Gen...

The Bible Year Session 2: Genesis 12:1-30:43

Joe Kim discusses Genesis chapters 12 through 30, including the stories of Abraham and Isaac and the beginning of Jacob’s story.

The Bible Year Session 3: Genesis 31:1 - Exodus 12:30

Matt Rawle explores the stories that conclude Genesis and begin Exodus: the rivalry between Jacob and Laban, the conflict and reconciliation between Joseph and ...

The Bible Year Session 4: Exodus 12:31-34:35

Justin Coleman discusses the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt, God’s provision in the wilderness, and God’s gift of the law to the Israelites in Exodus 1...

The Bible Year Session 5: Exodus 35:1-Leviticus 23:44

J.J. Warren explores the conclusion of Exodus and the beginning of Leviticus, helping us see the significance of the laws and regulations in these passages for ...

The Bible Year Session 6: Leviticus 24:1-Numbers 21:35

Magrey deVega discusses the end of Leviticus and introduces the book of Numbers, exploring how God formed the Israelites as a people in the wilderness, and how ...

The Bible Year Session 7: Numbers 22:1-Deuteronomy 16:22

Rabbi Evan Moffic concludes the discussion of the book of Numbers, focusing on the theme of journey, and introduces the book of Deuteronomy as Moses’ parting ...

The Bible Year Session 8: Deuteronomy 17:1-Joshua 11:23

Amberly Neese explores the end of Deuteronomy and the victories that characterize the beginning of Joshua, and how Joshua’s name points us to Jesus and the sa...

The Bible Year Session 9: Joshua 12:1-Judges 16:31

Magrey deVega concludes our study of Joshua and introduces the book of Judges, and the Israelites’ repeated cycle of sin, oppression, crying out to God, and d...

The Bible Year Session 10: Judges 17:1-1 Samuel 15:35

Heather Dixon explores the end of Judges, the book of Ruth, and the stories of Hannah, Samuel, and Saul in the beginning of 1 Samuel.

The Bible Year Session 11: 1 Samuel 16:1-2 Samuel 7:29

Jevon Caldwell-Gross leads us through the stories of David in 1 and 2 Samuel, and the challenging transition from Saul to David as the king of Israel.

The Bible Year Session 12: 2 Samuel 8:1-1 Kings 11:43

Josh Scott concludes our study of 2 Samuel and opens the book of 1 Kings, exploring David’s moral failures and the consequences of them, as well as the power ...

The Bible Year Session 13: 1 Kings 12:1-2 Kings 17:41

Melissa Spoelstra explores the end of 1 Kings and the beginning of 2 Kings, how God constantly pursues the people of Israel and Judah despite kings who led them...

The Bible Year Session 14: 2 Kings 18:1-1 Chronicles 27:34

Anna Guillozet wraps up the book of 2 Kings and introduces 1 Chronicles, including the destruction of Jerusalem and beginning of the Babylonian Exile at the end...

The Bible Year Session 15: 1 Chronicles 28:1-2 Chronicles 24:27

Magrey deVega continues our exploration of 1-2 Chronicles, with particular focus on David’s efforts to secure resources to build God’s temple. David’s wor...

The Bible Year Session 16: 2 Chronicles 25:1-Nehemiah 4:23

Danielle Kim discusses the end of 2 Chronicles and the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which recount the people of Judah returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city ...

The Bible Year Session 17: Nehemiah 5:1-Job 14:22

Magrey deVega takes a close look at the book of Esther, found in Christian Bibles between Nehemiah and Job. He explores two key themes of Esther: hidden, inner ...

The Bible Year Session 18: Job 15:1-Psalm 12:8

Jake Owensby concludes our reading of Job and introduces the Psalms. As we see in these books, the difficult circumstances of life force us to ask big questions...

The Bible Year Session 19: Psalms 13:1-41:13

Magrey deVega continues exploring the Psalms. Many of the psalms in this section point to God’s covenant relationship with God’s people, exemplified in the ...

The Bible Year Session 20: Psalms 42:1-68:35

Ken Carter explores Psalms 42-68, commenting on specific psalms in this section and reminding us of the rich role the Psalms play in our life of faith, serving ...

The Bible Year Session 21: Psalms 69:1-101:8

Ken Carter discusses Psalms 69-101, which contains some of our most beloved passages of Scripture. Psalms 84 and 90 depict holy places where God meets us, and P...

