Why You Need to Come to Bible Study
This has been a rough year. Even now with things reopening we feel the weight of a thousand strange, unique, and painful experiences over the last several months taking their toll. We are not the same people we were in February 2020. Like the Israelites on the banks of the Jordan, we find ourselves wilderness-weary, confused, and afraid to hope. Now is the time to think hard about what we want our lives
Reopening Guide for June 13th
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And lest us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 We are excited to be returning to a time when we can focus,
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Brothers and Sisters, By now, I’m sure you’ve heard about the updated guidance from the CDC. To sum up the new guidance (which you should definitely read for yourself), fully vaccinated* people can now resume activities in which they participated before the pandemic—mostly without masks. Governor Pritzker has affirmed this new guidance and has also announced that the state will be entering Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan on June 11. *People are
What Do We Make of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Disclaimer: None of what you’re about to read is intended as medical advice. Before embarking upon any course of treatment, please consult your healthcare provider. Brothers and sisters, As more and more of our friends, neighbors, and family members get vaccinated, it occurred to me that it’d be helpful to offer some biblical guidance on the topic. As Christians, we must take every thought captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5) as we consult both
Let Justice Roll Down Lesson 5: Judgment begins at the House of God (8:1-9:10)
This is the fifth lesson in our series on Amos. To watch the livestream, click here. Introduction In the book of Revelation, we get a startling picture of the glorified Jesus. John, exiled on the Island of Patmos, hears someone behind him boom in a loud voice, “write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” (Rev. 1:11). John turns around and this is what he sees: Then I turned
Let Justice Roll Down Lesson Four: Measured and Found Wanting (Ch. 7)
This is our fourth lesson in our series on Amos. To watch the livestream, click here. Introduction Christ, the prophets, and apostles of our Lord, went to heaven with the note of traitors, seditious men, and such as turned the world upside down: calumnies of treason to Cæsar were an ingredient in Christ's cup, and therefore the author is the more willing to drink of that cup that touched his lip, who is
Let Justice Roll Down Lesson 3: “Seek the Lord and live” (chapter 5)
This is the third in our series on Amos entitled "Let Justice Roll Down." To watch the livestream, click here. Introduction In the year 390, a massacre occurred in Thessalonica. After some riots caused the death of a general in the city, the emperor Theodosius lost his temper and ordered the entire city rounded up and murdered. Theodoret, an early church historian writing in around 430, described the event in vivid detail: The emperor
Let Justice Roll Down Lesson 2 Expanded Study Guide: Visions of a Sinful People (Amos 3-6)
This is the second expanded guide to our series on Amos entitled Let Justice Roll Down. You can find the a recording of the live streamed study by clicking here. Introduction When the tornado sirens blared, we knew what was coming. I can remember over and over again throughout my childhood experiencing the piercing intensity of a tornado siren. Whether it was the monthly test, or the sickening, hollow sound in the midst of raging
Let Justice Roll Down Expanded Study Guide: Lesson One (Amos 1-2)
This is the first expanded study guide for our Sunday School series on Amos, entitled Let Justice Roll Down. You can watch the recorded live stream of the study by clicking here. Introduction: Whose Justice Is It Anyway? “No Justice, no Peace.” “Justice for George Floyd.” “Law and Order.” “Black Lives Matter.” “All Lives Matter.” Whenever you say these words, tempers start flaring. Our church is not immune. If you don’t believe me, just try talking to someone about it.
Rest in the Midst of a Pandemic
Yesterday was a strange day for us at VCL. The church building sat empty as we gathered individually and in small groups. I was glad to hear from so many of you that the home liturgy we provided was helpful. We’ll continue to provide those for as long as we’re unable to gather for worship, along with plenty of other resources to help you connect with God and neighbor. Keep your eyes