The Bible Year Session 22: Psalms 102:1-126:6

Magrey deVega explores the psalms in this section with a close look at Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, which reminds us of the goodness of God’s ...

The Bible Year Session 23: Psalm 127:1-Proverbs 3:35

Amberly Neese concludes our exploration of Psalms and introduces the book of Proverbs. The final section of Psalms moves us to praise God, as we see in Psalm 15...

The Bible Year Session 24: Proverbs 4:1-15:33

Matt Rawle continues our discussion of Proverbs, helping us see the dualistic, this-or-that structure of the Proverbs, and the central role of wisdom, personifi...

The Bible Year Session 25: Proverbs 16:1-26:28

Justin Coleman discusses themes and connections that emerge in Proverbs 16 – 26, including the need to listen and remain open to instruction from others, our ...

The Bible Year Session 26: Proverbs 27:1-Ecclesiastes 12:14

Julie Lyles Carr concludes Proverbs and leads us through Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes prompts us continually to consider the passing of time, recognizing the fini...

The Bible Year Session 27: Song of Solomon 1:1-Isaiah 23:18

Julie Lyles Carr explores the Song of Solomon, with its rich imagery and appreciation of love, and the first part of Isaiah, one of the most well-known and belo...

The Bible Year Session 28: Isaiah 24:1-52:12

Julie Lyles Carr continues our study of Isaiah. The prophet delivers both good news and bad news to the people of Judah, warning them to pursue justice and righ...

The Bible Year Session 29: Isaiah 52:13-Jeremiah 16:21

Justin Coleman concludes Isaiah and introduces Jeremiah. In these books we see that God cares about renewing and restoring us, especially those who are afflicte...

The Bible Year Session 30: Jeremiah 17:1 – 49:39

Melissa Spoelstra explores the book of Jeremiah, which encourages us to dare to hope in unstable times. Jeremiah proclaims a message calling the people to turn ...

The Bible Year Session 31: Jeremiah 50:1 – Ezekiel 21:32

Jake Owensby wraps up the book of Jeremiah and Lamentations, and introduces Ezekiel. These books were written to help the people of Judah come to terms with the...

The Bible Year Session 32: Ezekiel 22:1 – Daniel 6:28

Danielle Kim continues exploring Ezekiel and the first half of Daniel. Ezekiel delivers oracles against Judah and other nations, as well as messages of hope and...

The Bible Year Session 33: Daniel 7:1 – Amos 9:15

J.J. Warren concludes the book of Daniel and introduces Hosea, Joel, and Amos, where we see God’s deep concern for justice.

The Bible Year Session 34: Obadiah 1 – Habakkuk 3:19

Magrey deVega explores the books of Obadiah through Habakkuk, with a specific focus on Jonah. Jonah is best read as a satire or parody, communicating its truth ...

The Bible Year Session 35: Zephaniah 1:1 – Malachi 4:6

Amberly Neese explores the books of Zephaniah through Malachi. These prophets deliver a message of judgment against the sins of God’s people, but also proclai...

The Bible Year Session 36: Matthew 1:1 – 12:50

Magrey deVega begins our study of the New Testament by introducing the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew portrays the chaotic world of struggle for God’s people into...

The Bible Year Session 37: Matthew 13:1 – 25:56

Rachel Billups continues exploring the book of Matthew. Matthew portrays a series of parables or teachings about what the kingdom of heaven and what it is like....

The Bible Year Session 38: Matthew 26:1 – Mark 10:45

Barb Roose concludes the book of Matthew and introduces the Gospel of Mark. The end of Matthew promises us that death gives way to resurrection, and we can trus...

The Bible Year Session 39: Mark 10:46 – Luke 4:13

Anna Guillozet wraps up Mark and leads us into Luke. Mark’s resurrection story is brief and ends on the ambiguous note of the women’s fear as they leave the...

The Bible Year Session 40: Luke 4:14 – 14:35

Magrey deVega continues our study of Luke, lifting up God’s inclusive love as a distinguishing feature of the book. Many of the stories unique to Luke point t...

The Bible Year Session 41: Luke 14:1 – 24:53

Magrey deVega explores the second half of Luke, with particular focus on the parable of the Prodigal Son.

The Bible Year Session 42: John 1:1 – 10:42

Joe Kim introduces the Gospel of John, discussing how the first section of it reveals Jesus’s identity through the signs and miracles he performs. Through Jes...

The Bible Year Session 43: John 11:1 – Acts 5:16

Justin Coleman introduces the book of Acts, which recounts the movement of God’s Spirit and the good news of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ...

The Bible Year Session 44: Acts 5:17 – 23:35

Rob Fuquay continues exploring the book of Acts, especially the story of Paul. Paul’s conversion demonstrates God’s power to convert the hearts of all peopl...

The Bible Year Session 45: Acts 24:1 – Romans 13:14

Melissa Spoelstra concludes our study of Acts and introduces the book of Romans, which is full of the good news of Jesus Christ. Romans reminds us that we are s...

The Bible Year Session 46: Romans 14:1 – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Josh Scott concludes the book of Romans and introduces Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. A key theme of these letters is unity, as Paul addresses challenges ...

The Bible Year Session 47: 2 Corinthians 4:1 – Ephesians 2:22

Charity Goodwin wraps up 2 Corinthians and explores Galatians and Ephesians. She calls attention to the dualities such as freedom and bondage or flesh and spiri...

The Bible Year Session 48: Ephesians 3:1 – 1 Thessalonians 3:13

Josh Scott discusses the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. While these letters were written to the early churches, they have...

The Bible Year Session 49: Thessalonians 4:1 – Titus 3:15

Rob Fuquay explores the letters to the Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus. In this collection of letters, Paul addresses specific situations facing the early chu...

The Bible Year Session 50: Philemon 1 – James 2:26

Matt Miofsky explores the books of Philemon through James. Philemon shows how our identity in Christ does away with other distinctions that separate us. James c...

The Bible Year Session 51: James 3:1 – 1 John 5:21

J.J. Warren explores the books of James through 1 John, all of which address the work of love and how to wait well. They encourage us to endure suffering, to li...

The Bible Year Session 52: 2 John 1 – Revelation 11:19

Justin Coleman concludes the epistles of John and introduces the book of Revelation. Revelation depicts the full community of faith, across all time, which incl...

The Bible Year Session 53: Revelation 12:1 – 22:21

Magrey deVega concludes our journey through the Bible with the final chapters of Revelation. The hopeful picture of the future church in Revelation encourages u...

Parables: The Good Samaritan

The Lost Ones

In this dramatization, a young female hiker is injured and finds the homeless man she ran past is the one who offers her help.

Parables: The New and Old Wineskins

In this dramatization, a woman finds comfort during a day out with a friend.

Parables: The Mustard Seed

In this dramatization, a young girl learns to perfect a family recipe.

Parables: The Lost One

The Lost Ones

In this dramatization, a Scout leader leaves the group to search for a missing boy.

Parables: The Lost Son

The Lost Ones

In this dramatization, a successful young man struggles at the family's reception of his brother who has returned from prison.

Parables: The Great Banquet

In this dramatization, one woman's daily encounters turn into a gathering of fellowship.

Parables: The Talents

The Lost Ones

In this dramatization, a young adult is part of a writing group but doesn't make time to develop her gifts.

Parables: The Wheat and Tares

In this dramatization, two employees submit their work to a supervisor.

With You

With You (I Feel Again)

With You (I Feel Again) - reflects on how easy it is to be lonely in a crowd. Set to the platinum hit single "Feel Again" by One Republic (used by permission), ...

Cannot Contain

Featuring music by Gungor, "Cannot Contain" is a reflection on the how humanity tries to contain God into a nice, clean box. For centuries humanity has built gr...

Justice

The hard work of justice for everyone is far from over. Use this motivational and inspiring mini-movie to challenge your community to open their eyes to the nee...

Brother

Jesus was clear when he told us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27). In fact, He said that people would know we are His disciples by the way that we love (John 13:3...

Great In The Small

We are inclined to seek large, spectacular signs and wonders, but God has always revealed Himself through small, seemingly insignificant things. Great in the Sm...

Love Actually Is

Most of us could quote Paul's "love chapter", or 1 Corinthians 13, off the top of our heads. But how many of us consistently live out those definitions of love ...

Share Your Thanksgiving

We tend to romanticize the traditional Thanksgiving meal with the entire, multi-generational family surrounding the table. The truth is, Thanksgiving is celebra...

More Than A Label

We have a natural tendency to label and categorize everything in our lives, including the people around us. But those labels can divide us within the Kingdom, i...

Some People

In a cynical world, it's love that compels us to believe. Some People encourages us to imagine what kind of place the church could be if we see every person as ...

This Is Resurrection Opening

This is Resurrection uniquely brings together those who have doubts and those who are certain about faith, showing us that resurrection is more than just a stor...

Amplify Live: The Big Picture Webinar

Join Jevon and Nicole Caldwell-Gross as they share how God weaves together events that seem random into a beautiful image of joy, survival, purpose, and meaning...

The Big Picture Session 1: I Can’t See It

Nicole and Jevon Caldwell-Gross introduce The Big Picture series and discuss Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:5-11. They help us see the powerful and impactful r...

Not Forsaken Session 7: What Does It Mean To Be Black?

Chris talks with his group about what it means to be black today and what they love about black culture and family life as well as the struggles.

Navigating Isaiah Session 1: A Vision of Hope

Join Byron Thomas in session 1 for the Amplify Original study Navigating Isaiah.

I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist: Session 1

What Has Racism Cost the Church? This is a portion of the webinar Conversations about Racism and The UMC: A book discussion about “I'm Black. I'm Christian. ...

I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist: Session 2

Intersections of Identity. In this portion, Tori C. Butler, Pamela R. Lightsey, and Vance P. Ross discuss “Intersections of Race, Gender, and LGBTQIA+ Identit...

I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist: Session 3

Ministry and Racism. In this portion, Rudy Rasmus, Erin Beasley, Jevon A. Caldwell-Gross, and F. Willis Johnson discuss “Ministry and Racism” with M. Garlin...

The Bible Year Session 4: Exodus 12:31-34:35

Justin Coleman discusses the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt, God’s provision in the wilderness, and God’s gift of the law to the Israelites in Exodus 1...

Everyday Waymakers

Personalities whose lives and contributions made a way for others.

Waymakers include Carter G. Woodson, Madam C. J. Walker, James Weldon Johnson, Dorthy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Constance Baker Motley, Clementa...

Building Bridges: Different Contexts

A Conversation Between Pastors

Pastors Stephen Handy and Jacob Armstrong talk about building bridges across the racial divide in their distinct community contexts. In this segment, Stephen an...

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Start a conversation with your community.

The problem with racial reconciliation

Justice

The hard work of justice for everyone is far from over. Use this motivational and inspiring mini-movie to challenge your community to open their eyes to the nee...

With You

With You (I Feel Again)

With You (I Feel Again) - reflects on how easy it is to be lonely in a crowd. Set to the platinum hit single "Feel Again" by One Republic (used by permission), ...

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Love

Robert Gardner discusses what the world could use a little more of: Love.

Two Christianities

Start a conversation with your community.

American religion in black and white

Surrendered Session 1: Waking up in the Wilderness

In Session 1, Barb reminds us that although we may not be in control of others or outcomes, we can be assured that God always loves us and is for us. She presen...

Surrendered Session 2: What Are You Hungry For?

In the wilderness, we can face big feelings that tempt us to take control. In Session 2, Barb encourages us to choose to live by faith rather than rush to follo...

Surrendered Session 3: Letting Go of Circumstances

Session 3 explores what happens when we get frustrated over our circumstances and try to force our way, rather than trusting God to make a way. Barb reminds us ...

Surrendered Session 4: Letting Go of Expectations

In Session 4, we’re reminded that pursuing what we want or expect in life will always leave our souls in great need. We will never find happiness in power, pe...

Surrendered Session 5: Living Like Jesus

In Session 5 we see that Jesus came to earth to show us what it looks like to bring Gods power and promises into the most difficult situations in life. We are o...

Surrendered Session 6: Blessings of the Surrendered Life

In Session 6, Barb uses the Japanese art of kintsukuroi to show that the surrendered life is not about perfection. It’s more like a priceless piece of artwork...

Joshua: Introduction

Barb introduces Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle

Joshua Session 1: On the Edge of Uncertainty

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 1, Barb explains that our study of the Book of Joshua will help us to face our fears and discover God's plan for victory as we explore how the Israel...

Joshua Session 2: God, Knock Down My Worry Walls!

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 2, Barb compares Joshua and Achan to help us see that when we have a worry meltdown, the right response is not to hide or deny but to recognize our l...

Joshua Session 3: Fighting Friends to Help Us

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 3, Barb shows us how our three fighting friends of Peace, Courage, and Strength can help us to fight in faith so that God can bring us victory agains...

Joshua Session 4: Defeating the Kings of Worry

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 4, Barb explores "hurry worry" and "secondhand worry" to remind us that when we put worry and time in God's hands, we are freed to be who God has ca...

Joshua Session 5: Claiming Our Inheritance

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 5, Barb explores five worry drivers that can keep us from experiencing God's promised victory, showing us how to overcome them and reminding us that ...

Joshua Session 6: Amen!

Be Victorious Over Worry in Your Life!

In Session 6, Barb explores Joshua's final charge to the assembly of the Israelites, suggesting how we can hold onto victory over worry from this day forward. S...

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Faith

Pastor Gardner discusses the immense power of Faith.

Scriptures For The Christian Life: God's Excellence

Pastor Gardner discusses the greatness, yet personal aspects, of God.

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Prayer

Prayer can and really does make a difference in our lives.

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Good

Make good the standard by which you live your life.

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Loyalty

Using Ruth as a starting point, Robert Gardner discusses what it means to be loyal to God.

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Priorities

What does it mean to make God a priority in your life?

Scriptures For The Christian Life: Patience

Pastor Robert Gardner challenges us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Living the Covenant - Session 1: Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs

Living the Covenant

Session 1: In the story of Ruth, both Ruth and Boaz risk caring beyond conventional expectations, displaying faithful love with consequences for Israel's royal ...

Disciple Fast Track - Old Testament Session 2: The Rebel People

Bible study for busy lives

Session 2: The Rebel People

Disciple Fast Track - Old Testament Session 3: The Called People

Bible study for busy lives

Session 3: The Called People

Disciple Fast Track - Old Testament Session 4: God Hears the Cry

Bible study for busy lives

Session 4: God Hears the Cry

Disciple Fast Track - Old Testament Session 6: When God Draws Near

Bible study for busy lives

Session 6: When God Draws Near

Revolutionary Kingdom - Mini Clip: Human Sexuality

Following the Rebel Jesus

Mike Slaughter discusses human sexuality with his guests.

Mark B - Good New to the Community Organizer

The way Mark tells it, Jesus is a community organizer, Teaching principles that build and sustain powerful leaders and movements. Through repentance, we learn t...

Revelation B - Come Quickly

"The book of Revelation is not a crystal ball to the future. It is a mythopoetic vision of what is already happening. We face an apocalypse of our own making, w...

Job A - Why?

"Why do the innocent suffer? The book of Job is what happens when a creative genius explores that question. The rich Job, a man of deep faith, loses everything ...

Isaiah A - The Most Significant Influence

Of all the prophets of the Hebrew scriptures, Isaiah is the one that most significantly influences the prophetic imagination of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the boo...

Genesis - Plotting Goodness Everywhere

It all begins in Genesis. God creates the world and it's all good: light, dark, land, sea, animals, plants, male, female, good, good, very good. But we humans l...

1 Corinthians A - The Most Problematic Church

The Corinthian church is probably the most problematic church that we see in the whole New Testament, more problems than any other. But what lies at the heart? ...

Exodus B - A New Hope

People say the latest Star Wars movie is a retelling of the first. I'd say the same thing about the Gospels. That's why I love Exodus so much - it's A New Hope ...

1 Peter B - If Only He Knew Paul Better

It may be possible to squint hard and see the good in First Peter, but I like to imagine is the stuff Peter said to Paul in the infamous tiff they had in Antioc...

Hosea B - Who is Gomer?

Who is Gomer? By all accounts she was an eset zenunim, that is, one who acts like a harlot, ordered to marry Hosea so that Adonai can make a point. Does that bo...

Hosea A - What Love is This?

Relational and marital imagery is used throughout scripture to depict the interaction between God and people. In Hosea we see the role of prophet and partner mi...

Romans B - We are God's Children

"The book of Romans in thirty seconds or less: the simple letter to the Jesus followers living in and around Rome of the first century was not intended to be th...

Hosea - God Did Not Come in Wrath

"The prophet Hosea offers us one of the boldest and most controversial metaphors for God in the Bible, controversial then and now. He compares God to a husband ...

Job B - The Limits of Human Wisdom

Most people think that the book of Job is about why bad things happen to good people. And while that is the presenting problem the real theme of the book has mo...

Revelation B - Good News for the In-Betweeners

This is for the in-betweeners, living between everyday oppression and world peace, the now-is and the is-to-come, in that dry space where nothing is certain. Re...

Revelation A - May It Be So

"In John's wild vision he sees Jesus dressed like Caesar, speaking to seven illegal churches. And the heavens are torn open and God is in his sacred court. Jesu...

Matthew A - The Gospel of Mountains

The Gospel of Matthew is the Gospel of Mountains. Jesus is tempted by the devil on a mountain, he preaches the beatitudes in a sermon on the mountain, he prays ...

James B - Agents of a New Age

Sorry Reformers, but the distinction between faith and works is a false one. Faith is an active participation in the Reign of God, a tree firmly planted in the ...

1 Peter A - A Little Problematic

There's a lot of reasons to look at First Peter sideways - what's this about slaves obeying harsh masters because Jesus, or women not braiding hair because auth...

Genesis A - The Book of Beginnings

Genesis, also known as the book of beginnings, is the epic collection of writings that connect the history of the small Hebrew-Jewish nation with the larger his...

Joshua A - The Mythic Model

It begins with Joshua son of Nun being described according to the criteria of the Deuteronomist: meditating on the law of Moses day and night and refusing to tu...

Jeremiah A - There is No Peace

I am forsaken, abandoned at the end of all the paths of peace that were supposed to lead to me. You seek other lovers and the dreams of those dreamers tell lies...

Mark A - The Good News Goes Public

The Gospel of Mark reads like good news for Habakkuk's runner. The vision is made plain from his coming out of the river to his coming out of the stone tomb. An...

Job B - Hard Questions

"I don't like easy answers to hard questions. For many, sin causes bad things to happen. That's their easy answer to the hard question, ""If God is good then wh...

Exodus A - A Newly Nomadic People

Moses is an Israelite. He was raised as an Egyptian prince, but fled after murdering an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite. He meets God in the from of a bur...

Joel A - Gracious & Compassionate

Joel is one of the minor prophets. In it we find warnings for priests to put on sackcloth and lament. Typical of prophetic writings, there is alot of future ten...

Joel B - The Power of Disruption

I'm concerned with a God who is capable of destruction but my favorite part of this text is the demand that sons and daughters shall prophecy. Old men shall see...

Acts A - Be The Church

The Holy Spirit shows up. There is confusion. People speak in other languages. There is fear. They fight. They love. They are the church together. The book of A...

Acts A - The Earliest Days of the Church

The book of Acts chronicles the earliest days of the church. It's in Acts that we find the dramatic story of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit descends upon the people...

Genesis B - The Ultimate Good

For me, when I read the pages of Genesis, there I encounter the image of a God who gives us all the good news that despite the occasional horrors of human life ...

Judges A - A Merry-Go-Round

Moses led the Exodus from Egypt. Joshua walked around Jericho and into the land promised to Abraham. Which brings us to Judges, a merry-go-round of tribal leade...

Isaiah B - God's Love is for Everybody

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. This is the good news according...

The New Testament - This Is The New Testament

The life and death of a revolutionary and the resurrection of a revolution: this is the New Testament. We see Jesus bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming ...

Revelation A - Stubborn Hope

The Revelation from Jesus Christ to everyone caught in the thicket of empire, persecution, and death; everyone who hopes for equality, plenty, and life: the tim...

Joshua B - A More Liberative Christianity

The good news in Joshua does not lie within the story itself but how this story challenges Christians to confront the dangers lurking withinthe Bible. These dan...

Job A - He Decides to Serve God Anyway

Job, a great guy, loses everything. His friends say it's because of some secret sin but Job insists he's innocent and we the readers know that he is because we'...

Mark A - Damn Near Shakespeare

The Gospel of Mark is the oldest of all the gospels. I love it because it's written by a regular person. It's original language is full of grammatical errors an...

1 Corinthians B - The Importance of the Body

If there's one thing about First Corinthians that calls us to the center of the gospel it's the importance of the body. The Corinthians envision a kind of spiri...

Acts B - The Same Holy Stream

In Acts, there's in-fighting among the Jesus followers about how big God's grace really is--does it really extend beyond the Jews-- even to the Gentiles? The Ap...

2 Peter A - Four Basic Takeaways

There's four basic takeaways in this letter: First, we are reminded that we have already been provided with everything needed to partake in the divine nature, t...

1 Corinthians A - Resurrection in Our Brokenness

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians encapsulates grace. Paul begins with the positive truth about God - who he is and his sovereignty - but then speaks hones...

The Old Testament - To Know Where You're Going

From its infamous "In the beginning" to Charlton Heston shouting "Let my people go!" to genealogies and genealogies and more genealogies, to poets and prophets ...

Joshua A - A Dangerous Genocidal Text

The book of Joshua is a dangerous, genocidal text. The same God who liberates the enslaved Israelites from Egypt now calls them to become oppressors, to violent...

James A - A Letter, A Warning, A Plea

What's the book of James? It's a letter to those who feel scattered, two-faced, pushed-down, or taken in by empty promises... It's a warning to succumb to these...

The Bible - Some of It Even Happened

The Bible is a communal library, filled with harmony and dissonance, hope and lament, faith and doubt, questions and answers and more questions to those answers...

Isaiah B - A Promise or a Threat

In chapter 7, Isaiah's prophecy comes in the form of a child - a son whose name has a double meaning: God with us. Is this a promise or a threat? It is a comfor...

Matthew B - The Melodies of our Hearts

Matthew was formed by the Hebrew scriptures. When he tells us the good news of Jesus he uses the stories of his heart and of his people. He sings of the saving ...

Isaiah A - These Two Worldviews

In Isaiah we see the coalescing of influences from both the histories of the Northern Kingdom of Ephraim and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The heritage of the ...

Joshua B - A Severe Ethical Challenge

The book of Joshua is a severe ethical challenge, portraying as it does a religiously motivated campaign of genocidal conquest. It is a story that has too often...

Revelation A - Come, Lord Jesus

Revelation is about the New Testament's central conflict: the lordship of Christ versus the lordship of Caesar. In nine visions John describes a God whose power...

Psalms A - 150 Different Songs

The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 different songs, which function as prayers. The book of Psalms can be found in the Hebrew Bible or in the Christian Ol...

Vacation Bible School Food Truck Party Preview

Preview the exciting Vacation Bible School, Food Truck Party!

Vacation Bible School Food Truck Party Virtual Workshop

This workshop teaches great tips and tricks to ensure your VBS Food Truck Party is a hit!

Food Truck Party Music Video: Food Truck Party (Theme Song)

Great for opening, sending off, and closing sessions of your Food Truck Party VBS program! Music Video includes song lyrics.

Food Truck Party Bible Adventure 1: God Provides Manna and Quail

Kids love this fun retelling of this Bible story of God providing Manna and Quail to the Israelites.

Food Truck Party Music Video: Manna in the Morning

Perfect for session 1 of Food Truck Party VBS, this video tells the story of God providing Manna and Quail to the Israelites in the dessert. Includes lyrics.

Food Truck Party: Trivia Video 1

Use this fun video in the closing of Session 1 to reinforce key Bible lessons and the "Daily Specials."

Food Truck Party Bible Adventure 2: Elijah, Widow and Endless Oil

Kids love this fun retelling of the Bible Story.

Food Truck Party Music Video: So Great, So Good

Includes words to the "Daily Specials" for Food Truck party that make up the popular mealtime prayer, "God is great…" Includes song lyrics.

Food Truck Party Bible Adventure 3: Daniel and His Friends Eat the Good Stuff

Kids love this fun retelling of the Bible Story of Daniel.

Food Truck Party Music Video: The Good Stuff

Great for Session 3 of Food Truck Party VBS. Retells the story of Daniel and Friends eating the Good Stuff! Lyrics included with video.

Food Truck Party Bible Adventure 4: Jesus Cooks the Catch of the Day

Kids love this fun retelling of the Bible Story.

Food Truck Party Music Video: Feed My Sheep

Can be used with Session 5 of Food Truck Party VBS or other worship settings. Lyrics included.

Food Truck Party Music Video: Love That Makes the World Go 'Round

Can be used with Session 2 of Food Truck Party VBS or other worship settings. Lyrics included in video.

Food Truck Party Bible Adventure 5: Feed My Sheep

Kids love this fun retelling of the Bible Story.

Food Truck Party Music Video: Forever and Ever, Amen!

Nice musical setting of the Lord's prayer. Great for Food Truck Party VBS and other worship settings. Music video includes lyrics.

Food Truck Party Music Video: My Provider

Can be used with any session of Food Truck Party VBS or other worship settings. Video includes lyrics.

Food Truck Party Music Video: Five-Two-One Eat!

Can be used with Session 4 of Food Truck Party VBS, this song tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 plus. Lyrics included.

Food Truck Party Music Video: You Got a Seat

Can be used with any session of Food Truck Party VBS or other worship settings. Lyrics included with music video.

Food Truck Party: Trivia Video 2

Use this fun video in the closing of Session 2 to reinforce key Bible lessons and the "Daily Specials."

Food Truck Party: Trivia Video 3

Use this fun video in the closing of Session 3 to reinforce key Bible lessons and the "Daily Specials."

Food Truck Party: Trivia Video 4

Use this fun video in the closing of Session 4 to reinforce key Bible lessons and the "Daily Specials."

Food Truck Party: Trivia Video 5

Use this fun video in the closing of Session 5 to reinforce key Bible lessons and the "Daily Specials."

Justice or Just Us Session 1: Recognizing Dissonance

Our three hosts invite us to recognize dissonance, or contradiction, within the historical church and within ourselves regarding racism and the need for racial ...

White Too Long Session 1: Seeing

This first chapter of White Too Long, “Seeing,” focuses on awareness. The author lifts up White Christians’ and White churches’ inability to see their r...

Not Forsaken Session 1: Introduction

Author and pastor, Chris McNair describes his ministry at Christ’s Children and the purpose of the book, Not Forsaken. He shares his joys and mistakes in min...

Black & White: Nudging the System

Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time

Authors Teesha and John Hambrick discuss how strong cross-racial relationships can help us to recognize and begin to combat the destructive systems of racism.

White Too Long Session 2: Remembering

In the chapter, “Remembering,” the reader is called to look at specific events in history as a record of the active participation of White Christians in rac...

Holding Up Your Corner Session 1: Introduction

Willis introduces the guided conversation and our call as the Church to engage in loving dialogue and hold up our corners.

Brother

Jesus was clear when he told us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27). In fact, He said that people would know we are His disciples by the way that we love (John 13:3...

White Too Long Session 7: Reckoning

In this final chapter, “Reckoning,” the book turns to the question of next steps and how White Christians grapple with an authentic look at history, our acc...

Holding Up Your Corner Session 2: Ground Rules

Willis offers foundational concepts for people of faith to engage in open and loving dialogue.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 3: Creating Racial Autobiography

Willis explains what a racial autobiography is and encourages us to reflect and share the factors that have made us who we are.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 4: Introducing EMT

Willis shares some of his story in Ferguson and retells the biblical story of the paralytic to introduce Empathic Models of Transformation

Holding Up Your Corner Session 5: Acknowledge Affirm And Act

Willis summarizes the three points of Empathic Models of Transformation.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 6: How To Be A Listening Church

How to be a listening church.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 7: Summary of Acknowledge Affirm And Act

Willis summarizes the three points of Empathic Models of Transformation

Holding Up Your Corner Session 8: Don't Wait A Single Moment

Willis encourages us to act swiftly.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 9: What It Takes To Be An EMT

Willis identifies the need for heart to be an EMT.

Holding Up Your Corner Session 10: What Are You Going To Do

Willis challenges us to commit to doing something that hold up our corner.

The Shout Session 1: Where is Justice?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 1: Where is Justice?

The Shout Session 2: Who is Your Family?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 2: Who Is Your Family?

The Shout Session 3: What is Freedom?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 3: What Is Freedom?

The Shout Session 4: Who Deserves Our Respect?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 4: Who Deserves Our Respect?

The Shout Session 5: How Much Is Enough?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 5: How Much Is Enough?

The Shout Session 6: How Can We Be Whole?

Finding the Prophetic Voice in Unexpected Places

Session 6: How Can We Be Whole?

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Start a conversation with your community.

The problem with racial reconciliation

3 John B - Profound Acts of Love

Third John reminds us that profound acts of love can be hidden within simple gestures of hospitality, a kind of hospitality that is desperately needed in a cult...

Black & White: Friendship 101

Authors Teesha Hadra and John Hambrick talk about what it means to form a real and authentic cross-racial friendship.

Black & White: Planks and Specks

In Matthew 7, Jesus teaches about "planks and specks." How does this come into our conversations about race in this country?